SPECIAL PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

A Special Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on October 24, 2006, at 4:01 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mrs. Russell (departed at 4:41 p.m.), Mr. McGlumphy, and Mr. Lewis. Mrs. Horsey was absent. Mayor Speed was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Ruane requested the addition of Item #4, Proposed Change of Meeting Day and Time.

Mr. McGlumphy moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Proposed Zoning Text Amendments - Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 27 - Corridor Overlay Zone 1 (COZ-1)

During their meeting of October 10, 2006, members reviewed a proposed zoning text amendment to Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3- District Regulations, 27 - Corridor Overlay Zone 1 (COZ-1) of the Dover Code, which would allow the Planning Commission to waive certain requirements of the Corridor Overlay Zone when an applicant demonstrates superior urban design. Additionally, it would require that the corridor elevation of buildings within the COZ include a primary entrance door and a primary entrance feature. This item was tabled due to the vague definition given for superior urban design.

Mr. Ruane moved to lift from the table the Proposed Zoning Text Amendment to the Corridor Overlay Zone I. The motion was seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, City Planner, reviewed two definitions for superior urban design.

Mr. Raymond Harbeson, 1206 Forrest Avenue, stated that a key issue is to continue promoting automobile trips on local streets that interconnect land uses rather than utilize the arterial roads. Mrs. Townshend noted that this issue is addressed in the proposed zoning text amendments under Section 27.54 - Site Access, Subsection D - Cross Access, which promotes linkage between properties as an alternate to reentering the corridor.

Mr. James Hutchison, Assistant Vice President of Commerce Bank, stated that the proposed zoning text amendments would allow the City to better operate and control traffic on Route 8, as well as Saulsbury Road.

Mr. Ruane suggested that the addition of “as well as promote automobile trips on an interconnected local street rather than trips that utilize the arterials” be added to the end of the third line in the first definition for superior urban design.

Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend approval of the first definition for superior urban design, with the addition of “as well as promote automobile trips on an interconnected local street rather than trips that utilize the arterials” at the end of the third line in the first definition, and to also include “The City Planner shall develop a policy that gives guidance on how the concept of superior urban design will be evaluated” (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.

Responding to Mr. Harbeson, Mrs. Townshend stated that if the front setback was increased to 90 feet the applicant would still need to meet the requirements of superior urban design, which include promoting cross access or linkage between adjacent properties.

Mr. Hutchison indicated that Commerce Bank is requesting the 90 foot setback in order to accomplish their goals. He noted that the chosen site, 1035 Forest Avenue, could accommodate this due to its large size. Mr. Hutchison also reminded members that the site plan will have to meet the requirements of superior urban design.

Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend approval of the 90-foot setback, with the understanding that the Planning Department will enforce superior urban design, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.

Presentation - Silver Lake Statistics

The presentation on Silver Lake Statistics was deferred until the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Proposed Change of Meeting Day and Time

It was the consensus of members that the new meeting day and time will be at 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday following the fourth Monday of each month.

CDBG Status Report

Mrs. Townshend reviewed the CDBG Status Reports. She noted that until the applicant submits for reimbursement, the allocated funds are shown as unspent. Staff expects all of the 2005 allocated funds to be expended by December 2006.

Mr. Ruane suggested modifying the reports to include an encumbered fund column which would indicate the funds that have been spent but a request for reimbursement has not yet been submitted.

Mrs. Townshend stated that the City Building ADA Improvements project was completed under budget. Central Services is requesting to use the remainder of their CDBG grant funds for additional concrete to be poured to connect the existing sidewalks to the grill areas at the Silver Lake Park. This would allow them to become ADA accessible. The total cost for this project is $3,000.00. This action would require an amendment to the 2005 Action Plan since the original grant was approved for ADA improvements to city owned buildings only. Staff recommended advertising the proposed amendment and allowing citizens 30 days to comment prior to making a recommendation to Council.

Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation, pending certification from the City Auditor. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Mrs. Townshend stated that she would provide members with an action form making CDBG a part of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee during the meeting scheduled for November 28, 2006.

Mr. McGlumphy moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:03 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Eugene B. Ruane

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - Proposed Zoning Text Amendment - Section 27 Corridor Overlay Zone 1