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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-12 ACE MINUTES• • ALLIANCE FOR COMMER CE IN ENGLEWOO D August 12, 2004 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Alliance for Commerce in Englewood (ACE) convened at 11:35 a.m . in the City Council Conference Room of the Englewood Civic Center. Members present: Members absent: Chamber Liaison : Staff Present: Guests: Cook, Guinther, McDermott, Vasilas Wolosyn, Council Representative Panetta, Lonborg (both with excused absences) Schalk (unexcused absence) Cristin Acker! y Darren Hollingsworth , Economic Development Coordinator Laurie Dannemiller, Community Development Manager Mark Graham , Senior Planner Ken Ross, Public Works Director Don Ingle , Information Technology Director Chris Werth and Vance Bradshaw, CRW * * * * * * * * * Mr. Hollingsworth noted that the space previously occupied by the David Taylor Dance Theater in the Bally's building on South Inca Street is now vacant and available for lease. Mr. Hollingsworth stated this space is 8,600 sq. ft. in size , and the Englewood Environmental Foun- dation (EEF) and City Council will work to get the site re-leased. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that a committee will be formed to consider the applicants for leasing ; he estimated there may be 10 to 12 meetings of this committee. He asked if a member of ACE was interested in volunteering to serve on this committee. Ms. McDermott commented that it appears this will be a time-consuming committee; she asked if the committee would be responsible for marketing and advertising the site. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that the committee will be a "review" committee. Ms. McDermott stated she would vol- unteer to serve on the committee, but cauti~med that she may not be able to attend all the meet- ings . Mr. Hollingsworth thanked Ms . McDermott for her willingness to serve . * * * * * * * * * * • Mr. Hollingsworth asked that everyone in attendance introduce themselves. H:\GRO UP\BOARDS \ACE\Minutes\2004\ACE 08-12-04 .doc 1 • • • Mr. Hollingsworth noted the absence of three voting members (Panetta, Lonborg, and Schalk) and suggested that the ACE elect an Acting Chairman to conduct this meeting. Vasilas moved: Cook seconded: Ms . McDermott be elected temporary chair for the August lih meeting. The motion carried. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 11, 2004 April 1, 2004 (Meeting Notes) July 8, 2004 Ms. McDermott stated that there are three sets of Minutes/Meeting Notes to be considered for approv al. She asked if there were modifications or corrections to these Minutes/Notes. McDermott moved : Vasilas seconded: The Minutes/Meeting Notes of March 11 , 2004, April 1, 2004, and July 8, 2004 be approved as written. The motion carried unanimously . III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chairperson Vice Chairperson Mr. Hollingsworth suggested that inasmuch as three voting members are absent, the ACE might want to delay election of officers until there is full attendance of the membership. Ms. McDermott so ordered. IV. PERMIT TRACKING SYSTEM CRW Demonstration Mr . Hollingsworth introduced Don Ingle, Director of Information Technologies. Mr. Ingle in tum introduced Messrs. Chris Werth and Lance Bradshaw of CRW. CRW is the company with whom the City is in negotiations regarding the new Permit Tracking System software . Mr. Ingle provided a brief background of the present system, which system is approximately 30 years old , and there is only one employee on-staff to provide support to the current system. Mr. Ingle stated that an RFP was sent out approximately nine months ago; six responses were received; these responses were reviewed , the choice was narrowed to two proposals, and ultimately CRW was selected. Mr. Ingle then asked Mr. Werth to make the presentation. Mr. Werth provided a power-point presentation of "Trackit Software", pointing out that objec- tives of the Software package are to provide improvement of: H:\GRO UP\BOARDS\A CE\Minutes\2004\ACE 0 8-1 2-04 .doc 2 • • • • records management • inter-departmental communications • workflow • public service • shared database • communication with other systems in the City CRW was established in 1992, and is incorporated in California. They provide service to 70 cli- ents in the United States and overseas. Mr. Werth indicated the Track.it System linkage between LandTrak/GIS, Planning/Project Management; PermitTrak; CodeTrak; CRMTrak; and Report- ing. The software package will provide interface withe/mail, MicroSoft Word , Excel, support laptop, PDA and Pocket PCs, and also provide on-line and WEB access. The Company provides on-site staff training for those who will be using the system. Mr. Werth stated that the projected timetable is to begin set-up in September, 2004; in-house use by staff to begin in January , 2005, and phase 2 (mobile use and WEB access) scheduled to come on-line in March 2005. Security measures were briefly discussed . The need to provide sufficient information, but not generate undue alarm on some issues was considered. Mr. Werth commented that care must be taken on the wording of comments on permits, etc. that the public will have access to . Ms . Ackerly entered the meeting . Ms. McDermott thanked Mr. Ingle, Mr. Werth and Mr. Bradshaw for their presentation . V. SHUTTLE BUS "Art" Ms. Dannemiller provided a brief up-date on the Shuttle Bus that will begin operation on Sep- tember ih. The Shuttle Bus will be called "Art" -12 pieces of sculpture will be placed along the route of the Shuttle -hence, the name "Art" for the bus . The shuttle will run Monday through Friday , from 6 :30 a .m . to 6:30 p.m. every 10 minutes. The route will be along Hampden A venue and Girard A venue/Englewood Parkway between the light rail station and the Englewood Merid- ian complex on South Corona Street. Ms. Dannemiller stated that the shuttle is on a 3-year trial period, and 80% of the operating costs will be funded by DRCOG, 10 % from RTD, and 10 % from City of Englewood. If, at the end of the 3-year trial period , the shuttle is determined to be a "success", RTD will assume full funding responsibility . Ms. Dannemiller stated that the City has contracted with Laidlaw Transportation to operate the shuttle; they have experience in the metro area operating other shuttle services. I Ms. Dannemiller further discussed the art pieces that will be placed along the route ; this art will be for sale to anyone interested, with a percentage of the sale going to the artist, and a percentage coming to the City. Ms. Dannemiller then discussed the marketing campaign for the shuttle, both to launch the shuttle service, and an on-going campaign to build ridership. There will be a reception scheduled September 3 -all Board and Commission members will receive an invita- tion to the reception. Information regarding the shuttle -routing and times -will be placed on the light rail bridge . Ms. Dannemiller stated that information will be disseminated to schools, to H:\GROUP\BOARDS\ACE\Minutes\2004\ACE 08-1 2-04.doc 3 • • • businesses with a large employment base, and other events are planned to publicize the begin- ning of the shuttle service. Payroll stuffers and information on the City WEB page will also be used. Ms. Dannerniller stated that commercial advertising modes -such as use of radio and TV -were not deemed a logical use of advertising funds at this time. Personal contacts with busi- nesses on the route or in close proximity to the route/stops are contemplated, and staff will be working with members of the business community to get the word out regarding the shuttle. Ms. Guinther asked whether there is a testing period to determine whether the route is function- ing properly, or whether it should be changed. Ms. Guinther also discussed tying a shuttle stop in with a stop for Greyhound Buses; she noted that many bus riders are elderly but they are not able to carry bags any distance and the shuttle could provide a great service to them. She stated that she felt it is very important for the City to acknowledge the senior population and the needs of those citizens . Ms . Dannermiller briefly discussed the feasibility studies that were done on the shuttle and de- veloping a primary route; secondary routes may be developed later in the program. Ms. McDermott thanked Ms. Dannerniller for her presentation, and asked for periodic updates . VI. BANNERS ACROSS BROADWAY Mr. Ken Ross, Director of Public Works , stated that the City of Englewood has a policy regard- ing placement of street banners across South Broadway. This policy was adopted in 1999. At the current time, there is one designated location for hanging banners across Broadway, that be- ing in the 3400 block of South Broadway -mid-block between Englewood Parkway and old Hampden A venue. Mr. Ross noted that the policy will permit the following organizations to hang banners: • City of Englewood or City-affiliated agency • Englewood School District, or • Charitable organization, as defined in Internal Revenue code 26 USCS 501. Mr. Ross stated that in January of each year, the City and City-affiliated agencies make applica- tion to hang banners for events that they have scheduled throughout the year. Other organiza- tions, such as the School District or various Charitable Organizations, have their application times restricted to not more than 45 days prior to the date of the event. Many times, events spon- sored by the City or City-affiliated agencies and events sponsored by the School District or by a Charitable Organization occur at the same time, and the previously-approved City/City-affiliated agency event has priority because of early approval. \ Mr. Ross stated that his department is requesting funds to install poles to accommodate a second banner at another location in the 2005 Capital Improvement Program. This proposal will require City Council consideration and approval as part of the CIP program. Mr. Ross stated that he is bringing the proposal to ACE to seek support of the business community for a second banner lo- cation. The proposed second location would be between Cornell A venue and Bates A venue on South Broadway. H:\GROUP\BOARDS\ACE\Minutes\2004\ACE 08-12-04.doc 4 • • • Mr. Vasilas asked if there is a charge to hang the banners . Mr. Ross stated that the only "charge" is to recover cost to hang the banner -approximately $150. Mr. Ross stated an estimate to pur- chase and install the proper poles and wires to accommodate a banner is $5,000. Ms. McDermott noted that Dartmouth A venue is a heavily traveled east/west corridor, and that many motorists traveling South Broadway use Dartmouth to access Santa Fe rather than driving down to U.S. 285 -she felt that hanging the banner in the 2900 block of South Broadway would be an excellent location. Ms. Wolosyn stated that the banners announcing events do provide a public service . Mr. Vasilas asked if there are a lot of requests for hanging banners. Mr. Ross stated that there are , and his Dep~ment has to deny many requests. Brief discussion ensued. Vasilas moved: Cook seconded: The ACE membership endorses the request to fund a second location for banner installation across South Broadway . AYES: NAYS : ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Cook, Guinther, Vasilas, McDermott None None Lonborg, Schalk, Panetta The motion carried. VII. AUTOMOBILE SALES, RENTAL, AND AUTO PAWNBROKER USES Proposed Ordinance Mr. Mark Graham, Senior Planner, addressed the ACE membership regarding a proposed ordi- nance that will apply to establishment of new auto sales, auto rental, and auto-pawn uses . He noted that the proposal will be submitted to the Planning Commission for preliminary discussion next week, and a Public Hearing is anticipated in September. Mr. Graham stated that an ad hoc committee of auto dealers, Community Development Director Simpson, and Mayor Garrett has been active for the last several months, and have been involved in developing the proposed re- strictions . The proposed restrictions will apply depending on: • Whether the auto sales, rental or pawn use is "new" to a specific property; • Whether it has been 0 - 5 years since an auto use was on a specific property; I • Whether it has been 5 to 10 years since an auto use was on a specific property; • Whether it has been in excess of 10 years since an auto use was on a specific property. The restrictions that are being proposed for new auto-related uses pertain to: • Landscape Plan; • Drainage, surfacing, and maintenance ; • Barriers, screening, and lighting; H:\GROUP\BOARDS\ACE\Minutes\2 004\ACE 0 8-12-04.doc 5 • • Lot frontage; • Access and alley improvements; • Parking, wheelstops, curbs and lot striping; • Buildings. Mr. Cook questioned the purpose of the proposed Ordinance -is it to restrict the growth of auto dealerships. Mr. Graham briefly discussed the proliferation of auto-related uses, many of which operate from very small sites, and the goal to improve the overall appearance of South Broad- way . Mr. Graham further discussed the "three-tier approach" that the proposed ordinance takes. Mr. Graham pointed out that while minimum frontage requirements are not specified for other types of businesses , for new auto-related uses a minimum of 75 foot frontage is required. This minimum frontage will provide for an adequate driveway, and still provide space to landscape. Members of ACE pointed out that South Broadway does not have many sites that will meet the 75 foot minimum frontage requirement. Mr. Graham stated that the 75 foot frontage can be ac- complished by consolidation of ownerships or sites. Discussion ensued. It was noted that many of the small lots are quite unattractive, but that other sites such as Richard's Motors are very nicely done. Mr. Graham stated that he understood the ad hoc committee will continue to work on issues per- taining to auto-related uses, particularly which of the above-cited restrictions will be applicable • to existing auto-related sites. • Ms. McDermott stated that it is a good step to have the ad hoc committee working on this, and that auto-related businesspeople have been involved on the committee. Mr. Vasilas agreed. Ms. McDermott thanked Mr. Graham for his presentation. VIII. OLD BUSINESS Community Development News Flash Economic Development Strategy Mr. Hollingsworth stated that a copy of the Community Development "News Flash" was in- cluded in the packet. This presents a synopsis of activities the Department has been involved with during the Summer 2004 season. Ms . McDermott commented that this publication is well presented and informative. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that two open house meetings were held to present the Economic De- velopment Strategy to the general public. ~either open house was well attended. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that he spoke to the Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs group recently regarding the ED Strategy, and he will be preparing a flyer on the ED Strategy as well as writing an article for the Chamber of Commerce newsletter. Ms. McDermott suggested that forums be held at the Malley Center, or at the Englewood Merid- ian. Ms . Wolosyn suggested that PT A/PTO meetings through the School District would also H:\G RO UP\BOARDS\ACE\Minutes\2 004\ACE 08-12-04.doc 6 • • • provide a means to inform members of the public. She indicated she would look into getting in- formation regarding these meetings. IX. COMMENTS AND EVENTS Ms. Ackerly stated that the Chamber has been working with Ms. Dannemiller on the shuttle ser- vice. Mr. Vasilas noted that he had reason to go to Swedish Medical Center recently, and that trying to find a parking space there was horrendous; he stated that the shuttle service will be very good. The business visitation program was briefly discussed. Mr. Hollingsworth stated he wanted to begin the visits this next week, and asked members of the "visitation team" to meet following the closure of this ACE meeting. There was no further business brought forth for discussion. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m. iu±A .1 di(J.; Gertrude G. Welty, Recording Sec~ Action Items: Second Location for Banners across Broadway -supported ED Strategy -proposed forums to be held at Malley Center or Meridian; also at PT A/PTO meetings Agenda Items : Up-dates on Permit Tracking System Up-dates on Shuttle Program H:\GROUP\BOARDS\ACE\Minutes\2004\ACE 08-12-04 .doc ' \ 7