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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-02 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JUNE2, 1992 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 6:30 P. M. by Chairman Schultz in the Community Room of Englewood City Hall. Members present: Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Leonard, Schultz L. Martin, Acting Ex-officio Members absent: None Also present: Hayes, Director of Financial Services; Black, Director of-Recreation; Long, Director of Libraries; Stanley, Director of Safety Services; Barthlome, Director of Administrative Services; Fonda, Director of Utilities; Boettger, Court Administrator; Kahm, Engineering Manager; Thompson, Information Systems/Procurement Manager; Korba, Parks Supervisor; Olson, Executive Officer, Safety Services; Ogden, Commu- nications Manager, Safety Services. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. May 5, 1992 May 19, 1992 Chairman Schultz stated that the Minutes of May 5, -1992 .and May 19, 1992, were to be con- sidered for approval. Tobin moved: Dummer seconded: The Minutes of May 5, 1992 and May 19, 1992 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Tobin, Covens, Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Leonard, Shoop, Schultz None None None The motion carried. ill. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1993 -1997 Ms. Martin asked that all City personnel introduce themselves and identify their departments. Ms. Martin then set the parameters of the discussion of the projects submitted by the various departments for consideration by the Commission. Ms. Martin distributed a copy of a page from the Municipal Code outlining the duties of the Commission in regard to capital improve- ments, which charges · the Commission with the submission to the City Manager a list of rec- ommended prioritized capital improvements for the forthcoming five-year period. Ms. Martin suggested that after all of the requested projects have been reviewed with the appropriate de- partment representative, the Commission will be asked to submit their individual top ten pro- jects to her. Staff will then assign a point system to these projects, and compile the results in a report for the Commission to be considered on June 16. Ms. Martin stressed to the Commis- 1 sion that in considering the projects, we are talking about a specific proposed project --not the year of construction, the projected cost, etc. Only the proposed project. Mr. Kahm noted that at least three of the proposals do also have "feasibility studies" as a part of the project, but is listed separately; these should, in his opinion, be considered as one "project". Mr. Covens inquired whether if Library relocation were to be recommended, could Municipal Court make use of the vacated Library quarters, or would both departments have to be relo- cated to new quarters. This issue was addressed later in the meeting. Ms. Martin asked Ms. Hayes, Director of Financial Services, to present her information to the Commission. Ms. Hayes distributed to the Commission copies of the Golf Course Fund (from the 1992 Budget), Public Improvement Fund, Sewer Fund (from the 1992 Budget), and the Water Fund. Ms. Hayes noted that the Golf Course, Water and Sewer funds are self-supporting en- terprise funds, and do not require funding through the General Fund. Ms. Hayes stated that projections for 1993 through 1997 are based on a 2% increase in revenue each year, and a 4% increase in expenditures each year. Ms. Hayes stated that the Public Improvement Fund is funded by use tax revenues, intergovernmental revenues, etc. This ·fund is used to finance on- going projects, such as street paving, sidewalk, curb and gutter districts, etc. Projections on this fund are also the 2 % revenue increase per year, and the 4 % increase in expenditures per year. Brief discussion ensued regarding these different funds. Mr. Schultz asked how the 2 % and 4% figures were determined. Ms. Hayes stated that the revenues for the City have been fairly flat in the last few years, and 2% is approximately what has been realized; the 4% is the ap- proximate rate of inflation. Ms. Hayes then briefly discussed the Conservation Trust Fund, which is restricted in use to the acquisition and development of park lands; this Trust Fund realizes approximately $170,000 per year. The present balance is approximately $156,000; the $170,000 will be paid to the City in September, 1992. Ms. Martin indicated that in other communities, this Fund has also been used for acquisition of equipment, maintenance, etc. Ms. Martin addressed the requests for ADA upgrades to City Hall, the Recreation Center, and various Parks, as well as the Tri-Cities Planning Group funding. Ms. Martin asked that Ms. Barthlome, Director of Administrative Services, more fully address the ADA requirements. Ms. Barthlome stated that the City has contracted with the Easter Seal Foundation to work with the City in training and assuring proper accessibility for the disabled. The City is putting together guidelines and policies, there is an ADA committee composed of representatives from every department, and there will be a committee of disabled individuals to review proposals that are developed. Ms. Barthlome distributed information from the Americans with Disabili- ties Act (ADA) that address the need for accessibility by those with disabilities in existing buildings, new buildings, and buildings undergoing alteration. Ms. Barthlome pointed out that while a public entity is not required to resort to structural changes in existing facilities to as- sure program accessibility, this accessibility may be achieved by redesign of equipment, reas- signment of services to accessible buildings, or portions of buildings that are accessible, etc. When structural changes are proposed to existing facilities, a "transition plan" must outline how these changes will be accomplished, and said Plan must be completed within six months of January 26, 1992 (July 26, 1992). The changes proposed in the Plan must then be made no later than January 26, 1995. 2 The issue of "mandatory" compliance was addressed. Ms. Martin pointed out there is a large percentage of elderly citizens in Englewood; they frequently need to access the second floor of City Hall, which is difficult to do for some of them. Thus, the proposal to install an elevator to provide easier access to offices on the second floor. This elevator could be constructed in conjunction with a proposed shelter for the Cherrelyn Horse Car on the west side of City Hall. Ms. Martin emphasized that the elevator construction is not "mandated", but would be a nice service for disabled and/or elderly people. Mr. Covens asked why a feasibility study is not required on all ADA projects. Ms. Barthlome pointed out that we are developing a Transition Plan, and this is funded. Mr. Covens stated that he wanted to see mandated ADA projects separated from "cosmetic" projects. Ms. Tobin stated that some ADA upgrades are mandated. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Draper stated that he would be in favor of funding the ADA projects. Mr. Covens asked what ADA improvements would have to be made at the Recreation Center. Mr. Black stated that the front doors will have to be changed to electronic sliding doors; lava- tories will have to be modified , access to the second level will require installation of an eleva- tor. Ms. Tobin inquired about the cost of a ramp vs. that of an elevator . Mr. Kahm discussed the maximum slope for ramps, and stated that an elevator is financially and physically more feasible in this location. Ms. Martin addressed the Tri-Cities funding request; this is an on-going group of people from Sheridan, Littleton and Englewood working for improvement of the Santa Fe/South Platte River corridor. Each entity will be contributing funds. On June 4 they will interview archi- tects who will be charged with preparation of a design plan for presentation to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT); the group will be attempting to get a financial com- mitment from CDOT. The proposed funding will be our local match. Ms. Martin thanked Ms. Barthlome for her presentation, and then asked Ms. Boettger , Court Administrator, to discuss the requests for Municipal Court improvements. Ms. Boettger discussed the severe crowding that is experienced in the Municipal Court offices ; they have nine people officed in approximately 570 sq. ft. Ms. Boettger discussed the new re- sponsibilities that the Court has assumed over the years, such as domestic abuse , and video teleconferencing/arraignments; this brings in a large number of people , and the lack of parking for Court attendees is critical. Ms. Boettger estimated that the Court sees approximately 80 people at the counter each day, and that there are at least another 90 that are assisted by tele- phone. Ms. Boettger stated that if the Municipal Court were to be located to the Safety Ser- vices site, this would be an addition on the west side of the existing building; it would elimi- nate some of the prisoner transport and holding issues in that the prisoners could be retained in the existing holding cells until just before their Court appearance, and would not have to be "transported" that far to the Court facilities . Ms. Boettger addressed Mr. Covens' inquiry earlier in the meeting , noting that if the Library facilities were to be relocated, Municipal Court could move into that area after remodeling; this would provide sufficient office/Court Chamber space, and there would be more access to parking on the north side of the existing City Hall. Further discussion ensued. Ms. Boettger stated that the requested funding for parking included the purchase of land and the improve- ment of that land for parking purposes. The Public Works Department was represented by Mr. Kahm, who addressed the requests from this Department. The Cherrelyn Horse Car has been redone , and the City and Horse Car Committee are now working on a permanent location for the Horse Car. The Committee 3 raised the funds to finance the refurbishing, and has again embarked on a fund-raising effort for an enclosed shelter. So far, a little over $30,000 has been raised in this effort. Several lo- cations for the shelter were considered, and the committee determined that an enclosed shelter on the front of City Hall is the best location. Mr. Kahm displayed architectural renderings of the proposed shelter/m~ification of City Hall. Mr. Kahm then addressed the need for additional storage located at the Servicenter. The greenhouse property was sold, eliminating a storage area, and the Federal Fire Station can no longer be used for storage purposes. The storage facilities that are proposed would be shared by Safety Services, Public Works, and Waste Water Treatment Plant. The proposed storage facility will be a metal "Butler" -type building. Improvements along U.S. 285 were then discussed. A consultant was hired to do a study of improvements, and the report is in the final stages. Improvements that are being considered include the widening of the Broadway bridge, Inca/Jason realignment, Inca/Huron access, and the installation of medians. These improvements will eliminate one of the signalized intersec- tions on U.S. 285. Mr. Kahm emphasized that businesses along U.S. 285 had been invited to meetings wherein the different proposals were discussed. The cost of the improvements will be in excess of $5,000,000. The funding which is requested in the CIP will be used to install the irrigation system and landscaping in the medians in conjunction with the CDOT work. Mr. Korba, Parks Supervisor, addressed the expansion of the Belleview Park railroad. This expansion and other Belleview Park improvements are part of the overall Belleview Park/Regional Park plan. The railroad expansion would serve the proposed nature area on the west end of the park, and provide access to the proposed relocation site of the Zoo/Children's Farm. Mr. Korba stated that he did not know what agreement has been reached with the Lion's Club regarding the railroad. Mr. Black, Director of Recreation , stated that this issue will be discussed with the Lion's Club. The regional park underpass/overpass was then considered. Mr. Korba stated that some means to provide park patrons access to the park facilities on both the north and south sides of Belle- view A venue must be made. This would be necessary under the Regional Park concept that is being developed by South Suburban Metropolitan Parks & Recreation District (SSMPRD). Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Kahm stated that an underpass will be less expensive to con- struct. Other Belleview Park improvements addressed by Mr. Korba included a skateboard park, im- provement of the Whitaker Drive parking lot and the Windermere parking lot; construction of a restroom near Shelter 3 and 4; construction of a new shelter and new playground area, de- velopment of a passive picnic area, and a new lighted bike path along Big Dry Creek. These improvements are all components of a master plan for Belleview Park. Improvements to the Centennial Park parking lots would consist of asphalting two existing gravel lots; this would cut down on the dust factor experienced by neighboring residential properties. Cushing Park improvements include the construction of a bike path, renovation of the play- ground, construction of rest stops, and installation of additional landscaping . This will provide connection of the bike paths from the Platte River to the Little Dry Creek Plaza. The addi- tional landscaping will be a visual and sound barrier from the highway. Centennial Lake Shoreline improvements were discussed. There has been severe erosion of the west shoreline, and it is in need of stabilization; this is a safety factor, also. 4 There are no restroom facilities at the Plaza at Little Dry Creek; citizens have requested these facilities for some time, and this request for funding would address this needed improvement. Ms. Martin stated that there have been some discussions with the Englewood Downtown De- velopment Authority to share in the funding of this improvement, but there has been no reso- lution to these discussions. The improvement of "Broadway Park" was discussed. The City recently acquired property on the southwest corner of Broadway and Englewood Parkway, with the intent that it be land- scaped and improved to provide an attractive green area in the downtown district. Several preliminary plans for development have been prepared, and presented to EDDA; there are no firm plans at this time. Mr. Draper stated that he would like to see the conceptual plans. The Oxford Entry Park proposal will consist of a parking area construction to access the bike paths, installation of xeriscaping, and a sheltered rest area. This would serve as a staging area for access to the Platte River trail system. Mr. Black stated that the parking area will take pressure off the parking lots at the golf course, because bicycle riders are now parking there. The proposed parking area would be on the northwest corner of the site and be specifically for those wishing to access the bicycle trails. Mr. Kahm then distributed a list of on-going projects which are funded through the CIP; these include the street paving, curb, gutter and sidewalk districts, City Hall payments, Police/Fire payments, beautification projects, infrastructure repairs, information system, etc. Ms. Martin introduced Steve Thompson, Information Systems/Procurement Manager. Mr. Thompson discussed the ongoing upgrading of the information systems network in the City , interconnecting the several departments and locations of City operations via comput- ers/electronic mail. The Council is also tied in on the computer/electronic mail system. Mr. Long, Director of Libraries, addressed the needs of the Library. The Library opened in 1965, and was later expanded to the present 21,000 square feet. Plans for construction of a new facility have been discussed since at least 1984. Mr. Long enumerated the increase in hours and services that the Library provides: they are open an additional 24 hours per week over 1984; there has been a 32% increase in materials checked out, with a 14% increase over last year at this same time; and a 72 % increase in business coming in the door. They have added a number of new services when and where they could, but they are "maxed out". The new proposal would give additional space for children's activities, local history collections, to name a few. Mr. Long stated that the present book collection is approximately 107,000 vol- umes; this could increase with the new facility. Ms. Tobin asked why the Dewey Decimal System had been eliminated. Mr. Long stated that the system has not been eliminated; it is now computerized. This is more cost effective and quicker for the patron and for the staff. Discussion ensued. Mr. Schultz asked if Mr. Long had a location in mind. Mr. Long stated that he does not; this is one of the things the feasibility study would address. Mr. Long estimated the needed space to be approximate! y 30, 000 sq. ft. , and this size facility should be sufficient for 20 to 25 years. Mr. Dummer inquired if the service was to residents or all members of the public. Mr. Long stated that the service and figures cited reflect all public. Mr. Covens inquired whether thought had been given to leasing space at Trolley Square or Cinderella City. Mr. Long stated that in his opinion, leasing is not cost effective over the 5 long-term. Brief discussion ensued. Ms. Tobin stated that Library services is one of the most important functions the City can offer. Recreation projects were addressed by Director Black. Relocation of the Petting Zoo to the proposed nature area on the west end of Belleview Park was discussed. The existing zoo does not meet the minimum guidelines of the Department of Agriculture. They propose to relocate the zoo and tie it in with the extension of the Lion's Club railroad. Mr. Black stated that a Master Plan for this park was taken to the Board last week; it will be taken to City Council within the next few months. There are two businesses recently annexed to the City, Arapahoe Rental and Home Lumber, addressed on West Belleview Avenue, that are between the existing Belleview Park and the SSMPRD regional park area on the north side of Belleview. As long as these two businesses want to remain in that location, the City will work with and around them; if they relocate and the properties become available for purchase, the City will look to purchasing the sites. Expansion of the Golf Course Clubhouse was discussed. This would provide additional square footage for the Pro Shop, meetings, concessions, and storage. Mr. Black also discussed the expansion of the Golf Course; there is a need for additional courses, and use of courses will increase between 4% -6% through 2000. In response to an inquiry from Ms. Tobin, Mr. Black stated that 38 % of the players on the course are Englewood residents; the remaining out- of-Englewood players pay considerably higher fees to play this course. Ms. Tobin then in- quired what percentage of Englewood residents play golf. Mr. Black stated that he did not have that information available. Mr. Dummer pointed out that the golf course is a revenue producing facility. Mr. Black dis- cussed methods of financing expansion of the course through sale of revenue bonds. The ex- isting bonds will be paid off in 1995; the course has established a stable history of revenue, and the consultants feel that this is be the right time to consider the expansion and financing thereof. Mr. Covens asked if this land was on the east of the front nine holes, and whether there was an environmental study on this site. Mr. Black stated that the City of Englewood owns the 9 acres, even though the land is within the City limits of Sheridan. An environmental study has been done, and they want to do a second phase study. Mr. Dummer asked if Mr. Black knew what the cost was for the Lakewood course. Mr. Black stated that he did not, but that estimates for golf course developments run from $100,000 per hole to $180,000 per hole. Expansion of the Malley Center was discussed. Mr. Black stated that Ms. Elsie Malley has contributed considerable funds to the City of Englewood for development of this Center. Ad- ditional property has been purchased from St. Louis parish for expansion of the Center. This expansion would provide additional community recreational space, and for the expansion of fitness and other programs. Until the last eighteen months, the Malley Center served only elderly patrons; the staff and programs have now been integrated and serve all age groups, though priority is given to the senior population at the Malley Center. Ms. Tobin inquired whether thought had been given to providing the Malley Center for teen activities in the evenings and on weekends. Mr. Black stated that the Center will be opening in the evenings and weekends, and the activities will include some youth programs. The Safety Services Department, represented by Director Stanley, Executive Officer Olson, and Communications Director Ogden, presented their requests for CIP funding. Director Stanley addressed the need for expansion of the Emergency Communications Center. There 6 are 16 dispatchers, who work three shifts; there are approximately 5 people in the area at any one time. Mr. Stanley stated that the Department also needs to upgrade the dispatch and records management phase of their operation; this is closely related to the communications center need inasmuch as the proposal is to purchase and install a state-of-the-art computer as- sisted dispatch and records management system. Mr. Olson displayed an architectural render- ing of the modification of the Police Building to accommodate this expansion area; this would be on the front of the building (east side), and would provide an additional 1,560 square feet. Mr. Stanley stated that there had been discussions regarding a combined communications sys- tem with Greenwood Village and Arapahoe County; this would have saved considerable money, but the discussions did not result in this combined facility. Mr. Stanley stated that because of the restricted growth in Englewood, and the stable number of emergency calls over the past few years, the proposed expansion of the facilities would be sufficient for a long time. The computer system is included because of the cost; the Depart- ment is far behind in computerizing records management. There would be two terminals for each dispatcher on-duty; it would allow access to and tie in with the Colorado system and the national system; the laptop computers facet of the request could eliminate a lot of the paper work that officers are now doing. Mr. Olson commented that no improvement is being re- quested for the radio system at this time. Mr. Covens asked how these improvements could help in the E911 system. Mr. Stanley stated that there would be less chance for error, inasmuch as the computerized and improved system would eliminate much that is presently required of the dispatchers, and the present necessity to retrieve information from several systems. Improvements to the Tejon Fire Station were then discussed. There are now female firefight- ers on the force, and there are no separate sleeping and bathroom facilities to accommodate females at this Station. This proposal would accommodate four bunks and shower and bath fa- cilities. Utilities Director Fonda then addressed proposed projects which will be undertaken by the Utilities Department/Water and Sewer Board, and financed by the Water Enterprise fund. Mr. Fonda stated that the Water and Sewer Board makes 5-20 year projections of needs and im- provements, which is updated every year. Water pressure for the entire City was a problem which has been addressed; there have been repairs made to the Water Treatment Plant and the distribution system. Present problems that must be addressed are the issue of water quality. Mr. Fonda pointed out that the intake station is at Union Avenue, and the City must, there- fore, deal with development upstream and the effect that has on the water quality. Mr. Fonda discussed the necessity to clean reservoirs and the disposal of that material. In 1993, the Utilities Department/Water and Sewer Board will concentrate on three projects: City Ditch Piping from C470 to the Pump Station; Deep Well Construction at McLellan Reservoir, and Allen Plant improvements. Mr. Fonda pointed out that it takes approximately six months to drill a deep well, and this is a 24-hour per day drilling schedule. The wells are approximately 1,500 feet deep. Several locations are proposed for deep wells in addition to the McLellan Reservoir, among them is one at the Allen Plant, and one at the Union Avenue intake. The Department has recently completed $28,000,000 worth of work on the Bi-City plant, and nothing further is planned from the Sewer Enterprise Fund until 1995. A 1993 expenditure from the Basin Interceptor Fund is proposed. This is from Rob Roy Road to Hampden A venue on Platte River Drive. 7 The wells were discussed. Ms. Tobin asked if there were private wells in Englewood. Mr. Fonda stated that the wells are shallow, and not deep wells. Ms. Martin thanked all members of staff who attended the meeting. She distributed 3 x 5 cards to all members of the Commission, and asked that they list the 10 projects they feel are most important. Staff will compile these lists, and they will be considered further at the June 16 meeting. Mr. Covens excused himself from the meeting at 9:45 P.M. IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Ms. Martin summarized action at the City Council meeting of June 1. Revenue projections were discussed at this meeting, and inflation is rising faster than the revenues; the City is an- ticipating a short-fall of approximately $500,000 in 1993. Ways of addressing this short-fall were considered: cutting services and employment; revenue enhancement (food tax, head tax , for instance), but beyond the fact that Council does not want to cut services, nothing has been determined. A Revenue Task Force is meeting to consider ways to address this problem, and will report to Council in the near future. V. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Glynn expressed an interest in meeting with the Police Department to view the communi- cations center, etc. Ms. Martin stated that the Department has a number of good programs ; the Neighborhood Watch program is very active and is expanding. Mr. Schultz reminded members that the next meeting is on June 16, at which time two public hearings have been scheduled: one amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and one to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Map. This meeting will, again, begin at 6:30 P. M. There being nothing further to come before the Commission, the meeting was declared ad- journed at 10:00 P .M. k~,/4-tertru<le G. Welty ' Recording Secretary 8