HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-2007
STUDY SESSION NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
December 3. 2007
Mayor DiTullio called the Study Session to order at 6:31 p.m. Council Members
present: Karen Adams, Karen Berry, Dean Gokey, Tracy Langworthy, Mike
Stites, and Terry Womble. Also present: City Clerk, Michael Snow; City
Treasurer, Larry Schulz; City Manager, Randy Young; Community Development
Director, Kenneth Johnstone; City Planner, Travis Crane; and interested citizens.
Council Members absent: Wanda Sang and Lena Rotola.
Item 1.
Staff Reports
Mr. Young reported that members of the Parks & Recreation Commission
requested information on why the City is still not showing a trail connection along
Lena Gulch.
Mr. Johnstone reported to Council Member Langworthy on her question
regarding outdoor screen requirements with regard to the former lumber site on
44th Ave and Field St.; TruGreen has submitted plans to change the use of the
property, and since it is not currently being used as an outdoor storage facility,
the screen requirements to not apply.
Mr. Gokey commented that Realtors he has spoken recently to do not
understand what the City is doing to improve the community and urged the City
and Council to do more to publicize the programs under way.
Mr. Schulz reported to Council on DRCOG with a summary of the funding options
that Governor Ritter's Transportation Task Force has been looking at.
Mayor DiTullio reviewed the Colorado Supreme Court ruling on the WRURA
lawsuit regarding the 44th & Sheridan condemnation; WRURA and the City is not
required to condemn the property, as dictated in the contract with Cornerstone
Realty.
Item 2.
Outside Agency Reports - no one was present to speak.
Item 3.
Billboard Ordinance
Travis Crane provided Council a PowerPoint outlining a history of Billboard code
in the City of Wheat Ridge and a review of the current challenges and proposed
code changes to the Billboard code (attached to this packet).
Jerry Dahl spoke to Council regarding the legal ramifications and limitations to be
considered in the proposing Billboard Sign Code changes.
Mrs. Berry asked Council for consensus to ask Staff to include the following
changes in the proposed Billboard Sign Code ordinance:
· The outlined in option B in regards to the total number of billboards (16)
permitted; and creating a lottery process for issuance of any new billboard
permits.
· Applications for new permits shall be signed by both the billboard owner,
and if different, the property owner. Staff should designate the length and
terms of permits as well as when an application is complete.
· Applications will only be taken for properties that meet all criteria for
construction of a billboard. For example, properties that are within the B-2
overlay district but cannot meet setback and spacing requirements should
not be able to submit an application. Only one application per eligible
parcel or tract shall be allowed.
· All billboards must be maintained in accordance with all applicable
building and electrical code standards. A professional engineer, licensed
in the State of Colorado, should certify that foundations and underlying soil
are adequate to support the proposed billboard structure.
. Create definitions for when a billboard becomes abandoned.
· Create fees for submittal of a billboard application, initial inspection of a
new billboard, and yearly renewal/inspection fees. Billboard permits
should expire if key aspects of the ordinance are not met or fees are not
paid. For example, an initial fee might be $250, an initial inspection fee of
$500, and yearly renewal fees of $1500. A billboard permit would expire if
a renewal fee of $1500 were not received within a specified timeframe.
· Other possible criterion: prohibit animated, moving, flashing, or glaring
billboards as these can create safety hazard and be a nuisance to
neighboring homes and businesses.
Consensus was 6-0 in favor.
Mayor DiTullio called for a break at 7:45pm; to resume at 7:55pm.
Item 4.
Rental Inspection Program
Kenneth Johnstone spoke to Council regarding the consideration of a Multi-
Family Rental Inspection Program, including issues and challenges in expanding
the existing programs.
Mr. Gokey asked for a consensus from Council to direct staff to move forward
with the eight steps outlined in the memo submitted by Mr. Johnstone to address
residential property maintenance within the City; consensus was 6-0 in favor.
Bail Bond businesses:
Mr. Young and Mr. Johnstone led a discussion pertaining to the idea of
expanding Special Use permitting to include Bail Bonding businesses.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:59pm.
~
Michael Snow, City Clerk