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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM021408CITY OF CENTRAL POINT City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2008 I. REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II1. ROLL CALL: Mayor: Hank Williams Council Members: Bruce Dingler, Dick Halley, Kay Harrison, Walter Moczygemba, Mike Quilty, and Matthew Stephenson were present. City Administrator Phil Messina; Public Works Director Bob Pierce; Deputy Public Works Director Chris Clayton, Community Services Coordinator Matt Samitore; Police Chief Jon Zeliff; Community Development Director Tom Humphrey; Finance Director Jill Turner; and City Recorder Deanna Gregory were also present. IV. PUBLIC APPEARANCES -None V. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of January 24, 2008, City Council Minutes. B. Authorization of Contract with Visar Construction for 2-inch waterline on Peninger Road C. Financial Statements for the period ending December 31, 2007 Mayor Williams stated that the consent agenda should be revised to state that the contract with Visar Construction is fora 12-inch waterline. Matt Stephenson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda changing the 2-inch waterline to a 12-inch waterline. Dick Halley seconded. Roll calf: Bruce Dingler, yes; Dick Halley, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; Walter Moczygemba, yes; Mike Quilty, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. VI. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA -None VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS A. First Reading - An Ordinance Establishing a Transportation Fee Community Services Coordinator Matt Samitore introduced John Ghilarducci, FCS Goup. Mr. Ghilarducci has worked with cities throughout the state in order to provide alternatives for cities in need of funding options. City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 14, 2008 Page 2 Mr. Ghilarducci explained the street fund and the revenue issues facing the City of Central Point. He explained that contributing factors to cost increase are reduced revenue from the State, cost of materials, recent indirect cost allocation, and salaries. Some of the options that two adhoc committees reviewed were to institute a transportation utility fee; increase the rate of property tax collected; create a regional or local gas tax; reduce service and personnel; or a combination of the above. He stated that the transportation utility fee purpose is to ensure adequate funding for the operation and maintenance of the city transportation system, and to provide adequate funding for ongoing annual preservation. At this time 21 Oregon cities have implemented similar fees. Jackson County is unable to maintain county streets inside city limits. This responsibility now falls on the shoulders of the cities to maintain them. The street fund faces a $472,000 annual shortfall. The proposed fee will is based on the national average daily trips per household. There is a low income discount for families that fall under these guidelines, and a $100 cap for commercial properties. The committee recommends a three year sunset clause which will require the Council to amend or rescind the transportation utility fee at that time. Mayor Williams opened the public hearing. Gary Young, Central Point Citizen Mr. Young does not feel this is a necessary fee. Citizens already pay a storm drain and clean up fee. He does not feel that the storm drain fee is used to its full potentia{ and there should be funds available for street repairs. The Police Department could generate funds by issuing more tickets for traffic violations. He does not feel that the distribution of fees is correct. Gene Skelton, Central Point Citizen Mr. Skelton does not feel that the annual trip per household is correct. He does not think he makes 10 trips per day. Why do Central Point citizens have to pay for the streets when people from other cities are driving on them? Why can't we get UPS, and Fed-ex to help pay? William Shreeve, Central Point Citizen Mr. Shreeve is concerned about specific streets like Scenic and Peninger Lane. There was discussion that a portion of Scenic and Peninger Lane belong to the County and should be their responsibility, but because of county budget short falls maintenance will fall on the City in the future. Gloria Modry, Central Point Citizen Ms. Modry does not feel that the storm drain fee is used responsibly. Citizens already pay enough fees to RVSS, the County, and the City for a variety of things. She feels that if there is a fee every resident should pay the same. She does not think that apartment buildings have less average trips per day. Bill Willets, Central Point Business Owner City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 14, 2008 Pale 3 Mr. Witlets does not have an issue with the $30 his business will pay, but the Pilot Station and larger businesses should pay more than $100 because they generate more traffic. Randy Warrick, Central Point Citizen Mr. Warrick explained that the state is reviewing the gas tax issue and may be increasing it. He would like an assurance that the Council will repeal this fee if the state increases the gas tax. Council stated that if the State does increase the gas tax and the City receives more revenue from that they will revisit this issue. Nancy Miles, Central Point Citizen Ms. Miles stated that she is concerned about the decorative cross walks that are already fading, will the city be responsible for replacing those? She heard that Fire District #3 was not informed of the round-a-bout on Taylor Road and that they have problems getting around it. It was explained that the Fire District is usually involved in the planning process. Staff will look into this issue and respond to Ms. Miles Dottie Stewart, Central Point Citizen Ms. Stewart does not feel there should be a different fee for single family, apartments and mobile home parks. Everyone should pay the same rate. She suggested a fee on car registrations for people who live in Central Point. Council Member Mike Quilty explained that the state would have to change laws in order for a City to attach a fee to registrations. Keith Wangle, Central Point Citizen Mr. Wangle stated that he understands the need for a transportation utility fee and would like to see something in place to maintain our streets. He believes the Council will spend the money wisely. Mayor Williams closed the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. The Council stated that they do not want to impose a fee, but there are no better options at this time. This issue will be revisited if another funding source can be found. The audience was reminded that the fee is based on a national average regarding trips per day. Mike Quilty made a motion to move to second reading an Ordinance Establishing a Transportation Fee. Kay Harrison seconded. RoII call: Bruce Dingier, yes; Dick Halley, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; Walter Moczygemba, yes; Mike Quilty, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. B. First Reading - An Ordinance Establishing a Panhandling Ordinance Chief Zeliff explained that staff is not ready for Council to take action on this Ordinance. They are reviewing several of the City Codes to bring to the Council and would like to hold this item until a later date. No action was taken. City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 14, 2008 Page 4 VIII. BUSINESS A. Planning Commission Report Community Development Director Tom Humphrey presented the Planning Commission report for February 5, 2008: 1) The Commission approved a request for an extension of the preliminary development plan for the Gebhard Village PUD. The site is located on the east side of Gebhard Road and north of Beebe Road in the R-2, zoning district. Due to extended engineering work and a decline in the housing market, the applicant requested a one year extension. He also submitted a phasing plan, the first phase of which is conditioned to expire at the end of this year. The Commission determined that the request was reasonable under the circumstances and granted the extension. Additional conditions were imposed to account for changes in Public Works Standards and Specifications for local streets. Under administrative reviews, the Population & Demographics Element was discussed and a formal hearing was scheduled for the Planning Commission meeting in March. Under miscellaneous items, the Commission was informed about the work and meetings of the Strategic Plan Downtown Subcommittee and interested members were invited to attend. Mike Quilty made a motion to approve the Planning Commission Report as presented for February 5, 2008. Dick Halley seconded. Roll call: Bruce Dingler, yes; Dick Halley, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; Walter Moczygemba, yes; Mike Quilty, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. IX. COUNCIL BUSINESS Council Member Dingler asked if the City should research getting metal detectors at the doors to city hall in light of the shooting in Kirkwood, MO. Chief Zeliff stated that he will research some options to help keep staff safe within the building. He does not feel that a metal detector is necessary at this time. Council Member Moczygemba is concerned with traffic at the Pilot Station. He watched as an ambulance with lights flashing had to slow down and wait because asemi-truck ran a red light. Chief Zeliff and Mr. Clayton stated that this is an issue with the lights. Sensors do not recognize that a truck with a trailer is passing through the light and it changes before the truck gets completely through. They will work with the County regarding this item. 1 City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 14, 2008 Page 5 Council Member Moczygemba recommended a list of guidelines to present to School District 6 in support of an Outstanding Student Awards Program. He would like the approval of the Council to follow up with the School District in order for the City to recognize outstanding students at a council meeting. Dick Halley made a motion of support for Council Member Moczygemba to work with the School District on this program. Kay Harrison seconded. Roll call: Bruce Dingler, yes; Dick Halley, yes; Kay Harrison, yes; Walter Moczygemba, yes; Mike Quilty, yes; and Matt Stephenson, yes. Motion approved. X. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Williams reported that he attended an RPS meeting and was a Judge at the Ms. Rogue Valley Pageant. XI. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT City Administrator Phil Messina: • Thanked staff for their work on the street utility fee. • Attended an OCCMA board meeting in Silver Falls. • Attended the RPS meeting. XII. COUNCIL REPORTS Council Member Quilty reported that: • He attended a meeting in Corvallis with the new Transportation Committee Chair. • He attended the RPS Oversite Committee meeting. • Next week he will be in Los Angles for a West Coast Transportation meeting. Council Member Moczygemba reported that: • He attended the Downtown Revitalization meeting • He attended the Planning Commission meeting • He attended a School District No. 6 Board meeting where they discussed the awards recognition program. • He will be out of town from March 22"d - 29~' for spring break. Council Member Harrison reported that she attended the Medford Water Commission meeting. Council Member Halley attended the Chamber meeting and a Parks and Recreation Foundation meeting. Council Member Dingler he attended the Downtown Revitalization meeting. XIII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS City of Central Point City Council Minutes February 14, 2008 Page 6 Chief Zeliff reported on the new officer recruitment process and that the two newest officers are currently attending the Police Academy. He also stated that the Police Department, Parks and Recreation and Public Works will be doing a Bear Creek Greenway sweep to clean out some of the transient camps. Public Works Director Bob Pierce reported that: • Staff has been working on the budget. • He would like to thank Mr. Clayton and Mr. Samitore for their work on the transportation utility fee issue. • Staff has been informed by ODOT that I-5 will be closed February 18- 21g` from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. while they move in beams for the Upton Road bridge. Deputy Public Works Director Chris Clayton updated the Council on the Peninger Road project and the Hunter Communication Franchise agreement. Development Services Coordinator Matt Samitore reported: • The Parks and Recreation Foundation has been meeting monthly to work on fund raising projects. • The Veterans Memorial Group has raised $43,000 towards a matching grant they hope to receive. • Staff has been working on grant proposals for park projects and after school programs. • Staff has worked on the trail designs for the Boes Park area. Finance Director Jill Turner reported that they are working on the Budget process. Community Development Director Tom Humphrey stated that: • Staff has started a downtown revitalization binder to record the ideas and recommendations from the committee. • The Citizens Advisory Committee has completed their work on the Transportation System Plan • He continues to work with the Rail Road regarding an easement agreement into Twin Creeks. XIV. ADJOURNMENT Mike Quilty moved to adjourn, Matt Stephenson seconded, all said "aye° and the Council Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. The foregoing minutes of the February 14, 2008, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of February 28, 2008. Dated: 4 ~p~ ~-/ Mayor Hank Williams A Recorder