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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-09-30 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION September 30, 1975 I . CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Martin. Members present: Wade; Brown; Jones; Martin; Parker; Pierson; Smith; Tanguma Romans, Ex-officio Members absent: Jorgenson Also present: Associate Planner House; Assistant City Attorney DeWitt II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Martin noted that the Minutes of September 3, 1975, and of September 9, 1975, were not available for Commission perusal until this evening; it was suggested that possibly the approval of these Minutes should be delayed until the members of the Commission have had an opportunity to read them. III. COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE Addition of Definition of "Temporary Structure". CASE #25-75 Mrs. Romans stated that the proposed definition was drafted as a result of Planning Commission concern about a temporary structure on the northwest corner of the Belleview/Broadway intersection. A permanent building is to be built to the north of the temporary structure; the temporary structure permit is valid for 18 months. The temporary structure in this particular instance does comply with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and the Building Code. There are no setbacks required in commercially zoned areas, and the structure is on a foundation. Mrs. Romans stated that ihe staff has gone through the Building Code and the Fire Code in an effort to come up with a definition to cover temporary structures in all zone districts. The definitions contained in the Building Code and Fire Code did not cover situations that could arise in all zone districts or all types of temporary structures; therefore, the staff drafted the proposed definition which will, hopefully, cover situations that may arise and would be applicable in all zone districts. The proposed definition is as follows: "Temporary Structure: Any structure intended for impermanent use or occupancy for a specified period of time not to exceed six months, which use or occupancy is permitted in the Zone District in which it is to be constructed." -2- Mrs. Romans stated that it is felt a specific time period must be indicated on the permit. The suggested six month time period is felt to be a realistic figure. No provisio n has been included to give authority to a staff member to ex- tend the time period; rather, the contractors would have t o apply to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, as the proposal is written. Mrs. Romans stated that if the proposed definition meets the approval of the Commission, the next step would be to advertise for Public Hearing before the Commission; if the Commission recommends the matter to City Council, another public hearing would be held, and an ordinance would be prepared to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to include this proposed defini- tion of "Temporary Structure." Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt the wording of the definit io n needed clarification. Discussion on wording of the propos e d definition ensued. Mr. Parker inquired as to whether the proposed six month time limitation would be prohibitive and new construction would cease? Mr. Martin stated that he is not concerned about the proposed six-month limitation; he does feel the time limitat ion should be something less than the 18 months permitted on the temporary structure at South Broadway and West Belleview. Mr. Parker noted that 1he proposed Halcyon Heights II project proposes to use a small office on the site during the const ruction period; he noted this could go on for a couple of years. Di s- cussion followed. Mr. Smith asked if there were many cases involving "temporary structures" in the City? Mrs. Pierson asked if there had been many problems other than with the structure at Broadway and West Belleview? Mrs. Romans stated that she believed this structure at Broadway and West Belleview is the only one that has caused concern. Mr . Jones discussed several structures such as used car sales offices, which have been "temporary- permanent" structures. Mr. Jones stated he felt some time limitation should be specified, and stated that he would be agreeable to a one-year time limitation for the existance o f a "temporary structure." Further discussion followed. It was determined to ask Assistant City Attorney DeWitt t o work on the wording of the proposed definition to clarify the intent that the use of the temporary building shall be subject to a time limitation. IV. STATE HIGHWAY WORK PROGRAM 1976-1977 Work Program CASE #26-7 5 Mrs. Romans stated that each year the City reviews requests for submission to the State Highway Department to be included in the State Highway Department construction program, or t o be included in the Federal Aid Urban System projects. In the -- -3- past, the City has also submitted projects to be included in the TOPICS program; however, the TOPICS program has been dis- continued. The City was asked to submit projects that related to the State Highway Program only this year. After discussions with the Arapahoe County Engineer and Council of Governments personnel, the matter was discussed with Englewood Public Works Director Waggoner, and it was determined to submit re- quests for the Federal Aid Urban System also. Mrs. Romans noted that the projects for the Federal Aid Urban System probably won't be funded in next year's budget, but it will keep the request before the Council of Governments, and make them aware that the City still feels these projects are n~cessary. Mrs. Romans noted there is money in the Federal Aid Urban System to do work on Dartmouth Avenue. Mrs. Romans then reviewed items that have been included in the request. She noted that the staff has given no priority to the items; the staff started on the north end of the City and worked south; on the west side of the City and worked to the east, in compiling the requests. The only new addition to the State Highway System Construction Projects is the proposed grade separation at West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. Mrs. Romans noted that the Master Street Plan does indicate West Floyd Avenue extended west across South Santa Fe Drive to South Zuni Street. Mrs. Romans stated that the grade separation proposed for West Union Avenue at South Santa Fe Drive in previous requests has been deleted from the requests for this year. This was done because Union was not designated as a major traffic carrier in the Master Street Plan. It is hoped that signaliza- tion at this intersection can be accomplished by the State Highway Department in the next work program. Mrs. Romans then reviewed requests for the Federal Aid Urban System. Mrs. Romans stated that a recommendation from the Commission must go to the City Council for the October 6th meeting, so that the City Council can make a recommendation to be submitted to the Arapahoe County offices by mid-October. Mr. Parker asked what the Federal Aid Urban System was? Mrs. Romans stated that the Program is a Federal funding program for Urban areas, which is monitored by the Council of Governments; the projects are approved by the Council of Governments, and it is through this body that funds are allocated. Mr. Parker asked if the City had requested the addition of South Clarkson Street to the Federal Aid Urban System prior to this year? Mrs. Romans stated this request has been made repeatedly. Mr. Parker asked if Cherry Hills-Village would be involved in the designation of South Clarkson Street in the Federal Aid Urban System? Mr. Jones stated that Cherry Hills Village would be involved in the 24% funding the cities must provide for the projects if approved, but there is no means of "forcing" Cherry Hills Village to ask for the addition of South Clarkson Street to the Federal Aid Urban System. -4- Mrs. Romans pointed out on a map which was displayed that there is continuity on the streets that have been designated on the Federal Aid Urban System. Discussion of the projects ensued. The matter of widening South Broadway from Yale Avenue to U.S. 285 was discussed with reference to the need for widening and the proposed in- stallation of landscaped medians. Mr. Parker noted there are many accidents through the downtown area, and that it is a dangerous strip of street. He felt this project might be fairly high on the list of projects because of the need for improvement and beautification. Mr. Jones stated he felt it would require removing parking along South Broadway. He noted there are wider sidewalks in the south end of town, and there is a variation in the rights-of-way that the City would have to work within. Mrs. Wade asked if it would be possible to request the landscaped medians on Broadway from Yale south to Floyd Avenue, and not provide landscaped medians in the 3300 and 3400 blocks on Broadway. Extension of Floyd Avenue across Santa Fe Drive with a grade separation at that intersection was then discussed. Mrs. Wade asked if it would be advisable to insert wording requesting a grade separation or interchange at intersections where grade separations are requested. Mrs. Romans pointed out that interchanges should be spaced one mile apart and that it will be difficult to design interchanges until the location of the proposed ART line is determined. Wade moved: Parker seconded: Santa Fe Drive. Projects on the A requested be added to provide a grade separation at West Oxford Avenue and South This request would be added to the Construction State Highway System. AYES: Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Brown, Jones, Parker, Pierson Martin, NAYS: None ABSENT: Jorgenson The motion carried. Discussion on priority rating for the State Highway Construction Projects ensued. Pierson moved: Wade seconded: The priority rating for Construction Projects on the State Highway System, South Santa Fe Drive, be as follows: A. Construction Projects on the State Highway System: 1. South Santa Fe Drive: ' -~ a. Widen and improve to a six-lane major arterial, continuing the construction project which is now under way in Denver south to 1-470. b. Construct a grade separation at the intersection of West Dartmouth Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. c. Signalization of the South Santa Fe/West Union and West Tufts Avenues intersection . d. Construct a grade separation at the intersection of West Belleview Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. e. Construct a grade separation at the intersection of West Quincy Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. f. Construct a grade separation at the intersection of West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. g. Construct a grade separation at the intersection of West Oxford Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. AYES: Pierson, Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Brown, Jones, Martin, Parker NAYS: None ABSENT: Jorgenson The motion carried. It was determined that Items I-A-2 and I-A-3 be approved as shown in the staff report, and that items II-A and 11-B also be approved as shown in the report. The approved request which will be forwarded to City Council is as follows: I. Requests to the State Highway Commission for inclusion in the Highway Department Work Program. A. Construction Projects on the State Highway System: 1. South Santa Fe Drive: a. Widen and improve to a six-lane major arterial, continuing the construction project which is now under way in Denver south to I-470. b. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Dartmouth Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. c. Signalization of the South Santa Fe -West Union and West Tufts Avenues intersection . -6- d. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Belleview Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. e. Construct a grade separation at the inter- -section of West Quincy Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. f. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. g. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Oxford Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. 2. u. s. 285: a. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of South University Boulevard and u. s. 285. 3. Belleview Avenue: a. Construct Belleview Avenue to four lanes from South Peoria Street to South Sheridan Boulevard. b. Install storm inlets on the north side of West Belleview Avenue from South Elati Street to Big Dry Creek. II. Requests to the Denver Regional Council of Governments relative to the Urban System. A. Additions to the Federal Aid Urban System: 1. South Clarkson Street from East Yale Avenue to East Dry Creek Road. 2. South Windermere Street from West Kenyon Avenue to West Tufts Avenue. (South Windermere Street is on the system south of West Tufts Avenue.) 3. West Floyd Avenue from South Downing Street to South Zuni Street. ~4. West Kenyon Avenue from South Broadway to South ~-Santa Fe Drive. B. Construction Projects on the Federal Aid Urban System: 1. South Broadway from Yale Avenue to U.S. 285: To be widened to the same width as South Broadway is being widened from U.S. 285 to Quincy, providing left-turn pockets and landscaped median. -7- 2. South Clarkson Street: To be constructed to two lanes from u. S. 285 to East Orchard Avenue. 3. South Windermere Street: To be constructed to two lanes from West Oxford Avenue to Gates Parkway. 4. West Floyd Avenue: To be constructed to two lanes from South Huron Street to South Zuni Street. 5. Quincy Avenue: To be constructed to two lanes from I-225 to South Wadsworth Boulevard. 6. I-470: To be constructed to six lanes. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mrs. Romans stated that the Commission will be meeting the evenings of October 7, October 14, October 21, and October 22. On October 7th, Arapahoe County Planning Director Don Paul will be present to discuss H.B. 1041. Mrs. Romans stated that representatives of RTD and of Von Frellick Associates have indicated a desire to meet with the Commission to consider three proposed locations of the ART station and alternative locations for the station on the New Englewood property. She asked if the Commission members would be interested in meeting with the RTD representatives at the October 7th meeting. Mr. Martin stated he felt it was a good suggestion, and asked Mrs. Romans to arrange the meeting. On October 14th, there will be two public hearings; and on October 21st, there will be a public hearing on the R-2 Zone District; on October 22nd, there will be a public hearing on the R-3 Zone District. Mrs. Romans stated that City crews have been out installing the signs giving notice of the Hearings. The City is trying to locate the signs within the public right-of-way, adjacent to the affected zone districts and on major streets. Public Notice will be given in the Englewood Herald Sentinel, and said notice will include a map of the areas involved in the rezoning procedure. Mrs. Romans presented members of the Commission with copies of the Mobile Home Park District, which is a proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Parker questioned the process followed in the repeal of the R-2-A, R-2-B, R-3-A, and R-3-B Zone Districts, and the enactment of the new R-2 and R-3 Districts. He asked how it happened that the land was left unzoned until such time as the Public Hearings by the Planning Commission and City Council can be completed? He asked if t his process was accomplished in the proper sequence? Mrs. Romans stated that the City Attorney's office outlined the procedure to be followed, and that that office advised accomplishing the procedure in two steps, as is in process. Mr. Parker stated he felt t he Commission should make note of the fact the City Attorney's office erred in this matter. He noted that if this sequence of events could have been avoided, the City could have saved a lot of extra expense. -8- Mr. Parker stated he felt it was up to the legal department to find ways things may be accomplished properly and at the least expense and most benefit to the City. Mr. Parker stated he also felt the legal department should be able to find some way to enable the City to be reimbursed for vacation of streets and alleys. Mrs. Romans then discussed the Hilton Inn Hotel which was to have been developed on T. W. Anderson's property south of u. S. 285. Mrs. Romans referred to the months of time and effort on the part of the staff and Commission members involved in approving the proposal. Mrs. Romans stated that the latest plans for the site are for a quick-food restaurant. Mrs. Romans stated the staff is concerned about the possibility of the block proposed for the hotel being broken up for several different uses. Mrs. Romans pointed out that this is a case where the Commission and Council vacated the alley to facilitate development of the hotel. Discussion followed. Mr. Tanguma asked if a legal opinion from the City Attorney could be prepared by Tuesday, October 7th, on the feasibility of down-zoning the property? Mrs. Pierson asked if it would be possible to have the alley vacation rescinded or the alley re-opened. VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Martin noted that inasmuch as November 4th is election day, he questioned whether the Commission would want to meet that evening? After brief discussion, November meeting dates were established on November 11th and November 18th. Mr. Brown noted that the Council has been considering the pro- posed 1976 Budget. The sales tax is down, and the Council does not want to raise the property tax if they can keep from it. Mr. Brown stated that he felt the City has reached a plateau as far as sales tax income is concerned, and will have to learn to live with it. The problem now is trying to cut the proposed budget by approximately $300,000. Mr. Brown asked members of the Commission how they would feel about possibly leaving the position of Director of Community Development vacant for some time --possibly as long as a year, in an effort to avoid cutting positions at a lower level in the office that are presently filled. The alternative is to fill the position of Director, and cut one or two positions at a lower level. Mr. Smith asked if this would mean holding the position of Director open? Mr. Brown stated it would; it would not mean the abolishment of the position at all. Mrs. Pierson stated that she feared during this period, the Acting Director might feel some constraint, and that possibly there could be a slow down of progress in the total Planning program. Mr. Brown noted that the Acting Director would be paid as the Director, and would have all the power of the Director to move programs forward. Discussion followed. -9- Mrs. Romans stated that there has also been discussion of eliminating the Noise Control officer and abandoning that pro- gram, and eliminating one environmental inspector position. Mrs. Romans stated that as far as determination on filling the position of Director of Community Development, this matter is up to the City Manager. Mr. Jones stated he felt Mr. Brown was concerned about the possible elimination of positions that were already filled vs. the alternative of not filling a vacant position. Mrs. Pierson stated the Commission should look at what is best for the City of Englewood; she stated that she felt it is . imperative the Department have a Director to guide the City toward the goals that have been set. Mrs. Pierson stated she felt there are things far more important than a noise control program, and stated she felt filling the position of Director of Conununity Development is most important. Mr. Jones pointed out that the City has very experienced personnel in the Assistant Director positions in Mrs. Romans and Mr. Brokate. He stated that he felt the present staff is doing an outstanding job, and he didn't see any immediate problem that would be caused by a delay in filling the position of Director. Mr. Martin stated that it appeared to him the City will have to cut expenses and manpower, and take steps to increase the revenue. He stated he did not think that by placing a moratorium on filling the position of Director of Community Development, that the City structure would be affected. Mr. Martin stated he didn't know what a Director could do now if he was hired be- fore the first of the year because of the shortage of funds. Mrs. Pierson reiterated her fear that by not filling the position of Director, the City would be losing "time and ground". Further discussion followed. Mr. Brown stated he just wanted to get Commission input on the matter; he noted that the decision of whether or not to fill the position will not be made by City Council, but by Mr. Mccown. Mr. Brown stated that Mr. Mccown has a list of 25 i terns he proposes to cut back to bring the budget into balance. He noted that the Public Hearing on the proposed budget is set for October 6th. Mr. Martin stated he felt it would be a good idea for the members of the Commission to receive a copy of the proposed 1976 Budget. Mrs. Wade stated she felt we need t o maintain the qual i ty of the City, and keep as many of the positions as possible. She suggested that possibly some programs the City has planned could be pushed "down the road five years if need be." Mr. Jones noted that the 1% sales tax goes to finance only Capital Improvements; the remaining 2% sales tax goes into the general fund, Discussion followed. Mr. Martin stated i t might be a good idea to have as many members of the Commission as possible attend the Budget hearing on October 6th. -10- Mrs. Pierson stated that the following letter has been pre- pared for Commission signatures, if approved. "The Honorable George B. Lee District Court Judge 18th Judicial District Arapahoe County Courthouse 2069 West Littleton Boulevard Littleton, Colorado 80120 Dear Sir: The members of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Englewood, Colorado wish to thank you for your service during your term of Assistant City Attorney. Your dedication and your gracious and skillful guidance were an important contribution to the deliberations of our Commission. You will be greatly missed by the Commission. We are pleased, however, that you will be continuing public service and that you have made a significant step forward in your career. You will be a fine addition to the Bench. Englewood's loss is the 18th Judicial District's gain." Pierson moved: Jones seconded: The Commission approve the proposed letter to the Honorable George B. Lee, commending him on his appointment as Judge of the 18th Judicial District. AYES: Parker; Pierson; Smith; Tanguma; Wade; Brown; Jones; Martin NAYS: None ABSENT: Jorgenson The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. MEMORANDU M TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: September 30, 1975 SUBJECT : 1976-1 977 State Highway Work Program Requests RECOMMENDATION : The following a r e the 1976 requests which the Planning Com- mi ssion recomme n d s for the City Council's consideration: I. Reque sts to the State Highway Commission for inclusion in t h e Highway Department Work Program. A. Con struc tion Projects on the State Highway System: 1. Sou th Santa Fe Drive: a . Widen and improve to a six-lane major arterial, continuing the construction project which is now under way in Denver south to I -470 . b . Construct a grade separation at the inter - section of West Dartmouth Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. c . Signalization of the South Santa Fe -· West Union and West Tufts Avenues inter- sectio n. d. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Belleview Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. e. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Quincy Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. f. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. g. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of West Oxford Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. 2. U.S. 285: a. Construct a grade separation at the inter- section of South University Boulevard and U.S. 285. 3. Belleview Avenue: a. Construct Belleview Avenue to four lanes from South Peoria Street to South Sheridan Boulevard. b. Install storm inlets on the north side of West Belleview Avenue from South Elati Street to Big Dry Creek. II. Requests to the Denver Regional Council of Governments relative to the Urban System. A. Additions to the Federal Aid Urban System: 1. South Clarkson Street from East Yale Avenue to East Dry Creek Road. 2. South Windermere Street from West Kenyon Avenue to West Tufts Avenue. (South Windermere Street is on the system south of West Tufts Avenue.) 3. West Floyd Avenue from South Downing Street to South Zuni Street. 4. West Kenyon Avenue from South Broadway to South Santa Fe Drive. B. Construction Projects on the Federal Aid Urban System: 1. South Broadway from Yale Avenue to U.S. 285: To be widened to the same width as South Broadway is being widened from U.S. 285 to Quincy, providing left-turn pockets and landscaped median. 2. South Clarkson Street: To be constructed to two lanes from U.S. 285 to East Orchard Avenue. 3. South Windermere Street: To be constructed to two lanes from West Oxford Avenue to Gates Parkway. 4 . West Floyd Avenue: To be constructed to two lanes from South Huron Street to South Zuni Street. 5. Quincy Avenue: To be constructed to two lanes from I-225 to South Wadsworth Boulevard. 6. 1-470: To be constructed to six lanes. Respectfully submitted, By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. •