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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-06-06 PZC MINUTES\ CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION June 6, 1978 Io The Planning Commission met in informal session with members of the Parks and Recreation Review Committee and members of the Public Facilities and Storm Drainage Review Committee. Members present: Pierson, Williams, Owens, Smith Romans, Acting Ex-officio Members absent: Lathrop, Draper, Tanguma, McClintock, Parker Parks & Recreation Review Committee: Wade, Neeley, Allen . Howard Public Facilities Review Committee: Best, Merlin, Perrin, Tromly Also present: Dennis Niernberg and Mr" and Mrs. Reffel. Mr. Owens stated that inasmuch as a quorum of the Commission was not present, regular business could not be handled, and, indeed, the meeting could not be formally called to order. He suggested that possibly the Commission could hear the re- ports from the Review Committees, and at such time as another Commission member would join the meeting 1he formal meeting could begin. II" COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW COMMITTEE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND STORM DRAINAGE Mr. Owens introduced Mr. Charles Best, and announced that Mr. Best would present the report of the Public Facilities and Storm Drainage Review Committee. Mr. Best reviewed the recommendations of the Public Facilities Review Committee, citing the following projects this committee feels are needed in the City of Englewood: 1 0 Community Center. It was felt that the community center is needed to serve the growing social and recreational needs of a diverse Englewood population. It could become a focal point of the community, and could help attract more families to Englewood. Mr. Smith asked if the matter of cost on this project had been discussed? Mr. Owens stated that the Committee had met with Mr. Jerry Royther, the former Assistant Recreation Director, and he had indicated the cost range would be from $4,000,000 to $5,000,000 for a "first-class" facilityo -2- Mr. Best pointed out that there is some vacant land av ailable in the proximity of the Simon Center /Malley Recreatio na l Center, and that this vacant land should be purchased a s it becomes available. The development of the community c ent er could be accomplished in phases. 2. Fire Station in East Englewoodo Mr. Best stated t h at t he Public Facilities Review Committee is of the opinion that a fire station should be constructed in East Englewoo d; at the present time, none of the four fire stations are locat ed east of South Broadway. A station constructed east of S o u t h Broadway wo uld improve the response time to those residents living near South University Boulevard. Mrs. Pierson noted that approximately two years ago a t a me eting of the Commission with the Department Heads t o review t he Capital Improvement Program budget, Fire Chief Hamilton indicated that he felt there was adequate service t o that area o f Englewood, that the response time was good, and t h at he felt it was more important to relocate Fire Station #3 on Bellev iew Avenue. She asked if the thinking of the Fire Department administration has changed on this matter? Mr. Owens pointed out that the matter of relocating F i r e S tation #3, while not actually funded, is in the Capit al Im- provement Program, and is discussed further on in the r eport. Mr. Owens discussed the reasoning for the Committee recommenda- tion: he noted that there wili be increased traffic and with the probable development of the remainder of the Larwin Site, there will be an increase in population that will hav e to be served. Mr. Owens stated that the committee felt the r e will be a definite need for a fire station in the eastern Englewood sector, but pointed out that this is a "long-range" pl an, and is not something that is needed immediately. Mr. Merlin pointed out that it was his understanding t ha t Chief Hamilton was in favor of the South Logan/U.S. 2 85 vi c inity as the location for the main Fire Station rather than the location on South Elati Street where it is bu il t. Mr. Merlin discussed the problems that the Fire Depar t ment personnel experience when crossing Broadway to answe r a call. 3~ Little Dry Creek Improvements and Flood Control. Mr . Best reviewed the recommendations on Little Dry Creek improvements and fl o od control, stating that the committee urges the adoption of Alternative #5 as the best long-term solution for f looding problems along the Creek. The committee also recommended that an imm e diate and on-going program of clean-up and main tenance o f the Little Dry Creek channel should be instituted. This would help maximiz e the capacity of the existing channel. The committee recommends that an educational progr a m should be developed for those property owners in the 100-yea r flood pl ain; this program could define the nature of the p o t ential fl ood hazard, outline the precautions those people c ould take n o w, and make known the availability of Federally subs idized I -3- flood insurance. He noted that relatively few occupants or property owners of flood plain areas are aware of or have flood insurance. Discussion ensued. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the educa- tional program for those property owners and occupants in the flood plain has already begun, noting that several flyers have been mailed to those people. The number of people who have taken advantage of the flood insurance program was discussed. Mr. Merlin pointed out that there is a possibility that a lot of people don't even know what a "flood Plain" is and are not aware they own property in a flood plain. Further discussion ensued. Mrs. Romans pointed out that this section of the recommendation could be reworded to indicate that the educa- tional program should be "continued" rather than "developed." It was so agreed. 4. City Hall Renovation. Mr. Best pointed out that City Hall needs remodeling to accommodate handicapped and elderly persons. The second flood is totally inaccessible to the handicapped, and an elevator should b e installed. Restroom facilities should also be remodeled to accommodate those persons in wheel- chairs, etc. Mr. Williams stated that there is some improvement of City Hall that has been proposed. Mr. Merlin stated that he felt this was mandatory, particularly if the City Hall wishes to partake in federal funding programs. 5. Swimming Pool in North Englewood. Mr. Best noted that national standards for a City of Englewood's size call for a minimum of two swimming pools . Englewood currently has the one outdoor pool operated by the Parks and Recreation Depart- ment located at Sinclair Junior High, and the indoor pool at the High School, which is operated by the Englewood School District and is open to the public on a very limited basis. This committee feels there is a need for an olympic-size, year- round swimming pool to be located in the north Englewood area. The committee also recommends that there should be studies conducted as to the feasibility of heating this proposed pool with the excess heat generated by the Public Service Company plant located in northwest Englewood. If this could be done, the swimming pool could become a major outdoor spa, and generate enough regional int erest to provide profit to the City from the revenues. Mr. Smith questioned the possibility of constructing the pool close enough to the Public Service Company plant to take ad- vantage of the excess heat. Mr. Owens stated that a member of the committee proposed the idea, and the committee as a whole felt that i t was a possibility. 6. Bates/Logan Park Expansion 0 Mr. Best stated that the com- mittee recommends e x pansion of the Bates/Logan Park to provide for the increasing recreational needs of the community, and to -4- a l so provide areas for a detention pond for storm water runo f f, and a clean water storage facility. Mr o Best cited the n e e d for additional park development in the nor t heast section o f Englewood, and also the need for the treated water storage facilities. The committee felt that with the expansion o f this park, it could become a multi-purpose asset to the public. Mr. Smith pointed out that with the completion of the se cond nine holes of the golf course, this would certainly improve the open space /park land ratio to residents in Englewood . He questioned the need to expand the Bates /Logan Park and to re- mo ve structures to do so. Discussion ensued. 7. Sale of Raw City Water. Mr. Best stated that the p ossibility o f selling untreated water to other jurisdictions woul d add r e venues that could be used to make improvements to the Englewood water system. Mrs. Pierson questioned if this would involve selling th e wat e r rights out-right? Mr. Best stated that the Water Board wo uld not consider selling the water rights, but would lease them. Mr. Williams pointed out that the City is now selling water to Thornton, but did not sell the water rights; t he proposed program would probably function under the sa me guide- l ineso Bo Water Plant Equipment Capitalization Reserve 0 Mr . Best r e view e d the recommendation from the Public Facilities c om- mittee. The high points of this recommendation are as f ollows: 1. Establish a current monthly reserve based on the f ollowing : (a) 100% of the annual depreciation of each item o f capitalized equipment under rules of the straight line method of depreciation ; (b) plus a 10% factor for equipment upgrading cos ts to be anticipated in the year of necessary equipment replacement; (c) plus a 5% inflation factor; (d) aggregating to a total annual reserve amount e q u al to 115% of the annual amount of depreciation show n on accounting records for each item of capitalized equipment. 2o Require the City of Englewood's accounting system t o show entries that would reflect current and cumulative capitaliza- tion reserve amounts, with supporting detail by t y p e of equipment. 3. Properly show the cumulative reserve amount in regu la r ly prepared financial statements o -5- 4. Strictly reconcile bank statements with the City's capitaliza- tion reserve account shown in the accounting re cords. 5. Reliably invest cash in the bank representing the capitaliza- tion reserve amount to earn interest from month-to-month and year-to-year. Mr. Smith stated that he understood there is a provision in the water bonds that as soon as the building program is completed, funds will be placed in a reserve fund to finance maintenance and repairs to the system. He stated that he did not know whether o r not this would include a depreciation factor as the Review Committee proposa l does. Mr. Best then reviewed projects which were discussed and en- dorsed by the Public Facilities and Drainage Committee as necessary for the future improvement of the City. He noted that these project s are p art o f the current Five-year Capi~al Improvement Program, but th~ c ,mmittee has assigned no specific priority to them. 1. Land Acquisition Fu ~ Mr. Best noted that land needs to be acquired tor the City !ia l.i. parking expansion, for a community recreation center, and for r e location of Fire Station #3. While the current six-quarter ~ dget ccntains $100,000 for such needs, this will not cover these t.ree projects , or other needs such as right-of-wa y a~quisi L ·_n, etG. The committee feels that a reserve fund for land acquisiticn should be acquired so that vacant land can be purchased w .An it be comes available. Mrs. Pierson questioned the need to spend racnies for the re- location of Fire Station #3; she stated that she has never been convinced of the need to relocate this station. Mr. Perrin noted that the Fire Station does ser ve a pu~pose located as it is on Belleview, and that there wi ll be a hazard getting onto Belleview wherever the station is" Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt this might be an unnecessary expense. Mr. Williams stated that the taz ard might be reduced to some extent if the pumpers were to emerge onto a local street rather than onto a State Highway . He acknowledged that on some occasions, the pumpers would , ::..n all probability, have to enter Belleview or cross Bel leview. Mr. Owens stated that he understood the computer s t ·dy 3bc"&w that the fire station was on the extreme south end of ~h e st ·vice are a, and that it should be more centrally lccste d. Mrs . Pierson stated that she recalled the computer study indicated that the station should be moved only two blocks to the nc rt ; she emphasized that she felt this is a great expense ~Jr~ relatively small bene fit. 2. Street Im pr: -~=-a:~.. The mat er of street overlay , paving distric ts and ~:.t. '!e ..... ~_: ..L m,Jrovement d::...str ic ts was discuss ed by Mr. Best. The Pu0::... .... ~~c .. d::..t s Review Committee supported the continuance of .o~e activities. -6- 3. Storm Drainage Improvements. Mr. Best discussed the storm drainage program. Mr. Smith stated that Phase 3 of the Storm Drainage Program will be completed this Fall. 4. Pistol Range Relocation. Mr. Best noted that the pistol range will have to be relocated, as it is now in the river re- development expansion site. The recommended relocation is to the site of the Englewood/Littleton Training Center. This facility is necessary in order that police officers maintain minimum standards of firearm qualification. 5. Broadway Median Planters. Mr. Best stated that the com- mittee feels there is a need for beautification on South Broadway, and supports the concept of the median planters as they have been installed between U.S. 285 and Quincy Avenue. He pointed out that this project would require widening of South Broadway from Yale to Dartmouth. Mrs. Pierson noted that the Commercial Review Committee had made the same recommendation regarding installation of the median planters. 6. Union Avenue Connector. Mr. Best noted that this situation is being improved with the installation of lights on South Santa Fe Drive. 7. 100-Year Flood Outlineso Mr. Best stated that this project calls for the mapping of the 100-Year Flood Plain outlines on various natural drainageways through the City. It is felt that this project would be an aid to make residents better aware of areas in the City that are or might be subjected to flooding. Mr. Owens stated that this pretty well covered the scope of the Public Facilities Committee recommendations, and thanked Mr. Best for his presentation. He noted that he felt this committee, which he had chaired for the duration of their assignment, had done some very good work, and arrived at some very good recommendations. He commended the members of this committee on their work, and also on their good attendance at the meetings throughout the year. III. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Parks & Recreation Review Committee Mr. Owens asked that the members of the Parks and Recreation Review Committee now present their report. Mrs. Wade, former member of the Planning Commission, stated that the committee which she chaired throughout the year was a small but active group. She stated that Mr. Curt Neeley, a member of the Parks & Recreation Review Committee, would give the formal presentation. -7- Mr. Neeley reviewed the history of the Parks and Recreati o n Department and facilities since the inception of the Depart- ment in 1949. He noted that the City of Englewood assumed responsibility for the recreation activity program, and create d a Parks and Recreation Commission, in 1960. The early park facilities consisted of one city park, 23.5 acres in ar~a, which was sold in 1965 to the developer of the Cinderella City Shopping Center for $1,000,000. The funds realized from the sale of this park have been used to finance the purchase and development of new parks throughout the City. At the present time, only the southeast quadrant of the City is not served by a neighborhood park. Mr. Neeley stated that the City has approximately 114 acres of park land, and an additional 243 acres of park land is needed according to national standards adapted to the Denver Metropoli tan area. He acknowledged that when the golf course is completed, it will make an im- pact on the deficit of park land and open space. Mr. Neeley pointed out other deficiencies such as ball diamonds, basket- ball courts, and other similar facilities. Mrs. Pierson questioned whether the deficit of 44 basketball courts was accurate? Mrs. Romans stated that this is based on the national standards for a city the size of Englewood. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Allen, member of the Review Committee and of the Parks and Recreation Commission, stated that even though the Parks and Recreation Department and the School District have a very workable situation, the Recreation Depart - ment has difficulty scheduling anything on the School District courts, because priority goes to the school programs. Mr. Smith asked if any study was done on the recommended standard vs. the actual use that Englewood experiences. Mrs. Howard stated there is a de finite lack of facilities such as basket- ball courts for the junior high school and senior high school level. There are facilities for adults, but there are many requests for additional facilities for the junior and senior high school levels. Mrs. Pierson stated that she was aware of the need for winter volley ball facilities. Mr. Smith pointed out that there will be two or three softball fields in the golf course area, and that this would aid in de- creasing this deficiency. Mrs. Wade pointed out that if the facilities are all located in one area, or too far from the population centers, this could cause a transJX>rtation problem. The facilities must be readily available to those they are in- tended to serve. Mr. Neeley emphasized again that the greatest lack of open space /park land is in the southeast quadrant of the City. The Committee recomme nds acquisition of land in this section of the City, however it may be accomplished. He stated that the Committee did discuss the use of the Duncan Elementary School site, and asked if the Commission had discussed this matter with the School Board? Mr. Owens stated ihat the Com- mission did meet with the School Board approximately one month ago; it is the intent of the School Board to retain ownership -8- on all of the schools that are to be closed. The School Board has been approached by several groups inter ested in the use and/or purchase of these buildings, and it is his understanding that the use of the Duncan Building is being negotiated now. Mr. Neeley stated that the committee advocates the purchase of additional land to expand Cushing Park and the Centennial Park. There is vacant land available adjacent to these two parks at the present time. Mrs. Pierson asked if the City could mortgage land as it is purchased? Mr . Smith pointed out that the City can negotiate a contract to purchase on time, such as was done on the City Hall property . Mrs . Pierson stated that she thinks "we should move on some of these land purchases; we have been talking about some of them for two years, and have done nothing." Mr. Neeley discussed specific land acquisition projects such as the expansion of Centennial Park, the expansion of Cushing Park and expansion of the Bates/Logan Park. Mr. Neeley pointed out that if the land available around the Centennial Park is acquired, it will directly connect this Park with the existing and proposed trails recommended by the Corps of Engineers along the South Platte River; these trails are proposed to extend from Chatfield Dam downstream to Denver's river redevelopment project. Mr. Neeley stated that if the vacant land adjacent to Cushing Park is acquired, it could be used to provide a much needed tennis court, and other recreational facilities, as well as to provide additional open space. Mr. Best inquired if there were any figures available on the cost of the acquisition of land, particularly around Cushing Park? Discussion ensued. Mrs. Howard discussed a grant that the Parks and Recreation Commission had to turn back to the State because there were no matching funds; these grant monies could have been used for acquisition of additional park land if the City could have come up with the additional matching funds. Discussion ensued. Mr. Neeley discussed the committee's recommendation that the Bates/Logan Park be expanded. Mr. Neeley pointed out that the p~rk expansion would serve several purposes in addition to pro- viding additional open space. It was suggested that the cost of the expansion of this Park might also be shared by the Public Works and Utilities departments who would make use of the park for flood control and water storage projects. Mr. Neeley reiterated that the southeast quadrant of the City has no park facilities or park land at this time. Mr. Neeley pointed out several possibilities that were considered by the committee, such as making use of the vacated Duncan School if possible, or the vacation of some streets to develop for open space/park purposes. -9- Mr. Perrin questioned the suggestion of street vacation; he pointed out that this might create problems for fire protection services. He pointed out that the fire equipment must have the proper access and maneuvering space to adequately serve a neigh- borhood. Mrs. Wade stated that she felt Mr. Perrin had pre- sented a good point, but felt that the entire suggestion merits consideration. She pointed out other areas that have streets vacated and developed as open areas, and these streets have not been barricaded even though they have been vacated. She made particular mention of the drainageway in south Englewood. Dis- cussion ensued. Mrs. Romans stated that if the streets were to be vacated and developed as open space, it would be the same principle as some Planned Developments or cluster housing de- velopments. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Owens suggested that possibly some alleys might be vacated and developed for open space purposes. Cost factors on the expansion of the parks were discussed. Mrs. Wade stated that the committee did not go into the matter of cost in any depth. Mrs. Allen stated that the cost factors change so rapidly that any figures they might have presented would be out-of-date. Mr. Neeley discussed facilities needed for the extension of recreation opportunities as cited in Phase II of the River Redevelopment Project. This project would include the second nine holes of the golf course, bike and hike trails along the Platte River, childrens gardens, golf driving range, lighted softball fields, a greenbelt, and a bridge spanning the South Platte River. Mr. Neeley then discussed further development of Centennial Park, particularly the east and north banks of the lake and the needed acquisition to expand this park. The Community Center is recommended by the committee, and will provide facilities for cultural and art programs. Mr . Neeley discussed the need for a swimming pool, additional tennis courts and handball courts which could be developed in the Cushing Park expansion. He pointed out, however, that the committee strongly favors the location of the swimming pool to the east of South Broadway, possibly in the Bates/Logan Park. Mr. Neeley stated that the committee also feels there is a need for indoor ice skating facilities. Mr. Neeley noted that the ice rink in the South Suburban District is used to capacity and beyond now, and there is a need for such a facility in Englewood. The Indoor Firing Range would satisfy needs of several segments of the community, and the committee feels that there should be such a Firing Range in Englewood. Mr. Neeley stated that there is a need for additional ball diamonds, baske tball courts, handball courts, and tennis courts that can and should be constructed in the parks proposed for expansion or acquisition. Mr. Neeley stated that the Review Committee felt there was a need for "quiet areas" to be developed in the parks. He noted -10- that the previous activities were for "active" recreation, but there is a definite need for quiet corners in the parks where persons may go to read, or just sit and think. Mr. Merlin questioned whether there is need for such an area; he noted that some persons are refreshed by walking. Mrs. Allen stated that the idea behind this recommendation is that there be an area of the park where the "kids wouldn't be all over every- thing" for the enjoyment of those citizens who want such an area. Mrs. Wade stated that the committee felt that these facilities should be available in addition to the active re~ creational facilities. Mr. Smith stated that he felt there were such areas in the parks now, but that there was no way to enforce the fact that it is a "quiet" area. Mrs. Wade acknowledged that this cannot be enforced, but that the quiet areas should be increased and/or expanded. Mrs. Wade stated that in most of the parks, there is too much activity going on to really have a "quiet" area. Mr. Perrin stated that he felt there was a separation of active recreation and quiet areas in the Cushing Park, and that it worked very well. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Romans cited the Washington Park gardens as a "quiet area", and noted that Englewood parks are of minimum area and have maximum use. Mrs. Romans stated that Englewood does have a need for an area similar to that in Washington Park. Discussion ensued. Mr. Best referred to the Chatfield area; he noted there were hiking trails and other areas that those in pursuit of solitude could use. He did note, however, that the rattle- snakes are in abundance, and should be treated with respect. Mr. Neeley stated that the committee urged that drainageways throughout the city be used and developed as open space. The committee urged that the public relations program of the Parks and Recreation Department should be continued and expanded. People should be encouraged to make use of the park and recrea- tion facilities that are available . Discussion ensued. Mr. Owens thanked Mr. Neeley for his presentation. He commented that it was interesting to see that several of the committees have some up with the same or very similar recommendations. He pointed out that there is one more Review Committee to report to the Commission, that being the Transportation Review Com- mittee. This committee is scheduled to make its report on June 13th. Mr. Williams stated that he wished to commend all the members of the Parks and Recreation Review Committee and of the Public Facilities and Drainage Review Committee for their fine work on this project. Mr. Owens apologized to applicants Neirnberg and Reffel on the lack of a quorum of the Commission, and stated that the matter will be placed on the call for the special meeting on June 13th, at which time it is hoped there will be a quorum. The meeting disbanded at 9:00 P.M. Secretary