HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 03-23-15CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
March 23, 2015
Mayor Jay called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ROLLCALL OF MEMBERS
Jerry DiTullio Bud Starker
George Pond Tracy Langworthy
Zachary Urban
Kristi Davis
Absent: Tim Fitzgerald (excused), Genevieve Wooden
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Attorney, Gerald Dahl; City Manager,
Patrick Goff; Police Chief, Daniel Brennan; Administrative Services Director, Heather
Geyer; other staff, guests and interested citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of March 9, 2015 Council Meeting and Study Session
Notes of March 2. 2015
Motion by Councilmember DiTullio to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2015 Regular
Meeting and the Notes from the March 2, 2015 Study Session; seconded by
Councilmember Davis ; carried 5-0, with Councilmember Starker abstaining due to his
absence on March gth.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
City Manager of the Year
Mayor Jay introduced Jane Brautigam, Boulder City Manager, who presented an award
to Patrick Goff who has been named Manager of the Year for 2014 by the Colorado City
and County Managers. She listed a number of his accomplishments for 2014, including
three new housing developments, commercial development at 38th & Kipling, working
with the schools to form a community committee to promote WR schools, community
outreach on 38th Avenue, helping the WR Police Department receive national
accreditation, the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award for 2014, and having the Parks
Department work on accreditation for 2016. He cares about employee recognition, staff
development and well ness. -Mr. Goff thanked Ms. Brautigam and said he is honored
and humbled. He gave credit to this and previous Councils and Mayors for their
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 2
leadership and guidance, and of course, the staff, without whom this award would not
have happened.
Institute for Environmental Solutions -Trees for the Greenbelt
Mayor Jay introduced the officers of Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES):
Carol Lyons, IES Executive Director, Sean Mangus, IES Tree Project Manager, and
John Kelly, IES Growing the Greenbelt Program Coordinator.
Councilmember DiTullio, who has been involved with this program, had City Forestry
supervisor Margaret Paget join the group. He explained this is the third year that the
Parks Department, IES and his WRHS Career Exploration Classes (about 30 students)
will be working in the greenbelt to plant trees, build wildlife protection devices for trees,
and learn about parks and forestry careers. He presented IES with additional monies
that will be used to purchase larger and more trees:
• Donation of public outreach funds from Councilmembers Starker, Wooden, Pond,
DiTullio and City Manager Patrick Goff totaling $1,100
• Personal check from Mayor Jay for $100
• Personal check from City Attorney Jerry Dahl $100
Carol Lyons gave remarks about working with Mr. DiTullio, Margaret Paget, and all the
community volunteers on the challenge of keeping up the priceless jewel the Greenbelt is
without a lot of resources. They are still replacing trees from the storm of 2009, but the
survival rate has been high -90%. Volunteers are welcome to join them Friday, April 17
from 9:00-noon in the Greenbelt. Tonight's donations will be used to match a $2,000
grant from the Colorado Tree Coalition.
CITIZENS' RIGHT TO SPEAK
Vivian Vos (WR) invited everyone to a joint community meeting of Citizens for an
Inclusive Wheat Ridge and Keep Wheat Ridge Local this Wednesday, March 25 at
6:30pm at the WR Grange just east of the WR5-8 school. Anyone can attend.
Kim Cal imino (WR) thanked members of the WR2020 Wheaties Academy leadership
academy for their community engagement. -She congratulated Patrick Goff on his
award and thanked him for his recent Connections article on the importance of civil
discourse. -She invited everyone to the last WR2020 Food & Film series this
Wednesday at 6pm at the Active Adult Center. The film is Food Patriots, a documentary
on how our food systems and small changes can make a difference in our food sources.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember DiTullio to move Item 8, the discussion of the public survey to
the April 6 study session when all councilmembers can be present; seconded by
Councilmember Starker; carried 6-0.
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 3
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
1. Council Bill No. 07-2015 -An Ordinance providing for the sunset of the Animal
Welfare and Control Commission
Council member Urban introduced Council Bill No. 07-2015.
This Commission that has functioned since 1977 is no longer needed. The Police
Department takes care of everything.
Clerk Shaver assigned Ordinance 1569.
Mayor Jay opened the public hearing.
City Attorney Dahl informed the Council that he believes all the references to the Animal
Control Commission have been removed from the Code.
Public Comment
Heather Cameron from the Foothills Animal Center was present to praise the Wheat
Ridge Police Department's Animal Control Officers and spoke about the Center.
Nancy Snow (WR) spoke in opposition to getting rid of the Animal Welfare and Control
Commission. She knows it's a done deal, but thinks it's sad . She appreciates the
volunteers who serve their community and hates to see them dumped. In the past they
have been very helpful with neighborhood disputes over animals. Now there will be no
neighborhood mediation, only police action and giving tickets.
Chief Brennan offered that the City does more than enforcement; they have started
mediation services and education programs. He believes times have changed. He
recognized the expertise of the Commission members and said his department will use
their expertise in the future .
Mayor Jay closed the public hearing.
Motion by Council member Urban to approve Council Bill No. 07-2015, an ordinance
providing for the sunset of the Animal Welfare and Control Commission and that it take
effect fifteen days after final publication; seconded by Councilmember Pond ; carried 5-1,
with Councilmember DiTullio voting no.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
2. Council Bill No. 08-2015 -An Ordinance authorizing and approving a Lease
Purchase Financing Agreement for Solar Panels with Alpine Bank and, in
connection therewith, certain related documents and transactions
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015 Page4
Councilmember Pond introduced Council Bill No. 08-2015.
This agreement for $800,000 will be used to finance the purchase of 40% of the power
from the Jefferson County 2 solar array for 228.42 kilowatt hours. $776,628 is for
purchasing the solar array panels; $23,372 is for financing origination fees. These
monies will be financed over 15 years at a rate of 5.70%. -The City will be receiving
credits on Xcel's electric bills that will be used to pay off the capital investment. When
the initial capital investment has been paid off, the bill credits will become income for the
City that may be used to offset a portion of electricity costs.
Motion by Councilmember Pond to approve Council Bill No. 08-2015, an ordinance
authorizing and approving a lease purchase financing agreement for solar panels with
Alpine Bank and, in connection therewith, certain related documents and transactions, on
first reading , order it published, public hearing set for Monday, April 13, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
in City Council Chambers, and that it take effect immediately upon adoption; seconded by
Councilmember Langworthy; carried 6-0 .
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
~ Motion to approve award of ITB-15-01 Kipling Multi-Use Trail to Technology
Constructors, Inc., Arvada, CO, in the amount of $2 ,210,371 with a contingency
amount of $375,000, for a total amount of $2,585,371
Councilmember Langworthy introduced Item 3.
Federal monies have been awarded to the City to build a multi-use trail on the east side
of Kipling from 32"d Avenue to 44th Avenue. The trail will serve pedestrians and
bicyclists.
Staff was available for questions.
• Council member DiTullio asked about the status of the undergrounding along
Kipling between 32"d and 35th. Mark Westberg , City engineer, reported that Xcel
finished some time ago. He is waiting for a status report form Comcast. We have
to enter into a contract with Century Link for about $80,000 to pay them to
underground their portion. When that is resolved and we hear back from Comcast
it shouldn't take long.
• Councilmember Langworthy asked if the undergrounding would be finished before
the trail is started. Mr. Westberg assured Council that several pieces of this
project can be started prior to completion of the undergrounding (e.g. the bridge).
The construction schedule should not be affected.
• Mr. Westberg happily noted that the Contract was $15,000 below the City's
estimated cost. Following a pre-construction meeting with the contractor staff will
inform Council about the construction schedule.
• Councilmember Urban asked about the contingency money. Mr. Westberg said
this fund will cover the payment to Century Link, a quality control consultant, and a
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 5
construction consultant (as was done with 32nd & Youngfield) to assist with the
overwhelming amount of paperwork involved with federal money. -Contingency
funds are usually about 1 0%, but this one is about 17% because it includes the
money for Century Link. Doing it this way will allow for federal reimbursement.
Motion by Councilmember Langworthy to award of ITB-15-01 Kipling Multi-Use Trail to
Technology Constructors, Inc., Arvada, CO, in the amount of $2,210,371 with a
contingency amount of $375,000, for a total amount of $2,585,371; and further to charge
$22,104 to the Capital Investment Fund and deposit $22,104 in the Public Art Fund;
seconded by Councilmember Starker; carried 6-0.
4. Motion to accept Kipling Street Right-Of-Way and temporary construction
easements from adjacent property owners for the Kipling Street Multi-Use Trail
Project
Councilmember Langworthy introduced Item 4.
Most of the rights-of-way and temporary construction easements that are necessary for
construction of the Kipling Trail have been acquired and were accepted last October.
This motion will accept the acquisition of two additional parcels. Acquisition of a third and
final parcel is still in negotiations.
Motion by Councilmember Langworthy to accept Kipling Street right-of-way and
temporary construction easements from adjacent property owners for the Kipling Street
Multi-Use Trail Project; seconded by Councilmember Starker; carried 6-0.
§.. Resolution No. 19-2015 -approving a Community Solar Interest Purchase and
Energy Agency Agreement with Clean Energy Collective in the amount of
$776,628 to participate in a Solar Garden Project in Jefferson County
Councilmember Pond introduced Resolution No. 19-2015.
This resolution approves an agreement with Clean Energy Collective (CEC) that
stipulates the terms and conditions of the City's purchase of 228.42 kilowatt hours
of the power from the Jefferson County 2 solar garden. This agreement will be for 20
years and will be renewable at a minimal cost at that time.
Each month .....
• The City's electric bill will be credited for its panels' production, and
• The City will receive renewable energy certificate (REC) payments.
• The savings from the electric bill and the REC payments will be used to pay off the
capital investment.
Once the initial investment has been repaid, the bill credits and REC payments will
become net income for the City and may be used to offset a portion of electricity costs.
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 6
Motion by Councilmember Pond to approve Resolution No. 19-2015 - a resolution
approving a Community Solar Interest Purchase and Energy Agency Agreement with
Clean Energy Collective in the amount of $776,628 to participate in a solar garden project
in Jefferson County; seconded by Councilmember Langworthy; carried 6-0.
6. Resolution No. 17-2015-amending the Fiscal year 2015 General Fund Budget to
reflect the approval of a Supplemental Budget Appropriation in the total amount of
$42,436.08 for the renewal of the 2015 Three-year Support Agreement for
WRTV8 Granicus Video Streaming Services
Council member Starker introduced Resolution No. 17-2015.
This contract provides for the software, hardware and services to stream video of the
Council meetings. The funds will come from PEG fees (Public Educational Government)
that users pay Comcast.
Ongoing problems with Channel 8 were addressed. Mr. Goff noted a number of the
problems are associated with Comcast. There followed some discussion about the
possibility of seeing if the City could get better service for the money.
Motion by Councilmember DiTullio to continue consideration of Resolution 17-2015 for
so long as necessary to permit staff to research the availability of alternate providers, and
to confirm that the ongoing video streaming service will not be interrupted during this
time; seconded by Councilmember Urban; carried 6-0
7. Motion to reappoint John Kellow to the Building Code Advisory Board, District IV
and reappoint Sally Banghart to the Board of Adjustment, District IV, terms to
expire 3/2/18.
Councilmember Davis introduced Item 7.
These appointments were inadvertently omitted from the annual Board and Commission
appointments on March 9, 2015.
Motion by Councilmember Davis to reappoint John Kellow to the Building Code Advisory
Board, District IV and reappoint Sally Banghart to the Board of Adjustment, District IV,
terms to expire 3/2/18; seconded by Councilmember Langworthy; carried 6-0.
§.. Citizen Survey
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 7
Per Council direction this item will be discussed at the April 6th Study Session.
9. RTD Fare Study Update
Natalie Menten, RTD director for District M (Lakewood, Golden and Wheat Ridge), gave
a presentation on the RTD fare study update that was completed this month. Changes
in fare levels and structure will affect Wheat Ridge riders .
Highlights of her presentation included:
• RTD currently charges by distance (zones), which most transit systems don't use.
• The public was surveyed on how they would prefer to be charged .
• Per statues 30% of RTD's operating costs must be recovered at the fare box. The
rest is subsidized by tax dollars. Fares were last raised in 2011 .
• Denver is hard to compare to other cities because it is a large sprawling area.
• This fare proposal will get rid of transfers-which take time and incur lots of fraud.
• A single boarding fare will go from $2.25 up to $2.60 (with cash).
• Smart cards will be coming out this year that will reduce the cost by 25 cents.
(End result is the raise is only from $2.25 to $2 .35.)
• Discounts (half-price fare) are available for seniors, individuals with disabilities,
Medicare recipients, and students age 6-19.
• There will also be expansion of the Day Pass and the Monthly Pass.
• Fare to the airport from any distance will be a flat $10.
• She encouraged Councilmembers to have people get their wishes known before
the final decisions are made.
• Some issues RTD faces:
o None of the routes pay for themselves. Some routes have acceptable levels of
subsidy; some don't.
o This year Revenue is estimated to be $537 M. The cost to operate will be
$937M.
o Example: The 38 Bus (38th Ave): Every time someone steps on the bus it costs
the taxpayers $4.32 beyond the $2.25 the rider pays.
o Example: The new rates will get RTD to slightly more than break even. Riders
far out (e.g. Conifer) have said they prefer higher rates over losing their service.
o There will be some cuts in services.
o Non-profit Agency Reduced Fare Program -RTD works with some 200 non-
profits to offer free and reduced fares to low income individuals. (In 2014 this
was a $2.5M cost to RTD.)
• There will be 16 Public Hearings, including Lakewood March 25 at Colfax &
Yarrow and Arvada City Hall Monday, March 30 at 6:30pm
• The RTD website is available for public comment and people who don't have
internet service can call in their comments to 303-299-6000.
• Comments will be taken through thru April 8.
• The RTD Board will vote on the Day Pass fares on April 21.
• The next stage will be decisions on the Eco Pass; most passes will probably have
a 12% increase.
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015
• Vending machines are being installed in the busses from which riders can
purchase day passes. Weekly passes will be available at kiosks.
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
Page 8
Mr. Goff announced the annual Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday, March 28 at 1 Oam at
Panorama Park. -He reminded folks of the City's Large Item Pick-up that will be held
on Saturdays May 23 and 30. Registration begins March 30. There are 275 vouchers for
that; it's first come, first served. Acceptable item are listed on the website.
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS
Tracy Langworthy reminded folks who got postcards about the meeting for bicycle path
improvements on 32"ct Avenue: Wednesday, April1 5\ 6:30-8:00 in Council Chambers.
Jerry DiTullio noted that the Large Item Pick-up will be in addition to the East WR Clean-
up Program.
George Pond thanked the Animal Control Commission members for their years of
service.-He congratulated Patrick Goff on his award.-He thanked Davey's
Chuckwagon for providing a room for the coffee he and Tim Fitzgerald had . There was
considerable attention given to ongoing issues at Discovery Park (graffiti, smoking,
language). They discussed setting up a Task Force and he's talked to the mayor about
that. -Mr. Goff indicated a resolution could be done to identify the mission, roles and
duties of the task force.
Kristi Davis thanked the members of the Animal Control Commission and thanked the
Code Enforcement officers who handle animal issues. -She shared a poster of pictures
taken by select Wilmore Davis 6th graders. They are from a photography program,
headed by retired teacher, Dick Carkeek, who lives near the school, members of the
Denver Photographic Society who come help the students take pictures, and Walgreens
on 44th that donates the pictures. The poster will be on display in the lobby of City Hall.
Zach Urban announced he will be joining the WR Police on April 4 for a fund raiser for St.
Bald rich's, an organization that helps research and support families with children who
have cancer. His best friend growing up is a Thornton Police officer whose little son has
a rare form of cancer. His goal is to raise $1,000 and have his head shaved . If you see
him with his head shaved next time, you will know what it's for.
City Council Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 9
Bud Starker passed around a proposal he's drawn up for a process to develop a Wheat
Ridge City Center plan using the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan and the Wadsworth PEL
Study. It entails removing the road diet east of Pierce Street and maintaining the 3-lane
configuration from Pierce to Upham. Discussion followed .
Motion by Mr. Starker to discuss this at a study session ; seconded by Mr. DiTullio.
Following further discussion the motion carried , 6-0.
-Mr. Starker also thanked the Animal Control Commission.
Mayor Jay thanked Mr. Goff for all he does for the City. -She will have another coffee
at Karebare on April 3 at 9:00am.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Meeting adjourned at 8:46 pm.
APP~OV:=ITY COUNCIL ON
J)_ {;±[_~
Bud Starker, Mayor Pro tern
The preceding Minutes were prepared according to §47 of Robert's Rules of Order, i.e.
they contain a record of what was done at the meeting, not what was said by the
members. Recordings and DVD's of the meetings are available for listening or viewing in
the City Clerk's Office, as well as copies of Ordinances and Resolutions.