HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSN101408CITY OF CENTRAL POINT
City Council Study Session
October '14, 2008
I. IIAflEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. ATTENDEES Mayor: Hank Williams
Council Members: Kay Harrison, Dick Halley, Matt
Stephenson, Walter Moczygemba and Mike Quilty were
present.
City Administrator Phil Messina; Interim Community
Development Director Matt Samitore; Deputy Public Works
Director Chris Clayton; and City Recorder Deanna Casey were
also present.
Ill. BUSINESS
A. Enterprise Zone Discussion
Interim Community Development Director Matt Samitore began by updating the
Council of the last few discussions regarding Enterprise Zones. Jackson County
would like a decision by the end of this year. The FedEx project will not be included
in an Enterprise zone at this time.
SOREDI is very interested in including the Shovel Ready site at Hamrick and Table
Rock Road, the owner of the property is not interested in this site being included.
In past discussions the City Council has stated that they are not interested in
including the shovel ready site m an enterprise zone. There are several incentives
at this time to help develop that property.
Mr. Samitore explained a map of areas that could be included in an Enterprise
Zone. These areas are on the west side of Table Rock Road, and the West Side of
Hwy 99. There was discussion of what type of businesses could be included.
SOREDI would in charge of all pre-certifications and management of the
applications. Micro Velum is interested in being included in an Enterprise Zone in
the event that they expand their business. There are several vacant lots along Hwy
99 that could use the incentives of an Enterprise Zone to expand or build. Council
would like to include both sides of Hwy 99, it could help in the redevelopment of the
area.
Conclusion: Staff will talk with SOREDI about the areas along Table Rock
Road that do not include the shovel ready site, and both sides
of Hwy 99. They will return to Council with recommendations
at a later date.
B. Street Utility Fee Discussion
Deputy Public Works Director Chris Clayton explained the issues surrounding the
Street Fund at this #ime. The State of Oregon is projecting a 3 to 5 percent decrease
in gas tax revenue for this year. The Street Utility Fund is going to suffer if we do not
come up with a funding. mechanism soon.
Mr. Clayton explained several options that have been discussed with Council and
Staff.
• The City could remove the Street Utility Fee cap from the Commercial
businesses;
• Could increase the residential rate
• we could raise the commercial rate with aminimum/maximum amount set.
• Water Department Franchise fee; this fee would be dedicated streets, and
with a healthy water fund this year we would not need to pass the fee along
to users yet. There is an increase in water scheduled for early next year.
• Sewer Service franchise with Rogue Valley Sewer Service. They use our
right-of-ways just other utilities. No other city in Jackson County has
implemented a Franchise with RVSS, he is sure that others would join in the
effort.
• Local Gas Tax: Staff recommends implementing a 3 cent local gas tax. It has
been stated that the state does not plan to increase current gas tax this year.
There are several cities in Oregon that have this type of revenue for their
streets. It is estimated with the traffic at Pilot we could increase our revenue
by $750,000 annually. There was an article in the newspaper that the City of
Medford is thinking about this type of revenue. It would be good if both cities
passed this at the same time.
Mr. Clayton presented, an outline of projects that could be completed with this type
of revenue. Any money collected from a Local Gas Tax would go into the Street
Fund. If the Council acted on this idea we could see revenue by the end of this
budget year. There was discussion of cancelling. the Utility Fee if a local gas tax was
implemented.
Conclusion: Staff will work on initiating water and sewer franchise fees.
Staff will work on an ordinance to implement a local gas tax of
3 cents.
IV. ADJOUItIViWENT
The Study Session for October 14, 2008, was adjourned at 7:05 p.m-.
C
.1