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Ashland cafe falls to station expansion Council OKs buyout to expand firehouse By WENDY SIPOREN ASHLAND -- Despite continued testimony about the unique nature of the Blue Mountain Cafe, a unanimous City Council Tuesday authorized staff to spend $415,000 to purchase its land and buildings for an expanded fire station. The 13,000 square-foot expansion and renovation of the fire station at the corner of Siskiyou Boulevard and East Main Street was approved by voters in Nov. at a cost of $3.14 million, including the cost of buying the land next door. The measure was overwhelmingly approved over the objections of restaurant patrons who argued that there are other possible locations for a new fire station. The latest property appraisal is $35,000 more than one received by the city about a year ago. City Administrator Mike Freeman attributed the increase to a change in the market in the last year. The city sought a second appraisal at the request of property owner Alan Kaufman. Freeman said Tuesday he has no idea whether the larger amount is agreeable to Kaufman. The city has yet to begin negotiations with Kaufman. The resolution adopted by the council Tuesday also gives the city the ability to condemn the property if an agreement cannot be reached with Kaufman. Kaufman, who attended Tuesday's meeting, declined to comment on the possible purchase, saying he was busy with his real estate business. He previously has indicated a willingness to sell to the city. Kaufman and his brother Philip Kaufman jointly own the cafe property, assessed by Jackson County at $216,210. Cafe owner David Frye told the council Tuesday that he has not been able to find a suitable new location for his business of nine years. He asked the council to give him at least 90 days notice before he would have to vacate and asked that the system development charges paid on his current location be transferred to the new spot. City Attorney Paul Nolte said it would be possible to give Frye plenty of notice, however the current SDC ordinance may not allow a transfer. In a memo to the council, Nolte also indicates that the city may cover Frye's relocation costs. A state statute regulates these costs, which have been estimated to be no more than $25,000. Frye says he won't rush to move before he finds the right new location. Patrons may still have some time to enjoy the coffee, food and atmosphere at the cafe. Freeman said the city must negotiate with the property owner, make final design plans, go through the city planning process and survive a possible appeal to the state Land Use Board of Appeals before construction can begin. In other action, the council: Adopted findings clarifying the city's land use policy concerning the Oak Knoll Golf Course and poles for a driving range and lighting for the new ball fields at North Mountain Park. Council members Susan Reid and David Fine voted no and Cameron Hanson abstained. Adopted an amended taxi cab ordinance which removes a requirement for new companies to show their potential impact on existing permit holders. The existing ordinance, adopted last summer, allows one cab permit for each 5,000 residents. Council members Don Laws and Susan Reid voted no. Directed staff to draft changes to the newly adopted demolition ordinance and to proceed with a first draft of an updated economic development strategy. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA