HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-06-16 PZC MINUTESPage 1256
I. CALL TO ORDER.
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JUNE 16, 1970
The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chair~an
Carlson at 7:45 P.M.
Members present: Walsh; Senti; Lentsch; Carlson
Romans, Ex-officio
Members absent: Woods, Lone
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
Mr. Carlson stated the Minutes of June 2, 1970, were to be considered .for approval.
Walsh moved:
Senti seconded: The Minutes of June 2, 1970, be approved as written.
The motion carried unanimously.
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III. TOUR OF CITY FACILITIES.
Mrs. Romans discussed the tour of facilities which has been proposed in conjunction with con-
sideration of the Capital Improvements Program. This tour had been planned for June 13th;
however, the Colorado Municipal League meeting was being conducted at that time, and depar~
ment heads and some Councilmen were attending it. Too, it has been discussed postponing this
tour until the new members of the Commission have been appointed by the City Council in order
that they might have an opportunity to become familiar with the City facilities. Dtscussion
followed.
Mr. Woods entered and took his seat with the Commission.
Mr. Carlson asked if there were a date the Capital Improvements recommendations had to be
submitted to the City Manager? Mrs. Romans stated that she didn't know what the final date
would be, but .that she had initially planned to have the program to Mr. Dial by the first
part of July. Further discussion followed. Mr. Senti commented that the Council has not
yet discussed .the new appointments to the boards and commissions. In view of the possible
length of time before the new members are appointed, the Commission decided to go ahead and
set the date of the tour for July 18th, 6:30 A.M. at the Village Inn Pancake House. Mrs.
Romans stated she anticipated that the tour would possibly take the majority of the morning,
and that members should plan for this possibility.
IV. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM -EIRE DEPARTMENT.
Assistant City Manager McDivitt, Fire Chief Hamilton, Police Chief Clasby and Larry Bourn,
Architect, were present for discussion of the Capital Improvements requests of both the
Fire and Police .Departments.
Mrs. Romans stated that she wished to emphasize to the Commission members the importance of
the Capital Improvement program. Mrs. Romans discussed the provisions of the City Charter,
the Comprehensive Plan, and requirements by the Federal Government for certification of a
workable program in connection with the Capital Improvements Program.
Mr. Carlson asked Chief Hamilton to present the Capital Improvement requests for the Fire
Department.
Chief Hamilton stated he felt the City had made real progress in the Fire Department .until .
1965; but the increased growth in the City has placed a heavy burden on the Fire Department.
Chief Hamilton stated that the Department needs additional manpower and equipment to catch
up and keep up with the development of the City, and this must be accomplished to maintain
the Fire Rating of 6. Mr. Hamilton stated .the first item on the priority list was an addi-
tional FIRE PUMPER, 1250 gallons, diesel, automatic, with a life expectancy of 20 years at
a cost of $45,000. This will increase the pumper companies from four .to five, and increase
the total pumping capacity of the Department. He noted that he felt it would cost about
$90,000 per year to man this pumper. The next request discussed by Fire Chief Hamilton was
the COMMUNICATIONS AND OPERATIONS CENTER for the Fire Department which is to be in the pro-
posed Fire-Police complex. Chief Hamilton noted that he does not know what the share of
this expenditure will be for the Fire Department. This would include Alarm Receiving Equip-
ment a~d Alarm Sending Equipment to four fire stations. The need for a RESCUE VEHICLE was
cited by Chief Hamilton. The City does not now .have a rescue unit, but uses two ambulances
that belong to the Volunteer .Fire Department. Chief Hamilton stated he felt that federal
funds could be obtained for this project, possibly $6,000 for the unit. Chief Hamilton
stated that last year there were around 800 emergency calls, for which the two ambulances
were used, but they do not receive credit for rescue service from the Mountain States Bureau
of Fire Underwriters. He also pointed out that they provide free ambulance service within
the metropolitan area to families of City employees. He stated that rescue service is a
very important service, and the City must provide it. Chief Hamilton noted that he is also
asking for personnel to man this vehicle, thereby freeing additional staff for the fire-
fighting operation. Mr. McDivitt asked Chief Hamilton if he knew how much we were penalized
by having fire personnel running the ambulances? Chief Hamilton stated he did not know
exactly how much we were penalized, but knew that the City did suffer in their ratings be-
cause of this practice. Mr. Carlson questioned the number of personnel which is being re-
quested. Chief Hamilton stated he was figuring on three men per 24 hour shift, or a total
of nine men. He cited an incident just recently wherein a member of his staff suffered in-
jury on a rescue call and stated he felt that three men should be on the unit. Mr. McDivitt
asked how many men usually went on calls to ambulance companies? Chief Hamilton stated he
thought two men was the usual number. Going on to the requests, Chief Hamilton said that
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FURNISHINGS IN THE NEW FIRE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING· had, again, been included even though the
precise amount needed for this project is unknown at this time. A second FIRE PUMPER was
requested in 1972; again, this would be a 1250 gallon machine, and would increase the pumping
companies from five to six, if the pumper requested in 1971 is approved, and will increase
the overall pumping capacity. RELOCATION OF STATIONS TWO ·AND THREE was next considered.
Chief Hamilton noted that both these stations are situated in close proximity to City
bounda~y lines, which Fire Underwriters feel does not provide the maximum amount of pro-
tection to the property within the City. Chief Hamilton cited the fact that Station #3 is
located right on West Belleview Avenue, and while they do have signals to halt the traffic,
motorists do not always stop to allow the trucks access onto Belleview. He stated that he
hoped property could be purchased in a more centralized location for the south-central portion
of the City, and that a site could be obtained in the Centennial Acres area for a station.
REPLACEMENT OF STATION #4 was considered. Chief Hamilton pointed out that this was a
"temporary" steel building erected 13 years ago, and that it must be replaced. Chief Ha ·milton
stated that with the rapidly developing industrial area in Northwest Englewood·, we should
have a modern, up-to-date, well-equipped and well-manned station in the area. The exact
location of this replacement station is predicated on several things; further annexations,
the amount and type of development, etc., but it is thought that the station should be lo-
cated further east within the industrial area. The need for a FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING
GROUND AND TESTING AREA was discussed. Chief Hamilton stated that they are now training
f i remen in the street, and are borrowing citizens buildings to train on, because the City
does not have a training ground .. Chief Hamilton stated that there were three acres available
on City-owned land by the service center upon which this training center could be placed.
Chief Hamilton stated they are planning a six-floor tower for training purposes, and a two-
story "house"; they feel the construction costs would run about $120,000. Chief Hamilton
stated that a ramp and retaining wall to the river would also be needed to enable them to
get pumper facilities near enough to draw water from the river, which would then return to
the river after practice sessions. A FIRE PUMPER requested for 1973 was discussed. Chief
Hamilton stated this would be a replacement for Pumper #1, which is now 22 years old. The
average age of our pumpers is 17-1/2 years, and the ages run from 13 years to 22 years. old.
Chief Hamilton stated that they are having engine trouble with some of the oldest pumpers
now and that they must keep these pumpers in operation at the same time making plans to re-
place them as soon as possible. The purchase of a SQUIRT APPLIANCE in 1973 was discussed.
Chief Hamilton stated that this appliance is a hydrolically controlled, high water volume
implement which can be operated by one man. The cost of this appliance is estimated at
$20,000. Chief Hamilton stated that this appliance could be mounted on a new pumper or on
one of the present pumpers. A replacement FIRE PUMPER requested in 1974 to replace Pumper
#2, which is 18 years old, was then discussed. This would be a 750 gallon pumper, for
$36,000. Additional AERIAL EQUIPMENT is requested for 1975 to meet required needs of fire
fighting capabilities in the industriaJ and high-rise residential districts. Chief Hamilton
stated that the need for additional aerial equipment must be kept in mind when the new fire
stations are built, ~nd one bay must be large enough .at eac~ station for the aerial equip-
ment; he stated that possibly the station in the southwestern portion of the City would not
need the aerial equipment provisions, but that we must have it in the industrial section in
Northwest Englewood. INTERSECTION .PRE-EMPTION equipment was discussed. Chief Hamilton
stated this would be high-density lights installed on all emergency vehicles with electric
eye receiving equipment located in the intersections which will "clear" the intersection
for the fire equipment. Brief discussion on the present pre-emption equipment followed.
Mr. Lentsch asked Chief Hamilton how many men were employed in the Fire Department at the
present time. Chief Hamilton stated there were 49 men in the fire department, including
the positions of records specialist and chief. Mr. Lentsch then asked how many volunteers
were available? Chief Hamilton replied the City had 19 volunteer firemen, but new volunteers
cannot be accepted and volunteer firemen who are retiring cannot be replaced according to
the Municipal Code.
Chairman Carlson thanked Chief Hamilton for his presentation.
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V. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM -POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chairman Carlson asked Police· Chief Clasby to present the requests for the Police Department.
Chief Clasby stated that the top priority request for the Police Department was the construction
of new POLICE HEADQUARTERS. Chief Clasby stated -that the proposal will encompass three dif-
ferent functions: that of the police department, the fire department, and the records and
communications center. Chief Clasby stated that the proposal will give the Police Depart-
ment 11,500 sq. ft. of space, which does not include any of the space for the records and
communications center. If· this separate "department" is not approved, the Police Department
portion will have to be increased in floor area. Chief Clasby stated the Police Department
now has a total of 59 personnel, includin~ dog wardens, detectives, and female personnel.
Projec~ions for the next 10 years indicate a total personnel of approximately 105 people.
Chief Clasby pointed out that a new police facility is needed whether or not the projected
personnel growth is realized. He no·ted that in their present building, the west wa 11 is in
extremely poor condition, and "may be in the street at any time"; also, the jail facilities
are totally inadequate as are provisions for briefing rooms·, etc. Chief Clasby noted that at
the present time, the air conditioning is not functioning in the front half of the building,
and that it had been 87 ° in that part of the building earlier on this day.-Also, until very
recently, they had been pumping gas for the pa~rol cars from inside the building. Chief
Clasby emphasized that the present facilities wer·e totally inadequate and in need of major
repair.
Chief Clasby stated that in preparation of plans for the new police/fire center, he and
Architect Larry Bourn had traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to study facilities there, and
then to California where they visited departments in West Covina, Pamona, and Glendora.
Chief Clasby stated that these communities were within the population range of Englewood,
and that they had studied the facilities for communications, floor space, personnel, etc.
It was noted that Chief Hamilton and M-r. Mc·Divitt had been sent to the Sa·n Francisco area
to study fire departments -and communications centers in ·communities the-re. Chief Clasby
stated that as a result of these trips, the idea of a combined communications and records
facility has been "firmed up". Total construction costs of the po1ice facility is estimated
at $362,976. This includes engineering and architectural preparation, actual construction,
landscaping, furniture, parking area, etc. Mr. Carlson questioned the construction cost of
$310,500 for ~he building. Chief Clasby stated that this would make special provisions for
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conduits, etc. for the jail facilities, security provisions, etc. Mr. Bourn stated that of
the estimated cost, $3 per sq. ft. is for electrical purposes, and $6.50 per sq. ft. is
mechanical cost.
Construction costs for the Fire/Police Central Facilities are estimated at $187,050, with
the total cost estimated at $242,750. It was noted that this facility must be built with the
Fire Station; it will be placed in an isolated area not available to the general public.
Personnel involved in communications at the present time total about 15, according to Chief
Hamilton. Chief Clasby stated that there would be only about 18 or 20 people involved in
the total communications program if this concept is approved, for the police, fire, parks,
street, and water departments, plus the convenience of a central records center. This would
provide 24-hour coverage.
Another priority is the ANIMAL SHELTER, which must be replaced as soon as possible. The
present facilities are too small and unsanitary and the disposal facilities for unclaimed
animals has met with considerable criticism. Chief Clasby stated that the American Humane
Society has inspected this facility, and has recommended that it be replaced immediately.
Chief Clasby stated that it is estimated that there is a 5,000 dog population in the City
of Englewood, of which it is estimated 26% will be impounded each year. The facilities
are inadequate, unsanitary, and there is a probability the American Humane Society will
condemn the facilities if the City does not improve them. A building with an area of 8,000
sq. ft. is being proposed, at a cost of approximately $9,600.
The COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS CENTER was further discussed. Mr. Bourn noted that they are
really proposing a separate "department" encompassing the radio facilities for police, fire,
water and sewer, engineering and streets, and parks departments; records would be centrally
located for easy access, and there would be a possibility of data processing equipment and
operation being located there. Mr. Bourn noted that all three facilities --fire, police,
and communications center --should be constructed under the same program, with the same time
schedule.
VI. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM -PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
Mr. E. P. Romans and Mr. Jerry Royther were present for this discussion. Mr. Romans intro-
duced Mr. Royther, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Romans stated that while considerable work has been done in acquiring and developing
parks, we have really only replaced the former City Park, and have added no additional park
land to make up the deficit that exists. Mr. Romans stated that the Parks and Recreation
Commission has set a priority list, after much deliberation, for consideration by the
Planning Commission. Mr. Romans discussed their priority list, with first priority for 1970
being the renovation of the Groussman Building in the amount of $45,000. Mr. Romans stated
that the State Highway Department has asked the Park and Recreation Department if the City
could use the north end of this buiil.ding for recreational facilities, inasmuch as Commerce
Park will be lost with the construction of the interchange at the Broadway/#285 intersection.
Mr. Romans stated that he understood the State could get Federal aid on this project, if the
City did use the building for recreational purposes. He stated that he feels this is a
great opportunity for the City, inasmuch as we do not have a community building and it
appears that the school facilities will no longer be available for use as they have been in
the past. Mr. Romans stated that the Sinclair Junior High School Teen Club has 300 students,
and that these Students will need a place to meet, as will other youth groups, senior citizen
groups, and civic and social organizations. He stated the $45,000 would cover renovation of
the Groussman Building, providing a new roof, improved sewer system, electri~ity, new flooring,
and restrooms. They would like to have a rifle range in the basement. Second priority in
1971, is the development of the west end of BELLEVIEW PARK. This would be a "natural area";
new trees would be planted, and they hope to install a sprinkler system, leaving the buffalo
grass rather than replacing it. Third priority was three ALL-PURPOSE COURTS at Bates-Logan
Park, Jason Park, and Cente~nial Park. Cost is estimated at $3,000 per court. Fourth priority
was the GOLF COURSE which, it was noted, should be a cooperative effort with either South
Suburban Parks & Recreation District or the City of Littleton, and of which the City of
Englewood's share should be 1 /2 of the total cost of construction, bond interest, etc. The
Parks and Recreation Commission has requested $25,000 for this project in 1971. PARKING LOT
PAVEMENT was listed as fifth priority for 1971, with parking lots at Bates-Logan Park, Jason
Park, and Miller Field covered in the request.
Discussion on the golf course followed. Mr. Romans stated that the golf ~ourse is needed im-
mediately, and they are attempting to work out a site for the course and also trying to work
out the financing. Discussion on the Groussman Building also ensued.
The Pl_anning Director indicated a "neigh_borhood" map, which map has locations of public
facilities such as fire stations, police headquarters, parks, schools, etc. shown on it.
She noted that areas #1 and #5 are lacking in park facilities, and asked about the possibility
of "mini-parks" or "vest-pocket parks" in these areas. Mr. Romans noted that at one time a
block had been "picked out" in area #5 (Southeast Englewood), but that just to move the houses
from this block would cost $30.0, 000, and that a block really isn't sufficient for a park.
It was determined by the staff that it would be better to increase the Belleview Park and
improve the Duncan School Park in this area than spend the $300,000 to remove the houses.
Mrs. Romans no.ted that in the Comprehensive Plan, four drainage areas are shown as areas
which could be developed into park facilities. These drainage areas are: (1) the southwest
corner of South Emerson Street and East Bates Avenue; (2) an unplatted parcel at approximately
West Radcliff Avenue and the Huron/Inca alley; and (3) a drainage-way which bisects the Davolt
Subdivision at West Stanford Avenue and South Galapago Street; and (4) a draw between South
Tejon Street and South Zuni Street and between West Vassar Avenue and West College Avenue.
She acknowledged that the fourth drainage-way listed above is included in the Parks and
Recreation Commission Capital Improvement Plan, but the priority is not listed until 1976.
Mrs. Romans noted that the Comprehensive Plan also designates a land-locked parcek south-
east of GEM as a park. Further discussion followed. M~. Carlson expressed the appreciation
of the Commission to Mr. Romans and Mr. Royther for their attendance.
The Planning Commission discussed the probability of a special meeting at which time these . ' various requests for Capital Improvement funds would be considered. Mr. Woods stated he
felt it would take a special meeting; he also expressed his opinion that an increase in the
mill levy to finance some of these capital improvements would not be out of line. He
stated that these requests are needed, and that by trying to keep the mill levy low, the City
is accomplishing nothing in the way of capital improvements.
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Dr. Walsh asked about the need for the Groussman Building and the statement that was made
earlier that the school facilities will not be available for recreational use any longer.
Mr. Carlson stated that the late Wm. Bishop, Superintendent of Schools, had been very co-
operative with the City in making the school buildings and personnel available f or recreational
needs, but that there has seemingly been a change in policy since Mr. Bishop's death, and
the City has not been able to use the school~ for square dances, t~en clubs, etc. Inasmuch
as these are vital programs in our recreation program, the City must provide some place for
these groups to meet. Dr. Walsh commented that as a taxpayer, he wasn't paying f or a "lack
of cooperation" on the part of school officials when it is taxpayers money that finance the
school programs anyway. Further brief discussion f ollowed .
Walsh moved:
Lentsch seconded: The meeting be adjourned.
The motion carried; the meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M ~
Gertrude G. Welty
Recording Secretary
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I. CALL TO ORDER.
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JULY 21, 1970
The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:10
P.M. by Chairman Carlson.
Members present: Woods; Walsh; Senti; Lentsch; Carlson
Romans, Ex-officio
Members absent: Lone
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
Mr. Carlson stated that Minutes of June 16, 1970, were to be considered for approval,
Lentsch moved:
Senti seconded: The Minutes of June 16, 1970, be approved as written.
The motion carried unanimously.
III. M. M. SUMMERS
3140 S. Delaware
Lentsch moved:
REZONING
R-1-C to R-2-B
Walsh seconded: The public hearing be opened.
The motion carried unanimously.
CASE #13-70B
June 2, 1970
May 19, 1970
Chairman Carlson asked the Planning Director to give a brief review of the application.
Mrs. Romans stated that an application.had been filed by Mr. M. M. Summers and Mrs. Betty
Lou Acker, his daughter, f or the rezoning of the frontage on the south side o f Ox f ord Avenue
extending from the centerline o f South Jason Street to the industrial zoning west of South
Lipan Street. The present zoning is R-1-C (Single-family Residential) and the requested
zoning is R-2-B (Two-family Residential). Mrs. Romans displayed land use maps of the sub-
ject area, and noted that Mr. Summers now owns the property listed under the name o f "Hubner"
on the map. This lot is the only vacant property in the subject area. Mrs. Romans noted
that the property has been posted the required number of days, and that public notice of
the hearing appeared in the Englewood Herald on July 2, 1970.
Mrs. Romans stated that the reasons given by Mr. Summers for the rezoning application are:
(1) This property is across Oxford Avenue from light i~dustrial zoning on the north, and
abuts light industrial zoning on the west.
(2) The requested R-2-B Zoning will act as a "buffer" between the I-1 (Light Industrial)
zoning and the R-1-C (Single-family) Residential zoning to the south.
(3) This area is "sparsely" populated; there are three lots with 72 ft. fr ontage , and one
lot with 100 ft. frontage, and could conceiveably accommodate two units.
(4) Englewood has a shortage of housi~g, and people cannot find rentals.
(5) Ox ford Avenue at this point is 100 ft. wide, which will provide adequate access to the
industrial district, and to the residential development on the south side of Oxford
Avenue.
Chairman Carlson asked the proponents to present their arguments.