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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-07-18 PZC MINUTES• • I. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JULY 18, 1989 CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Fred Volkema at 7:00 P. M. Members present: Carson, Fish, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Becker, Hogue Wanush, Ex-Officio Members absent: None Also present: D. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development Susan Hirsch, Senior Planner Patricia H. Crow, City Clerk II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. June 20, 1989 Chairman Vol kema stated that the Minutes of June 20, 1989 were to be con- sidered for approval. Carson moved: Gerlick seconded: The Minutes of June 20, 1989 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Becker, Carson None Fish, Hogue None The motion carried . III. COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP Mr. Volkema welcomed Mr. Bruce Hogue to the Planning Commission. Mr. Hogue was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Mark Barber, who recently re- signed from the Commission. Mr. Volkema stated that City Clerk Patricia Crow is present to administer the oath of office to Mr. Hogue. Ms. Crow thereupon administered the oath of office to Mr. Hogue. Mr. Vol kema stated that Mr. Hogue had pi eked up the staff report and pl ans under consideration at this meeting, and had an opportunity to review this material. Mr . Hogue will be participating in the Hearing and will vote on the matter. IV. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER. CASE #7-89 Amendment to Planned Development • Mr. Volkema asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. -1 - Gerlick moved: Carson seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #7-89 be opened. AYES: Gerlick, None Carson None Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Becker, Fish, Hogue NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: The motion carried. Fish moved: Schultz seconded: The Planning Commission consider Case #7-89, the amendment to the Swedish Medical Center Planned Development. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Becker, Fish, Gerlick, Hogue None Carson None The motion carried. Mr. Volkema stated that he has a copy of the Public Notice, which was published in the Englewood Sentinel on July 6, 1989. Mr. Volkema set forth the procedures which wi 11 be fo 11 owed in the conduct of the Public Hearing; namely, that staff will make their presentation, with questions from Commis- sion members; the proponents will then make their presentation, with questions from Commission; and the opponents wi 11 then make their presentation, with questions from the Commission. Susan Hirsch was sworn in, and testified that she is the Senior Planner in the Department of Community Development. Ms. Hirsch presented the Certificates of Posting to Chairman Volkema for the record. Ms. Hirsch stated that the request before the Commission pertains to an amendment to a Planned Develop- ment for Swedish Medical Center which was approved by City Council on May 15, 1989. The amendment will change the footprint of the proposed ICU unit, in- creasing the distance from the Dunn property from 15 feet to 25 feet, and ex- tending the ICU unit to the west by approximately 80 feet. Using a site plan displayed for the Planning Commission, Ms. Hirsch indicated the footprint of the ICU addition which was approved in May, and then indicated the changed shape of the I CU as proposed in the amendment. The modified footprint wi 11 not affect the landscaping plan, or change vehicular or pedestrian access. Ms. Hirsch stated that the proposed amendment was referred to and considered by the Technical Review Committee, and that Swedish Medical Center has satis- fied all concerns raised by members of that Committee. Mr. Volkema asked if there were questions of the staff from the Commission. Mrs. Becker asked if all of the points raised by members of the Technical Re- view Committee should be conditions of approval. Ms. Hirsch stated that these concerns have been addressed as so noted in the Staff Report. Mr. Fish stated that since the Planned Development Plan was previously before the Commission, it appears there has been modification in street access; are • • these changes to be addressed at this Hearing. Ms. Hirsch stated that changes • in points of access from the street were part of a number of changes imposed by the City Council on the Planned Development, and were approved on May 15, -2 - • • • 1989; these changes are not the subject of this Public Hearing. Mr. Volkema agreed, and stated that the reproducible myl ars incorporating these changes imposed by Council have been signed by himself, as Chairman of the Commission, the Recording Secretary of the Commission, and by the Mayor and City Clerk. Ms. Hirsch then delineated the changes in the original plan which were insti- gated by City Council. Mr. Gerl ick asked what the additional 10 foot area between the Dunn property and the ICU unit would be used for. Ms. Hirsch stated that this would be used for vehicular access; however, there is an elevation differential of 12 to 16 feet so that the lower vehicular access should not be offensive to the Dunns. There were no further questions asked of Ms. Hirsch. Mr. Volkema asked the applicant to make their presentation. Mr. Nick Roccaforte was sworn in, and testified that he is Vice President of Operations at Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Roccaforte stated that the confor- mation of the ICU on the Planned Development that was considered and approved by the Commission and City Council in May was "conceptual". The hospital per- sonnel have been considering optimum designs for the ICU for some time, and have tried to determine the best design and the best location for this unit. Swedish Medical Center is trying to provide a "holistic'' approach in the ICU, and are addressing the medical, physical and emotional needs of the patients. This approach necessitates a window for each patient room, and the design re- flects the perimeter needed to accommodate the window spaces. Mr. Roccaforte stated that there is no gross alteration of the plans that were approved in the Planned Development, only in the configuration of the addition. The ICU will provide 32 beds in two 16-bed "pods", which are in turn divided into units of eight beds. Mr. Roccaforte presented a slide depicting the proposed development, pointing out areas where changes were made at the direction of the City Council. Mr. Roccaforte stated that the loading dock will be situated under the ICU, and traffic to the loading dock will be accessing from East Hampden Avenue rather than from South Logan Street. There wi 11 be access from South Logan for 50 spaces in the garage which will be designated parking space for physi- cians. Mr. Roccaforte pointed out the heavily landscaped areas abutting the Englewood Apartments on the north side, and the Dunn properties. Mr. Roc- caforte stated that the landscaping along the Englewood Apartments should be installed within the next week; the landscaping along the properties owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dunn cannot be done until the excavation for and construction of the parking garage is completed. Mr. Fish asked about the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and South Penn- sylvania Street where the truck traffic will be ingressing/egressing the Swedish complex. Will this need more traffic control than just stop signs. Mr. Roccaforte stated that the traffic analysis that Swedish had done indi- cated that if that intersection were to be signalized, it would create more congestion because it would be in such close proximity to the signalized Logan/Hampden intersection. Mr. Volkema pointed out that Swedish Medical Cen- ter has agreed to upgrade the signalization of the intersections of South Lo- gan Street and East Hampden Avenue, and South Logan Street and East Girard Avenue. -3 - Ms. Tobin stated it appeared there will still be a driveway to the rear of the east Dunn property. Mr. Roccaforte stated that this will not be changed from what exists today. Mr. Fish stated that the parking beneath the ICU addition is a new feature, and asked if this parking · would be controlled parking. Mr. Roccaforte stated that these spaces replace the 14 spaces that were in the loading dock area and in front; this will be handicapped and valet parking. Mr. Volkema asked if anyone else from Swedish Medical Center wished to speak to the Commission regarding the proposed Planned Deve 1 opment amendment. No one else from Swedish Medical Center addressed the Commission. Mr. Volkema then asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak in support of the Planned Deve 1 opment Amendment. No one from the audience addressed the Commission in support of the Amendment. Mr. Volkema asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak to the Commission in opposition to the proposed amendment of the Planned Deve 1 opment. No one from the audience addressed the Commission in opposition to the proposed amendment . Mr. Volkema asked if there were further questions from the Commission. Mr. Fish questioned the traffic patterns coming west from U.S. 285 and turning north onto South Pennsylvania Street. He asked if provisions have been made for this particular traffic movement. Ms. Hirsch stated that no provision has • been made for this particular movement at this time. At such point in time as • the Medi ca 1 Center does further deve 1 opment east of South Cl arks on Street, this issue will again be considered. Mr. Wanush agreed, and pointed out that the in it i a 1 deve 1 opment cove r ed by the Planned Deve 1 opment is for the three main projects: MOB II, the ICU, and the parking garage. Any further develop- ment will necess i tate additional study of U.S. 285 traffic. Mr. Schultz asked the resolution of the questions posed by the Fire Department on the amended plan. Ms. Hirsch stated that the issues appeared to be a mat- ter of clarification for the Fire Department. Mr. Volkema asked if there were further questions. Becker moved: Fish seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #7-89 be closed. AYES: NAYS: Tobin , Volkema, Becker, Fish, Gerlick, Hogue, Schultz None ABSTAIN: Carson ABSENT: None The motion carried . Mrs. Becker stated that she would like to compliment Swedish Medical Center for providing the heavier buffering, over and above that required by the City Council, along the north side of the Englewood Apartments. Mr. Volkema asked if there was further discussion. -4 - • • • • Becker moved: Gerlick seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the proposed amendment of the Swedish Medical Center Planned Development as set forth in Case #7-89 be approved. Notice is to be made of the fact that conditions raised by the various City Departments have been addressed and met by the applicant as set forth in the Staff Report for Case #7-89. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Volkema, None Carson None Becker, Fish, Gerlick, Hogue, Schultz, Tobin The motion carried. Mr. Fish asked if Findings of Fact were to be given and approved. Mr. Volkema stated that the Finding that all of the conditions cited by the City Depart- ments were met by the applicant was addressed in the motion, and that formal Findings of Fact will be approved at the next meeting. V. PUBLIC FORUM Councilman Clayton stated that he would not be able to attend City Council/ Planning Cammi s s ion dinner on Ju 1 y 31, inasmuch as he wi 11 be in Snowmass on official business. Mr. Clayton discussed the issue of trash and waste management with the Commis- sion. He stated that City Council has considered this issue for at least two years, and have tried to come up with solutions to this problem . Mr. Clayton stated that two issues of paramount importance that have to be considered are (1) Liability, and (2) Cost. The City of Englewood is a contributor to the Lowry Landfill, and the City could be assessed a considerable amount to assist in the clean-up of this landfill, even though what the City hauled to Lowry was not polluted. The City of Englewood does not have a "city-system" of trash removal, but depends upon private haulers; the cities that do have a city-system of trash removal ar e facing massive expenses on the clean-up of the landfills. Mr. Clayton discussed the current costs for trash removal and disposal, noting that in Colorado it is still $11 or $12 per ·ton, while in the eastern United States the costs may be as high as $100 per ton. Incineration expenses can be $85 per ton, and there is the matter of the disposal of the ash after incineration . Mr . Clayton discussed recycling of waste materials such as newspapers , aluminum cans, glass, plastics, etc. Again, the issue of cost must be considered. There is no market for recycled products. Mr. Clay- ton stated that he understand s Mi nneapo 1 is/St. Paul has instituted a charge for containers that cannot be recycled. Mr. Clayton stated that Mayor VanDyke is initiating a prog r am of office paper recycling in City Hall . Discussion ensued. Mr. Schultz stated that he would agree something should be done to pr omote recycling. He suggested the possibility of dividing the City into several areas, and have a specific private trash hauler responsible for a specific area. The service would still be privately provided, and the con- tracts would be awarded on the basis of bids. Mr . Clayton stated that this is being explored with the City Attorney at the present time . Mr. Schultz asked Mr. Clayton if, in his opinion, the Council views the issue with the same urgency as does the Commission. Mr. Clayton stated that in his -5 - op1n1on the Council does view trash removal as an urgent matter. Mr. Clayton discussed on-going changes in technology, and pointed out that incineration is very "capital intensive." Ms. Tobin stated that she would have a problem with a governmental trash sys- tem and the impact that this might have on private enterprise. Ms. Tobin cit- ed a trash removal company located in Englewood, and questioned whether the local company is large enough to compete for a governmental awarded contract. Ms. Tobin further stated that people do engage in recycling, and cited people saving aluminum cans, and newspapers, which are turned in at the local super- markets. Ms. Tobin stated that in Oregon, there is a deposit required on glass bottles, which is refunded when the glass bottle is returned. Further discussion ensued on the trash problem. Mr. Volkema thanked Mr. Clay- ton for his attendance and discussion with the Commission. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush stated that the Dinner meeting with the City Council has been con- firmed for July 31 at the Golf Course Club House. There will be social time at 6:00 P.M., and dinner will be served at 6:30 P.M. Mr. Wanush stated that the City Attorney has asked that the suit against the City of Englewood filed by Homer and Eleanor Dunn be dismissed. No additional motions that were required have been filed by Mr . and Mrs. Dunn. Mr. Wanush asked that Ms. Hirsch discuss recent amendments to the Fair Housing • Act. Ms. Hirsch stated that the Fair Housing Act of 1988 became effective in • March, 1989, and states that any kind of restrictions against people with dis- abilities are illegal, and that zoning which tends to foster discrimination against disabled persons is illegal. Ms. Hirsch stated that the City permits group homes in the R-2 and R-2-C Zone Districts, as well as restricting the number of group homes per block, and the distance between such group homes. Ms. Hirsch stated that it is her opinion that these restrictions are now ille- gal, and that the City should amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to com- ply with the latest Federal regulations. Ms. Hirsch pointed out that the restrictions do not apply to Half-way Houses or Treatment Centers for people being actively treated for substance abuse. Mr. Volkema agreed that the Zoning Ordinance should be amended, and stated that he would like to see the City of Englewood become a "leader'' in compliance with these restrictions, and that it is important that people with disabilities can expect the same treat- ment accorded everyone else. Mr. Fish questioned whether the term "family" should be redefined in light of recent Court rulings that "cohabitants" can be beneficiaries. Ms . Hirsch then discussed the Sign Code, and stated that since this issue was previously considered by the Commission, she has met with the Greater Engle- wood Chamber of Commerce and with Sign Contractors to discuss the proposed changes. It seemed to be the consensus of the Contractors that they liked the existing code, and inasmuch as the proposed amendments appear to be "house- keeping" in nature, they did not voice objection. The one issue that does keep arising is that of third party signs . Ms. Hirsch stated that one consid- eration might be to make the sign a "public sign" and leave the discretion of • installation and location to the City Council. Discussion ensued. Mr. Wanush suggested that the staff would try to have further information together for -6 - • • • the first meeting in September when a public hearing will be scheduled. Mr. Schultz asked if approval of the three signs at the Englewood Marketplace right off of U.S. 285 came through the Department; he stated that he is of the opinion that the number of and placement of the signs is ''tacky". Ms. Hirsch stated that a Planned Development was not required for the development of the Englewood Marketplace, and the location of the signs could not be viewed beforehand. She stressed that this is one of the reasons for requiring a "sign package". Mr. Wanush emphasized that there is no requirement that the developers come in with a "package" at this point. Ms . Hirsch stated that a Joint Identification Sign is allowed for each street frontage. Mr. Wanush announced that Ms. Hirsch has submitted her resignation effective August 2, 1989. She will be joining her husband in Cleveland, Ohio, where he has recently assumed a new position. Mr. Volkema and members of the Commis- sion expressed regret at Ms. Hirsch's resignation, and thanked her for her efforts on behalf of the Commission and the City. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Volkema asked for an up-date on the Housing Task Force. Ms. Tobin stated that at the last meeting, discussion of Goal #2, Increase of Home Ownership, was begun. She stated that the Housing Division staff gave a very interesting presentation on the Housing Rehab Program. Ms. Tobin asked if a second Commission member was to be appointed to the Task Force. She stated that she is planning a vacation in the next couple of months, and won- dered if there would be another Commission member appointed to the committee at that time. Mr. Volkema stated that it was his thought to let the Task Force continue with one Commission Member, and suggested there were members on the Task Force who could be appointed as acting chairman in Ms. Tobin's absence. Mr. Carson gave a brief report on the Environmental/Nuisance Code Task Force. A joint meeting with the City Council is planned for August 8. The proposed Title 15 was approved by the Task Force and submitted to the City Council. Ms. Tobin asked for more information on the Commission/Council dinner meeting. Mr. Volkema stated that this meeting is in response to his request on behalf of the Commission for a meeting with Council, and the date of July 31 was con- firmed by City Council at their meeting of July 17th. Mr. Volkema stated that we need to consider agenda items for discussion at that meeting. Mr. Wanush suggested that the Comprehensive Plan be a topic for discussion, to ensure that both bodies understand the Comprehensive Plan and the objectives in the same way. Another topic for discussion might be the general relation- ship between the Commission and Council. Mrs. Becker agreed, and stated that she felt it was important that there be trust and respect for each other's job. She stated she would really like to hear from Council what they want to see in specific ordinances --such as the landscaping ordinance. Mrs. Becker stated that a topic that might also be considered is the water restriction issue, and how Planning is or could be involved in this. Mrs. Becker also suggested the need for a "facilitator" to keep the discussion moving. Discus- sion ensued. Mr. Wanush stated that he did not want anyone leaving the meet- ing feeling that something important had not been put on the table for discussion. -7 - Mr. Fish asked if there was a 1 ist of people who would be in attendance in addition to the Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that he assumed that staff would be in attendance, namely himself, Mrs. Romans, Ms. Hirsch, City Manager • Fraser and Assistant City Manager Martin, and possibly some representative of the City Attorney's office. Mrs. Becker asked if the staff has done anything about using volunteers for typing, etc. in the code enforcement program. Mr. Wanush stated that we have received offers from some members of the Code Review Committee to help in the office, and some have been invited to ride in the vehicles with the Code En- forcement Officer to do the paper work. Mr. Wanush stated that some of the assistance needed is on such items as stuffing letters into envelopes, etc. Weekend work has not been considered , but he stated he would be willing to talk about it. Mrs. Becker discussed a recent incident in which a citizen went to the Police Department on a weekend; the lobby was deserted, and while the citizen spoke to someone via a telephone in the lobby and was assured that an officer would be with them shortly, the officer did not show up within 15 minutes and the citizen left without assistance. She asked what can be done, and what should be expected on weekends for citizens going to the Department. Ms. Tobin stated that Police Departments take the complaints in the "order of emergen- cy", and that the locked doors are a security feature in Police stations. Mr. Wanush suggested that a query be posed to the Police Chief, and if the citizen is not satisfied with the response , to pursue it with the City Manager/City Council. Further brief discussion ensued. Mr. Volkema stated that the next meeting of the Commission will be the dinner meeting with the City Council on July 31, and the regular business meeting will then be on August 8. There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjour- ned at 8:40 P.M. ~~ L~---Gertrllde G. Welty' Recording Secretary -8 - • •