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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-06-20 PZC MINUTES• • {\ • I. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING June 20, 1989 CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the Englewood Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Fred Volkema. Members present: Tobin, Volkema, Becker, Carson, Gerlick, Schultz Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Barber, Fish (Both with previous notice) Also present: D. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. June 6, 1989 Chairman Volkema stated that the Minutes of June 6, 1989 were to be considered for approval. Carson moved: Gerlick seconded: The Minutes of June 6, 1989 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Volkema, Becker, Carson, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin None Barber, Fish None The motion carried. III. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1990 -1994 CASE #6-89 The projects considered by the Planning Commission at the meeting of June 6th for recommendation in the 1990 -1994 Capital Improvement Program were further briefly considered. Mr. Wanush pointed out that Cinderella City does play an important part in the economic well-being of the City, and that there are two important issues that need to be addressed. One is a problem of access and the parking at Cinderel- la City. The parking lot is actually owned by the City, and leased back to the shopping center. Mr. Wanush stated that in his opinion, there is a need for the City to study the access/parking problems, and make whatever correc- tions should be made on U.S. 285 to facilitate ease of access. Another facet to be considered is the need to make the entries to the downtown area more attractive, and one means could be the installation of raised medians on U.S. 285 from South University Boulevard to South Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Schultz recalled that the Commission had discussed the issue of the medians previously, and were going to raise the issue with the State Highway -1 - ,. Department. Mr. Wanush stated that the State Highway Department will not con- tribute funding to the installation of the medians, but would have no objec-• ti on if the City undertook the improvement. Mr. Wanush suggested that the Commission may want to keep the issue of medians in U.S. 285 before the Coun- cil because this is one of the major entry ways to the downtown business area. It was determined that the installation of medians in U.S. 285 be added to the list of Capital Improvements under Traffic. Mr. Schultz suggested that possibly the traffic flow on and across U.S. 285 could be considered, and that a number of "little" intersections could be eliminated in favor of two or three "major" intersections. This would allevi- ate the points of right-turn in access/right-turn out egress, and might make it easier for shoppers entering and exiting Cinderella City and the industrial areas to the south. Mr. Schultz a 1 so suggested that there is a 1 ot of "trepidation" on the part of shoppers about the parking deck of Cinderella City. Some people are fearful of parking on the deck, and others refuse to park below the deck, fearing that the deck will collapse. He suggested that an engineering firm be engaged to determine the structural integrity of the deck, and if improvements are needed that they be made and publicized. Mr. Wanush stated that in the late 1970's, a lot of improvements were made and an engineer's report was issued that confirmed the safety of the deck. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Volkema suggested that Access to Cinderella City be added to the Traffic section of the CIP proposal. Mr. Carson suggested that one of the major problems with Cinderella City is not the issue of traffic, but that of management; rents are raised on tenants and they move elsewhere. Mr. Carson also suggested that some of the traffic • signals along U.S. 285 might be eliminated with the development of "major" intersections as suggested by Mr. Schultz, and stated that there is a need for overpasses for pedestrians trying to cross this highway. The need for a meeting with management of Cinderella City was discussed. Mr. Wanush pointed out that decisions pertaining to the shopping center are made by the corporate board headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Further traffic issues such as the bottleneck at the Broadway underpass, and a proposed median in West Oxford Avenue were discussed. Waste Management was then considered. Mr. Wanush stated that the Mayor and City Council are very interested in waste management and recycling. The con- version of trash into "pellets" whtch can then be converted into methanol was discussed by Mr. Wanush. He stated that he understood the company promoting this proposal has stated that they needed a population of at 100,000 to gener- ate sufficient waste to supply the plant. Mrs. Becker pointed out that if the entire metropolitan area was considered, the population figure is well ex- ceeded. Mr. Schultz stated that Atlanta is doing recycling of their trash, and the cost is something like 7 cents per citizen per year, which is negligible. Mr. Schultz stated that in considering the cost of the pellets vs. cost of fossil fuel one must consider the cost of hauling the trash to the landfill, and the fact that landfills are being filled rapidly. Mr. Wanush stated that the landfill problems on the east and west coast are critical, while those in Colorado are not at the crises point. Mrs. Becker asked why there is discussion of converting the trash into pellets; she pointed out that • in Redwing, Minnesota, the trash is recycled and converted into steam, which is piped across the street to generate power for the plant. Mr. Schultz -2 - • • • pointed out that the wastewater treatment plant is across from Public Service Company; he stated that if there would be sufficient area to construct a recy- cling plant in this immediate area, possibly the City could furnish steam to PSCo and PSCo could in turn provide a given amount of free service to City facilities. The monetary needs to engage in trash conversion/recycling studies was discussed. The possibility of private enterprise sharing the cost of such studies was also considered. Mrs. Becker asked if there was any grant money available. Mr. Wanush stated that EPA has been contacted in the event that funds become available. Mr. Schultz stated that he was glad to see the baskets for co 11 ect ion of crushed aluminum cans around City Hall. He stated that he would hope other items could be recycled, and noted that the Denver Post carrier in his neigh- borhood wil 1 collect newspapers for recycling. My;-:---wanush discussed other recycling efforts which could be implemented in City Hall. Mr. Volkema questioned what follow-up was to be done on the CIP. Mrs. Romans stated that the CIP is referred to the City Manager. Mr. Wanush discussed the process presently followed in developing a five-year program, and suggested a process he would like to see implemented, that being meeting with the various departments to determine what their long-term needs may be. Mr. Schultz sug- gested that perhaps the process could be begun one year in advance, and that each department be asked to make a presentation to the Commission; the infor- mation presented by a 11 departments could then be compiled and reviewed to develop the CIP. Mr. Wanush agreed that this would be a good method. Mrs. Becker stated that this would bring the Commission into the position of being "pro-active" rather than "reactive". She asked if it might be advisable to ask the various departments to make presentations to the Commission and City Council, possibly at the same time. Discussion ensued. Mr. Volkema asked for a motion on the CIP. Becker moved: Schultz seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to the City Manager for his action, the fo 11 owing Capital Improvement Program for 1990 -1994: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1990 -1994 CASE #6-89 1. Waste Management a. The purchase of approved Trash Containers ( 11, 500) --possible sale to publ i c. b. City Trash Trucks (purchase or contract). c. Planning and site selection for recycling facility. 2. Economic Development 3. a. Seed money for incentives, retention and expansion of existing businesses. b. Information and Resource Center. Housing a. City demolition of substandard houses; property to be available for upgrading. b. Rehab funds/facilities. -3 - 4. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: c. Funds to upgrade rental units to Code. d. Design Center to assist homeowners. 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. d. Restudy access to Cinderella City. e. Median Islands in U.S. 285 from South University Boulevard to South Broadway. f. Broadway underpass. Becker, None Barber, None Carson, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema Fish The motion carried. IV. PUBLIC FORUM. No one was present to address the Commission. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Volkema stated that he found the memorandum on recycling written to City ,. • Manager Fraser from Mr. Wanush to be very informative. Mr. Wanush stated that • 'One point which should have been addressed is the need to reduce packaging so that there is less to discard. Mr. Schultz stated that he had read that news- paper recycling could cut the cost of newspapers by 50 cents. Ms. Tobin stated that a lot of people are already taking newspapers in for recycling. Discussion ensued. Becker moved: Schultz seconded: Mr. Wanush be complimented on the May 23, 1989 memorandum written to Roger Fraser, City Manager, on recycling. The memorandum substantially agrees with the goals cited in the Capital Improvements Program just recommended to the City Manager. The Planning Commission is hopeful that City Man- ager Fraser and the City Council will put the information contained in this memorandum to good use. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Becker, None Barber, None Carson, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema Fish The motion carried. Mr. Wanush stated that the memorandum on recycling will also be submitted to the Code Review Committee, because they have expressed interest in the recy- cling of trash. Mr. Wanush discussed his memorandum of May 11, 1989, to City Manager Fraser • concerning Economic Development in Englewood, a copy of which was in the -4 - • • • packet for the information of the Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that the Downtown Task Force has been addressing the issue of Economic Development . This Task Force is composed of representatives of the City Council, Englewood Urban Renewal Authority, Englewood Downtown Development Authority, and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Wanush stated that the matter of sales tax receipts from the EURA area needs to be increased to facilitate paying off the bonds; the incremental funds from sales tax and property tax have been insufficient to meet the bond service payments for December, 1988 and June, 1989, and the Authority has had to draw approximately $600,000 from the reserve fund. Sales tax revenues from Cinderella City are not part of the EURA revenues, but go to the general fund of the City. Mr. Schultz stated that he had understood that developments such as Phar-Mor Plaza had to be at least 50% to 60% leased before opening. Mr. Wanush stated that Linear does meet that requirement with only the Phar-Mor store. He stated that there is a need to expand the idea of economic development to other commercial areas than just the downtown/EURA areas. Mrs. Becker stated that she agreed with the premise put forth in Mr. Wanush's memorandum that there should be one person who concentrates on economic development efforts, and she stated that she hoped City Council would find the funds in the budget to get someone qualified to run the economic development program. Mr. Wanush stated that he has met with the management of Cinderella City, with representatives of Kravco and Equitable, who own Cinderella City; he has met with the manager of May D & F; he has met with representatives of Linear, and will be meeting with representatives of Tro 11 ey Square. People from Li near have asked for traffic counts on surrounding streets to give to prospective tenants. Mr. Wanush stated that Kravco/Equitable is attempting to sell Cin- derella City. Mr. Wanush stated that it is important for the City to demon- strate good will, even though we are unable to provide monetary incentives to prospective businesses. Mr. Volkema suggested that perhaps a different approach to leasing should be considered by the developers; a lot of developments provide the first year rent free, but the tenant has to sign for a multi-year lease, and the rent payments in subsequent years recoup the funds not collected during the first year. This at least gets businesses into a development and operating, which can serve to attract other businesses. Mr. Wanush stated that the representatives from Linear have stated that their biggest problem is lack of visibility from U.S. 285, and they have expressed interest in additional signage. Mr. Wanush suggested there is a possibility that signs are needed on Broadway or U.S. 285 that don't advertise any specific use, but a general area. Mr. Volkema agreed that this may be a valid point, and that something needs to be done to get potential customers into the area from U.S. 285. Mr. Carson asked what was going on in the old Yellow Front store. Mr. Wanush stated that he would check into this. Mrs. Romans submitted copies of a proposed Title 15 to members of the Commis- sion. This is a new section of the Englewood Municipal Code, and draws reg- ulations from Title 6, Title 11 and Title 16. This section of the Municipal Code will pertain to Health, Sanitation, and Environmental Protection codes, -5 - and deal with trash, weeds, derelict vehicles on private and public property, commercial vehicles, trailers, snowplows, recreational vehicles in residential • neighborhoods, and the distribution of handbills. Mrs. Romans stated that the committee will also be reviewing the animal and noise control ordinances, and addressing the issue of skateboarding. Mrs. Romans stated that on May 1, the Code Enforcement Program was put entire- ly under the direction of the Planning Division of Community Development. On June 8 and 9, five people--two Code Enforcement Officers, two members of the Police Department, and the Fire Prevention Officer--canvassed the entire City looking for vehicular violations--derelict vehicles, unhitched trailers, etc. Four hundred fifty-eight (458) violations were noted, and letters have been sent to a 11 addresses so noted. Each letter wi 11 have to be fa 11 owed up to assure compliance with the Code. On June 26th, this group will again be can- vassing the City, this time looking for weeds, trees and shrubs which obstruct vision at intersections, etc. Mrs. Romans discussed the manpower which has been devoted to this program, and the need for additional personnel to carry out this program successfully. Mr. Volkema agreed there is a need for addi- tional manpower in code enforcement. Mr. Schultz stated that he felt the de- partment should have "whatever it takes" to do these canvasses; that once the initial surveys are done, it may be easier to continue the enforcement. Mrs. Romans stated that one of the biggest problems is that there is so much paper work to follow up on the program that the code enforcement officers have to remain in the office to process it rather than being out in the field. Mrs. Romans stated that a referral form has been devised, which will be placed in all City vehicles, and that whoever is driving the vehicle is being asked to fill these forms out when a violation is observed. Mr. Schultz stated that the school system is making use of parental volun- teers, and asked if a volunteer system could be used in the Code Enforcement program, also. Mrs. Romans stated that members of the Civitan Club and other individuals have volunteered to work weekends to help clean yards. Mrs. Be- cker stated that there may be people who would be willing to volunteer, but their hours might not coincide with the hours that City staff work. Mr. Schultz suggested that the City might want to explore the possibility of flex- time. Mrs. Becker asked if on days of canvassing, volunteers could ride with the Code Enforcement Officer and do the paper work. Mrs. Romans agreed this would be of help. Mr. Volkema asked if the Commission needed to take any action on Title 15. Mrs. Romans stated that this was for information only; the Title 15 proposal will go to the City Council. Mrs. Romans stated that another volunteer program which was raised by some high school students, is "Adopt a Grandparent", whereby young people would adopt an elderly person or couple who needs assistance in maintaining their yards. These youngsters would then mow the lawn, etc. for the elderly. VI. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Carson asked if the trash dumpsters at the 7-11 Stores at Broadway and Mansfield and Broadway and Tufts could be enclosed. • Mr. Carson had nothing to add to Mrs. Romans's report on the Code Review • Committee. -6 - • • • Ms. Tobin reported that the Housing Task Force has delineated four objectives, and is devoting a meeting to address each objective. These objectives are: 1. Improve existing housing stock. 2. Increase home ownership. 3. Provide housing for upper middle income professionals. 4. Maintain or establish suitable housing for the elderly. Mr. Volkema stated that the Planning Commission had been told by Mr. Draper of his intent to resign at the meeting of May 2. Apparently, the City Council has not received written notification of Mr. Draper's intent to resign. Mr. Volkema stated that Mr. Draper's stated intent was included in the Minutes of the May 2 meeting, and urged City Council to appoint a replacement for Mr. Draper as soon as possible. Mr. Volkema stated that there has been no response to date to his letter of May 4 to Mayor VanDyke requesting a meeting with the City Council. Mr. Volke- ma asked staff to follow up on this request. Mr. Volkema stated that the Swedish Medical Center Planned Development became final with no legal challenges filed. Mrs. Romans stated that the Medical Center has filed a proposed amendment to the Planned Development, which will be heard before the Commission on July 18. Mr. Wanush stated that there are no cases scheduled for July 5, and suggested the possibility of canceling this meeting. Members concurred with the cancel- lation of the July 5 meeting, and the next meeting of the Commission will be on July 18 . Mrs. Becker stated that there is a possibility that she will not be in atten- dance at the July 18 meeting. Ms. Tobin stated that there is a possibility that she will, also, not be in attendance on July 18. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:30 P. M. ~zk4 A~4-----Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary -7 -