HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/21/1974
MINUTES
March 21, 1974
The two hundred and thirty-third regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge City
Council was called to order by Mayor Abramson at 7 30 P M at 7390 West
38 Avenue.
Aldermen attending were Mary Jo Cavarra, Joseph Donaldson, Calvin Hulsey,
Larry Merkl and Louise Turner. Alderman Howard was absent.
Others present were City Administrator John Jerman, City Attorney William
McCarthy, Deputy City Clerk, staff and interested citizens
Minutes of March 14, 1974 were not ready for approval. Minutes to be sub-
mitted for approval March 28, 1974
Motion by Alderman Cavarra "I move that Item 13-A be moved up on the
agenda due to the fact there is a large number of people here, many of
whom are students who have final tests to study for tomorrow" Motion
was seconded by Alderman Turner. After discussion, it was agreed Item
13-A should be considered just before Item 8. Motion passed 5-0.
Mavor Abramson presented a resolution commending Wheat Ridge High School
Football Team, approved by Council March 14, 1974, to Dr George Lauterbach,
principal of Wheat Ridge High School and Steve Blair, one of the football
captains.
Mr Dick Markley, representing Jefferson County Community Center, Inc.
distributed a resolution to Council, adopted by Arvada City Council
indicating their desire to support the Jefferson County Community Center
program Mr. Markley requested that the City of Wheat Ridge consider a
capital fund donation in support of the program. In answer to question
from Alderman Hulsey, Mr. Markley stated Wheat Ridge was requested to
share in support of the program amounting to $65,000.00 per year for a
period of three years. After considerable discussion as to availability
of funds and possibly budgeting for this donation next budget year, it
was agreed that this item would appear on next week's agenda in the form
of a resolution.
Resolution No. 292 authorizing Personnel Classification Changes regarding
Buyer I, Buyer II, Budget and Purchasing Officer, and City Service Worker V
l~cS explained by Mr Jerman. Alderman Donaldson introduced the resolution
and it was read. Motion by Alderman Hulsey "I move that Resolution No.
292 be adopted." Motion was seconded by Alderman Donaldson and passed
by a vote of 4-1. Alderman Turner voted "nay".
Resolution No. 293 authorizing a Police Advisory Committee was introduced
by Alderman Cavarra and read Motion by Alderman Donaldson "I move
Resolution 293 be adopted." Motion seconded by Alderman Turner and
passed by a vote of 5-0. Mayor Abramson requested the aid of the press
in making notice of the creation of the committee and advertising duties
of the committee for citizens interested in applying.
Regarding appointments to the Business and Industrial Relations Committee,
Alderman Cavarra made the following motion "I move that we defer any
further action on this committee until we've had an opportunity to take
another look at the resolution" Motion was not seconded. Mayor Abramson
requested Council to schedule reconsideration for the next study session
because some persons appointed to the committee felt the make-up of the
committee was too restrictive. Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that
we do not reconsider the Business and Industrial Relations Committee
Resolution." Motion was seconded by Alderman Turner and passed 3-2.
Aldermen Cavarra and Hulsey voted "nay".
Case WZ-73-29 - rezoning application by Ralph Jacobson at 10201 West 44
Avenue from Agricultural One (A-1) to Restricted Commercial (RC) was
scheduled for decision Motion by Alderman Cavarra "I move that Case
WZ-73-29 be approved for the reasons that it will not constitute strip
zoning, the area across the street on 44th is now Commercial One, it
was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission, and it appears
to be the best use for this small parcel of land." Motion was seconded
by Alderman Donaldson and passed by a vote of 5-1. Sealed vote from
Alderman Howard indicated he voted "nay".
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 2
Request from Wheat Ridge High School for a bikeway/walkway from Youngfield
to Wadsworth and in the vicinity of the school was considered. Dr George
Lauterbach, Principal of Wheat Ridge High School was present to speak for
for the bikeway/walkways and introduced Mrs Mary Purdy, president of the
Parent Teacher Student Association.
Mrs. Purdy reviewed surveys and results received from students and parents,
and covered routes to school, number of students walking or riding bicycles
along these routes and the need for bikeway/walkways
Mr Jerman distributed copies of a letter received from Walter hane, City
Administrator of the City of Lakewood In the letter, the City of Lakewood
proposes certain improvements along 32nd ~venue.from You~gfield to hipling
on a joint basis with the City of Wheat Rldge, lnstallatlon of a storm
drain and pedestrian walkway along the south side of 32nd at their expense.
With respect to a bikeway on 32nd Avenue, their position is since this
portion of the street falls within the City of Wheat Ridge, cost should
be undertaken by Wheat Ridge. Lakewood also proposes traffic signal
modification at 26th and hipling at their expense Storm drain and
pedestrian walkway along the south side of 32nd Avenue, east of Quail is
also proposed by the City of Lakewood
Mr Dave Skeen, Administrative Assistant for the Wheat Ridge High School
commented on results of surveys received from parents favoring bikeways
and walkways and stated they would use them if they were available.
Students from other schools could also use them and bikeways and walkways
do have uses beyond the normal school usage. Mr Skeen introduced several
students from Wheat Ridge High School.
Dan Bessesen, 10355 West 23rd, Student Body President at Wheat Ridge High
School, stated he walked or rode his bicycle to school every day Alternative
modes of transportation are necessary, and this could be used to instill
in students the ideas of alternative modes of transportation--that of
walking and using bicycles when it isn't necessary to drive. The seconj
idea is that of basic health and safety. Without bikeways, bicyclists are
a hazard to motorists and endanger themselves. If reasonable means is
provided ~o transport students, you may be instilling the idea of alternative
modes of transportation and aiding public safety.
Bonnie Barkeen, 4040 Cody, Wheat Ridge Hiqh School student, stated she
was mainly concerned with the public safety part of having a bikeway,
that road conditions are not good enough to ride a bicycle upon and
that she rode on dirt roads and on private property to avoid riding on
38th and 32nd. Sand swept to the side of the road is hazardous to
bicyclists. A bikeway off the road would be safer, and if installed,
more people would ride their bicycles
Mr Skeen commented that sand on the edge of the roadway is a real concern
for people riding bicycles If a walkway were constructed, some kind of
snow removal equipment that could handle a smaller surface off the road
and some kind of sweeper that would take sand off after the snow was
melted
hathv McCord, 1895 Tabor Street, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge High School student,
stated she rode her bike almost every day and she felt a bikeway/walkway
was a very necessary thing, not only for the safety of the students but
for the motorists Snow removed to the sides of the roadway and sand on
the roadway are hazardous to bicyclists A bikeway/walkway would be
greatly appreciated and is very necessary.
Dr Lauterbach expressed appreciation for being able to appear before
Council to present facts and figures
Alderman Hulsey stated he felt the City would have to look at the
possibility of bikeway/walkways for the entire city and asked what
percentage of students attending Wheat Ridge High School lived in
Wheat Ridge The percentage was not available, but Dr. Lauterbach
stated a number of students attending Wheat Ridge High School were
from Lakewood
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 3
Citizen Comments were received from
Joanna Anderson, 3992 Rolf Court, representing the Parent-Teacher group
at Prospect Valley stated they endorsed this proposal for additional
safety for children who walked or biked on the north side of 32nd.
Phyllis Crabb, representing Everett Junior High School stated they endorsed
this proposal and that almost all students from Everett go to Wheat Ridge
High School and this would have a direct impact on these students
Mrs Paul Case, 11865 West 22nd Place, Chairman of the Wheat Ridge Advisory
Committee, stated they were very concerned and very interested that some-
thing be done about this particular problem.
Mr Jerman stated a memorandum from Mr. Taylor, Director of Public Works,
indicated a preliminary investigation into the feasibility of construction
of a walkway along the north side of 32nd Avenue between Youngfield and
Holland revealed an approximate cost of $30,000.00. Length of the walkway
is proposed at 1180 feet, proposed width is four feet, proposed depth is
three inches Paving costs are approximately $25,000.00 and grading
approximately $5,000.00. There is some right of way that would be needed
between Youngfield and hipling, but generally there is a minimum 60 foot
width Grading and surfacing costs would increase from hipling east if
the walkway were built adjacent to the roadway, due to the need of pro-
viding for heavier vehicular traffic.
Mayor Abramson stated the City had at one time been negotiating with
Crown Hill Cemetery regarding the possibility of a walkway in that area.
Crown Hill people are currently negotiating with the Denver Water Board
who will condemn property and Crown Hill is not willing to talk to the
City about the possibility of a walkway through Crown Hill until the
condemnation proceedings are completed.
Alderman Cavarra stated she had received a call from Representative George
Fentress prior to the meeting and he had expressed a great deal of interest
and support in this project. Also, he has introduced a bill that has
passed the House concerning state funding for this type of off street
bikeway and it is now in Senate Committee. Mr. Fentress suggested we
urge our Senator to look into this. Alderman Cavarra stated Senator
Joseph Schieffelin was present and asked if he would care to comment
on this.
Senator Joseph Schieffelin stated he wanted to back and endorse the pro-
posal as a citizen and that the thought the citizen support present was
indicative of more widespread support. He was unable to speak about the
House bill as he had not seen it
Motion by Alderman Donaldson "I move this matter be placed on the
study session agenda for the first meeting in April." Motion was not
seconded. Council was in agreement.
Mr Jerman reported on bids received for installation of snythetic
flooring in the gymnasium of multi-purpose building at Field Park.
Miller Floor Company was the low bidder at $9,012.50. Recommendation
was to purchase from the low bidder for floor covering called un i-turf
from Account 244
Mr. A F. Williams, 2902 Eaton Street, Park Commissioner, stated the
Park Commissioner was in favor of this flooring
After discussion Motion by Alderman Hulsey "I move that we purchase
the un i-turf from Miller Floor Company, not to exceed $9,012.50 from
Account 244. Motion was seconded by Alderman Merkl and passed by a
vote of 4-1 Alderman Turner voted "nay" giving the following reasons
From items scheduled on the agenda, it could be assumed the City would
be looking for a City Hall and that if these funds were not spent on
this building, they would go into a fund for City Hall
--.-.------
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 4
Ordinance 150, amending Ordinance 138 was on second reading. Clerk read
the title of the ordinance. Motion by Alderman Cavarra "I move that
Ordinance 150 be approved on second reading and published and posted "
Motion was seconded by Alderman Donaldson.
Alderman Turner commented that if the City were in a position of raising
the pay of all City employees, and we were not in a position of cutting
our budget 10% this year, she could understand raising one group of people,
however, when we've been asked to cut in all departments and a federal
civil service person made a study last year which placed the Dispatchers
at Grade 15, she did not feel it proper to raise these people five grades
when all employees were not receiving a raise.
Ordinance 150 was passed by a vote of 4-1. Alderman Turner voted "nay"
Motion by Alderman Donaldson
adoption of Ordinance 150 so we
Motion was seconded by Alderman
"I move that Council reconsider the
may consider the proposed amendments."
Cavarra, and passed by a vote of 4-1
Motion by Alderman Cavarra "I move that Section 6 be renumbered
Section 8, and Section 7 be renumbered Section 9, and that a new
Section 6 and 7 be inserted as follows 'Section 6. Under Section 2,
Ordinance 138, Series of 1973, insert Grade 32, $827 ($4.77 hour)
Buyer II. Section 7. Under Section 2, Grade 36, change Finance and
Purchasing Officer to Budget and Purchasing Officer. '" Motion was
seconded by Alderman Donaldson and passed by a vote of 4-1.
Motion by Alderman Donaldson "I move that Ordinance 150 as
adopted and ordered published and posted on second reading."
was seconded by Alderman Cavarra and passed by a vote of 4-1
Turner voted "nay".
amended be
Motion
Alderman
Public Hearing concerning temporary site for City offices--Mr. Jerman
stated that Council had received a report on the proposal to lease-
purchase a building at 44th and Owens on March 6. At that time there
was a good deal of discussion about it and the decision of Council at
that time was to defer any action pending this meeting for public input.
This also involved some discussion relative to the junior high school
site on 38th Avenue He stressed the proposal as submitted was with
the clear understanding this facility was intended to be temporary,
pending final decision on a permanent site. The discussion on the
junior high was centered around when and if it would be available and
under what conditions--all areas subject to different interpretations.
The need of the City at this time was for a facility which was adequate
to enable us to consolidate widely scattered operations, which are now
resulting in a great amount of waste time and effort at a great cost to
the taxpayers Present lease for City offices has less than a year to
run. It is felt that in the interest of economy in providing decent
facilities for City employees, a facility like the one being proposed
should be seriously considered by Council. At any time Council wished,
the property could be disposed of with proper approval so that if the
junior high site or another site became available within the foreseeable
future, a change could be made.
Mayor Abramson stated it had not been possible to establish a meeting
with the School Board and the Council, however he had talked with
Mr Al Mieklejohn, President of the Jefferson County Board of Education,
who had discussed the matter with the School Board. Mayor Abramson
relayed the following comments from Mr. Mieklejohn
I. The School Board is very willing to discuss the issue.
2 If the bond issue does not pass, the School Board cannot obligate
its pay-as-you-go funds (approximately 2.8 million dollars) for a
period of more than one year. There was no way a new junior high
could be built from pay-as-you-go funds unless there was a carryover
balance in that fund.
3 It was unlikely, although not impossible, the School Board would
allocate all of its pay-as-you-go funds for a new junior high in
one year.
4 There is no discussion in the school administration or the School
Board concerning the possibility of relocating students from
Jefferson High
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 5
5 If the bond issue does not pass, in Mr. Mieklejohn's opinion, thel~
would be no alternative but to continue using Wheat Ridge Junior High.
Mayor Abramson further stated he had received nothing in writing but hoped
from this hearing, specific questions would be obtained which could be
directed to the School Board
Harold Wellman, 2670 Upham Court, stated he had appraised the property
on west 44th Avenue and also the school. Relative to the property on
West 44th, there was a very high water table in that area, it isn't
flush with the surface. There is about a four foot drop to the semi-
basement which was not good in that area.
He further stated he had gone through the school building and it was in
extremely good condition, very well built. It would be quite versatile
for a good many uses if it were possible to get into it. There is ample
space for the water district, library, Chamber of Commerce. There are
ample rooms for courtrooms, hearings, etc. The heating system has been
recently redone and the location is tops. It's good high ground and a
well laid out area and could be usable for many years All utilities are
in good shape, bus service on 38th Avenue, centrally located for the
present area of population and business, and parking available The
fire B~strict is adjoining and everything would be in one spot which
would^very advantageous. Mr. Wellman stated he had not gone through
the west building and didn't know if would be sJitable or useable.
Jim Bartlett, 3450 Benton, spoke in opposition of the use of Wheat Ridge
Junior High as a City Hall. A study had been conducted to determine the
feasibility of remodeling the present structure for school use by the
firm of Wheeler and Lewis The cost of remodeling at the time of the
study (November, 1972) was $1,161,000.00 for the main structure, and
$17,000.00 to raze the west building With inflation, the cost now
would be at least 5% higher. At that time, Jefferson County Board of
Education believed this to be a poor use of taxpayers' money He
questioned if we, as a City, could suggest that this is any wiser use
of taxpayers' money and suggested that we stop trying to buy old buildings
and remodel old buildings and get into a first class City Hall. Mr
Bartlett stated the report was public information and could be obtained
from the R-1 School District.
Harvey holesar, 3737 Garland,commented he felt it important to recognize
the decisions being made now could reduce our options later. Is it
necessary to make this decision before the school bond issue is decided,
He further stated he had looked at both the main building and the west
building and endorsed completely Mr. Wellman's opinion as to the condition
of the building, but shared his concern about the use of a building on
44th w~ere there are some problems with regard to water. He felt the
decision of the School Board with regard to remodeling was completely
incidental to the use of the buildings as City Hall because the type
of remodeling for school use would not be appropriate for a City Hall
The present electrical system is inadequate and a complete new system
would have to be considered. The west structure needs windows replaced,
but the structure and general condition of the interior is good. Ceilings
in both buildings are relatively high. When classrooms are partitioned,
there will be problems with rearranging heat flow into the I/arious offices.
The electrical and heating systeMS would be significant problems but could
be resolved at a lesser cost than estimated by the School Board for remodeling.
Mr holesar stated he was convinced it would be less expensive to remodel
the building for office use than to remodel for the currently conceived
type of educational use In reply to a question from Alderman Turner,
Mr holesar estimated it might cost $100,000.00 to revitalize or redo the
electrical system in the large building.
~man Turner asked w~at the square footage was in the smaller building
I~r Jerman replied he thought it was 20,000 and the large building was
62,000 for a total of 82,000 square feet.
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 6
Alderman Turner asked if it might be reasonable to assume that it would
cost le~s.than $150,000.00 to fix the junior high building into space
f~r efflclent u~e Mr. holesar replied that it WOJld not be possible to
glve a substantlve answer without an underatanding of w~at partition
arrangements would be needed.
Alderman Turner stated Mr. holesar had recommended that Council hold
off any decision so that they wouldn't preclude future possibilities
because of the bond issue coming up and asked if she were correct in
understanding that even though the bond issue came up this year and
pa~sed and the School Board went ahead and built a new site, it would
stlll be a matter of approximately two years before it would become
available. Mr Kolesar stated this was his understanding and the decisions
made should fall within a range where we can still have some choices in
that regard
Alderman Cavarra stated she thought Mr. Wellman introduced a new aspect
in talking about community related functions moving into the building,
and asked about the cost of remodeling a very rOJgh proportion as to the
cost of duplicating such a structure now. Mr Kolesar replied he felt it
would depend on what uses are going to be made before you could obtain a
reasonable figure.
Allen hirby, 2876 Gray, spoke stating it was his understanding the City
of Estes Park moved their City offices into their high school and
possibly they could answer a lot of questions It was his understanding
their police department and other City offices were in it.
Mr A. F Williams, 2902 Eaton, stated he favored the City taking a long
look at the junior high school situation totally. There are more uses
for this building than the present needed City offices It would be,
in his estimation, a real crime to let a choice piece of property get
away because we were trying to get something in the meantime somewhere
else. We must look at the facts of the present situation in talking
about the junior high school site. It's not immediately available,
and we ought to leave the option open of considering this particular
property for City acquisition for many reasons There is still a
possibility the City could get a library facility. The building could
be used for community related activities. We must take a good look
at the situation before we make a decision we may regret. We should
keep our options open.
Gary Lewman, 4355 Pierson, stated this hearing was for a temporary
location with a projected down the road permanent location other than
the temporary location There are about seven sites east of Dudley or
Dover that are available of sufficient size for a City office building
The only site east of sufficient size is at approximately 35th and
Dudley on Lutheran Hospital property. We're contingent on the junior
high depending on the bond issue. The building at 44th and Owens is
available and on a temporary basis would solve the problem. If we're
talking about a permanent location, we have very few options east of
Dudley or Dover It's my feeling that Wheat Ridge Junior High is not
available in the near future for temporary office use and permanent
facilities are only at that building or very few other sites east of
Dudley and Dover.
Ben Love, 3785 Marshall, stated he was in favor of using the junior
high as a site for City Hall and suggested Council explore with the
School Board the potential of acquiring the building for the cost of
the land alone. From his observation, the junior high would make a
fine permanent site.
Ben Chastain, 3250 Marshall Street, stated Mr. holesar didn't mention
the juvenile plumbing in the school, the air conditioning necessary
for year around use, and a number of other things as far as structural
deficiencies are concerned With all the remodeling discussed for all
the uses mentioned, we would still have an old building. There is
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 7
275 feet on the front curb--how could this be used for all this multiple
use with insufficient parking areas. If the west building is torn down,
it will cost more than the estimate of $17,000 00 two years ago From a
temporary standpoint, you can't find a better solution to office quarters
than the building at 44th and Owens The building was constructed fully
cognizsnt of the water situation with a four foot sub-basement. That
probably is not impaling any danger of flooding On a semi-permanent
basis, go ahead with this building. The expense would be less, you
would save expenses on traveling costs, it's centrally located in the
area where most of our operations are now.
Dr. Frank Traylor stated he could not speak for the School Board, but
as an individual he would like to see a bond election this spring. If
the bond election passes, he would hope the junior high WOJld be constructed
within a year and a half, which would allow utilization in September, 1975
Remodeling costs referred to were taken from specifications which the staff
drew up w~ich would be used for new schools for space, ventilation, class-
room size, etc. It would cost more than half the cost of a new building
to remodel this for school use. The School Board has said in the past
if we're not going to use the building, we would certainly want community
use for it It would be a good deal for the City It has a library
already in it and it would have good multiple use, possible joint use
of parking along with stadium parking.
Mayor Abramson asked what might happen if the bond issue did not pass.
Ur. Traylor replied that you stay with what you have if you can't get
anything else and he didn't think a junior high could be built unless
funds were available.
Mayor Abramson asked if there had been any discussion, to his knowledge,
of shuffling students to make the junior high building available. Dr
Traylor replied he hadn't heard any of that, although there was some
space at Everett and maybe a little bit at Lakewood.
Alderman Hulsey asked Dr. Traylor how many parking spaces he
estimate were available that could be used on a joint basis.
replied he didn't know, but the stadium would be the parking
be used.
would
Dr. Traylor
that would
Alderman Turner asked if the Board had ever discussed price on the
building among themselves. Dr. Traylor stated the same situation arose
in Lakewood and that joint appraisals were made, the average taken. We
compared the property valuation of the City of Lakewood to the property
valuation of the county and gave the City of Lakewood that proportion off
the appraised price. It was the land that was valuable The one difference
is that this building was built before the reorganization of the school
district, so essentially the buildings that stand on this site were built
by the Wheat Ridge School District and not by the R-1 School District.
He felt, personally, this should enter into the equation The property
valuation in Wheat Ridge compared to the county isn't a very big pro-
portion when you compare it to the property valuation in Lakewood.
Mr Kolesar replied to Mr. Chastain's comments stating the only juvenile
plumbing in the school were drinking fountains for elementary students,
and that the structure and characteristics and condition of the building
probably would not require a heavy air conditioning plant.
Mr. Hank Stites stated if the City were in a tremendous crunch for office
space, and since we have apparently taken the escrow money set aside for
a City Hall to build a building in the park, perhaps we would look into
that QS temporary space
Alderman Hulsey stated he felt we were at the sa~e problem we were two
weeks ago. We still hadn't sat down with R-1 School Board and discussed
these problems.
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 8
Alderman Cavarra stated she felt the w~ole
didn't have an answer to right now, mainly
bond issue
thing hinged on a decision we
the passage or failure of the
Mayor Abramson stated we still have the short term problem even if the bond
issue passed of not having anything for more th~n two years. .Furth~r ~tated
tie opposed Mr. Stites' suggestion that we move lnto a recreatlon bUlldlng.
Motion by Alderman Turner "I move that we retire to Executive Session
to discuss this issue." Seconded by Alderman Merkl and passed 5-0
Meeting reconvened and Mayor Abramson stated the regular meeting would
continue until Chief Pinson could get to the meeting.
Mr Jerman requested permission to solicit bids for the Public Works
Department for an equipment trailer, budgeted for $5,000.00, an air
compressor with tools, budgeted for $5,000.00, a street flusher,
budgeted for $20,000.00, and a mow-trim attachment, budgeted for
$6,000.00. Motion by Alderman Hulsey "I move we authorize solicitation
of the bids as requested." Motion seconded by Alderman Merkl. Motion
by Alderman Cavarra "I move we amend the motion to obtain bids on a
vacuum in addition to bids on a flusher." Motion seconded by Alderman
Turner and passed by a vote of 5-0.
Mr Jerman requested permission for Park and Recreation Department to
call for competitive bids for tennis court renovation at Panarama Park.
Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move we authorize approval to call for
competitive bids for these improvements." Motion seconded by Alderman
Hulsey and passed by a vote of 5-0.
Mr Jerman presented a change order request for the multi-purpose building
for additional insulation in the building. Public Service Company of
Colorado had recommended additional insulation and, if approved, the
heat loss could be reduced from 55,000 BTU per hour to approximately
15,000 BTU per hour. A cost from William Moran Construction Company
for 4500 sqJare feet of 6 inch blanket insulation in the gymnasium
area and office would be $988.00 After discussion, motion by
Alderman Hulsey "I move that in the interest of public safety and
health and in the national interest of conserving energy, we issue a
change order to William Moran Construction Company to provide 6 inch
blanket insulation in the multi-purpose building at an additional cost
not to exceed $988.00 from Account 244. Motion was seconded by Alderman
Donaldson and passed by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Jerman presented and explained a Monthly Revenue and Status of
Budget and Appropriation Report He stated this was to be distinguished
from the report the City Treasurer submits which is a factual accounting
report of expenditures.
Mr. Jerman also reported to Council tha+ there is a court decision that
requires the City to pay City employees on military leave both their
military pay and their City pay. Formerly the person on military leave
either had to turn in his military payor not take his City pay. The
court says that we now must not dock him in any way. On the advice of
the City Attorney, we are going back and any City employees w~o did
suffer loss because of military leave will be reimbursed. The City will
make restitution and there's only a couple of those The court has
ruled they are entitled to both City pay and military pay.
**
At this time, Chief Pinson had arrived at the meeting and Council again
retired to Executive Session. Meeting reconvened after 11 00 P M. to
continue hearing on temporary City Hall site.
**
Motion by Alderman Merkl "I move that we consolidate all City offices
in the present post office facility when it becomes available, with the
exception of t~e Police Department. With regard to the Police Department,
we move the eVldence locker, the safe, and provide them a separate training
room at the post office building."
Walter Rybkowski Director of Planning, presented a report of his attendance
at the National League of Cities Conference on March 3-5, 1974, at
Washington, D 0
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 9
Mavor Abramson asked if this included moving Public Works, Planning,
Building, City Attorney, City Administrator, City Clerk and the Budget
people into the post office building and part of the Police Department.
Alderman Merkl replied that it did.
Motion was seconded by Alderman Cavarra.
Alderman Turner stated she would vote against the motion because she
wasn't sure this was the most feasible solution to the shortage of office
space.
Alderman Cavarra stated she regretted Council had to do this to the Police
Department since they were counting on this additional space, but since
a permanent decision couldn't be made until the bond issue question is
resolved, it seemed better not to commit City funds to buying any structure
at all
Chief Pinson commented a request had been submitted to F.C C for license
transmission base station change for himself and the Fire Department, and
commented they may have to apply for a change back to their present location.
Mr. Jerman asked where the Court would go and Mayor Abramson stated the
Court would meet in the multi-purpose building. Mr. Jerman asked where
the Court Clerk, files, etc. would be and Mayor Abramson stated there
would be room in the post office for that. Alderman Turner asked how the
Court Clerk's office could be separated from the Court because if you
go to Court, you end up paying a fine, do you go to the City office to
do that? Alderman Hulsey replied that the fine would be paid at the court
room just as it is done now The Court Clerk is here, but during the day
she's at the regular office. Mr. Jerman asked if the Clerk's office did
not have to be adjacent to the court room and if the judge's chambers had
to be Alderman Cavarra suggested if it was an extreme hardship, perhaps
the multi-purpose room could be modified somehow for this use.
Mr Jerman stated this move would be contingent upon successful negotiation
with the owners of the post office building which have not been concluded
yet The post office may not be available until mid-summer because it is
contingent on two other moves
Alderman Turner stated we would be moving, actually, for approximately
six months of the year that we're considering to be temporary into the
post office building in the event it was not vacated until close to
Christmas next year, which she understood was a possibility.
Alderman Merkl stated he felt if we bought the building at 44th and Owens
immediately, we would have to do it now We couldn't wait to see what
happens with the bond issue. The junior high was the ideal spot eventually.
We had to wait until June and this is the interim measure. Dr Traylor
said that if the bond issue passes, by 1975 a new building will be built.
This is going to pose a few hardships and it's going to cramp a lot of
people into one building, but economically and sensibly, this is the best
way to go.
Dougal Graham, 3330 Chase, stated he understood the move into this building
will result in a smaller monthly outlay for space than is now being paid,
and asked the costs of moving into the building. Mayor Abramson replied
it would depend on how much is done and how long we're going to be there
Mr Graham questioned if Council knew what they were getting into and
suggested that the City "make-do" Mayor Abramson stated that was
exactly what this proposal would be--a "make-do" until we know what
is happening with the bond issue. With present facilities, a great
deal of time is wasted, there is a lack of coordination between some
departments and the administration and City Attorney. A lot of conferences
never take place that should and it's a very inefficient way to operate.
We want to bring the City together under one roof as rapidly and inex-
pensively as possible
Mr Chastain stated he felt Council had already decided to get the junior high
building from the comments being made Mayor Abramson explained that no
formal vote had been taken by the Council regarding the junior high--it is
a reasonable proposal but we don't know whether it's available until the
bond issue passes or fails
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
Page 10
Alderman Turner stated each Council member was speaking as an individual.
There was no unanimity of thinking regarding the problem--we're faced
with wanting very badly to get certain departments together which are
scattered allover the city. We presently are considering taking space
promised to the Police Department for this purpose. Our choices were
the possibility of having an opportunity with the junior high or the
purchase of a building which would house all of the current offices with
the exception of the shop operation and Police Department w~ich we can
move into complete with no additional expense at a cost of $150,000 00.
Is there any way, even if the junior high were donated to us, we would
get the citizen's value for the money spent or could we move into that
building for $150,000.00 and have workable office arrangements7 Do
we have a different objective other than providing what we need at the
least amount of cost? She further stated she wondered if Council was
doing the right thing by delaying the Police Department move or fracturing
it into other locations, consequently, she would vote against the motion
She felt the most intelligent and practical arrangement would be the
building on 44th Avenue as there would be no urgency about getting out
of it and other proposals could be considered with a fair amount of time
rather than under a crisis situation.
Nancv Snow,11155 West 40th Avenue, asked how large the multi-purpose building
was and why the City couldn't move there temporarily Mayor Abra~son
replied the multi-purpose building was roughly 8,000 square feet, it is
a recreation building, and he was totally opposed to using recreation
space for City offices.
Alderman Cavarra stated she felt the position Council took was completely
irrelevant because the Board has committed itself to taking out two
junior highs which they consider obsolete What Council does or says
or decides hasn't any bearing. The question will be brought to the
voters in the form of a bond issue.
Barbara Davis 8080 Melrose Drive, asked if the City moved into the post
office, would court facilities and council facilities be in the multi-
purpose building. Mayor Abramson replied the meeting rooms would be
moved there
Nancv Snow stated she was not against a recreation building and felt
the City needed one, but on a temporary basis, why couldn't it be
used for office space. Alderman Merkl replied that since the building
is almost completed, it would cost a small fortune to fix it so it
could be heated after partitioning it.
Alderman Hulsey stated he felt we needed a recreation bUilding. There's
just as much demand for recreation as there is for City offices being
moved around. Two different issues are involved here
Mayor Abramson called for a vote on the motion and it passed 4-1
Alderman Turner voted "nay".
Meeting adjourned at 12 10 A M with remaining items of business to be
rescheduled for fVlarch 28, 1974
J I ... ce'
jG<J,?-J'<.-- .<-, '../ '-1 \ I '-'/-..Lz../
Donna Rose, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED
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JOSEPH M. DC~ALliSON
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(ALViNO HLJLS~.'(
P UL B AE:RAMSC 'J
JA I< W BRAMBLE
7470 W 38TH AvE
P C 80)( 610
WHEAT RID3E COLORADO 80033
PHONE 421-8480
MINUTES - March 21, 1974 - Continued
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WHE~T FIO::;E COLOFAOO 80033
PHONE 421 8480
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MINUTES - 3/21/74 - Continued
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