Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-07 PZC MINUTES• • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION July 7, 1998 I . CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7 :00 P .M. in Conference Room A of Englewood City Hall, Chainnan Douglas presiding . Present: Absent: Staff present: Welker, Dummer, Rininger, Tobin , Hayduk , Douglas Weber, Homer, Lathram (all members gave previous notice of absence) Simpson, Ex-officio Harold J. Stitt, Planning Coordinator Mr. Cole Hayduk was welcomed to the meeting . Mr. Hayduk was officially appointed to the Commission by the City Council on July 6 , 1998 . II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 16 ; 1998 Chairman Douglas stated that the Minutes of June 16 , 1998 are to be considered for approval. Tobin mo ved: Rininger seconded: The Minutes of June 16 , 1998 be approved as written . AYES: NAYS: Welker, Dummer, Rininger, Tobin, Douglas None ABSTAIN : Hayduk ABSENT : Homer, Lathram , Weber The motion carried . m. FINDINGS OF FACT Daycare Home 2800 S . Clarkson Circle CASE #CU-98-02 Chairman Douglas stated that the Findings of Fact for the Daycare home at 2800 South Clarkson Circle are to be considered for approval. Welker moved : Rininger seconded: The Findings of F act for Case #CU-98-02 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS : ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Dummer, Rininger, Tobin , Welker, Douglas None Hayduk Homer, Lathram , Weber The motion carried . IV. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1999 -2003 Mr. Stitt reviewed the Five Year Capital Plan, and the multitude of funds through which the projects are financed. Mr . Stitt noted that 1998 requests from the City Departments are in "bold" in the document. Requests which are carried over from previous years are in unenhanced print. The funds which comprise the financial mechanism for the CIP include the CERF (Capital Equipment Replacement Fund) which each department contributes to from their yearly operating budget. This fund is used to replace vehi- cles and equipment such as Police cars, compressors , trucks , etc . The Conservation Trust Funds are the city's share of Lottery Funds; these funds are used to finance some Parks and Recreation projects. Mr . Welker noted that the art on the windscreen/canopy for the Light Rail will be funded through this fund. The Donor's Fund was briefly discussed. Some individuals provide for contributions to City programs or funds in their wills , or occasionally leave the entire estate to the City . The Golf Course Fund is an "enterprise fund "; the revenues for this fund are realized from greens fees and other income from the golf course itself. The General Fund revenues are from sales and property taxes, and other revenues. This fund is typically used to finance maintenance and repair costs . Ms. Tobin questioned the proposed expansion of the Malley Center, projected in 200 l. Mr . Stitt stated that he did not know specifics on this request, but recalled that there has been discussion on expansion to the north. The PIF revenues are used for road and bridge projects -street widening and alignments, landscaping/beautification projects along South Santa Fe Drive, South Broadway improvements, etc . Mr . Welker asked about funds for the widening of the Broadway bridge . Mr. Stitt stated that the State Highway Department proposes to remove the segment of South Broadway from U.S. 285 south to the City limits from the State Highway system ; there is provision for reimbursement to the City on a per lane basis for highway mileage on which the City assumes responsibility . The ServiCenter Fund provides services and maintenance for all City equipment. The Storm Drainage fund is an enterprise fund , with revenues collected from residents as part of the utility billing . The Sewer Fund is also an enterprise fund , funded by sewer fees paid by residents/businesses as part of the quar- terly utility billing. The Water Fund is an enterprise fund, revenues coming from water bills paid by residents and businesses . Mr. Stitt stated that the Commission needs to review this document, and offer suggestions and recommendation to the City Manager on projects they feel should be included in the Capital Improvement Program over the next five years . Mr . Stitt stated that a "capital improvement" has a life expectancy of over five years, and is a major invest- ment in the community. He suggested that the Commission may recommend projects they feel are important that they do not find in the document before them . Ms. Tobin suggested that teenagers and adolescents need an area for activities , such as roller blading, or a place to use automotive scooters, etc . Youngsters need to have something to do , and be provided a location for these activi- ties . It was noted that during the summer months, only two swimming pools are available for use . Mr . Welker stated that • • he recalled a swimming pool is proposed on the old Home Lumber site on West Belleview. Mr . Stitt agreed, and • noted that this is proposed as a replacement for the pool at Sinclair Middle School. 2 • • • Mr. Hayduk commented that he finds it difficult to make a determination regarding these projects without hearing from each department; he would like to be apprised of information supporting inclusion of these projects in the CIP. Several members agreed it seemed rather "meaningless" to be involved in the process at this point in time. Mr. Stitt pointed out that this proposal is not "cast in stone", and that the City Manager will have an opportunity to review this document and any proposals the Commission makes. He also pointed out that the proposed CIP cites funding requests for implementation of the South Broadway Action Plan. Mr . Dummer stated that he did not regard maintenance of vehicles, or replacement of vehicles as "capital" projects, and expressed the opinion that the document before the Commission is not a "capital improvement plan". Discus- sion ensued. Mr. Stitt recalled that when Federico Pena was Mayor of Denver , all capital improvement projects submitted by Denver departments had to implement the Denver Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Stitt stated that the South Broadway Action Plan is an amendment to the Englewood Comprehensive Plan, and there is requested funding in the CIP document for improvements on South Broadway. Mr. Stitt suggested that the Commission members ask them- selves, when considering Capital Improvement projects , how the project will benefit the community ; there should be some reasonable return to the community for the funds expended. Ms. Tobin stated that she does not see any funds included for relocation of the Library to the old Foley's building ; how will this expenditure be financed. Mr . Stitt stated that remodeling of the Foley 's building to accommodate the Library and other City offices will be financed through issuance of Certificates of Participation. Some infrastructure projects for the redevelopment of Cinderella City will be paid by the developer, and some costs will be the responsi- bility of the City. Mr. Douglas stated that the Commission needs to have input on projects they want to see happen , but who deter- mines the funding sources . Mr. Stitt stated that the Commission's responsibility is to recommend the projects . It is the responsibility of the City Manager and City Council to fund those projects that are approved . Discussion ensued. Mr . Stitt stated that the Capital Improvement Program compilation is a Finance!Public Works Department project. In response to the Commission's voiced desire to have input on projects included in the CIP, staff suggested the possibility of beginning the process early in the year when the budget process first begins . Typi- cally , staff noted, the budget calendar is first published in March ; copies of that calendar could be made available to the Commission so they would know time constraints. Mr . Dummer stated that there are several projects that he feels of great importance , and that certainly the redevel- opment of the Mall should be number one , with projects that support that redevelopment given high priority . Im- provements along South Broadway, which are included in the proposed document, are also important. Improvement and redevelopment of the General Iron site is also high priority. Mr. Douglas suggested that the Commission recommend approval of this CIP document , and commit to providing input into the program earlier in 1999 . Mr . Dummer agreed the Commission should approve this document, and ask that the Commission be brought into the process earlier . Discussion ensued. Mr. Stitt quoted from the Englewood Municipal Code, Article VIII, Part II, §58: " ... The Commission shall submit annually to the City Manager, not less than ninety days prior to the submission of the budget, a list of recommended capital improvements, arranged in order of preference, which in the opinion of the Commission are necessary or desirable to be constructed during the forthcoming five-year period ." The requirements of the City Charter and the process which is now in place were discussed. The possible amend- ment of the City Charter was raised for consideration . Mr . Welker stated that rather than amending the Charter, the City and the Commission need to operate within the parameters of the Charter. The need for a study session focused on the capital improvement process was also raised for discussion. Mr . Welker suggested that the Commission needs to make a statement at this time regarding the need and desire of the Commis- sion to be more effectively involved in the capital improvement process . 3 Mr. Douglas stated that a priority project that comes immediately to his mind is improved pedestrian access from the Medical Campus across Broadway to Cinderella City. Mr. Douglas stated that he enjoys walking from his home in east Englewood to the downtown area, and, in his opinion, crossing South Broadway can be intimidating. He noted that there are many patients from Craig Rehabilitation Hospital who are moving about the City in wheelchairs , they also try to cross busy thoroughfares , and the needs of these physically challenged individuals must be addressed by the City . Mr. Welker and Mr. Dummer both raised the issue of improved pedestrian access for the north Englewood residents to cross Dartmouth Avenue to Cushing Park and, eventually, to be able to walk to the redeveloped shopping area ; this is also a high priority. Construction of tunnels and overpasses to facilitate crossing of busy thoroughfares was briefly discussed. Ms. Tobin stated that she, personally, feels safer using an overpass . Further discussion ensued. Mr. Rininger asked how the Commission can be asked to approve the CIP with no say on which projects were included. Ms . Tobin pointed out that the provisions of the Charter are not being complied with. Mr. Dummer suggested that the Commission grant approval to the proposed CIP , with "restraint", and have notation made that the Commission is desirous of a greater degree of input and involvement in this process . Mr. Stitt suggested that the Commission must keep in mind that the CIP may reflect the desires of the various de- partments, and not desires of the Planning Commission. Mr. Stitt reiterated that meaningful input from the Com- mission will be to develop a project list taking into consideration the effect of the various projects on the commu- nity. • In response to an inquiry from the Commission, Mr. Stitt further addressed the budget process. Each department has an "operating budget" funded through the General Fund; the capital improvement projects are funded through the various enterprise funds, sinking funds, and others previously explained . Mr. Stitt stated that the charge to the Commission, as cited in the City Charter, is to prepare a list of projects they feel are important to the community. The Commission must take a good look at the City, determine what the needs are -whether for the City as a whole , • or for a neighborhood -and make that recommendation. Mr. Stitt reiterated that funding of projects is the responsi- bility of the City Council. Mr. Stitt commented that the Commission could recommend .a project, such as improved pedestrian access between the Medical Campus and the redeveloped Mall , be included but that funding not come on line until 2000 . Mr. Hayduk asked which had priority -the Budget Calendar developed each year, or the requirements of the City Charter. Brief discussion ensued. Improved pedestrian access at several locations was discussed by the Commission as a priority item: 1) from the Medical Campus across Broadway and to the redeveloped shopping area; 2) from the north Englewood neighborhood across Dartmouth A venue to Cushing Park and to the redeveloped shopping area; 3) safer crossing of South Broadway for school children. Mr. Welker suggested that staff make CIP consideration a line item on each agenda -either under Commissioner's Choice, or a stand-alone line item . Mr. Douglas asked what action the Commission wants to take. Welker moved: Tobin seconded: The Planning Commission approve the FYCP, 1999 -2003 , in its present configuration, and recommend said FYCP to the City Manager. Mr. Welker asked that the Minutes of this meeting reflect the discussion and concern of the Commission on the CIP process. 4 • • • • Mr. Douglas stated that he thinks the CIP process does merit a study session w ith City Council early in 1999, and that possibly City Manager Sears could be invited to a meeting to discuss the CIP process . The vote was called: AYES : NAYS: Rininger, Tobin, Welker, Dummer, Douglas None ABSTAIN : Hayduk ABSENT: Lathram, Weber, Horner The motion carried. V. PUBLIC FORUM No one was present to address the Commission. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Stitt stated that the Cinderella City redevelopment PUD is not ready for hearing on July 2 1. Inasmuch as there are no other items on the agenda, it is suggested that the meeting scheduled for this date be cancelled. Mr. Stitt suggested that the earliest the Cinderella City PUD could be heard would be August 4th . There is already one PUD application scheduled for hearing that evening, an application by Newcomer Mortuary for property at Uni- versity and Dartmouth . Brief discussion ensued. vn. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE No one from the Attorney 's office was present. VIII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Members of the Commission introduced themselves and gave a brief background sketch . Members again welcomed Mr. Hayduk to the Commission . There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was declared adjourned . ertrude G . Welty , Recording Secretary f:\dept\nbd\group\boards\plancomm\minutes 98\pcm 07-98a.doc 5