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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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