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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-08-12 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION August 12, 1975 The meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Art Martin at 7:05 P.M. Attendance was as follows: Commissioners Present: Arthur Martin, Chairman George Jorgenson Commissioners Absent: Others Present: Judity Pierson Chalmerse Parker Eddie Tangu~a Lee Jones Ed Smith Mae Wade Howard Brown Dorothy A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development -Planning Steve House, Planning Bill Hamilton, Fire Chief Bruce Donald, Fire Department Bill James, Director of Finance Karl Nollenberger, Assistant City Manager Bob Morgan, Acting Police Chief Randall Carson, Police Department Lois Kocian, Assistant Director of Community Development -Housing Harriet Lute, Librarian Dave Clayton, City Councilman/Library Lois Lighthall, Library Board Member Earl Du Pree, Library Board Member Al Quaintance, Library Board Member John Maxwell, Library Board Member Harlan Shattuck, Library Board Member Chairman Martin turned the time over to Karl Nollenberger, Assis- tant City Manager, who outlined the purpose of the meeting, and said that they had attempted to present the Capital Improvements Plan in a form which would provide a comprehensive analysis of the needs of the City. He explained the sales tax structure, wherein two per cent of the sales tax goes to the General Fund of the City, and one third goes to support the Capital Improve- ment Program. At the present time, he said, this one per cent is the sole support of the program. He stated-that it is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to advise the City Manager as to what should be included in the program, and in what order of importance. Mr. Nollenberger presented the six-quarter budget, copies of which are contained in the Capital Improvements Program booklet, and explained briefly that the budget is a flexible one, and ~ it can be altered. Mr. Nollenberger then reviewed the recommendations of the depart- ment heads, explaining that the cost estimates are "best guesses" and not supported by expert advice. Capital Improvements Program booklets were distributed a week before the meeting in order to give the Commissioners an oppor- tunity to study the departmental requests prior to the hearing. Mr. Martin stated that much of what is decided regarding these requests will depend on what happens to the third cent of sales tax. Mr. Tanguma asked if it would bring more business to Englewood if the third cent would tie dropped. Mr. Nollenberger pointed out that all cities around us have a six and a half per cent sales tax. Littleton also charges tax on food. He said that marketing studies done during the preparation of the core area plan showed that more than 70 per cent of the sales tax comes from individuals who do not reside in Englewood. He added that the extra one per cent costs the citizens of Englewood approximately $.17 per person per year. This represents about $1,600,000 for next year. Mr. Tanguma asked if sales volume is expected to increase if the one per cent is dropped, and Mr. Nollenberger answered that it would not. In discussion regarding the Commission's purpose in this meeting, e it was determined that the Commission would confine itself to ranking priorities at this time. Mr. Martin said that it would be assumed that this ranking does include the third cent of sales tax. If, at the end of the year, we do not have that third cent, priorities would have to be reviewed. There are many variables, he said. Lee Jones stated that City Council has suggested that the third cent of sales tax be extended for the purpose of up-dating the five-year plan. Therefore, he felt the Commission should pro- ceed with the assumption that the third cent sales tax will be extended. If not, he said, there will not be a Capital Improve- ments Program. Mr. Smith felt there was no alternative. possible that there would be an increase no matter what the budget may call for. termined, he said. He said it might be or a decrease in revenue, Priorities must be de- Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City has an adopted Comprehen- sive Plan, and said she liked to think of these projects being considered at this meeting as implementing this plan, and ful- filling the goals adopted by the City Council and the Planning Commission. Chairman Martin introduced Acting Police Chief Bob Morgan, who described the request by his department. He said that he was 2 ·9 . proud of the new building they now have, and said that it ful- fills their needs in everything except a pistol range. He explained that they would soon be without a pistol range because of the river redevelopment plan, and would like to install one on the north side of the building. Chie.f Morgan reported that all men below the rank of Captain must qualify once a month. If they lose the present range, the nearest one would be the Arapahoe County range at the land fill dump, six miles outside of the City. Men using this range would be out of service at least one and a half hours. If the men are called in on their off-duty hours, they must be paid time and a half. If the range is built as proposed, at the present facilities, officers could be qualified before and after their shifts. The requested range would be 75 ft: long and 25 ft. wide, suf- ficient for four or five targets. The largest shift would be ten men, which means that five could be qualified before the shift, and five after. Much training, he said, is done in the classroom, but the officers must also have training on the range. There have been many lawsuits, he reported, involving officers not properly trained in the use of firearms. They want to keep up to date on this training, and avoid this. Asked by George Jorgenson if he did not think his estimate of $32,000 was low, he answered that it probably was. He was also asked how much additional parking space would be required, and he said that no extra parking would be necessary. Ms. Wade asked if there had not been some talk of placing the pistol range in the basement when the building was being con- structed. Chief Morgan answered that there was talk of build- ing it across the street by Parks and Recreation. This could be incorporated with Parks and Recreation for teaching, he said, but there would be scheduling problems. Mr. Jorgenson asked about the expense of replacing patrol cars, and was told by Karl Nollenberger that this type of expenditure comes out of the General Fund of the City. Ms. Pierson asked how many officers have to go through this practice session, and was told that there are 63. Chief Morgan reported that Randall Carson runs the range on the river. Sessions are running about 20 minutes. It can be done in about ten or twelve minutes if they just shoot, and their is no in- struction. Four or five men can shoot at once. Ms. Pierson also asked how many range hours would be required in a month, and was told that they would need 18 hours. Mr. Martin questioned whether there are federal or state influences -that would require this type of facility, and none were known. Fire Chief Hamilton asked whether Littleton has a shooting range, and whether or not Englewood has given consideration to a joint effort at the site of the proposed Englewood-Littleton Fire 3 Training Center near the river. Chief Morgan answered that there is no such facility in Littleton, but that he disagreed with the facility being located on the river, because of flood- ing. In answer to a question by Mr. Martin, Chief Morgan stated that the facility would be more effective outside than inside. Discussion followed on the subject of putting the range on the fire station property, and also of the amount of noise which would be involved. Mr. Carson stated that no complaints have been received because of excessive noise. He went on to say that a person in a car is unable to hear the shooting; on foot or on a bicycle, it can be heard. There was additional discussion as to how much shooting time is required per officer, especially fqr those who have problems, in which case extra time must be scheduled, and for those who are just being trained. Ms. Wade asked whether the officers practice on their own time, and was told that they do, but there must be two officers on the range, and it must be cleared before they go, and when they finish. Mr. Tanguma inquired as to whether or not there were moving targets, and Chief Morgan said that they have only turning, but not running, targets. Mr. Carson explained the way the target works, and some discussion ensued regarding the impor-~ tance of various types of targets. ~ Chairman Martin felt a comprehensive explanation of the needs of the Police Department had been given, and asked for any fur- ther comments or questions. There being none, the police officers were excused. Chief William Hamilton, of the Englewood Fire Department was the next to present his requests to the Commission. His first project was a request for the replacement and relocation of the Belleview Fire Station No. 3, north of West Belleview Ave- nue at South Fox Street. He said that at the time the building was built he had requested that it be placed further back on the property, but for financial and other reasons, this was not done. Subsequently, he said, Belleview Avenue has been widened and has become a main artery, which creates an extreme traffic hazard. The station itself is not large enough to handle the equipment needed for the further development of the area. He requested that the building be replaced. To re-build it, he said, addi- tional property would have to be purchased. The station, he said, is not properly located, it being too far south by about four or five blocks, according to a computer print-out, refer- ring to a report made by City Manager intern, Bruce Mendelson, ~ in 1973. ~ 4 Questioned as to whether he believed this to be a reliable way to determine a location for the facility, he said it is the only formal way that has been devised, and has been used in other cities. Material is fed into the computer, and from this data, the computer shows where the fire station should be located. Mr. ~artin asked about insurance rates, and Chief Hamilton said there is a definite influence on insurance rates within the City. He said they wanted to be in a position to ask for lower insurance rates by 1975 or 1976, and the new location would contribute to these reduced rates. He said they would like to move down to a "four" rating, which would represent something like a five to seven per cent reduction. Discussion followed regarding purchase of another piece of property. Ms. Romans stated that consideration had been given to the possi- bility of using part of Clayton School yard for this purpose as one alternative. Ms. Pierson said she was leery of making such an expenditure to move the station such a short distance. She said she had looked at the pictures which had been presented showing problem areas at the Belleview station, and wondered if there were not adequate traffic signals, and if some changes in the existing building might make it wo·rk. Chief Hamilton replied that there are overhead fire signals, and they have been fortunate so far that there have been no accidents. He said that the trucks are out in the lanes of traffic before the driver can see what is coming. After further discussion, Chief Hamilton stated that he did not believe that sufficient change could be made to accomplish what is needed in order to accommodate the equipment. Mr. Martin asked how much square footage would be required in a new building, and Chief Hamilton replied that new stations now run 6,000 square feet. The Belleview station is 4,200 square feet. Mr. Jones asked the size of the present lot, and was told that it is a 50' lot without an alley, and is 120' deep. Chief Hamilton pointed out that if the station is not moved, a great deal of maintenance will have to be done next year. There was discussion of Mr. Jones' question as to whether there is enough room to rearrange the building to face on the side street, and it was determined that there would be no major ad- vantage in this action. The telesquirt, which i~ housed in the Tejon station was dis- cussed, and Chief Hamilton explained that the aerial capability is needed in the south district. The second item to be presented by Chief Hamilton was a new rescue unit to replace the present Chevrolet truck now being used as a rescue mobile unit. He explained that the chassis 5 on the present unit was not heavy enough. He also stated that there is not a backup unit in which to put paramedical equipment now owned by the Fire Department. He said they need to estab- lish a reserve unit. They had considered replacing the present unit and purchase a van with a minimum of equipment, but they determined that this would cost more money than to buy a van type rescue unit, maintaining the present piece of equipment as a backup unit. This, he said, would answer all of the pre- sent needs. George Jorgenson asked if there is a chance for federal aid on this, and Chief Hamilton said they have not asked for it, and he doubted if they would be able to receive any assistance. Ms. Pierson asked if the new unit would be a single vehicle, and was told that this was correct. She said that at the time the original one was purchased it was thought to be a long-time purchase, and now a van type vehicle is being requested. Chief Hamilton explained the necessity for establishing a reserve unit. He said that they had found that with the paramedical, the van type unit is much more adequate. Somewhere down the road, he said, the City of Englewood has to get rid of transporting patients. Mr. Jorgenson asked whether or not the City has a depreciation fund on vehicles, and Karl Nollenberger stated that we do not currently have a vehicle replacement fund. This was discussed. Chief Hamilton said he has this item in his regular budget, as well as in the Capital Improvements Program. More discussion ensued as to what equipment would have to be added, and how long the present equipment will last. Mr. Smith stated that he felt $21,000 would not be an unreason- able figure to save a life, and said he would have to go along with this request for a new unit. Ms. Wade asked how often there have been multiple alarms, and was told that it happens quite frequently, and that they try to meet the needs of the people, using whatever equipment is available. He said they sometimes have to use mutual aid from Littleton and Sheridan. They also call private ambulances or use present equipment with volunteers or off-duty personnel. Councilman Dave Clayton asked how much it would amount to if Council were to see fit to equip it out of the regular budget. Chief Hamilton said they had projected the type of unit they are talking about now, because it more readily suits present needs, but they had only asked for $10,000 of funding. Next, there was discussion of the request for closed-circuit television receivers to be installed at Fire Stations Numbers 2, 3 and 4. Chief Hamilton explained the use of TV for train- ing programs for the Fire Department. He added that, in his opinion, the cost is not really great when compared to the 6 benefit of the unit. Mr. Martin commented that this was pro- jected into the 1976 budget. After a short break, the fourth item requested by the rire De- partment was discussed. This was a request for the correction of certain hazardous street intersection dips, which are 'on fir~ response routes. These dips, according to Chief Ha*ilton, cause a problem in trying to respond to an alarm with ~ny ·de­ gree of speed. With the underground drainage, he said; many of these dips are no longer necessary. Some are currently being corrected, but not all of them. Heavy expensive equipment is being torn up. He referred particularly to the intersection of South Elati and U.S. Route 285, which they cross on an aver- age of three or four times a day. Mr. Martin stated that to correct this intersection would cost approximately $10,000. Certain dips which have been or are to be taken care of by the Department of Public Works were discussed. Karl Nollenberger explained what storm drainage is necessary, and what plans are in the works for repairs. Mr. Martin introduced the next item for discussion, which was the installation of new mains and the increase of the size of existing water mains within high risk areas of the City. Chief Hamilton reported that in high development areas the flow is not adequate, and that larger mains must be installed in order to increase the flow. Mr. Martin wanted to know if there is any connection between this request and the fire insurance rates, and Chief Hamilton said that this would have a great influence on the insurance rates. This was discussed briefly. This project will also be included in the Utilities Department request. The next item for discussion was the replacement of one major piece of fire apparatus. Chief Hamilton explained the need in Englewood for certain types of equipment, and what has been done to the present equipment to update it and try to keep it in good repair. He said there is a need to establish a new company out of Jefferson station. This has all been in the projection for the last five years, he said. There was discussion as to the types of equipment available, and what is requested. The cost of telesquirts and snorkels was discussed. The present telesquirt is 50 feet, and the new ones are 75 feet. Ms. Pierson asked what would be the delivery time on the new telesquirt, and was told it has been from a year to two years. In answer to a question by the Director of Finance, Bill James, it was deter- mined that there is only one company which manufactures tele- squirts. There was some discussion of the cost, and it was stated that if a unit were ordered now, the price would be firm, barring any major increase in costs. This clause would be in the contract. Chief Hamilton did not feel there would be any need to put this out for bids, because only selected companies have the capability of supplying the unit. 7 The next item for discussion was the expansion of the Englewood/ Littleton Fire Training Facility, to provide storage space for training equipment and apparatus, together with space for a planning and lesson review room. Chief Hamilton explained the function of the facility. He said he hoped to be able to build in the South Platte River area, one advantage being that raw wat~r could be used and returned to the river, which would be much cheaper than having to use treated water. He felt a joint facility would be more than adequate. An architect is being chosen to plan the facility, he said. The facility would be of fire fighting. of Littleton, but miles outside the and transfer them share in the cost adequate to train fire fighters in all phases The Littleton department is not just the City takes in a fire district which covers 12 square City. They collect funds from this district to the City of Littleton. The district would of the facility.· Chief Hamilton explained that they would need a classroom to conduct complete orientation and training on the ground; aids and props; rest room facilities; and space where equipment can be stored. He said they also anticipate having other fire dis- tricts use the facility on a cost basis. Mr. Tanguma asked if other fire districts had been contacted, and Chief Hamilton said they had, and that they were very enthusiastic. Some of them would like to participate, but Englewood and Littleton would prefer to have them use the facility on a cost basis, and not participate in the planning and building of it. Ms. Wade asked if any consideration had been given to putting the shooting range in the same area. Chief Hamilton felt there was some merit in this suggestion. He said there could be advantage in building it so that there is enough space for this, also. Regarding the location, he said it would be on the south of Union, and east side of the Platte River. He explained that this location is partly in the flood plain, but could be used. Chairman Martin asked for any other questions. Ms. Romans asked how soon we would have to face the necessity for another station in northeast Englewood. Chief Hamilton did not think this was an immediate problem. He mentioned areas such as the Larwin project, Swedish Hospital, 22 apartment buildings over five stories, Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, and explained the plans which had been considered in the past for expansion of Police and Fire services. There was discussion as to whether another facility would be necessary. There being no further discussion regarding the Fire Department requests, Chairman Martin introduced Lois Kocian, Executive Di- rector of the Housing Authority, who presented plans for the 104-unit high-rise for low-income elderly citizens in Englewood, ~ and brought the Commission up to date on developments in the ~ building. She explained the plan of rent support, and stated 8 • the failure of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide adequate rent support. She reported on the coopera- tion of the City of Englewood in waiving certain fees, taxes, etc. The Authority is still negotiating with HUD for additional supplemental rents. She stated that there are approximately 250 names on the waiting list for 104 units. Asked whether preference would be given to Englewood residents, she said that this would be done, and is permissible in this area. She said that the Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to cooperate in maintaining the green area around the building. She explained the requests being made in the Capital Improvements Program by the Housing Authority for funds for on- site improvements for the apartment building to be located at South Lincoln Street and East Floyd Avenue. These improvements would include curb work and sidewa~ks adjacent to the site, concrete areas, asphalt paving for parking areas, exterior light- ing and landscaping. Chalmerse Parker asked if Littleton is handled the same way, and Ms. Kocian explained the difference in the two programs. The philosophy of this program, she said, is not to build new units, but there is such a lack of suitable units in Englewood that it is necessary for us to build. the new building. She went on to explain the difficulty in making the Section 8 program work. Mr. Martin questioned whether this program does not require that the building be a new one, and Ms. Kocian explained that many additional amenities are required in an elderly building, and that since nothing of this sort is available, it must be built. Ms. Kocian reviewed the Housing Authority's timetable, and ex- plained what is being done now with HUD. Mr. Martin asked what the rent level would be, and Ms. Kocian replied that HUD has approved $220 per unit per month, which sounds high, but apartments renting now for less were built when construction costs were less. She explained how the rent supplement works, and how the money is charged in order to pay off the bond indebtedness which will be incurred. Ms. Romans asked if there is a way that the Planning and Zoning Commission could be of help, and Ms. Kocian answered that the support of the Commission would be valuable to the Housing Authority. Ms. Pierson recommended that on the next agenda the Commission should make a resolution in support of the Housing Authority project. There being no further discussion regarding the Housing Authority request, Ms. Kocian was excused . Chairman Martin then introduced Harriet Lute, Director of the Englewood Public Library, who in turn introduced members of the ~ 9 ( \ Library Board who were present in support of her petition. Ms. Lute presented drawings depicting the future plans for expansion of the library facility. She explained that the library collection has grown considerably in the past few years. A request was made, she said, in 1970, in 1973 and again in 1974 for additional space. They have now gone as far as i.t is possible to go without additional space. Total space requested would be 18,600 square feet. Recommended American Library Association space for the size of the community is 21,000 square feet. They now have 14,000 square feet. In support of her request, Ms. Lute stated that the new meeting room proposed would be useable after hours and on Sundays, and could be accessible without entering the library. In addition, the library materials could be placed more efficiently. For example, she pointed out that the local history collection, now housed in miscellaneous corners, could be brought together as a total collection. The same is true of other special collec- tions which are not now being used to full advantage. Meeting rooms and story hour rooms at present are inadequate. Ms. Lute reviewed the library statistics which showed a definite need for additional space. The meeting room space, she said, would be used only partially for library functions. The re- ·mainder of the time it would be in use by outside groups. A need also exists for more adequate parking for the bookmobile. Fumes from the bookmobile as it is parked at present, enter the ~ Zoning Department and other areas of City Hall, causing a very ~ distressing situation. A parking garage is being requested, which will allow for inside loading, which would be more effi- cient. There would be less wear and tear on the books if they are not exposed to extreme weather conditions as they are at present. There would be a savings on fuel, as the bookmobile would not have to be run as long in the winter mornings to warm it up for use. In addition to these items, there is need for storage space for certain equipment when not in use. There is no such space avail- able at the present time. Costs involved in Ms. Lute's requests were discussed, and Ms. Lute stated that she felt this work should be done as soon as possible. Mr. Martin commented that a progressive library reflects a progressive community, and said he felt this project was extreme- ly necessary. Ms. Pierson said she would like to see the cost figure for the bookmobile garage set apart from the other figures. She felt that perhaps part of the job could be done, if not all. Ms. Lute replied that the separate figures were not readily available, but • that she would make an attempt to supply the figures as soon as possible. 10 Mr. Shattuck, of the Library Board, said he felt there was practical economy in building a bookmobile garage, in that the books would not have to be exposed to the cold, and handled in the cold, which is damaging to the books. He said this had been discussed by the Library Board in past meetings. Ms. ~ierson said that she loved the library, but questioned whether the bookmobile garage should have priority. Mr. Shattuck said that almost everything that Harriet Lute has in her plan has been studied over a period of four or five years, and she has eliminated everything possible. He believed this to be a frugal plan. Mr. Martin asked if the bookmobile garage as proposed would be a heated facility. This was discussed, and it was determined that there would be some heat in th~ garage. Lee Jones wanted to know how many days the bookmobile goes out, and Ms. Lute answered that it operates five days a week. Mr. Shattuck asked if there is a time savings involved in having the garage. Ms. Lute said that there would be a savings here, since the bookmobile could be loaded much more efficiently. The books are heavy, and with a garage, the books could be loaded directly onto the bookmobile. At present it is necessary to place a plank from the dock to the bookmobile, which is ineffi- cient, especially in bad weather. As far as the person loading the books, she said, if he is able to be comfortable, he will work more efficiently. Mr. Martin asked if Ms. Lute anticipates having to replace the bookmobile. She answered that a bookmobile will last about twelve years under normal circumstances. Mileage on ours is 50 miles per week, much less than others in use in other areas. She felt that the present bookmobile should last much longer than the expected twelve years, with proper care. She added that they are looking at the growth of school libraries, and wondering if bookmobiles will always be as valuable as they now are. Some of the media systems, she said, are staffed at night in some of the schools. She repeated that she is not anticipating purchase of a new bookmobile in the near future. Ms. Wade asked how much of the space needs to be built, and was told that it is all existing space, except for the bookmobile garage. In answer to Mr. Martin's question as to size of the garage, Ms. Lute said it would be 480 square feet. With no other questions of Ms. Lute, Mr. Martin excused the library people, and introduced Karl Nollenberger who presented the request for municipal facilities. Mr. Nollenberger explained the Municipal Facilities Study which was responsible for the recommendations he was about to make. He mentioned the Community-Recreation Center, and said that this would come up again when Packy Romans makes his report for the Parks and Recreation Department. 11 Next was the Senior Citizens Center to serve the needs of the senior citizen population. Many definite ideas have been pre- sented, and some of these possibilities were reviewed, along with the many activities that could be carried on in the center. Discussion ensued on the subject of whether the senior center shouid be planned separately from the community center, and it was determined that it should be separate, since the needs of the senior citizens are different, and not always compatible with the community building activities. This, also, will be discussed at a later meeting when Mr. Romans makes his report. It was stated that many of the senior citizens groups are having difficulty in finding a place in which to carry on the desired activities. Karl Nollenberger pointed out that this would be a central lo- cation for people in the older age bracket. Mr. Tanguma objected to the separation of the old and young groups, and felt there should be a closing of this gap. Ms. Pierson agreed, saying that she sees a problem of lack of funds if there is a separate senior citizens center. This, she felt, could be a combined center, and the senior citizens could have their own activities. There was discussion as to what the census of elderly in Englewood will be in the future, and whether it would remain at 11 per cent elderly. It was generally felt that much would depend on planning in the City, and the type of housing that is available. More discussion revealed that because of the nature of the activity levels of the young and old groups, many are opposed to the combining of the activity centers. Karl Nollenberger said that parking will be a problem. If the library is remodeled, he said, it will be necessary to purchase a strip of land for parking. He said he would suggest that the whole senior citizens center subject be brought up at the next meeting. Mr. Nollenberger next presented a request for Court and Council room remodeling, and explained what is involved in this project, such as moving the Assistant City Attorney downstairs, remodel- ing of the present Court/Council area and removal of the stage in the Community Room to increase seating capacity of the Court; a new jury/conference room; and a new office for the Judge. Plans, shown on the maps provided, were for the remodeling of department areas, storage, and use of other buildings. These were reviewed and discussed. The next meeting was set for the following Tuesday, and it was determined that a meeting would be necessary each week until the capital Improvements Program study is completed. 12 There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M. Eden Webster Secretary Pro-Tern 13