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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-31 PZC MINUTESr ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL AND CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION May 31, 1984 The Joint Meeting of the Englewood City Council and the City Planning and Zoning Commission was held at the Duffers Restaurant at 6:00 p.m. The following persons were present: Mayor Pro Tem Bradshaw and Councilmen Bilo, Higday and Vobejda, Commission Members McBrayer . (Chairman), Allen, Becker,'Carson, Stoel, Tanguma, and Venard, City Attorney Olsen, City Manager McCown, Assistant City Manager Vargas, Director of Community Development Powers and Assistant Director Romans. After a general discussion about various projects which are underway in the City, the 1984-84 Planning Commission Goals were presented by the Planning Commission members. Goal No. 1. Report on the investigation of a City-wide residential trash collection by the City, and investigate the feasibility of conversion of trash to useful product. Mr. Allen and Mrs. Becker briefed the Council on the status of the committee's consideration and said they do not yet have a final report. Mr. Allen said it appears it would have to be handled on a metropolitan-wide basis rather than by one municipality. It was the consensus of the City Council that the matter should be explored further. Goal No. 2. Encourage and support the development of the property along Santa Fe and the South Platte River, i.e., riverfront to Windermere. Develop water- way and bikeways along the river. Mr. McBrayer said that the Commission wants to encourage proper development, and the members are trying to get as much information as they can. Parks and Recreation Director Romans will meet with the Commission on June 5th to discuss the open space plans and the Highway Department will make a presentation about the South Santa Fe Drive improvements at a later date. Goal No. 3. Plan and . implement an informal work session regarding possible uses for the fairground property. Mr. Venard briefed the City Council on the Planning Commission tour of the Fairgrounds property and the discussions with representatives of M. J. Brock. He said that a public hearing will be held on June 26, 1984, to consider ( Joint Meeting May 31, 1984 Page 2 zoning of the site and pointed out the areas that are proposed to be zoned R-3 and B-2. Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw expressed interest in townhouse development on the north side of Belleview that would attract school children,· and points of access to both sites were discussed. Goal No. 4. Review Swedish Hospital master plans and potential impact on neighborhood. Mr. McBrayer said that the Commission will request a meeting with representatives of the Swedish Medical Center in September in order to discuss their Master Plan prior to the annual meeting with the City Council, Planning Commission and Swedish. Ms. Bradshaw reported that the Medical Center will · lease Duncan School this fall. Councilman Bilo asked City Manager McCown to send out minutes of the joint School/City meeting. Goal No. 5. Voice support of construction of a new City Hall utilizing historical artifacts as part of the decor. Mr. McBrayer said that the City departments are operating in cramped quarters, and the Commission feels a new City Hall is necessary. The Commission members also feel it is important to remind people of Englewood's history, and to this end, they suggest that the decor of the lobby include items depicting .bhe Englewood history. Mr. McBrayer said that there are people in the community who would be glad to contribute items. Goal No. 6. Perform a survey with other communities to determine the image of the City. Mrs. Becker explained that a lot of effort is going into rebuilding the down- town area, and the Commission members are interested to know what image Englewood presents to people who do not live in Englewood or who are not involved in the City government. She suggested that possibly the adjacent municipalities or groups such as realtors would be interested in joining with Englewood in such an assessment. Mr. Stoel also pointed out the importance of changing the image people seem to have of Englewood as a low-rent, low-cost housing community. Mr. Allen added that marketing experts had told him that some of the Cherokee Kiva units have been difficult to sell because they were overbuilt for Englewood. Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw said that the Englewood Higq School is doing a survey of graduates that might be of help. She suggested that someone could contact Flo Lipski at the Englewood High School. Mr. McBrayer asked Mr. Allen if the City of Englewood Chamber of Commerce would be interested in taking over or participating in the project. Mr. Allen was • Joint Meeting May 31, 1984 Page 3 not able to commit the Chamber at that time. Goal No. 7. Develop a promotion plan for Englewood utilizing the new brochure. It was explained that one of the 1983 Planning Commission Goals was to pre- pare a City brochure, and this is followed in 1984 with a plan to utilize the City brochure to promote Englewood. The status of the brochure was discussed, and it was suggested that Dorothy Dalquist would be the logical person to develop this program. Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw said the brochure has not been sent to the printers yet, and that the final copy is to be reviewed by Council. Mr. Tanguma said he had read the text, but he would very much like to see the layout before it is printed. Goal No. 8. Review report being generated regarding City traffic patterns. Mr. McBrayer said that it is his understanding that Deleuw Cather is preparing a traffic study for the downtown area, and that it should be completed in the near future. He said that the Commission would appreciate an oppor-tunity to review the study, because traffic is one of Englewood's biggest problems. The problem of shopping in congested areas such as along Monaco and Colorado Boulevard was discussed, and it was agreed that Englewood's traffic circulation must be addressed to avoid a similar image. ~ ,.., Goal No. 9. Establish Solar Access Ordinance. • Mrs. Becker explained that it is not the intent of the Commission to require people to install solar units; but rather, to guarantee to those people who do have a solar installation, that they will have access to the sun. She said the State has a permissive law, and that she hopes the City will consider a solar access ordinance. A copy of the Boulder ordinance was distributed. Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw said she would like to see design guidelines developed for the installation of solar units which would not be in violation of citizens' rights. She observed that some of the solar units which have been added to existing houses are very unattractive. Methods of designing the units were discussed, but it was generally agreed it is easier to design a solar installation at the time a house is being constructed. The Council asked the Commission to gather more data about this subject. Goal No. 10. Initiate study to determine the feasibility and source of funds : for Oxford Parkway from Broadwqy to Santa Fe (Median). Mr. McBrayer showed the Council an overlay which depicted a landscaped median on West Oxford Avenue from South Broadway to South Santa Fe Drive. He explained that the City has a 100 foot right-of-way in this area, and it will be a major entrance at such time as South Santa Fe Drive is improved, most particularly if the Quincy and Kenyon intersections are closed. The Community Center is also on Oxford, and the median would enhance that facility as well. Joint Meeting May 31, 1984 Page 4 Councilman Bilo expressed concern over the cost of the project and pointed out that Oxford is a truck route. Mrs. Becker and Mr. Stoel discussed esthetic improvements made on Santa Fe and felt that the fact that Oxford is a truck route would not negate its beautification. It was decided that more information is needed about the Oxford/Santa Fe intersection improvements and possibly more data about the on-street parking along Oxford. Councilman Vobejda said he feels it is an appropriate time to stay on top of the proposal. Goal No. 11. Identify areas to annex that would be of benefit to the City. Encourage annexation of the identified areas. Mr. McBrayer referred to maps of unincorporated areas which adjoin the City. Mr. McBrayer asked if the Council wanted the Commission to develop an active annexation procedure. The several areas were discussed, and it was the consensus of the Council that the matter should be pursued. Goal No. 12. Hold joint meetings with Commissioners of adjacent cities. Develop and implement educational programs for our Commissioners. Mr. McBrayer explained that the Planning Commission had met with the -Littleton and Cherry Hills Planning Commissions last year, and they hope to meet with the Sheridan and Greenwood Commissions this year. A tentative date ·of ·Jul:y -17, 1984, has been set for the meeting with Sheridan. Goal No. 13. Complete Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance changes and review Subdivision Regulations. Mr. McBrayer said that since the Council is familiar with the procedure on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance amendments, he would not belabor the matter. In response to a question from Councilman Vobejda, Mr. McBrayer explained the prcedure the Commission had used in adopting the Goals and identified the proposals which were not approved. These included a development review process, the construction of an ice rink, and a meeting with the City Attorney to clarify the Commission's role. Mrs. Becker gave a brief report of her attendance at the American Planning Association convention, and she, Mr. Tanguma and Mr. McBrayer urged the Council to consider sending more than one person to this very educational national convention. The Commission and Council members .expressed their mutual appreciation for the meeting and for their respective service to the community. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. t • I /;).f/Y</ }[)~ f#:c/ ~~~ ' -~/U-z k~ -d~l 7ff /-71~ -c 7? ,,q/~/,z;~~c ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL AND CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION {l~U£-/ ~/)-;?~ay ~8 ~~ ~ ~~~~~c . ~_/_ ~hU - The Joint Meeti of the Englewood City Council and the City Planning and Zoning Cormniss on was held at the Duffers Restaurant at 6:00 p.rn. The following persons were present: Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw and Councilmen Bilo, Higday and Vobejda, Cormnission Members McBrayer .(Chairrnart), Allen, Becker, Carson, Stoel, Tanguma, and Venard, City Attorney Olsen, City Manager Mccown, Assistant City Manager Vargas, Director of Cormnunity Development Powers and Assistant Director Romans. Councilman Higday and Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw discussed the two meetings of the group identified as People for a Better Englewood and said that erroneous information has been distributed to citizens in two brochures, and the City has prepared a written response which has been given to persons at the People for a Better Englewood meeting as well as the the City of Englewood Chamber of Commerce and the Planning Cormnission. The City representatives at the meeting also took the opportunity to correct erroneous statements. It was estimated that there were approximately 50 people at the meeting on May 22, 1984, and the purpose of the meeting appeared to be two-fold: to initiate a referendum on the Downtown Plan and to start recall proceedings against five members of the City Council. There were approximately 15 people other than City representatives at the meeting on May 29th, and they voted to seek legal advice on the possibility of holding a referendum. During the discussion, members of both the Commission and Council said they understand the concern of the lessees about having to relocate or being afraid they will have to relocate. There was general agreement that the City must take an active role and must develop a strong public relations program to better inform both the businessmen and the citizens about the development that is and will be underway. Planning Commission Chairman McBrayer emphasized that people do not attend public hearings and do not go to City Hall for information, so the City must provide it on a one-on-one basis. It was the consensus that the opposition could not be taken lightly, and that .---it is important to correct the misinformation that has been given out. Because {J there are many senior citizens living on fixed incomes in the area, it is understandable that they become concerned when they are told the burden will fall on them to pay for the redevelopment. Since this is not factual, the 1 City must make sure that the citizens have current information about tax increment financing. The City cannot let citizens become needlessly frightened by misinformation that is either intentionally or unintentionally distributed. The difficulty of making firm commitments to businessmen that they will not have to relocate when private acquisition is involved, was discussed. It was agreed that free enterprise is basic to our system, and that it cannot be suppressed. Councilman Higday stated that it was made clear when the present Council took office that something had to be done about the declining conditions in the central business district, or property taxes would have had to be raised to pay for municipal services. He had thought the Englewood Downtown Development Authority would provide the necessary leadership, but it had not done so; and when Mr. Brady presented a plan to redevelop the area, it was encouraging. 1 /0 /) f 'Y Joint Meeting May 31, 1984 Page 2 The method that has been used by Mr. Brady in acquiring property and leases was discussed, as well as the role of the Urban Renewal Authority. Specific issues that have been raised by businessmen were discussed, including such things as the fact that Fred Kaufman owns, rather than leases, his building; and, therefore, he has a different role from a person leasing space. It was understood that changes in any redevelopment plan are inevitable because of the changing economy. It was also generally agreed that business- men need to take more initiative in finding alternate locations when they are presented plans that will affect their present location. Ms. Powers referred to the most recent plan of the development area which had been distributed to persons present and updated the Council and Commission on the status of the King Soopers development in the 3300 block of South Acoma. She also discussed the status of the acquisition of property on the east side of the 3400 block of South Bannock Street. This property is being acquired by the Urban Renewal Authority for Little Dry Creek improvements. It was suggested that until it is definitely determined that specific develop- ment will occur at a specific location, it should be identified on the plan as "undetermined" rather than as a specific use. The 1984-85 Planning Commission Goals were presented by the Planning Commission Members. Goal No. 1. Report on the investigation of a City-wide residential trash collection by the City, and investigate the feasibility of conversion of trash to useful product. Mr. Allen and Mrs. Becker briefed the Council on the status of the committee's consideration and said they do not yet have a final report. Mr. Allen said it appears it would have to be handled on a metropolitan-wide basis rather than by one municipality. It was the consensus of the City Council that the matter should be explored further. Goal No. 2. Encourage and support the development of the property along Santa Fe and the South Platte River, i.e., riverfront to Windermere. Develop water- way and bikeways along the river. Mr. McBrayer said that the Commission wants to encourage proper development, and the members are trying to get as much information as they can. Parks and Recreation Director Romans will meet with the Commission on June 5th to discuss the open space plans and the Highway Department will make a presentation about the South Santa Fe Drive improvements at a later date. Goal No. 3. Plan and . implement an informal work session regarding possible uses for the fairground property. Mr. Venard briefed the City Council on the Planning Commission tour of the Fairgrounds property and the discussions with representatives of M. J. Brock. He said that a public hearing will be held on June 26, 1984, to consider • Jo i nt Meeting Ma y 31, 1984 Page 3 zoning of the site and pointed out the areas that are proposed to be zoned R-3 and B-2. Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw expressed interest in townhouse development on the north side of Belleview that would attract school children,. and points of access to both sites were discussed. Goal No. 4. Review Swedish Hospital master plans and potential impact on neighborhood. Mr. McBrayer said that the Commission will request a meeting with representatives of the Swedish Medical . Center in September in order to discuss their Master Plan prior to the annual meeting with the City Council, Planning Commission and Swedish. Mr. Bradshaw reported that the Medical Center will lease Duncan School this fall. Councilman Bila asked City Manager McCown to send out minutes of the joint School/City meeting. Goal No. 5. Voice support of construction of a new City Hall utilizing historical artifacts as part of the decor. Mr. McBrayer said that the City departments are operating in cramped quarters, and the Commission feels a new City Hall is necessary. The Commission members also feel it is important to remind people of Englewood's history, and to this end, they suggest that the decor of the lobby include items depicting the Englewood history. Mr. McBrayer said that there are people in the community who would be glad to contribute items. Goal No. 6. Perform a survey with other communities to determine the image of the City. Mrs. Becker explained that a lot of effort is going into rebuilding the down- town area, and the Commission members are interested to know what image Englewood presents to people who do not live in Englewood or who are not involved in the City government. She suggested that possibly the adjacent municipalities or groups such as realtors would be interested in joining with Englewood in such an assessment. Mr. Stoel also pointed out the importance of changing the image people seem to have of Englewood as a low-rent, low-cost housing community. Mr. Allen added that marketing experts had told him that some of the Cherokee Kiva units have been difficult to sell because they were overbuilt for Englewood. Mayor Pro Tern Bradshaw said that the Englewood Rig~ School is doing a survey of graduates that might be of help. She suggested that someone could contact Flo Lipski at the Englewood High School. Mr. McBrayer asked Mr. Allen if the City of Englewood Chamber of Connnerce would be interested in taking over or participating in the project. Mr. Allen was ' • Joint Meeting May 31, 1984 Page 4 not able to commit the Chamber at that time . Goal No. 7. Develop a promotion plan for Englewood utilizing the new brochure. It was explained that one of the 1983 Planning Commission Goals was to pre- pare a City brochure, and this is followed in 1984 with a plan to utilize the City brochure to promote Englewood. The status of the brochure was discussed, and it was suggested that Dorothy Dalquist would be the logical person to develop this program. Mayor Pro Tem Bradshaw said the brochure has not been sent to the printers yet, and that the final copy is to be reviewed by Council. Mr. Tanguma said he had read the text, but he would very much like to see the layout before it is printed. Goal No. 8. Review report being generated regarding City traffic patterns. Mr. McBrayer said that it is his understanding that Deleuw Cather is preparing a traffic study for the downtown area, and that it should be completed in the near future. He said that the Commission would appreciate an opportunity to review the study, because traffic is one of Englewood's biggest problems. The problem of shopping in congested areas such as along Monaco and Colorado Boulevard was discussed, and it was agreed that Englewood's traffic circulation must be addressed to avoid a similar image. Goal No. 9. Establish Solar Access Ordinance. Mrs. Becker explained that it is not the intent of the Commission to require people to install solar units; but rather, to guarantee to those people who do have a solar installation, that they will have access to the sun. She said the State has a permissive law, and that she hopes the City will consider a solar access ordinance. A copy of the Boulder ordinance was distributed. Mayor Pro Tem Bradshaw said she would like to see design guidelines developed for the installation of solar units which would not be in violation of citizens' rights. She observed that some of the solar units which have been added to existing houses are very unattractive. Methods of designing the units were discussed, but it was generally agreed it is easier to design a solar installation at the time a house is being constructed. The Council asked the Commission to gather more data about this subject. Goal No. 10. Initiate study to determine the feasibility and source of funds for Oxford Parkway from Broadwqy to Santa Fe (Median). Mr. McBrayer showed the Council an overlay which depicted a landscaped median on West Oxford Avenue from South Broadway to South Santa Fe Drive. He explained that the City has a 100 foot right-of-way in this area, and it will be a major entrance at such time as South Santa Fe Drive is improved, most particularly if the Quincy and Kenyon intersections are closed. The Community Center is also on Oxford, and the median would enhance that facility as well. • Joint Meeting May 31, 1984 Page 5 Councilman Bila expressed concern over the cost of the project and pointed out that Oxford is a truck route. Mrs. Becker and Mr. Stoel discussed esthetic improvements made on Santa Fe and felt that the fact that Oxford is a truck route would not negate its beautification. It was decided that more information is needed about the Oxford/Santa Fe intersection improvements and possibly more data about the on-street parking along Oxford. Councilman Vobejda said he feels it is an appropriate time to stay on top of the proposal. Goal No. 11. Identify areas to annex that would be of benefit to the City. Encourage annexation of the identified areas. Mr. McBrayer referred to maps of unincorporated areas which adjoin the City. Mr. McBrayer asked if the Council wanted the Commission to develop an active annexation procedure. The several areas were discussed, and it was the consensus of the Council that the matter should be pursued. Goal No. 12. Hold joint meetings with Connnissioners of adjacent cities. Develop and implement educational programs for our Commissioners. Mr. McBrayer explained that the Planning Commission had met with the -Littleton and Cherry Hills Planning Commissions last year, and they hope to meet with the Sheridan and Greenwood Commissions this year. A tentative date -of July 17, 1984, has been set for the meeting with Sheridan. Goal No. 13. Complete Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance changes and review Subdivision Regulations. Mr. McBrayer said that since the Council is familiar with the progress on the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance amendments, he would not belabor the matter. In response to a question from Councilman Vobejda, Mr. McBrayer explained the prcedure the Commission had used in adopting the Goals and identified the proposals which were not approved. These included a development review process, the construction of an ice rink, and a meeting with the City Attorney to clarify the Commission's role. Mrs. Becker gave a brief report of her attendance at the American Planning Association convention, and she, Mr. Tanguma and Mr. McBrayer urged the Council to consider sending more than one person to this very educational national convention. The Commission and Council members expressed their mutual appreciation for the meeting and for their respective service to the community. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.