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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-09-13 PZC MINUTES"'9\ • • • I. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 1988 CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Hanson in the Community Room of the Englewood City Hall. Members present: Carson, Draper, Fish, Hanson, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Barbre Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Such Also present: D. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development Susan Hirsch, Senior Planner Mary Alice Rothweiler, Planner I II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. August 16, 1988 Chairman Hanson stated that the Planning Commission minutes of August 16, 1988 were to be considered for approval . Carson moved: Barbre seconded: The Minutes of August 16, 1988 be approved as written. Mr. Volkema pointed out on Page 1 that the first sentence should read "The regular meeting of the City of Englewood PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION was ca 11 ed to order at 7: 00 p. m. by Vice Chairman Doy et Barbre." Messrs. Carson and Barbre accepted the amendment to the Minutes. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Carson, None Hanson Such Barbre, Volkema, Draper, Tobin, Schultz, Fish The motion carried. The Minutes, as amended, were declared approved. III. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION GOALS Mr. Wanush submitted copies of goals the Planning Commission has suggested and copies of City Council goals to the members of the Commission. He stated that he has asked staff members to expand on these goals and to prepare written summaries of our work program. Mr. Wanush stated that one of the staff ef- forts will be the compilation of a semi-annual data report on the City, which will include demographic, economic and housing information. This will be a handout available to people coming into the office. Mrs. Rothweiler will be working on the compilation of this information. If the Commission has any comments or suggestions, please submit them to the staff. -1 - Mrs. Rothweiler stated that people coming into the office or calling most com- monly request information on the population of the City, the average cost of housing, average rental rate, major employers, etc. This information would be compiled by the staff, and be available for anyone interested. Mr. Fish asked from where this information would be obtained. Mrs. Rothweiler stated that the staff would have to research and update available data. Next, Mr. Wanush stated that he is of the opinion that the Comprehensive Plan should contain a section on Economic Development. He stated that Senior Plan- ner Hirsch and Planner II Stitt would be working on the development of this section of the Plan. Ms. Hirsch addressed the Commission, and stated that the proposal would entail the appointment by City Council of an Economic Development Committee, which would be charged with the creation of a plan to include the creation of em- ployment opportunities, diversification of the local economic base, and pro- vide a mechanism for business retention and expansion as well as recruitment of new businesses. Mr. Carson discussed the City Brochure which was proposed by the Commission a number of years ago, which would have been available to banks, Chamber of Com- merce, and businesses for handouts, and which could include individualized advertising. A cost of $20,000 was estimated for this brochure, and the writ- ing and printing of the brochure was never completed. Mr. Wanush stated that there is presently a Downtown Task Force, whose member- ship includes representatives of the City Council, Englewood Urban Renewal Authority, Downtown Development Authority. He envisioned that this body could assume the status of the Economic Development Committee, and with additional members appointed to include representatives of the Planning Commission and other organizations. Mr. Wanush discussed the Federal Economic Development Agency, and stated that the City staff has been working with them in recent months. The City of Englewood is eligible for assistance because of the em- ployment factor in the City. This organization can make funds available to the City to assist in the development of our own economic development plan for the community. Mr. Wanush stated that the City has until March, 1989, to develop a plan to submit for approval. Mr. Carson suggested that two or three members of the Planning Commission should be on this committee, and stated that he wanted to volunteer as a mem- ber. Mr. Draper also volunteered to serve on the economic development committee. Mr. Fish asked if this would be a contained entity, or would there be coor- dination with other communities. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt it would re- quire some coordination with other communities; that it would certainly be to the benefit of Englewood to work closely with both Littleton and Sheridan on developments along mutual boundaries. Mr. Wanush also pointed out that there is a "Denver Metro Network" program on economic development in the metro area; the State of Colorado is doing an outreach program, and the Centennial Chamber of Commerce is al~o involved in economic development efforts. Brief discussion ensued. -2 - • • • • • • Mr. Wanush stated that the third aspect of our work program is housing. He stated that Ms. Rothweiler has prepared a written statement on the Housing Section revision . Mrs. Rothweiler reviewed the written statement that had been prepared, and pointed out that staff recommends that City Council should direct the Planning and Zoning Commission to form an Advisory Committee to review housing issues within the City. This committee could consist of neighborhood representa- tives, school and Chamber of Commerce representatives, a realtor, a developer, a builder, a subcontractor, a financial representative, a Housing Authority Board member, and staff members. Mrs. Rothweiler stated that some of the is- sues facing the committee will be the location of vacant land for housing, the provision of services, pressure to increase density or to increase the inten- sity of use in residential districts, the cost of financing for housing con- struction, and guidelines to improve the quality of existing housing and neighborhoods. Mr. Carson asked if the Housing Rehab Program is still functional. Mrs. Roth- weiler stated that the Rehab Program is still on-going. Mr. Wanush agreed that the Rehab Program of the Housing Division is functioning well, and that the funds we receive are used to improve approximately 40 units per year. Mr. Wanush stated that one of the issues to face this committee is how to cre- ate a "neighborhood" that will entice "move-up home buyers" --the development of larger homes and corresponding amenities. Mr. Schultz stated that in Hous- ton, they allow the purchase of two smaller homes and the construction of one large house following the clearing of the lots. He asked whether the City would want to "target" an area for such redevelopment. It was pointed out that this could be done in Englewood under the existing Zoning Ordinance . Discussion followed. Mr. Wanush stated that he is of the opinion that the Planning Commission should take the lead on the Housing Section revision, and suggests that the Commission send a recommendation to the City Council asking them to direct the Commission to form a Citizens Advisory Committee for the review of Housing issues in the City. Mr. Barbre stated that he would be in favor of this pro- cedure in the review of Housing issues, and that he would volunteer to serve on the committee as long as he is on the Commission. Carson moved: Fish seconded: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Carson, None Such None The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that City Council direct the Planning Commission to form a Citizens' Advisory Committee to review Housing issues in Englewood. Draper, Fish, Hanson, Schultz, Volkema, Tobin, Barbre The motion carried. Fourth: the Commission reviewed possible revisions to the Sign Code. Ms. Hirsch stated that there has been concern expressed recently regarding third party signs, and other facets of the Sign Code are in need of review . -3 - Mr. Wanush stated that City Council has been presented with a draft ordinance regarding the allowance of third party signs if the property does not have frontage on a main thoroughfare, such as U.S. 285. This proposal will be available for the consideration of the Commission. Ms. Hirsch stated that the staff is again suggesting that an advisory commit- tee be formed to review the Sign Code. Mr. Wanush suggested that the Commis- sion send a recommendation to City Council asking that the Planning Commission be designated to coordinate the review of the Sign Code. Carson moved: Draper seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the Planning Commission be designated to coordinate the review of the Sign Code. AYES: Draper, None Such None Fish, Hanson, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Barbre, Carson NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: The motion carried. Lastly, Environmental Codes and transportation were briefly discussed. Mr. Wanush stated that he understood City Council will be considering the Environ- mental Codes and appointing a review committee. Mr. Wanush also informed the Commission that the staff is preparing a report to City Council on the Solid Waste issue. The Commission will also receive a copy of this report, which will probably be sent to the City Council next week. Mr. Barbre noted that some communities are beginning recycling pro- grams. Mr. Wanush agreed, and stated that CDI is beginning a curb side pick- up program in Highlands Ranch. Mr. Wanush stated that staff will proceed with contacting adjoining jurisdic- tions for joint meetings with the Planning Commissions. IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mrs. Romans stated that there is nothing on the agenda for the next meeting, which would be September 20. It was the consensus of the Commission that the Commission not meet on September 20. Mr. Wanush announced that Mary Alice Rothweiler has submitted her resignation from the Department of Community Development effective October 3rd. Members of the Commission expressed their regret on Mrs. Rothweiler's resignation, and congratulated her on her new position. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary -4 - • • •