Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-07-28 PZC MINUTESPage 1266 I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JULY 28, 1970 · The meeting was called to order at 8:15 P.M. by Chairman Carlson. Members present: Woods; Senti, Patrick; Lone; Carlson Members absent: Walsh; Mossbarger; Lentsch; Henning Also present: James Supinger, Planning Director D. Andrews Romans, Assistant Planning Director Mr. Carlson welcomed Mr. Patrick to the Commission, and noted that there is a regular meet:ing of the Commission scheduled for August 5, 1970. Mr. Carlson stated that one matter which would be considered is a request by the owners of Bell Court, 2935 South Santa Fe Drive, to install ten mobile home spaces in the rear of the property. Mr. Carlson noted that members had indicated, at the meeting of July 21st, they would view th.e property prior to further consideration. He asked that Mr. Patrick view the property, if at all possible, and reminded other members to also view the property. Discussion followed on the general Santa Fe Drive area, and Mr. Carlson noted that members might also look at the Payton Park Mobile Home Park, and take particular notice of the strucnure on the northeast corner which Mr. English, owner, had stated would be removed at the time his request for expansion of the mobile home park was considered. - -- - -- -- - --- -- ----- -- -------- -- II. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, Mr. Carlson directed the attention of the Commission to the list of priorities recommended by the Commission in 1969. Mr. Woods discussed the Paving Program; he stated that this is something that is "continuing", and he questioned whether it should still be considered as a "Capital Improvement?" Mr. Lone stated that it should be considered as such at the present time; he stated that the program to pave the streets would continue for approximately six years, and then it would be primar.ily a matter of maintenance, which might be considered under the general fund section of the budget. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Woods commented that he felt top priority should be given to the Fire and Police facilities. He noted the lack of equipment and manpower in the Fire Department particularly, and stated with the problems that other cities seem to be experiencing, we just could not continue to do little or nothing to "beef" these Departments up. Mr. Woods also discussed the effect the addition of equipment and manpower to the Fire Department would have on the Fire rating which is given the City by the Mountain States Inspection Bureau. The present rating is #6; fire ratings are predicated on manpower, facilities, water supply, etc.; Mr. Woods noted that the water supply and pressure is being improved, but that we still need to do something about the facilities and manpower for the Department. Mr. Carlson noted that the Commission's tour on July 18th revealed that one station was closed because of lack of manpower. Mr. Lone commented that the Council has increased the Sales Tax by 1 % effective September 1,. 1970, and that the revenue from this increase will be devoted entirely to capital improvements. Mr. Lone further stated that he felt Fire Station #4 was a "disgrace" to the City, and that . the facilities and equipment located in a prime industrial area such as Northwest Englewood should be the finest. He stated he would like to see the replacement of Station #4 moved up in priority from 1972 to 1971. Further discussion followed. Mr. Woods asked what the status of the proposed Fire-Police facilities was? Mr. Lone stated he believed that funds were budgeted for the Fire Department portion of the facility. Mr. Senti commented that he felt the City was well along on the project; he further stated that he felt the Police facility is very important, and that considerable money could be saved were the City to consider the en- tire facility in one package. He stated that with the 1 % sales tax increase, he felt the . City could finance the entire project at one time. Mr. Senti .stated that he would put the Fire-Police facility as the #1 project for 1971 funds. Storm drainage was considered. Mr. Senti stated that this is a problem that cannot .be ignored. Mr. Lone commented that the benefits the affected property owners will realize from the funds appropriated in the first year or so will be negligible, as the project must begin at the river and work back to the problem areas. Further discussion followed. Mr. Supinger asked if there was an estimate on the revenue to be realized from .the additional 1 % sales tax? Mr. Lone stated that the City has estimated $1,000,000 will result from this 1 % increase, and that this entire sum must be applied to the capital improvement projects. Mr. Supinger asked if the Fire /Police facility would have an "emergency center". He pointed out that this was one item that the Federal Government will give aid on. Mr. Lone stated that it was considered at one time, but has not been considered recently. Discussion on the enlargement of water lines ensued. Mr. Senti noted that water line sizes are increased in paving district, and by the time the five or six year program is complete~ most of the lines should be adequately sized. Mr. Lone added that probably the water lines in streets which were paved in the 1950's would still be undersized, but the lines in the recent paving programs would be correctly sized. Mr. Lone asked what the difference in a #6 Fire rating and a #4 Fire rating would mean to a home-owner? Mr. Woods stated he didn't really know, but that it would mean a great deal to the businessman. Further discussion followed. It was determined that the replacement of Station #4 should be moved into 1971 rather than 1972. Mr. Woods commented that he didn't feel Stations #2 and #3 were as great a problem as the stations i~ the commercial and industrial areas. -Mr. Lone ,stated that if it were possible, he would like to see the replacement of the stations moved into 1971, but that in any event he felt Station #4 should be constructed first. He commented that this facility is "totally ina de qua te. 11 I I I I I I Page 1267 The financing of the Fire /Police facility was further considered. It was pointed out that perhaps the entire facility could not be completed in .1971. Mr. Carlson stated that if this were the case, the City could finance some of it in the 1972 budget. Mr. Lone pointed out that there could be some problem doing it this way in letting the contract. Brief discussion followed. ·It was the feeling of the Commission that the facility for the Police and Fire Departments should be begun in 1971, and if possible, completed in 1971. The Animal Shelter was considered. Mr. Carlson stated that he felt this project should be worked into the program for 1971, if at all possible. Mr. Lone stated that the City has embarked on a heavy dog-leash-license enforcement program, and the facilities to house the animals are extremely poor. It was agreed that this request should be funded in 1971. Further consideration of the requests from the Fire Department followed. It was pointed out that we must provide adequate up-to-date equipment for Station #4, and that this could possibly be tied together. It was determined that the request for a pumper in 1971 should be recom- mended. The request f0r a rescue vehicle was considered. Mr. Woods pointed out that the present vehicles belong to the volunteer fire department, and with the phasing out .of the volunteers, he questioned the fate of the equipment. He also stated that the vehicles were old and should be replaced. It was agreed that the rescue service is a vital service to the com- munity, and the request for funding in 1971 would be so recommended. Intersection pre-emption equipment as requested by the Fire Department was discussed. It was noted that this equipment is installed in the traffic signals, and is activated from the Fire trucks to clear the intersection for the emergency vehicle. This request will also be recommended for the -1971 budget. The request to enlarge the Library facilities was considered. Mr. Carlson noted that the request is for meeting room facilities, small typing room facilities, etc. He stated that he felt the City and School District administrations should cooperate on the use of the library facilities in the schools during the evening hours and the summertime. He noted that the city could -possibly make some arrangement to purchase some books in the school libraries, but he felt very strongly that the school libraries should not be closed during evening hours and summer vacation. He also felt that special groups who need a meeting room might be allowed to use school facilities. Discussion followed. It was pointed out that with the combination of Fire Stations #2 and #3 into one facility there would be vacant facilities that could be adapted to meeting rooms and additional space for the library also. Discussion followed. Mr .. Patrick asked if a fee would be charged for the use of the meeting rooms, and for use of the rooms if ~hey were provided in a school facility? He pointed out . that there is a charge in Denver for such services. Mrs. Romans noted that there might be a great deal of "inconvenience" in serving the outlying library branches by city personnel. Mr. Supinger stated that he felt we must consider bringing the programs to the people. Further discussion followed. Mr. Lone commented that he didn't see why someone couldn't be hired to staff the school libraries and make those .facilities available to the public the year-round. Mr. Car.Ison commented that if a facility is available, the people · who want to make use of .it will do so no matter where it is located. The proposed garage for the bookmobile was discussed. Mr. Woods as~ed if there were space at the servicenter to park the bookmobile? Further discussion followed. It was noted that the City administration be made aware of the Commission's consideration of the request, and their concern over the fact that the Library facilities do not meet the national standards at the present time. However, the City administration should also be made aware of the fact the Commission does not feel that expanding the Library to add one or two meeting rooms is the answer, and that the Commission suggests the use of school libraries be explored as one alternative to the need for additional space. Mr. Carlson suggested that a committee might be appointed to take inventory of existing public facilities that could be devoted to uses sue~ as the library, recreation programs, etc. Mrs. Romans ~iscussed the proposed Oxford Parkway on West Oxford Avenue. She pointed out that Oxford Avenue from Broadway west is 100 ft. wide, and inasmuch as it is one of the major entrances to the city, a beautification project is suggested. Mrs. Romans also discussed the request for a "Plan-Mobile". She stated that the "mini-bus" would be equipped with desk, chairs, drafting table, etc .. ; this vehicle ·could also be available for use by other departments. The request for this vehicle is in keeping with the concept of "taking the planning, programs, etc. to the people", and she asked that the request be given consideration. Discussion followed. Mr. Carlson ~oted that if the matter ·of enforcement of zoning restrictions were placed under the jurisdiction· of the Planning Department, the vehicle could have considerable merit. It was agreed to approve the request for the 1971 budget. The request of the Parks & Recreation Department for funds to remodel and improve the Groussman Building was considered. Mr. Lone stated that he understood Mr. Romans· to say that the State Highway Department was requesting federal aid in the construction of the ramp, and to obtain the aid the City must agree to use the building for recreational purposes. Mr. Carlson stated that this could be the case, but questioned whether we needed to expend the entire requested $45,000? Further discussion followed. The development of the west end of Belleview Park was then considered. It was the feeling of the Commission that this proposed development had great merit. The all-purpose courts were discussed. Mr. Carlson noted that the youngsters get a lot of use out of these courts. Mr. Lone asked why these courts couldn't be provided by service clubs, such as the Jaycees? He stated that he knew the Jaycees had asked to be kept informed of projects they could be of help on in the park prog~am. The r~quested funds for the golf course were considered. Mr. Carlson pointed out that the locat10~ of the proposed course is not known as of this time; he further commented that he would like to see the Water Department and the Parks & Recreation Department work together. Mrs. Romans commented that she thought the committee working on the golf course was looking at an area along the Platte River from Oxford Avenue south. Further discussion followed. Mr. Carlson commented that he felt this was an "area'' problem rather than an "Englewood" problem, and that we should request federal aid on this project. Page 1268 Paving of parking lots at the Bates /Logan Park, the Jason Park, and Miller Field was con- sidered. After discussion it was determined that this project could be recommended for 1972 rather than 1971. The proposed Greenbelt development in Northwest Englewood was then considered. Mrs. Romans noted that the Parks & Recreation Department has proposed this item for 1976; she commented that the residents of the area are attempting to improve their property, and she would like to see this project moved ahead in the budget plan. She felt the residents of Northwest Englewood might gain added incentive for further improvement of their area if they were aware that the City had plans to undertake beautification of the area following the "draw" which rather separates the residential area from the industrial area along Vassar /College Avenues. Mrs. Romans noted that the City has picked up one or two parcels of land in this area, and that she felt this was a start on the project. Discussion followed. It was determined that the Commission would recommend $30,000 be budgeted for this project in 1971. Further brief discussion followed on the Parks Department requests. Mr. Senti commented that he was sure Mr. Lentsch felt the downtown merchants might work something out to enable them to make use of the vacant area in the rear of the Groussman Building for parking. Further discussion followed. The requests of the Public Works Department were then considered. Mr. Carlson noted that there were several projects requested by this Department that were of a "continuing" nature, such as paving districts, sidewalk districts, right-of-way acquisition, etc. He suggested perhaps categorizing the requests into "Continuing", "Committed to or Required", and then our recommendations on the other projects. The Tufts Avenue /Union Avenue /Santa Fe Drive intersection was discussed. Mr. Lone stated that he would like to see the funds for this project recommended and appropriated for 1971; he would also like to see the idea of "Union Avenue extension" scrapped, and the plan revert to the original idea of extending Tufts Avenue. He further commented that he would like to see the entire project financed in 1971. Mr. Carlson asked if the railroad problem was as serious as it seemed? Mr. Lone stated that if it were only a matter of appearing before the PUC, he couldn't understand why it wasn't done. Further discussion ensued. It was determined that the entire project should be recommended for the 1971 budget. The requested funds for land acquisition at Union Avenue and the Platte River were considered. Mrs. Romans commented that this is to meet a requirement of the Corps of Engineers for re- alignment of the River in conjunction with the construction of Chatfield Dam. The cities are required to provide the right-of-way for the realignment project. Discussion followed. Mr. Carlson asked if we were being "pushed" on the project, or if it could be funded next year, for instance? Further discussion followed. It was determined that if this project must be financed in 1971, that it be recommended for the 1971 budget; if it is not necessary that it be budgeted in 1971, to delay the matter for a year. Pedestrian overpasses at Elati Street and U.S. 285 and Logan Street /Sherman Street and U.S. 285 were considered. Discussion followed. Mrs. Romans noted that pedestrian buttons were on the signals, and if they were actuated, one had ample time to cross the highway. After discussion, it was felt that this project was not of top priority, and would not be recom- mended for the 1971 budget. The Servicenter request was discussed. Mr. Lone commented that he would like to see the Paint Bay project delayed until Phase II of construction is begun. He stated that he felt the exhaust system was of great importance in this building, and that the base course would be neeced in the paving of the parking area. Discussion followed. It was determined that $16,200 would be recommended for this project in the 1971 budget, which would cover the over- head exhaust system and the base course. The Paint Bay would be delayed until 1972. Broadway widening, as proposed by the Public Works Department, was considered. Mrs. Romans stated that this would allow for left-turn lanes at the intersections, two-lanes of traffic in both directions, and still allow parking to be retained on the street. It was noted that the widening project is proposed in two phases, the first of which will be from Hampden Avenue south to Quincy, and the second of which is from Yale Avenue south to Hampden Avenue. It was determined that this project should be included in the 1971 recommendations. Signalization was considered, and Mr. Carlson noted that this is a "continuing" project, and funding should be continued until the project is completed. Street lighting was then discussed. It was determined that this request should be delayed one year. Right-of-way acquisition was considered. Mr. Carlson .noted that this, again, is a "continuing" project on which funding should continue. The Clarkson Street-Little Dry Creek Bridge was considered. Mr. Lone stated that he would like to see this project delayed, and attempt to obtain State Highway designation for this street from U.S. 285 south to Belleview Avenue. No recommendation was made for the 1971 budget. The Storm Sewer project was discussed at length. Mr. Lone suggested that the Storm Sewer project be listed as a top priority .item, but that we not designate any financial estimate. He pointed out that it was possible the entire requested $600,000 would not be expended in 1971, and that additional funds could be needed in future years. tt was determined that the project would be recommended for the 1971 budget, but that no dollar amount be designated. The requests of the Utilities Departments were considered. It was noted that these projects will be financed from the water and sewer funds, and not from the general fund. The Waste- water Treatment Plant upgrading, for $200,000, was considered. It was pointed out this pro- ject is badly needed. It was recommended that this project be funded in 1971. The Ranch Creek Water Diversion project was discussed. Mr. Carlson noted that the City is in- volved in this project, and there is no choice but to recommend the funding as requested. Brief discussion followed; this project was recommended for funding in 1971. Water main replacement was then considered. It was noted that this is being done as the streets are paved. This project was also recommended for 1971. Brief discussion on the entire program ensued. I I I I I I Page 1269 Senti moved: Woods seconded: The following projects be recommended by the Planning Commission for the 1971 Capital Improvement Budget: The motion carried. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7a. 7b. 8. 9. lOa. lOb. 11. 12. Central Facilities -Police & Fire Storm Sewers Union Avenue Extension Plan-Mobile Animal Shelter Greenbelt Development-Scenic View- Northwest Englewood Replacement of Station #4 Pumper Widening of Broadway Belleview Park (West end) Rescue Vehicle Intersection Pre-emption (of traffic signals) Servicenter All-purpose Courts REQUIRED CAPITAL PROJECTS: a. b. c. d. e. Groussman Building Land Acquisition for river channeliza- tion (Platte River at Union Avenue) Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrading Ranch Creek Water Diversion Water Main Improvement CONTINUING PROJECTS: a. b. c. d. Paving District Traffic Signals Sidewalk District Right-of-way Acquisition Further brief discussion followed. The meeting adjourned at 11:20 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary $619,326. $ ?? $199,000. $ 15,000. $ 13,600. $ 30,000. $ 90,000. $ 43,000. $158,400. $ 43,200. $ 13,000. $ 9,950. $ 16,200. $ 9 ,000. $ 45,000. $340,300. $200,000. $617,000. $ 80,000. $ 90,000. $ 23,500. $ 10,000. $ 10,000. MEMORANDUM TO THE CITY MANAGER REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: July 28, 1970 SUBJECT: Capital Improvement Program Priority List. RECOMMENDATION: Senti moved: Woods seconded: The following projects be recommended by the Planning Commission for the 1971 Capital Improvement Budget: 1. 2. 3. . 4. 5. 6. 7a. 7b. 8. 9. lOa. · lOb. 11. 12. Central Facilities -Police & Fire Storm Sewers Union Avenue Extension Plan-Mobile Animal Shelter Greenbelt Development-Scenic View - Northwest Englewood Replacement of Station #4 Pumper Widening of Broadway Belleview Park (West End) Rescue Vehicle Intersection Pre-emption (of traffic signals) Servicenter All-purpose Courts REQUIRED CAPITAL PROJECTS: The motion carried. a. b. c. d. e. Groussman Building Land Acquisition for river channeliza- tion (Platte River at Union Avenue) Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrading Ranch Creek Water Diversion Water Main Improvement CONTINUING PROJECTS: a • b. c. d. Paving District Traffic Signals Sidewalk Distiict Right-of-way Acquisition By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. Ge1t1ude G. Welty, Recording Secretary $619,326. $ ?? $199 ., 000. $ 15,000 . $ 13,600. $ 30,000. $ 90,000. $ 43,000. $158,400. $ 43,200. $ 13,000. $ 9,950. $ 16,200. $ 9,000. $ 45,000. $340,300. $200,000. . $617' 000. $ 80,000. $ 90,000. $ 23,500. $ 10,000. $ 10,000.