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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSM082901CITY OF CENTRAL POINT City Council Study Session August 29, 2001 L MEETING.. CALLED. TO ORDER Mayor Walton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ll. ATTENDEES Mayor: Bill Walton Council Members: Dave Gilmour, Dick Halley, Kay Harrison, Donna Higginbotham, Dennis Richardson and Bill Stults were present. City Administrator Jim Bennett; Planning Director Tom Humphrey; Public Works Director Bob Pierce; and Deputy Recorder Deanna Gregory were also present. II1, BUSINESS A. Review of Jackson County Amphitheater City Administrator Jim Bennett explained that this meeting was not a public hearing therefore no public testimony will be taken. He introduced Craig Stone from Craig Stone and Associates, and County Commissioner Sue Kapillas. Mr. Stone stated that he would like to address the issues mentioned in a letter he received from the City Administrator. Sue Kapillas remarked on how the County works to interact with other ~unsdictions. They would like to see the Council bring issues to the County for any item of concern. The County Commissioners want to work with the Council to satisfy all the issues regarding the Amphitheater. 1. How will existing car and truck traffic on E. Pine St. affect the assumptions upon which the traffic controls plan is based? Likewise, what about traffic from the Family Fun Center? 2. How will the Expo provide the ten access points to parking areas that are considered essential by the traffic control plan for optimum interchange operations? Mr. Stone stated that when the initial traffic control plan was done it was not intended to be a final plan. The parking access points will be taken from the Family 'Fun Center parking lot with stacking lanes to quickly move the traffic off Peninger Drive and into the parking - area. The- initial traffic control plan is being. revised and finalized as concerns are brought to their attention. Items that will be staying in the traffic plan are: • Timing of the events to start after peak traffic hours. • More access points into the parking. area. • Peninger Dr. a one way road for the beginning and ending of events. • Traffic control officers at the lights on East Pine Street. • Coordination with ODOT for the timing of the signals • Temporary signs directins trafi•ic • The Family Fun Center will remain open Mr. Gilmour asked about truck traffic during the controlled times; DEQ & Urban Reserves regarding Vehicle trips, there are no alternatives for traffic or pedestrians. Will emergency vehicles be able to get around the traffic congestion during peak times? Mr. -Stone stated that this study was specifically for traffic and did not include pedestrian traffic. He would look into the truck traft•ic issue and make sure there are provisions for those events. Emergency vehicles would become first priority for passage through the congestion. Mrs. Harrison asked who would be responsible if there is an accident while.the signals are turned off. Mr. Richardson stated that the City would be able to require an indemnity agreement stating that the County would be responsible. Mr. Richardson is concerned about the use of the rest of the Expo facility during concert events. Would the other events be affected by the events of the Amphitheater? Mr. Stone is under the impression that the other events will continue. 3. How will noise levels be monitored? What will the maximum permitted noise levels be? What will be the procedure if maximum noise levels are exceeded? Will the Britt model be used? IV. Mr. Stone stated that the state standard is 110 dba. They have determined that at this level with the sound barriers in place the noise level would be no more than traffic noise from Interstate 5. There will be walls and berms parallel to Peninger Drive and possibly along Bear Creek. He explained that you can not compare the current concerts during the Jackson County Fair with the new facility. The current stage has no sound breaks to prevent the sound from traveling, into Central Point and surrounding. areas. The Amphitheater will be situated so that the sound goes north into the I-5 corridor. He explained the way that sound is measured and the distance of measure. The expo personnel will be responsible for monitoring the sound levels and will be able to make adjustments accordingly. There will be time restraints also. The concerts will be from 8 - 10:30 and they will be fined if they continue past those times. Mr. Richardson is concerned that the quality of life in Central Point will be challenged if the County doesn't take measures to ensure the noise levels and traffic controls are in place prior to the construction of the Amphitheater. He asked if they would provide a list of similar amphitheaters so the Council can contact those Cities. Mr. Stone will provide that list and stated that the County will not build the facility if it will change the quality of life for the Central. Point. Residents.. 4. Why is the Jackson County Sports Park venue an unacceptable alternate for the amphitheater? Mr. Stone explained that there would be a conflict in events if the Amphitheater was located in the Sports Park Area. Noise from the races would not allow you to hear the concert. The Sports Park Area is also leased by a private. vendor with an agreement. The County does not intent to break those agreements. there would also be State Land use laws to contend with, the area.around the Sports Park is zoned for farm use. Mrs. Kapillas stated that other sites have been considered. The Board chose the Expo site because the County requires the park system to be self supporting. 5. What is the specific nature of the agreement between the Expo and the Britt Festival for use of the amphitheater? How many events would beheld annually and when would the majority of these events be held? The number of events would range from 15 to 20 per year, with time restraints and noise level controls.. 6. What security measures will be taken to control illegal use of recreational drugs and alcohol at events? Mr. Stone. stated that: • State Police, Sheriff, Central Point Police and OLCC will be at hand to enforce drug and alcohol laws • there will be signs regarding alcohol use • People will not be allowed to leave and reenter during. events • OLCC will be monitoring the grounds for alcohol use and abuse Conclusion: Mr. Stone suggested that the Council appoint a three member sub-committee to attend meetings regarding the Amphitheater. Mrs. Kapillas stated that the County Commissioners want to work with the City of Central Point to iron out any and all concerns about this project. ADJOURNIIAENT The Study Session for August 29, 2001, was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.