April 9, 2012
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
April 9, 2012
Glendale City Hall
124 Third Street
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Fred Jensen. Councilor Boal led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Jim Standard, Audina Jephson, Fred Jensen, Bill Boal, Karen Mehl
Absent: Connie Stevens (excused)
Staff: Don Arnpriester, Ned Dausel, Betty Stanfill
CONSENT AGENDA:
Councilor Boal moved to approve the consent agenda as presented, Councilor Standard seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
SHERIFF’S REPORT:
Officer Marty Case stated that he had no statistics for the previous month, but did report that there had been a break-in at the school.
AGENDA REQUESTS:
Ron Loggins, 224 Marshall Street, demanded to know “what’s going on” with the City targeting him about the stacks of lumber in his yard. He stated that the wood was for his personal use and he was not operating a business; that this is “timber country” and the City should leave him alone. Councilor Boal tried to explain that the City must follow up when complaints are received, but Mr. Loggins continued to insist that he could do whatever he wanted on his property. He also stated that Councilors and City personnel had no business driving up Marshall Street past his house and that the Councilors were all liars. Mayor Jensen told Mr. Loggins that he had heard enough and to sit down, to which Mr. Loggins replied that he would not sit down and continued his tirade against the Council. Mayor Jensen asked Officer Case to escort Mr. Loggins from the building and order was restored.
Bill Howell, 1254 Mt. Reuben Rd., addressed the Council regarding his water bill at 218 Pacific, where three licensed businesses were operating at the same address. He objected to being billed for water service to each business, noting his low actual usage.
Paul Farnham, 140 Molly, voiced the same objection regarding two businesses at the same address and being billed for two base water rates. He stated that their water usage was minimal because they had no sewer service, and had to rent porta-potties for their location. Mayor Jensen attempted to explain the economies of plant operation and the increasing costs of repair and maintenance. He noted that the Council had created a new lower commercial rate for businesses last May in an attempt to make utility bills equitable, but that each business must pay that rate. Bill Shepard, 3686 Windy Creek Rd, asked if the Council had decided the new rate, or was it decided by a City employee. Mayor Jensen replied that the Council had made the decision. Misty Morningstar, 140 Molly, stated that the definition of a business needs to be clarified, stating that she had purchased a business license for her pending adult foster home, but because it is operated by a non-profit entity, it should not require a business license. Mr. Howell and Mr. Farnham stated that they should pay lower rates because of their minimal usage. After further discussion, the Council agreed to discuss the rate again at their next workshop meeting on April 23rd.
BUILDING PERMIT:
Councilors reviewed an application for building permit to replace a carport at 169 Second Street. The builder stated that the attached carport would have the same setbacks as the original. Councilor Boal moved to approve the application and Councilor Standard seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
BUSINESS LICENSE:
An application for a business license by Pam Hallock for a home-based Internet Sales business was reviewed by the Council. Ms. Hallock stated that her business would not cause added traffic to her residence, other than perhaps an occasional UPS van. Most of her business would be transacted through US mail and she would have no employees. Councilor Standard moved to approve the license and Councilor Mehl seconded. The favorable vote was unanimous.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Jensen reopened the Public Hearing on a proposed amendment to the Glendale Zoning and Land Development Ordinance, which had been continued from March 12th. He read aloud the notice that all testimony must relate to compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and/or the ZLDO, and that failure to raise an issue may prohibit appeal on that issue at a later date. There were no questions or comments from the Councilors.
Bill Shepard asked if his property at 101 First Street would still be zoned Commercial if he gets a building permit to convert his commercial building into a four-plex multifamily dwelling. Mayor Jensen answered that the zoning would be unchanged.
Jack Strasberg, 1280 Lower Wolf Creek Rd., stated that he did not understand why this change is necessary, stating that the appearance of the town won’t change. He added that the City should provide water to struggling businesses, instead of billing them each for usage. He stated that the City needs to make a case to justify its actions.
Mike Cassidy, no address given, asked why the City was taking this action now and if there was some emergency. Mayor Jensen responded that the City had been considering this change for months in order to preserve the downtown core area for commercial use.
Ned Dausel, Public Works Superintendent, explained the recommended percentages of industrial and commercial areas compared to total area in small cities, noting that Glendale’s industrial and commercial zones fell well below those percentages. He favored the City’s efforts to preserve the commercial zone.
Betty Stanfill, City Recorder, explained the difference between an Accessory Use Apartment, which allows proprietors to live adjacent to their business, and Multi-family housing, which consists of a four-unit or larger residential complex. The proposed amendment would eliminate Multi-family housing from the Commercial Zone, but would not change the Conditional Use of an Accessory Use Apartment. She added that there are already 60 multi-family housing units existing within the City, in addition to multiple apartments and duplexes.
Councilor Boal pointed out that Mr. Cassidy had not applied for nor qualified for any residential use in the Commercial Zone, and therefore had no reason to oppose the proposed amendment.
Polly Eells, 611 Maurice, owner of several local businesses, stated that citizens need to be able to shop locally. She noted that if there were more variety of businesses in the downtown area, more people would be drawn to shop there. She favored the City’s proposal to limit multi-family housing to the residential zone. She added that Mr. Cassidy was aware of the City’s process for land development because she had explained it to him, but he had chosen not to follow it.
Mr. Cassidy responded that the City should contact U.S. Representative Greg Walden’s office about providing housing for homeless veterans, and that the City was disrespecting veterans by its actions. He did not explain the correlation.
Mayor Jensen stated that Mr. Cassidy did not represent the community, only himself. He reiterated that the City is seeking to preserve the small commercial district for business use. He added that the high vacancy rate is a result of the poor economy, and that allowing more low-income housing in the commercial zone would not be an improvement.
Shirley Miller, no address given, stated that she was offended by comments made by Ms. Eells, and Ms. Eells apologized.
Jack Strasberg stated that allowing renters would help the owners of commercial property pay the bills, and that the use could be switched back to commercial someday when the economy improves.
J.C. VanDeusen, no address given, stated that he is tired of hearing about the “homeless veterans” who need to be provided for by the City. He stated that he is a veteran of several wars, and knows many other veterans, all of whom take care of themselves and don’t expect handouts. He said that he wants a town to be proud of, where people have self-respect.
Polly Eells described the town she remembered, when there were many more businesses in operation and people supported them. She wants to encourage more businesses to locate in Glendale.
Misty Morningstar agreed that it is possible for new businesses to move to Glendale and prosper, citing her own as an example. She is also planning to open an adult foster care facility soon.
Mayor Jensen stated that the proposed amendment will not affect the current status of any business. Councilor Boal added that this action is not personal, but that all residents must follow the City’s ordinances. He pointed out that several statements by Mr. Cassidy were untrue, and that Conditional Uses would not be affected by the proposed action. He noted that Mr. Cassidy had never been denied a Conditional Use Permit, because he had never applied for one.
Mayor Jensen asked if there was any further comment by the public, and hearing none, he closed the Public Hearing.
NEW BUSINESS:
Councilors reviewed a list of Liquor License Renewals from OLCC, including Glendale Hardware, Glenway Superstore, Nano’s Mexican Restaurant and The Village Inn. Councilor Standard moved to approve the list for renewal and was seconded by Councilor Mehl. The favorable vote was unanimous.
Councilor Mehl moved to appoint the three applicants, J.C. VanDeusen, Sarah Shelton and Shirley Miller, to the 2012-13 Budget Committee. Councilor Boal seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
The Title of Ordinance 03-2012, amending Ordinance 01-2005 to comply with changes in Oregon law, to correct an existing text error, and to remove multi-family housing from the permitted uses in Commercial “C” Zone was read aloud by Mayor Fred Jensen. Recorder Stanfill stated that the Ordinance had been available for public inspection for more than a month, had been the subject of a two-part Public Hearing, and had been in the possession of Council members since March 12th, and that adoption by reading of title only was permitted in this case by the City Charter. Councilor Standard moved to adopt the Ordinance and was seconded by Councilor Jephson. The vote was unanimously in favor.
A renewal of the Sheriff’s Contract for 2012-13 was considered by the Council and Councilor Jephson moved to approve the contract in the amount of $45,737.25. Councilor Mehl seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:
Plans for Sether Lift Station have been received, and several errors have been identified, which the engineers have agreed to correct, prior to seeking bids for the work.
Sewer lateral repairs on Winnie Walker Lane have been delayed by heavy rains, and will be completed by JTM Grading & Excavating as soon as weather permits.
Mr. Dausel presented a contract renewal with Swanson Group for water testing at their mills in the amount of $960 annually. Councilor Boal moved to approve the contract and authorize the Mayor to sign on behalf of the City. Councilor Standard seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor.
Mr. Dausel reported that he had contacted RCAC regarding possible funding to develop a Stormwater Master Plan, but learned there is very little funding available, and would need matching funds from the City. The City will continue to do spot repairs to the stormwater system as it can afford them.
CODE ENFORCEMENT:
Robert Tiffany was cited into Court on March 6th for violation of the City nuisance ordinance for storing several inoperable autos on his property. He was found not competent to defend himself and was given until March 20th to produce documentation of his mental status to the Court. The resolution of this case is not known at this time.
An inoperable and unlicensed van at 276 Fifth Street has been moved from the City right-of-way into a yard, but is still visible from the street. Mr. Dausel was directed to pursue its removal from public view.
A water meter has been relocated onto City right-of-way at 184 Marshall.
A complaint of open storm drains and a damaged culvert on Marshall Street was investigated, but the City lacks the funds to make repairs at this time.
A complaint of a van, trash and old tires at 552 Pacific Avenue has been abated.
Howard Ramsey, 210 Gilbert, had been given until today to complete his clean-up of his property, and Mr. Dausel will check on his progress.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS:
Mayor Jensen stated that the City is seeking private industrial development on railroad property in Glendale and would like to see new family-wage employment.
COUNCILOR’S COMMENTS:
Councilor Boal recommended that former Councilor Allen King be given a commendation for his years of service. The Council agreed but no specific plans were made.
Councilor Jephson noted that the second Budget Committee meeting on Monday, April 23rd is on the same date as the Council Workshop, so Councilors agreed to hold the workshop at 5:00 PM followed by the Budget Committee meeting at 6:00 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Joe Morningstar requested that the Council develop a plan to review and assess trees in the City. He produced forms used by the City of Grants Pass to identify and assess the status of City trees. Councilor Jephson recommended that the Council take up this subject during its workshop on April 23rd. Mr. Morningstar volunteered to assist in any way he could. Councilor Boal stated that he had talked to Grants Pass personnel about their program and believed that parts of it could be applied to Glendale. Mayor Jensen recommended that the parks be closed during high wind storms because dangerous limbs can fall from apparently healthy trees. He added that the existing two logs in City Park will be cut up and made available for firewood when the weather is drier.
Misty Morningstar asked if the City made any background checks on people applying for business licenses, and was informed that the City did not.
J.C. VanDeusen asked if the City required proof of liability insurance before issuing a business license, and was informed that the City did not require proof of any type of insurance. It was suggested that the Fire Chief could ascertain fire insurance when he does a building inspection, but Denny Stanfill, GRFD Board member, stated that the Fire Chief does not verify insurance. His inspection is to point out fire safety problems and to record specific conditions that firefighters might encounter at a given location.
Sarah Shelton, 624 Willis Avenue, inquired about potential grant funds that had been mentioned at an earlier meeting. Recorder Stanfill responded that she had included the possible grant funds in the proposed budget and planned to apply for the Plum Creek Foundation grant by the July 29th deadline. She added that part of the application must include a specific parks and recreation project to be funded, including plans, equipment costs and a time line.
There was a general discussion of the requirements of serving on the Council and how members could combat unfounded rumors and misinformation that frequently circulates in the community. The public was encouraged to attend meetings and contact City Hall or members of the Council with any questions or concerns.
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:15 PM.
Submitted by:
Betty Stanfill
City Recorder
City Recorder
MINUTES
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
April 9, 2012
Glendale City Hall
124 Third Street
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Fred Jensen. Councilor Boal led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Jim Standard, Audina Jephson, Fred Jensen, Bill Boal, Karen Mehl
Absent: Connie Stevens (excused)
Staff: Don Arnpriester, Ned Dausel, Betty Stanfill
CONSENT AGENDA:
Councilor Boal moved to approve the consent agenda as presented, Councilor Standard seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
SHERIFF’S REPORT:
Officer Marty Case stated that he had no statistics for the previous month, but did report that there had been a break-in at the school.
AGENDA REQUESTS:
Ron Loggins, 224 Marshall Street, demanded to know “what’s going on” with the City targeting him about the stacks of lumber in his yard. He stated that the wood was for his personal use and he was not operating a business; that this is “timber country” and the City should leave him alone. Councilor Boal tried to explain that the City must follow up when complaints are received, but Mr. Loggins continued to insist that he could do whatever he wanted on his property. He also stated that Councilors and City personnel had no business driving up Marshall Street past his house and that the Councilors were all liars. Mayor Jensen told Mr. Loggins that he had heard enough and to sit down, to which Mr. Loggins replied that he would not sit down and continued his tirade against the Council. Mayor Jensen asked Officer Case to escort Mr. Loggins from the building and order was restored.
Bill Howell, 1254 Mt. Reuben Rd., addressed the Council regarding his water bill at 218 Pacific, where three licensed businesses were operating at the same address. He objected to being billed for water service to each business, noting his low actual usage.
Paul Farnham, 140 Molly, voiced the same objection regarding two businesses at the same address and being billed for two base water rates. He stated that their water usage was minimal because they had no sewer service, and had to rent porta-potties for their location. Mayor Jensen attempted to explain the economies of plant operation and the increasing costs of repair and maintenance. He noted that the Council had created a new lower commercial rate for businesses last May in an attempt to make utility bills equitable, but that each business must pay that rate. Bill Shepard, 3686 Windy Creek Rd, asked if the Council had decided the new rate, or was it decided by a City employee. Mayor Jensen replied that the Council had made the decision. Misty Morningstar, 140 Molly, stated that the definition of a business needs to be clarified, stating that she had purchased a business license for her pending adult foster home, but because it is operated by a non-profit entity, it should not require a business license. Mr. Howell and Mr. Farnham stated that they should pay lower rates because of their minimal usage. After further discussion, the Council agreed to discuss the rate again at their next workshop meeting on April 23rd.
BUILDING PERMIT:
Councilors reviewed an application for building permit to replace a carport at 169 Second Street. The builder stated that the attached carport would have the same setbacks as the original. Councilor Boal moved to approve the application and Councilor Standard seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
BUSINESS LICENSE:
An application for a business license by Pam Hallock for a home-based Internet Sales business was reviewed by the Council. Ms. Hallock stated that her business would not cause added traffic to her residence, other than perhaps an occasional UPS van. Most of her business would be transacted through US mail and she would have no employees. Councilor Standard moved to approve the license and Councilor Mehl seconded. The favorable vote was unanimous.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Jensen reopened the Public Hearing on a proposed amendment to the Glendale Zoning and Land Development Ordinance, which had been continued from March 12th. He read aloud the notice that all testimony must relate to compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and/or the ZLDO, and that failure to raise an issue may prohibit appeal on that issue at a later date. There were no questions or comments from the Councilors.
Bill Shepard asked if his property at 101 First Street would still be zoned Commercial if he gets a building permit to convert his commercial building into a four-plex multifamily dwelling. Mayor Jensen answered that the zoning would be unchanged.
Jack Strasberg, 1280 Lower Wolf Creek Rd., stated that he did not understand why this change is necessary, stating that the appearance of the town won’t change. He added that the City should provide water to struggling businesses, instead of billing them each for usage. He stated that the City needs to make a case to justify its actions.
Mike Cassidy, no address given, asked why the City was taking this action now and if there was some emergency. Mayor Jensen responded that the City had been considering this change for months in order to preserve the downtown core area for commercial use.
Ned Dausel, Public Works Superintendent, explained the recommended percentages of industrial and commercial areas compared to total area in small cities, noting that Glendale’s industrial and commercial zones fell well below those percentages. He favored the City’s efforts to preserve the commercial zone.
Betty Stanfill, City Recorder, explained the difference between an Accessory Use Apartment, which allows proprietors to live adjacent to their business, and Multi-family housing, which consists of a four-unit or larger residential complex. The proposed amendment would eliminate Multi-family housing from the Commercial Zone, but would not change the Conditional Use of an Accessory Use Apartment. She added that there are already 60 multi-family housing units existing within the City, in addition to multiple apartments and duplexes.
Councilor Boal pointed out that Mr. Cassidy had not applied for nor qualified for any residential use in the Commercial Zone, and therefore had no reason to oppose the proposed amendment.
Polly Eells, 611 Maurice, owner of several local businesses, stated that citizens need to be able to shop locally. She noted that if there were more variety of businesses in the downtown area, more people would be drawn to shop there. She favored the City’s proposal to limit multi-family housing to the residential zone. She added that Mr. Cassidy was aware of the City’s process for land development because she had explained it to him, but he had chosen not to follow it.
Mr. Cassidy responded that the City should contact U.S. Representative Greg Walden’s office about providing housing for homeless veterans, and that the City was disrespecting veterans by its actions. He did not explain the correlation.
Mayor Jensen stated that Mr. Cassidy did not represent the community, only himself. He reiterated that the City is seeking to preserve the small commercial district for business use. He added that the high vacancy rate is a result of the poor economy, and that allowing more low-income housing in the commercial zone would not be an improvement.
Shirley Miller, no address given, stated that she was offended by comments made by Ms. Eells, and Ms. Eells apologized.
Jack Strasberg stated that allowing renters would help the owners of commercial property pay the bills, and that the use could be switched back to commercial someday when the economy improves.
J.C. VanDeusen, no address given, stated that he is tired of hearing about the “homeless veterans” who need to be provided for by the City. He stated that he is a veteran of several wars, and knows many other veterans, all of whom take care of themselves and don’t expect handouts. He said that he wants a town to be proud of, where people have self-respect.
Polly Eells described the town she remembered, when there were many more businesses in operation and people supported them. She wants to encourage more businesses to locate in Glendale.
Misty Morningstar agreed that it is possible for new businesses to move to Glendale and prosper, citing her own as an example. She is also planning to open an adult foster care facility soon.
Mayor Jensen stated that the proposed amendment will not affect the current status of any business. Councilor Boal added that this action is not personal, but that all residents must follow the City’s ordinances. He pointed out that several statements by Mr. Cassidy were untrue, and that Conditional Uses would not be affected by the proposed action. He noted that Mr. Cassidy had never been denied a Conditional Use Permit, because he had never applied for one.
Mayor Jensen asked if there was any further comment by the public, and hearing none, he closed the Public Hearing.
NEW BUSINESS:
Councilors reviewed a list of Liquor License Renewals from OLCC, including Glendale Hardware, Glenway Superstore, Nano’s Mexican Restaurant and The Village Inn. Councilor Standard moved to approve the list for renewal and was seconded by Councilor Mehl. The favorable vote was unanimous.
Councilor Mehl moved to appoint the three applicants, J.C. VanDeusen, Sarah Shelton and Shirley Miller, to the 2012-13 Budget Committee. Councilor Boal seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
The Title of Ordinance 03-2012, amending Ordinance 01-2005 to comply with changes in Oregon law, to correct an existing text error, and to remove multi-family housing from the permitted uses in Commercial “C” Zone was read aloud by Mayor Fred Jensen. Recorder Stanfill stated that the Ordinance had been available for public inspection for more than a month, had been the subject of a two-part Public Hearing, and had been in the possession of Council members since March 12th, and that adoption by reading of title only was permitted in this case by the City Charter. Councilor Standard moved to adopt the Ordinance and was seconded by Councilor Jephson. The vote was unanimously in favor.
A renewal of the Sheriff’s Contract for 2012-13 was considered by the Council and Councilor Jephson moved to approve the contract in the amount of $45,737.25. Councilor Mehl seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:
Plans for Sether Lift Station have been received, and several errors have been identified, which the engineers have agreed to correct, prior to seeking bids for the work.
Sewer lateral repairs on Winnie Walker Lane have been delayed by heavy rains, and will be completed by JTM Grading & Excavating as soon as weather permits.
Mr. Dausel presented a contract renewal with Swanson Group for water testing at their mills in the amount of $960 annually. Councilor Boal moved to approve the contract and authorize the Mayor to sign on behalf of the City. Councilor Standard seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor.
Mr. Dausel reported that he had contacted RCAC regarding possible funding to develop a Stormwater Master Plan, but learned there is very little funding available, and would need matching funds from the City. The City will continue to do spot repairs to the stormwater system as it can afford them.
CODE ENFORCEMENT:
Robert Tiffany was cited into Court on March 6th for violation of the City nuisance ordinance for storing several inoperable autos on his property. He was found not competent to defend himself and was given until March 20th to produce documentation of his mental status to the Court. The resolution of this case is not known at this time.
An inoperable and unlicensed van at 276 Fifth Street has been moved from the City right-of-way into a yard, but is still visible from the street. Mr. Dausel was directed to pursue its removal from public view.
A water meter has been relocated onto City right-of-way at 184 Marshall.
A complaint of open storm drains and a damaged culvert on Marshall Street was investigated, but the City lacks the funds to make repairs at this time.
A complaint of a van, trash and old tires at 552 Pacific Avenue has been abated.
Howard Ramsey, 210 Gilbert, had been given until today to complete his clean-up of his property, and Mr. Dausel will check on his progress.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS:
Mayor Jensen stated that the City is seeking private industrial development on railroad property in Glendale and would like to see new family-wage employment.
COUNCILOR’S COMMENTS:
Councilor Boal recommended that former Councilor Allen King be given a commendation for his years of service. The Council agreed but no specific plans were made.
Councilor Jephson noted that the second Budget Committee meeting on Monday, April 23rd is on the same date as the Council Workshop, so Councilors agreed to hold the workshop at 5:00 PM followed by the Budget Committee meeting at 6:00 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Joe Morningstar requested that the Council develop a plan to review and assess trees in the City. He produced forms used by the City of Grants Pass to identify and assess the status of City trees. Councilor Jephson recommended that the Council take up this subject during its workshop on April 23rd. Mr. Morningstar volunteered to assist in any way he could. Councilor Boal stated that he had talked to Grants Pass personnel about their program and believed that parts of it could be applied to Glendale. Mayor Jensen recommended that the parks be closed during high wind storms because dangerous limbs can fall from apparently healthy trees. He added that the existing two logs in City Park will be cut up and made available for firewood when the weather is drier.
Misty Morningstar asked if the City made any background checks on people applying for business licenses, and was informed that the City did not.
J.C. VanDeusen asked if the City required proof of liability insurance before issuing a business license, and was informed that the City did not require proof of any type of insurance. It was suggested that the Fire Chief could ascertain fire insurance when he does a building inspection, but Denny Stanfill, GRFD Board member, stated that the Fire Chief does not verify insurance. His inspection is to point out fire safety problems and to record specific conditions that firefighters might encounter at a given location.
Sarah Shelton, 624 Willis Avenue, inquired about potential grant funds that had been mentioned at an earlier meeting. Recorder Stanfill responded that she had included the possible grant funds in the proposed budget and planned to apply for the Plum Creek Foundation grant by the July 29th deadline. She added that part of the application must include a specific parks and recreation project to be funded, including plans, equipment costs and a time line.
There was a general discussion of the requirements of serving on the Council and how members could combat unfounded rumors and misinformation that frequently circulates in the community. The public was encouraged to attend meetings and contact City Hall or members of the Council with any questions or concerns.
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:15 PM.
Submitted by:
Betty Stanfill
City Recorder
City Recorder
