HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2014-0035C ITY OF WHEAT RIDGE , COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 35
Series of 2014
TITLE: A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE CITY'S COMMI TMENT
TO ENCOURAGE HEAL THY OPPORTUNITIES AND
CHOICES FOR MEMBERS O F TH E COMMUNITY AND
SUPPORT OF UVEWELL COL ORADO'S HEAL THY EATI NG
ACTIVE LIVING (HEAL) CITIES AND TOWNS CAMPAIGN
WHEREAS, in light of statistics showing that increasing the number of
transportation, active lifestyle , and healthy eating choices contributes positively to the
citizenry, the City Council contin ues to support policies , projects and programs that
facilitate wellness; and
WHEREAS, obesity has been identified by the Colorado Department of Health
and Environment as one of ten winnable health related battles in Colorado; and
WHEREAS , the annual cost to Colorado in medical bills, workers compensation
and lost productivity due to obesity and physical inactivity exceeds $1 .6 billion ; and
WHEREAS, Wheat Ridge Vision 2025 includes: "Vibrant Activity Centers and
Multi-Modal Transportation and Wheat Ridge Residents Enjoy an Active , Healthy
Lifestyle"; and
WHEREAS, LiveWell Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County Public Health have
partnered with the City for nine years under a Community Investment Grant to develop
and advocate for policies and projects that support a healt hy food system and a more
bicycle/pedestrian-friendly community; and
WHEREAS , in 2009 City Cou ncil adopted it s Comp rehensive Plan "Envision
Wheat Ri dg e" which identifies goals , priorities and strategies to support access to
healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is committed to assuring that members of our
community have access to open space , trails , parks an d opportunities for both indoor
and outdoor recreation ; and
WHEREAS , in 2010 the City Council adopted a Mixed Use Zoning Ordinance to
support dense , compact and walkable development; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 City Council adopted The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan to promote safe, healthy and sustainable transportation options as well as
strengthen regional connectivity; and
WHEREAS, in 2011 , the City implemented zoning designations that support local
agricultu re by allowing community ga rdens , farmer's markets , and produce stan ds and
the City owns and operates a community gardening program to provide access to fresh
and healthy foods to the local community; and
WHEREAS , the City has demonstrated its commitment to increasing
opportunities for physical activity in the past three years by funding two new parks,
Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling Street Multi-Use Trails , Pierce Street Bike Facilities
and the Wadsworth PEL Study; and
WHEREAS , the City, Jefferson County Public Health , LiveWell Colorado and
Lutheran Medical Center will partner together to promote a healthy community through
policy collaboration , education and programming ; and
WHEREAS , The City has established a Wellness Committee and program for
employees that includes wellness education and incentives for healthy living .
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wheat
Ridge, Colorado, as follows:
Section 1. The City Council will foster a built environment that encourages
walking , biking and other forms of physical activity.
Sectio n 2 . The City Counci l will expand community access to indoor and outdoor
public facilities through joint use agreements with schools and/or other partners .
Section 3. The City Council will include healthy goals and policies related to
healthy and active living in appropriate community planning documents.
Section 4 . The City Council will support the expansion of healthy food retailers ,
community gardens or farms , and farmer's markets in underserved communities to
increase access to healthy foods .
Section 5 . The City Council supports the LiveWell Colorado Healthy Eating
Active Living Cities and Towns Campaign.
ATTEST:
J elle Shaver, Ctty Clerk