DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Held Electronically
View on Channel 9 or Channels 180 and 181 (for Charter Communications customers) or live stream via rvtv.sou.edu select RVTV Prime.
Note: As the April 21 Council meeting will be held electronically, written testimony will be accepted via email to public-testimony@ashland.or.us both general public forum items and agenda items as long as they are submitted with the subject line: April 21 Council Meeting Testimony before Monday, April 20 at 10 a.m. Written testimonies submitted by the deadline will be available to the City Council before the meeting and will be included in the meetings minutes.
Note: Items on the Agenda not considered due to time constraints are automatically continued to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting [AMC 2.04.030.E.]
- CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stromberg called the Business Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- ROLL CALL
Councilors’ Slattery, Graham, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen were present.
- MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
- CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Interim City Administrator Adam Hanks spoke regarding the financial situation relating to the COVID-19 crisis.
Hanks went over a PowerPoint presentation regarding the City Financial Impact (see attached).
Items discussed were:
- Funds most affected.
- Anticipated revenue shortfalls.
- Timing/duration impacts to revenues.
- Immediate actions taken.
- Continued monitoring, forecasting and planning.
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
- Food & Beverage Tax.
- Actions Taken.
- Ongoing Actions.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- Study Session of April 6, 2020
- Business Meeting of April 7, 2020
Jensen/Slattery moved to approve the minutes. Discussion: None. Motion passed unanimously.
- SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
- Extension of COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency
Hanks gave a Staff report (See attached).
Graham/Jensen moved to approve the Extension of COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency to remain in effect until May 5, 2020. Discussion: Graham spoke that the Governor has not lifted orders and we are still in emergency. She spoke to the importance of keeping this in effect. Jensen spoke in agreement. Roll Call Vote: Slattery, Jensen, Rosenthal, Graham and Seffinger: YES. Akins: NO. Motion passed 5-1.
COVID-19 Update & Discussion
Hanks gave a Staff report.
- MINUTES OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
- PUBLIC FORUM Business from the audience not included on the agenda.
(Total time allowed for Public Forum is 15 minutes. The Mayor will set time limits to enable all people wishing to speak to complete their testimony.) [15 minutes maximum]
See Note above for how to submit written testimony for Public Forum.
Submitted Public Testimony
- CONSENT AGENDA
- 2020 Annual Appointments to Commissions, Committees, and Boards
- Approval of Liquor License Request for Peerless Restaurant & Bar
- Appointment of Jennifer Longshore to the Public Arts Commission
Rosenthal/Slattery moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Discussion: None. All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously.
- PUBLIC HEARINGS (Persons wishing to speak are to submit a “speaker request form” prior to the commencement of the public hearing. Public hearings shall conclude at 8:00 p.m. and be continued to a future date to be set by the Council, unless the Council, by a two-thirds vote of those present, extends the hearing(s) until up to 9:30 p.m. at which time the Council shall set a date for continuance and shall proceed with the balance of the agenda.)
- Public Hearing and Decision on the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan for use of Community Development Block Grant Funds
Hanks gave a Staff report.
Housing Program Specialist Linda Reid joined with Linda Reppond went over a PowerPoint. (see attached).
Items discussed were:
- History and Background.
- What is the Consolidation Plan?.
- Previously Identified Priorities.
- Priorities Identified by Questionnaire.
- 2020-2024 Goals and Priorities.
- 2020-2024 Adjustments.
- Public Involvement.
Mayor Stromberg called the Public Hearing to order at 7:50 PM.
Reid spoke regarding public input regarding lifelong housing to be included into the document.
Linda Reppond gave a background on her work with human services.
Council discussed the need of mental health and drug and alcohol services.
Council discussed affordable housing and integrating CEAP.
Mayor Stromberg closed the Public Hearing at 8:04 PM.
Graham/Jensen moved to approve the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan for use of Community Development Block Grant Funds with this addition to Goal #1 (Housing Goal) in Table 56 on page 100 “The City of Ashland has adopted a Climate Energy Action Plan (CEAP), which, among other things, seeks to expand participation in energy efficiency programs and promote climate-friendly practices in building and construction. In consideration of the policies contained in the CEAP, Housing projects supported with Community Development Block Grant Funding will be assessed for consistency with the policies contained in that document. The City will strongly encourage projects that promote CEAP goals through funding prioritization” Discussion: Graham spoke to the importance of the housing shortage and the importance to incorporate both goals. Jensen spoke in agreement with Graham. Rosenthal spoke in appreciation of the motion. Akins questioned if this motion affects the cost of housing. Graham explained that there are different mechanisms that can be used and what needs to be done in putting people in affordable housing in terms of their utility bills and keep working on how to reduce the cost of initial investment. Reid spoke that there are some things that may add additional cost but most affordable housing providers would be getting funding through the State. She spoke regarding energy efficiency incentives. Akins suggested to fine tune the language of affordable housing. Reid explained the levels of affordability. Rosenthal thanked Reid and Reppond for the work they have done.
Roll Call Vote: Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal, Jensen, Graham and Slattery: YES. Motion passed unanimously.
- Public Hearing on the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Award and CDBG Action Plan Development
Reid gave a Staff report. Staff recommended approval.
Mayor Stromberg opened the Public Hearing at 8:23 PM.
Mayor Stromberg Closed the Public Hearing at 8:24 PM.
Jensen/Graham moved to approve to direct staff to draft the 2020 Annual Action Plan for the use of Community Development Block Grant funds reflecting the award of CDBG funding for the 2020 Program year as follows:
• $5,525 to Ashland Food Angels for the repairs to their food storage and processing facility
• $13,291 to Options for Helping Residents or Ashland Housing Match Program
• $13,291 to Maslow Project School Based Services. Discussion: Jensen spoke in support to the motion and that it is essential. He thanked Reid. Graham agreed with Jensen. Roll Call Vote: Slattery, Graham, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen: YES. Motion passed unanimously
Roll Call Vote: Slattery, Graham, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen: YES. Motion passed unanimously.
- UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- City Hall Seismic Rehabilitation and Historic Preservation Findings
City Attorney David Lohman explained that during this time citizens were able to email Staff Public Testimony which will be posted in the Minutes.
Public Works Director Paula Brown, Public Works Project Manager Kaylea Kathol, ORW Architecture Principal Dana Crawford and Architect Peter Meijer presented Council with an update.
Items discussed were:
- Historic preservation.
- Seismic improvements and cost estimate.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
- Detail for the construction schedule and length of disruption to the Plaza business and activities.
- NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
- Appointment of Council President
Hanks gave a Staff report.
Rosenthal/Seffinger moved to Councilor Slattery to be Councilor President. Discussion: Rosenthal spoke that this should have happened in January and spoke that Slattery has done a great job as President and represents Council well. Seffinger spoke in support of the motion. Slattery spoke in willingness to accept this position. Roll Call Vote: Jensen, Rosenthal, Seffinger, Akins, Graham and Slattery: YES. Motion passed unanimously.
- Economic, Cultural, Tourism, and Sustainability Grants
Hanks gave a Staff report.
Rosenthal/Slattery moved to put this item on the next Council Meeting. Discussion: None. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously.
- Utility, Transient Occupancy Tax, and Food and Beverage Tax Payment Arrangements
Graham requested this item to be put on the Agenda and gave a report.
Graham/Slattery moved to extend the no shut off utility fees and no late fees from April 30th to June 30th. And extend the payments of Transient Occupancy Tax and Food and Beverage tax pay periods from June 1st to August 1st for the quarter that is due. Discussion: Hanks spoke that these dates match up from what Staff has been discussing. He spoke to the importance of citizens to pay if they can and submit their returns. Akins/Graham moved to extend the Council Meeting for 10 minutes. Discussion: None. Voice Vote: All Ayes.
Discussion to the main motion continued: Slattery spoke regarding the process of collecting and reporting. He suggested adding an incentive. Jensen spoke that this is essentially a loan to the small businesses. He agreed with Slattery regarding an incentive. He spoke in concern of businesses going out of business and the equity issue. Akins spoke to clarify that this motion goes for both businesses and individuals. Roll Call Vote on main motion: Slattery, Graham, Akins, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen: YES. All Ayes. Motion passed unanimously.
- ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND CONTRACTS
- First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Procedures in AMC 2.04.030 for Placing Items on Agendas for Business Meetings
Rosenthal/Slattery moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 3183
| Amending AMC 2.04.030 Adding Agenda Items. Discussion: None. Roll Call Vote: Slattery, Akins, Graham, Seffinger, Rosenthal and Jensen: YES. Motion passed unanimously. |
- OTHER BUSINESS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS/REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS
- ADJOURNMENT OF BUSINESS MEETING
The Business Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM
Respectfully submitted by:
_____________________________________
City Recorder Melissa Huhtala
Attest:
_____________________________________
Mayor Stromberg
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).
