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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/04/1974 t"lI NUTES April 4, 1974 The two hundred a~d thirty-fifth regular meeting was called to order at 7 30 p.m by Mayor Paul B. Abramson at 7390 West 38 Avenue. Aldermen attending were Mary Jo Cavarra, Joseph ~onaldson, Calvin Hulsey, Larry Merkl and Louise Turner. Alderman Robert Howard arrived later Others attending were istrator John Jerman, ci tizens City Attorney William E McCarthy, City Admin- Cith Clerk Elise Bruugham, staff and interested Regarding Approval of the Minutes of March 28, 1974, Alderman Merkl requested that a verbatim record be added to the Minutes regarding the discussion on the multi-purpose bUilding and that they be brought for approval next week (4/11/74.) Public Comment was made by Rose Franklin of 3057 Ames stated that she was urging the City to work with the proposed clean-up of the Month of May because there were places allover the City that need attention. She stated that many people are reluctant to complain against their neighbors because it causes hard feelings, but that the City should take this responsiDlity. Mavor Abramson stated that the Nuisance Ordinance No. 20 covers this sort of problem, and that if people contact their Aldermen or himself about a problem, then they can file the complaint for the citizens. Alderman Turner introduced a Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 1974 Environment Month, and the proclamation was read. Bonnie Scoma of 2859 Gray stated that she sgreed with the idea of an environment clean-up, and that they want this to be a city-wide program. She stated that the effort would need slight financial help from the City for distribution of cnpies etc Mavor Abramson stated that the City had pledged its support and that this would be taken care of Alderman Turner suggested that those citizens instrumental in starting this environmental project be named to a temporary citizen's commission Resolution No. 300 establishing a Finding of Fact in regards to the Amended Annexation Petition presented by Duaine Richter was introduced by Alderman Turner and read. Motion by Alderman Turner "I move that Resolution No 300 be adopted " Motion was secnnded by Alderman Donaldson and passed by a vote of 5-0 Mayor Abramson gave the following reports 1. The financial picture for street improvements due to the increased cost of asphalt indicates that the cost for materials for the jobs which have been approved by the 8udget will be increased by apprOXimately $55,000.00 and that consequently one capital project may have to be abandoned. 2. In regards to the policy set by Council for 25th, 32nd and 38th Avenues for walkways to be placed, it should be determined where the walkway is to be placed and where the curb and gutter is to be placed in regards to the ROW This determination was especially critical to 38 Avenue since there were two developers bUilding on it now, and he needed some guidance from Council as to whether to escrow the money etc. It was later determined that this item would be on the April 18, 1974 Agenda. MINUTES - April 4, 1974 - Continued -2- John Jerman, City Administrator stated that a Budget Preparation Calendar had been prepared and distributed it City Attorney William McCarthy stated that in regards to the Land Use Plan and Mass Rezoning at 25-29 Avenue from Sheridan to Harlan Lawsuit t ha tit is scheduled fur cOUrt Ap ril 8, 1974 and 1- ha t the City had ruled that the 20% of landowners in opposition requiring 3/4 majority vote had not applied and that in fact it did apply and that he would like some direction from Council to settle the suit in the City's best interest outside of Court Council adjourned for an Executive Session to discuss the matter STUDY SESSION City Administrator John Jerman brought up the following items 1. Consideration of the proposal from Wheat Ridge High School regarding bikeways/pathways from Youngfield to Wadsworth on 32 Avenue and the proposal from Lakewood for joint finaicing of resurfacing of 32 Avenue from Youngfield to Kipling. Alderman Cavarra stated that the City should enter into the agreement with Lakewood for resurfacing because it would be a "good deal", it would be done at this year's prices and Lakewood agreed that the 1975 budget could pay for it and that also Council should authorize Mr Taylor to build the walkway from Youngfield to the High School entrance, with the funds to be directed from 44 Avenue projects. Alderman Howard stated that it had been a high priority for improvements along 44 Avenue by the Planning Commission. Alderman Hulsey stated that the bridge on 44 Avenue was a safety hazard and that a walkway is needed there, and that 44 Avenue needs resurfacing Alderman Turner pointed that 44 Avenue is a joint project between Ward II and III and she felt there would be enough money to pick up other 44 Avenue projects, and that the walkway on 32nd is the highest priority in Ward III Alderman Howard stated that capital improvements should be at budget time and that the 32nd Avenue walkway should be put on next year. Mr Jerman stated that the Lakewood offer came after budget time, and that it is reasonable that the walkway be put in when the street is being put in so that it would only be torn up once. Alderman Cavarra stated that due to the energy crlS1S the pathway is needed, that it is needed for safety, and that the Planning Commission's recommendations of priorities is not absolute. Alderman Turner asked Mr. Jerman that if city funds were spent on a project and if highway funding was available for said project later, then these funds could still be obtained to replace the money spent, and Mr. Jerman said "Yes " Dr George Lauterbach, principal of Wheat Ridge High School stated that a young man at 32nd & Youngfield had been hit by a car, and he hoped Council would not delay action. Alderman Merkl stanD that he was not opposed to a walkway, but that streets are deteriorating and 44th is heavily traveled Mayor Abramson stated that perhaps there is need of additional revenue. Alderman Hulsev agreed that with the street, drainage and walkway problems that a bond issue or sales tax should be considered MHjLJTES - April 4, 1974 - Continued -3- In regards to a sales tax question or bond issue the following was said Alderman Merkl agreed there was a need. Alderman Donaldson recommended putting in on the November ballot. Alderman Hulsey stated there must be a program to show how the money is to be spent. Alderman Cavarra agreed to let it come to a vote. Alderma~ Howard stated there is a need for additional revenue but that there should be a review of all other possible types of revenue Alderman Turner stated that the Task Force Survey indicated this as a low priority, and that the walkway should be built out of the money available. Mike Boorman, Manager of the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce stated with all this talk of walkways for children, that older people need them too In answer to a question from Alde~man Turner as to his opinion on the sales tax, he stated that he felt that the business community would not be in favor of it unless it was itemized what the m~ney would be used for Mr. Dave Skeen, Administrative Assistant for Wheat Ridge High School stated that a questionnaire mailed home to parents of students showed the majority in favor of the walkway project if brought to a vote of the people It was agreed the additional revenue topic would be on April 11, 1974 Agenda The Preliminary Transportation Plan regarding RTD was presented by Mr Ben Chastain, Chairman of the Mass transit Committee He stated the operating cost had decreased due to increased use, and that on July 1, 1q74 the Wheat Ridge SUbsidizing cost would end. He presented proposed 2 bus and 4 bus plans which if adopted would need publicity. The report is filed under "Mass Transit" and the consideration of the routes is to be brought up in the "near future." Mr. Jim Graebner RTD representative was also present In answer to questions he stated that a bus could maneuver on varying size streets, that there were varying size buses planned for use, and tht there are inequities in some fares but until all the bus systems are acquired it can't be changed but that they plan an equitable levy City Administrator John Jerman brought up the following items 1. Policy that zoning application fees and Board of Adjustment fees be non-refundable if staff work has commenced. This is to be scheduled for April 11, 1974 for action. 2 Consideration of City policies regarding employee working hours, lunch periods and break periods It was agreed that this was an administrative function and need not be discussed before Council. 3 Providing uniforms for Public Works and Parks & Recreation personnel through a company which provides laundry service, and has the names and city emblem embroidered on them, and they will be two-tone green. The money is budgeted for uniforms and Council agreed that they should be ordered. Proposal for Public Works Program Development Contract was explained by Public Works Director Glen Taylor and discussed Mr. Taylor stated that the city has no long range or short range programs, that this study would be completed in 12 months, 95% of the information obtained could be incorporated into the Comprehensive Master Plan, that this study would 'priortizs' the need5 of the Ci ty Aldermen Cavarra and Turner stated they felt some of the items could be reduc8~ and done "in house." MINUTES - April 4, 1974 - Continued -4- M~s Pageron of 10520 West 35 Avenue a5ked why the City authorized So many studies. Alderman Turner stated that the City should make use of the studies already received and paid for, that a master drainage study is needed but not routine public works problems need to be paid for with an outside consultant Alderman Merkl stated that the City should be able to pick its own priorities Alderman Howard questioned how the priorities would be established - i.e by need or emergency or personality, and that these determinations should be made by a professional Alderman Cavarra stated that the study is needed but it needs to be pared down. Mavor Abramson stated that if the problems are known then Council can put them in priority City Administrator John Jerman stated he felt a consultant would identify the cost and problems but would not list the priorities, and that the study should be pared down for only the more technical aspects. Aldermen Hulsey and Cavarra stated that from the task force study that the highest needs are drainage and streets Glen Tavlor stated that to prepare the Comprehensive Master Plan approximately 95% of the items listed in the proposed study need to be answered. Alderman Howard stated that all the determine what should be eliminated Study Session Agenda items should be evaluated then This item is to be on a future City Administrator John Jerman brought up the following items 1 The Clerk's office had purchased paperweight momentos and Council should determine where OT to whom they should be distributed. It was set for April 11, 1974 that a Motion be stated that the paperweights be awarded to past and CUrrent commission and committee members 2. Dinner Policy for citizen committees and boards. Mavor Abramson suggested that there be one banquet annually Alderman Hulsev stated that he felt that these members deserved one dinner a year and that they donate their time Alderman Cavarra suggested 2 functions one on Saturday for reports with coffee and rolls, and another evening one which would be social Alderman Turner stated there needs to be guidelines so that there will be uniform treatment Council is to establish a policy on April 11, 1974 3. Use of City vehicles. Mr Jerman stated that with the arrival of the new police carS that there will be 2 carS that will need to be sold because of high mileage etc Discussion followed on why certain people in the city have cars and why they drive them home and that at one time the policy had been not to drive them home It was determined that this be brought up on the May 3, 1974 Study Session and that Council at that time have a list of who has the cars and that each person driving a car home write a justification as to why they need the car 4. Amending the Rules of Procedure to provide for a Study Session in writing was brought up Alderman Turner stated that there should be a regular business meeting first, then a study session. There was no determination made by Council. 5. Park Naming Procedure. Alderman Turner recommended that the procedure for park naming by the Parks Commission be changed to say that they recommend name changes to Council for their approval. Discussion followed on the proposed ordinance amending the park rules and also in- cluding the parks commission duties and powers Said OTdinance is scheduled fOT April 18, 1974 MHJUTES - April 4, 1974 - Continued -5- 6. Discussion of Business and Industrial Resolution No. 281 came up regarding whether or not all the members should live in the city or if some could represent the industries who work for these companies but do not reside in the city This is to be scheduled for April 11, 1974 for action City Administrator John Jerman reported 1 That the lease for the Police Department had been renewed for 1 year. 2. That it was proposed that there be a one day session outside the City for discussion between department heads and that if it was agreeable this would be a working day. Alderman Howard suggested Saturday. 3. That the Public Works Department desired to make an agreement with a company to stock their parts room and that if it is not used during the year then the company will refund at the end of the year 4 Approval to go out for bids for the following two items was needed from Council a. Paving of Harlan Street at 32 Avenue and that part would be paid by the City of Edgewater b Paving of Field Park parking lot and access road for ~he new ~ulti-purpose building. $42,000.00 was estimated cost for all the proposed paving, $21,000.00 would be estimated cost for paving the east side and the access road. $14,000.00 was the cost to gravel the area c. Approval to go out for bids for both projects and reducing the paving at the building to one side of the bUilding and access road was given Meeting was adjourned at 12 30 P m. r&~~t.e-J City Clerk APPROVED ~ /;;~/7}/