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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-05-20 PZC MINUTES• CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION May 20, 1980 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Vice-Chairman Draper. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Senti, Tanguma, Williams, Barbre, Carson, Draper, McBrayer Wanush, Ex-officio Becket, Pierson Assistant Director D. A. Romans Associate Planner Alice Fessenden Mrs. Becker entered and took her place with the members of the Commission. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Draper stated that the Minutes of May 6, 1980, were to be considered for approval. Tanguma moved: Barbre seconded: The Minutes of May 6, 1980, be approved as written. AYES: Senti, Tanguma, Becker, Barbre, Carson, Draper, McBrayer NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Williams ABSENT: Pierson The motion carried. III. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER Off-Street Parking Lot CASE #13-80 Miss Fessenden made the staff presentation to the Commission, stating that the case under consideration was for review of a parking lot containing over 50 spaces. The action required by the Commission is approval, approval with conditions, or referral back to the applicant for revision of the plans. Miss Fessenden stated that this particular off-street parking lot is proposed for an area between South Logan Street and South Pennsylvania Street just south of East Girard Avenue, and will have 200 foot frontage on South Logan Street, and 100 foot frontage on South Pennsylvania Street. The proposed off-street parking lot contains 117 spaces. The site has a 4 % slope from the northeast to the southwest. The property is zoned R-3, High Density Residence, which zone district does permit off- -2- street parking lots to serve uses within 400 feet. The surrounding property is zoned R-3, High Density Residence, with the exception • of the property north of East Girard Avenue, which is zoned R-1-C , Single-family Residence. The proposed parking lot is for employees of Swedish Medical Center, and will replace the parking lot that is presently at East Hampden Avenue and South Pearl Street. The Comprehensive Plan indicates that this area is projected for high ~ density residential developmento The off-street parking lot would be allowed in this zone district. Miss Fessenden stated that the staff review and recommendation is based on several factors, among them the matter of ingress and egress, circulation and area for maneuverability, size of parking spaces, drainage and surfacing, lighting, and barriers and screening. Miss Fessenden pointed out that 46% of this lot is designated for compact car parking. The applicant, Swedish Medical Center, has presented a study by TDA, Inc., as justification for the amount of compact car parking that is proposed. The Department of Community Development recommends approval of the off-street parking lot, with the following conditions: 1. Curb cuts will be constructed to City standards . 2. A profile of the alley will be submitted to the Engineering Department and the alley will be paved to City standards. 3. All damaged and broken concrete will be removed and re- placed . 4. Lighting for the parking lot will be installed so that light does not extend beyond the perimeter of the parking lot. 5. Curb stops will be installed within the parking lot. 6. Decorative, closed-face wood fences, or concrete, block or brick walls shall be us·ed in areas designated for fence-type screening. 7. A landscaped screening buffer not less than five feet in width shall be provided on the north side of the parking lot along East Girard Avenue and on the east side of the lot along South Pennsylvania Street. 8. All islands within the parking lot shall be landscaped with plants, shrubs, and/or trees. Miss Fessenden stated that the staff is concerned about the lighting of the lots; it is proposed to be purchased from Public Service Company, and it is understood that the lights will be about 25 feet in height. The staff also feels that the parking lot will have better utilization with the installa- -3- tion of curb stops on all parking spaces. This could also tend to prevent the driver of a standard size vehicle from attempting to park in a space designated for a compact car. Miss Fessenden noted that Swedish Medical Center had proposed a chain link fence on the south side of the lot on South Pennsylvania Street, with plastic slats interwoven in the chain link. In the opinion of the staff, this type of fence is unacceptable as a screening fence. The staff recommends that there be landscaped screening along East Girard Avenue, and that the minimum width of this area be five feet. Miss Fessenden pointed out that the area to the north of East Girard Avenue is R-1-C, Single-family Residence, and adequate screening should be provided for these residents. Miss Fessenden pointed out that the landscaping of islands within the parking lot was not designated on the plans, and the staff is of the opinion that these islands should be planted. Miss Fessenden stated that Mr. Oswald of Swedish Medical Center was present, and could answer any questions that the Commission might have. Mr. John Oswald stated he was the administrator of the Swedish Medical Center, and introduced Mr. Mark Moritz, Associate Director of Planning, for Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Oswald displayed a map of a several block area around Swedish Medical Center, on which map were indicated all of the properties that are owned by the Medical Center. Mr. Oswald stated that the Medical Center is very aware of the parking problems that the neighborhood experiences because of the hospital. Mr. Oswald stated that the Medical Center engaged TDA, Inc., to do a parking survey in 1975. As a result of this survey, it was determined that the traffic flow in and around the hospital should be redesigned, and that problems caused by on-street parking should be solved if possible. At least one of the off-street parking lots was redesigned in an attempt to assist in the traffic flow; other lots were restricted for personnel on specific shifts. Mr. Oswald emphasized that security for their personnel is a very serious problem. Other steps taken in an effort to improve the parking situation and traffic around the medical center include encouraging car-pooling by the employees by designating two parking lots for employees who participate in car-pooling. Compact car parking was also addressed as a result of this 1975 study. The Medical Center also instituted paid parking in the lots in front of the hospital, which has helped in the parking turn-over. The Medical Center again engaged TDA, Inc., in 1979 to do an up- date on the parking situation around the hospital. The hospital is constructing a new medical office building, which parking needs were considered in the up-dated study. There is also the proposed housing for senior citizens that was considered, and the fact that there is an increased number of persons coming to Swedish Medical Center for out-patient care was also taken into consideration. Mr. Oswald stated that the study up-date is still in draft-form, but they have been working with TDA to finalize and complete the study, and to consider other facets which would tie the entire campus together. -4- This study is suggesting that the medical complex have structured parking facilities, and one area that might be considered for structured parking is the lot which is south of East Hampden Avenue ~ at South ·Pearl Street, which would provide parking for the medical office building. They need assistance in getting to the point where parking structures can be constructed, and until that time, surface lots will have to be used. Mr . Oswald pointed out that they do not want to decrease the amount of parking they presently have, and are suggesting that the proposed parking lot at Logan and Girard would replace the parking lot to the south of East Hampden Avenue as employee parking, and provide additional spaces. The lot on East Hampden Avenue would support the medical office building in terms of needed parking space for this facility. Mr. Oswald stated that he is regarding the sur- face lots as "temporary" lots, and that at such time as the parking structures are constructed, much of the land devoted to surface parking can be used much more productively. Mr. Oswald stated that he felt there would probably be a number of parking structures; they have three to five different locations under consideration at the present time, and he would like to discuss these locations with the Commission and staff more specifically at another time. Mr. Oswald stated that there has been limited success with the car-pooling program. The Medical Center now has a bus out of Conifer that the employees from that area can ride. The "van pooling" concept is under consideration, and he felt there might be greater receptivity on the part of employees to this program, but he cautioned that he had not been able to determine that any hospital anywhere in the country had been successful in any carpooling/van-pooling venture. Mr. Carson inquired whether the Logan/Pennsylvania alley in the parking lot south of East Girard Avenue would be "changed"? Mr. Oswald stated that the alley would continue through the parking lot. Mrs. Becker commented that she did not like surface parking, but neither does she like parking structures that can be seen. She asked if the Medical Center had any estimates for under- ground parking, and fees that might be charged? Mr. Oswald stated that underground parking is one alternative they are considering. He stated that the administration of the Medical Center is concerned about aesthetics; he did point out that the economics of parking structures was not good, that no one has been successful in making a parking structure pay for itself. Mr. Oswald noted that on each of the sites he indicated were considered for structured parking, they have considered the feasibility of underground parking. Mrs. Becker stated that she has seen some very nice combina- tions of one or two levels with underground parking. She stated that it appeared from the map displayed by Mr. Oswald that the Medical Center could be completely surrounded by surface parking in the near future. She questioned that this • -5- would benefit the Medical Center. Mr. Oswald agreed that within the next ten years, they estimate that surface parking for the hospital would occupy every square foot of property owned by the Medical Center today, plus additional land. Mrs. Becker asked if the Medical Center administration had considered working with the owners of Cinderella City to let the Medical Center employees park in some of the Cinderella City parking area and run a shuttle bus for the employees? Mr. Oswald stated that this possibility was explored several years ago, and the owner of the shopping center at that time was extremely unreceptive to the idea; he stated that perhaps the current owner might be more willing to work with the Medical Center. He stated that any help the Commission could give on such an agreement would be most appreciated. Mr. Draper asked if he understood that a walk-way or bridge is proposed across East Hampden Avenue to connect the parking lot with the new medical office building? Mr. Oswald stated that this is under consideration, but right now the most viable al- ternative is a crosswalk and an underground walk-thru to the underground parking. He stated that the parking structure might be up a couple of stories, but not high enough to provide the proper clearance for a bridge across East Hampden Avenue. Mr. McBrayer noted that in his opinion, the landscaping in some of the surface parking lots adjacent to the Medical Center is very poorly maintained. He asked if the proposed surface parking lots would have an irrigation system to maintain the landscaping, what type of maintenance program is proposed on these lots, and what guidelines the City had to make sure that the lots and landscaping are maintained? Mr. Oswald stated that the architectural designer could not be present at the meeting, and he would attempt to answer the questions he could. Mr. Oswald stated that they want to save the trees that are existing on these properties, and to also save the shrubs that are along the South Logan Street side of the one lot. He stated that he could not answer specifically regarding the watering system proposed in the parking lots, but would go on record that the Medical Center does plan to maintain the trees and shrubs and would look on the landscaping as an "investment." He stated that whenever the City feels the lots are not properly maintained, the Medical Center would make every effort to correct the maintenance if they are notified. Mr.McBrayer stated that he is not impressed with the maintenance of some of the surface parking lots owned by the Medical Center, and stated further that there are some people in Englewood that feel Swedish Medical Center is a "slum landlord" because of the condition of some of the dwelling units that have been purchased by the Medical Center. Mr. Oswald stated that most of the properties owned by the Medical Center are rented out, and that the people must take pride in the community and make an effort to maintain the appearance of the property. -6- Mr. Draper stated that he understood the medical of f ice building presently under construction will not be on the tax rolls, and asked if this is correct? Mr. Oswald stated that it would not be on the tax rolls. The building will be owned by the Medical Center and the doctors who office there will lease the space from the Medical Center o Mr. Oswald stated that they do en- courage private investors and private enterprise to develop some of the properties on the medical campus. Mr . Oswald stated that there are, between Swedish Medical Center and Craig Re- habilitation Hospital, about 2,000 employees, most of whom live in Englewood. Mr. Draper stated that the Medical Center would not be paying income tax on the income from the leasing of the medical office building, and asked if the same would be true of other uses? Mr. Oswald stated that this is correct; he noted that the parking structures would also be tax exempt. Mr. Draper asked Mr. Oswald if he was familiar with the staff report as it has been presented to the Commission? Mr. Oswald stated that they do have copies of the staff reports, and that they have no objection to the first three conditions to be im- posed; they do have concern on proposed conditions #4 thru #7. The lighting proposed for the off-street parking lots will have .03 candlepower at the perimeter of the lots. The lot at Logan and Girard will be used by the employees on the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift, and safety is a strong concern for these employees. Mr. Draper asked about the possibility of "ground lighting" in these parking lots to avoid imposing the lights on the adjacent neighbors. Mr. Oswald stated that it would be a question of expense. Mr. Draper pointed out that the Medical Center is enjoying tax benefits, and that they should be able to expend money for this type of thing if it is reasonable. Mr. Oswald reiterated that the lighting proposed is .03 candlepower, which he stated is the light from one candle at 100 feet. He questioned that .o3 candlepower is excessive. Miss Fessenden pointed out that this had been discussed with the City Electrical Inspector, Mal Atkins, and it is his opinion that it cannot be determined just how bright the lighting will be until it is in place . The lights on the parking lot at Pearl and Hampden are very bright. Mrs. Becker asked why the lights had to be 25 feet in height? She pointed out that if the lights were lower, it might not disturb the neighbors as much. She asked if there was a security officer who would walk with the employees to their vehicles at night? Mr. Oswald stated that they do have a security officer, but that all employees do not take advantage of this. Mr. McBrayer asked about an employee-actuated lighting system similar to what is in some airports? Mr. Oswald stated that this might be possible. • , -7- Mr. Oswald discussed Condition #5, the requirement of curb stops. He stated that they do plan to have curb stops around the perim- eter of the lot, but the interior would be striped only. He pointed out the problems experienced in snow removal with curb stops in the interior of the lot. Mr. Draper cited Cinderella City as an area where curb stops are not in place and there are numerous parking problems. Mr. McBrayer stated that his company has designed several parking lots, and they do not put curb stops in the middle of the lot. Discussion ensued. Mr. Draper questioned what the intent of the staff was: curb stops in the middle of the lot, or on the perimeter? Miss Fessenden stated that the staff was concerned about the curb stops in the middle of the lot; curbing is proposed on the perimeter. Mr. Oswald discussed the condition pertaining to fencing. He noted that there has been a wooden fence on the south side of the lot fronting on South Pennsylvania Street, which has had to be repaired and/or replaced many times due to carelessness of drivers in backing into a parking space. It was felt that the chain-link with aluminum slats interwoven would be more feasible in this location, and would not require the maintenance of a wooden fence. Mr. Oswald stated that on the South Clarkson Street/East Hampden Avenue lot, he was in agreement with the requirement of · a wood fence on the north side of the lot. Mr. McBrayer stated that he understood the reasoning for wanting a chain-link fence on the South Pennsylvania Street lot rather than a wooden fence was that it would be less expensive to maintain? Mr. Oswald stated that the cost of maintaining a wooden fence is very high. Mr. Draper asked if the installa- tion of curb stops would stop vehicles backing into the fence? Mr. Oswald stated that the fence is next to a drive-way, and drivers turning the corner tend to hit the fence. Mr. Oswald then discussed the landscaped strip along East Girard Avenue and stated that while there is no conflict in terms of the desirability of providing a landscaped buffer, they would lose one row of parking if they met the five foot minimum required in the staff report. Mr. Oswald suggested that perhaps a compromise could be reached. By modification of the proposed parking layout, such as driving aisle width, another two feet could be added to the proposed 2.6 feet to make a total of 4.6 feet of landscaped buffer area on the north side of the Girard/Logan/Pennsylvania lot. Miss Fessenden pointed out that the north row of parking spaces are indicated for standard size vehicles, but the length of the spaces is designated as only 17.5 feet; the average standard parking space is 19 feet. Vehicles that would be parking in these spaces would protrude one and one-half feet into the buffer area. She suggested that perhaps angle parking could be considered for part of the lot to ensure the protection of the landscaped buffer. Mr. Oswald stated that parking spaces would be lost if they used angle parking over the 90° parking spaces. Discussion ensued. Mr. Tanguma asked if this north row of parking was designed for compact vehicles, would it be -8- of help? Mr. Oswald pointed out that the lot is proposed for 46% parking for compact vehicles at the present time. Mr. Oswald stated that they do concur with Condition #8. He pointed out, however, that the same concerns with Conditions #4, #5, and #7 would apply to the parking lot at South Clarkson Street and East Hampden Avenue. Mr. wanush stated that in general, he is concerned with the balance of cost vs. amenities. He stated that the statement which was made that the cost of putting in the landscaped buffer strip would be the loss of some parking spaces, doesn't ring true. He stated that he would be willing to see the sacrifice of a few parking spaces to get some good landscaping along the north side of this parking lot. Mrs. Becker stated that she felt it was easier to maneuver with angle parking, and that this might also decrease damage Mr. Oswald has stated occurred to the wooden fence. Mrs. Becker asked if it was necessary that the Commission approve the parking lots this evening, or whether they could be laid over to work out the matters of lighting, fencing, landscaping, etc.? Mr. Draper stated that he felt the Commission should attempt to approve the plans, or at least have constructive criticism to of fer to bring the plans to the point where they can be approved. Mr. Tanguma stated he would like to see the plans sent back to the Medical Center for revision. Mr. Tanguma stated that he would like to see angle parking, relocation of compact spaces along the north boundary, and the erection of a wooden fence rather than the chain-link which is proposed. He stated that he would go along with the contention of the Medical Center that curb stops are not necessary in the middle of the parking lot. . Mr. McBrayer further addressed the matter of the fencing. He noted that the chain-link with slats is very offensive to him, and reminds him of a junk-yard fencing. Mr. McBrayer also discussed the matter of landscaping; if the Medical Center is going to invest in landscaping, they should also invest in a means to maintain the landscaping. He stated that the only way to keep the landscaping looking attractive in Colorado is to irrigate it. He stated he felt there should be more detail on the landscaping plan shown; he stated that he felt if the Com- mission was serious about asking people to provide landscaping, the Commission should try to define what type of landscaping will be installed. Discussion ensued. Mr. Tanguma stated that he felt the Commission might be overstepping its bounds by telling property owners they "have" to irrigate and what they can plant on the property. Mrs. Becker asked if the wooden fence has been broken several times and has required considerable maintenance, had thought been given to a concrete wall? She stated that she has seen several concrete walls that are most attractive, and she felt an attractive concrete wall would be better than a broken wooden fence or the chain-link/slat fencing. -9- Mr. Williams asked if the Commission could be told what powers they do have; he stated that he, too, felt the Commission is overstepping its bounds by determining that irrigating systems be installed, etc. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the Commission was not overstepping its bounds; that the Commission does, in fact, have the power to determine that fencing and landscaping shall be installed, an:l that the landscaping shall be maintained. If they feel that an irrigation system is required, it may be a condition on the approval. Discussion followed. Becker moved: Carson seconded: The off-street parking plan be referred back to the applicant for more clarification, specifically on lighting, fencing, and land- scaped buffers. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the Medical Center has been delayed several weeks in getting the matter to the Commission, and are under some pressure to get the parking lots developed. She felt the Commission should ask Mr. Oswald what problems might be created if this matter were to be delayed until June 3rd. Mr. Oswald stated that they do have some time constraints, and would like to resolve this as quickly as possible. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Becker stated that she felt this is setting a precedent, and that it should be done correctly. She asked if it would be possible to approve the lots with the conditions as suggested, and resolve the differences by having the staff work with the people from the Medical Center? Mr. Wanush stated this is possible; he pointed out, however, the possibility that what is worked out may not be quite what the Commission wanted. If there is a particular problem with something, it could be brought back to the Commission for consideration. Mr. Tanguma asked about the possibility of the staff working with the hospital personnel and reporting back to the Commission at a special meeting next week? Mr. McBrayer stated he would rather do that than approve something this evening that was not satisfactory. Mrs . Becker stated that there are some parts of the project that can be started and need not be held up because some of the conditions are not worked out. Mr. Wanush stated that the staff would work with the Medical Center per- sonnel to issue permits on the items that have been resolved. Mrs. Becker, with the consent of Mr. Carson, withdrew the motion. Becker moved: Carson seconded: That the Planning Commission approve Case #13-80, the off-street parking plan for the area at South Logan Street, East Girard Avenue and South Pennsylvania Street, with the following conditions: 1. Curb cuts will be constructed to City standards. 2 0 A profile of the alley will be submitted to the Engineering Department and the alley will be paved to City standards. -10- 3. All damaged and broken concrete will be removed and replaced. 4. All islands within the parking lot shall be landscaped with plants, shrubs, and/or trees. That Swedish Medical Center and the staff of Community Develop- ment work on the following conditions, and bring the findings back to the Planning Commission at a special meeting or a date to be determined by the staff: 1. Lighting for the parking lot will be installed so that light does not extend beyond the perimeter of the parking lot. 2. Curb stops will be installed within the parking lot. 3. Decorative, Closed-face wood fences, or concrete, block or brick walls shall be used in areas designated for fence- type screening. 4. A landscaped screening buffer not less than five feet in width shall be provided on the north side of the parking lot along East Girard Avenue and on the east side of the lot along South Pennsylvania Street. AYES: Draper, McBrayer, Senti, Tanguma, Becker, Barbre, Carson NAYS: Williams ABSENT: Pierson The motion carried. IV. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER Off-Street Parking Lot South Clarkson Street and East Hampden Avenue. Becker moved: .CASE #14-80 Senti seconded: The Planning Commission approve Case #14-80, the off-street parking lot proposed for the northeast corner of the South Clarkson Street /East Hampden Avenue intersection, with the following conditions: 1. Curb cuts shall be constructed to City standards. 2. A profile of the alley in the parking lot shall be submitted to the Engineering Department, and the alley shall be paved to City standards. 3. All damaged or broken concrete shall be removed and replaced. That the staff and Swedish Medical Center shall further consider · the following conditions and shall present them to the Commission at a date to be determined by the staff. 1. Lighting for the parking lot shall be installed so that light does not extend beyond the perimeter of the parking lot. -11- 2. Curb stops shall be installed within the parking lot. 3. Decorative, closed-face wood fences, or concrete, block or brick walls shall be used in areas designated for fence- type screening. 4. All islands within the parking lot shall be landscaped with plants, shrubs, or trees. AYES: Carson, Draper, McBrayer, Senti, Tanguma, Becker, Barbre NAYS: Williams ABSENT: Pierson The motion carried. V. KLODE'S TOWING AND SALVAGE DISTRIBUTION Expansion of Use Not Mentioned. CASE #15-80 Mr. Draper stated he understood that the applicant had asked that this matter be postponed until the meeting of June 3, 1980; the Chair so ordered. VI. DONALD MARSHALL CASE #17-80 3270/72/74/76/78/80 South Bannock Street Mrs. Romans stated that this is an informational matter only and will require no action by the Commission. The Planning Commission and City Council considered a rezoning of the sub- ject property in 1977. The Planning Commission recommended that the rezoning be granted and that the use of the property be restricted to that of an office building, or any use per- mitted by the general provision #107 of the B-1 Zone District. The recommendation was sent to the City Council; however, the ordinance finally passed by the City Council approving the B-1 Zone District on the property, did not limit the use of the property to any specific use. Mr. Marshall filed an application for a Planned Development on the property, which Planned De- velopment was for the construction of an addition to his present office building. The Planned Development was approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. There are three duplex units on the property, and the individual who holds the mortgage on the property has stated that these duplex units may not be demolished until the mortgage is paid off. The units are vacant and are being vandalized. Mr. Marshall wants to get rid of the units, but because of the market, Mr. Marshall cannot construct the office building at this time, and wants to use the land as a parking lot to be leased by Continental National Bank in the interim. The Planned Develop- ment would remain on the books, and if any other structure were to be built on the site, it would have to conform to the Planned Development, or come back to the Planning Commission. It was felt that the Commission should be informed of the -12- status of the site, and of Mr. Marshall's plan for an interim use of the land. Mr. Marshall appeared before the Commission and stated that he still wants to construct an office building on the site, but cannot do so at the present time. The staff felt that the Commission should be notified of the interim use of the land. He asked if there were any questions or objections to the proposal? Mr. Tanguma asked if the Bank would maintain the parking lot, and asked approximately how many cars the lot would contain? Mr. Marshall stated that the Bank would have the responsibility of maintaining the lot, and that probably 40 cars could be parked in the lot. He emphasized that the lot will not be for the public, but will be employee parking. He stated that he has discussed this interim use with the neighbors and the neighbor to the north stated that he liked it better than the prospective office building. He does plan to build a solid wood fence along the property line. There were no further questions of Mr. Marshall. Mr. Draper stated that at this point, the Commission would recess and reconvene in Conference Room A. Mr. McBrayer stated that he disagreed with Mr. Williams' contention that the Commission was exceeding its bounds in consideration of the off-street parking lots for Swedish Medical Center . He stated that he feels "the first concern of the Commission is to plan for a better Englewood as opposed to Swedish Medical Center spending a few extra bucks to make it pretty." He stated that he felt there is a reason the Planning Commission must look at parking lots of a given size. Mr. McBrayer stated that he realized that he is _a new member of the Commission, and he is asking for clarification and assistance as much as expressing an opinion. He stated that he feels the Planning Commission serves as "watch dogs" for the community, and if this is not the case, he would like to know. Mr. Wanush stated that he was in agreement with Mr. McBrayer's view; if the Commission does not look at matters such as landscaping, screening, etc., what would the Commission review when the plans are brought in for consideration? He stated that the Commission must consider the impact on the area. Mr. Williams stated that he still felt the Commission was exceeding its authority a bit; he stated that he felt the Commission was trying to tell property owners what they can do on their own property more than they should. Mr. Tanguma stated that there comes a point where, while technically yet within the bounds set by City Council and Charter, the Commission may be excessive in the requirements placed on a property owner. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the Commission should debate these issues; that this is why the Commission is formed. Mr. Williams stated he felt that perhaps the Commission needed a legal interpretation on the J -13- authority and rights of the Planning Commission in imposing requirements and restrictions on property owners. VII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush stated that he had nothing to bring before the Commission. VIII. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Draper recessed the Commission, to reconvene in Conference Room A for discussion of the Capital Improvement Program. The meeting reconvened in Conference Room A with the following attendance: PRESENT: Barbre, Becker, Carson, Draper, McBrayer, Tanguma, Senti ABSENT: Pierson, Williams IX. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. Mr. Wanush stated that the City Charter requires that the Planning Commission recommend a five-year Capital Improvement Program to the City Manager each year, and that such report shall be made 90 days prior to the budget review. Mr. Wanush stated that this will be a preliminary consideration this evening, and that at the meeting of June 3rd, an in-depth study and consideration of the departmental requests will be made. Mr. Wanush stated that a review of the last five year's pro- jects indicates that 40% of the monies have been spent on Parks and Recreation projects, and 40% of the monies have been spent on streets and roads projects. Mr. Wanush stated that the department heads have been more involved in the process this year, and that while individual projects have not been con- sidered, the concerns of the City in the 80's has been dis- cussed. Two goals were set, which are: (1) To continue to maintain Englewood as a full-service City, and (2) To enrich the quality of life for those persons who live and work within the City. Objectives which further these goals are: (1) Economic Stabilization/Tax Base Improvement; (2) Energy Conservation; (3) Water and Sewer Management; (4) Aesthetic and Environmental Improvement; (5) Storm Control System; (6) Complete Existing Projects; (7) Redevelop Deteriorating Residential Areas; (8) Transportation, and (9) Public Recreation. The staff wants to develop a rating system using these goals, which would count 50% to 60% on the total rating. A priority criteria system has also been devised, which takes into account the Comprehensive Plan, Need, Extent of Service, Public Support, -14- Public Health or Safety, Efficiency of Service, Project Design, Related Projects, Legal Requirement and Fund Leveraging. An evaluation of the department projects has been prepared, as well as a summary indicating the estimated cost of the projects. Mr. Wanush indicated a bulletin board on which the projects have been listed, and the status of the project has been color coded to indicate whether it is a new project, or whether it is in the six-quarter budget at the present time. Discussion en- sued. Mr. Carson asked that the request regarding the "Simon Center Basement" be explained. Mr. Wanush stated that the basement in the Simon Center is totally unused, and that it could be used for expansion of some of the programs in the Parks and Recreation Department that pertain to the elderly. It would require a heating system, plumbing, etc. to make it usable. The Englewood Housing Authority owns the building, but the City does have some rights to lease the space if both the Housing Authority and City Council agree. Mr. McBrayer asked if any location had been proposed for the northeast fire station? Mr. Wanush stated that no location has been proposed,and while there may not be any real problems, the matter of response time is of concern to Fire officials. While we presently have an "acceptable" response time, it could be improved were the equipment at Fire Station #1 to be relocated. A brief discussion ensued . Mr. Wanush stated that this would be more fully discussed at the meeting of June 3rd. X. SLIDE SHOW. Mrs. Marjorie Becker presented slides depicting parking lots in San Francisco, Concord, and Albuquerque. Parking lots were landscaped on the sides and structured parking was landscaped on the top in several cases. Decorative concrete walls and fences were depicted in several cases, also. Mr. Wanush noted that the parking lots in San Francisco were well landscaped, and there was considerable landscaping around the buildings and on the streets. He stated that he wondered if this is what the developers and property owners wanted, or was it a governmental requirement. Mrs. Becker was thanked for her presentation. She indicated that she had slides on parks and recreation, downtown develop- ment, and solar energy that she would be happy to show at a later date. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.