HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/1994 Work Session
.
.
.
. City.. of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
The City of Springfield Council met in Springfield City Hall, Meeting Room 2,
225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, September 19, 1994, at
6:10 p.m. with Mayor Morrisette presiding.
Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Burge, Shaver, Schanz, Walters,
Beyer and Maine. Also present were Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City
Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Eileen Stein, Administrative Aide Shari
Higgins, Building Official Dave Puent, Police Chief Bill DeForrest and members
of staff.
1. Buildinq Board of Appeals Appointments
Building Official Dave Puent stated the Board currently has five vacancies,
as all of the terms have expired since the last appeal was filed. Mr.
Puent explained the Board only meets when an appeal has been filed and
recent changes to the Sign Code have made appeals more likely to occur in
the future.
Councilor Burge stated he was concerned with applicant Ainslie Krans, due
to his previous dealings with the City over his subdivision. Mayor
Morrisette spoke in favor or Mr. Krans. The Council discussed the street
lighting compliance issues in Mr. Krans' subdivision.
Councilor Walters asked about the previous make-up of the Board. Mr. Puent
explained the background of applicants, past and present. Mr. Puent
explained the best regulation for contractors is a board of their own
peers.
Councilor Shaver asked why all five terms expire at once. Mr. Puent
explained there has only been one appeal in the last 10 years, so all the
terms expired during the 10 year time frame. Councilor Walters suggested
staggering the terms. City Attorney Joe Leahy stated the Council could
make appointments for less than the required four-years, as stated by the
Springfield City Code.
By consensus, the Council agreed to appoint Thomas I. Miller, James Ingrate
and Philip (Butch) Baird, Jr. to four-year terms and Ainslie Krans and
Orville Tharp to two-year terms. The appointments will be made at the
September 19, 1994, Regular Session meeting.
2. Cat Ordinance
Police Chief Bill DeForrest made a correction to the staff report under
Discussion/Financial Impact. He stated the revenues would equal $38,000,
not $10,000.
Chief DeForrest introduced Police Captain Dick Golden, Records Clerk Cheryl
Peterson and the two Animal Control Officers, Linda Gallacher and Les
Brown. Chief DeForrest gave background information on the Animal Control
program and outlined the possible alternatives in creating a cat control
ordinance.
. City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
Page two
.
Chief DeForrest reviewed City Recorder Eileen Stein's memorandum of June 2,
1994, and agreed with her analysis. He stated the Police Department would
respond positively to any Council action, but felt the Council needed to be
aware of additional resources the department would need in order to enforce
an ordinance.
There was a discussion regarding the current dog control program and the
possibility of allowing citizens to trap cats versus seek enforcement of a
cat ordinance through the Police Department.
Councilor Shaver suggested placing the issue under the nuisance ordinance,
by limiting the number of cats allowed to no more than five cats. Councilor
Walters felt a licensing program is needed with fees the same as for dogs.
He referenced a letter to the Council from Curt Greer.
Captain Golden explained the current contract with Greenhill Humane Society
and the limitations on their acceptance of cats. He told the Council the
shelter facilities in the current contract of $20,100, only cover dog
impoundment.
Councilor Shaver discussed his idea for placing cats under the nuisance
ordinance. Mr. Leahy stated nuisance enforcement staff may have a hard
time gathering factual evidence and questioned whether it would be an
appropriate use of their time.
.
Councilor Walters stated the City should raise fees to cover the cost of a
cat ordinance/licensing program. Councilor Schanz stated cats are a big
issue and he has received many complaints. He recommended the Council
review sample ordinances provided by the League of Oregon Cities, which
were referred to in the staff report.
Mr. Leahy said it will be hard for the City to enforce civil remedies to
the cat problem. He led a discussion of neighbors taking either licensed
or unlicensed cats to Greenhill.
Councilor Walters stated stray cats are a large problem and the City needs
an ordinance to take the burden off of citizens. Councilor Beyer asked if
licensing cats would stop the problem of roaming strays. She believes
enforcement would still be an issue.
Captain Golden explained enforcement issues and current mediation the
Police Department undertakes with regard to dog at large complaints. Chief
DeForrest stated the department would support a new ordinance, but
currently does not have the resources to enforce it.
Councilor Shaver asked nuisance staff to respond to the approximate number
of calls and the added costs that enforcing a cat ordinance would add to
their program. Councilor Walters asked staff to provide information on
diseases that are transmitted through stray cats.
By consensus, Council agreed to further discuss this topic at an upcoming
Work Session.
.
. Cit~ of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
Page three
.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
ATTEST:
~~
City Recorder
.
.
~#~