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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/23/1994 Work Session . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994 The City of Springfield Council met in Springfield city Hall, Meeting Room 2, 225 Fifth Street, Springfieldk Oregon, on Monday, May 23, 1994, at 6:10 p.m. with Council President Burge presiding. Present were Council President Burge and Councilors Shaver, Walters, Maine and Beyer (6:12). Mayor Morrisette and Councilor Schanz were absent (excused). Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Tim Harold, City Recorder Eileen Stein, Code Enforcement Officer Jackie Murdoch, Maintenance Manager Ed Black, Property Manager Jim Douglas, Police Chief Bill DeForrest and members of staff. Councilor Burge told the Council and staff an Industrial broker came into his office and was very pleased that he received an occupancy inspection within 48 hours of his request. He also stated a local developer told him the Development Services Department staff was very caring, efficient and friendly. Mr. Kelly thanked Councilor Burge for his positive comments. 1. Proposed Civil Infraction and Nuisance Ordinance Chanqes; Nuisance Code Enforcement in the Urban Growth Boundary Code Enforcement Officer Jackie Murdoch introduced Code Enforcement Inspector Cindie Mott and explained proposed changes to the Civil Infraction and Nuisance Code Enforcement ordinances. Ms. Murdoch explained the proposed change regarding eliminating certified mail for the first notice letter. She explained the current process in which the first letter is sent by only certified and regular mail and all warning notices and citations are sent by certified mail. Ms. Murdoch discussed discretion which would be used for repeat offenders and explained after multiple violations have occurred no letters or extended timeframes will be granted, only a warning citation will be issued. Ms. Murdoch reviewed another proposed code change regarding Chapter VIII Businesses. She stated transient merchants and garage sales would be given warning notices only, and not letters by regular and certified mail. Councilor Shaver asked if when writing a residence for two violations, (i.e. inoperable vehicles and garbage) the violations would be treated separately. Ms. Murdoch replied yes, and stated a copy of the appropriate ordinance is sent with each letter. She added in all nuisance cases, staff seeks to achieve voluntary compliance. Councilor Beyer asked how staff performed research before proposed ordinance changes were brought to the Council. Ms. Murdoch replied, by advice of the City Attorney's Office, contact with other cities and suggestions from citizens. Councilor Burge discussed the city pursuing enforcement in the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) from Lane County. Ms. Murdoch replied there are two issues with regards to nuisance, 1) changes to City Code and 2) enforcement in the UGB. She asked the Council to make City Code changes before discussing UGB enforcement. . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page two Councilor Walters suggested screening from public view the tanks and dirt left at abandoned gas stations. Council discussed the tank removal process and provisions for screening. Building Official Dave Puent said the city is currently looking at a permit process for tank removal to screen when tanks are removed. Council consensus was to have tanks and dirt screened from public view when tank removal is required. Ms. Murdoch showed photos of violations which have been screened from public view and gave options for screening. She explained that currently a complaint is resolved if a fence is constructed around a violation. Councilor Walters asked about leaking crank shaft oil on residential properties. Development Services Director Susan Daluddung told Council that would be an issue for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Mr. Kelly said the city can refer violations to either the DEQ or the Fire Department based on individual cases. councilor Maine inquired about changes to the ordinance and how staff would notify on existing cases. Ms. Murdoch explained a moratorium or grandfathering clause could be used for existing violations. She said she is working with the City Attorney's Office regarding the ordinance changes and ramifications. . Councilor Shaver asked about enforcement of boats, motorhomes or motorcycles. Ms. Murdoch stated the nuisance ordinance does not include boats, but does include motorhomes and motorcyles not moved every 20 days. The Council discussed the placement of motorhomes and Councilor Walters suggested they not be parked parallel, but perpendicular to houses. Councilor Burge stated he would prefer the requirement for side yard setbacks to be 12 feet. Councilor Maine stated she has a concern with motorhomes not used for recreational uses, but parked illegally with grass growing over them. Ms. Murdoch told the Council motorhomes are not addressed in nuisance code. Council discussed screening of vehicles and Councilor Shaver stated vehicles screened by a fence are acceptable, unless they pose a vector or fire hazard. Councilor Burge suggested the city impose a very stringent nuisance ordinance. Mr. Kelly stated staff will return with an ordinance that is stringent, but would allow recreational vehicles. Councilor Walters suggested adding the requirement of parking boats on private properties parallel into the ordinance. Mr. Kelly said staff will again contact Lane County regarding enforcement in UGB. Councilor Burge stated he is in favor of jurisdiction from Lane County for the UGB even without funding. He said the city can opt to enforce if they have the jurisdictional rights. Council discussed seeking UGB enforcement funding from Lane County. 2. Review of FY 1993/94 Brush Chippinq Proqram . Public Works Director Dan Brown introduced Maintenance Manager Ed Black. Mr. Brown gave background information on a previous Council decision regarding banning backyard burning and initiating the brush chipping program. . . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page three Mr. Black explained the chipping program consists of a two person crew who spends approximately 50 days per year. The program is supervised by Maintenance Supervisor Greg Ferschweiler. Mr. Brown stated this is a popular and highly used city program. Mr. Black explained the city processed 700 cubic yards of chips in the last three years, with 2,000 people participating in the program each year. He told the Council of the many positive comments the Maintenance Division receives from the public. Mr. Black explained the requirements, size, and placement materials must meet to be included in the program. If load does not meet a requirement, a second chance is given and sometimes a third through a callback list. Mr. Black explained the 1993/94 program modifications as discussed during Council Goal Setting Session. The suggestions were as follows: 1) reverse program starting zone annually, 2) expand program to include Christmas tree disposal, and 3) provide brush chipping services by appointment. He said staff's ideas regarding the Christmas tree disposal modifications are, 1) the city could possibly modify the franchise agreement with Sanipac, 2) the program start date could be moved to mid-January, 3) designated centralized disposal sites could be created, or 4) the city could develop a volunteer program. He also stated staff agreed the route should be changed annually and chipping by appointment should not be instituted at this time. Councilor Shaver stated he is a big fan of the program and he agreed with rotation of zones. Mr. Black stated zone rotations would not cost more except for providing additional public information. Councilor Shaver suggested chipping by appointment for an entire block, not for individual houses. Mr. Black said the city could handle large jobs by appointment. Councilor Walters suggested appointments with a minimum number on a block or street. Councilor Burge asked why the city is performing this program when 90% of the citizens are paying for the program and only 10% of the citizens use it. He felt the city provides many services that only a few people take advantage of. Councilor Shaver explained that this small program provides a service to the entire city. Councilor Beyer said she likes the program, but does not want the city to get into the Christmas tree business. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WALTERS, TO ROTATE ZONES ANNUALLY, NOT INITIATE A CHRISTMAS TREE PROGRAM AND PROVIDE BY APPOINTMENT SERVICE ONLY IF IT SATISFIES THE NEEDS OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 4 FOR AND 1 AGAINST (BURGE). 3. Booth-Kelly Property Manaqement Report Mr. Kelly explained the history of the Booth-Kelly property and Property Manager Jim Douglas explained current leases and future plans. They described the property acquisition in 1985 of 76 acres and the process of obtaining grants and loans for site studies and development. - " City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page four . Mr. Douglas reviewed current issues and development progression, beginning with attachment two of staff report. He said over $2.6 million dollars has been invested in the property, $2.1 million in grants and $300,000 in Federal Revenue Sharing, with $122,469 transferred from Fund 18 to the General Fund for FY 1994/95. Mr. Douglas explained future cash flow scenarios per attachment V of the staff report. He stated expenses would remain flat in the FY 1994/95 budget, including improvements to the parking/loading area. Mr. Douglas detailed current operating expenses and Priority's 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4. He described the process for obtaining Federal dollars and asked for Council direction with regards to expensive repairs that are currently needed. Councilor Burge clarified a total of $4 million dollars will be spent by the time all renovations are completed. Council discussed the renovation of older buildings versus demolition and rebuilding. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the needed renovations. Mr. Kelly explained possible funding options including, possible grants and a loan from internal funds or private sources to finish the renovations. He said any loans would be repaid with increased rent from renovated buildings. . Council discussed Gunderson's agreement with the city to raise their rent to match the improvement loans for their current site. Councilor Maine suggested completing the needed improvements for Gunderson's site, while also and seeking grants. Ms. Daluddung said the city is currently seeking grants and researching loan possibilities for the balance of renovations. Mr. Douglas spoke of the expansion program that Gunderson is undertaking including 50 more local jobs. He felt the city should act now regarding needed site improvements to support their expansion. Councilor walters asked if Gunderson signed their lease with the city under the assumption the city would assist with their expansion. Mr. Douglas stated the improvements were implied but not promised. Councilor Shaver suggested seeking State funding to assist with Gunderson's improvements and not waiting for possible Federal funding. He felt the city should proceed with option 3, as soon as arrangements can be finalized. Councilor Walters stated he supports providing industrial suppliers to Sony and other strong industrial businesses. said there is a strong industrial market now and a demand space for Councilor Burge for good space. Councilor Burge thanked Mr. Douglas for the quality presentation and property management report. 4. Resolution Amendinq the Schedule of Charqes for Doq Control Services . Police Chief DeForrest outlined proposed changes to the fee schedule for dog control services, per the Council Briefing Memorandum. He explained the fees have not been increased since 1986, and if amended would be equal to the Lane County Animal Regulation Authority and the city of Eugene, who contracts with Lane County. Chief DeForrest stated he is seeking Council approval to proceed with increases to the fee schedule. . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page five Councilor Walters asked why the city has no cat regulations, only dog regulations. There was a lengthy discussion between Police Records Clerk Cheryl Peterson, Chief DeForrest and the Council regarding cities with cat regulations and the possibility of inst~tuting one in Springfield. Councilor Maine stated she supports the fee schedule amendments. Council discussed the projected revenues and increase to the FY 1994-95 budget. By consensus, the Council agreed to support the proposed resolution amending the schedule of charges for dog control services and asked staff to check with cities in Oregon and Washington regarding cat control regulations and options. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins Ma