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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-05-21 PZC MINUTES• • • I . CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MAY 21, 1974 CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Martin at 7:40 p.m. Members present: Martin; Wade; Tanguma; Jorgenson Supinger, Ex-officio Members absent: Anderson; Brown; Lentsch; Weist; Smith Also present: Assistant Director Romans Parks & Recreation Director Romans Public Works Director Waggoner Messrs. Tucker and DeGroot, Urban Drainage & Flood Control District Mr. Brotsky, VTN Water & Sewer Board Members Babcock, Hays and Schnackenberg Parks & Recreation Commission Members Allen, Cushing and Hewitt . Mr. Martin asked that each member introduce themselves. Mr. Martin noted that inasmuch as there was not a quorum of the Planning Commission present, minutes could not be approved, and we would go right to the presentation oy the representatives of the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. Mr. Waggoner, Director of Public Works, stated that one of the purposes of the meeting is to explain part of the proposed Master Plan for Big Dry Creek. Mr. Waggoner traced the route of Big Dry Creek as it traverses and borders the City of Englewood. Mr. Weist entered and took his place with the Commission. Mr. Waggoner introduced Mr. Scott Tucker. Mr. Tucker stated that the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District covers several jurisdictions and parts of six counties . The total area encompassed is 1,200 square miles, and 1.2 million people are residing within that area. Mr. Tucker stated that the Urban Drainage & Flood Control staff consists of two professional engineers, and elected officials from the jurisdictions and counties within the area . Mrs. Frances Howard, Parks & Recreation Commission, entered and took her place with the members . • • • Mr. Tucker stated that the study had been done in two phases, the first of which is to determine the problem, possible solutions, cost factors, etc. The second step is to develop preliminary plans. Mr. Ed Smith entered and took his place with the Commission. Mr. Tucker pointed out that the adoption of a plan by a City does not mean that the City will be financially responsible for the improvements; it is a basis for negotiation. Mr. Tucker pointed out that the Big Dry Creek basin is pretty much undeveloped land. Mr. Lentsch entered and took his place with the Commission. Mr. Tucker stated that a "preventive study" is aimed toward undeveloped drainage basins. Solution oriented studies are aimed toward developed drainage basins. Mr. Tucker stated that they have engaged VTN of Colorado, Inc. as the Consulting Engineers for the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. He stated that they have analyzed the land use, transportation, soils, hydrology, etc. of the drainage basin before determining the alternatives . The three basic alternatives proposed for the Big Dry Creek basin are: 1. Do nothing but flood plain zone it. 2. Flood Plain zone it, and make selective improvements. 3. Construct a large retention dam south of County Line Road. Planning Assistant House entered and took his place with the members. Mr. Tucker st?ted that if the City determines to adopt a pro- vision for flood plain zoning only, he would urge that the flood plain zoning follow the outlines as depicted on the map of Big Dry Creek which is on display. Mr. Tucker also urged the Commission to keep in mind the green-belt type development ]hich is along much of Big Dry Creek. Mr. Tucker discussed the improvements that the Engineers have proposed as an alternative. These improvements would include dikes along the stream west of Santa Fe Drive, along the channel between Santa Fe Drive and South Windermere Street, with possible raising of Windermere or · bridging the stream . -2- • • • The rough costs for the bridge and dikes on South Windermere would be $78,700; to raise South Windermere and install pipes under the street would cost $28,600. Mr. Tucker emphasized that these figures are "rough costs". Mr. Babcock noted that part of the water facilities are in the flood plain indicated at Santa Fe and South Windermere. Mr. Babcock stated that these facilities are critical to the City of Englewood, and should be well protected from future flooding. Mr. Tucker noted that the facilities Mr. Babcock referred to were not within the 100-year flood plain, but were within the standard project flood plain. Mr. Romans asked if constructing the. dikes would force the water back up-stream? Discussion followed. The matter of gates in the dikes allowing the ponding areas to drain was then discussed. Mr. Waggoner pointed out that such gates were a maintenance problem. Further discussion followed. Mr. Tucker discussed the Big Dry Creek /Belleview Avenue crossing. He noted that during a 100-year flood, water going over Belleview Avenue is approximately 2 ft. deep. Mr. Tucker stated that improvements to this intersection are estimated at $22,500 . Mr. Tucker then discussed the Big Dry Creek/Lehow Avenue intersection. He noted that this intersection is not good now; a new bridge is estimated at $54,000. Mr. Tucker stated that he would recommend installation of a dike in the area between South Santa Fe and South Windermere to give protection to the water treatment plant. Mr. Tucker suggested that the City might also want to include in the recommended plan statistics on the improvements for Belleview- Big Dry Creek and Lehow /Big Dry Creek. Discussion followed. Mr.Supinger noted that building cannot be prevented even though the land may be zoned flood plain. Mr. Tucker stated that the city could prevent construction that would cause damage to the builder and occupant, or to someone else. Further discussion followed. Mr. Supinger asked about the time factor. Mr. Tucker stated that they would like a decision from the City as soon as possible --they want to get started on the second phase of the Master Plan. Mrs. Romans asked what effect, if any, the straightening of Big Dry Creek between Broadway and Lehow would have on the -3- • • • proposed plans? Mr. Tucker stated that it would have very little effect, particularly if it was done so that the velocity of water wasn't increased. Drop structures could be installed to slow the flow of water. Mr. Waggoner questioned the possibility of recommending the 100-year flood plain incorporating the bridges and other im- provements if needed. Mr. Tucker commented that maybe the best thing would be to recommend the structural improvements. Discussion followed. Mrs. Wade asked if the Urban Drainage and & Flood Control District had worked with any environmentalist groups regarding bicycle trails, walkways, etc. She commented that parts of Big Dry Creek flood plain might be very advantageous developed as a nature area. Mr. Tucker stated that they had not met with environmentalist groups. Discussion followed. Mr. Romans asked Mr. Waggoner for his recommendation? Mr. Waggoner stated that as far as benefit to the City is con- cerned, "we should follow the flood plain outline, but put in the size of structures needed at Windermere, Belleview and Lehow. The elevation and size of the dikes should also be included; if these improvements are ever needed, the information would be at hand." Mr. Tucker then introduced Mr. William DeGroot, Administrator for Flood Plain Management with the Urban Drainage & Flood Control District. Mr. DeGroot presented slides on the flood of Rapid City, South Dakota, and means of regulating flood plain areas. Discussion followed the slide presentation. Mr. Supinger stated that the Rapid City experience was a prime example of "bad planning"; he noted that we could be facing the same thing in Englewood. The matter of designating a 100-year flood plain through a residentially developed area was discussed. Mr. Waggoner pointed out that storm drainage facilities to accommodate up to a two-year storm are being installed. Mr. DeGroot stated he felt the 100-year flood plain should be designated; then persons living or purchasing a home in the area could protect themselves with flood insurance . -4- • • • Mr. Martin expressed the appreciation of the Commissions and Board for the presentation. Mr. Martin reminded Planning Commission members of the dinner meeting on May 30th, at the Ground Round Restaurant , social hour beginning at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. Mr . Martin also reminded Planning Commission members of the study session on May 28th at 7:30 p .m. on the proposed Mobile Home /Travel Trailer Park Ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M. / -5-