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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM052401CITY OF CENTRAL POINT City Council Meeting Minutes May 24, 2001 I. REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Mayor Walton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL: Mayor: Bill Walton ` Council Members: Donna Higginbotham, Bill Stults, David Gilmour, Richard Halley, Kay Harrison, and Dennis Richardson were present. City Administrator Jim Bennett; City Attorney Doug Engle; Public Works Director Bob Pierce; Finance Director Bill Brugger; Police Chief Mike Sweeny; Planning DirectorTom Humphrey; Public Works Secretary Lisa Morgan; and Deputy Recorder Deanna Gregory were also present. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS V. MINUTES A. A royal of Ma 10 2001 Cit Council Minutes Dick Halley made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. David Gilmour seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. VI. PUBLIC APPEARANCES Steven Plunk, Plunk Trucking Company Mr. Plunk presented information to the Council regarding the Diesel Tax under consideration by the City Council. He reviewed the Oregon transportation taxes that all trucking companies have to pay annually. The City of Central Point should get a portion of those funds for repairs. He presented information from the Oregon Blue Book and the State Constitution, Article IX, regarding the rate of taxes levied on oil or natural gas; a Transportation Revenue Chart from ODOT; and a technical report on Light DutyAutomotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends through 1996. Mr. Plunk is against the Diesel Tax for the reasons listed in the information that he provided. Trucking companies pay enough taxes to fix the roads and he feels that the Council should address the state and get their fair share from the taxes collected by the state. Mr. Plunk asked the Council to reverse its position on this diesel tax and contact ODOT Board member Stuart Foster to discuss this issue with the State Legislators. Bill Ullom, USF Reddaway Mr. Ullom read a letter from the CEO and President of USF Reddaway stating that, if they had known that the City was thinking of proposing such a tax, they would not have located their company in the city limits. His concern is that, if this tax is approved by the Council, they will turn away revenue and discourage local businesses from locating in Central Point. Gary Hall, Pilot Travel Centers Mr. Hall explained that ODOT has money for projects of this kind. The City Officials need to find the right contact person at ODOT. He feels that with the correct contacts the City could utilize the money that ODOT has. City of Central Point City Council Minutes May 24, 2001 Page 2 Dale Lininger, LTM Mr. Lininger objects to the diesel tax on the issue of fairness. He stated that most of the trucking companies will go to Medford to fill up. He feels that the Council is trying to put the burden on the wrong people. For the most part, trucking companies do not use the Central Point roads and should not be the ones to pay for the improvements. He also explained that there would be an overhead fee to try and keep track of who owes what. He encourages the Council to look for other resources. Howard Misner, Grange Co-Op Mr. Misner explained that they agree that something should be done for the I-5 interchange but the 1 cent diesel tax is the wrong way to go about it. The trucking associations have formed a coalition opposed to this fuel tax. They feel it is discriminatory to diesel drivers who do not as a rule use most of the city streets. They are asking the Council to make a motion to rescind the two previous motions directing staff to prepare a diesel fuel tax ordinance. After that has been completed the coalition would be willing to help look at other revenue sources. Mayor Walton closed the Public Appearances portion of the meeting VII. BUSINESS A. An Ordinance Amending Title 5 of the Central Point Municipal Code Relating to Business Licenses -First Reading Finance Director Bill Brugger explained that the present business license ordinance was adopted in 1965 and has been amended from time to time. The last increase in the basic business license fee occurred in 1980. Central Point's Business license fees are currently $25.00 for a business with two employees, less than half of what the cities that were surveyed charge. There was discussion on the need for a Public Dance Permit. Chief Sweeny stated that it is necessary for safety reasons. The Patrol Officers need to know where large gatherings will be. Bill Stults made a motion to pass on to second reading an Ordinance Amending Title 5 of the Central Point Municipal Code Relating to Business Licenses. Kay Harrison seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. B. An Ordinance Amending Titles 12, 15, and 17 of the Central Point Municipal Code Relating to Telecommunications -First Reading Planning Director Tom Humphrey stated that the Council recently adopted a new Telecommunications Ordinance which had some effect on other parts of the Municipal Code. Planning staff has worked through CPMC Titles 12, 15, and 17 to make sure that the telecommunication section is consistent with other code sections. The recommended amendments bring about code consistency. Most of the changes have to do with defining new terms, identifying the location and height of telecommunications facilities and processing planning applications. Bill Stults made a motion to pass on to second reading an Ordinance Amending Titles 12, 15, and 17 of the Central Point Municipal Code Relating to Telecommunications. Dick Halley seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. City of Central Point City Council Minutes May 24, 2001 Page 3 C. A Resolution Amending the City of Central Point Planning Department Fee Schedule Mr. Humphrey presented a Resolution amending the Planning Department Fee Schedule making it comparable with the surrounding jurisdictions. Some fees were increased due to the amount of staff resources needed when processing a planning permit application. There was discussion regarding the large increase in the Fence Variance permit fee and moving the Fence and Sign codes to Title 17 in order to be consistent with other planning regulations. He explained that the last increase in Planning Fees was in June 1998. Kay Harrison made a motion to approve Resolution 909, amending the Central Point Planning Department Fee Schedule as presented, changing the proposed Fence Variance Fee to $350. Bill Stults seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. D. Review and Determination Regarding Alley and Off-Street Parking Standards for the Four Oak Centre Development Mr. Humphrey stated that earlier this month the Planning Commission conditionally approved a new mixed-use development proposal known as Four Oaks Centre. The group of three story buildings would be located on the northeast corner of Fourth and Oak Streets with access being taken from both streets and an alley. Applicable TOD district standards permit the buildings to be constructed on the property lines, as they are elsewhere in the downtown area, which could pose a sight visibility problem at intersections. The problems are not necessarily related to safety as much as they are to long standing policies and standards. He explained that City staff have been working cooperatively with the proponents to ensure the success of the development. During the Commission meeting the possibility of changing the direction of traffic flow in the alley seemed to be a possible resolution to limited sight vision at the alley's intersection with Fourth Street. Diagonal parking is being proposed in Oak Street's eighty (80) foot right of way. This improvement appears as though it would place west bound vehicles far enough away from the new buildings to mitigate any problems with sight visibility at the Fourth and Oak Street intersection. He asked the Council to authorize a change in the direction of traffic flow in the alley and also accept the public improvement plan for diagonal parking on Oak Street. There was discussion regarding improvements to the Alley and creating an LID. Herb Farber explained that alley improvements are part of the submitted plans and they would ask to be reimbursed at a later date. Dick Halley made a motion authorizing City staff to vary from sight vision standards, to change the direction of traffic flow in the alley between Fourth and Fifth Streets and to authorize and define the extent of the construction of diagonal parking on Oak Street. David Gilmour seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. E. Police Department Accreditation and Standards Police Chief Mike Sweeny explained that the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police is developing an accreditation program for law enforcement agencies in Oregon that will establish law enforcement standards that demonstrate professionally recognized criteria for exceNence in management and service delivery. The program will also allow recognition for agencies that successfully complete the program by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. There are a number of benefits to the City from Accreditation. Accredited status makes it easier for the City to purchase police liability insurance and to increase the amount of coverage. It can also result in lower insurance premiums. The City would be better able to defend itself against lawsuits and citizen complaints. There would be greater accountability within the Police Department from a proven management system of written directives, sound training and clearly defined lines of authority. Accreditation would also City of Central Point City Council Minutes May 24, 2001 Page 4 demonstrate the City's commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management and service delivery. It creates a forum in which the Police Department and citizens can work together to prevent and control challenges confronting law enforcement and provides clear direction about community expectations. He explained that the Police Department has a few more preparations to do in order to be ready for this program. He explained the fees required forjoining this program and does not believe that there will be any additional funding needed for the 2001 /2002 Budget Year. The Council concurred that the Police Department should go forward with the accreditation standards program. F• Communications Services Contract Chief Sweeny explained the proposed Communications Services Contract between the City of Central Point and the City of Medford for emergency communications services. The contract is included as part of the Police Department 2001/2002 Budget. Under the new contract the City will pay 10.6% of the cost for the Regional Public Safety Information System operated by the City of Medford. This amount includes the pass through of the City's enhanced 911 funds received from the State of Oregon. Chief Sweeny stated that this contract will provide both Police and Public Works emergency communications service. Donna Higginbotham made a motion to approve the Communications Services Contract for Enhanced 911 Services and to authorize the City Administrator to sign the agreement. Kay Harrison seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. VIII. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Walton reported that: • he attended the Bear Creek Greenway beautification project rededication • the 2001 School District #6 Scholarship program has increased over last year. • the Central Point D.A.R.E. Program Graduations have been completed. • he attended the Regional Rate Committee meeting for May. • the MPO would like to meet with Central Point staff regarding STP funds dedicated to RVTD for alternate transportation measures. IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT City Administrator Jim Bennett reported that he has received two Initiative Petitions for CharterAmendments requiring that any increase in existing fees or additional fees be sent to the voters for approval. The initiative petitions are projected to be voted on at the March 12, 2002 election. X. COUNCIL REPORTS Dick Halley reported that: RVCOG representatives would like to meet with City representatives and Sr. Center representatives to help set goals for the Sr. Center. he has concerns with the Diesel Tax. He noted the administrative costs associated with collecting this type of fee. He does not feel that the tax should be considered at this time. City of Central Point City Council Minutes May 24, 2001 Page 5 Dick Halley made a motion to table any previous motions regarding the diesel tax issue. Kay Harrison seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. There was discussion about the establishment of an ad hoc committee to look at ways to fund Street and Storm Drain repairs. The Council felt that specific goals with associated costs should be developed before such a committee is formed. They would like to see the trucking coalition members included in this committee. Bill Stults reported that: he has concerns with the six-year overlay schedule. He has done some research on this subject and doesn't think that the roads need to have an overlay every six years and would like to see the schedule reevaluated. residents from The Meadows have submitted a letter of appreciation to Officer Edmundson and Detective Wojak for their assistance when their home was robbed. David Gilmour made a motion to continue past 10:00 p.m. Dick Halley seconded. Roll Call: Gilmour, yes; Halley, yes; Harrison, yes; Higginbotham, yes; Richardson, no; and Stults, no. Motion carried. David Gilmour reported that: 0 the construction schedule for School District No. 6 has been completed. the recent edition of the Southern Oregon Vacation Guide has no mention at all of Central Point. He would like staff to work with the Southern Oregon Visitors Association to be included in future editions. Donna Higginbotham reported that: Jackson County made a donation to the Nutrition Program. the Sr. Center is in need of help with developing programs. She suggested that Nancy Hanson contact them on behalf of the City. XI. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Public Works Director Bob Pierce reported that a stop sign is recommended at 7th and Laurel Streets and asked the Council for approval to install it. Kay Harrison made a motion to install stop signs at 7th and Laurel Streets as recommended by the Public Works Department. David Gilmour seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. there will be a parks and recreation survey in the water bills asking citizens what types of programs they want to see next year. the Southwest Park construction has begun and should be completed at the end of June. Finance Director Bill Brugger reported that there is a 30% increase in water use over last year at this time. City of Central Point City Council Minutes May 24, 2001 Page 6 XII. ADJOURNMENT Donna Higginbotham moved to adjourn, Dick Halley seconded, all said "aye" and the Council Meeting was adjourned at 10:09 p.m. The foregoing minutes of the May 24, 2001, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of June 14, 2001. Dated: ~ - ~~ _o M yor Bill Walton ATTEST: Authorized ~. III ~_. I~