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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-06-06 PZC MINUTES• • • I. CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION June 6, 1989 CALL TO ORDER. D RA FT The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Volkema. Members Present: Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Becker, Carson, Fish Members Absent: Gerlick, Barber (Both with previous notice) Wanush, Ex-officio Staff Present: D. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development Susan L. Hirsch , Senior Planner II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 2, 1989 Chairman Volkema stated that the Minutes of May 2, 1989 were to be considered for approval . Carson moved: Tobin seconded: The Minutes of May 2, 1989 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Becker, Carson, Fish None Barber, Gerlick None The motion carried. I II. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1990 -1994 CASE #6-89 Mr . Volkema reviewed the information that had been included in the Commission packet, and asked that Mrs. Romans lead the discussion on the Capital Improve - ment Program. Mrs. Romans stated that the City Charter requires that the Planning Commission shall submit annually to the City Manager, a list of capital improvement proj - ects for the forthcoming five year period. These projects are to be arranged in order of priority. Mrs. Romans stated that for the last several years, funds have not been available for new capital improvement projects beyond the completion of the Little Dry Creek Flood Control Project. Mrs. Romans stated that she had included in the packet the recommended Capital Improvements which the Commission approved last year. Also included in the packet is a list of goals and objectives of the City Council, which were developed in April, 1989, and the current 1989-93 Public Improvement Fund for Capital Improvement Projects. -1 - In reviewing the City Council goals, Mrs. Romans stated that one of the goals is the upgrading of housing stock, and the reduction of rental units. Mrs. Romans stated that several years ago, the staff investigated the possibility • of requiring all rental units to be registered, and to be inspected and brought up to code at such time as the occupancy of the unit changes. This would not be a Capital Improvement Program project; but could be a tool to implement the City Council's goal. Mr. Fish questioned whether the applica- tion of such a proposal would be discriminatory. Mrs. Romans stated that the staff investigated this possibility on at least two occasions, and there are other municipalities which do have this program. Mrs. Romans suggested that another means to upgrade housing stock might be to increase funding for rehabilitation of existing homes. Mrs. Romans stated that other programs that had been considered in the past were "incentives" in the single-family districts, such as a density bonus to a homeowner that replaced a substandard structure, or the City doing the demoli- tion of the substandard structure to clear the lot for redevelopment. Funds for the demolition and site preparation might be a Capital Improvement Program project. Mr. Volkema asked Ms. Tobin to update the Commission on the progress of the Housing Task Force. Ms. Tobin stated that the Task Force will be undertaking the fo 11 owing: 1: Examine the factors affecting the decision of home buyers in choosing whether or not to live in Englewood. 2. 3. Examine the factors affecting the decision of current homeowners to leave Englewood. Develop a neighborhood-by-neighborhood comparison of neighborhood and housing quality . 4. Review the financial resources available for housing and neighborhood improvement. 5. Propose a list of goals for housing and neighborhoods to the year 2010 and recommend actions to achieve these goals. 6. Provide the Planning Commission and City Council with recommendations relating to the Zoning Ordinance, code enforcement, variances, etc., to implement Task Force findings. Ms. Tobin stated that the committee goals are to increase home ownership; the schools are improving and should be an attraction to families with school-age youngsters. Ms. Tobin stated that the committee does want to exp 1 ore the recreational/leisure facilities available for junior and senior high school age youngsters; there are programs for the pre-school and elementary school age child, and there are programs available for adults and senior citizens, but the junior and senior high school age youngsters seem to have fallen through the crack. The Committee al so wants to explore the possibility of asking for a change of zoning for an area at Kenyon and Galapago to facilitate the construction of an additional elderly housing complex. -2 - • • • • • The funding used for construction of Simon Center and Orchard Place was dis- cussed by Mr. Carson. Mr. Carson stated that, in his opinion, Englewood has done more for elderly citizens than any other municipality in this area . Mrs. Tobin stated that the committee felt this might be one way to make exist- ing homes available for younger families; if additional elderly housing were available in a multi-family complex, some of the elderly may want to sell their homes and move to those units, thus making their present home available to families with children. Mr. Carson discussed the Housing Authority programs of constructing new homes, and rehabilitating existing housing structures. Mr. Fish asked if this was an on-going program. Mrs. Romans stated that the rehabilitation of houses has been an on-going program for some time. The construction of new houses for purchase will depend on the ability of the Authority to acquire available sites. Mr. Volkema stated that he finds it interesting that the Housing Task Force efforts and discussions to this point in time fit in with the goals outlined by the City Council. The Cammi ss ion considered their 1989 recommendations, and determined which projects had been included for funding in the Public Improvement Fund budget. Mrs. Becker asked for explanation of automated mapping and aerial photography/ mapping, which explanation was given. Mrs. Becker asked if the monetary figures listed for the paving districts was reimbursable by the homeowners. Mr. Volkema stated that he understood this to be the total appropriation. City Hall improvements were discussed. The City Council goals were considered further, particularly those which were ranked highly by both City Council and staff, such as Economic Development, Waste Management, Traffic Control, and Housing. Mr. Schultz stated that a number of cities are requiring that trash be sepa- rated for recycling --glass, metal, and other trash, and placed in containers so designated. He stated that an article he read recently indicated that by following such a recycling program, the cities were able to reduce trash taken to a landfill to 10% of what was previously hauled. Mr. Schultz stated that he is of the opinion that the City of Englewood should look into a program of recycling. Mrs. Becker discussed an APA Conference she had attended in Minneapolis/St . Paul several years ago, and a side trip she took to Redwing, Minnesota to review their waste recycling system. This municipality inci~er ­ ated the trash, creating energy for sever a 1 businesses. Mrs. Becker stated that she felt the City should have helped finance construction of an incinera- tor rather than approving the construction of a trash transfer station . Mr. Schultz discussed the disposition of toxic wastes. The possibility of the city contracting for trash services was briefly dis- cussed . Mrs. Romans stated that one of the requirements being considered by the Code Review Committee is that all trash be stored in approved trash con- tainers, with lids that fasten. This would eliminate plastic bag storage of trash. -3 - The Commission considered the Waste Management issue in depth, and suggested the following steps for Capital Improvement planning: 1. Waste Management a. The purchase of approved Trash Containers (11,500) --possible sale to public. b. City Trash Trucks (purchase or contract). c. Planning and site selection for recycling facility. Economic Development was discussed. Mrs. Becker asked if there was any one person in the City who is in charge of economic development. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Wanush has been designated as the Executive Director of the Englewood Urban Renewal Authority upon the resignation of Mr. Hinson, and in that capacity is working with potential businesses. Mrs . Romans stated that Economic Development efforts should be a combination of efforts on the part of the City, the business community, the EDDA, and the Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Becker stated that it is imperative that there be some individual in charge of economic development efforts, and cited her experience in working for the Loveland Economic Development office. The improvement of Cinderella City was discussed. Mr. Fish asked if there had been any consideration to moving the City offices to Cinderella City . Discus- sion ensued. Mrs. Romans noted that in her opinion, one of the problems is that the owners of the shopping mall are in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The matter of an "absentee landlord" does present problems, and it is her understanding that the property is on the market. • Ms. Hirsch stated that she works with the Industrial Task Force, and one issue this group has agreed upon is the need for an information and resource center, • which could be of aid to prospective businesses, both retail and industrial, as well as to prospective residents. Mr. Fish discussed the need for simplifying the rules and regulations that homeowners and prospective developers must follow. He stated that he does not feel that the rules are wrong, but they need to be simplified for easier understanding by the average homeowner, and there needs to be a "help orient- ed" attitude on the part of the City. Assistance to prospective businesses in the form of land cost write-downs, grants, tax breaks, etc . were discussed . The Commission determined the following: 2. Economic Development a. Seed money for incentives, retention and expansion of existing businesses. b. Information and Resource Center. The previous discussion on Housing was reviewed . 3. Housing a. City demolition of substandard houses; property to be available for upgrading . b. Rehab funds/facilities. c. Funds to upgrade rental units to Code. d. Design Center to assist homeowners. -4 - • • • • Traffic control was addressed. Suggestions include: 4 . Traffic a. Create cul-de-sacs in residential areas to reduce through traffic. b. Update computerized traffic control (new equipment). c. People mover in CBD. The Commission agreed to consider the above items and others further at the June 20th meeting. IV. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER Mr. Volkema stated that the Planned Development was approved by the City Coun- cil, with a number of amendments. The City Council also approved the vacation of a portion of South Pennsylvania Street and a portion of the Pennsylvania/ Logan alley in the 3400 block south. Ms. Hirsch displayed an amended copy of the Planned Development, and pointed out the areas of amendments made by City Council. V. CORRESPONDENCE TO MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL May 4, 1989 Mr. Schultz asked if there had been any response to Mr. Volkema's letter to Mayor VanDyke. Mr. Volkema stated that he has received no response. Mrs . Romans stated that she would try to check this out . VI. PUBLIC FORUM. There was no one present to address the Commission under Public Forum. VII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mrs. Romans stated that today, June 6, is the first anniversary of Mr. Wanush's employment with the City. He was not feeling well, and could not attend the meeting. Mr. Volkema stated that the Commission missed Mr. Wanush's attendance at the meeting, and hoped that he would recover quickly. Mrs. Romans stated that she had nothing to bring before the Commission. VIII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Volkema stated that the City has not received a formal resignation from Mr. Draper, and that City Council cannot proceed to fill a vacancy until · his resignation is submitted. Mr. Fish said he would bring this to Mr. Draper's attention. Mr. Volkema asked Mr. Carson to report on the activities of the Code Review Committee. Mr. Carson discussed the activities of the Committee, noting that there will be provisions included governing skate boarding by youngsters. Mrs. Romans stated that a new Title 15 is being created which will combine some regulations which are now included in Title 6, Title 11, and Title 16 . -5 - Mrs. Becker said a member of her family received a ticket for parking too close to an intersection, and suggested curb painting at intersections to delineate no parking zones. Mrs. Becker discussed the reimbursement of Commission members for expenses for meeting attendance, noting that if the Commission has one meeting per month, or misses a meeting, they are paid only $25, and not the full $50. She asked if members of the Commission who attended more than the two Commission meet- ings, such as Ms. Tobin and Mr. Carson who sit on the Task Force Committees, are then paid more than the $50. Mrs. Becker stated that it seems logical to her that if members are not paid the $50 who do not attend the two meetings, that those who attend more than two meetings should be paid more. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the Commission is one of only three boards in the City that are paid: Career Service Board, Board of Adjustment & Appeals, and Planning Commission. Other citizens serving on other boards, such as the Water & Sewer Board, Library Board, Housing Authority, EURA, and other boards such as the School Board, are not paid. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the pay- ment is for the expenses incurred in attending the meeting, and if there is no meeting, such as the cance 11 at ion of the second Cammi ss ion meeting in May, there is no expense incurred by the Commission member; thus, the reduction in the amount of the check. Discussion ensued. Mr. Carson stated he would "just as soon give it up." Several Commission members indicated a willingness to forego payment of the $50 per month. Mr. Fish stated that Councilman Clayton does read the Planning Commission Mi- nutes, and has discussed with him several statements that were included in the Minutes. Mr. Volkema agreed that Councilman Clayton does keep abreast of the Commission's activities, and cited Mr. Clayton's correspondence earlier in the year when the Sign Code was initially considered. Mrs. Tobin inquired about the possibility of a skateboarding rink or ramp in Cinderella City for the youngsters. She noted that there is considerable em- pty space on the lower level. Mr. Schultz stated that the liability insurance would be prohibitive. Brief discussion ensued. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M. G'ert rude G. Welty Recording Secretary -6 - • • •