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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-06-29 PZC MINUTES' • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION June 29, 1976 Special Meeting I • CALL TO ORDER. The Special Meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Vice-Chairman Ed Smith. Members present: Jorgenson, Parker, Pierson, D. Smith, E. Smith, Wade, Jones Romans, Ex-officio Members absent: Tanguma, Williams Also present: Associate Planner House Alice Fessenden, Intern II. PLANNING COMMISSIONER'S HANDBOOK A corrected page was put in the Handbooks of those members who were present. III. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CASE #23-76 1977 1981 Mrs. Romans stated that the reason for the special meeting is to consider the 1977-1981 Capital Improvement Program. On July 12th, the City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the 1976-1980 Capital Improvement Program, and it was the City Manager's intent that the 1977-1981 Capital Improvement Program priorities of the Planning Commission would be available for consideration at that time also. Mrs. Romans noted that the City Charter requires that the Planning Commission submit a five year capital improvement program to · the City Manager every year. Mrs. Romans suggested that the Commission proceed on the assumption that projects requested and outlined for the 1977- 1980 period, which will be considered at the Public Hearing on July 12th, will remain as presently outlined, and that the consideration at this time be concentrated on those projects for 1981. Mr. Tanguma entered and took his place with the Commission. Mrs. Romans stated that the attempt is to get all the ''reserve projects" that were not approved for the 1976-1980 CIP into the budget; in essence, then, consideration before the City Council on July 12th would be for Capital Improvement Program projects from 1976-1981. Ed Smith questioned the proposal to change funding of the -2- Capital Improvement projects, whereby monies earmarked for the PIF will be transferred to the General Fund; he asked what monies would then be used for Capital Improvements? Don Smith stated that the proposal is to take all non-cyclical funds and transfer them to the General Fund; and to then use all cyclical funds for the PIF. Ed Smith stated that he felt the Capital Improvement Program was one of the best programs Englewood has, and that this is caused by the present funding for this program. Don Smith pointed out that the Tax Committee and the Council feel it is important to use funds that are "stable" to maintain services and functions of the City, and to use funds that may fluctuate to finance the Capital Improvements, which may be adjusted to coincide with the monies available. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Pierson asked the source of monies used for Capital Improvements now? Mr. Don Smith stated that sales tax is used to finance the program , and Federal grants are also used. Further discussion followed. Mr. Smith noted that the City Council has determined not to purchase the homes for expansion of the Bates/Logan Park, and that part of the money budgeted for that item has been spent on other projects. Mr. Parker asked if property values would not be higher later after the storm drainage system is in; he pointed out that these houses are now subject to flooding. Don Smith stated that these homes are some of the nicest homes in Englewood, and residents have put a lot of work and money into them; the Council just , could not go along with the purchase of 20 some homes which ~ could not be replaced, when the City so desperately needs ~ single-family homes and the families that reside in them. Don Smith acknowledged there is a problem with the backyards of some of the houses flooding; he .noted that his mother-in-law lives in this area, and her house has never flooded. Mr. Tanguma stated that he thought the intent of the Bates/Logan Park ex- pansion program was to have monies in reserve to purchase the houses at such time as they are for sale? Mr. Don Smith pointed out that the Council has dropped this proje ct, and that a house in this area was for sale recently, and the City did not purchase that house. Ed Smith reiterated his concern regarding changing the funding of the Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Jones asked if the Council was taking into consideration the increase in taxes brought about by the re-evaluation of properties? Don Smith stated "no"; the Council and Tax Com- mittee have based their consideration on the present mill levy. Mr. Jones stated that he shared Ed Smith's concern. He pointed out that the purpose of the 1% sales tax was to finance the Capital Improvement Program, and the residents of Englewood approved the 1% increase for that specific purpose. Mr. Jones noted there had been enough problems trying to accomplish the program after inflation, and that some projects have had to be rescheduled and postpone d for some time. Don Smith pointed out that the 1% sales tax expires at the end of 1976. The City Council is attempting to stabilize the General Fund; revenues -3- such as use taxes change, and this would be channeled into the capital improvement fund. Ed Smith stated that he was concerned on the type of controls there would be on this; how would it be determined how much money would be put in the general fund, and how much into the public improvement fund? Don Smith pointed out it is just "switching" funds; all revenue sharing funds would go into the capital improvement fund. Ed Smith stated that he felt it would be a problem selling additional taxes to the citizens of Englewood. Don Smith pointed out that an alternative to the funds switch is to raise the mill levy. Discussion ensued. Ed Smith stated that he felt it is important to be aware how the Capital Improvement Program will be affected by the fund change. Mrs. Wade stated that she felt the program functioned well as it is set up, and that she feared priorities could get lost in the shuffle of everyday living if the funding change is approved. Ed Smith stated that if this procedure isn't con- trolled very closely, all monies intended for the Capital Improve- ment Program will end up in the General Fund, and the residents will be asked to support an additional tax for Capital Improve- ments. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt this proposal is "irresponsible, and a product of sloppy thinking." Further discussion ensued. Don Smith again pointed out that the 1% sales tax will expire on December 31st of this year, and the funding change is only a proposal at this point. Mr. Tanguma stated he would prefer to see the 1% sales tax ex- tended for a period of time than to have to go back to the citizens to try to reinstitute it. Mr. Parker pointed out that the 1% sales tax couldn't have been sold to the. citizens if there hadn't been assurances given that it would go to finance capital improvements. Ed Smith pointed out that a large percentage of the sales tax is paid by people residing outside of Englewood. Don Smith commented that only 12% of the revenues paid into the City are paid by resident homeowners through property taxes, etc.; the rest is paid through sales tax, use tax, etc. Mrs. Romans reviewed the projects suggested for the 1981 Capital Improvement Program; she reiterated the assumption that the 1976-1980 program is "fixed", and that consideration would center on the 1981 program. Mrs. Romans reviewed the projects as listed, the first being Floyd Avenue extension. This project has been requested for several years and is in the Master Street Plan. Mrs. Romans stated that if the "Super Grid" pattern is implemented as an alternative to I-470, this extension will be needed. If it were constructed as part of the "Super 'Grid", there would be a possibility of an 80/20 share on Federal funding. -4- The Lehow Avenue Bridge was considered; this bridge is west of Broadway on Lehow Avenue, and is on the Englewood/Littleton ~ boundary. Littleton would share in the costs of the reconstruction. The Union Avenue Connector was discussed. Mrs. Romans stated that this is also a project which has been under consideration for a number of years. It would be proposed to extend Union across Santa Fe to Windermere, eliminating the jog between Windermere and Union at Santa Fe. If the street can be extended as proposed, there might be a possibility of monies from the State, County, and railways to apply toward the cost of implementation. Widening of Dartmouth Avenue from Logan to Delaware was con- sidered. This would allow for a 44 ft. roadway flow-line to flow-line. The Bannock/Sherman widening was discussed. South Bannock Street narrows north of Oxford Avenue, and this would provide for the construction of South Bannock Street to the same width as it is south of Oxford. Broadway widening from Floyd to Yale was discussed. Mrs. Romans noted that the Planning Commission had recommended that.it be Widened from U.S. 285 to Yale in last year's CIP, but this recommendation was taken out because of problems in the 3300 and 3400 blocks of South Broadway. The staff recommendation this year, is that it be widened from Floyd north to Yaleo Discussion ensued. The merits of widening South Broadway vs. narrow sidewalks which would result from the widening was dis- cussed at length. Mrs. Pierson suggested that greater setbacks be required along South Broadway for all new construction. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance would have to be amended to require setbacks in the commercial areas. Under the present restrictions, property owners can build right up to the property line. Mrs. Pierson suggested that possibly the require- ments should be revised. Mr. Jones noted that if Broadway is widened from Floyd to Yale as it is from U.S. 285 south, it would create a bottle neck for the 3300, 3400, and 3500 blocks. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Pierson noted that widening of the street would not change the speed of traffic; it might make it a more attractive street and encourage redevelopment. Ed Smith noted that some of the buildings in the 3300 and 3400 block of Broadway are "like a stack of cards"; if one building were to collapse so would they all. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Romans noted that the B-1 District requires an 8 ft. sidewalk, and is geared to pedestrian traffic; the B-2 District is geared to vehicular traffic, and the sidewalk requirements are not so great. Mrs. Romans stated that Broadway widens from 60 ft. north of Floyd to 72 ft. south to the U.S. 285 bridge, where it then widens to 82 feet. Avenue would Smith stated would result -5- Ed Smith asked how many businesses north of Floyd be affected by the widening of Broadway? Don that practically all would be affected; the widening in too narrow a sidewalk. Mrs. Pierson requested that the matter of amending the Compre- hensive Zoning Ordinance to require a setback in the business zone districts be placed on the agenda for consideration at the next meeting. Redevelopment possibilities along Broadway were discussed. Don Smith stated he felt there would be more redevelopment in the 2900, 3000 and 3100 blocks than there would be in the down- town section of Broadway. Mr. Tanguma stated he felt there would be major redevelopment along Broadway, and that he fel t 1981 would be a good year to plan to widen Broadway. The Floyd/Broadway intersection realignment was considered. Mr. Parker stated he does not feel this project i s important. Mrs. Wade stated that with the Floyd Avenue extension, the realignment would be part of the over-all picture, and would be necessary. Mrs. Pierson stated she felt this project should be kept on the list. Don Smith stated he did not think the project would be worth the cost. Broadway Median Planters were then considered. Mrs. Romans stated that this would be installation of median planters south of Quincy Avenue as they are presently installed north of Quincy Avenue. Mr. Tanguma stated he felt this project should be considered earlier than 1981 if possible. The next item considered was the Municipal Refuse Collection System. Mr. Jones noted that the DRCOG had undertaken a study on the matter, and asked what had happened to this study? Mrs. Romans stated that Director of Public Works Waggoner feels there will be a need for this project; this· would be the col- lection of refuse and disposal of refuse in Englewood . Mr. Tanguma stated that he would prefer that the City not get into the business of refuse and trash collection; he would prefer that this be left to private enterprise. Don Smith questioned that the City of Englewood would want to spend this kind of money for a refuse system. He stated that he felt this is one project that would merit coopera t ion with surrounding municipalities and jurisdictions. Mr. Don Smith stated that this project is terribly expensive; the city would have a man- power problem, vehicle problems, plus the cost o f construction of the incineration unit. Mr. Jones pointed out that space for land-fill is a problem; there is very little space available for land-fill. Mrs. Romans agreed that this is a major problem, and that Mr. Waggoner is only looking ahead to the time when the space is unavailable. -6- Parks and Recreation projects were discussed. Little Dry Creek Development, and Big Dry Creek Development were projects sug- gested by the E.C.B.C., but placed under the Parks and Recrea- tion section inasmuch as the projects are for beautification. The Golf Course/Greenbelt project was discussed; the Parks Department request is for matching funds (50%) to the U.S. Corps of Engineers to finance construction of a crossing bridge across the Platte, hike and bike trails, picnic tables and restrooms. Don Smith stated that he felt $202,000 for the City share was very expensive. Discussion followed. Mrs. Pierson excused herself from the meeting. Mr. Jones asked if there was a definite commitment from the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Mrs. Romans stated that she has been informed by the Parks and Recreation Department that the money is there. Don Smith pointed out the fact that citizens can make use of the greenbelt now; they cannot cross the river, true; but the greenbelt is there; he felt there were higher priorities. Mr. Parker noted that the lack of a proper bath- house at the Sinclair Pool causes more problems, and he felt should be a higher priority. The Golf Driving Range, Softball Complex, and Garden Area were briefly discussed. These projects are part of the overall development of the golf course/greenbelt project, and the Parks and Recreation Department is asking that they be given a priority. The Sinclair Pool Bathhouse was -discussed at length. It was acknowledged there is a real problem; the school facilities are inadequate and the school would prefer that the City have separate facilities for use during the summer months. Don Smith suggested that maybe the City Council should take a look at this project and consider some of the funds they have available from the elimination of the Bates/Logan Park expansion. Mr. Jones stated he understood there was to be further negotiation with the school district on the use of their facilities. Dis- cussion ensued. Mr. Parker stated that he felt this bathhouse was very important. Centennial Park Shore Development was discussed. Mr. Jones asked if the City had title to all of the land that is to be developed? Mrs. Romans stated that if the City did not now have title, they would have. Don Smith stated that he understood it would be another year before the City has title. Don Smith noted that the Emerson Mini-Park is funded, and that this project need not appear on the priority list. Cushing Park Expansion Development was considered. Mrs. Romans stated that this encompasses approximately five acres; develop- ment would include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, landscaping and open space. • • -7- An Indoor Ice Arena was considered. This is proposed to be contained within the proposed community center . High School Ballfield Lights were then considered. Discussion ensued. Don Smith noted that the lighting would enable night ball games; the City cannot accommodate all the teams that want to play on the fields that are available. Mountain Park Facilities were considered. Mr. Tanguma stated he could not support this request. Don Smith asked why the City should spend $170,000 for a mountain park, inasmuch as the City is not that far away from park facilities in the mountains. Ed Smith noted there is to be a natural area at Belleview Park if the request was intended for children's nature studies, etc. Mrs. Romans stated that it is proposed to provide a total recreation program. Mrs. Wade suggested that possibly this could be listed as a very low priority; she felt there is much to be done in the local parks and the money could be better used. McLellan Reservoir Development was discussed. Mrs. Romans stated she felt the development of this area could be an alternative to the mountain park. It is proposed as a joint project with South Suburban Parks District. The Indoor Rifle Range requested by the Parks Department was discussed. Mrs. Romans noted there is a request from the Police Department for an outdoor pistol range, in addition to the Parks Department request for this rifle range. Don Smith noted that hunters may go to Jefferson County to site in their weapons, or there is a site out on Arapahoe Road where they may go. Don Smith stated that he could not see funding this project. Ed Smith discussed the problems he has experienced on shooting ranges, and suggested this is not something we wanted in the City of Englewood. The Miller Building Renovation and Field Lighting was con- sidered. ·Don Smith stated that he felt $55,000 for lighting the field was out of reason. He agreed that the building did need renovation badly; it is used heavily in the summer time for arts and crafts. Projects requested by the Fire Department --the Fire Training Facility Expansion, the Closed Circuit Television, I n tersection Dip Corrections, were all discussed. Don Smith pointed out that the Closed Circuit Television could pay for itself in one year. It was felt that all these projects requested by the Fire Department should be suggested for the 1977 Capital Improve- ment Program. The Outdoor Pistol Range requested by the Police Department was discussed. This is proposed to be located at the Fire Training Center, and is proposed to be a joint use facility for the Englewood and Littleton law enforcement officers. Discussion ensued. It was determined that this project also be given a 197 7 p riority. ' -8- Requests from the Utilities Department were considered. A new • request is for modification of the piping system at overhead reservoirs. This would enable better use of the three small reservoirs, and they could do pumping at night when the demand isn't so high. Construction of Pipeline in City Ditch, Allen Filter Plant Capacity Increase, Increase Overhead Storage Booster Pump Capacity, and Water Storage Reservoir at Bates/Logan Park are all carry-over projects which were not approved for the 1976 - 1980 program. Mrs. Romans noted that a priority listing of these projects for the 1981 CIP needs to be devised; it was suggested that possibly utility projects could be listed separately, even though they are part of the CIP, inasmuch as they are financed under a different program. Discussion of all of the proposed projects followed. It was determined that the City should not get into the "collection" of trash and refuse, and that possibly the Municipal Refuse DISPOSAL System would be the proper reference; it was suggested that this project would be a good one for cooperative venture, and also possibly a grant to aid in financing could be obtained. The possibility of advancing the Library expansion funding to 1977 was discussed. Wade moved: Jorgenson seconded: The Planning Commission refer to the City Manager the following list of 1981 Capital Improvement Program Priorities. 1. Sinclair Pool Bathhouse 2. Lehow Avenue Bridge 3. Broadway Widening: Yale -Floyd 4. Broadway Median Planters 5. Miller Building Renovation 6. Floyd Avenue Extension 7. Union Avenue Connector 8. Dartmouth Widening: Logan -Delaware 9. Municipal Refuse Disposal System (Cooperative and/or grant) 10. Little Dry Creek Development $361,000 to 11. Big Dry Creek. Development $121,750 to 12. Golf Course/Greenbelt 13. Golf Driving Range 14. Softball Complex 15. Garden Area 16. Centennial Park Shore Development 17. Cushing Park Expansion Development 18. Bannock/Sherman Widening 19. Realignment: Floyd and Broadway 20. High School Ballfield Lights 21. McLellan Reservoir Development $ 80,000 $ 78,000 $ 730,000 $ 129,500 $ 38,000 $4,800,000 $ 310,000 $ 218 ·, 000 $4,300,000 $ 461,000 $ 271,700 $ 202,000 $ 24,000 $ 136,000 $ 12,800 $ 210,000 $ 600,000 $1,159,000 • $ 650,000 $ 90,000 $ 43,000 • -9- It is suggested that the following projects be included in the 1977 Capital Improvement Program: 1. Fire Training Facility Expansion $ 29,000 2. Closed Circuit Television $ 10,000 3. Intersection Dips Correction $ 10,000 4. Outdoor Pistol Range $ 32,000 5. Modification of Piping at Overhead Reservoirs. $ 17,700 Projects requested by the Utility Department, in addition to the modification of piping at overhead reservoirs suggested to be included in the 1977 CIP Budget, are: Construction of Pipeline in City Ditch: Partially Metered System Allen Filter Plant Capacity Increase Partially Metered System Increase Overhead Storage Booster Pump Capacity Partially Metered System Water Storage Reservoir -Bates/Logan Partially Metered System The vote was: $2,501,000 $ 306,000 $ 378,000 $2,024,000 AYES: Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, D. Smith, E. Smith, Tanguma, Wade NAYS: None ABSENT: Pierson, Williams The motion carried. The motion adjourned 10:30 p.m. • MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY MANAGER REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: June 29, 1976 SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION: Wade moved: 1981 Capital Improvement Program Priorities Jorgenson seconded: The Planning Commission refer to the City Manager the following list of 1981 Capital Improvement Program priorities. 1. Sinclair Pool Bathhouse 2. Lehow Avenue Bridge 3. Broadway Widening: Yale -Floyd 4. Broadway Median Planters 5. Miller Building Renovation 6. Floyd Avenue Extension 7. Union Avenue Connector 8. Dartmouth Widening: Logan -Delaware 9. Municipal Refuse Disposal· System (Cooperative and/or grant) 10. Little Dry Creek Development $361,000 to 11. Big Dry Creek Development $121,750 to 12. Golf Course/Greenbelt 13. Golf Driving Range 14. Softball Complex 15. Garden Area 16. Centennial Park Shore Development 17. Cushing Park Expansion Development 18. Bannock/Sherman Widening 19. Realignment: Floyd and Broadway 20. High School Ballfield Lights 21. McLellan Reservoir Development $ 80,000 $ 78,000 $ 730,000 $ 129,500 $ 38,000 $4,800,000 $ 310,000 $ 218,000 $4,300,000 $ 461,000 $ 271,700 $ 202,000 $ 24,000 $ 136,000 $ 12,800 $ 210,000 $ 600,000 $1,159,000 $ 650,000 $ 90,000 $ 43,000 It is suggested that the following projects be included in the 1977 Capital Improvement Program: 1. Fire Training Facility Expansion 2. Closed Circuit Television 3. Intersection Dips Correction 4. outdoor Pistol Range 5. Modification of Piping at Overhead Reservoirs . $ $ $ $ $ 29,000 10,000 10,000 32,000 17 ,700 Projects requested by the Utility Department, in addition to the ~ modification of piping at overhead reservoirs sugge sted to be ~ included in the 1977 CIP Budget, are: Construction of Pipeline in City Ditch: Partially Metered System Allen Filter Plant Capacity Increase Partially Metered System Increase Overhead Storage Booster Pump Capacity Partially Metered System Water Storage Reservoir -Bates/Logan Partially Metered System By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. $2,501,000 $ 306,000 $ 378,000 $2,024,000 •