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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-05-18 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 18, 1993 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Covens at 7:05 P. M. in Conference Room A of the Englewood City Hall. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Dummer, Gerlick, Mason, Shoop, Tobin, Covens Merkel, Ex-officio Cuesta, Garrett Planning Administrator Harold J. Stitt II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. April 20, 1993 Ms. Cuesta entered the meeting and took her chair with the members of the Commission. Mr. Covens asked if there were amendments to the Minutes of April 20, 1993. Tobin moved: Shoop seconded: The Minutes of April 20, 1993 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Dummer, Gerlick, Mason, Shoop, Tobin, Cuesta, Covens None Garrett None The motion carried. ID. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1994 -1998 CASE #7-93 Mr. Covens stated that the Commission is charged with the review and recommendation of a five-year Capital Improvement Program, to be submitted to the City Manager at least 90 days prior to his submission of the Budget to the City Council. Mr. Covens stated that the Com- . mission should not consider monetary limitations; this is the responsibility of the City Council. Mr. Covens directed the Commission's attention to the CIP projects which were considered in 1992, and the ten which were given highest priority by the Commission and recommended to the City Manager. Mr. Covens inquired whether there is a "number" of projects that should be recommended, or whether it could be 10 or 15, or more or less. Mr. Stitt and Mr. Merkel stated that there is no "number" to be cited --whatever the Commission feels should be the top recommendations. Mr. Merkel stated that he views this as a "brain-storming session" for the Commission to sug-. gest meaningful projects for the improvement of the community. The Commission then reviewed the 1992 projects which were included for funding in the Budget. Mr. Stitt pointed out that there are "on-going" projects which are part of the Capital Improvement Program, such as bond payments, paving districts, bicycle grate replacement program, etc. Mr. Stitt emphasized the need for the Commission to keep in mind that they make a "recommendation", and that a project may or may not be included for funding in any given year. Mr. Stitt reiterated Mr. Covens' earlier statement that this is a five-year program, and that it is the responsibility of the City Council to address the financing issue. Mr. Stitt addressed the ADA requirements in response to a query for clarification. There are some requirements which are specified by law; while other provisions are left to the discretion of individual businesses and communities. The bottom line is that we must make "reasonable accommodations" for disabled citizens to all public buildings and functions. Restrooms must be handicapped accessible, as well as ease of access (electronic-eye doors and ramps) to buildings; elevators for access to second floor areas, etc. Mr. Merkel also discussed the ADA requirements, and pointed out that if access for the handicapped to any public facility or building is an improvement to the community, then by all means include this in the CIP pro- gram. He stated that from a Planning perspective, handicapped accessibility enhances a com- munity in every way. Mr. Merkel further suggested that the Commission consider recom- mending that any physical improvements to City facilities must be consistent with ADA re- quirements. Mr. Shoop asked if the City was "under the gun" or stands to lose funding if ADA require- ments are not met by a given date. Mr. Stitt stated that we are not; the ADA requirements are enforced by the Justice Department, and were someone to feel they were denied access, we could be sued. Ms. Tobin stated that is difficult for some people to climb stairs, and this could preclude many people from being interviewed for or participating on City Boards and/or Commissions. Mr. Dummer asked why items that are essentially "mandates", such as the ADA requirements, included as Capital Improvement Projects. Three of the projects recommended in 1992 were related to the ADA requirements. Mr. Stitt stated that last year, the Commission was asked to review the projects cited by Department Heads. This year, the Commission is being asked to come up with their own "list of ideas" for Capital Improvements they want to see in the com- munity. Mr. Stitt stated that a list of new requests from the Department Heads was compiled by the Public Works Department, and Community Development obtained one copy earlier in the day. 2 Projects which were requested in 1992 but were not requested in 1993 were noted, as were some new projects. Mr. Stitt stated that the Commission needs to look at the City as a whole, and determine what they want to see in the community. He gave examples of previous Planning Commissioners' projects which they supported: an ice-skating rink, and a community/recreation center. The ice skating rink never came to fruition; however, the City does have a very nice Recreation Center, which was suggested for many consecutive years. Mr. Stitt emphasized the need to use the "global view" in developing the CIP list, and noted that this effort will be somewhat akin to the "visioning process" we have discussed previously. Mr. Mason stated . that, in other words, the Commission gets to consider things they feel may be important to the quality of life in Englewood. Transportation issues were addressed on several key streets: Hampden (U.S. 285), Santa Fe Drive, and South Broadway. Landscaping on U.S. 285 was brought up for discussion. Mr. Merkel cited the fact that the landscaping will be installed with State and Federal funds; however, the City of Englewood must assume responsibility of maintenance. Ms. Tobin strongly stressed the need for attractive entrances to the City of Englewood --a "gateway" at key poin ts of entry, and particularly on U.S. 285, which carries so much traffic. Improvements along Broadway, and the need to do something with Trolley Square was then considered. Mr. Merkel stated that FDIC has control of Trolley Square at the present time, and efforts are being exerted to get control away from FDIC. The access to Trolley Square was cited as a problem and the reason it has not rented well. Mr. Mason pointed out that there is very similar construction in the Cherry Creek area, and this has not inhibited the leasing of those stores. Further discussion ensued on the problems with Cinderella City and shoppers wants and needs. The Santa Fe improvements were considered. Mr. Merkel stated that support of the Tri-Cities Group efforts is important, and the Tri-Cities Group has been instrumental in gaining im- proved amenities along South Santa Fe Drive. The improvement of the "image" of the City by means of landscaping, signage, improvement of housing, was discussed. Mr. Shoop agreed there is a need for improvement along the City's borders. Ms. Cuesta pointed out that foliage is a very important visual impact --"a tree lined street feels warmer, homey; curving streets slow people down and give them a sense of home." Expansion of the Malley Center and expansion/relocation of the Library were then reviewed. It was noted that in 1992, a couple of projects had "feasibility study" and "construction" as separate projects. It was pointed out that if a "feasibility study " was recommended, this sig- naled that there was interest in the possibility of future expansion or relocation. 3 The issue of relocation of the Library and Municipal Court was discussed. These projects can be independent of each other, or there can be an inter-dependence --if the Library were to be relocated, the Municipal Court could move into the existing Library quarters. Mr. Stitt pointed out that the Library cannot further expand its services because of lack of space in its existing location, and the Municipal Court facilities are very crowded. There is space at the Police/Fire complex to allow construction to accommodate the Court facilities. Discussion ensued. Mr. Mason commented that in his opinion, it is a good idea to move the Courts to the area by the Police complex. The possibility of construction of a "justice center" and/or "municipal complex" by the Police/Fire complex was suggested. The relocation of the Library to privately owned areas, such as Cinderella City or a location in the Englewood Marketplace was discussed. Several Commission members expressed discom- fort in locating municipal facilities in privately-owned developments. Mr. Covens stated that he did not feel construction of a new building for a City function is on the front line of citi- zen's interest when there is unused space available. Ms. Cuesta pointed out that at the present time , the Library is easily accessible even to youngsters; she urged that the matter of accessi- bility and safety be kept in mind in considering a new location for the Library. Mr. Covens asked how the issue of the Library should be handled: should it be indicated as "build" a new Library or "expand the Library". Mr. Merkel suggested it be indicated as "Expand Library", and it will be the City Council's determination on whether the expansion is by means of new construction or not. Parks projects were then reviewed. The issue of the "regional park" was discussed . Mr. Stitt stated that the former Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and South Drive-In site have been ac- quired by South Suburban Parks & Recreation District, and they have considered the combination of Progress Park in Littleton , the fairgrounds property, Belleview Park and the South Drive-in property into one "regional" park. The south metro area does not have a "regional park". Mr. Mason asked how the park development on the north side of Belleview would be connected to that on the south side of Belleview. Mr. Stitt stated that there is a tun- nel currently under Belleview A venue; this could be improved. There was also brief consid- eration of a pedestrian overpass. Mr. Stitt stated that there is a proposal to use Federal funds to provide a bicycle trail along Big Dry Creek which would extend southeasterly to Littleton High School and northwesterly across Santa Fe to the Golf Course. This would certainly pro- vide a linkage between the north and south park areas. Mr. Stitt stated that preliminary plans are being prepared by South Suburban, and the Commission will have an opportunity to re- view them in the near future. Mr. Mason suggested a "garden development" at the Belleview Avenue/South Santa Fe Drive intersection. Other communities use community service labor to develop the gardens and maintain them, or gardening clubs could take an interest in maintaining the gardens. Such a development would have a very visible impact for the City. Ms. Tobin suggested that the City needs a museum, and further suggested that the old Engle- wood Depot be relocated within the City boundaries and used for the museum. Ms. Tobin further suggested the need for an "excursion train", and noted that such a train ran years ago. 4 Ms. Cuesta inquired about foot or horse patrol in the Parks. She stated she realized this is not a Capital Improvement expenditure, but suggested it might be kept in mind as a safety factor in the Parks. Ms. Tobin pointed out that horse patrol units are expensive, and are one of the first cuts in tight budget years. Mr. Merkel suggested that the flood control improvements/amenities along Little Dry Creek that were done by the Urban Renewal Authority be extended to Santa Fe or South Platte River. This will provide a "greenbelt" from South Clarkson Street through Englewood along a major drainage way. Ms. Tobin asked what impact the proposed merger of Swedish Medical Center with Presbyte- rian/St. Lukes will have on Englewood. Mr. Merkel stated that this is an unknown at this point. Projects for Police/Fire, such as improved communications center and the Computer Aided Dispatch projects of last year were considered. Mr. Merkel stated that the City will be con- tracting with Arapahoe County and Littleton to provide dispatch services. A brief recess of the meeting was called. The meeting reconvened with seven members pre- sent; Mr. Garrett was absent. Projects which were to be considered for prioritizing by the Commission were: City Image (beautification, gateways at city limits, traffic enhancement); Museum (train depot moved to Cushing Park) Golf Course expansion Little Dry Creek -extension of flood control improvements/amenities Santa Fe Drive (Tri-cities Group) -beautification Green Belt (gardens at Belleview and Windermere) (soft ball parks) Library -relocation to other existing site Belleview Park -overpass/underpass for regional park connection Belleview Park -restroom improvement; relocation of Zoo; general improvements Police "park rangers" (horse, walking, bike) Courts -move to present Library site 285 Traffic (street closures) Library -construction of new facility Purchase additional open space Courts -move to "Justice Center" at Police/Fire complex Malley Center expansion Regional Park support Centennial Park Improvements (shoreline improvement; pave parking lots) Police Communications Center Commission members then selected the projects they felt were the most important, and they are ranked as follows: 5 1. City Image Funding (Gateways/Beautification) 2. Museum (old Depot -possible move to Cushing Park) 3. Golf Course expansion 4. Little Dry Creek -extension of flood control amenities 5. Santa Fe Drive Beautification (Tri-City Group) 6. Greenbelt (gardens) at Belleview/Windermere 7. Library -move to other existing site 8. Belleview Park (overpass/underpass) 9. Belleview Park (restrooms, zoo relocation, general improvements) Mason moved: Shoop seconded: The Planning Commission recommend the following items to the City Manager for inclusion in the five-year Capital Improvement Program: 1. City Image Funding (Gateways/Beautification) 2. Museum (old Depot -possible move to Cushing Park) 3. Golf Course expansion 4. Little Dry Creek -extension of flood control amenities 5. Santa Fe Drive Beautification (Tri-City Group) 6. Greenbelt (gardens) at Belleview/Windermere 7. Library -move to other existing site 8. Belleview Park (overpass/underpass) 9. Belleview Park (restrooms, zoo relocation, general improvements) All structural/facility improvements shall comply with the ADA re- quirements. AYES: NAYS: Dummer, Gerlick, Mason, Shoop, Tobin, Cuesta, Covens None ABSENT: Garrett ABSTAIN: None The motion carried. IV. SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE The meeting schedule for July (7 and 20), and August (3 and 17) were discussed. The July 7 meeting is on Wednesday because of the July 4th Holiday. It was the consensus of the Com- mission that the meeting of July 7 be canceled. V. PUBLIC FORUM. 6 .. No one W'!-S present to address the Commission VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Merkel stated he had nothing to bring before the Commission. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Covens inquired about the Colorado Municipal League conference in Breckenridge. Mr. Merkel stated that staff has not heard from any Commission members asking that reservations be made to this point in time. Mr. Covens indicated that he was interested in attending , and asked that he be registered for Friday, June 25 only. Mr. Merkel was asked to update the Commission on the Santa Fe Videos case. Mr. Merkel stated that the City needs to rev ise the Ordinances pertaining to the issue of adult entertain- ment. Mr. Stitt stated that the City lost the case , and the staff will be looking at ways to ad - dress the issue of adult businesses without infringing on the First Amendment rights , and to also provide residential areas protection from the encroachment of these uses. Ms. Tobin inquired about the Lowry Landfill suit. Mr. Stitt stated that the Ci ty Attorney is working with other jurisdictions on this matter. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assigns anyone who contributed to the landfill as a potentially liable party. Discussion ensued. The agenda for June 8 was briefly discussed. At that meeting, the Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider the amendment of the Master Street Plan. A possible group tour of this area was considered Further discussion ensued . Mr. Merkel urged the Commission to consider the "big picture" on this issue, also, and not just the parochial interests of one or two blocks. Mr. Mason suggested that in lieu of the right-of-way being "given" back to the prop- erty owners, they be allowed to "purchase" it from the City . Further discussion ensued. Mr. Covens suggested that staff write a letter of appreciation to former Commissioner Bill Draper. There was no further business brought forth for discussion. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 P .M. ,<~kJv /~- Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary 7