ESTACADA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

ESTACADA COMMUNITY CENTER

200 SW CLUBHOUSE DRIVE, ESTACADA, OREGON

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2005 - 7:00 PM

 

CALL TO ORDER BY PRESIDING OFFICER                                                                

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.  Mayor Austin led in the pledge of allegiance.

 

Present:  Cr. Kay Nelson, Cr. Becky Arnold, Cr. Michele Conditt, Cr. Marli Stauffacher, Mayor Bob Austin, CM Randy Ealy, CR Denise Carey.

 

Absent:  Cr. Ben Erickson, Cr. Richard Hartwig.

 

PUBLIC HEARING – Comprehensive Plan Amendments                                                        

 

Mayor Austin opened the public hearing and read the statement of evidence.

 

John Morgan explained the process used to develop this plan.  The first step was to complete a land use inventory and then to figure how many acres of each land type is needed and where it should be.  Population estimations based on a projected growth rate of 3% were another important part of developing the plan.  He explained the process of how and why the committee decided to place uses where they did.  DLCD and ODOT has stated that the changes are substantial enough that a transportation study must be done to see how the transportation master plan will be affected.  This process cannot proceed until the transportation study is done so Mr. Morgan suggests that the public hearing remain open until such time.  ODOT will schedule for a study along with paying for the study. 

 

Mayor Austin asked about concerns regarding changing the industrial property to commercial that had infrastructure developed by state funds based on the industrial use.  Mr. Morgan stated this would be a contractual problem for those benefited and feels the council should make the best land use decisions regardless. 

 

The Council reviewed the plan and Mr. Morgan clarified some issues for the council.  Mr. Morgan stated that there were three big changes – expanding the industrial area to include more land in UGB, the removal of the airport property from the UGB and the commercial designation change around the River Mill/Hwy 224 intersection.  The Planning Commission supported two of the three – they want to leave the airport area in the UGB. 

 

Diane Halvorson, Keizer – Concerned about Tax lot 1790 and does not want the 20-acre minimum on this property.

 

Bob Veley, 33700 SE Duus Road – Mr. Veley asked Mr. Morgan about Urban Renewal Districts, specifically how they are applied to private property and who initiates them.  Mr. Veley asked if it has any impact or restrictions on an owner’s property.  Mr. Morgan stated that a city or county could initiate an Urban Renewal District by resolution or ordinance.  An Urban Renewal District is formed to encourage the redevelopment of an area and is established per ORS.  A Renewal District is a financing tool, not a land use tool. 

 

Katinka Bryk, 421 Hawthorn – Ms. Bryk stated that the library site was chosen because they were told that the new highway was not developable and that all growth would be going out the old highway.  With the rezoning of the River Mill intersection, this looks like the above statement might not be true.  She is also encouraged with the revitalization of the downtown and would hate to see the development of commercial along the highway take away from this revitalization.

 

Mike Park – Mr. Park stated that he owns the current industrial park but questions the 20-acre minimum.  He feels it is too restrictive and that there needs to be a mix of 20-acre lots and smaller ones.  Even though it has taken a while for his industrial park to develop, he feels it is finally happening and the smaller lots are adequate for many purposes.

 

Peggy Skycraft, 26395 S. Morgan Road – Ms. Skycraft does not want to see the River Mill/Hwy 224 intersection to become commercial.  She wants to avoid any big box development such as Walmart or Fred Meyer because they are the kiss of death for small towns.

 

Steve Reimer, representing Leather’s Oil, 604 Wade Street – Mr. Reimer asked if there would be further chances for public comment.  Mayor Austin stated that this public hearing will most likely be continued for at least 30 days to obtain a traffic study and other information before continuing.  Mayor Austin stated that written testimony would also be accepted.

 

Ron Barnas, 30255 SE River Mill Road – Mr. Barnas asked about the linear trail and greenway going through town.  He is concerned that it seems to be disappearing and wants to be sure that zoning issues does not affect this greenway.    

 

Gary Warkentin – Mr. Warkentin supports Mayor Austin’s comments to build in tools or incentives to revitalize the downtown area. 

 

Carmen Bresko, Estacada Oil – Ms. Bresko stated that a few years ago Estacada Oil moved part of their business to Clackamas because of transportation issues.  She knows that there is a shortage of industrial land in Clackamas County and feels the transportation study will be very important to complete and should be all inclusive of the area and the roads to Estacada. 

 

Dave Piper, Parkview Lane – Mr. Piper asked why the zoning at the intersection of River Mill Road is proposed.  He would hate to see this happen.

 

Mr. Morgan stated that the dilemma with the downtown is that it is big enough to serve Estacada today but when the population doubles in 20 years, it will not be big enough to serve the community. 

 

CM Ealy stated there would be one or two more public hearings on this issue.  Cr. Nelson moved to continue the public hearing to April 11th.  Cr. Arnold seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

COUNCIL REPORTS & COMMENTS                                                                          

 

Cr. Conditt wanted everyone to know that all comments will be listened to and considered. 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

 

          The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.