HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-05 PZC MINUTES•
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I.
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
October 5, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at
7:00 p .m . in the Council Chambers of the Englewood Civic Center, Chair Krieger presiding.
Present:
Absent:
Staff :
Bleile, Diekmeier, Krieger, Mosteller, Mueller, Roth, Schum, Welker
Hunt
John Voboril, Planner
Darren Hollingsworth, Economic Development Coordinator
Nancy Reid , Assistant City Attorney
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 21 , 2004
Mr. Diekmeier moved;
Ms . Mueller seconded : To approve the September 21 , 2004 Minutes.
A YES:
NAYS :
Bleile, Diekmeier, Krieger, Mosteller, Roth , Schum, Welker
None
ABSTAIN: Mueller
ABSENT: Hunt
Motion carried .
Ill. APPROVAL OF FINDINGS OF FACT
Case #2004-28 Auto Use Ordinance
Mr. Bleile moved;
Mr. Schum seconded : To approve the Findings of Fact in Case #2 004-28, Auto
Use Ordinance.
Mr. Roth asked what happens if the Findings have a 4-4 vote. Ms. Reid stated the Findings
would not pass and the case would not be forwarded to Council with a favorable
recommendation . Mr. Welker clarified that the Findings of Fact are simply a record of the
Commission 's conclusions and decision of the case. It is not a statement of whether a
Commissioner approves of what they say. Chair Krieger agreed; a Commissioner is simply
agreeing that the Findings correctl y state the facts of the case.
Mr. Welker stated if a Commissioner feels the Findings are inaccurate, the Commissioner
should discuss why he /she feels they don 't accurately reflect the meeting. The vote is not
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for the public hearing motion. Mr. Roth stated he believes the Findings contain statements
that are open to interpretation. Ms. Reid advised the Commission that it would be helpful
to clarify any "nay" vote on the Findings of Fact. To further clarify, Ms. Reid stated the
Minutes are the record of the meeting; the Findings of Fact are the Commission's
conclusions based on the Minutes.
Mr. Roth stated he understands that voting against the Findings doesn't change his original
vote; however, it doesn 't mean he believes that it is consistent with the recently adopted
South Broadway Plan. Mr. Welker stated the Commission could always consider a motion
to reconsider; a member who voted in the affirmative can always make that motion. The
Commission continued to discuss the conclusions contained within the Findings of Fact.
AYES :
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Bleile, Diekmeier, Krieger, Mosteller, Schum , Welker
Roth; Mr. Roth stated he believes the Auto Use Ordinance is not consistent
with the recently adopted South Broadway Plan.
Mueller
Hunt
Motion carried .
IV. PUBLIC HEARING
Case #2004-10, Bicycle Plan
Mr. Schum moved;
Ms . Mosteller seconded : That the public hearing be opened for Case #2004-10.
John Voboril, Planner was sworn in and entered proof of publication into the record. Mr.
Voboril introduced Wendy Weiman, Civil Engineer with the Public Works Department, who
will also be presenting. Mr. Voboril expressed his appreciation to the Public Works
Department and gratitude to Ms. Weiman for the teamwork they have shown Community
Development with regards to the Master Bicycle Plan. Mr. Voboril further extended his
gratitude to the Commission for their excellent input at the previous study session for the
Master Bicycle Plan .
Mr. Voboril stated the Commission packet included the Master Bicycle Plan and the Master
Bicycle Plan Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan . The intent of the Master Bicycle Plan
is to serve as a vision of a comprehensive bicycle route and trail system which will be
implemented over the next 20 years. The document is intended to present a complete set
of projects toward that end; each of which will be further studied and refined throughout
the implementation process. The document is also intended to be designed to be a flexible
document in recognition that slight modifications may need to be made throughout the
implementation process. The addendum serves as a "Reader's Digest" version of the Master
Plan document. It will be added as an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan as an
implementation piece .
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Staff requests the Commission make a determination as to whether the Master Bicycle Plan
and the companion addendum to the Comprehensive Plan is in conformance with the
goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
The current bicycle system stems back to the 1981 Bicycle Plan. This Plan was envisioned
to have three different phases ; the first phase was completed and implemented. The
second and third phases never occurred due to various reasons . Over the last 15 years, the
City made some slight modifications to the current system but without a coherent, up-to-
date, comprehensive master plan to guide it.
With the establishment of the new Englewood comprehensive planning process in 2000, a
joint transportation study was conducted by Public Works, Community Development, and
Carter Burgess. There was extensive public outreach for the study, which asked questions
regarding the transportation needs in neighborhoods. The most profound conclusion
reached was the need to raise the importance of transportation alternatives to the single,
occupant automobile. This is due to the difficulties with limited right of way in Englewood,
as well as the very high cost associated with expanding roadway capacity. In light of that
conclusion, staff began to prepare a Master Bic y cle Plan to address the need for a more
comprehensi v e multi-modal transportation system in Englewood.
Wendy Weiman, Civil Engineer, was sworn in. When developing the Master Bicycle Plan,
staff realized that because Englewood is almost built out there is very little opportunity to
construct new trails or build new roads which can accommodate bicycle lanes. One area
Englewood has working for it, however, is a grid street system which is ideal for the use of
bike routes. Denver utilizes such a grid route system and has one of the most successful
systems in the region. Ms . Weiman stated she worked with James MacKay, a bike planner
who is ver y well known and respected in the bicycle planning community. She wanted to
determine exactly what made Denver's bicycle route system so successful and what
Englewood could utilize. Denver numbered its route similar to a street system. They then
signed those routes with their designated route numbers along with directional information.
This was used in conjunction with maps that were widely distributed, which offers a
roadmap for cyclists. Fortunately with Denver bordering Englewood to the north, the City
has the opportunity to tie into and model their route system.
Staff extended Denver's routes into Englewood and based the City's numbering system off
of Denver's. This way the routes do not just end at the City's borders but continue on into
the two cities which will promote cycling between them, as well as connect amenities and
facilities in Englewood. Englewood routes will be signed with MUTCD numbered route
signs and also be signed with directional information. The bike route maps will be
developed and the routes and trails with be signed with signs that are unique to
Englewood. For example, the Pirates Cove logo will be used on all signs that direct cyclists
to the water park. A sign will also be created with a specific look and Englewood logo so
that cyclists become familiar with the ty pe of sign and know that when they see it they will
know it will guide them to destinations along the bike routes or trails .
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Also in the Plan , staff looked at bicycle amenities, such as bicycle parking, air stations, and
water fountains . Staff also looked at new amenities such as bicycle video detection and
bicycle/pedestrian timers.
Staff also incorporated the Commission's comments from the previous study session into
the Master Bicycle Plan .
Mr. Voboril stated the following three major points support a determination of
conformance with the Comprehensive Plan:
1. The Master Bicycle Plan adequately conforms to the policy directions
expressed in the Transportation Goals and Objectives of the Comprehensive
Plan. Transportation objectives that specifically relate or mention bicycle
planning include the following :
a. Objective 1-1 Emphasize capacity improvements to bicycle modes of
transportation
b. Objective 1-4 Maximize travel choice opportunities
c. Objective 2-3 Improve air quality and reduce fossil fuel usage
d . Objective 2-4 Increase awareness of bicycle safety issues
e. Objective 4-1 Create continuous non-motorized connections
f. Objective 4-2 Improve bicycle facilities and infrastructure
g. Objective 4-5 Achieve community integration through the design of
a full transportation network
2. The Master Bicycle Plan is also supportive of policy direction stated in other
sections of the Comprehensive Plan . Parks and Open Space Objective 4-5,
5-1 , 5-2 , and 5-3 mention new trails as a significant part of open space
planning, as well as the provision of connections between key recreational
lands and facilities. Business Employment Objective 3-4 advocates a greater
bicycle orientation within and between commercial districts, residential
neighborhoods, and communities. Environmental Quality Objective 5-1
promotes environmentally friendly alternatives to the automobile including
bicycling. MetroVision 2020 Regional Cooperation Objective 2-5 and 2-8
recognize the importance of bicycle planning in local Comprehensive Plans
and advocate the enhancement of the attractiveness and convenience of
non-motorized modes in serving nonrecreational travel.
3. The Master Bicycle Plan is reasonably complete and comprehensive . The
Master Bicycle Plan document includes the following sections which outline:
a. On-street bicycle route system, as well as an off-street bicycle trail
system.
b. The establishment of standards for bicycle lanes.
c. Key, critical, missing links in the bicycle trail and route system .
d . Bicycle amenity improvements throughout the community.
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In light of the three major key points which support a determination of conformance with
the Comprehensive Plan , staff asks the Commission to recognize the Master Bicycle Plan as
a working, visionary plan for a future bicycle trail and route system that is consistent with
Roadmap Englewood: The 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan, and serves as a
supporting document for the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan . Further, staff
asks the Commission to forward the Master Bicycle Plan to City Council with a favorable
recommendation for adoption.
Mr. Bleile asked if horses were allowed on the trails. Mr. Roth stated they are not allowed
in the City. Mr. Voboril stated the Plan doesn 't address whether or not horses are allowed
on the trails, but he believes there would be some problems associated with horses using
the trails .
Ms. Mosteller complimented staff on a job well done on the Plan. For clarification, she
asked whether or not it made a difference if there were items in the addendum that weren 't
in the Master Plan. Mr. Voboril stated it did make a difference and asked if she had any
specific items . Ms. Mosteller stated the General Irons trail didn 't appear to be in both
documents . Mr. Voboril stated it is located on the maps, which is part of the Master Plan.
Ms . Mosteller asked whether the bicycle/pedestrian tunnel underneath Santa Fe Drive
connecting the light rail station was also in the Master Plan . Mr. Voboril stated the tunnel is
also located on the map.
Mr. Schum stated he really likes the Plan , and staff did a great job listening to the
Commission .
. Mr. Diekmeier asked what the vision was for the maps . Ms. Weiman stated the vision is for
a regional map. Mr. Welker confirmed that it would be a posted map, not just a handout
map . Ms. Weiman stated that was correct, but eventually they would also like to have a
handout map similar to Denver's that shows the routes through Englewood, Denver, and
Littleton . Mr. Welker suggested that when Denver reprints their maps that they include the
Engle w ood routes. Ms. Weiman stated she has been working with Denver's planner, and
that is the intention once the Plan is approved.
Mr. Diekmeier stated on certain trails he has enjoyed area historic signage. Mr. Welker
suggested presenting the idea to the Historical Society. Mr. Voboril stated he has seen
some of those plaques along the South Platte River Trail in Denver near the Gates Plant.
Mr. Welker stated the City could look into the possibilities and present it to the various
service clubs and various people willing to make donations.
Ms. Mueller moved :
Mr. Diekmeier seconded: To close the public hearing for Case #2004-10.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT :
Bleile, Diekmeier, Krieger, Mosteller, Mueller, Roth, Schum , Welker
None
None
Hunt
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Motion carried .
Mr. Schum moved:
Ms. Mueller seconded: Case #2004-10, Master Bicycle Plan and Addendum, be
forwarded to City Council, with a favorable recommendation
for adoption. Further, recognize the Master Bicycle Plan as a
working, visionary plan consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan .
With no further discussion, the secretary polled the members' votes.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN :
ABSENT:
Bleile, Diekmeier, Krieger, Mosteller, Mueller, Roth, Schum, Welker
None
None
Hunt
Motion carried.
V. STUDY SESSION
a. Case #2 004-35 , Economic Development Strateg y
Darren Hollingsworth, Economic Development Coordinator stated the proposed Economic
Development Strategy formulates strategies and action items which relate to the goals and
objectives contained within the Business and Employment section of the Englewood
Comprehensive Plan . The document was developed with input from the Alliance for
Commerce in Englewood (ACE ), a business advisory group to Englewood City Council. It
was also developed with input from a city-wide business survey, as well as a series of
business forums.
The Economic Development Strategy forms a economic vision for the City. The City, ACE ,
the Chamber of Commerce, and the Englewood business community worked together on a
set of common goals, and this document is believed to set forth those goals. The Strategy
is a five to seven year plan, subject to change and input. Following the Commission 's input,
the Strategy will move forward to City Council for resolution and adoption . Staff requests
the Commission's input regarding whether the strategies meet the intent of the Business
and Employment section of the Comprehensive Plan and if there are additional strategies
the Commission would recommend for discussion.
Regarding the Business Retention and Attraction section, Mr. Welker stated he had some
concern with the terminology "living wage employers." The idea of a living wage is
somewhat construed to be minimal. Later on the document points out a strategy of being
"equal to or better than" the current wage standards. He suggested adding wording that
was more optimistic, because the current terminology indicates maintaining status quo.
Mr. Hollingsworth responded there are definitions that vary region to region . In the
metropolitan area there is not a specific number that defines a living wage, but it is beyond
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the median wage in the City of Englewood . One of the goals of the Strategy is to increase
the quality of jobs in the City . Mr. Welker suggested using the term "improved wage
scale ." Discussion ensued regarding the terminology.
Ms. Mosteller asked how the targeted industry list was developed. Mr. Hollingsworth
responded that it was a cooperative process involving the Comprehensive Plan, Business &
Emplo y ment Committee, the business surveys, ACE business forums, and an open dialogue
within the business community.
Ms. Mosteller asked if staff considered what regional industry clusters are being targeted for
the Denver metro area. She is aware of the top nine industries in the area, and there is very
little crossover between the City's proposal versus what the metro area is targeting for
regional economic development. Mr. Hollingsworth stated the Plan looks at some regional
influences as well, specificall y the medical industry. Porter Hospital is across Englewood 's
border in Denver which relates to jobs and has economic impacts in Englewood. A lot of
those employ ees work and li v e in En glew ood . An interesting statistic is that 2 0 percent of
En glewood's w ork force li v es in En gle w o o d .
Mr. Welker st ated the City is short on app arel , appliance dealers, and furniture businesses
which were av ailable when Cinderell a City was open . Englewood citizen s had available to
them businesses which enabled them to bu y locally. He does not see an y thing in the
Strategy that addresses fillin g in som e of the gaps within that spectrum . Other businesses
that are not addressed are entertainment uses and restaurants .
Mr. Hollingsworth responded that a v oid anal y sis has been recommended as part of the
Economic Development Str ategy. The South Bro adway Plan conducted a void anal y sis ; th e
Str ategy wants to take the v oid an aly si s across the City as to what v oids exist. The void
anal y sis will assist staff in t a rgeting retailers which doesn 't necessaril y relate to the clusters .
It will be a retail void an aly sis as to wh at goods and services are being purchased outside of
Englewood. One of the City's development challenges is availability of land . The
Economic Development Strategy is not a land use document; it does not relate to an y
proposed changes to zoning. Mr. Welker stated it does reference the Ordinance and
Codes which the Commission considers .
Chair Krieger asked wh y a new void anal y sis was needed. Mr. Hollingsworth stated the
Broadway void analysis looked at purchasing patterns related to Broadway . Staff would like
a void analysis for the City to determine where we can locate some the those businesses
within the City; again available land is impeding that from happening.
For the Commission 's benefit, this y ear there have been 59 businesses who have expressed
interest in locating to or ex pandin g in Englewood, which is significant; however findin g
space for those business is challenging.
In addition to land av ail ability and Code issues, Ms. Mosteller asked what other
impediments exist in the City with regard to economic development. Mr. Hollingsworth
responded that redevelopment cost of land and potentially contaminated sites are other
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issues. Englewood has a great opportunity because of its proximity in the greater
metropolitan area .
While the Strategy is a five to seven year plan, it will have annual work programs associated
with it. One of the proposed work program items is the Creative Sign Code. Staff hopes to
see more participation in the program. Mr. Welker asked if the program would be
expanded to more districts. Mr. Hollingsworth stated as the program becomes successful
on Broadway, perhaps businesses on the Hampden corridor will become interested and the
program can be expanded.
Under Goal 2: Build, attract, and retain a quality workforce, Chair Krieger suggested adding
ways to make it easier to be an employee in the City. She would also like to see goals and
objectives in the Strategy to retain the workforce and make it more attractive to be an
employee in the city. Mr. Hollingsworth agreed; it is important to support the existing
employee base . The Strategy focuses on current activities and some proposed activities.
Some of the current activities include a referral network for businesses and employees
through Arapahoe/Douglas Works which residents can utilize to link up with Englewood
businesses . The service is also being used ver y heavil y b y the Englewood business
community as they have job va c ancies.
Mr. Welker asked if there was a local entity the City can use as more of a billboard for
people to see what is available within the City. Mr. Hollingsworth stated the City is
currently reviewing a proposal for a GIS web software which will show available
commercial properties in the City. As a prospective employer looks to expand into
Englewood, they can pull up the information and it can serve as a billboard for someone
who is looking to either stay in Englewood and grow and to relocate to Englewood.
Mr. Welker asked if there was anything available to citizens to locate businesses in
Englewood . Mr. Hollingsworth stated there is a business directory database on the City's
website, which is somewhat effective. Staff would like to strengthen that side of the
website; the database is not 100 percent because the City does not have a business
registration. The information is gathered through sales and use tax licenses; not all
businesses are required to have such a license. Discussion ensued regarding methods of
providing information to citizens and businesses on "doing business in Englewood."
Mr. Diekmeier stated there are a number of cities across the country that have adopted
some type of responsible employer language, especially regarding health care. Mr. Schum
stated the City can't require every employer in Englewood to start providing health care for
their employees. Chair Krieger stated a goal or objective wouldn't be a requirement. Mr.
Schum stated employers would start complaining, and he believes it is unreasonable. Mr.
Diekmeier stated he is only asking that it be a goal that is encouraged. Discussion ensued.
Ms. Mosteller asked if the City had a revolving loan fund for start-up or venture capital. Mr.
Hollingsworth responded that there was on a small scale . The Englewood Small Business
Development Corporation (ESBDC) provides start-up financing for business assistance up to
$30,000. If companies need assistance beyond that amount, there are referrals or
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references to additional resources. Ms. Mosteller asked if the program is utilized. Mr .
Hollingsworth stated it is not utilized as heavily as staff would l ike; the fund has existed 10
to 12 years and typically has one loan a year. The fund has $200,000 in the bank to lend.
ACE looked at the program and provided ESBDC input on how they could better use those
dollars. They suggested increasing the cap from $30,000 to $50,000. ESBDC has
implemented that change as well as lowering the interest rate to 8 percent. Discussion
continued regarding the ESBDC p rogram.
Ms. Mosteller asked if there were any tax incentives for new or existing businesses. Mr.
Hollingsworth stated that most of Englewood's commercial districts are located within the
State Enterprise Zone which is a well used program given the number of employers located
in Englewood. Englewood has approximatel y 2,200 employers, 100 of which applied for
tax credits in 2003 . Staff will be doing a 100 percent mailing on this program . The
Enterprise Zone is a state tax credit program which supports jobs, investments, job training,
job growth, health insurance, etc. It also assists employers to receive larger scale loans
through the SBA. Mr. Hollingsworth provided further information on the Enterprise Zone
tax credit.
Ms. Mosteller stated it might be helpful to more clearly delineate the impediments to
development in the introduction to set the stage. She suggested re-looking at the
regionalization approach to economic development so the City can build on what is
happening elsewhere in the metro area and feed into that where it is appropriate for the
City. Regarding the section of attracting businesses and families, she understands the City
has very indirect control over the school district because it is a separate entity, but she
believes the City does have an advocacy role in promoting the school district and areas that
improve the school district which has a direct impact on the economic strategy within the
City . She also suggested staff consider linking to universities or look to attract more
educational institutions into the City as wa y to enhance the business climate. It would also
be helpful to leverage existing colleges near the City such as Arapahoe Community College
and Denver University to create a partnership. She asked whether the City considered the
proposed demographic forecasts such as DRCOG 's projection that within the next 25 years
the population of people 60 and over will double within the metro area when it drafted the
Plan and are attracting the types of businesses that will support that type of shift in the
population. Finally, Ms. Mosteller asked if staff has considered how success of the Plan will
be measured . The goals from the Comprehensive Plan are very good, but when it comes
to economic development it would be beneficial to have some very specific measurable
goals .
Mr. Hollingsworth thanked Ms. Mosteller for her comments and stated they were excellent
observations of the Strategy. Staff is developing a matrix to apply success measures; staff is
also considering developing a grant to assist with job training for Englewood employers
who wish to conduct job training and hope to implement the program early 2005.
Chair Krieger asked how much the Strategy would be changed before it moved forward to
City Council. Mr. Welker stated it would be brought back to the Commission for public
hearing before it went to City Council. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that was correct. Mr.
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Voboril stated it might need a second study session with the Commission since there have
been a number of recommended changes.
VI. PUBLIC FORUM
No one was present to address the Commission.
VII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE
Staff had nothing further.
VIII. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE
Ms. Reid stated City Council heard some of the Commission 's concerns regarding the Auto
Use Ordinance; therefore, there will be another meeting of the Auto Use Committee to
discuss some of those issues . At this time, it is unclear whether it will come back to the
Commission or proceed directl y to City Council. There appears to be some confusion
regarding the Limited Use provisions in the UDC and whether those would change with the
Auto Use Ordinance.
Ms. Mosteller asked if Commissioners are permitted to speak at the City Council public
hearing regarding the Auto Use Ordinance. Ms. Reid stated Commissioners may attend
and speak as a citizen. Ms. Mosteller asked if she can speak regarding things she learned
having gone through the process. Chair Krieger stated she would need to identify herself as
a Commissioner; state she is not speaking as a Commissioner, but as a citizen and that her
views do not represent the views of the Commission. Mr. Welker stated there is the other
possibility that the Commission could v ote to appoint someone to officiall y represent them
at the Council hearing.
IX. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE
Chair Krieger stated the Commission was provided compact discs of the Comprehensive
Plan , but were not provided with printed copies . She asked that staff provide the
Commission with hard copies of the Comprehensive Plan. Staff responded that copies
would be provided at their next regula r meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m .
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