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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM010809CITY OF CENTRAL POINT City, Council IlAeeting IVlinutes January 8, 2009 i. .OATH OF OFFICE -,6:52 p.m. . Police Chief Zeliff swore in Mayor Hank Williams, and Council Members Kay Harrison, Allen Broderick and Carol Fischer. . L REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. It. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL: AAayor: Hank Williams Council Members: Allen Broderick, Bruce Dingier, Carol Fischer, Kay Harrison, and Matthew Stephenson were present. Mike Quilty was excused. City Administrator Phil Messina; City Attorney Doug Engle; Public Works Director Bob Pierce; Police Chief Jon Zeliff; Interim Community Development Director Matt Samitore; Interim Finance Director Bev Adams; Deputy Public Works Director Chris Clayton; and City Recorder Deanna Casey .were also present. lV. PUBLIC APPEARANCES -None V. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of December 18, 2008, City Council Minutes. I(ay Harrison made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Matt Stephenson seconded. Roll call: Allen Broderick, yes, Bruce Dingier, yes; Carol Fischer, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. VI. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA -None VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS,, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS A. Public Hearing -First Read'ong An Ordinance Adding Chapter 3.28 to the Cen#ral Point Municipal Code to Impose a Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax and Amendang Section 11.20.050 to Provide for Reductions in the Transportation Utility Fee City of Central Point City Council Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 2 of 6 Deputy Public Works Director Chris Clayton presented a power point presentation to explain that the proposed $.03 local fuel tax will help reduce or eliminate the city's transportation utility fee. The transportation utility fee can only be used to maintain city streets. It does not provide for infrastructure upgrades or improvements. A local fuel tax would allow the city to refocus transportation revenue on commercial traffic, commuters, visitors and significant fuel consumers. The city will be able to fund the capital upgrade of the city's transportation infrastructure while producing a cost saving to the citizens. Staff will consult with the Oregon Fuel Tax Group for collection of the local fuel tax. The Oregon Constitution requires local government agencies to spend fuel tax revenue on the repair, maintenance, construction and reconstruction of roads and highways within the agency jurisdiction. There was discussion regarding the State gas tax and the weight/mile tax collected by the state of Oregon. Central Point receives less than $.01 for every dollar collected. If approved a locally controlled fuel tax would generate revenue on a dollar for dollar basis. Every dollar collected would be reinvested in Central Point's transportation system. Mr. Clayton explained other cities in the state that have imposed similar local fuel taxes. He presented a list of streets that are in need of repair and upgrades that would not be fixed if we can only rely on the transportation utility fee. If the State increases the gas tax by $.02 the City could see an increase of $70,000. At the time the Council implemented the transportation utility fee it was not feasible to look at a local fuel tax. Mayor Williams opened the public hearing. Steve Plunk, 4286 Tamarach Dr. Medford Or Mr. Plunk stated that this is the wrong time to raise taxes when the economy is in a downturn. The cost to implement the program could .cripple the local businesses. He feels that staff is misleading the council with their information. He is afraid that if Central Point passes this tax other cities in the valley will be tempted to do the same thing., Bill Christie, Grange Coop representative Mr. Christie stated that it is unfair for the Council to expect 6 gas stations. to pay for all city streets. Staff is misleading the citizens regarding what the tax would pay for. This type of tax will drive businesses out of town. Council needs to consider the administrative costs for the businesses when approving this type of tax. He feels this should go to the vote of the people. Gary Hall, USF Reddaway and Pilot representative Mr. Hall read into the record a letter from USF Reddaway, explaining. the cost to the company if the tax is approved. Mr. Hall asked the Council to wait until the State finalizes their transportation funding plans before implementing this tax. He explained the impact to the Pilot Station and the weight mile tax that large trucks already pay to the State. City of Central Point City Council Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 3 of 6 Lynette Briston, Representative for Local trucking company out of City Limits Ms. Briston stated that the information presented to the Council is false. She does not think that the trucks are causing the damage to Central Point streets. It is not fair to make the truck companies pay the tax when they do not drive their vehicles on the local streets. They, pay the weight mile tax to the state. Craig Randolph, Texaco Representative Mr. Randolph stated that he feels this should be put to a vote of the Central Point citizens. They should decide if there should be a $.03 gas tax. Rod Bell, Chevron Representative Mr. Bell stated that the City is asking him to give up the profits he makes from his gas station. Lane Colvin, Colvin Oil Company, Grants Pass Mr .Colvin stated that a decision tike this should go to the voters. Colvin Oil Company will do whatever is needed to get this decision to the voters of Central Point. They are happy to work with the Cities and State to get the cities their share of the state gas tax. He stated that they would rather work with the Cities than against them, but he will see that this is brought before the voters if the Council approves this ordinance. No one else came forward, Mayor Williams closed the Public Hearing. There was discussion regarding the proposed state gas tax increase. Mr Clayton stated that the Ordinance is written with language that allows the Council to review the rates and adjust if needed. The Council discussed what could happen with the State and Federal issues regarding transportation funding. At this time Council is not confident anything will happen at that level. There was discussion regarding. the administrative fee to administer this by the stations and the City. Bruce Dingier made a motion to move to second reading an Ordinance Adding Chapter 3.28 to the Central Point IYlunicipal Code to Impose a Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax and Amending Section 11.20.050 to Provide for Reductions in the Traffic Utility Fee. Matt Stephenson seconded. Roll call: Allen Broderick, yes, Bruce Dingier, yes; Carol Fischer, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. VIII. BUSINESS A. Planning Commission Report Interim Community Development Director Matt Samitore presented the items from the January 6, 2009, Planning, Commission meeting. a. The Planning Commission approved a six month extension for the Planned Unit Development White Hawk Estates. The developer requested the extension due to severe downturn in the residential City of Central Point City Council Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 4 of 6 home market. This is the third request for an extension for this development. b. The Planning Commission approved a resolution directing staff to amend the C-2 zoning code to clarify language on existing single family homes. The current code does not specify if an existing home is destroyed if it can be re-built as a single family home. c. The Planning Commission made a recommendation to bring back findings of fact determining that membership warehouse clubs were not a similar use in the M-1, zoning code. The most frequent reason was traffic .concerns. d. No action was taken on an item to update the city's industrial zoning districts. In November of 2008 the Council requested the Planning Commission make amendments to the industrial zone codes. Staff used. state model. ..codes to make the recommendations. The Planning Commission directed staff to reduce the allowed uses in M-1 zones. There was discussion regarding the decision to reduce the allowed uses in the M-1 zone.. The Commission is concerned with. the amount of traffic. that. could be generated by the current uses. Council is concerned that the Planning Commission does not have the same vision for Central Point as the Council. Staff was directed to organize a joint work session with the Council and the Planning. Commission. Bruce Dingier made a motion directing the City Administrator to communicate the Council's concern that the decision of the Commission on the membership warehouse club question be based on a clear understanding. of the facts applicable to the decision, and not justified on the basis of what might happen. Carol Fischer seconded. Roll call: Allen Broderick, yes, Bruce Dingier, yes; Caro! Fischer; yes; Kay Harrison, no; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. Bruce Dingier made a motion instructing the Planning Commission and Planning Department to terminate further consideration on the proposed amendments to the Industrial Zoning Districts until further directed by City Council. Matt Stephenson seconded. Roll call: Allen Broderick, yes, Bruce Dingier, yes; Carol Fischer, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. Matt Stephenson made a motion to approve items A and B of the Planning Commission Report from January 6, 2009. Kay. Harrison seconded. Roll call: Allen Broderick, yes, Bruce Dingier, yes; Carol Fischer, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. G Ciry of Central Point City Council Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 5 of 6 B. Discussion Regarding Proposed M-1 Zone Change by Adding Section 17.06 Use Categories and Amending Sections 17.08.005 Definitions, 17.48 Industrial District This item will be discussed at a later date with the Planning Commission. C. Council President Appointment Mayor Williams opened the floor for nominations of a Council President. Allen Broderick nominated Kay Harrison. Bruce Dingler seconded. No other nominations were made. ~. Allen Broderick made a motion to President for 2009-2010. Bruce Dingler yes, Bruce Dingler, yes; Carol Fischer Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. IX. COUNCIL BUSINESS appoint Kay Harrison as Council seconded. Roll call: Allen Broderick, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; and Matt Council Member Bruce Dingler asked how the discussions on the Graffiti Ordinance were progressing. Chief Zeliff stated that they have not met with the Adhoc Committee on this issue yet. Other items have come up and that Ordinance has been moved down the list... Council Member Matt Stephenson stated that he attended an OECDD meeting about the stimulus funds. There is no specific direction from the State and Federal Government as to where the funds will be spent. The City should have projects ready in case the funds become available. X. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Williams reported that he attended: • A Town Hall meeting, with State Representatives. They discussed the State Gas tax increase and do not think it will happen. • An RPS meeting. Jacksonville has decided not to sign the participant's agreement. The Committee is deciding how to proceed at this point. XI. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT City Administrator Phil Messina reported that he is finalizing the agenda for the Council work session on January 31$`. XII. COUNCIL REPORTS Council Member Matt Stephenson stated that he attended the regional investment board meeting, and a SOREDI meeting.. City of Central Point City Council Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 6 of 6 Council Member Kay Harrison stated that she attended the open house for the new airport terminal at the Jackson/Medford International Airport. She also attended a Medford Water Commission meeting. XIII. DEPARTIIAENT REPORTS Public Works Director Bob Pierce stated that they are in the process of expanding the GIS programs for the City. Interim Finance Director Bev Adams reported that they have begun the Budget Process. Interim Community Development Director Matt Samitore reported that: • He attended a downtown beautification committee meeting and informed them that the committee members will soon be appointed by the Council as an official City Committee. • The City has received bids for Don Jones Park. The Grand Opening is scheduled for May 23`". • Staff is working on the next round of grant applications for state funding. Deputy Public Works Director Chris Clayton reported that: • He met with the Jackson County Public Works Director regarding the transfer of Hamrick Road. This has to be done for the pedestrian crossing at Don Jones Park. • Jackson County is working on the rail crossing at Twin Creeks. They are waiting for Jack Walker to return to office to proceed. Police Chief Jon Zeliff reported that: • New Years Eve was a typical event for the City. • The first GREAT Graduation at Scenic will be Thursday, .January 22, at 8:00 a.m. • The City has received a donation of a Mercy Flights Ambulance. This vehicle will become a traveling High Tech Crimes Unit lab. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION -None XV. ADJOURNAAEIdT Matt Stephenson moved to adjourn, Kay Harrison seconded, all said "aye" and the Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. The foregoing minutes of the January 8, 2009, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting, of January 22, 2009. ,~ Dated: ~ ATTEST: City Recorder ~~G~r~~~--~ Mayor Hank Williams ,,, I i n ~l