CITY of ELGIN
COUNCIL MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 9, 1999
COUNCILORS PRESENT- Glenn Clark
Pat McMullen
John Stover
John McElravy
Joe Estes
John Braughton
Berta Churchill - Mayor
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Mayor Berta Churchill
Approval of Minutes
The Mayor called for approval of the minutes of the meeting of October 12,1999.
Councilor Stover moved to approve the minutes as presented, with Councilor
Clark as second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Supervisors Reports
The Mayor called for the supervisors reports.
Police- Chief Sibley reported that he is preparing a voluntary, confidential urine
drug testing program. This would be primarily for parents who would like a
confidential screening of their children. The results would not be released or
recorded. The Council reviewed the proposal and concurred with its
implementation
Public works- Kyle Boylen submitted a written report.
Library- Sandra Good reported that she has ordered a new computer for the
Internet station. The old computer will be moved to the childrenþs area. She
said that the Internet use has increased dramatically the past few months.
Fire- Chief McDonald reported an increase in call-outs since the close of fire
season. The fire department is holding their annual fire wood raffle next week.
Chief McDonald reported that the new tanker will be in service as soon as a
radio is installed. The rural district has stated that this tanker will not be
available to the City for use on the streets. They are willing to sell the old
tanker for $6,000. No action was taken by the Council.
Ambulance- Krista Silver was present to report that they have had 11 runs in
the past month. The EMTs wish to change the ambulance driver training
requirements to reduce the class hours. It was noted that the current by-law
requirements came from the EMTs. If they wish to make changes, they need to
prepare the changes and submit them to the Council. However, the standards for
training imposed by the State must be met. It was noted that two scholarships
are available for the EMT training.
Municipal Court- Ralph Howell submitted a written report of court activity.
Recorder/Administrator- Joe Garlitz, no report.
HEARING 7:15
Stafford subdivision, review/re-approval
Mayor Churchill opened a hearing for a proposed subdivision at North 12th
Ave. Notice of the hearing has been mailed to all property owners within 300
feet of the proposed subdivision.
Janet Stafford, applicant for the subdivision was present. She stated that
she is requesting a re-approval of the subdivision that was approved in 1996.
She has had the property surveyed per the plat map presented. No other
development of the subdivision has completed.
Randy and Debbie McKone, adjacent property owners submitted a letter in
regard to the proposal. They stated their objection to the proposed development
citing a negative impact on quality, lifestyle and appearance of adjacent
properties due to the development being a þglorified trailer park.þ No other
testimony was presented to the Council.
It was noted that the proposed subdivision met all the applicable standards
of the Cityþs subdivision ordinance, and that the Council had no authority to
require development standards greater than those of the residential zone of this
property.
Ms. Stafford stated that she was going to impose protective covenants for
the subdivision that would place certain restrictions on development that would
exceed the Cityþs requirements.
With no further testimony, Mayor Churchill closed the hearing. Councilor
Stover moved to approve the subdivision as presented, with Councilor Estes as
second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Citizens to Speak
Harlan Scott was present to give a brief report of Elgin Edge activities. He
stated that the steering committee had not met. He informed the Council that the
communication/publicity committee had contacted the School District regarding
placing notices of community activity in their newsletter. However, with the
advent of þThe Paperþ that was no longer being considered.
Old Business
Karen Chadwick, Community Bank; re. Investing City reserve funds. Community
Bank was not able to have a final proposal ready for this meeting. They will
make a presentation to the Council next month.
ODF&W; wild game animal sanctuary in town.
Leonard Erickson and Mark Henjum of ODF&W were present to discuss the
problem of deer in the City. They have received numerous complaints regarding
damage caused by deer, much more so than in previous years. Mr. Erickson said
that there was likely a number of reasons for this. The dry summer has brought
some migratory animals into town, predator pressure has likely pushed some
animals into town as well and the population of resident deer has been
increasing. Councilor Stover stated that he was concerned about the potential
for a deer to injure a person, especially a child, who either irritated an animal
or was caught in the path a running animal.
Mr. Erickson stated that the Department could provided netting and hog
wire to help protect plants from damage caused by the animals. However, a
permanent solution would require reducing the number of animals in town and
the surrounding area. Due to a shortage of resources, it was difficult for them
to make a timely response to every complaint and to provide extended activity
in any one area.
Mr. Henjum said that there were several approaches that could be taken
to reduce the number of deer in town. They can net the deer or dart them and
transport them to another area; they can design a special hunt that will help
reduce the number of deer in the area; they can haze the deer to make them
leave town. Each of these alternatives has advantages and draw-backs which the
Councilors need to consider.
It was noted that in spite of the complaints, there are a number of people
that will object to any attempt to reduce the number of deer in town. It was
also noted that there were people in town who regularly feed the deer. Both
ODF&W representatives stated that they absolutely advised against feeding the
deer. This could be a major contributor to the increase in the number of animals
and to the increased level of nuisance complaints.
The Councilors discussed the possibility of adopting an ordinance that
would prohibit feeding deer inside the city limits. The options presented were
discussed. It was decided to consider the matter further at the December
meeting. The City will make a request of the ODF&W after their further
consideration.
Resolution 1068 requesting ODOT to restrict parking at 14th and Division was
presented per the Councilþs motion in October. Councilor McMullen moved to
approve Resolution 1068 as presented, with Councilor Braughton as second. The
vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Water system modifications and improvements
The City has been invited to submit an application for Special Public Works
funds. The application is for the construction of a water storage tank on the
low-pressure side of the Cityþs system. Howard Perry can prepare the
application for the City. After discussion Councilor Stover moved to proceed with
the application and have Anderson Perry and Associates prepare the document,
with Councilor Estes as second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion
carried.
Committee Reports
The Mayor then called for the committee reports.
Administration: Councilors McMullen and Estes reported that the bills had been
reviewed.
Public Works: Councilors Braughton and McElravy; no report.
Public Safety: Councilors Stover and Clark reported that they will be available
at 6:00 PM prior to each council meeting to discuss public safety issues with
anyone who wishes to meet with them. They will also have a public safety
meeting the fourth Tuesday of each month.
New Business
"The Paper", as newspaper of record.
Rich Zinzer of The Paper was present. He noted that ORS required a
newspaper to be published for at least a year before it could be considered a
þlegalþ paper of record. Mr. Garlitz stated that the editor of the Observer had
called him in this regard. After discussion, it was noted that "The Paper" was
delivered to every address in Elgin, and thus presented the best medium for
presenting the general public with information of City business. As such, the
City will place unofficial notices in "The Paper".
Correspondence
OR Department of Administrative Services sent a letter informing the city
that the POW/MIA flag is to be displayed on certain designated days. The
Department of Admin Services will pay for one flag. The Council directed the
Administrator to order a flag for the City.
OHSU, Elgin Family Clinic advisory committee meeting minutes were
presented for the councilorsþ information.
UnCo Emergency Services notified the City of a coordination meeting on
November 29th. The meeting will be at the Golden Harvest restaurant, with the
County buying lunch.
Good of the Order
Councilor McMullen moved to approve the bills as presented, with Councilor
Estes as second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Mayor Churchill noted that the flowers presented as door prizes at the City
banquet were prepared by Carol Young. Councilor Estes moved to approve
payment for the flowers, with Councilor McMullen as second. The vote was
unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Councilor Stover indicated that during the budget process, the stipends
for EMTs should be raised.
Mayor Churchill stated that she has contacted OTEC about the possibility
of getting a temporary hookup installed for the lights on the Opera House
Christmas tree. She indicated that she could get donations to pay the cost, but
would like the Council to support this since it involves City properties. By
consensus, the Council agreed that this should be pursued.
Councilor McElravy wanted clarification as to the procedures and purpose
of variances, particularly as it concerned the variance granted to Dan Reynolds
at the prior meeting. It was noted that the process was defined in the zoning
section of the City code.
Councilor Clark moved to adjourn, with Councilor Estes as second. The
vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Minutes respectfully submitted;
Joe Garlitz,
Recorder/Administrator