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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-11-17 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 17, 1992 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7: 00 P .M. in the City Council Chambers by Chairman Schultz. Members present: Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz (Shoop, Tobin, Covens, and Leonard were late) Merkel, Ex-officio Members absent: None II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 10, 1992 Chairman Schultz stated that the Minutes of November 10 , 1992, were to be considered for approval. Draper moved: Dummer/Gerlick seconded: The Minutes of November 10, 1992 be approved as written. AYES: NONE: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz None Tobin , Covens, Leonard, Shoop None The motion carried. ID. "PATIENT CARE 2000" Swedish Medical Center Mr. Merkel stated that the City and Swedish Medical Center (SMC) have , for the past sev eral years, considered major expansion and development plans for the Medical Center campus. The plans have changed several times, and in an effort to bring the Commission abreast of the on-going changes within the hospital itself, members of the Medical Center have been invited to discuss the new concepts in patient care. Mr. Merkel then introduced Mr. Zane Todd, and asked that Mr. Todd introduce the other members of the presentation team. Ms. Leonard and Mr. Shoop entered the meeting and took their seats with the Commission. Mr. Todd stated that he is an administrator with SMC, and introduced Mr. Bob Powell, Di- rector of Construction Projects, and Ms. Glenda Campbell, Director of "Patient Care 2000". Mr. Todd stated that Patient Care 2000 is one of the driving forces behind the changes on campus. Mr. Todd also cited the growth of the emergency care volume that has been experi- enced by SMC; in the 1960's the emergency treatment volume was 25,000 patients per year; in 1991, the volume was 48,000 patients treated. Mr. Todd pointed out that SMC is now designated as a Level II Trauma Center, which accounts for a portion of the increase in emer- gency patients. Mr. Todd stated that they expect an estimated growth of approximately 3 % per year over the next six years or so. SMC's main campus is located in Englewood; they do have clinics at Bowles and Wadsworth; at the Denver Tech Center; at 16th and Arapahoe 1 Street in downtown Denver; in Breckenridge, and are working on a 24-hour emergency facility in Castle Rock. e Mr. Covens entered the meeting during the above discussion and took his seat with members of the Commission. Mr. Todd stated that SMC has 2277 employees at the base location, 289 of which are residents of the City of Englewood; there are 300 physicians on staff, many of which maintain offices in the MOBs on campus. Mr. Todd pointed out that the treatment of patients has not changed appreciably since the 1960's. Surveys showed patient dissatisfaction with the manner of treatment, frustration on the part of care providers, and a general need for change in the approach to patient care. Mr. Todd stated that Ms. Campbell will make the presentation on Patient Care 2000. Ms. Campbell made a visual/oral presentation on the concept of "Patient Care 2000". High- lights pointed out by Ms. Campbell included customer dissatisfaction, staff frustration, lack of registered nurses, lack of funds to spend on improvements, the "compartmentalization" of health care. Ms. Campbell stated that she has been with SMC since 1973, and is an RN. Ms. Campbell stated that while SMC does have over 2200 employees, only 1300 are "full time employees"; SMC also has over 400 job classifications, and the average number of employees per job description is three. There is a lot of "process" involved in health care, and analyses have revealed that less than 1/3 of the time is "hands-on care" to the patient. The thrust of "Patient Care 2000" is to focus on the patient. Ms. Campbell outlined changes in-house that will occur to provide this focus on the patient. Some of these changes include multi-skilled employees (cross-training); patient care units located right outside a patient's room and not at a nurses station down the hall. The new concept will team an RN with a multi-skilled employee; this team will be responsible for the care of a patient from the date of admittance to discharge; there will be two to three "teams" per patient depending on the num- ber of shifts. The RN will coordinate the care of the patient. Ms. Campbell stated that within the last year, the public has been surveyed on what they want to see in the way of hospital care; most indicated they wanted a private room, but they would be willing to share bathroom facilities. The patients also expressed concern on a perceived lack of communication among medical staff members. It is the opinion of hospital officials that this "team approach" to patient care should eliminate a lot of the "lack of communication concern" on the part of patients. There will also still be "specialists", such as pharmacists and IV Nurses, who will be involved in patient care. Mr. Dummer inquired about a cost factor on achieving the multi-skilled employee. Ms. Campbell stated that it is a matter of education. A "2000 University" has been started, and staff members will have to enroll in specific courses to become proficient in a specific technol- ogy --staff members also will be expected to prove their competency in the variety of multi- skills. Ms. Campbell stated that the staff members are responding positively to the proposed changes. Ms. Leonard asked whether there will have to be an increase in staff to address the changes outlined by Ms. Campbell. Ms. Campbell responded that the majority of the people are al- ready on the payroll, but are concentrated in their "specialized unit" such as pharmacy, radiol- ogy, etc. The concept of Patient Care 2000 will have members of those units stationed on the various patient care floors for easier access and quicker response to patient needs. Ms. Campbell outlined the goals of "Patient Care 2000". 2 1. Reduce costs by better utilization of staff and resources. 2. Simplify and integrate the organizational process. 3. Continue to improve the quality of care and patient outcome. 4. Create an environment that will support and value collaboration. 5. Enhance patient, staff, and physician satisfaction. Mr. Dummer inquired what impact "Patient Care 2000" might have on the costs billed to the patient; is the hospital staff considering any means to control the costs to the patient. Ms. Campbell discussed the need to involve the patient in their personal care, and stated that she is of the opinion that the managed care at bedside will bring about a savings. Ms. Campbell ac- knowledged that insurance needs to be simplified, and that hospitals need to do the same thing. Mr. Todd stated that "Patient Care 2000" is a strategy to reduce costs. He pointed out that 80% of the medical costs are for salaries; this proposed concept could result in a reduction of the number of higher paid employees and specialists, and result in a lower care cost per pa- tient. Mr. Dummer suggested that hospitals and patients might realize a savings by not send- ing items home with patients, such as water pitchers, basins, etc. Ms. Campbell pointed out that people are not entering the nursing profession as they used to ; she cited low salaries and staff frustration as deterrents to recruiting interested individuals. Mr. Draper noted that his mother and aunt, both ladies quite elderly , were in a serious auto - mobile accident this last Spring; he commended SMC on the care these ladies received while patients. Mr. Glynn noted that the emergency admittance area is always very crowded. Ms. Campbell pointed out that SMC is seeing double the number of people they used to see , but in the same amount of space. Mr. Powell discussed changes that will be implemented in the emergenc y area to alleviate the crowded conditions and waiting time. Mr. Todd noted that SMC is the only hospital in the Denver Metro area considering the patient focused care, but that other hospitals are closely scrutinizing the process. Mr. Draper inquired whether Spalding Rehabilitation Center will also use the "Patient Care 2000" approach. Mr. Todd stated that this Center has always used the "team" approach in pa- tient care, and that the entire system will be fashioned on the team approach. Mr. Glynn inquired whether the 12 hour shift had an effect on the alertness of employees at the end of the shift --were not the employees very tired and possibly not as aware of situations that might arise. Ms. Campbell stated that many employees work the 12 hour shifts now, and pointed out those employees on the 8-hour shift are usually there for 10 hours anyway, and many would prefer to work three 12-hour days with four days off. Many of the nurses appre- ciate the flexibility that the varied hours provide them. Brief discussion ensued. Members of the Commission expressed their appreciation for the pre- sentation by the SMC. IV. TRI-CITIES GROUP Santa Fe Drive Improvements 3 Mr. Merkel briefly discussed the Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Study, a copy of which was included in the packet for Commission members. The Plan before the Commission was prepared to address the enhancement of the improvements along the Corridor through En- glewood, Sheridan, and Littleton, and will be a basis for discussion with the Colorado De- partment of Transportation (CDOT) in the design and construction of these improvements. Mr. Merkel acknowledged that he has not been a part of the Tri-Cities Group for any length of time, and cannot address all of the issues, but that if members of the Commission have specific questions he will try to answer those questions or get answers for them. Mr. Schultz asked several pertinent questions regarding the Plan before the Commission: re- garding the time table for input to CDOT; are they finalizing their plans now. He noted that there is some concrete work occurring at Santa Fe and U.S. 285, and he does not see that any of the amenities in this plan have been included. He asked if the Group was doing things fast enough to make an impact on what the CDOT is doing today or tomorrow. He inquired about the location of the bus/HOV lanes, and about the medians and speed limits along Santa Fe. He expressed concern regarding the medians that have recently been placed on Santa Fe south of Bowles, and whether these medians will comply with whatever the speed limit dictates. Mr. Schultz asked if the Tri-Cities Group has enough influence to accept or reject issues in dif- ferent phases as the improvements occur. Mr. Schultz further expressed concern on the "piece-meal" construction of the improvements. Ms. Tobin entered the meeting and took her seat with the Commission. Mr. Merkel and Mr. Covens addressed the Plan before the Commission and questions raised by Mr. Schultz. Mr. Merkel pointed out that the Plan as presented pertains to the aesthetic amenities along the corridor. The improvements are scheduled in "phases", and the resolution included in the packet for Council action would enable EDA W to develop a budget for the im- provements by phase. Mr. Covens stated that there is a meeting on Friday, November 20; if this resolution is recommended for approval by the Commission, City Manager Fraser will take it with him to that meeting. Mr. Merkel stated that the Tri-Cities Group does make a dif- ference in what the CDOT does, and that the resolution should be adopted by the end of the month. Considerable discussion ensued on the EDA W Plan. Mr. Merkel pointed out that CDOT' s objective is to get people in, out, and through the area as quickly as possible, while the goal of the Tri-Cities Group is to ensure that this throughway is as aesthetically pleasing as possible, and provides attractive entrances to Englewood, Sheridan, and Littleton. Mr. Merkel stated that he cannot now answer questions pertaining to the formal design of the highway, but will attempt to get these answers. In regard to the improvements at U.S. 285 and Santa Fe, Mr. Merkel commented that CDOT has agreed to install the landscaping, but the City of Englewood has had to commit to mainte- nance. Mr. Covens commented that approximately 32 businessmen along the Santa Fe Corridor have been very involved in the Tri-Cities Group meetings, and have a very high interest in the out- come of these improvements. The issue of roadway design and aesthetics was further discussed. Ms. Leonard pointed out that if the design doesn't work, the aesthetics won't work, and that it does make sense to look at both parts of the issue. Mr. Shoop pointed out that Tri-Cities did have input with COOT on the design issues, but did not recall whether the issue of HOV lanes had been addressed. Mr. Dummer pointed out that if traffic engineers have been involved in the meetings, they should be fully aware of the best location for such lanes. 4 Draper moved: Gerlick seconded: The Planning Commission recommend that City Council approve: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EN- GLEWOOD, COLORADO, REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE SOUTH SANTA FE DRIVE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS STUDY. Brief discussion ensued. The role was called: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Covens, Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Leonard, Shoop, Tobin, Schultz None None None The motion carried. Mr. Merkel asked if the Commission would like to schedule a study session with Messrs. Stitt and Esterly regarding the design elements along the Santa Fe Corridor. Several members stated that such a session would be helpful. V. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Mr. Merkel stated that he and Mr. Stitt have met with some Planning people from other com- munities, and have more meetings scheduled. A meeting has been scheduled with Loveland on November 18, and Westminster next week. They are still trying to set a date to meet with representatives of the Longmont Planning program. Mr. Merkel stated that it is evident that people do want to be involved in government processes, and cited the passage of Amendment #1 as further encouragement to staff to explore all options to the "visioning" process. Mr. Merkel stated that in his opinion, it is critical that the community have "ownership" of the Comprehensive Plan that is developed. Ms. Tobin pointed out that Amendment #1 indicated that people want to keep government spending in control, and asked how hiring additional personnel for a project fit with this ex- pressed desire of the electorate. Mr. Merkel pointed out that Englewood has been working with a "tight ship" for several years now, and suggested that this municipality serves as a model for other entities who are looking for ways to trim costs. Mr. Glynn suggested that staff may also want to meet with Planning personnel in Ft. Collins; he recalled discussions he sat in on during his attendance at the CML meeting and it appeared that Ft. Collins had done quite a bit on the visioning process for their Plan. Mr. Covens asked if it would be out of line to incorporate cost factors into the Plan. He cited the Capital Improvement Program process the Commission went through in June, and sug- gested that the various projects and cost estimates be included so that people could use these figures in determining what direction they want the City to go. Mr. Shoop asked whether Mr. Merkel felt that hiring a consultant was the way to proceed . Mr. Merkel suggested that consultants will be needed at some point in time, but he does not have the total direction determined right now. Mr. Merkel emphasized that Englewood does have a very limited Planning staff, and it is difficult to keep up with the day-to-day operations without having to concentrate on major projects in addition. 5 Mr. Dummer discussed the fact that people are not advised of the cost of any projects the City undertakes --how much it costs to improve a park, or a golf course, etc. Mr. Dummer stated that people need to know the costs of projects, and it is difficult for the government to say "I want -I need", when the people don't have a voice. He stated that people have been "taxed to death." Mr. Merkel pointed out that the information is available, but that few citizens make the effort to find out the facts, and cited the Budget Hearing before City Council in September; there were possibly six citizens that came to this Hearing. But, above all, it will be necessary to begin going to the citizens to assure their involvement with local governments. Ms. Tobin stated that citizens are interested, but they do not feel they have the power to make a difference. Mr. Covens reiterated his opinion that costs should be included as part of the Comprehensive Plan; "people need to know before the pain hits", and the Comprehensive Plan should be real- istic and not a fairy tale. Mr. Merkel stated that he wants to help mold the process, but the Plan must come from the people of Englewood. The staff and Commission must make a special effort to meet with the citizenry and to gain knowledge from them on what they want the Plan to be. The entire pro- cess will not be cheap, and everyone should be involved. Mr. Dummer suggested an "open forum" where the Department Heads present their "wish lists" to the Public, similar to the presentation made to the Planning Commission in June. People could then determine what they feel is best for the overall community in the way of improvements. Discussion ensued. Mr. Shoop inquired about a possible time frame. Mr. Merkel suggested probably after the first of the year would be the earliest, and further suggested the possibility of another meeting with City Council to determine if we are on the right course. Ms. Tobin inquired whether it would be possible to use school students to get the information out to the community. Mr. Draper stated that information could be funnelled to the schools, to churches, neighborhood watch groups, etc. VI. PUBLIC FORUM There were no members of the public present. VII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Merkel stated that he had nothing further to bring before the Commission. vm. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Nothing was brought up for discussion under Commissioner's Choice. The meeting was declared adjourned. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary 6