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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 1970-02-07 • 1111 February 7, 1970 The Committee of The Whole meeting convened at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Present were Council President Ferguson, Councilmen Cook, Dent, Goodall, Knowles and Needham, City Manager Deane Seeger, Assistant manager Norm Croy, Director of Public Works Dave Abraham and City Engineer Marlin DeHaas. Mayor John fYlacLean was out of the City. Mr. Ferguson suggested early action by Council on a trash-burning ordinance for the City. PROPOSED BOND ISSUE AND/OR SERIAL LEVY Mr. Seeger referred to his memorandum of 12 January which outlined the two possi- ble approaches - a short-term bond issue ano/or a serial levy. He explained the difference between the two methods of financing and pointed out that Council will need to decide whether the signal installations require immediate funding or whether the projects might be selected on the basis of priority and phased out over three years. He read the Mayor's letter of 29 January which recommended that all items be presented to the people at the same time. Councilman Cook asked for clarification regarding the Mayor's statement that TOPICS funds cannot be "preserved". Mr. Seeger said he knew of no restrictions in this regard. Mr. Abraham said that the current allocation can be carried over an additional year, hence by July 1 there will be $80,000 available, subject to City's providing 20% matching funds and submitting necessary application and sup- porting material. Councilman Cook said that while all the projects mentioned by Mayor MacLean are important, he felt that street traffic signals should have first priority. He moved that discussion and decision at this meeting be limited to the matter of street traffic signalization. The motion was seconded by Councilman Knowles and passed unanimously. President Ferguson asked the Committee if they wished to consider all signals pro- posed or to consider them on a priority basis. Councilman Cook suggested that the first nine signals listed in the January 27th memorandum from the City Manager be considered as a package with no regard for priority. This list would represent a total estimated cost of $190,000. (No. 4 on the list is a duplication.) Councilman Needham concurred. President Ferguson asked if any of the proposed installations did not involve pedestrian safety. It was decided that the intersections of Highway 43 and Laurel; Country Club and Boones Ferry and Highway 43 and "B" Avenue could be considered mainly vehicular problems. The City Manager pointed out that at the time "8" Avenue was widened, Council decided to give the signalization of "B" and Highway 43 high priority. Councilman Cook suggested Committee consider the cost of election in deciding the amount of a possible bond issue. Mrs. Joseph Buley inquired if any funds are available immediately For installa— tion of a signal at State and Middlecrest. She was assured there are none. Mr. Seeger commented briefly in support of his proposal to use the serial levy method far the necessary signalization, phasing it over a three—year period. Councilman Goodall expressed approval for use of the serial levy and asked if there could be any flexibility in priority of installations if circumstances arose which would make this desirable. The answer was yes; the measure would simply call for the placing of signals. President Ferguson asked for expressions on timing for the election. Discussion followed with no decision reached. Mr. Abraham explained the procedure required in drawing specifications for the installations. Moved by Councilmen Dent; seconded by Councilman Knowles that the funds needed for traffic signalization be raised by means of a serial levy. Motion passed unanimously. President Ferguson directed staff to have dollar amount and a rigid proposal with priority determination ready for the next regular meeting. IRUING HOUSE The City Manager read a communication submitted by Mr. and Mrs. William Banks and also signed by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dick, Jr., Sue Estes end Hugh D. Dwight. The letter opposed the placing of the Irving House on the newly acquired river— front property and offered several alternative suggestions. Discussion followed. Mrs. Goodall outlined the plans of the Oswego Heritage Council. She expressed the opinion that the proposed resolution is too rigid and she would oppose it. President Ferguson suggested that a meeting be arranged with Carl Halvorson to request that the house be left where it is. Mrs. Goodall approved. The meeting will be arranged at en early date. PETITION TO AMEND CHARTER The City Manager reviewed the matter of the petition submitted by Clyde R. Charters and twenty other residents of City. He has discussed this with the City Attorney and it is their recommendation that the petition be returned, pointing out the present method of submitting a proposed Charter amendment. Moved by Councilman Cook; seconded by Councilmen Knowles to recommend to Council the return of this petition. Motion passed unanimously. MOBILE EQUIPMENT — POLICE DEPARTMENT Mr. Seeger explained the proposed arrangement between the Street Department and the Police Department whereby $2500 budgeted in the Street Department for a new pickup would be used toward purchase of a van type vehicle for the P.D. The present community service pickup would be used by the Street Department in lieu of the new pickup. Difference in price would be absorbed in P.D. budget. ■ • • • Committee voiced no objection to the transaction. ROSS1AN CONTRACT mr. Seeger advised Committee that negotiations are under way with Mr. Rossman and he will report es soon as possible. Discussion followed on the solid waste disposal problem. This, however, will be a completely separate negotiation from the garbage contract. The meeting was adjourned at 11 :30 a.m. City Recorder ■