Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM 102821 CITY OF CENTRAL POINT oregvw City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 28, 2021 REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Hank Williams II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Hank Williams Mayor Present Neil Olsen Ward I Present Kelley Johnson Ward II Remote Melody Thueson Ward III Present Taneea Browning Ward IV Present Rob Hernandez At Large Excused Michael Parsons At Large Present Staff members present: City Manager Chris Clayton; City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer; Finance Director Steve Weber; Police Captain Dave Croft; Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore (Virtual); Planning Director Stephanie Holtey (Virtual), and City Recorder Deanna Casey. IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. Introduction of New City Employees New Employees to Central Point. This is normally be done during our Employee Breakfast but we have not been able to do that for two years. Finance Director Steve Weber introduced two new to the Finance Department: • James Alvarez Clairisia Farney-Fisher Mike Maclenathan introduced the new Public Works Department: • Ed Casaday Jaci Cobb Wil Bateman • Morgan Kelley • Huntyr Croy Police Department Employees are introduced when they are sworn in. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Tony Peterson, Grant Road resident City of Central Point City Council Minutes October 28, 2021 Page 2 Mr. Peterson stated that he is frustrated with the United States and how it treats retired non-government citizens. He is concerned about the government stealing their Social Security. He proposed an idea to make things equal for non-government retirees who have owned businesses. It is too expensive for Sr. Citizens to live. His recommendation is to have reduced tax burden for retired individuals starting at 65 and ending with no taxes at all for those who live to the age of 95. The tax structure needs to be changed to help the elderly survive in this economy. VI. CONSENT AGENDA RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Michael Parsons, At Large SECONDER: Melody Thueson, Ward III AYES: Williams, Olsen, Johnson, Thueson, Browning, Parsons EXCUSED: Rob Hernandez A. Approval of October 14, 2021 City Council Minutes Michael Parsons moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. VII. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA VIII. BUSINESS A. Update on Dennis Richardson Memorial and War Memorial Construction Schedule Recreation Coordinator Nikki Peterson explained that due to retirement of John Galbraith the city had to re-start the design process for Dennis Richardson Memorial. Jim Love, Tarrain Landscape, is a former associate of John Galbraith. The design has changed from the original plan with a smaller water feature, keeping the same color schemes, benches, and overall concept. Design for the War Memorial is complete, and the Dennis Richardson Design is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year. The city is going to advertise for both projects together hoping to begin construction in the spring of 2022. The goal is to have the War Memorial completed in time for Memorial Day. Mr. Clayton stated that we are exploring options for using the American Rescue Plan funds for this project. Both projects are included in the current budget. RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY B. 2022 Transportation System Plan Update Planning Director Stephanie Holtey presented a Transportation System Plan (TSP) update to include the newly expanded Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The new plan will go through 2030. She explained the Oregon transportation planning process and the different transportation modes that are involved in this process. This includes working with other jurisdictions like Jackson County, Jacksonville, and Medford. Jackson County has recently updated their TSP and Medford is currently in the process of updating theirs. We need to make sure our standards are up to date for keeping our community moving. This TSP will consider emergency evacuation routes City of Central Point City Council Minutes October 28, 2021 ri Page 3 making sure that our citizens have safe passage away from emergencies like wild fires. The project will kick off in March and estimate adoption in mid to late 2023. Council asked about active transportation in the plan including bicycle lanes and paths. There will be a bike lane element in our new plan. They would like to see a way to connect all of our parks with paths and ways to safely bike between each area. There was discussion of new construction and incentives for them to include pedestrian and bike paths. Council members Kelley Johnson and Neil Olsen would be interested in participating on the Planning Advisory Committee. The Council should inform staff of transportation issues around town, and will receive regular updates on the process. RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY C. Plan of Action Letter Finance Director Steven Weber explained that as part of the Audit presentation it was stated that a deficiency was found in the processes used to reconcile the City's bank accounts. Because a deficiency was found, the city is required to implement processes to avoid the issue in the future. The proposed action plan meets the criteria of ORS 297.466(2). Melody Thueson moved to approve the Letter of Plan of Action for the City of Central Point. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Melody Thueson, Ward III SECONDER: Taneea Browning, Ward IV AYES: Williams, Olsen, Johnson, Thueson, Browning, Parsons EXCUSED: Rob Hernandez D. RRVID Letter of Support Request City Manager Chris Clayton explained the vision for Water for Irrigation, Streams, and Economy (WISE) is to develop a regional plan for increasing irrigation water reliability and availability while also improving instream conditions in the Rogue Valley. Larry Martin, a representative of Rogue River Valley Irrigation District (RRVID) stated that RRVID is ready to engage on a joint System Canal Piping project and presented photos of what the project will consist of. The aging canal infrastructure is at risk from catastrophic failures, known as "blow-outs", which can cause flooding with impacts to downslope properties and structures. The earthen canal system currently loses 13 percent of its water due to evaporation and seepage. RRVID is asking local jurisdictions for letters of support for these projects. Taneea Browning moved to authorize the city manager to issue a letter of support for the RRVID Joint System Canal Piping Project. .4 City of Central Point City Council Minutes October 28, 2021 Page 4 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] I MOVER: Taneea Browning, Ward IV SECONDER: Neil Olsen, Ward I AYES: Williams, Olsen, Johnson, Thueson, Browning, Parsons EXCUSED: Rob Hernandez IX. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Williams reported that: • He attended the Cottage Housing tour in Ashland. He is surprised at what these tiny houses cost. They do not seem to be affordable housing. • He attended Central Point Chamber Meeting. • He attended several LOC business meetings. • He attended Liams Trunk or Treat at Twin Creeks Park. He had not realized how many people attended this event. X. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Chris Clayton reported that: • Prior to tonight's meeting he met with the CP Little League Board and explained our challenges to make sure we can use ARP funds on this project. He is drafting a use agreement in the hopes that this project will move forward. • A serious traffic accident happened on Hazel Street earlier this week. • He attended an emergency management meeting with Holly Powers this week. • The Public Works operation facility is moving forward. We plan to take a tour of the facility for the November Study Session. As reported earlier there have been some issues with some of the larger projects because of lack of products. • Dan O'Conner has our signed agreement for the Greenway property transfers. He will work with Medford and Jackson County to get the transfers complete. • Public Works Director Matt Samitore is working with ODOT regarding the Highway 99 Road Diet concerns that Council expressed displeasure in at the last meeting. Xl. COUNCIL REPORTS Council Member Taneea Browning reported that: • She should be confirmed by a vote of the LOC Membership as President in December. • She attended the Cottage Housing tour Study Session. • She has been preparing for the annual LOC Board Meeting. It has been interesting to see how LOC has been looking for areas of improvements over the last two years. She is excited to see Southern Oregon representation on the LOC Board. • She attended Liams Trunk or Treat in Twin Creeks. City of Central Point City Council Minutes October 28, 2021 Page 5 i Council Member Neil Olsen attended the Cottage Housing Tour. Council Member Kelley Johnson reported that: • The Fire District finalized adoption of their Strategic Plan. • She attended the RVCOG Board meeting. • She attended the Chamber Board of Directors meeting. The Visitor Center was closed for a few weeks because of staffing issues. They have reopened with a new staff member. Council Member Michael Parsons reported that: • He attended the Study Session field trip to Ashland for the Cottage Housing Tour. • He attended the October RVSS virtual meeting. They are implementing a storm water management plan and discussing additional staffing needs. • He attended the Jackson County Public Safety Coordinating Council meeting. They discussed Measure 110 and Senate Bill 755. In regards to Measure 110 it seems they approved the measure but failed to provide funding for it. • He attended a community forum "Hemp/Cannabis in Southern Oregon presented by State Representative Pam Marsh. They discussed the issues regarding illegal grows in Southern Oregon and how we can identify and eradicate the illegal grows. Council Member Melody Thueson reported that: • She attended the Cottage Housing Study Session Tour. • The three Schools at Crater High are finally on the same bell schedule. XII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Captain Dave Croft updated the Council on the accident at Hazel/6th Street involving six juveniles. Traffic studies have been done regarding speeds on Hazel Street and they do not warrant additional controls. Ultimately, it is a drivers responsibility to drive safe. Finance Director Steven Weber stated that Debbie Dunlap has retired after 19 years with the city. She chose to retire quietly without a retirement party. XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION -ORS 192.660 (2)(e) Real Property Transactions Mr. Clayton stated that the Council will adjourn to executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property Transactions. No further action will be required of the Council at the close of the executive session and the meeting will be adjourned upon completion. City of Central Point City Council Minutes October 28, 2021 Page 6 Michael Parsons moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:36 p.m. Taneea Browning seconded. All said aye and the meeting was adjourned to executive session. XIV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. The foregoing minutes of the October 28, 2021, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of ( \Ouern. 1 B, 2021. J Dated: _G�� � yriti 1 VI iAl Mayor Hank Williams ATTE • 10 City Recorder — G----