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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-05-22 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION May 22, 1990 I. CALL TO ORDER. D R A F T The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Tom Gerlick in the Community Room of the Engle- wood City Ha 11 . Members present: Shoop, Tobin, Daviet, Gerlick, Glynn Members absent: Schultz Wanush, Ex-officio Members late: Covens Also present: D. A. Romans, Planning Administrator Housing Task Force Members Wade, Sanger, Kelley, Berlin II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. May 8, 1990 Chairman Gerlick stated that the Minutes of May 8, 1990 were to be considered for approval. Tobin moved: Glynn seconded: The Minutes of May 8, 1990 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Shoop, Tobin, Daviet, Gerlick, Glynn None Schultz, Covens None The motion carried. III. HOUSING TASK FORCE Continuation of Report to Commission Mr. Gerlick stated that members of the Housing Task Force have been invited to continue the discussion on the report of that Task Force, and turned the meet- ing over to Ms. Tobin, Chairperson of that Task Force. Members of the Commission, Task Force, and staff introduced themselves. Mr. Covens entered the meeting during the course of the introductions. Ms. Tobin recalled that the discussion at the previous meeting in April termi- nated while considering the lack of recreational facilities for children, par- ticularly middle school and high school age youngsters. Ms. Tobin stated that it has come to her attention that the community of Parker is providing a ramp for youngsters to skateboard on. She stated that she is not aware of any -1 - f place in Englewood, public or private, that allows skateboarding, and that youngsters are using sidewalks and streets. This makes for a very dangerous situation . Mr. Glynn agreed, stating that one child who was skateboarding was hit by a truck at Fox and Mansfield recently, and had to be hosp i talized. Ms. Daviet discussed the proposed Teen Leisure Center which has been the sub- ject of considerable discussion at the City Council level recently. This pro- posal would provide a supervised center where youngsters could congregate, and would be drug free, alcohol free and would provide employment information for children of employment age. The Center would be governed by a "board". Former Councilman Kozacek is spearheading this proposal, and has made applica- tions for grants to finance the project ; there has been no word on approval or disapproval of the grant applications at this time. The City Council is on record as approving the "concept" of the proposal, but declined to approve a specific resolution at this time until there was more information available on the financing, etc. This Center would be open to all teenagers in the community. Ms. Romans suggested that the issue of recreational activities and centers should possibly be considered in the Parks & Recreation section of the Com - prehensive Plan rather than the Housing section. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Dinkel had expressed his regret at not being able to attend the meeting this evening, and also stated that he approved the for- mat of the Housing report , and had no further changes to suggest to the text. Topics which had been discussed at the initial meeting of the Ta s k Force and Commission members were reviewed. These topics included possible rezoning of the old General Iron site; the condition and variety of housing, i ncluding the construction of new houses and rehabilitation of existing houses in the WAND project by the Englewood Housing Authority. A renta 1 inspection program had also been discussed, as well as flexibility in zoning regulations. Ms. Romans stated that there is a degree of flexibility in zoning provisions now, provided a property is developed under the provision of a Planned Development; this does, however, require a Public Hearing. An applicant may also apply for a variance to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals . Again, a Public Hearing is required. Mr. Kelley cautioned that the provisions to pro- vide flexibility must be carefully written lest developers take advantage and the result is less than desirable. Mr. Berlin discussed the possibility of redeveloping basement houses in Engle- wood through the rehabilitation program administered by the Housing Authority. Mrs . Romans pointed out that there is one home that was rehabilitated through the Housing Authority several years ago, and the added 1eve1 does not meet code and cannot be occupied. Discussion ensued . Mr. Berlin further discussed the administration of the rehabilitation program, pointing out that there are target areas which are changed from time to time so that the program covers the entire City. Ms. Daviet suggested that all restrictions which are part of the rehabilitation program must be made clear to applicants up-front, and stated that she had at one time conside r ed making application for such a loan. When she found out that if she were to rent the home, she would have to comply to specific restrictions set down by the Au- thority and HUD, she determined that the restrictions were unacceptable to her -2 - f and she financed the improvements to her property in another manner. Mr. Ber- l in stated that he was not aware of any such restrictions placed on rehabilitation loans. The Rental Inspection Program was further discussed. Mr. Covens asked if there was information from other communities who are following this procedure. Mr. Berlin stated that in his opinion, a rental inspection program would be a good program to have, and that the Task Force had reference to the guidelines used by Cincinnati. Mr. Berlin stated that he did not know of any local com- munities that have such a program. The problem of absentee property owners was considered. Mr. Berlin stated that if maintenance had to be made on a property, and the landlord was not present or would not pay, a lien could be placed against the property. At . the time the property is sold, this lien would be satisfied . General maintenance of property was discussed. Mrs. Romans stated that very few cases dealing with weeds, trash or derelict vehicles are cited into Court. Usually, if the property owner does not comply, the City steps in and cleans the property, bills the occupant and/or property owner the cost of the clean- up plus an administrative fee, and if this is not paid it is filed as a lien against the property. Those cases which go to Court primarily involve Housing Code violations, and most of these units are owner-occupied. Mrs. Romans fur- ther stated that a study of rental units was done; there are very few property owners who live out of the City --in many i nstnces, they have moved to a larger home in Englewood. Further discussion of the rental inspection program ensued. Mr. Gerlick asked if the discussion centered on a yearly inspection, or whenever the tenancy changed; this latter could be three or four times per year . Mr. Berlin stated that he felt a periodic inspection would suffice . The inspection would cover basic elements of heating, plumbing, electrical and structural soundness of the structure. Ms. Tobin stated that she would support a nominal fee charged for the inspection of the rental units --it should not be a free service. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Kelley stated that the Task Force had also discussed the need to protect landlords from tenants that make a habit of "trashing" the properties they rent. Mr. Berl in stated that a pre-rental questionnaire with references and previous landlords listed should be a prerequisite to renting properties. Many times, the properties are trashed and the improvements required are out of the landlords pocket because the tenant is gone. Ms. Wade pointed out that one of the Task Force recommendations was to en- courage investors and renters to become part of the community by encouraging purchase of homes and residence in the City. Ms. Wade suggested the pos- sibility of providing renters "options" to buy. Mr. Glynn suggested the possibility of a renters association . Ms. Tobin dis- cussed the need for extreme caution if a renters association were to be formed. The need to publicize the City of Englewood was discussed in depth. Ms. Tobin stated that the City has a lot to offer, but she seldom sees these amenities or programs offered by the City publicized in newspapers of wide circulation. The need to attract good restaurants and movie theatres was discussed. -3 - Mr. Covens pointed out that two issues which have been mentioned in reports from the Housing Task Force and from the Economic Development Coalition are the need for improved signage, and day care centers. Mr. Gerlick agreed that these needs have been pinpointed by both groups. Ms. Daviet also agreed that both groups are in concert and have highlighted many of the same issues . Assets which the City has to offer and needs to publicize were delineated. Mr. Sanger stated that Englewood hosts the second largest parade in the United States, but this is not publicized. Ms . Daviet stated that the low mill levy should also be emphasized . The overall safety of the community, good police and fire service, the Malley Center and the Recreation Center are all points which need to be emphasized. Mr. Kelley expressed disagreement on the quality of fire service, and cited an instance wherein a member of his family was in need of paramedic service; they waited 15 minutes for the units to arrive. Mr. Kelley said that in his opinion, this delay was because all of the fire personnel were at the Recre - ation Center exerc i sing. Mr. Kelley expressed the strong opinion that if the firemen are required to participate in an exercise program it should be done on their own time, and not on City time where their absence from the stations could endanger someone's life or property. Ms. Daviet said that the quality of fire service is one of the things being considered by the Fire Services Task Force, and suggested that Mr. Kelley might want to attend one of the meetings and present his experience with fire/rescue service . Mr. Berlin discussed his dismay with the attitude of the personnel staffing the golf course , and suggested that there is urgent need for dramatic improve- ment in this department/division. Hiring of additional Code Enforcement personnel was discussed. Ms. Wade stated that when the Housing Task Force was first formed, there was discussion on enforcement of the ordinances that are in effect, and not enact- ing additional rules. The Code Enforcement Division undertook the City -wide "sweeps", which alerted a lot of people to the problems facing the City. Ms. Wade stated there is a need to follow up on some of these problems on a regu- lar basis. The issue of recycling was addressed. Mr. Covens stated that there is a Task Force which is exploring the issue of waste management, and it is hoped that a test program for recycling, which will apply to only a part of the City, will be in place in August . Discussion ensued. Ms. Tobin stated that she pre- ferred to have a choice of disposal company. Ms. Daviet concurred. Mr. Covens stated that this would be on a competitive bid basis. If a volume car- rier (one company) is chosen, the price can be kept lower than if the project is let to several carriers. Ms . Tobin stated that in her opinion, if the property owner is expected to pay for the trash removal/recycling, the proper- ty owner should have the right to select the carrier. Zoning was discussed, and Mrs. Romans cited several residential blocks that are improperly zoned, in that the lot and area restrictions are too stringent for the division of the properties that has occurred in those blocks. Mrs. Romans then discussed other means to improve neighborhoods, citing that there are numerous sheds and garages that are in very poor condition, houses need painting, and fences need to be strengthened or replaced. These cases are housing code problems, and are not addressed with the weed, trash and litter -4 - t problems. Ms. Romans stated that she will be conducting a tour of the City on June 2, at which time the good points as well as the problem areas of the City will be viewed. An invitation was extended to members of the Housing Task Force to accompany members of the Commission on this tour. Ms. Wade again discussed the need to "sell" the community of Englewood; em- phasis should be placed on the quality of schools, the low mill levy, the shopping areas, the industrial development, etc. The City needs to make an effort to let the world know where Englewood is, and what it is. Ms. Tobin stated that we need to emphasize the safety factor; that people can walk on the streets without fear of being attacked. Mr. Berlin stated that in his opinion, the problem with drugs and teen gangs is minimal in Englewood. Ms. Daviet stated the fact that Englewood still has "neighborhood schools" and does not require busing should be emphasized. Ms. Wade noted that the elemen- tary school population in Englewood is increasing. The Englewood park system should also be emphasized. Mr. Berlin noted that the Christmas Lighting Con - test has drawn a lot of attention in the last couple of years, and people seem to enjoy it. Mr. Sanger suggested that perhaps there could be some type of contest for the best 1 awn/landscaping during the summer months, a 1 so. Mr. Sanger further suggested the need of a "theme" for the City, and that this "theme" could be advertised on bus benches. He stated that he rides RTD, and stated that his fellow riders all have very positive comments on the Little Dry Creek improvements that are visible from the RTD route. Ms. Tobin strong- ly emphasized the need for metro/state wide publicity for the City through the Rocky Mountain News or Denver Post. Ms. Daviet stated that the summer concerts in The Plaza will begin on May 24, and will be every other Thursday evening into September. Ms. Tobin stated that she had received a telephone call from someone who reg- istered complaints about facilities which were in the old City Park that have not been replaced, such as a band shell. Mrs. Romans stated that the improvements to Little Dry Creek and The Plaza at Little Dry Creek are to be featured in an article in the June issue of the National Geographic. Mr. Gerlick expressed his appreciation to members of the Housing Task Force for their attendance, and complimented them on their report. This report will become a part of the revised Comprehensive Plan. Members of the Housing Task Force excused themselves from the meeting. Ms. Tobin also asked to be excused at this time. V. PUBLIC FORUM. No one was present to address the Commission. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mrs. Romans asked who from the Commission would be going on the tour on June 2. Mr. Glynn asked if spouses could also go on this tour. Mrs . Romans stated that spouses and friends were welcome as it appeared there would be plenty of room. Those planning to attend were asked to meet in the south parking lot of City Hall at 8:00 A.M. on June 2. The tour should end about Noon. -5 - Mr. Covens, Mr. Shoop, Mr. Glynn and Mr. Gerlick indicated they would like to bring their wives. Ms. Daviet stated that she would also go on the tour. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Gerlick asked when the next meeting is, and what is scheduled on the agen- da. Mrs. Romans stated the next meeting is June 5, and letters have been sent to property owners in the proposed rezoning area inviting them to the meeting to discuss the proposal. Ms. Romans stated that on June 12, a Public Hearing has been scheduled on the Planned Development amendment filed by Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Gerlick stated that he has received copies of letters from Ms. Marj Becker submitting her resignation from the Commission, and from Mr. Ron Fish submit- ting his resignation from the Commission. Mr. Gerlick stated that City Coun- cil will now have to appoint two new members to the Commission. Ms. Daviet further discussed the summer concert series, sponsored by the En- glewood Downtown Development Authority, to be held in The Plaza at Little Dry Creek. Ms. Daviet also discussed the up-coming Tuileries Festival, which is scheduled for the first weekend of August. This Festival will also be held in The Plaza at Little Dry Creek, and in the 3400 block of South Acoma Street. Ms. Daviet stated that the Little Dry Creek pond will be stocked with fish to allow fishing by the children, and discussed other forms of entertainment which will be available at the Festival. Ms. Daviet stated that there will be publicity on the concerts and the Festival in flyers and radio spots. Mr. Gerlick asked if there was anything else to be discussed. There being nothing further brought before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M. Recording Secretary -6 -