HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/17/2005
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
February 17,2005
ORIGINAL
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission was called to order by Chair
Plummer at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th
Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
2. ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present:
Jim Chilvers
John McMillin
Phil Plummer
Jerry Scezney
Scott Wesley
Commission Members Absent:
Kim Stewart
Kevin Witt
Staff Members Present:
Alan White, Community Development Director
Travis Crane, Planner
Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Following is the official set of Planning Commission minutes for the public hearing of February 17,
2005. A set of these minutes is retained both in the office of the City Clerk and in the Community
Development Department of the City of Wheat Ridge.
4. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner WESLEY and seconded by Commissioner SCEZNEY to
approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners
STEWART and WITT absent.
5. APPROVE MINUTES - February 3, 2005
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner WESLEY to
approve the minutes of February 3, 2005. The motion passed 4-0 with Commissioners
STEWART and WITT absent and Commissioner CHIL VERS abstaining.
6. PUBLIC FORUM
There were none present who wished to address the Commission during this portion of the
meeting.
Planning Commission
February 17,2005
Page 1
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Case No. MS-04-12: An application filed by Dan Schneider for approval ofa 4-lot
minor subdivision plat with dedications on property zoned Residential-One A and
located at 11900 West 38th Avenue.
Travis Crane presented the case. He entered all pertinent documents into the record and
advised the Commission there was jurisdiction to hear the case. He reviewed the staff report
and digital presentation. Staffrecommended approval of the case for reasons outlined in the
staff report.
In response to a question from Commissioner McMILLIN, Mr. Crane explained that the
intended right-of-way for 38th in this location is 50 feet.
Dan Schneider
3866 Union Court, Wheat Ridge
Mr. Schneider, the applicant in the case, stated he purchased the property this year with the
intention of subdividing. The shared access would reduce access points onto 38th Avenue. The
lots exceed minimum requirements by 20% or more. He agreed to give Tract A to the city,
have plat notes regarding joint access points and to remove the existing detached garage.
There were no other individuals present who wished to address this case.
Commissioner McMILLIN expressed concern about the right-of-way dedication requested by
the city because he wouldn't want to give "back door consent" to widening 38th Avenue.
Commissioner PLUMMER stated he understood the city's request for a 10-foot right-of-way
for utilities, curb and street alignment.
It was moved by Commissioner SCEZNEY and seconded by Commissioner McMILLIN
to recommend approval of Case No. MS-04-12, a request for approval of a four-lot
subdivision for property located at 11900 West 38th Avenue for the following reasons:
1. All requirements of the Subdivision Regulations have been met.
2. All required utility easements are being provided.
3. All created lots will meet or exceed minimum lot size standards in the R-IA zone
district.
4. Adequate infrastructure will be constructed with the development to serve the
proposed use.
With the following conditions:
1. A note be added to the plat which reads: "Joint access points permitted between
lots 1 and 2 and between lots 3 and 4."
2. The existing detached garage on lot 2 be removed.
The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners STEWART and WITT absent.
Planning Commission
February 17,2005
Page 2
B. Case No. WZ-04-12: An application filed by Exempla Lutheran for approval ofa Final
Development Plan for properties located at 8301 and 8321 West 32nd Avenue.
Travis Crane presented the case. He entered all pertinent documents into the record and
advised the Commission there was jurisdiction to hear the case. He reviewed the staff report
and digital presentation. Staff recommended approval of the case for reasons outlined in the
staff report.
In reply to a question from Commissioner McMILLIN, Mr. Crane stated that the lighting plan
for this project would be consistent with new lighting standards recommended to City Council.
Commissioner SCEZNEY asked about signage. Travis Crane replied that the existing sign
would remain on Tract A. Any other exterior signage will be addressed during building permit
process.
Chair PLUMMER asked if there were any present who wished to address this case. There was
no response.
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner WESLEY to
recommend approval of Case No. WZ-04-12, a request for approval ofa Final
Development Plan for properties located at 8301 and 8321 West 32nd Avenue for the
following reasons:
1. The Final Development Plan complies with the development standards established
by the Outline Development Plan.
2. The Final Development Plan meets the technical requirements as established in
Article III for Final Development Plans.
With the following conditions:
1. Page 3 of the FDP shall be amended to show 3-inch caliper street trees adjacent to
West 32nd Avenue.
2. An administrative amendment to the Exempla Lutheran Final Development Plan
must be submitted prior to issuance of a building permit for the hospice facility.
The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners STEWART and WITT absent.
C. Case No. WPA-05-01: A resolution adopting an amendment to the City of Wheat
Ridge Comprehensive Plan to include an area outside the current city limits.
Alan White presented the case. He entered pertinent documents into the record and advised the
Commission there was jurisdiction to hear the case. He reviewed the staff report and digital
presentation. Minor changes to the addendum are as follow:
1. The title of Map 1 has been changed to Planning/Growth Area Map.
2. The Open Space designation has been added along the Clear Creek Corridor on the
Planning Commission
February 17,2005
Page 3
o
~.
Future Land Use Map, and the Open Sface and Trails Ma~.
The extension of Eldridge south of 44" Avenue to the 32n and McIntyre collector has
been deleted on the Roadway Classification Map.
A potential trail connection is shown on the Open Space and Trails Map to connect the
32nd Avenue trail to the Clear Creek Trail.
4.
Mr. White submitted copies ofletters from the Fairmont Improvement Association and the
Prospect Recreation and Park District. These documents were made a part of the official
record. He then addressed some of the issues contained in these documents. One of the main
concerns of these two entities was the continued exclusion of the Coors parcels from the district
boundaries from a tax base standpoint. This issue will be considered at the time the
development application is heard by City Council and will probably necessitate an
intergovernmental agreement between the City, the Districts and the developers. Regarding the
concern about I-70 and Ward Road, Mr. White explained that it is intended that two ramps be
moved. He also stated that improvements to the I_70/32nd Avenue interchange will be needed.
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has received environmental clearance and
made preliminary plans to complete an interchange at I-70 and SH 58. He clarified that the city
is endorsing completion of those improvements, but not proposing any other interchanges along
SH 58 or I-70. Future trails are shown on the map but not in the text. The text should include
the city's wishes to maintain the north/south trail connection. Regarding the comment that
Prospect Recreation and Park District be the park and recreation provider in the area, Mr.
White stated that, because there are overlapping boundaries, the city is encouraging
coordination and communication with other municipalities, Jefferson County and recreation
districts to coordinate division of parks, open space and trails in the area. The comment about
acquiring liability releases indemnification to property owners is an issue that should be
addressed if liability releases are needed in acquiring easements or trail corridors. When the
plan was adopted, the motion referenced incorporating goals and policies of the North Plains
Community Plan and the Central Plains Community Plan with the City's plans.
Mr. White cautioned the Commission to not consider the land use application tonight.
Commissioner McMILLIN asked ifit would be possible to get another interchange from I-70
east of McIntyre. Mr. White replied that those discussions are ongoing, however CDOT and
the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) require a minimum of one mile between
interchanges. CDOT and FHA also have strict policies against giving access to private
property from a ramp.
Commissioner PLUMMER stated that he would like so see access from I-70 to the commercial
property north of Clear Creek between McIntyre and I-70. This would also alleviate problems
at Ward Road as well as 32nd and Youngfield.
Commissioner SCEZNEY stated that he would have been more comfortable in making a
decision if there had been a briefing to the Commission before getting to this point. He
expressed concern about impact on 32nd Avenue and asked why a connection to Eldridge was
dropped. Mr. White explained it was primarily for economic and physical reasons.
Planning Commission
February 17,2005
Page 4
Commissioner McMILLIN asked why it would be so expensive to extend Eldridge. Mr. White
replied that there is a railroad trestle to consider. Commissioner SCEZNEY commented that
there would also be the cost of tunneling under Y oungfield on the east.
In response to a question from Commissioner CHIL VERS, Mr. White explained that the
Comprehensive Plan, or an addendum, is a general policy guide as to what we want to see
happen in this area in terms of general land uses, open space, general alignments and
connections of roads.
In response to a question from Commissioner WESLEY, Alan White stated that Prospect
Recreation and Park District was not notified of the last Comprehensive Plan addendum.
Flora Andrus
4790 Easley Road, Golden
Ms. Andrus lives in Fairmont arid is also associated with the Prospect Recreation and Park
District which contains eight parks with one to be developed. The District's office is in Wheat
Ridge. In 1999, approximately 300 acres ofthe District's land was erroneously excluded by
the county assessor. The District is currently working with Coors to correct the situation but
five years of revenue has been lost. The District would like to work out an arrangement so that
it doesn't lose all of its tax revenue. She also expressed concern about Xenon being closed at
44th because it provides access to the District's office and shops. Closing the access would
necessitate bringing equipment out onto 42nd and Y oungfield which would be a 4-lane
highway.
In response to a question from Commissioner McMILLIN, Ms. Andrus stated that she would
like to have the mill levy continue to come to the District. She also commented that the
wording suggested tonight is good ifit is implemented.
David Kuehn
16049 West 65'h Place, Arvada
Mr. Kuehn is District Manager for Prospect Recreation and Park District. He commented that
the majority of the memorandum provided to Planning Commission would be discussed at City
Council with the principals involved in the annexation proposal; however, generalities frighten
him because there are many things that could financially impact his district. He believed the
language implies financial obligation from the District without feedback from board members
or taxpayers. He further stated that he would like to see a level of consistency in the addendum
that would either include everything about Cabela's or exclude everything about Cabela's
because these roadway routings would not even come into play without the annexation. He
would also like to see traffic lights at 42nd and Y oungfield.
Rhonda Teitelbaum
15021 West 29'h Avenue, Golden
Ms. Teitelbaum is a board member of the Applewood Property Owners Association as well as a
resident on the south side of 32nd Avenue in unincorporated Jefferson County. She stated that
the Applewood Association doesn't take a position on the subject matter but would like to.
continue to be included in part of the dialogue as it relates to future development. As a
resident, she is opposed to the addendum. She is not necessarily opposed to the development
Planning Commission
February 17,2005
Page 5
but expressed concern about the "steamrolling effect" of the short time frame. She asked the
Commission to deny the addendum to slow down the process. She expressed concern that
surrounding communities will lose their leverage concerning proper development of the
property once it is annexed to Wheat Ridge.
Alan White returned to the podium to state that direction from City Council concerning the
parks and open space section was to include policies from the North Plains Community Plan
and the Central Plains Community Plan and, therefore, Prospect Recreation and Park District
should also express their funding concerns to the County. He reiterated that state law requires
the city to update its Comprehensive Plan on an annual basis and that there is still an addendum
on the books from last year.
Mr. White commented that the 42nd and Xenon issue and northeast access would be addressed
when improvements are made to Y oungfield and as the State progresses after funding is in
place for SH 58 and I-70.
Commissioner WESLEY commented that the matter this evening is a restatement of a
previously adopted plan with some addendums. Commissioner McMILLIN agreed that this
sets the stage for annexation, zoning and platting and he could see no reason to delay adoption.
Commissioner SCEZNEY stated that he did not oppose the addendum but was very concerned
about the Eldridge access and would like to see it eliminated.
Discussion followed and the following changes suggested:
. Page 4, second paragraph, second to last sentence to read: "This entails relocating the
current eastbound on-ramp at 38''' A venue to the south and relocating the 1-70 on-off
ramp pair at 44'" A venue to the east."
. Page 4, fifth paragraph, second sentence to read: "Because of minimum spacing
requirements, no new interchanges are proposedfor 1-70. An interchange to access this
area more directly from SH 58 between 1-70 and McIntyre would be desirable" and place
an arrow on the map to say something similar to "potential access route in general
location. "
. Page 6, following second to last paragraph: "Prospect Recreation and Parks District
currently serves the area. The City, the District and any potential developer should enter
into agreements regarding the District's potential loss of property tax revenue. "
. Page 8, paragraph under 'Trails" preceding second to last sentence: "A potential trail
connection on the east side of the planning area from 32ml Avenue to Clear Creek is
shown conceptually. This connection may follow the current Youngfield service road or
be located in a new alignment. "
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner CHIL VERS
to approve Resolution 05-01 concerning adoption of an amendment to the Wheat Ridge
Planning Commission
February 17,2005
Page 6
Comprehensive Plan and forwarding said recommendations to the Wheat Ridge City
Council. The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners STEWART and WITT absent.
8. OLD BUSINESS
. At the request of Commissioner CHIL VERS, Alan White reviewed the meaning of ex parte
contact.
. Commissioner WESLEY asked about the status ofa traffic impact study on 38th Avenue
and the Exempla entrance. Alan White will contact Public Works Department regarding
this request.
. Commissioner McMILLIN asked when the lighting standards would go before City
Council. Alan White replied that it may be April before City Council is able to schedule
this for a study session. He also commented that the city is currently implementing the
lighting standards in any new planned developments.
9. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to come before the Commission.
10. COMMISSION REPORTS
There were no commission reports.
11. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
There were no committee and department reports.
12. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner WESLEY to
adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. .
/' V .
^ j' /
~ [~~'71h J -
Ann Lazzeri, Recor in Secretary
Planning Commission
February 17,2005
Page 7