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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM022201CITY OF CENTRAL POINT City Council Meeting Minutes February 22, 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, and Kay Harrison were present. Rusty McGrath was absent. City Administrator Jim Bennett; City Attorney Doug Engle; Public Works Director Bob Pierce; Finance Director Bill Brugger; Police Chief Mike Sweeny; Parks and Recreation Coordinator Nancy Hanson; and Deputy Recorder Deanna Gregory were also present. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MINUTES A. Approval of February 8. 2001, City Council Minutes Donna Higginbotham made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. David Gilmour seconded. Kay Harrison abstained. Roll Call: Motion passed. V. PUBLIC APPEARANCES There were no Public Appearances. VI. BUSINESS A. Presentation from Youth Skateboard Park Committee Park Commission Member Mack Lewis presented a survey that was taken at the Skate Park Committee meeting held on February 8, 2001. The survey shows that skaters in Central Point would prefer to have a street type skate park rather than a vert type skate park. He explained that a street park would include things such as hand rails, ramps, stairs, and curbs. The Skate Park Committee has begun fund raising activities and members presented the Council with a list of 44 local businesses that are willing to donate to and support a skate park. However, most of the businesses are waiting until the Council approves the purchase of property. They presented a list of properties in the City that are available for purchase and expressed their concerns that the available lots are being purchased very quickly. They would like the Council to give authorization to the City Administrator to negotiate the purchase of property for a skate park site and return to the Council for final approval. Kay Harrison made a motion to authorize the City Administrator to negotiate the purchase of property for a skate park site with a limit of $150,000, and contingent upon Council approval. David Gilmour seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. City of Central Point Ciry Council Minutes February 22, 2001 Page 2 B. Proclamation designating March as Hunger Awareness Month City Administrator Jim Bennett explained that ACCESS Food Share is seeking support for its Hunger Awareness Month campaign in the form of a City proclamation. He stated that this campaign is state wide and supported by Governor Kitzhaber. Dick Halley made a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign a Proclamation declaring March, 2001, as Hunger Awareness Month in the City of Central Point. Bill Stults . seconded. Roll Call: Motion passed unanimously. C. Public Hearing -Draft Accessory Structure Ordinance Mr. Bennett presented a draft Ordinance that establishes certain development standards for both permanent and temporary residential accessory structures. He explained that following the Public Hearing, City staff will incorporate any modifications to the proposed ordinance that are made based upon public testimony and the recommendation of the City Council. The ordinance will then be presented to the City Council in final form at subsequent meetings-for consideration and possible adoption. There was discussion regarding fences, two car covered parking, canvas covered canopies and required set backs. Mr. Gilmour suggested that the Council consider the setback from the rear property line when access is available from an alley. Mr. Bennett explained that there will still be the option to apply for a variance if the applicant cannot meet the required setbacks. Mayor Walton opened the public hearing. Robert Johnson, Beall Lane Mr. Johnson stated his concerns regarding setback requirements from the rear. property line. Mr. Bennett explained the setbacks that are required for accessory structures. Paul Young, David Street Mr. Young asked if current structures would be affected by this ordinance. The Council explained that current structures are grandfathered Mayor Walton closed the public hearing. D. Public Hearing -Draft Bear Creek Greenway Regulation Ordinance Mr. Bennett explained that the draft ordinance would regulate the use of the Bear Creek Greenway within the city limits by members of the public. A similar ordinance has been adopted by Jackson County to cover the Greenway in unincorporated areas. Any recommended changes will be incorporated into the ordinance and returned to the Council in final form for consideration and possible adoption. Mr. Gilmour asked if it was necessary to post a speed limit of 15 miles per hour. He asked how the City or the County would be enforcing that type of regulation. He suggested that the ordinance state "reasonable and prudent" for speed control. Mr. Bennett stated that he would contact Karen Smith from Jackson County and inquire about signage and enforcement. Mayor Walton opened the Public Hearing. Chuck Timberman, Raymond Way Mr. Timberman stated that there are speedometers for bikes and equestrian riders have a good estimate of the kind of speed they are going. He believes the 15 mph posting is necessary to ensure the safety of pedestrians. City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 22, 2001 Page 3 Mayor Walton closed the public hearing. E. Public Hearing -Draft Tree Ordinance Mr. Bennett explained that the draft ordinance would establish standards for the planting, care, and maintenance of trees on public, and in some cases private, property within the city limits. City staff will incorporate any suggested changes to the draft and present the Council with an ordinance in final form at a subsequent meeting for consideration and possible adoption. Mr. Gilmour stated that he would like to see the item under Street Tree Maintenance modified to show that the developer is responsible for the trees for three full growing seasons. This would coincide with the Tree Establishment period of three years as stated in the Definitions. Mayor Walton opened the Public Hearing. Robert Johnson, Beall Lane Mr. Johnson stated his concerns regarding the placement of street trees in new developments. He suggested that trees be planted with some thought as to where the storm drain inlets would be placed to prevent clogging the inlets with leaves. Jeanne Ebert, Marys Way Ms. Ebert was concerned about guidelines regarding removal and replacement of trees or landscaping along the exterior of a development. Mr. Bennett explained that there are landscaping requirements for most development and this ordinance will help by establishing guidelines. Donald Ruby, Highland Ave Mr. Ruby asked if this ordinance sets a specific height for trimming trees along the street so they are not hit by trucks or in the way of pedestrians. He also stated that there should be requirements for utility companies to be careful of existing landscaping. Mr. Bennett explained that the City does try to work with property owners when the City needs to work in the right-of-way and landscaping has been installed. He discussed the possibility of incorporating guidelines into future franchise agreements with utility companies. Jim Rose, Hemlock Court Mr. Rose explained his concerns about the utilities contracting work out to other companies. He stated that the contract employees are not as cautious as City employees when it comes to working adjacent to or on private property. Dave Hill, Juanita Way Mr. Hill had concerns regarding private property. He is concerned that the City is trying to force property owners to plant trees on their property against their will. Mr. Bennett explained that the City has no intention of forcing people to plant trees on private property. However, if there is a tree that could be a hazard to other people and that tree needs to be pruned or removed, it is the Cities responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens. Carlos Fernandez ,Hopkins Road Mr. Fernandez stated that the sidewalk in front of his property is failing and the City should have someone check the construction. Mayor Walton closed the Public Hearing. F. Public Hearing -Draft Telecommunications Ordinance Mr. Bennett explained that the proposed ordinance would establish regulations for the siting and operation of telecommunications facilities and services within the city limits. It would also bring the City into compliance with the 1996 Telecommunications Act as it City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 22, 2001 Page 4 applies to local governments. City staff will incorporate any suggested changes into the draft and present the Council with an ordinance m final form at a subsequent meeting for consideration and possible adoption. Mr. Gilmour stated that there are several places in the ordinance where the language needs to be updated to read "two way transmission" instead of "one way transmission" and ~~ „ add video where it mentions transport of voice communications. He stated that this type of ordinance should be reviewed on a regular basis because technology changes so fast. Mayor Walton opened the public hearing. Paul Young, David Street Mr. Young asked if these new utility companies will be requiring additional easements on private property. Mr. Bennett explained that any additional utility company would be required to use existing easements and lines. Mayor Walton closed the public hearing. Donna Higginbotham stated that she would like it clarified in all franchise agreements that utility companies are required to work with the property owner in order to protect any landscaping that might need to be disturbed. VIII. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Walton reported that: • Council Member Rusty McGrath has submitted a letter of resignation as of 2/22/01. The city will begin recruitment for a new Council Member. • Measure 7 was declared unconstitutional by the Marion County Circuit Court this morning. • he will be out of town on February 26, and 27th. • he researched amphitheater projects proposed in the Sacramento area. He presented the Council with newspaper accounts of the projects. IX. CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT City Administrator Jim Bennett reported that: • the Umpqua Bank will have a grand opening on Saturday Feb 24, at 11:00 a.m and they have invited the Council to attend. • there will be a League of Oregon Cities Workshop in Ashland on March 16 and 17, on Adventures in Governing. • there will likely be a reduction in the Qwest franchise fees paid to the City based on its settlement with the City of Portland. • the first Budget Committee meeting will be April 11th. • there may be an increase of up to 25% in health insurance premiums next year for City employees. X. COUNCIL REPORTS Bill Stults reported that he attended the BCVSA Board meeting and they are very sorry for the inconvenience that was caused due to the construction on West Pine Street. They indicated that they will be notifying residents of any future construction. Dick Halley reported that the City needs to instaN speed limit signs along Hazel Street. He is concerned with kids on skate boards and scooters being hit by speeding cars. Mr. City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 22, 2001 Page 5 Bennett stated that they will look into the situation and provide recommendations atthe next meeting. Donna Higginbotham reported that the youth working on the landscaping along the Bear Creek Greenway will be installing some of the plants on Saturday Feb. 24, at 10:00 a.m. XI. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Public Works Director Bob Pierce reported that the sidewalks around Central Point Elementary School are just about complete. Finance Director Bill Brugger updated the Council with the Financial Report. Police Chief Mike Sweeny reported that: • the Police Department is applying for a grant in the amount of $150,000 for new computertechnology. They are in the process of installing wireless communications in the patrol cars. • they have received two new patrol cars under the government lease program. • he will have a report on the crime rate in Central Point at the next Council Meeting. David Gilmour made a motion to continue past 10:00 p.m. Donna Higginbotham seconded. Roll Call: Gilmour, yes; Halley, yes; Harrison, yes; Higginbotham, yes; Bill Stults, no. Motion passed. Parks and Recreation Coordinator Nancy Hanson reported on the Park Commission Meeting held on February 15, 2001. She reported that the Sr. Center will be charging the city for the use of the facility for recreation classes. Mr. Bennett explained that the City can underwrite the additional cost to keep classes affordable. XII. ADJOURNMENT Bill Stults moved to adjourn, Dick Halley seconded, all said "aye" and the Council Meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m. The foregoing minutes of the February 22, 2001, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of March 8, 2001. Dated: ~~~-~~ ~ ~ `" Mayor Bill Walton ATTE Authorized Represen a~