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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-09 PZC MINUTES• • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION January 9, 2001 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M . in the City Council Chambers in Englewood Civic Center; Chairman Welker presided. Members Present: Lathram, Krieger, Rempel, Stockwell, Waggoner, Weber, Welker W illis Members A bsent: Also Present: Ri ninger Senior Planner Langon Senior Planner Stitt Assistant City Attorney Reid Mr. Welker declared a quorum present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 7, 2000 Chairman Welker stated the Minutes of November 7, 2000 were to be considered for approval. Lathram moved: Willis seconded: The Minutes of N ovember 7, 2000 be approved as written. Mr. Stockw ell stated there was a technical error in the Minutes. Being unable to locate the e rror, Mr. Stockwell withdrew his objection . AYES : NAYS : Lathram, Rempel, Stockwell, Waggoner, Weber, Willis, Welker None ABSTAIN: Krieger ABSENT : Rininger The motion carried . PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT 5 Sw edish Medical Center 501 East Hampden Avenue CASE PD 2001-01 Mr. Welker stated that the issue before the Commission is a proposed Planned Development Amendment 5 for Swedish Medical Center at 501 East Hampden A v enue . He asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. H:IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCO MMIPD\2000·01 SMC amend 5\Minut<s.uoc Waggoner moved: Lathram seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #PD 2001-01 be opened. AYES : NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT : Krieger, Lathram, Rempel, Stockwell, Waggoner, Weber, Willis, Welker None None Rininger Motion carried. Mr. Welker set forth parameters for conduct of the Public Hearing, and asked that staff present the case. Tricia Langon , Senior Planner, was sworn in. Ms. Langon stated that the staff report, Certification of Posting and Proof of Publication have been submitted to the Recording Secretar y . Ms. Langon stated that the case is Amendment 5 to the Swedish Medical Center Planned Development. The applicant is Swedish Medical Center. Amendment 5 is an addition of approximately 21 ,000 square feet of surgical and critical care support area . It affects the main entrance to the hospital which is located at 501 East Hampden Avenue. Ms. Langon further testified that the Community Development Department recommends that the Planned Development Amendment 5 be approved with the condition that City • Council approve an Encroachment Agreement for the location of structural support • columns and building cantilever within the City Ditch right-of-wa y. The Planned Development Ordinance was repealed in 1996 with the Planned Unit Development Ordinance. This repeal did not change the status of the existing Planned Developments (PD ) and amendments to the existing PD are to be made under the original conditions of the PD . The Planning Commission is required to hold a public hearing on any proposed amendments. The Commission 's recommendation to either approve or den y is forwarded to City Council. Ms. Langon continued; the Swedish Medical Center PD is located in the B-2 Business District and the R-3, High Density Residence District. Amendment 5, which the Commission is currently considering, is located within the R-3 District onl y. The original Swedish Medical Center PD was approved by City Council in 1989. Amendments 1, 2, and 3, approv ed in 1989, 1990, and 1992 respectively, were for the medical office buildings on the campus. Amendment 4, approved in 1993, considered future build-out of the facility; some of which has occurred and some of which has not occurred. The intent of the current expansion, Amendment 5, is for Swedish 's main surgical department which currently consists of 9 operating rooms. Due to surgical volume and room size, the hospital cannot accommodate the demand and needs up-to-date facilities. The applicant will address those issues. Ms. Langon testified that the proposed amendment was reviewed by the City's Development Review T earn and identified issues and concerns were resolved to each • department's satisfaction, with the exception of the outstanding issue with the Utility Department concerning the City Ditch . Directing the Commission to Page 2 of the plans, H:IGR OU PIBOARDSIPLANCOMMIPD\2000-01 SMC u1no:nd 5\Mi nu t<s.<lo• • • Ms. Langon stated 3 support columns are highlighted. The 2 columns highlighted in green have been relocated on the new plans. The third column, highlighted in yellow, requires an Encroachment Agreement, which is being prepared concurrently with this Amendment. The Planned Development Ordinance requires that development be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and it meet the requirements of the Planned Development Ordinance. With the use previously established in the original PD and subsequent amendments, staff believes the overall development plan for Amendment 5 is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and the Planned Development requirements. Ms. Langon stated she would answer any questions from the Commission and then representatives from Swedish Medical Center and Carter Burgess will make presentations. Mr. Waggoner asked who would address the issue of the column placement and why one column cannot be moved. Ms. Langon responded that particular column cannot be moved and only part of the column encroaches into the easement. Due to the encroachment, an Encroachment Agreement needs to be prepared, presented to the Water and Sewer Board, and then to City Council for final approval. Mr. Waggoner asked whether the Utility Department agreed to the encroachment. Ms. Langon responded that the applicant is currently working with the Utility Department. Mr. Waggoner asked why the column could not be moved. Ms. Langon stated she would defer that question to Carter Burgess. Mary White, CEO of Swedish Medical Center, was sworn in. Ms. White stated she wished to introduce Dick Taylor, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Swedish, who will explain the project; and Glenn Garland of Carter Burgess, an engineering firm, who will address any structural concerns. Ms. White also introduced Larry Snyder, Facilities Director; Dan McCraw of Bovis Construction, contractor for the project; and Kari Goerke, Operating Room Director. Richard Taylor, Interim COO of Swedish Medical Center, was sworn in. Mr. Taylor stated he would provide a brief overview highlighting different aspects of the project. Mr. Taylor testified that Swedish is undertaking a $24 million project to improve the operating room and to expand critical care beds. The project is driven by the population growth in the southern portion of the community; over half of Swedish's patients are derived from that area. With the population growth, there has been a higher demand for physicians. Fortunately, those physicians have moved into the medical buildings on the campus. Mr. Taylor continued; with more patients and physicians, a demand for more services is created . Swedish has three areas of Centers of Excellence which this project will impact greatly. The first is neurosurgicaljneuro services; second is orthopedics, and third is the trauma center which is a Level 2 Trauma Center in the city. These three particular Centers of Excellence have an impact on this project. Mr. Taylor continued; as staff pointed out, Swedish currently has 9 operating rooms in the main operating room suite . There is surgical capacity in other parts of the campus, primarily for ambulatory patients. This particular suite mostly handles inpatient population . Approximately 15 ,000 surgeries are performed annually. Approximately one-half of those surgeries are inpatients. The new facility will add approximately 20,000 square feet, of which 15,000 square feet will be for new operating room facilities. The outcome will be 12 H:IGR OUP\BOARD SIPLANCO MMIPD \2 000-01 SMC amo:n<l 5\Minuto:s.<loc operating rooms that are modern and up-to-date with appropriate mechanical and • ventilation capabilities . In addition, on the roof of this particular addition, the cantilevers over the front of the hospital will have approximately 5,000 square feet of HVAC mechanical equipment. Also, 18,000 square feet of the existing surgery area will be renovated. Mr. Taylor further testified that given the patient/physician demand, as well as a restricted number of operating rooms, surgeries are having to be scheduled later into the evening. Some patients are scheduled as late as 11 :00 p .m. Because of the Centers of Excellence, there are highly specialized cases which require newer and more modern technology. An operation in the main operating room takes approximately 3 hours, compared to an outpatient surger y which is approximately 1 hour. There are also cases that last as long as 12 hours . With only 9 operating rooms, the hospital is running into a supply and demand situation. These rooms were built in the 1970's and are very small considering the technology that is currentl y used to perform modern surgeries. The mechanical systems were designed for the 1970's, not for what is needed in 2001. Mr. Ta y lor stated that the hospital also plans to expand its critical care capacity, which is tied into trauma and surgery . Currentl y there are 36 beds for critical care patients, and it will be expanded b y 10 beds which is w ithin the hospital 's state license of 368 beds. There are approximately 2, 700 patients that come into the critical care unit each year . This particular project is located on the northwest side of the campus, above the Emergency Department, which is currently shelled in spaced. The hospital will be constructing • approximatel y 9,200 square feet into 10 new critical care beds. Mr. Taylor then directed the Commission 's attention to the screen where he proceeded to present transparencies . The first transparency showed the front of Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Tay lor pointed to the area being impacted which will be cantilevered out forward past the flag poles into a parking area . Mr. Taylor also referred the Commission to an artist rendering of the project. The second transparency showed a corridor located within the surgical suite, with a number of items lining the corridor. Mr. Taylor stated it was not an ideal situation having the corridor space cramped, and that it was driven by the technology and the size of the operating rooms being inefficient to handle the demand. The third transparency showed an older operating room which is too small. In the 1970's, TV screens were not located in the operating rooms; laproscopic procedures were not performed. Larger operating rooms will better serve the physicians, staff, and ultimately the patients . With regard to the fourth transparenc y, Mr. Taylor testified that the area shaded pink is the surgery area, which is landlocked . On all sides of that area are other very critical elements of the hospital's operation . Mr. Ta y lor stated the only solution was to expand toward Hampden A v enue . With regard to the fifth transparency, Mr. Ta y lor stated that the area shaded purple shows how the expansion will cantilever o v er the driveway and part of the existing parking space to add the new surgical suites and on the fourth floor put the mechanical space. This expansion will provide 12 modern operating rooms. Mr. Taylor continued; the total project will take approximately 2 years. While the construction is underway, surgery will still need to be conducted. It will be a challenged to H:IGROUPIBOARDS IPLA NCO MMIPD\2000-01 SMC anc n<l 5\Minuics.Joc • • complete the expansion while still providing full service operations. The critical care expansion will be conducted above the Emergency Department on the northwest side of the campus . It is a shelled in space that will be finished off to complete and create 10 additional critical care beds, which takes the critical care capacity to 46. • • Glenn Garland of Carter Burgess was sworn in. Referring to transparencies, Mr. Garland pointed out the proposed expansion, the existing building lines, and the structural columns . Mr. Garland also pointed out the City Ditch easement and the three columns, stating that two of the columns would be moved. Mr. Waggoner clarified that the columns were not currently in place and that Mr. Garland was talking about moving them on the drawings . Mr. Garland stated that was correct; the drawings are currentl y being re v ised showing those two columns moved out of the easement. Mr. Garland then pointed to the third column which encroaches into the City Ditch . Mr. Garland then presented drawings showing how the two columns would be moved. Pointing to the third column, Mr. Garland testified that the structural engineer has indicated the load on the column is too large to economicall y transfer out; moving the column at this stage of the project would involve a complete reconfi guration of the structural elements of the expansion. Mr. W agg oner asked the width of the City Ditch and the size of the pipe. Mr. Garland responded that the ditch was approximately 30 feet with a 36 inch concrete pipe under the ground. Mr. Waggoner clarified that the column was not next to the pipe. Mr. Garland stated that was correct. Mr. Waggoner asked whether the Utility Department had approved the encroachment. Mr. Garland responded that they don't see any problem at this point, but an agreement still needs to be finalized . Referring to drawings on the overhead, Mr. Garland pointed out the northerly and southerly edges of the easement, the 36 inch concrete pipe, and the 3 foot column . Mr. Willis asked how deep the columns went. Mr. Garland stated he could not answer that question and asked Mr. McCraw if he wished to answer the question . Ms . Reid made a point of order and stated that Mr. McCraw would need to be sworn in before he could answer questions . Mr. Garland stated he would finish and defer any questions he could not answer to Mr. McCraw. Mr. Garland stated he wished to address traffic during construction as well as patient drop off. Again referring to transparencies, Mr. Garland pointed to the expansion area and stated the "hatched" area on the drawing is the contractor 's stage area and to the west of the main expansion is an existing parking facility . Mr. Garland proceeded to describe how the patients would enter and exit the parking facility, as well as isolating the construction traffic. Mr. Welker asked whether there was adequate space to store materials within the construction area. Mr. Garland stated he believed there was sufficient space; a small portion of pavement will be built out to provide a turnaround for larger trucks . Mr. Stockwell asked how the construction parking would be handled. Mr. Garland stated he would defer the question to Mr. McCraw. H:IG ROUP\BOARDSIP LANCOMM\PD\2000-0 1 SMC aittnJ 5\\1 inut <s.Joc Ms. Krieger asked how handicapped parking would be provided during construction. Mr. • Welker clarified that the construction parking will remove a large number of handicapped parking spaces currently provided. Mr. Garland stated that there are other parking facilities on adjacent lots which are available . Mr. Garland stated that Mr. Taylor could better provide those details . Mr. Willis clarified that the entire front area is off limits during construction, and no one can drive through the area and drop off patients. Mr. Garland stated that it would be closed off for a short amount of time until there is adequate cover with the new structure; at which point, the loop can be reopened for traffic. Mr. Willis asked if there was a traffic plan to channel the patients to be dropped off elsewhere. Mr. Garland stated there was and referred the Commission to the drawing showing the traffic plan. Mr. Willis asked how long the auxiliary drop-off would need to be used. Mr. Garland responded three to four months. Mr. Willis asked if there would be any demolition of the existing building. Mr. Garland stated he would need to defer to Mr. McCraw. Ms. Krieger asked for clarification as to the entrance patients would be using during construction. Mr. Garland stated that it would be same entrance. Mr. Garland defined the limits of the construction on the drawing. Mr. Weber asked where the outside smoking/waiting area would be located during construction . Mr. Garland stated that there has not been much discussion on that issue ; however, there is an existing walkway, west of the main entrance, which will remain open . • Also , continuing west on the driveway, there is a smoking area which will remain open . Mr. Stockwell stated that the staff report states "If it is adjacent to a single-family residential use district, the development shall contain a buffer." Mr. Stockwell asked that the buffer be defined and handled for the residential units nearby. Ms. Krieger directed Mr. Stockwell's attention that the following paragraph which states that the project is not adjacent to a single-family residential district. Mr. Welker clarified that the hospital is actually located in a residential district but it actually faces a B-2 Business District. Mr. Stockwell stated that there would still be residential impact, and asked Mr. Garland whether or not that had been planned for; i.e . redirection of traffic, hours of construction, lights at the construction . Mr. Garland stated that he would need to defer that question to the contractor. Dan McCraw of Bovis Lend Lease was sworn in. Mr. McCraw stated he is the General Superintendent and Safety Coordinator for the regional office. Mr. McCraw testified that he is very aware, as is his company, of traffic patterns and not wanting to inconvenience the public. The intent is to cause as little disruption to the traffic flow as possible . The front parking area, which currently provides handicapped parking, will be the laydown yard and construction staging area, and it will be fully fenced and screened. He also stated that he wishes to treat the grass area as "no man 's land." Mr. McCraw testified that all construction delivery trucks would enter through the east • drive, where a construction gate will be located. Also, during all phases of construction H:IGROUP\BOARDSIP LANCO MM IPD\2000-0 1 SMC am<n<l 5\Min ut<s .<loc • • • there will be a road guard or flagman present to direct trucks in and out of the site . Mr. McCraw continued; he schedules trucks in such a way that it doesn 't impact traffic. Mr. Welker asked what material the structure would be made of after it passes the concrete posts . Mr. McCraw responded that it will resemble what currently exists . Mr. Welker clarified ; he is asking about the structure and the size of the materials. Mr. McCraw responde d that there will be concrete, reinforced concrete beams, and caissons which go into bedrock. Mr. Welker clarified that reinforced concrete, poured in place, would be used once it reaches the shell of the building. Mr. McCraw stated it would. Mr. Welker asked if there would be a crane on the site . Mr. McCraw stated there would be a crane and concrete pumps. In developing the logistic plan , the crane will be placed in the parking area, close to the handicapped area on the south side of the hospital. It will be a mobile 110 ton crane with 100 feet of stick and single jib and probably a linked belt. Mr. Welker asked what type of screening would be provided. Mr. McCraw responded that it would be a 6 foot chain linked fence around the perimeter of the construction site. Options for screenin g are 40%-60 % obscured. Ms . Lathram asked the height of the crane. Mr. Mccraw stated that if the crane is a linked belt with a 100 feet of stick and a single jib, it will be 150-160 feet high . Ms. Lath ram asked whether it will cause an y obstruction for the Flight for Life helicopter. Mr. McCraw responded that lights will be mounted on the top of the stick -flashing red light as well as a solid light. At night, it is boomed down as far as possible in order not to interfere with the flight path . Mr. Waggoner asked what the hours of operation would be. Mr. McCraw responded that he would tr y to schedule the more sensitive part of the construction, such as telegraphing sound through the structure, around critical operations or procedures . There may be some work done in the late evening, but the intent at this time is to not work a second shift. Starting time will be approximatel y 6 :30-7 :00 a.m. Mr. Welker stated that there is an Ordinance which governs hours of operation. Ms. Reid interjected that there is a Noise Ordinance which covers construction noise . Mr. Stockwell asked if that covered lights as well. Ms. Reid stated there are general lighting requirements, but nothing specifically covering construction lighting. Mr. Welker stated that he is mostly concerned with obtrusive types of construction . Once the construction moves inside the build i ng and the noise is contained, he has no problem with their working 24 hours a day. Mr. McCraw testified that as matter of scheduling the crane would not be operational until 7 a.m. Mr. Welker directed Mr. McCraw to contact the City in order to determine what the Ordinance requires. Mr. Willis asked whether there will be any demolishing of the ex1st1ng structure . Mr. McCraw responded that a minimal amount of the front will need to be demolished. Mr. McCraw stated that if he had any lights, it would be a light plant which would not interfere with the traffic. Mr. Welker stated that he had concerns about traffic on that street since it is narrow and is busy with both buses and pedestrians. Mr. McCraw stated that when he and Mr. Garland looked at the logistic plan, they went to the hospital to observe traffic hours and pedestrian flow. Mr. Stockwell asked if that included handicap accessible . Mr. H:IGROUP\BOARDSIP LANCOMMIPD\2000·01 SMC amend 5\Muiutc s.uo< McCraw asked for clarification. Mr. Stockwell asked him to finish his answer. Mr. McCraw • continued; they looked at a number of issues, such as patient drop-off; areas that need to be covered; and how to safely and more easily transport patients from the drop-off to the front entrance. They developed different scenarios, but decided it was best to use one single construction gate rather than two. The construction traffic is completely separate from the patient drop-off. Mr. McCraw further testified that the construction parking will be at the Masonic Temple not at the site. Mr. Willis asked if there would be signage directing construction traffic and patient drop off. Mr. McCraw stated he would provide typical construction signage. The hospital valet service will provide directional signage for patients . In addition, he would supply signage for his delivery trucks as well as a flagman in the street. By supplying signage, providing route information to his construction delivery companies, and not scheduling deliveries during peak traffic hours, Mr. McCraw testified the project could be done with less of an impact. Mr. Welker asked how long it would take to complete the structural portion of the construction; the enclosure of the building. Mr. McCraw responded that it is a two year overall project, and the project schedule has not been completed. However, he believes the structural portion should be completed in approximately 10 months. Mr. Welker clarified that the two years included all the remodeling inside the critical care • unit and that the space is currently enclosed but isn 't being used currently. Mr. Taylor responded that was correct; part of the space is being used for education training. It will take approximately 8 to 10 months to finish off the 10 bed critical care. It will be much quicker than the construction being done in the front of the hospital because the civil work will not need to be done. Mr. Stockwell asked if Mr. Taylor had personally spoken to the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Taylor responded that he and Larry Snyder have had negotiations with the Masonic Lodge; it has passed through their board; and he is waiting for documentation. The hospital will be leasing approximately 50 parking spaces for the construction workers . Mr. Welker asked for clarification as to where the lost handicapped spaces will be relocated. Mr. Taylor responded that the campus currently has an excessive number of handicapped parking spaces. Mr. Stockwell asked whether the hospital has been coordinating parking with the new homeless group which currently has parking issues. Mr. Taylor responded that there has not been a public presentation in the community. Mr. Stockwell stated that there was another group nearby which needs parking. Mr. Welker interjected that that particular issue has already been before the Commission and has been adequately resolved . Mr. Taylor pointed out the temporary drive on the transparency and stated that there is some capability for a limited amount of parking under the covered area . That area will be H:IGROUP\BOAR DS IP LANCOMM IPD\2000·01 SMC amc:nu 5\M inu<c:s.uo• • • • • the temporary handicapped parking area until the first stage of the addition is complete. Once the initial construction is complete, traffic to the front of the hospital can resume . The hospital will be more constrained in the handicapped parking available in the front of the hospital. At the south parking garage, across Hampden on the east entrance, there will be a covered walkway that will come into the east side of the hospital. There will be multiple entrances for patients and traffic. Mr. Taylor stated that there are four different locations on the campus with free valet pa rking, which currently parks approximately 500 cars per day. Mr. Stockwell asked whe re the construction workers would be parking. Mr. Taylor reminded Mr. Stockwell that the hospital is leasing 50 spaces at the Masonic Lodge for construction parking. Mr. Stockwell asked if 50 spaces would be sufficient. Mr. Taylor responded that is the estimate, and the hospital has an alternative site, which Swedish owns, if more parking is needed . Mr. Willis clarified that the construction workers would be guided as to where to park because there is an existing problem with parking around Swedish. Mr. Taylor stated that there would be signage. He stated that free parking is provided for employees, but some do choose to park in the street rather than the parking structure . Further, that issue is being addressed on a long-term basis ; the parking lot on Emerson and Hampden, which provides 233 spaces , has just been completed, and a parking management company, Central Parking, has been retained to access future parking. The hospital is currently implementing a plan to improve parking. Ms. Langon pointed out that a requirement of the Traffic Division of the Public Works Department is that the applicant submit a construction parking/traffic plan with the building permit. Mr. Welker asked whether that included interaction of traffic on Hampden with construction traffic. Ms. Langon responded that it covers all the issues discussed. Mr. Welker asked if there were further comments or questions and indicated no members of the public were present. He asked for a motion to close the Hearing. Waggoner moved : Willis seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #PD 2001-01 be closed. AYES: NAYS : Krieger, Lathram , Rempel , Stockwell, Waggoner, Weber, Willis, Welker None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Rininger The motion carried. Ms. Lathram moved: Mr. Waggoner seconded: The Planning Commission approve the application for Case #PD 2001-01, Swedish Medical Center Planned Development Amendment 5. H:IGROUPIBOARDSIP LA NCOMMIP D\2000·0 1 SMC a1nt:n<l 51Minutos.<loc Ms. Reid stated she had a point of order and approached the Chair. Mr. Welker stated the conditions are listed in the staff report and asked for discussion on those conditions, rather than putting them in the motion. Mr. Stockwell stated that he had a legal question regarding breaking a contract that was previously made and asked what the implications would be. Ms. Reid asked for clarification. Mr. Stockwell stated he was referring to the staff report where it states: " ... concurrently working with the Utilities Department to prepare an encroachment agreement for the third column ... " He asked whether "encroachment" was a word that is legally about encroachment on a legal contract or encroachment on a physical location. Ms. Reid stated that in this case "encroachment" has to do with the fact that the City owns the City Ditch right-of-way . Whenever someone needs to build a wall, awning, or anything that encroaches into the City's property, there must be an Ordinance passed by City Council to allow such an encroachment. Mr. Stockwell stated that the Utilities Department appears to have some legal wording problems. Ms. Reid stated if that is a condition, they may not put that column in the City Ditch without an encroachment agreement between the City and Swedish. Ms. Reid stated that if City Council should deny the encroachment agreement, Swedish would need to move the column; Swedish cannot put a column into the City's right-of-way without an encroachment agreement. Ms. Reid continued; the City frequently grants such agreements. Discussion ensued. • Mr. Stockwell stated that he is concerned about drainage and would like to hear from an • engineer as to what water problems might arise with a 100 year flood plain. Ms. Reid stated that the public hearing is closed, but perhaps that is an issue the Commission can discuss. Mr. Waggoner stated that to the best of his recollection, there isn 't a 100 year flood plain in that location. Mr. Welker reminded the Commission that their role is to only to recommend approval or denial to City Council. The Commission must be satisfied the conditions are met before the Commission can certify that it has done its job. City Council will make the final decision; therefore, a condition such as the encroachment will be considered by them . Mr. Stockwell stated that he wished to broach every topic that might be relevant. Mr. Welker stated that the Commission should address the six items which staff included in their analysis. Mr. Welker stated that the first condition is that the use is permitted and believes it is met. It is consistent with the present planned development; it is part of the same structure and the same use within the total area provided. Mr. Welker stated that the second condition is that the Planned Development shall be consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and the policies therein. Mr. Welker stated it has been an approved Planned Development; and the scope is not changing; and it is within the allowed area. Mr. Stockwell stated he had problems with the wording; the preface states "The Planned Dev elopment shall be consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and the H:IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCO MMIPD\2000·0 1 SMC an-.:n<l 5\Minuies.<loc 10 • • • • policies therein." Mr. Stockwell stated that the Comp rehensive Plan is currently being revised and asked if the condition should specify the 1978 Comprehensive Plan, because it will move into the new Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Reid responded that there is only one Comprehensive Plan at a time, and the current Plan is the one that needs to be used . Discussion ensued. Mr. Stockwell asked that "To improve the visual aspects along these commercial uses" be defined. He asked how the visual aspects will be improved. Ms. Reid stated that was the Commission 's decision. Mr. Stockwell stated that no one told him that it was the Commission 's decision. Mr. Welker asked for Mr. Stockwell's opinion on how it should be improved. Mr. Stockwell stated that there are a number of items that are generally construed in the staff report which Swedish says it will do in exchange for doing the new construction. He asked whether the Commission would define how they would do the improv ements . Discussion ensued . Mr. Welker stated that he believes it is consistent in materials, finishes and with the shape of the building. Mr. Welker stated that the third condition is that the Planned Development's relationship to its surroundings shall be considered in order to avoid adverse effects to the existing and possible future development caused by traffic circulation, building height or bulk, lack of screening or intrusions of privacy. Mr. Stockwell stated that he had a problem with "shall be considered"; it seems very "wishy washy ." Mr. Welker stated that the Commission is considering the change and needs to decide whether it has problems with what is affected . Mr. Welker stated that even though one side of Hampden was originally a residential zoned area , it is now consumed with the campus of medical facilities. The PD still calls it residential, but it isn 't because on the south side of Hampden is a business district. It does not negatively affect that side of the property and will not ultimately increase traffic. Mr. Stockwell stated that the Commission needs to be farsighted since the metro area is growing at 1,000 people per year. The traffic volume will change, and the Commission needs to consider how the increased population will affect the area during the construction. Mr. Welker stated that the City is already considering how to deal with that issue. Discussion ensued . Mr. Welker stated that the fou rth condition is that the minimum requirements for usable open space shall be set through the overall design and amenities proposed for development. Mr. Welker stated that there are two sheets of drawings which show the final landscape plan for the area. There will be a significant amount of trees and vegetation . With the exception of the columns, the ground plan doesn't change much. The entry will still be under the building, only more recessed from the overhang. Mr. Stockwell asked if everyone was happy with the R-3 landscaping requirements. Mr. Welker responded that he didn 't have a problem; what is proposed is heavily landscaped. Mr. Waggoner pointed out that the staff reports indicates that the overall change still meets the 25 % minimum landscape requirements. Mr. Welker stated that the fifth condition is that the number of off-street parking spaces in the proposed development shall not be less than the requirement of Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Welker stated that the analysis is from the Zoning Ordinance and H:IGROUP\BOARDSIP LANCOMMIP D\2000-0 1 SMC un>:n<l 5\;';t inutes.<lcx; 11 the numbers have been verified . Mr. Stockwell requested a cop y of the Walker Parking • Study. Mr. Welker stated it was important to him that City Council have a copy for the presentation. Swedish has demonstrated that they have a sufficient amount of parking to meet current requirements. Mr. Welker stated th at the sixth condition discusses the site plan and that the approving agenc ies shall be satisfied that the site plan for the Planned Development meets all the followin g requirements, of which there are five requirements. Mr. Stockwell stated that he has problem w ith the general wording, such as "adjacent to single family residential use district, the development shall contain a buffer." The buffer isn 't defined. Mr. Welker stated that where the project is adjacent to residential were already approved in other aspects of the PD. The current project does not change any of those relationships. Ms. Krieger stated that there is a buffer with the landscaped areas between the proposed area and Hampden Avenue . Mr. Welker stated that he doesn 't see an y issues that have changed. Mr. W elker as ked if there w ere an y of the fi v e sub-conditions that needed to be addressed relati ve to t h e curr ent proposal. Mr. Stockw ell pointed out a ty pographical error in the anal y sis of sub-c ondition "b." Mr. Stockwell asked for clarification on sub-condition "d ." Ms. Krieger state d that the anal y sis states that there are no bicy cle or pedestrian trails proposed for this exp ansion. Mr. • Welker stated that the condition is part of the Comprehensive Plan . Mr. Sto c kwell stated he was concerned that the w ordin g would be impacted if a ne w Comprehensive Plan , co ntaining a tr ansportation element, were adopted. Ms . Krieger stated that this proposal wo uld be gran dfa th e red in un d er the current Plan. Discussion ensued. Ms. Reid stated that the purpo se o f sub-condition "d " is if the Comprehensive Plan provides for a bicy cle trail or a hikin g trail in that a re a then the PD or the Amendment to the PD must provide such a tr ail. In this ca se, the sta ff report clearl y states that no trails are proposed in the current Comprehensi v e Plan. Mr. Welker clarified that the proposal meets the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan . Mr. Stockw ell stated that he has concerns with the water drainage . The City is working ver y closely with DRCOG, and he is concerned that "additional roof runoff will be collected i n roo f drains and then con v eyed to existing on-site storm se w er facilitie s." Mr. Stockwell asked whether an ything could be done with the wording. Mr. Welker st ated he didn 't see an y thing w rong with the wording; he asked M r. Stockwell to consider the practicality. The area currentl y covered is paved . The runoff will be the same amount of runoff, and the y ha v e met the requirement b y redirecting the water . Mr. Stockwell stated that he is suggesting a different method of dealing with the water; direct the water off the roof or gutters in the same direction and filter the water before it goes into the Platte . Mr. Welker stated th at was an issue for the Utilities Department. Discussion ensued . M s. Lathram asked if the motion needed to be amended . Mr. Welker stated that he believed it did; the motion should indicate a recommendation for approval. Ms. Lathram asked if the six conditions needed to be included . Mr. Welker stated that the y could be H:IGROU PIB OARDSIP LANCO MM IP D\2000·01 SMC am :nJ 5\Minu ies.J cx: 12 • • • • mentioned, but it is not necessary due to the discussion. Mr. Welker stated that it needs to be decided if the motion should cover the utility easement change. Ms. Lathram offered the following friendly amendment: That the Planning Commission recommend approval of Case #PD 2001-01, Swedish Medical Center Planned Development Amendment S to City Council. Mr. Waggoner stated he had no objection to the amendment. AYES : NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Krieger, Lathram , Rempel, Stockwell, Waggoner, Weber, Willis, Welker None None Rininger The motion carried. IV. PUBLIC FORUM No one was present to address the Commission . v. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Ms. Langon stated that the next meeting will be January 23. At that meeting, there will be Findings of Fact to be approved . Also , Bob Simpson will be present to discuss the restructuring and reassignments within Community Development, as well as an overview of cases , projects and issues that will be coming before the Commission during 2001. The meeting will be held on the third floor in the Community Development Conference Room. VI. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE Ms. Reid brought no issues forth for discussion. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Willis stated that Gertrude Welty was transported to the hospital on December 26, but is home and doing better. Mr. Stitt reported that she was in the critical care unit for over a week, and she was released on January 3. Ms. Lathram asked what was happening with the old Norwest Building. Mr. Stitt responded that the building has been demolished. Miller Weingarten actually purchased the ground and had the building demolished . That particular location will be a commercial pad site within CityCenter, however, the tenant has not been identified yet. H:IGR OU P\BOARDSIPLANCO MMIPD\2000-0 1 SMC a m.:ntl 5\Minu t.:s.uoc 13 Mr. Welker stated that two Commissioners ' terms expire at the end of January. Mr. Welker • asked that staff determine the two Commissioners whose terms expire and mail an application to them. Ms. Langon stated that they will only need to complete the paperwork and will not need to interview. The submittal deadline is January 19. Mr. Welker stated elections for Chair and Vice Chair will be conducted at the fi rst meeting in February. He has been Chair for two years , and it is the Commission's policy to allow another person to fill that position. Mr. Waggoner asked if there was a reason why the Commission doesn't use the voting system available . Ms. Langon stated that Ms. Welty has not used it in the past, but the Commission can start using the voting buttons if they wish. Ms. Langon further stated that there is no voting panel showing the vote to the public. Ms. Reid stated that at this time, the voting sy stem only communicates to the recording secretary. Mr. Willis stated that the Commission should use the technology available . Discussion ensued . Mr. Stockwell stated that he hates having a public hearing without having it discussed in a prior meeting. He stated that he didn 't want to upset staff because they work very hard; but the Commission did not know about this public hearing prior to the meeting; he read about it in the Engl ewood Herald. Mr. Welker stated that the Commission has not met since November, and a memo was sent informing the Commission of the changes . Mr. Stockwell stated that he only received his packet three days ago, and it is inappropriate for • the Commission to make huge recommendations to City Council without time to review the information . Mr. Welker stated the standard has been that the packet is delivered the Friday before the meeting. Discussion ensued . There was no further business brought before the Commission for discussion. The meeting was declared adjourned . Nancy F. nton, Recording Secretary H:IGROUPIBOARD SIPLANCOMMIPD\2000-01 SMC a1ro:1xl 51M inutes.c.1oc 14 •