Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-03-03 PZC MINUTES' • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION . March 3, 1981 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Judith Pierson at 7:00 P. M. Members present: McBrayer, Pierson, Senti, Tanguma, Barbre, Carson Powers, Ex-officio Members absent: Draper, Becker Also present: Assistant Director Dorothy A. Romans Associate Planner Barbara S. Young II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Pierson stated that the Minutes of February 17, 1981, were to be considered for approval. Carson moved: Tanguma seconded: The Minutes of February 17, 1981, be approved as written. AYES: Pierson, Senti, Tanguma, Barbre, Carson NAYS: None ABSTAIN: McBrayer ABSENT: Becker, Draper The motion carried. III. BICYCLE TRAIL SYSTEM CASE #32-80 Mrs. Pierson stated that the matter before the Commission is consideration of a proposed bicycle trail system through the City of Englewood. She noted that an information brochure has been prepared from the slides and transparencies used by Mr. McBrayer at the two public bicycle trail system meetings. Mr. McBrayer asked the Commission members how detailed they wanted the presentation to be , inasmuch as most of the members have attended the public meetings that have been held on the proposal. Mr. McBrayer stated that he has met with Mr. Joe Plizga, the Traffic Engineer for the City, and that they have made a few changes to the plan since the meeting on February 24th. Mrs. Pierson stated that since the Commission members were familiar with the material, she felt that the presentation could be limited to those changes which Mr. McBrayer and Mr. Plizga have proposed . Mr. McBrayer made reference to the map of the proposed trail system. The change is to use Chenango Avenue rather than Layton Avenue between South Sherman Street and South Windermere Street • -2-~ because there is a light at Chenango Avenue for bicyclists to cross Broadway, and there is no light at Layton Avenue. Tufts Avenue is not recommended because there has been a high rate • of accidents at the Tufts/Broadway intersection, and it is carrying a higher volume of traffic. Ed Draper entered the meeting at 7:05 P. M. Mr. McBrayer stated that by making use of Chenango Avenue for the bicycle trail route, Sinclair Middle School would be served, and it could tie into Mariposa Drive and South Windermere Street in order to join the trails in Belleview Park. Also, the lights at Chenango and Broadway are activated by vehicles, and Mr. Plizga felt that a pedestrian-actuated button could be installed at this intersection similar to that which is on the U.S. 285- South Sherman crossing that bicyclists could activate to give them additional time to cross the intersection. Mr. McBrayer stated that the plan is separated into phases; the first being the immediate implementation of the on-street system, and the second phase being future trails along the City Ditch and other drainageways. Mr. Glen Helfer 4501 South Lipan Court -stated that he is concerned about the bicycle trails along the City Ditch. He stated that there is private property along the Ditch; for example, he has an easement on his property for the Ditch to .im. flow through, but that is the limitation that is placed in the ~· deed. To use it for any other purpose the City would have to resort to condemnation of property. Mr. McBrayer stated that he understood the route along the City Ditch was considered as part of the bicycle trail system in the initial 1974 Plan, and asked for verification from Mrs. Romans. Mrs. Romans stated that as a rule, the City has a 25 foot easement along the City Ditch; 15 feet on the "down-side", and 10 feet on the "up-side" so that the ditch may be maintained. Permission has been granted over the years by the City Council for portions of the Ditch to be piped and for encroachments for fences, etc. Mrs. Romans stated that the only way to deter- mine ownership along the City Ditch is to review the old records on the Ditch. Mrs. Betty Helfer 4501 South Lipan Court -stated that the back door of her house is about 10 feet from the Ditch, and that the Ditch is not maintained. Mr. Helfer stated that he is a lawyer, and has checked the deed to his property which contains an easement for one purpose, and that is to allow the flow of water through the Ditch. He stated that he did not see the need for condemnation of private property when there is public property available to be used for bicycle • routes. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt the Corrrrnission is concerned ' • • -3- at this time with the innnediate designation of bicycle trails on-street, and with the reconnnendation of future trails. She stated that she _felt it was important to have the connnents of the audience on record for reference when the future trails are considered. Mr. Jerry Ray 4505 South Lipan Court -stated that he had attended the last meeting of the bicycle trail connnittee on February 24th and posed the question of use of the right-of- way along the Ditch; the answers he received at that meeting were "vague". He stated that he felt it should be on record that along the City Ditch is the only place where the bicycle trail system would cross private property. He stated that the trail system would cross his property and that of Mr. and Mrs. Helfer, and would extend along the boundary of Mr. Hofer's property at 1327 West Tufts Avenue. Mr. Ray pointed out that he is personally not opposed to the bicycle trail system, and is in favor of such a system if an alternative to the taking of private property can be worked out. He suggested that possibly the trail system could be routed to the proposed street through the Garrett property at 1451 West Tufts Avenue. Mr. Ray stated that he has also gone through his deed, which goes back into the 1800's, and has found no evidence of any transfer of rights to the City . Mrs. Romans stated that she had a memorandum that she would like to give members of the Connnission. Mrs. Romans stated that at the meeting of February 24, 1981, there was some question about the $3,000 proposed for educational programs. Mr. Goldstein, Planning Assistant, contacted the Mountain Bicycle Association to determine what they offered in the way of educational programs. There is a training program available to Physical Education teachers which costs approximately $100 per teacher. This program is available during the sunnner and could then become a part of the curriculum of the school system. Mrs. Romans stated that the Englewood School District has four Physical Education teachers that could be involved in this program, for a cost of $100. The Mountain Bicycle Association also has a kit which sells for $150 which each Physical Educa- tion teacher would have to have, amounting to an additional $600. It would appear that $1,000 would cover the costs of training the Physical Education teachers and providing them with the kits so they could provide this education to the students in the elementary schools. Mountain Bicycle Association will also work with connnunities to determine the best route, signing, etc., which service costs approximately $100 per day. Mrs. Romans pointed out that there are four school districts serving children living in the City of Englewood. This program should also be brought to the attention of the Littleton, Cherry Creek and Sheridan School Districts in order that the children attending those schools will have the opportunity for the same training as those attending the Englewood School District. Mrs. Romans stated that an alternative to working through the , -4- school system, is to train the firemen to make the presentations and train the children in the proper use of bicycles. Mrs. Romans pointed out that it has been the firemen who have been • licensing the bicycles for several years. Mrs. Romans stated that it would appear that the proposed $3,000 for the educational program would be more than ample. Mrs. Romans stated that mention was made at the public meeting on February 24th of an ordinance which would prohibit bicycles from being ridden in the parks. She stated that she had checked into this and there is no ordinance , but there is a Parks and Recreation Department rule that bicycles must be ridden on designated paths in the parks; they may not be ridden in areas of high concentration of use such as near the playgrounds and picnic areas . Parks and Recreation Director Romans has stated that his department will cooperate in the implementation of the approved bicycle trail system. Mrs. Romans stated that she understood Mr.McBrayer had been invited to make a presentation on the bicycle trail system to the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 12th; this meeting will start at 5:00 P.M. in the In-service Training Room in the Parks & Recreation Department . Mr. McBrayer stated that a representative of the Mountain Bicycle Association was in attendance at the first meeting of the bicycle trail committee, and it was his feeling that they were "trying to sell something to the City". Mr. McBrayer acknowledged that the Mountain Bicycle Association has a good program. He did not want to see the entire $3,000 which is proposed for education spent on their program, however. Mr. McBrayer stated that he understood Traffic Engineer Plizga visits the Englewood Schools and makes presentations, and that Mr. Plizga has indicated he would be willing to incorporate the bicycle education program into his presentation. Mrs. Pierson asked how many days Mr. McBrayer would estimate the services of the Mountain Bicycle Association might be needed? Mr. McBrayer stated that he could not make such an estimate at this time. Mrs. Romans stated that she didn't think they would be needed for an extended period of time, and pointed out that both Mr. Plizga and Mr. Romans have good backgrounds in bicycle safety and bicycle trail systems. Discussion ensued. Mr. McBrayer stated that he would like to see flexibility in the funding of the bicycle trail system. If an item is estimated at a given amount, but can be accomplished for less and the remaining funds used to better purpose in an- other phase of implementation, this should be permitted. Mrs. Pierson asked if there was further discussion. Mr. McBrayer stated that he felt the Commission could recommend the implementa-• tion of the bicycle trail system as defined in the report, with the revision to show the use of Chenango Avenue rather than Layton Avenue. • • McBrayer moved: Carson seconded: -5- The Planning Commission recommend to City Council the implementation of the bicycle trail system as set forth in the report dated February 24, 1981, and revised March 3, 1981. It is understood that the allocated funds may not necessarily be utilized in the proportions as outlined in the report. AYES: Pierson, Senti, Tanguma, Barbre, Carson, Draper, McBrayer NAYS: None ABSENT: Becker The motion carried. IV. PUBLIC FORUM. Mrs. Pierson asked if any member of the audience would like to address the Commission? Mr. Helfer suggested that the Englewood Traffic Engineer could consult with the Denver Traffic Engineer on the matter of the bicycle trail system, and get the same information for free that would be paid to Mountain Bicycle Association. He pointed out that the matter of routing and signing has already been worked out by the City of Denver, and there is no need to pay for this information when it can be obtained free. Mrs. Pierson thanked Mr. Helfer for his suggestion. Mr . Draper inquired if Mr. Helfer's statements regarding the Ditch right-of-way were correct? Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City of Denver controlled the City Ditch until four or five years ago. The right-of-way has apparently been obtained in different ways; part of it may be by Quit Claim Deed, part of it by easement, and the only way to determine the actual status would be to review the old records. She pointed out that it will be difficult to develop a bicycle trail system along the Ditch because of the encroachments that have been permitted. She added that the Ditch is in fact maintained, and she is aware of several instances in which the ditch rider has notified the Utilities Department that sections of the Ditch have been in need of repair. Discussion ensued. V. DIRECTOR 'S CHOICE. Ms. Powers stated that there is a City Council meeting on March 16th; she asked if the Commission wanted the Bicycle Trail System referred to City Council for that meeting? Ms. Powers stated that she felt all the City Council members, with the possible exception of Ms. Keena, have seen the presentation previously. Mr. McBrayer stated that he planned to attend the meeting and asked if he should encourage members of the bicycle trails com- mittee to attend also? Ms. Powers stated that she felt it would -6- be well to have some show of support at the City Council meeting. Mr. McBrayer stated that he also felt that Traffic Engineer • Plizga and someone from the Parks and Recreation Commission and/or Department should be in attendance . Mr. McBrayer stated that Traffic Engineer Plizga has some concerns regarding the on- street designation of bicycle trails, such as the potential for the City being sued if a child is hit while on a bicycle in a designated bicycle lane. Discussion ensued. Ms. Powers discussed the funding for the implementation of the bicycle trail system, cautioning the Commission that they would not have the responsibility of the implementation of the program. Further discussion ensued. Ms. Powers reported on progress of the Prowswood development; they have started grading and will obtain permits for the founda- tion as soon as the plans have been approved by the Plan Checker. They have obtained permission to begin grading and excavation work on the site. Ms. Powers stated that she proposed to make a presentation on the Downtown Plan on March 17th and would attempt to get Don Ensign of the Design Workshop, Inc., to be at that meeting. Ms. Powers stated that some of the items coming out of the planning process such as flood control, high-rise construction, etc., need to be considered and decisions rendered within the next three months. Ms. Powers stated that the City Council has requested that the Planning Commission meet with them at a dinner meeting on March 17th, at 5:30 P.M. in the Library Conference Room, and a letter has been forwarded to Mrs. Pierson to that effect. Ms. Powers asked what is proposed for funding on the future bicycle trail system? Mr. McBrayer stated that he felt this should be considered in further detail, but that the initial implementation should be accomplished first. Ms. Powers stated that the annual dinner meeting of the Denver Regional Council of Governments is to be held on March 20th; she asked any members who are interested in attending to please notify the staff. Mr. Senti and Mr. Carson both indicated they were interested in attending the COG dinner meeting. Ms. Powers reminded the Commission members that the APA Con- ference in Boston is to be April 25 thru April 29. Reservations must be made by March 20th, and the Commission should determine who will attend this meeting. Mrs. Pierson asked who on the Commission was interested in attending? Mr. Tanguma and Mr. Senti both indicated they were interested . Mrs. Pierson stated that she was also rather interested in going, but would not put her name in active consideration at this time, inasmuch as there is only funding for one member of the Commission to attend. • Written voting on the attendance at the APA Conference resulted in the designation of Mr. Tanguma as the attendee from the Planning Commission. The possibility of funding for two members of the Commission to attend the Conference was discussed. • • -7- Carson moved: Tanguma seconded: The Commission request additional funds from the City Council to send two members of the Planning Commission to the American Planning Association Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. AYES: Senti, Tanguma, Barbre, Carson, Pierson NAYS: Draper, McBrayer ABSENT: Becker The motion carried. Ms. Powers asked if someone wanted to appear at the City Council meeting on March 9th to request the additional funding, or if it should be done by letter? Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt the Commission should send a letter to the City Council requesting the additional funding. Mr. Tanguma stated that he would attend the Council meeting to discuss the additional funding. VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt the Commission should con- sider the agenda for the Planning Commission/City Council dinner meeting on March 17th. She noted that Messrs. Senti, Tanguma and Carson were to get together on the matter of redevelopment incentives. She asked if Mr. Senti would spend some time at the Commission/Council meeting discussing the problems of re- development with single-family structures. Mr. Senti indicated that he would. Discussion ensued. Mr. Carson pointed out that the Planning Commission had asked for the meeting with the City Council, and he felt the Commission wanted the input from the City Council on some of the matters that the Commission is now or will be considering in the near future. He stated that he felt the Commission should find out what the philosophy of the City Council is regarding residential development in the City. Mr. McBrayer stated that it is his experience that most of the new development is leaning toward the semi-detached or cluster housing. By using the cluster housing technique, land costs are decreased, thus rendering more affordable housing. Mr. Carson stated that he felt the Downtown Plan should be dis- cussed. Mrs. Pierson pointed out that Mrs. Romans was also planning to discuss some of the changes proposed in the re- vision of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The Hampden- Ithaca one-way couplet had also been mentioned as a possible item for discussion. Mrs. Pierson asked if City Council had been given copies of the prioritization of the goals and specific actions that the Commission drafted from the Com- prehensive Plan? Mrs. Romans indicated that the City Council had been given copies of these goals and priorities. The matter of the Community Center was another matter been mentioned for discussion with the City Council. suggested that possibly this should be discussed with Council by the Parks and Recreation Commission. that had Ms. Powers the City -8- Mr. Tanguma suggested that if too many items are included on the agenda, there would not be sufficient time to adequately consider each item. Further discussion ensued . Mrs. Pierson stated that she would try to discuss a proposed agenda for the meeting with Mayor Otis. Items that were suggested for inclusion on the agenda were: 1) Revitalization of single-family areas. 2) Philosophy of City Council regarding redevelopment by two-family units. 3) Downtown Plan. 4) Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance revision. 5) U.S. 285/Ithaca one-way couplet. Mr. Draper stated that he felt there should also be some dis- cussion on the progress of the City Attorney's office regarding the permanent ordinance on adult entertainment uses. Ms. Powers stated that a Hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9th at 1:30 P.M. in Colorado Springs on their ordinance which restricts adult entertainment operations. This case is one in which Mr. DeWitt has been extremely interested in light of the require- ment that non-conforming uses must relocate within 120 days. Mr. DeWitt has written the Englewood Ordinance to require termination of the use within 180 days. Mr. Carson asked the outcome of the Water Tower suit? Mrs. Romans stated that she understood the plaintiffs did not file any further information, and that the Judge has not yet rendered a decision. Mr. McBrayer asked about the Design Review Committee? Ms. Powers stated that the staff met several weeks ago with Mr. Bill Howard, who had chaired the initial Design Review Committee meeting. Ms. Powers stated that the consultant hired to do the Downtown Plan is to come up with generalized design standards for the downtown area. It was the staff feeling that rather than having an ad hoc committee working on many of the same items that Mr. Ensign was engaged to work on, the consultant should be given the opportunity to develop the design standards and then these standards can be further reviewed. Mrs. Pierson reminded Mr. Senti that he had indicated he would contact the South Suburban Board of Realtors about participating in a bulk purchase of exterior paint for homeowners in target areas to improve the appearance of their homes. Mr. Senti stated that he had not yet contacted the Board. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. • • MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR • RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. ' DATE: March 3, 1981 SUBJECT: Bicycle Trail System RECOMMENDATION: McBrayer moved: Carson seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council the implementation of the bicycle trail system as set forth in the report dated February 24, 1981, and revised March 3, 1981. It is understood that the allocated funds may not necessarily be utilized in the proportions as outlined in the report. AYES: Pierson, Senti, Tanguma, Barbre, Carson, Draper, McBrayer NAYS: None ABSENT: Becker The motion carried. By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. fL~c/~u;-rtrude G .wel :cording Secre~y