1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Beckstead called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Beckstead and Councilors Kelly, Hanes, Woodruff, Welch and Campbell answered the roll. Councilor Church was excused. A quorum was present.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Claudia Webster provided an update on the activities of the Friends Newport Aquatic Center, a 501(C)(3) organization that is looking at upgrading or replacing the Newport Municipal Pool.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Councilor Welch voiced deep appreciation for the Public Works crew’s efforts during the recent storm events. The Council provided a round of applause. Mayor Beckstead reported that he had been contacted by Mr. Canfield from the Citizen’s Patrol regarding a plaque of appreciation they had received from the Sheriff Department. The Council voiced no objection to the idea of hanging the plaque at City Hall, as the Citizen’s Patrol uses the Council Chambers for their monthly meetings. Mayor Beckstead indicated that he had been contacted by the Gillilands, who felt that the opinions and concerns of the downtown citizens are being completely ignored in the revitalization process. Ms. Leonard responded that the Gillilands were mailed a notice of the last Revitalization Committee meeting, though they apparently did not receive it prior to the meeting. Ms. Leonard further identified at least four specific downtown business owners who have kept abreast of the project and are totally supportive. She indicated that the committee had discussed light fixtures, benches, planters and other amenities at this last meeting. The Gillilands had been present at the previous meeting when the discussion was had regarding parking and curbing, and ODOT had subsequently reduced the potentially eliminated parking spaces down to 12. The access issue that the Gillilands were concerned about was not something that the Committee or the City Council had the ability to address, as it was a decision made by ODOT.
4. MINUTES: The Council considered the minutes from the January 12, 2006 meeting. Councilor Welch moved to approved the minutes as presented. Councilor Woodruff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
5. STAFF REPORTS:
    A. City Manager: In regard to the Mercantile building, Ms. Leonard reported that she had written another letter to the property owner, indicating that legal recourse could be taken by the City if he does not respond. Councilor Welch stated that he had purchased a kit for lead-based paint and the sample did test positive. He felt that though it may not constitute a health hazard, it is certainly undesirable to have paint flaking down on the sidewalk. Mayor Beckstead noted he felt this may indeed be a health hazard, and the City should set a time limit for response. It was felt that 60 days from the date of the letter was a reasonable time frame for a response. Ms. Leonard informed the Council that Starr Street, from the intersection with Highway 101 to the north end of the ball field, has been determined to be owned by ODOT. They are now aware that the City wants them to fix the intersection before the City would take over responsibility for that portion of the street. Ms. Leonard mentioned that the Council may be seeing an annexation request for an area of approximately 205 acres in the near future.
    B. Public Works: Mr. McClung reported on the damage to Keady Wayside from the recent storm, which downed several trees. The two remaining trees are slated to be removed on February 3. He contacted a local logging firm to ascertain if the trees had any value, but as they are spruce there is little market. However, he has contacted a local organization that cuts firewood and donates it to low income households and will provide an update to the Council at their next meeting. Public Works has cut and hauled about 20 trees and at least 40 dump trucks of debris as a result of the recent storms. Mr. McClung noted that the speed indicators are here and lacking only one part. It will take approximately 3 weeks for the part to arrive, and then the manufacturer will come and do a training on how to download the reports from the devices. Mr. McClung stated the sewer plant and the storm drainage system both appear to be handling the recent heavy rains and storms very well. Ms. Leonard added that FEMA would be looking at reimbursement of some storm-related costs and the City has submitted a request.
    C. Sheriff: Deputy Miller gave a brief report, noting that there were many reports of downed trees and other alarms. The Citizen’s Patrol had been a great help with traffic control during the recent power outage. Overall, it had been a fairly quiet month, probably due to the weather.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilor Welch gave a review of the recent Community Issue Forum meeting, noting that he felt it had been a constructive exercise, with breakout groups looking at various issues facing the county. He had chaired a discussion regarding law enforcement, and one of the long-term concepts was forming a law enforcement district for South County, where the tax base would come from everyone receiving the service. In the short term, he felt it may be feasible to discuss cost-sharing with Yachats.
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: The Council considered the Municipal Court report, Library Board minutes and circulation report, and the Planner’s report. There were no comments.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR: There were no items for the Consent Calendar.
9. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
    A. Consideration of Ordinance Amending Section 15.08.020 of the Waldport Municipal Code: Ms. Leonard explained that this amendment would bring the City’s code in line with the International Fire Code standards for building identification. Councilor Woodruff suggested providing a copy of the ordinance to the hardware store owner so he can stock the proper sized digits. Councilor Welch moved to have Mayor Beckstead read the Ordinance twice by title only. Councilor Woodruff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Beckstead read the Ordinance by title only for the first and second readings. Councilor Welch moved to adopt Ordinance No. 706 as read, Councilor Kelly seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
    B. Other Issues: None.
10. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Nothing further.
11. ADJOURNMENT: At 7:55 p.m., there being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.

Top of Page

Back to Council Minutes

Home