JANUARY 8, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 2:00
p.m. Mayor Welch took the opportunity to say a few words in remembrance of
Charles Havens, who had passed away the day after Christmas.
A. Swear in New Council Members: City Manager Leonard
administered the oath of office to the Mayor and Councilors Kelly, Hanes and
Campbell. They then took their seats at the Council table.
B. Roll Call: Mayor Welch and Councilors Kelly, Hanes,
Woodruff, Campbell, and Cutter answered the roll. A quorum was present.
C. Appoint Council President: Mayor Welch nominated Councilor
Woodruff. Councilor Hanes seconded. The nominations were closed and
Councilor Woodruff was appointed as Council President by unanimous vote.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Tom Cropper addressed the Council in regard to
landslides, reminding the Council that he had spoken to them in June of 2005
about the subject, and asking them to give consideration to the types of ground
cover that are allowed to grow on the slopes. Doug LaSalle and Jeannie Hafner
asked the Council to clarify the signage on Willow Street near the Alsea Bay
Market.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Discussion ensued regarding Willow Street next
to the Alsea Bay Market. Ms. Leonard noted that the City was still reviewing the
possibility of making it two-way, but a sight distance analysis needs to be
done. Mayor Welch reported that he had attended the "Christmas in Waldport"
celebration, which was a great success. He will be in Salem on January 28 for
the "Mayor’s Day" at the State capitol, and asked that any thoughts or ideas
that people would like him to address there would be appreciated.
4. MINUTES: The Council considered the minutes from the December 11, 2008
meeting. Councilor Cutter moved to approve the minutes as presented.
Councilor Woodruff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
5. CORRESPONDENCE: None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S): None.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT: Ms. Leonard reported that the PUD has finally installed
the light above the high school. The sidewalks at Crestline Park should be
completed tomorrow, and the grant has been extended to June so that the
remainder of the project can be completed. The report from the Sheriff’s
department was available for review in the Council Chambers. Councilor Welch
noted the upcoming Oregon Sesquicentennial celebration on February 14. Ms.
Leonard indicated that suggestions from the Council for an acknowledgment of the
event would be welcome.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: The Council considered the following items: Library
Circulation report and the Planning Commission minutes from November. Mayor
Welch noted that the circulation numbers for the Library for the past year were
impressive, and congratulated them on the service they provide. Councilor Hanes
will convey the plaudits to the Library at the next board meeting.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR: No items.
11. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
A. Discussion on Landslide Situation: Ms. Leonard gave an
update on the landslide that occurred on Friday, January 2 at 6:00 a.m. on the
hillside above Alder & Willow Streets. The Fire District, Sheriff’s Department,
and Waldport Public Works worked hard to ensure the public safety, evacuating
the residents that were in immediate danger. Ms. Leonard explained that the
City’s responsibility was the street, to determine if the removal of the debris
would cause further problems. The remainder of the material was unfortunately
the purview of the property owners. The City was fortunate to engage the
services of an engineering geologist in short order. The geologist came on
Saturday and again on Monday, and gave a report that removing the debris from
the street would not disturb the toe of the slope. Road and Driveway was hired
to do the debris removal. The Fire District and the City have told residents
that they can enter their properties at their own risk, as it cannot be stated
with certainty that the situation is safe. Discussion ensued regarding
situations that may create liability vs acts of nature.
B. Other Issues: Mayor Welch asked about
Council committees. Ms. Leonard reminded the Council that the previous year they
had decided to maintain Traffic & Public Safety as the only standing committee,
and ad hoc committees would be formed as the need arose. Following a brief
discussion, it was determined that the Council was comfortable with their
current committee assignments.
Discussion ensued regarding Willow Street and whether the
street should be changed to two-way on the west side of the highway. Numerous
comments were made regarding the ability to see around cars parked along Highway
101. Councilor Campbell moved to continue the one-way designation, and to
improve the signage to ensure compliance. Councilor Cutter seconded, and
the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
A brief discussion took place regarding the current vacancy
on the Council. Ms. Leonard pointed out that the City’s Charter allows the
Council to choose to make an appointment to fill until next general election
(next November), or leave the position vacant and allow someone to run in the
next general election. Consensus was to wait for the time being and leave
the position in open status.
Councilor Hanes asked about moving the 45 mph speed limit on
the south end of town. Ms. Leonard responded that ODOT was still studying the
issue. Councilor Woodruff noted that the Scenic Byway program is still pending
on a management plan to be put together by the City of Philomath.
Ms. Leonard informed the Council that she would not be
present for the regularly scheduled meeting in February and asked if the Council
wished to move the meeting to a different date. Consensus was to go ahead
and have the meeting on the regularly scheduled day.
12. ADJOURNMENT: At 3:07 p.m., there being no further business to come before
the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda A. Quinlan, City Recorder
APPROVED by the Waldport City Council this 12th day of
February, 2009.
SIGNED by the Mayor this 12th day of February, 2009.
Herman Welch, Mayor