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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-08-04 PZC MINUTESPage 1350 V. COMMISSION'S CHOICE Copies of a letter from Mr. George Allen, President of the Chamber of Commerce, recommending that the parking ratio be raised to 2:1 had been given Commission members earlier in the evening. Mr. Weist noted that Mrs. Romans had stated earlier that on the Carmel Park develop- ment, 56% of the land was to be used for parking and maneuvering space, and this was pro- viding 1-1/2:1 parking. Mr. Weist indicated that he felt the Chamber recommendation should be given very serious study, and cautioned that the City should not exceed "what is practical and necessary" in parking requirements. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 4, 1971 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Chairman Carlson. Members present: Weist; Vobejda; Senti; Patrick; Carlson Supinger, Ex-officio Members absent : Mosbarger; Lentsch; Henning Also present: D. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Planning II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Carlson stated that the Minutes of July 20, 1971, were to be considered for approval. Pa trick moved: . Senti seconded: The Minutes of July 20, 1971, be approved as written. The motion carried unanimously. III. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. 1971 -1976. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --t -- - - Mr. Supinger stated that Mr. Dial, City Manager, has requested that the tentative Capital Improvement Program be reviewed, and that comments and suggested changes be submitted to his office in writing by August 20, 1971. Copies of last year's recommendation from the Planning Commission were given Commission members, as was a "comparison table", which table sets forth the projects and amounts sug- gested by the Commission, the amounts for various projects budgeted for 1971, and the amounts and projects included in the "suggested Capital Improvement Plan". Mr. Supinger pointed out some of the projects on which there has been a sharp change from the amount suggested and budgeted to later information, result from information which has been "firmed up". Mr. Supinger noted that the Rescue Vehicle is listed as $6,000 city funds, and hopefully $6,000 will be obtained from Federal Funds. It is also hoped that the Federal Government will contribute $48,000 to the development of Belleview Park , in addition to the City's proposed appropriation of $55,000. Mr. Supinger noted that the Animal Shelter was one case of a sharp rise in construction costs over the amount originally ·estimated and budgeted. Mr. Carlson asked if the size of the Shelter had been increased over that originally considered, and if this were partly the cause of the increase in cost? Mr. Supinger stated that he did not think the size of the Shelter was increased. Discussed followed. Mr. Carlson stated that he felt the Commission should get information for the Capital Improvement Program that was much more accurate in the estimate phase than the $13,000 vs. the $32,000 for the Animal Shelter. Further discussion followed. Mr. Supinger stated that the increase in the amount appropriated for the Greenbelt in North- west Englewood was due to the feeling of City Council that more emphasis should be placed on this particular project, particularly in conjunction with a storm sewer project in the same area. Mr. Supinger stated that the purchase of all lots on the north of the proposed greerr belt has been authorized. He noted that purchase of the lots on the south boundary of the greenbelt will be more expensive , and has not been authorized at this date. The traffic program was discussed. Mr. Carlson questioned whether Federal Funds might be available for some of this program, such as the traffic study. Mr. Supinger stated that the TOPICS portion of the program is financed with Federal Funds, and noted that there might be a possibility of obtaining Federal Funds for the implementation of the program as recom- mended in the final Traffic Study, but that the City has taken a "conservative" approach to the matter, and has not included such possible funds in the Capital Improvement Program as presented. Mr. Carlson questioned the possibility of Federal funds for the Greenbelt area in Northwest Englewood? Mr. Supinger stated he felt there was a possibility that the City could get Federal Funds on the storm drainage program which is in conjunction with the greenbelt. I I I I I I Page 1351 The Engineering Study of Little Dry Creek was discussed. Mr. Supinger stated that this study would encompass an analysis of the reservoirs, recommendations on channel improve- ments through Englewood ; and determination of the 100-year flood plain. Mr. Car+son stated that he felt this was the type of study that the Council of Governments should be doing --for the metropolitan area, rather than each jurisdiction having to conduct their own studies and then having to go through the Council of GoveFnments only to get their approval when applications are made for Federal Grants. Mr. Carlson questioned the value of the Council of Governments under these conditions, and stated that he hoped that DRCOG soon realized what they could and should be doing if they wanted to retain the support of the participating jurisdictions. He stated that he personally felt that the City of Englewood was far ahead of the Council of Governments in matters such as this, and that the only benefit derived from the Council of Governments is the possibility of obtaining federal grants. Discussion followed. Mr. Carlson asked if the Union Avenue "extension" was still recommended in the traffic study? Mr. Supinger replied that it is, but it is a "long-range thing". The funding for a "Plan-Mobile" was discussed. Mrs. Romans stated that she felt this proposal was "a good thing"; she felt this would be "taking Planning to the people", as was recommended at several of the national conferences she has attended. Mrs. Romans stated that a mini-bus could be equipped with drafting table, desk, map racks, etc. and staffed with one or two office personnel, and could be in a "neighborhood" to enable those persons to come in and discuss zoning matters, etc. with the staff. She pointed out that this mini-bus could also be used by other departments in the City. Mrs. Vobejda stated that she felt the proposal had a great deal of merit, and that this would enable persons to become aware of such things as zoning matters, etc. much easier and quicker. Mr. Supinger commented that he wasn't thoroughly convinced of the merit of the "mini-bus"; he asked why the schools couldn't be used for "neighborhood meetings", or why a community center sort of use couldn't be made of the fire stations on such occasions. Mr. Supinger stated that such an all-purpose room in the fire stations might be used ·every week, par- ticularly if an Urban Renewal Program, in which the citizens will be very involved, is instigated in the City. Also being considered is a "Community Development Program", sponsored by Public Works Director Waggoner, which could entail many "group" meetings. Discussion followed. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the school buildings aren't always available for City use, particularly during the day. She also pointed out that the "mini- bus" could be available to older residents who could not physically walk the five or six blocks to the fire station or school building, but who might be glad to avail themselves of the information if the mini-bus were parked in their block. Further discussion followed. Mr. Carlson asked what was encompassed in the proposed "Broadway widening". Mrs. Romans stated that this was considered in an effort to assure the same width along Broadway from Yale to Belleview. Mr. Supinger commented that he felt the traffic study will have an effect on this project. Mr. Patrick asked if the Traffic Study had been completed? Mr. Supinger stated that the preliminary draft is ready, and the report has been scheduled for review by the Commission at their first meeting in September. Mr. Weist asked why the City Council had increased the funding for the Greenbelt in North- west Englewood to such an extent. Mr. Supinger stated that the City has wanted to get a good start on the drainage program, which will require that right-of-way be obtained. Therefore, funding was increased to allow the purchase of the lots on the north side of the area, and to make a start on the 'greenbelt" itself. Mr. Supinger pointed out that this purchase could provide land for the new fire station, as well as the storm drainage right-of-way and the greenbelt. Mr. Carlson asked why it was felt the study on Dry Creek must be done in 1971? Is there some program in mind which must follow this study? Mr. Supinger stated that the need for this study is critical, and therefore is proposed for inclusion in the 1971 -expenditures. Mr. Senti stated that the Traffic Study points out just how critical the study of Dry Creek is. Mr. Supinger stated that he understood the Englewood Dam was to be checked, and the capacity of the existing conduit needed to be improved; that the Creek will now flood before it will carry capacity in the areas where it is "boxed". Mr. Supinger noted that City Manager Dial had included funds for the proposed Core Area Study in the Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Supinger noted that the Study will be "an investment in the future of the Core Area". Mr. Carlson stated that he was unaware of the . possibility of interest in the study as expressed by Qfficials of Swedish Medical Center. Discussion followed. Mr. Carlson noted that several members of the Commission were absent this evening, and suggested that the matter of the Capital Improvement Program should be put on the Commission · agenda for August 17th. Mr. Supinger stated that City Manager Dial had indicated he would make arrangements to attend a meeting for discussion of the Program if the Commission so desired. It was the feeling of the members present that they would like to have City Manager Dial in attendance at the meeting of August 17th. IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE -COMMISSION'S CHOICE, Mr. Supinger reported on his recent trip to California for the City. Mr. Supinger stated that he had taken over 300 photographs, and was most impressed with the Fresno Core Area de- velopment, which has malls, a civic center and convention center. He noted that this develop- ment "was very well done." Mr. Carlson asked what the area of Fresno's Core Area encompassed? Mr. Supinger stated that it was a smaller area than the City of Englewood has considered for the Core Area study that is proposed, but pointed out that the study of Englewood will not be confined to "commercial" use of the land for the entire area. Mr. Carlson commented that he didn't feel it necessary Page 1352 "to have a dozen square blocks to chang~ anything; much can be done in just one block." Dis- cussion followed. Mr. Weist stated that he felt the "critical" people could be the individual property owner, and .asked "what do you do after you get the study?" Mr~ Patrick stated he felt that there hasn't been any "definite ideas or plans and no goal to work toward." He stated that he felt if the study would indicate what is needed that the people may ''get behind it." Further discussion followed. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 P. M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNJNG AND ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 17, 1971 The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Chairman Carlson. Members present: ~embers absent: Also present: Weist; Vobejda; Senti; Patrick; Mosbarger; Lentsch; Henning; Carlson Supinger, Ex-officio None City Manager Dial; Assistant Director of Planning Romans. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Carlson stated that the Minutes of August 4, 1971, were to be considered for approval. Lentsch moved: Patrick seconded: The Minutes of August 4, 1971, be approved as written. The motion carried. III. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. 1971 -1976 Mr. Supinger stated that at the meeting .of August 4, 1971, members of the Commission had questions about some of the items listed in the study document prepared by the City Manager's office, and asked that City Manager Dial attend this meeting to discuss the proposed Program with the Commission. Mr. Dial stated that he appreciated the opportunity to discuss the Capital Improvement Program with tµe Commission. Mr. Dial noted that the Planning Commission does have a great responsibility in reviewing projects proposed by the City Administration, and in setting the priority for Capital Im- provement Projects for the City. He noted that the revenue estimates given were "hopefully" reliable --that it "seemed safe to count on" spending $1,400,000 each year for the next five years for Capital Improvements. Mr. Dial pointed out that the estimates listed for individual projects are not "highly refined estimates", and that revisions may have to be made. Mr. Dial cited as an example the Police/Fire complex, which lowest bid for construc- tion e~ceeded monies budgeted by $286,000. He stated that if City Council determines that the project should be constructed as bid, the $286,000 would necessarily have to be diverted from some other projects that have been proposed and budgeted. Mr. Carlson noted that in a "comparison" table of projects suggested by the Commission and those for which appropriations were made in 1971, a wide variance is indicated in the estimates the Commission was given and the final amounts appropriated. Mr. Dial stated that in the matter of the animal shelter, the discrepancy can be the result of two reasons: 1. The building was enlarged from what was originally planned due to a contractual agreement with Arapahoe County for the City to handle animals from the unincorporated areas. 2. The building was much more expensive to construct than had been estimated. Mr. Dial stated that while the Council appropriated $150,000 for the Northwest Englewood Greenbelt vs. the Commission's recommended $30,000 that only $80,000 or $90,000 has been committed at this time. Discu~sion followed. Mrs. Henning asked to be up-dated on the proposed replacement of Fire Station #4 and a sub- station in Centennial Ac~es? Mr. Dial stated that the replacement of Station #4 in Scenic View is primarily the "replacement of a temporary building" but up many years ago, and it is proposed that the new Station be relocated to a more centralized portion of the Scenic View area. Mr. Dial pointed out that there is a definite n~ed for a sub-station in that area. He also pointed out that there is a possibility that some land purchased by the City for the Greenbelt could be utilized as the site for the Fire Station also. I I I