APRIL 2002 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
APRIL 4, 2002
1. ROLL CALL: Acting Mayor Moore called the meeting to order
at 7:00 p.m. Acting Mayor Moore and Councilors Church, Welch, Peterson, Woodruff
and Abbott answered the roll. A quorum was present.
A. Acceptance of Abstract: Councilor Welch moved to
accept the abstract of votes. Councilor Church seconded, and the motion
carried unanimously on a voice vote.
B. Swearing-in of New Mayor: City Attorney Hammersley
administered the oath of office to Scott Beckstead. Mr. Beckstead then took his
seat at the Council table.
C. Nomination for Council President: Councilor Welch noted
that he had asked that this be put on the agenda, as he had been appointed as
Council President when Mr. Moore was appointed as the Acting Mayor. He was
submitting his resignation as Council President, effective immediately.
Councilor Welch moved to restore Councilor Moore to his position to
Council President. Councilor Church seconded, and the motion carried
unanimously on a voice vote.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: None.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: None.
4. MINUTES: The Council considered the minutes from the March
7 regular and special Council meetings. Councilor Moore moved to approve
the minutes as submitted, Councilor Church seconded, and the motion
carried unanimously on a voice vote.
5. STAFF REPORTS:
A. Sheriff Report: Lt. Stallard was present to answer any
questions. Councilor Church asked about the comparison between the City of
Waldport and other communities in regards to crime. Lt. Stallard indicated he
did not have a report, but would have it available at the next meeting.
Councilor Welch asked about the surplus patrol car, Stallard responded that the
car has been stripped of its county equipment, and the agreement was with their
legal counsel. It will be presented to the City Administrator and Mr. Hammersley
for review, then presented to the Council. Councilor Woodruff commented on the
increase in traffic citations, and Lt. Stallard responded that one of the
reasons the numbers were higher was due to grants which allowed for extra
overtime.
B. City Administrator: Ms. Leonard noted that the Budget
Committee had spent two days reviewing and finally approving the budget. The
public hearing and adoption of the budget document was scheduled for the June
6th Council meeting. Ms. Leonard reported that the formal adoption of findings
for the UGB expansion was scheduled for April 8, the issue will then go to the
County Commissioners for approval. Her final issue was a request regarding the
South Sewer Project. Ms. Leonard explained that the City needed to find a method
of assessment that was fair and equitable, and suggested that the Council
consider authorizing the City Engineers to perform an LID assessment report,
which will list the affected properties and provide appropriate methodologies
for assessment. Councilor Moore stated that this would be important before the
City can engage in discussion with the property owners. Ms. Leonard noted that
USDA asked the City Engineers for an updated addendum to the original
application, with updated costs. The old application used costs from Sewer
Master Plan, which was now two years old. Councilor Peterson moved to
approve the request, with the cost of the report not to exceed $8,000. Councilor
Moore seconded. Councilor Church asked if the costs would be included in
the overall engineering fees for the project, Ms. Leonard confirmed. Councilor
Woodruff asked about the deadline; Ms. Leonard responded that the City had until
April 19 to show that it was really serious about this, and requesting the
report would fulfil that requirement. The motion then carried unanimously
on a voice vote.
C. City Attorney: Mr. Hammersley noted the City's brief in
the Sagaitis case had been due April 18, but following a request for extension
from Gresham and the League of Oregon Cities had been rescheduled for May 2. He
had reviewed the "Adopt A Park" forms, and copies had been faxed to CIS for
review. This is the first time they've heard of the program, so they were going
to examine it closely. Mr. Hammersley reported that he would be reviewing the
requirements for the EPA internal audit with staff the following week. The
Skatepark design is still under review by CIS, although a favorable memo has
been received. He had one item for Executive Session.
D. Public Works: Mr. McClintock noted that he had mown
Veterans Park and Keady Wayside the previous Tuesday. He clarified that, when he
mowed the park, it was on his time, with his mower and his gasoline. He did it
because they needed to be mowed, no one was available from Public Works, and
he's a veteran. Evidently there were several citizens who were concerned that
the City was paying him to perform that task, so he explained that in the future
he would perform the service outside of regular working hours. Mr. McClintock
mentioned that Ms. Swander was present in regard to her request for limited
parking in front of her business. The signs had been ordered and the decision at
the time of the original request had been to have staff draft a resolution,
which had not been done. Mayor Beckstead suggested that the signs could be
installed temporarily, until such time as the traffic study was completed. Ms.
Swander indicated that she would be content if they were installed on a
temporary basis, as long as they were installed. Councilor Peterson moved
to install the signs for 30-minute parking, temporarily until the traffic study
is done. Councilor Woodruff seconded. The motion carried, with Mayor
Beckstead and Councilors Abbott, Woodruff, Peterson, Welch and Church voting
"Aye", Councilor Moore voting "Nay". Mr. McClintock gave an update of the raw
water project and the Ridgewood acres project, and noted that a major source of
I & I had been located at the Forest Service property. They were currently
fixing the problem. He had received notice from the Bicycle and Pedestrian
program that there may be monies available to do a curb, gutter and sidewalk for
Red Ditch. Councilor Moore asked whether Pacific View had been graded, and Mr.
McClintock responded affirmatively, noting that the grading and rock just does
not last long. Councilor Welch gave a brief review of the presentation from the
Department of Geology, noting that they would be mapping the tsunami zone for
Waldport in the next few months. The Traffic Safety Committee was working with
the Fire District on coming up with a plan for assisting with the elderly and
disabled in the event of a natural disaster.
E. City Planner: The Council considered the written report in
the packet materials.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Finance and Administration: Councilor Peterson noted that
the Committee was still working on several issues. Ms. Leonard reported that she
had written the thank-you letter on behalf of Council to both parties for the
tsunami siren easement. Councilor Woodruff moved to have the Economic
Development Committee be the interacting agency for the TGM grant until the City
has a final plan for downtown revitalization, and to have them work on other
projects as approved by Council. Councilor Peterson seconded. Councilor
Woodruff explained that this would help to clear up the ambiguity about the
mission of the committee, and it was the responsibility of the Council to give
the scope of work and time frame to the Committee. Following discussion, the
motion carried unanimously.
B. Infrastructure Planning: Councilor Moore indicated that
there would be a meeting the following Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. to discuss the South
Sewer Project. He reported that ODOT had moved the Highway 34 project to 2002,
starting in October. They expect to get Red Ditch culverted and filled this
year. Councilor Moore asked that the City Administrator send a letter to Mr.
Buisman and the County Commissioners, thanking them for their speedy response on
the stop signs on Range and Crestline. The neighbors who live there have
expressed gratitude for the fact that they are slowing traffic down.
C. Parks and Recreation: Ms. Woodruff noted the minutes from
their last meeting in the packet, and mentioned that they were still awaiting
bids on the irrigation on Meridian and Keady Wayside. Mayor Beckstead mentioned
the upcoming fundraising effort for the Skatepark, as the Blazer alumni were
coming to play against local teams on April 20. It was noted that the
interpretive sign had finally been installed at Keady Wayside. Councilor Church
reported that the handrail on the stair at Keady Wayside appeared to be getting
worse. Mr. McClintock indicated it was on the list for Public Works to take care
of, as money becomes available.
D. Traffic Safety: Councilor Welch noted he was hoping to get
the information on the surplus Sheriff's patrol car soon, so that Public Works
can be in charge of moving the vehicle. This would be used principally on Hwy
101 and 34 to help slow down traffic.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR: The Council
considered the following items: City Engineer bill; City Attorney bill; and
Signatory Resolution No. 999. Councilor Moore moved to approve the
Consent Calendar, Councilor Church seconded, and the motion carried
unanimously on a voice vote.
8. CORRESPONDENCE: None.
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: The Council considered the following
items: Waldport Library Board minutes; Senior Center Board minutes; Planning
Commission minutes from February and March; Waldport Economic Development and
Revitalization Committee minutes; and a financial memo outlining the tsunami
siren costs to-date. No action necessary.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
11. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Financing Alternatives for Water & Sewer GO Bonds:
Councilor Moore suggested that this issue be reviewed by Finance and
Administration, this was also the consensus of the Council. Councilor
Welch asked that Ms. Leonard review the legal implications with the City
Attorney when a recommendation was made.
B. Senior Center Staffing: Councilor Moore noted that Ms.
Dorsey was going to retire at the end of the summer. He expressed a desire to
continue to have the seniors continue to run the program if at all possible, as
they had been doing an excellent job. Councilor Woodruff indicated that, at the
next senior board meeting, she would see if they would be interested in holding
a senior town hall, with coverage from the media, to ascertain the interest in
perpetuating the program. If there is no interest, then the City will take over
the operation, but only if necessary.
C. Rebel Road Property: Ms. Leonard indicated that the
property had been listed since last fall; she had been approached by Emerald
Coast Realty to ascertain if the price could be reduced slightly. This would
move it back up to the top of the listings again. It was currently listed at
$44,500. Emerald Coast had suggested a reduction to $39,900. City Attorney
Hammersley informed the Council that they could take the issue up in Executive
Session if they desired. Councilor Peterson indicated that he had no problem
with discussing it in open session, and there were no objections from the rest
of the Council. Following a brief discussion, Councilor Peterson moved to
go with Emerald Coast's suggested reduction. Councilor Church seconded,
and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. Ms. Leonard signed
the authorization for change.
D. Dangerous Building Abatement: Councilor Welch indicated
that this issue had been referred to the Council by the Economic Development
Committee. The owner of the Mercantile has been placed on notice regarding
disrepair and dangerous situations on several occasions, and it appeared that he
was not interested in complying with the City's requests. There is an abatement
process available to the City by ordinance. Councilor Moore stated that he had
discussed this issue with the City Planner, who saw no justification for
condemning the building, the problem was the accumulation of trash and debris.
Discussion ensued. Councilor Peterson asked Mr. Hammersley if the City was
incurring potential liability if it did something which would cause further
problems. The response was affirmative. Ms. Leonard will contact Dave Gordon to
see if he is the point of contact for the owner. Mr. Nickerson mentioned that he
had been in contact with the owner, and had talked to him about fixing up the
building so that they could rent it. Consensus of the Council was to be
prepared to take some sort of action by the next meeting.
E. Excavation/Cutting of City Streets: Mr. McClintock stated
that this was on the agenda by his request. He noted that the ordinance was
drafted in 1979. With all work that had been done on city streets in previous
years, he would like the City Attorney to review the ordinance with an eye
toward providing discretionary power for the Public Works Director and
Department rather than City Recorder, and language require boring rather than
tearing up city streets. Discussion ensued. Councilor Moore moved to
instruct staff to update the current ordinance to ensure that approval comes
from Public Works and providing language for violations. Councilor Welch
seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
F. Local Option Tax: Ms. Leonard noted the suggestion had
come from the Budget Committee for the Council to review the issue of funding
for parks. She had distributed a memorandum which summarized current local
option taxes and their requirements, and provided some examples. Discussion
ensued. It was decided to refer the issue to the Finance and Administration
Committee and the Parks Committee. Mayor Beckstead noted this might be an
opportunity for both committees to take out the Master Plan and look at what is
wanted and what can be put together.
G. Transient Room Tax: Ms. Leonard noted that the suggestion
had came from the Budget Committee for the Council to review the idea of raising
the transient room tax from 6% to 7%. Councilor Woodruff moved to
increase the transient room tax from 6% to 7%. Councilor Moore seconded.
Discussion ensued regarding who was subject to the room tax requirements,
Councilor Peterson noted the ordinance addressed this issue. The motion
carried unanimously on a voice vote.
12. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Fire Department Lease: Mayor Beckstead recused himself
from the discussion, as he was the attorney for the Fire Department. Councilor
Peterson commented that the Fire Board felt that it would be appropriate for the
City to continue the lease with COG to June 30, then enter into the new lease
with Fire District. Councilor Moore noted that the lease was voted on and
approved at the last Council meeting. The Fire District has agreed to cooperate
with COG to allow the Senior and Disabled Services to use part of the room. They
had no interest in leasing that room themselves, and agreed that the City will
continue to receive the rent monies. Councilor Abbott suggested that a review of
the COG lease be scheduled before the end of June. City Attorney Hammersley
noted that one thing left out of lease was tsunami siren system, and indicated
that the disaster warning system will be a separate agreement. Consensus
of the Council was to change the signatory on the lease document from the Mayor
to the Council President. Councilor Woodruff moved to have Council
President Moore sign the lease agreement. Councilor Peterson seconded,
and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 8:33 p.m., there being no further
business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned to Executive
Session, pursuant to ORS 192.660(1)(h): To consult with counsel regarding
current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.
14. ACTIONS, IF ANY, FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
15. ADJOURNMENT: At 9:02 p.m., there being no further
business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda A. Quinlan
City Clerk
APPROVED by the Waldport City Council this 2nd day of May,
2002.
SIGNED by the Mayor this 2nd day of May, 2002.
Scott Beckstead, Mayor
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1. ROLL CALL: Mayor Beckstead called the meeting to order at
9:30 a.m. Councilors Abbott, Woodruff, Moore Welch and Church answered the roll.
Councilor Peterson was absent, a quorum was present.
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
A. Consideration of Proposal from Economic Development
Committee to Replace Fencing at Old Motel Site: Mayor Beckstead noted that the
issue was the replacement of the current chain-link fence with a wooden fence
that would be more friendly. Councilor Welch announced that the motion at the
Economic Development Committee was to recommend the replacement, and the
Committee had approved the current plan. Councilor Church moved to
approve the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee and install the
proposed fence. Councilor Welch seconded. Councilor Woodruff asked if the
motion should be to make the recommendation to the Urban Renewal Agency to
approve the plan. Councilor Church amended his motion to have the Council
approve the plan and make a recommendation to the Urban Renewal Agency.
Councilor Welch seconded the amendment. Councilor Abbott asked if the
fence met the height requirement, the answer was affirmative. Councilor Woodruff
noted that the fence may be too high for people to sit on, and asked if they
could be lowered to accommodate that. Discussion ensued regarding whether to
lower the height of the fence, or whether to install benches on the middle rail
or make movable benches. Ms. Leonard cautioned the Council that if the height of
the fence was lower, there could be a liability issue from people tripping on or
falling over the fence. Mayor Beckstead concurred, noting that if the intended
purpose was plain, then when people use it for another purpose the liability
issue not as great. Raynette Mohni, representing the Beachcombers Committee
asked if the chain link fence could be left up until after Beachcombers Days, as
it provides added security and a place to hang materials. The Council determined
that this could be worked out between the Chamber and the Beachcombers Committee
as to the timing of the replacement, since the Chamber was going to be paying
for the materials and Mr. Nickerson was volunteering his labor. The motion then
carried unanimously.
B. Other Issues: Ms. Leonard noted that she had met with Mr.
Forrest Peck regarding the opportunity to receive additional grant funding for
the South Sewer Project if the City was intending on moving forward. The reason
the extra funding was available was due to the fact that Myrtle Creek had
cancelled their proposed project . The short time frame was because the monies
were intended to go back to the federal pool on April 25 if they were not
recommitted. Mr. Peck had assured her that the letter of conditions was not as
formidable as it first appeared. The City Attorney had reviewed the materials
and concurred, a memo from him had been distributed at the meeting. Councilor
Moore moved that, based on the recommendation from the City Attorney, the
Mayor should sign the letter of intent. Councilor Welch seconded, and the
motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
3. ADJOURNMENT: At 9:45 a.m., there being no further business
to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda A. Quinlan
City Clerk
APPROVED by the Waldport City Council this 2nd day of May,
2002.
SIGNED by the Mayor this 2nd day of May, 2002.
Scott Beckstead, Mayor