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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/19/1996MINUTES OF MEETING December 19, 1996 _ CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION 1. CALL THE MEETING OR ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson WILLIAMS at 730 p.m., on December 19, 1996, in the Council Chambers ofthe Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. 2. ROLL CALL: MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl A. CERVENY Robert ECKHART Carolyn GRIFFITH -Excused Absence Warren JOHNSON George LANGDON Jay RASPLICA Janice THOMPSON Harry WILLIAMS STAFF PRESENT: Glen Gidley, Planning & Development Director Meredith Reckert, Planner Mazilyn Gunn, Secretary 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVAL OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA Commissioner LANGDON moved to approve the Agenda for the meeting of December 19, 1996, as printed. Commissioner RASPLICA seconded the motion. Motion carried 7-0 to approve the agenda. 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES -December 5, 1996 Discussion was held regarding including more detail in the Minutes. Director Gidley advised the Commission that it was the intent to include pertinent information but to reduce the number of pages being transcribed. It was agreed that a summary of the overall discussion and reason for a motion would be elaborated on but individual comments and discussion would be limited. Commissioner CERVENY moved to approve the Minutes of December 5, 1996, as printed. Conunissioner LANGDON secoided the motion. Motion carried 5-0 to approve the Minutes with Commissioners ECKHARDT and JOHNSON abstaining due to absence from this meeting. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes • December 19, 1996 Page 2 _, . 6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for anyone to speak on any subject not appearing under Item 7 of the Public Hearing section of the agenda) No one was present to speak. 7.- PUBLIC IIEARING I. Case No. WZ-96-12: An application by Western PCS, III for approval of an amendment to a Planned Industrial Development final development plan on property located at 4836 Van Gordon. Ms. Reckert presented Staff's report on Case No. WZ-9b-12. She stated that the applicant was Western PCS, III, 2323 Delgany Street, Denver, Colorado, 80216. She presented slides to describe the surrounding area. Ms Reckert entered into the record the zoning ordinance, case file, packet materials, and exhibits. Jurisdiction was established. The Commission has jurisdiction to hear this case. Ms. Reckert gave an overview of this request. She stated the City Council had passed an Ordinance in late November, 1996, dealing with this type of facility. Generally, the Ordinance allowed these type facilities and addressed the different procedures for . approval. This property is known as the Colorado Steel property requiring an amendment to the final development plan. The applicant is requesting the approval of installation of receivers on the existing tower on this property. Slte stated further that the existing tower is 200 feet in height 4vhich is considerably higher than the current Ordinance allows. The proposed equipment would be added to the tower at 150 feet above grade. Ms. Reckert stated that Staff is recommending approval with the condition that all the requirements for a PID final development plan be met prior to City Council Review. There were no questions posed front the Commission to Staff at this time. Chairperson WILLIAMS swore in Georgia Lichte, 2323 Delgany Street, Denver, Colorado, 80216. Ms. Lichte provided additional materials to the Commission including photo simulations. Slte advised the Commission that Western Wireless' purpose was to provide wireless communications service to the western states including the City of Wheat Ridge. This corporation is the first FCC auction winner to provide service to 57 rural service azeas within fifteen (15) western states and sixteen (16) metropolitan service areas. The total subscriber base is 240,000. Ms. Lichte elaborated on a few of the positive items the company has taken pazt in. Slte supported the Staff Report stating that four (4) additional towers would have to be constructed to provide the sante coverage as the existing tower would allow. She stated that the company's intent was to make the installation as inconspicuous as possible. Brief general discussion tvas held including confirmation that the existing tower belonged to AT&T, ltow many receivers could/would be placed on the tower, area covered, other tower Planning Commission Meeting Minutes • December 19, 1996 Page 3 alternatives, if other companies could request the same thing, reconstruction if tower was destroyed, and painting requirements. These items were addressed by Staff. Chairperson WILLIAMS swore in the Senior RF Engineer, Chris Arington, 2323 Delgany, Denver, 80216. He stated that he was the Senior Engineer who designs radio frequencies. He confirmed that this was an ideal site for location of the receivers to provide the most coverage without having to build additional towers. Commissioner LANGDON inquired as to what the equipment would accomplish. Mr. Arington gave an overview in layman terms to explain the purpose of the equipment which would be installed. Chairperson WILLIAMS swore in Pat Berrit, Project Coordinator, 2323 Delgany, Denver, Colorado, 80216. Mr. Berrit advised that information had to be sent to the structural engineers of the company who constructed the tower. After review, these engineers sent a letter to Western and A&T to review. Mr. Berrit stated that AT&T would not entertain consent before reviewing the information. There were no questions asked of Mr. Berrit. Brief general discussion took place including questions regarding the red and white colors being changed, a beacon vs paint, and liability of Wheat Ridge (the City has none). • Commissioner THOMPSON motioned and Commissioner ECKHART seconded, that Case No. WZ-96-12, a request for an amendment to a Planned Industrial Development final development plan for property located at 4836 Van Gordon Street be APPROVED for the following reasons: I. A plan amendment is required to allow the collation of CMRS panel antennas on an existing tower in the PID zone. 2. The plan amendment will alleviate the necessity of additional shorter towers. Not having the additional shorter tower will increase the visual aesthetic enviromnent in the Wheat Ridge area. 3. The plan amendment is compatible with adjacent zoning and land use. With the following conditions: The provisions of Section 26-25(B)(3) be met before review by City Council. An amendment was made by Commissioner CERVENY to include the purpose of additional receivers being placed on the existing tower vs the construction of new towers. (Item 2 was expanded to include the addition). No other discussion took place. Motion carried 7-0. • Planning Commission Meeting Minutes . December 19, 1996 Page 4 _ 2. Case Nn. PBC-96-1: An application by the City of Whe;tt Ridge for approval of a rezoning of property located at 11200 Nest 45th Avenue from Public Buildings and Facilities (PBF) to Agricultural-One (A-1) and for approval of a Special Use Permit to allo«' governmental buildings with outside storage and repair facilities. Ms. Reckert presented an overview of this request. The approximate area is 2.~ acres which is o~~ned by the City of Wheat Ridge and is surrounded by low density residential development with one commercial property abutting this property to the south. Ms. Reckert entered into the record the Comprehensive Plan, the zoning Ordinance, case file and packet materials, and exhibits. Jurisdiction was established. Ms. Reckert stated that only one slide of the area could be located prior to the meeting and apologized to the Commission. Ms. Reckert stated that the main concern expressed by the neighbors in attendance at the residential meeting was that of dle fencing. Ms. Reckert continued evith review of the Staff Report and further stated that City Council has directed Planning to initiate rezoning of these types of properties. General questions were posed to Staff including maximum height of fences, zoning, condition of the ctu~rent site, possibility of a phase in program to improve appearance, consideration of a • combined site location to house several departments in another area, fuel tank safety, and future residential site development. Staff addressed each concern. Chairperson WILLIAMS swore in Dent Young, 11280 West 46th Avenue, Wheat Ridge. Mr. Young stated his concerns regarding living close to this facility was that the when the "red barn" (sand and salt storage dome) was built and blocked out the view. He stated that the function of the facility was fine overall but that the materials delivery trucks during the evening and night were cause of a loud banging noise when emptied. [-[e prefers not to see another red barn type building and felt that the operation and addition would be fine. No questions were posed to Mr. Young. General questions were posed to Staff including the responsible parties for the building of the storage dome. Director Goebel of Public Works stated that the facility was constructed during the tenure of the previous Director. Mr. Young said that there was no warning or advisement of the residents at that time. Director Goebel advised the Commission that during the neighborhood meeting the noise issue was presented and since then a directive was issued to discontinue the banging/throttling of hydraulics to alleviate the noise. Other questions involved landscaping, planting around power lines, Council concerns, other possible neighborhood concerns, and other general construction questions of the new building. Discussion also took place regarding the possibility of relocation of the entire facility to another • area and suggestion that other departments such as Parks and Recreation could also be included in the use of the new facility. Various locations were suggested. Director Gidley suggested that Planning Commission Meeting Minutes • December 19, 1996 Page 5 the Commission recommend to City Council to up-grade the appearance of the facility to improve the neighborhood or move it to another area perhaps as a phase-in plan. Tt was also suggested that a time frame be established to accomplish the either the construction of the new building or investigation into a new location. The Planning Commission believe a wiser future planning and use of public funds would be to seek out another appropriate location and move this facility thus the current residential location would be enhanced, the City would still be serviced, and the new facility could incorporate other department employees as well. Commissioner CERVENY motioned, seconded by Commissioner JOHNSON, that the request for approval of a rezoning from Planned Buildings and Facilities to Agricultural-One for property located at 11200 West 45th Avenue be APPROVED for the following reasons: 1: It will bring the use of the property and zoning into conformance. 2. City Council directed Staff to initiate rezoning on all nonconforming City-owned properties, and 3. Staff recommends approval. No further discussion was held. Motion carried 7-0. • Commissioner CERVENY motioned, Commissioner JOHNSON seconded, that the request for Special Use to allow governmental facilities with outside storage and repair for property located at 11200 West 45t1t Avenue be DENIED for the following reasons: 1. There may be a better alternative of seeking another location for this facility. 2. Other City departments may be able to share the netiv facility. 3. The present location is not compatible. 4. There is no opportunity to expand the current facility due to it being located in a residential area. 5. It would be economically feasible for the City to combine operations, specifically Public Works and Parks Departments, into one site. Motion to deny 7-0. Discussion was held regarding making a motion to refer to City Council an alternative plan for this alternative site plan. Commissioner THOMPSON motioned, Commissioner JOHNSON seconded, that a professional engineering firm be contracted that specializes in public facilities, locations, and design, to evaluate locations and possible site design with the initial evaluation process being completed • within three months after this matter goes before City Council. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes • December 19, 1996 Page 6 _ . Motion carried 7-0. Summary of the motion regarding the Planning Commission concerns include 1. The property should be zoned agricultural. 2.- The location of this facility is incompatible with the neighborhood. 3. The facility should be relocated. 4. A study should be completed in a timely fashion so that this project is completed prior to next winter. ~. Consolidation be considered for Public Work/Parks and Recreation Departments in the same facility. 6. Both department operations are considered industrial/commercial in use and they are both adjacent to residential neighborhoods. 7. If the construction does occur at the current location that the City provide a higher level of aesthetic improvements. 9. OLD BUSINESS • Director Gidley advised the Commission of three items which have gone before City Council; the 29th Avenue Mass Rezoning -approved (they did exempt the property as designed by the Planning Commission on Ames Street); the Schneider proposal of a combination rezoning/subdivision and variance -denied, Mr. Schneider is currently redesigning his subdivision and will be before City Council 1/13/97; emergency ordinances were adopted - 90-day moratoriums have been placed on R-2, 2A, 3, and 3A and two (2) family/mufti-family building permits both of which may be extended. 10. NEW BUSINESS Director Gidley advised that a Wadsworth Corridor Meeting will take place on January 28, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers and a Planned Neighborhood Meeting will occur on January 30, 1997, at 6:00 p.m. at38th and Kipling. Director Gidley asked the Commission if they would like to see the letter before it is mailed to the property owners. It will be made available for their review. 11. DISCUSSION AND DECISION ITEMS Commissioner ECKHARDT told of some observations he made regarding the revamping of courtyard areas during his recent trip to South America. Commissioner LANGDON shared conversation he had with a citizen who was concerned • about the wastewater odor problem. He stated that there may be a possibility of a grant Planning Commission Meeting Minutes • December 19, 1996 Page 7 _ fund that would allow a cover for the effluent ponds to be covered. He inquired if the Director of Public Works could investigate this problem. 12. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS There were no reports. 13. ADJOURNMENT There was consensus to adjourn the meeting. Chairperson WILLIAMS ad' ned the meeting at 10:10 p.m.. _ J / M~~ _ Maril Gunn, Secretary// The nest Planning Commission meeting will be held 1/2/97.