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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-07-24 PZC MINUTES• CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION July 24, 1990 I. CALL TO ORDER. D R A F T The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Gerlick at 7:00 P. M. in the Englewood City Council Chambers. Members present: Cronk, Daviet, Dummer, Gerlick, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin, Covens Members absent: Also present: Glynn (with previous notice) Wanush, Ex-officio D. A. Romans, Planning Administrator H. J. Stitt, Planner II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. July 10, 1990 Chairman Gerlick stated that the Minutes of July 10, 1990 were to be con- sidered for approval . Ms. Tobin stated that in her opinion, the statement on Page 4, "The dangers to health caused by the high tension lines was discussed by Ms. Tobin and Mr. Stitt" should be expanded upon to indicate concern on the part of the Commis- sion regarding the dangers caused by the high tension lines; she felt that this could become quite important. Schultz moved: The Minutes of July 10, 1990 be approved with the modifica- tion suggested by Ms. Tobin on Page 4. The motion was seconded, and the vote was called: AYES: Davi et, None Glynn None Dummer, Gerlick, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Cronk NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: The motion carried. III. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER CASE #2-90 Planned Development Amendment Chairman Gerlick stated that the Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the Planned Development for Swedish Medical Center had been continued from the meeting of June 12, 1990 . -1 - • It was noted that the Public Hearing had been formally opened at the meeting of June 12, and had not been closed, but continued to this date. Therefore, there was no need to again "open" the Hearing. Mr. Gerlick asked that the staff make the presentation. Harold J. Stitt was sworn in, and testified that he is the Planner in the De- partment of Community Development. Mr. Stitt stated that the traffic study which was requested from Swedish by Traffic Engineer Plizga has been completed and was submitted last week; however, City staff has not had sufficient time to review the study. Therefore, staff recommends that the Commission again continue the Public Hearing to August 7, 1990 at 7:00 P. M. Mr. Stitt stated that this request for further continuance has been discussed with the firm that did the traffic study, and with representatives of Swedish Medical Center and all parties are agreed to the requested continuance until August 7th. Mr. Stitt stated that in light of this agreement and request, he will be making no further presentation at this time. Mr. Gerlick asked the pleasure of the Commission. Tobin moved: Daviet seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #2-90, the application for amendment to the Planned Development filed by Swedish Medi- cal Center, be continued to August 7, 1990 at the hour of 7 :00 P. M. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Dummer, None Glynn Covens Gerlick, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin, Cronk, Daviet The motion carried. * * * * * * * * * * Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Bill Studnicka from Swedish Medical Center is in attendance, and will be available to answer questions during Mr. Stitt's re- view of the SMC Planned Development application/approval for the new members of the Commission. Mr. Gerlick suggested that the Commission move to Conference Room A for a more informal discussion on the Planned Development process, and for the remainder of the discussion items on the agenda. The meeting was briefly recessed and members moved to Conference Room A, where the meeting reconvened for the remainder of the session. IV. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER Planned Development Application/Approval Update Mr. Stitt stated that the Planned Development process was begun by Swedish Medical Center in 1988 when an application for a Planned Development showing the projected development of the campus for the next five to ten years was filed. The initial phase of redevelopment was an expansion of the hospital facilities to include a lab and ICU on the west side of the hospital, plus the construction of Medical Office Building II, and a parking garage at South Lo- gan Street and East Girard Avenue. This proposal also included the partial -2 - vacation of South Pennsylvania Street in the 3400 block, and the north portion of the Logan/Pennsylvania alley in the 3400 block south. The request was heard by the Planning Commission, and recommended for approval to the City Council. Opposition arose to the proposal, and at the request of Swedish the Planned Development was remanded to the Planning Commission for further Hear- ing and consideration. The Commission again considered the request for Planned Development approval, in March, 1989, and again, recommended approval to City Council. City Council heard the request and after negotiations with Swedish Medical Center and Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, property owners in the 3400 block of South Pennsylvania Street, approval was granted. Mr. Stitt pointed out that Medical Office Building II (MOB II) and MOB III were both included on the Planned Development that was ultimately approved in 1989. Mr. Stitt stated that the Medical Center requested an amendment to the Planned Development in July, 1989, necessitated by a change in structural design of the ICU/Cath lab unit. This request also went through the complete Hearing process before the Planning Commission and City Council and was granted approval. The current request for amendment to the Planned Development was filed to ac- commodate construction of a parking structure at South Cl arks on Street and East Hampden Avenue, which had not been included on the original Planned Development application. Mr. Stitt emphasized that MOB III is not part of this request, inasmuch as the footprint for that office structure is al ready approved as part of the original application, and SMC can apply for a building permit for that structure at any time. Mr. Stitt pointed out that MOB III is a "mirror image" of MOB II. Mr. Stitt stated that the staff is reviewing the new traffic analysis which was requested preparatory to the Public Hearing on the amendment request to be heard on August 7th. Brief discussion ensued. V. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Grant Application Mr. Covens, Mr. Stitt and Mr. Schultz discussed the application for a Grant to fund a recycling project for a given number of households in the City. Mr. Covens led the discussion, and stated that the Task Force which has worked on the issue of solid waste and the application is composed of Mayor Van Dyke, Council representatives Clayton, Hathaway and Habenicht, Planning Cammi ssi on members Schultz and Covens, and staff members Harold Stitt and Linda Martin. Mr. Covens stated that the Task Force began putting the application for the grant together in May, in order to meet the submittal deadline in June. The awarding of the grants will be announced on August 14. Mr. Stitt stated that the grant program will provide $1,000,000 for state-wide participation. However, the program has been broken down so that $500,000 will go to urban counties, and $500,000 will be awarded in rural counties . The "urban" areas include the Grand Junction area on the Western Slope, and along the Front Range on the Eastern Slope. Mr. Stitt stated that there are quite a number of municipalities that have submitted proposals for this funding. Mr. Covens stated that Englewood and Littleton have joined together in the application; however, Englewood's philosophy will differ from that used in -3 - Littleton. Littleton will use the standard "bins" for the sorting of recycla- ble materials. Englewood, on the other hand will be using large 40 gallon bags, which will sell for $1/ea., for the nonrecyclable garbage and trash. A large plastic "bucket" will be provided for all recyclable materials {alumi- num, plastic, tin, glass) and newspapers will be in a separate container. The homeowner who participates in the program wi 11 pay nothing to the trash hauler. The expense would be based on the number of large bags of nonrecycl- able trash/garbage generated by that individual home per week. Mr. Covens stated that estimates of cost were based on an average family of four, and the first 2400 homeowners who sign up will be included in this pilot program. Mr. Stitt stated that the trash hauler will get the recyclable material to market, which could provide an incentive to them to participate in the pro- gram. Mr. Stitt stated that one of the purposes of the program is to en- courage recycling and to educate people on the benefits of recycling. If the program proves to be successful, it could bring the City slightly more revenue than the cost of haulers. The issue of yard waste was discussed at length. It was pointed out that ap- proximately 25% to 30% of the "trash" generated by a home each week is yard waste. Lawn cuttings can be used in compost. Ms. Tobin stated that her yard service company recycles the lawn cuttings to a stable; she does have to noti- fy them anytime she sprays the lawn with chemicals. Ms. Tobin also inquired about requiring separate cans for the recyclable materials. Mr. Covens dis- cussed the need for an innovative program, and suggested that the standard bins might not place us in a good position to receive funding. Methods of sorting recyclable materials were discussed. Mr. Covens pointed out that with the method suggested in the Englewood grant app 1 i cation, the result would be "clean'' recyclable products, in that they would not have to be sorted from the nonrecyclable products --it would only be a matter of sorting aluminum, tin, glass and plastic. Mr. Schultz stated that the trash haulers are not against recycling, but they have not been pressured into having to provide for recycling. We need to cre- ate the program and demonstrate there is a market for recyclables. The finances of the proposal were further discussed. Mr. Stitt stated that the City would pay the haulers the standard fee. The resident would not pay the haulers, but would have to purchase the special bags from the City or from a retail outlet such as King Sooper's for $1/bag. Mr. Stitt emphasized that ordinary trash bags would not be picked up by the hauler, even if they were put out for pickup. The special bags would have an insignia placed on them, and this is the only bagged garbage or trash that the hauler would pick up. All recyclable materials placed for pickup would be free to the hauler, who could then sell the materials to a recycling plant. The fees charged to the hauler at the landfills could be expected to drop, plus they could realize revenue from the sale of the recyclable materials. It was also pointed out that the City would realize some revenue from the sale of the special bags. Mr. Shoop asked how long the pilot program would be if the funding is approved on August 14. Mr. Covens stated that the program was proposed for six months. Ms. Daviet stated that she has used very heavy paper bags that she purchases specifically for the trash. These bags could possibly be recycled, also. -4 - The problems with materials breaking down once they are buried in landfills was discussed. Mr. Stitt pointed out that paper does not deteriorate as readily as was previously believed; and a lot of materials need sunlight to promote the decay and breakdown necessary. Mr. Covens stated that paper comprises 40% of all trash and garbage generated. He pointed out that paper products such as telephone books, "slick" paper, etc. are not recyclable. Mr. Covens stated that one facet of the proposa 1 is to work with the Tri - County Health Department to fund a mobile unit for the collection and disposal of household hazardous waste. This would include such substances as paint, insecticides, etc. Motor vehicle oil is another thing that needs to be con- sidered. Mr. Stitt stated that the mobile unit would be situated in Englewood the first year, and if other municipalities wanted to participate in the fund- ing, it could be used on a rotating basis for all the municipalities. Mr. Schultz pointed out that there are some things that can be recycled even out of hazardous or toxic waste products, and cited paints as an example. Mr. Schultz stated that there is a need to explore ways to recycle vehicle oil or encourage the oil companies to take it back for recycling. Mr. Covens pointed out that items such as mercury from discarded thermometers could be collected and recycled, and there may be other chemicals that could be recycled, also. The recycling of tires was discussed. Ms. Tobin recalled a presentation made to the Commission wherein shredded tire material was used in street/road paving products. Mr. Covens stated that the City of Englewood has already made a commitment on the recycling of office waste paper, and is buying recycled paper for office use as well. Mr. Covens stated that the application for funding covers the issues of com- posting, recycling, hazardous waste, and education of the general public on all of these issues. Mr. Gerlick asked if the public would be educated on the proper way to com- post, and noted that even yard waste has an odor. Mr. Stitt stated that one means of education would be to have demonstrations on the process of compost- ing, and another would be promoting the use of mulching lawnmowers. Mr. Covens stated that if lawn grass is maintained at 2.5" to 3" in height, it will be healthy, won't require as much water, and there will not be as much yard waste if it is trimmed frequently to this height. Mr. Covens noted that there is no easy solution to the problem of yard waste. Mr. Schultz stated that the application doesn't really cover this, but men- tioned the discussions on chipping of large tree limbs; either the City could pi ck them up and use the chips for mulch/landscaping in the parks, or the property owner might take them down and have them chipped for his personal use around his trees or gardens. Mr. Gerlick stated that he felt the largest step to address is the education of the pub 1 i c on the necessity of recyc 1 i ng, and the ways to do it. Mr. Schultz agreed that the education phase is a big element of the program. Ms. Tobin expressed concern about senior citizens and people who live alone, and questioned whether they would be willing to pay $1 per bag to participate -5 - in the program. It was pointed out to Ms. Tobin that the bags do not have to be picked up each week; if someone uses one bag every two weeks, it could be set out for pickup when it is full. This would further reduce the cost to the user. Mr. Covens stated that Englewood has joined "Keep America Beautiful", and credited Mayor Van Dyke for her interest in and spearheading of the efforts of the Task Force. He stated that Mayor Van Dyke is a representative of the City on the Governor's Task Force on Integrated Waste Management, and has brought a lot of information to the local Task Force. Mr. Schultz agreed that Mayor Van Dyke has been a very valuable member. Mr. Schultz stated that even if Engle- wood does not receive the funding, he would like to see the City be in the forefront in starting a recycling program. Ms. Tobin asked if this would be curb-side pickup, or alley pickup. Mr. Schultz stated that it would be in the same location as the current trash pickup. Mr. Gerl ick expressed his appreciation to Mr. Covens, Mr. Schultz and Mr. Stitt for the informative presentation. The Commission will be kept up-to- date on the progress of the program. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mrs. Romans stated that City Council would like to meet with members of the commission on October 15 at 6:00 P. M. Members of the Commission stated that as far as they could determine at this time, the date of October 15 was satis- factory to meet with City Council. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Gerlick announced that Mr. Carson, former member of the Commission, had suffered another heart attack recently. He is reported to be doing well, and was to be released from the hospital sometime this week. Ms. Tobin discussed a letter from Arapahoe House, which had been distributed earlier. She stated that she had been concerned regarding the information that was circulating regarding Arapahoe House, and asked for clarification from the institution itself. Ms. Tobin stated that further information she has gathered indicates that the State of Colorado pays 60% of the expenses incurred by Arapahoe House, Englewood pays $2,000, and Littleton pays $10,000. As far as persons served by Arapahoe House, Englewood has the most persons served, followed by Littleton, Sheridan, Cherry Hills Village, and Greenwood Village. Ms. Tobin was thanked for obtaining this additional information on the services provided by Arapahoe House. Ms. Daviet stated that the organizers of the Tuileries Festival are looking for volunteers in the "dunking booth". If any members were interested, they were asked to call Pollyanna Hayes of the EDDA. Mr. Schultz stated that the Happy Days celebration is this weekend. -6 - There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:35 P. M . . ~u/&Jo/~ Gert rude G. Welty • Recording Secretary -7 -