HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Agenda Packet 04/27/2015CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: April27, 2015 Page -2-
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Floodplain Regulations
2. Electrical Regulation in public rights-of-way
3. Traffic regulations regarding bicycles and time-restricted parking
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS
ADJOURNMENT
STUDY SESSION NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
City Council Chambers 7500 W. 291h Avenue
April 6, 2015
Mayor Jay called the Study Session to order at 6:30p.m.
Council members present: Bud Starker, Zachary Urban, Tim Fitzgerald, Kristi Davis,
Tracy Langworthy, and Genevieve Wooden (arrived at 6:34)
Absent: George Pond, Jerry DiTullio
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; Treasurer, Larry Schulz; City Manager,
Patrick Goff; Community Development Director, Ken Johnstone; Parks & Recreation
Director, Joyce Manwaring; Police Chief Daniel Brennan; Heather Geyer,
Administrative Services Director; other staff, guests and interested citizens
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Jesse Hill (WR) spoke on Agenda Item 3. He is pleased with the suggestions and
thinks it will help with potential development on corners in East Wheat Ridge. He thinks
Council should hold off on changing design standards.
David Kueter (WR) spoke on behalf of the Alternative Transportation Advisory Team
about Agenda Item 4, the Citizen Survey. He noted that Rachel had email the Council
some suggestions for wording. They believe the phrasing of the questions can remind
citizens of our shared values and provide more insightful responses. He listed several
suggestions they have for rewording questions related to active transportation.
Kim Calomino (WR) offered suggested new wording for a number of questions on the
proposed Citizen Survey, Agenda Item 4. She had suggestions for questions 3, 4, 5, 6,
8, 15, 24, 25, and 30.
Janelle Shaver (WR) encouraged Council to think long and hard about Item 3 and
discuss it with constituents. This is a drastic change and potentially controversial. She
urged them not to make a decision on this quickly.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Staff Report(s)
a. Granicus Software Renewal -Heather Geyer
A four-page memo in the Council packet addresses the continued use of Granicus
services. The topics covered include:
• The history of the City's relationship with Granicus
• The benefits the Granicus service provides
• Production quality issues are not related to the Granicus system
STUDY SESSION NOTES: April 6, 2015 Page -2-
• Production quality issues are due primarily to having old cameras, inadequate
lighting and the fact that Channel 8 is currently a SD channel (Standard
Definition). (The franchise renewal in 2016 will likely move to the use of an HD
channel (High Definition). )
Other needed improvements identified by staff included in the memo:
Upgrading the Audio Video equipment in the Council Chambers has been
deferred for several years due to the recession. An RFP for Council Chambers
AV equipment upgrades in 2014 received no bids due to the lighting and camera
issues.
• Increased sound performance betwe~n Council Chambers and the Court Room
Projection capabilities in the Court Room for overflow meetings
• Replacement of the voting Board
• Changing the placement of the podium to the center of the Council dais
• An automated lighting system
• Adding a document camera
Heather Geyer gave a short staff presentation. She noted having spoken with
Councilmember DiTullio (who requested revisiting this issue); he wanted her to tell
Council that he supports this staff recommendation. The staff has revised their
recommendation to be only a one-year renewal with Granicus for $13,733.40.
Councilmember Starker asked if there was any benefit to doing a 3-year contract. Ms.
Geyer said no and advised that a 1-year renewal was more cost effective right now.
This item will be on the April 6 agenda.
b. Code Enforcement Strategies Update -Chief Brennan
Chief Brennan gave the update. Since the Study Session in December the two extra
seasonal staff members have been hired and the extra vehicle has been ordered.
To further address code issues staff recommends
• focusing on two residential areas and one commercial corridor for projects to
reduce nuisance code complaints, crime and traffic issues
• a branding name for each area to give a sense of identity and belonging
The two residential neighborhoods identified for attention are:
• Clear Creek Station Project area: (Harlan to Pierce, 44th to 48th) Named in
honor of an historic street car transfer station that was at 44th and Teller.
• Clearvale Neighborhood Project (Brentwood to Garrison, 44th to 1-70) One of the
largest subdivisions in the area; dates back to 1955.
The commercial project: East 44th Avenue Corridor Project and (Harlan to Wadsworth)
The Project Strategy
• An overall strategy team with representatives from Community Development,
Public Works, and the Police Department will meet monthly.
• Each Project area will also have a separate team dedicated to it --to include
Patrol, two CSO's, a planner and other stakeholders.
STUDY SESSION NOTES: April 6, 2015 Page -3-
• Staff has developed a branding strategy for each area.
• Educating residents and property/business owners about the purpose and goals
will be important. Help from elected officials will be needed.
• Attendance of Councilmembers at planning meetings will also be helpful.
• Staff recommends Councilmembers and the Mayor be spokespersons for the
public outreach and education of this project.
• A marketer would be hired to help promote the effort to the community.
Estimated cost: $1,500 for a one-time media effort, or up to $600 a month for a
prolonged media approach.
Council discussion followed. No changes were made. Staff will proceed.
2. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Presentation -Joyce Manwaring
Bob Easton and Chris Dropinski, from GreenPiay LLC, presented the final report of
the 2015 Park & Recreation Master Plan Update that their company did for the City.
Mr. Easton gave the presentation. He explained the process that was used:
• A public process of focus groups, online feedback and a formal citizen survey
• Analysis of current demographics and trends
• Inventory and analysis of facilities and programs
• Inventory and analysis of maintenance, operations and financial analysis
Survey results indicate:
• Our needs are being met
Community/Neighborhood parks, recreation center/fitness facilities, overall
facilities and services, trails and Greenbelt access, swimming pools/ aquatic
programs, recreation and athletic programs, the Active Adult Center and
athletic fields and courts all scored high on the community survey
• Take care of and revitalize what we have. The highest priorities are
• maintenance/upkeep of parks, Greenbelt and recreation facilities
• safety and security
Various secondary priorities named by some of the folks surveyed:
• beautification of public areas
• connectivity/alternate transportation
• positive activities for youth
• providing opportunities to increase the quality of life for residents
• People want to be more aware of what is available.
Three important areas that would increase use of facilities are
o Awareness of programs (65%)
o Pricing and user fees (48%)
o Condition/maintenance of parks/facilities/equipment (35%)
o Others: Personal safety (25%) and Hours of operation (23%)
General findings and analysis (including, but not limited to)
STUDY SESSION NOTES: April 6, 2015 Page -4-
• There is a good mix of programming with variety for youth and adults
• Participation has increased and we are outgrowing existing facilities
• Parks are generally well distributed and well maintained
• Most of the parks have a variety of amenities
• Active and passive opportunities are available
• Several parks (including Anderson and Prospect) are dated or poorly functioning
• Historic facilities lack outdoor recreation opportunities or passive amenities
• ADA access is limited in some parks
• The Rec Center Fund, which subsidizes operations, will be depleted in 4-5 years.
Recommendations
• Program development and expansion to provide: more special events, expanded
program hours, more special interest and active programs for seniors, creating a
teen programming council, and continued development and expansion of
communications and marketing
• Prospect and Anderson Parks should be master planned and evaluated for
current and future use
o Anderson pool and bath house
o There is a desire for a community event center
• Historic facilities could have more interpretation and passive use
• Continue to work on ADA access
• Continue to upgrade playgrounds regularly 32:
• Consider programming needs when upgrading, repurposing or adding to parks
• Consider a Greenbelt Master Plan that addresses trailheads, potential gap areas
for added access locations, nature programming , better location of rest areas,
and interpretive opportunities. An interactive process with the public is highly
recommended.
• Strategies should be developed to fund the Rec Center operations sinking fund if
a good level of service is to continue.
• Recommendations for improving maintenance operations have been given to the
staff
The Master Plan has a list of suggested improvements.
Discussion followed .
3. Zoning/Setback Requirements in East Wheat Ridge -Ken Johnstone
Mr. Johnstone outlined further recommendations for amendments to the zoning code to
remove burdens that hinder residential development in East Wheat Ridge.
• Reduce the requirements for front, side and rear setbacks for corner lots
o Street-facing side and rear setbacks be reduced by half if lots are 60 feet or
narrower
o New primary structures be allowed reduced calculations (in relation to the
neighbors) for side and rear setbacks that abut a street (as is allowed for the
front setback calculations)
STUDY SESSION NOTES: April6, 2015 Page -5-
• Since consolidation and development of R-3 parcels is prohibited (to preserve
lower density character of neighborhoods), Council might consider rezoning R-3
parcels to Planned Residential Development. It's a longer process, but may be
appropriate to preserve compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. A
thorough policy discussion is recommended to analyze potential implications.
Staff analysis of the zoning code has determined that current regulations regarding
building coverage, setbacks, maximum height and open space requirements are
sufficiently permissive to allow for teardowns (scrapes).
Discussion followed.
Councilmember Davis received consensus to move forward with the recommended
changes for setbacks.
4. Citizen Survey -Heather Geyer
The proposed 2015 Wheat Ridge Citizen Survey was in the Council packet.
Ms. Geyer commented about some of the new sections that have been added and that
policy questions were added to include 38th Avenue Main Street, the bike/ped master
plan and infrastructure funding/priorities.
The survey will be conducted by National Research Center (NRC) in Boulder. 3,000
Wheat Ridge households will be mailed a survey. The City can expect close to 1,000
returned (which is good) and have a margin of error of +/-3%. The process will start in
late April. Council will discuss the results at the end of summer. A summary will be
included in a future Connections Newsletter.
Input from Council on the questions:
Councilmember Davis asked that the questions related to alternative transportation be
wordsmithed to use the language proposed by the ATAT. There was agreement.
Councilmember Fitzgerald asked that references to "downtown" and "Main Street" be
replaced with less loaded language (words) like "town center" or "city center". There
was no opposition to that.
Councilmember Urban asked that in Question 25 the phrase "approved by City Council"
be removed in the description of the preliminary design for 38th Avenue, as no design
was ever approved by this Council.
Councilmember Urban expressed concern about the inconsistency with use of the terms
"Wheat Ridge", "City of Wheat Ridge", and "the City" when referring to the city or city
government. He asked for consistency and clarification of use depending on context.
Ms. Geyer said wording like that is left to NRC, but she will pass along the concern.
Councilmember Urban also noted there is no opportunity for people to comment on
response time if they've called the police for a reason other than reporting a crime or
being the victim of a crime (e.g. reporting suspicious behavior, checking on a neighbor).
STUDY SESSION NOTES: April 6, 2015 Page -6-
There is also no reference to the time police spend "preventing crime" -only solving
crime. -Ms. Geyer said staff will look at those suggestions.
Councilmember Davis requested that Kim Calomino's suggestions be looked at. Mr.
Goff said they will do that.
There was some discussion about having an on line survey. The mail survey of 3,000
households is random and is scientific. A website survey would be $1 ,230 extra and
provide a separate, non-random, non-scientific set of data.
Councilmember Urban suggested the Wheat Ridge Neighbors Facebook page be
included as a source of news. Discussion revealed there are several WR-specific
Facebook pages, and Ms. Geyer sa id she will include something about them.
Councilmember Starker received consensus to focus on the paper survey this year.
5. Elected Officials Reports
Tracy Langworthy reported from the WR Housing Authority that their last house has an
offer on it, and they are still waiting to hear back on the Fruitdale project.
Kristi Davis reported no updates from Urban Renewal. -Folks in District 2 have
received a postcard about three different outreach meetings she'll be having: April 18 at
Karebear Bakery from 9:30 to 10:30; Thurs at Colorado Plus from 6-7 PM ; Wed June 10
from 2-3 at Gram my's Goodies on Harlan Street. Dates are on her website.
Bud Starker noted Red Rocks Community College is sponsoring an interesting history
program this Thursday in honor of the veterans of WW2 --their stories from the war
front and the home front. Opening ceremonies at 1 Oam ; seminars throughout the day.
Tim Fitzgerald reported the WR Business District has helped the new owner of the
Kataluma Chai building with funding for paint and landscaping. The new tenant, the
Wheat Ridge Leaning Academy, was also given a matching grant for a sign. -He
noted the public meeting held last week about adding bike lanes on 32"d Ave from
Sheridan to Youngfield was well attended and staff gave a good presentation.
Zach Urban recognized Sgt. Armstrong of WRPD for coordinating the St. Bald rich's
Foundation event at Amici 's last Saturday. Several thousand dollars were raised [for
cancer]. He thanked WRPD for participating and Mr. Starker for donating. Mr. Urban
said his new hairdo raised about $1,200.
Genevieve Wooden announced there will be a Car Cru ise on May 9. There will be a
big car show at Seyfer Specialties off 44th & Harlan and the Cruise will be on 44th from
Harlan to Ward Road. The end will be at Anderson Park with trophies and awards. -
STUDY SESSION NOTES: April 6, 2015 Page -7-
She asked if Council will be having a retreat. Mr. Goff said there are no plans but we
talk about it if Council wants one.
Mayor Jay reported attending the Metro Mayors; there is still action on SB 177
(construction defects) and they're involved with a bill on TIF's. We should be getting a
big report from DR COG about the $4. 7M federa l sustainability grant we received. -
The first Cultural Loop meeting was held last week; it's an art program for 38th Avenue.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jay adjourned the Study Session adjourned at 9:09p.m.
Clerk Shaver announced to Council and the public that the Laserfiche program and the
archives on the City website will be down th is Thursday from 9am to 3am for a major
server upgrade. That information will not be available on the website during those
hours.
Janelle Shaver, City Clerk
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON
Bud Starker, Mayor Pro T em
Council Action Fonn -Adoption of Parks and Recreation Master Plan
April 27, 2015
Page2
BACKGROUND:
The Parks and Recreation system is aging and reaching capacity. Many of the programs and
amenities desired by individuals have changed over the years and the way people use parks has also
changed. Although the parks system is well maintained, many of the amenities and structures need
updating and new types of amenities added. The Master Plan provides not only a vision and
recommendation for these updates, but lists specific action items to aid in achieving these
recommendations.
If adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will become part ofthe City's Comprehensive Plan
and amend the current plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the Park and Recreation Master Plan.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
"I move to adopt Resolution No. 27-2015, a resolution adopting the 2015 Parks and Recreation
Master Plan and by such adoption, amending the Envision Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan."
Or,
I move to postpone indefinitely the adoption of Resolution No. 27-2015, a resolution adopting the
2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and by such adoption, amending the Envision Wheat Ridge
Comprehensive Plan for the following reason(s) "
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Joyce Manwaring, Parks and Recreation Director
Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
l. Resolution No. 27-2015
2. 20 15 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 27
Series of 2015
TITLE: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2015 PARKS AND RECREATION
MASTER PLAN AND BY SUCH ADOPTION, AMENDING THE
ENVISION WHEAT RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge supports a strong partnership between
City and community; and
WHEREAS, City Council supports options and choices for residents leisure
time; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to plan for future parks and recreation
needs; and
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge recognizes the importance of providing
quality park and recreation programs, services, facilities and amenities.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Wheat Ridge, Colorado, as follows:
THE 2015 PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN IS HEREBY ADOPTED
AND BY SUCH ADOPTION , THE ENVISION WHEAT RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN WILL BE AMENDED.
DONE AND RESOLVED THIS April 27, 2015.
Joyce Jay, Mayor
ATTEST:
Janelle Shaver, City Clerk
Attachment 1
.... ~~.~
... yr City of ~~\Vheat&._dge
___yPARKS AND RECREATION
PARKS & RECREATION
MASTERPLAN
APRIL 2015
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Park Component Matrix:
The followine table represents the quantity of each component found at each park durin& the site visits.
Other Outdoor Focllltles within ll milo of City Boundarv:
(or the ~·;ft,;Ouftf •••·~
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Council Action Form -Foothills Animal Shelter Dog Licensing Fee Change
April 27,2015
Page2
$30 for unaltered dogs. The recommend fee change is to a $20 flat fee. This is the first fee
increase to the dog licensing program since the program inception in 2007.
BACKGROUN D:
Dog Licensing Fee Background
Operations of the F AS have traditionally been partially funded through annual assessments to
Jefferson County and the cities in the County, based on dog population. The City's annual assessment
is approximately $30,000. Beginning in 2007, dog licensing became mandatory throughout Jefferson
County (prior to that time, it was available but was optional). The fees were set at $15 annually for
altered (spayed/neutered) dogs and $30 for unaltered dogs. In 2007, the County and the cities in
Jeffco anticipated that a new animal shelter would be built and the revenue from dog licensing would
be used to help pay for the new shelter. The new shelter was completed in 2010 and is three times as
large and therefore three times as expensive to operate. As a result, the Board made the following
changes:
• Redirected the annual assessments, paid by each entity, to the annual debt service on the new
facility
• Directed all licensing revenues to F AS to be used to support shelter operations
• Assigned administration of the dog licensing program, fonnerly administered by the County,
to FAS in 2012
Over time, it has become apparent that while compliance with dog licensing has increased
(although fewer than 25% of dogs within the County are licensed), the revenue generated has not
been sufficient to sustain the increasing costs of the licensing program and shelter operations.
The dog license fees have remained the same since 2007 while the costs of administering the
program and the demands for service have increased. Therefore, the Board has recommended
increasing the dog licensing fee, and continuing to work toward increasing compliance in
licensing. The Board also detennined that there was not a legitimate basis for a fee differential
between altered and unaltered dogs. The Shelter Board recommends an annual flat license fee of
$20 for both altered and unaltered dogs. The Board and shelter staff made a presentation to the
City Managers and County Manager on the long-term fiscal health of the shelter, which included
revenue and expenditure projections. The Manager's group was supportive of the increase.
Jefferson County, per state statute, is responsible for establishing animal licensing requirements and
fees. County staff has requested that the Jeffco cities review the issue and convey their support before
the Board of County Commissioners address the issue. Attached is a draft resolution for Council's
consideration that will be brought f01ward at the April 27111 City Council meeting.
FAS Budget
The 2015 operating budget for the shelter is $3 ,164,181. Dog licensing revenue is approximately
32% of the total shelter revenue. Moving forward , the goal of the Board is to continue to
diversify and expand the revenue base through grants and contributions and to grow the licensing
program.
Council Action Form -Foothills Animal Shelter Dog Licensing Fee Change
April 27, 2015
Page 3
Services Provided by F AS Shelter
F AS exists to provide animal welfare services to the local jurisdictions within Jeffco. The
following are direct services provided by the shelter to the Wheat Ridge community:
• Impound facility for lost or stray animals
• Veterinary services available for injured domestic animals (veterinarian on staff)
• Disposal of DOA animals (dead on arrival), domestic and wildlife
• Impounding and daily care of animals on police or court hold
• Protective custody holds, (owners/caregivers involved in car accidents, fire, or medical
events, owner deceased, domestic violence victims, etc.) F AS waives fees and daily care
costs for 1 0 days
• Evictions
• Low-cost veterinary clinics available to the public (spay/neuter, vaccinations and dog licensing)
Service Type: 2012 2013 2014
Dogs 148 194 177
Cats 69 83 81
Other small animal impounds 11 13 25
DOA wildlife animals/disposal 151 192 175
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution supporting the proposed fee change.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
"I move to approve Resolution No. 25-2015, a resolution ofthe Wheat Ridge City Council
supporting a change in the countywide dog licensing fee to benefit the operations of the Foothills
Animal Shelter."
Or,
"I move to postpone indefinitely Resolution No. 25-2015, a resolution supporting a change in the
countywide dog licensing fee to benefit the operations of the Foothills Animal Shelter for the
following reason(s) "
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Heather Geyer, Administrative Services Director
Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 25-2015
Attachment 1
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 25
Series of 2015
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING A
CHANGE IN THE COUNTYWIDE DOG LICENSING FEE TO BENEFIT THE
OPERATIONS OF THE FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER
WHEREAS, in 1995, the City of Wheat Ridge , along with Jefferson County and
the cities of Arvada, Golden and Lakewood established the Table Mountain Animal
Center (TMAC); and
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge and the other member entities have
contributed financially to the annual operations of TMAC; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, TMAC moved to a new and expanded facility and began
operating as Foothills Animal Shelter; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the City of Wheat Ridge and the other member entities
agreed to use dog licensing revenue to support the operations of the Shelter; and
WHEREAS , since 2007, the dog license fees have remained the same, while the
costs of administering the dog license program and the costs to operate the shelter
have increased annually; and
WHEREAS , the Foothills Animal Shelter Board, the various City Managers, and
the County Manager recommend changing the dog license fee from the current fees of
$15 annually for an altered pet and $30 annually for an unaltered pet to a flat $20
annually for all dogs; and
WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners are
responsible for the establishment of and any changes to the dog licensing fee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Wheat Ridge, Colorado, as follows:
The Wheat Ridge City Council supports the recommended changes to the dog
license fee and encourages the Jefferson County Board of County
Commissioners to adopt the proposed fee structure.
DONE AND RESOLVED this 2ih day of April 2015.
Joyce Jay, Mayor
ATTEST:
Janelle Shaver, City Clerk
WRBD Funding Request
April 27, 2015
Page2
In 2012 the City Council approved $40,000 for WRBD, with direction to come back to them with
any additional requests. In 2013 Council approved $90,000 in funding to support the program, and
in 2014 the Council approved $45,000 for the programs. The WRBD will provide the City Council
with reports of expenditures of the funding. Wheat Ridge 2020 will help administer the programs.
The WRBD offers four grant programs for Wheat Ridge businesses. The grant programs are
matching grants with varying limits. For every $1 spent by the business, the WRBD will match $1
up to the specified limits. WRBD offers the following programs:
• Revitalization Incentive Program (RIP) provides assistance for facade (including
architectural design fees) and sign improvements
• Accessibility Grant Program offers assistance for accessibility issues such as handicap
bathrooms and ramps
• Commercial Exterior Paint Program is for businesses painting the exterior of their
building
• Commercial Landscape Grant is a one-time grant for landscape improvements
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends funding the entire request of $45,000 to WRBD to fund the programs listed
above.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
"I move to approve funding in the amount of $45,000 to the Wheat Ridge Business District for
revitalization, accessibility and landscape improvement grant programs for fiscal year 2015."
Or,
"I move to not approve funding in the amount of $45,000 to the Wheat Ridge Business District for
revitalization, accessibility, and landscape improvement grant programs for the following reason(s)
"
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Steve Art, Economic Development and Urban Renewal Manager
Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
I. Wheat Ridge Business District funding request letter
April 2, 2015
Steve Art
City of Wheat Ridge
7500 W 29th Ave
Wheat Ridge CO 80033
Dear Steve,
frf::, Ridge
BUSINESS DISTRICT
I am writing to request the Wheat Ridge Business District (WRBD) 2015 funding of
$45,000.00 as approved in the 2015 City of Wheat Ridge Budget.
In 2014 the WRBD approved 18 grants totaling over $63,000 for sign, fac;ade,
accessibility improvements and architectural design assistance.
For 2015 the WRBD will continue to promote our revitalization incentive program, thru
matching grant assistance for accessibility, signs, and fac;ade improvements, and
architectural design assistance. We appreciate your past and continued support of the
Wheat Ridge Business District.
Sincerely,
Joseph DeMott
Board President, Wheat Ridge Business District
Attachment 1
PO Box 1268 Wheat Ridge CO 80034
Public Works-Floodplain, Traffic and Electrical Amendments
April 20, 2015
Page2
reminder of this notification requirement can be included in the annual mailing to
floodplain property owners and tenants.
• Lot surveys must show the limits of the floodplain. Thjs would only apply in instances
when lot surveys are required to be submitted as part of a building permit. With the
floodplain mapping capabilities that are now available with the City's GIS system, along
with mapping available from the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD)
and FEMA, this is not considered a burdensome requirement. The City can provide
infonnation to applicants so that the limits of the floodplain can easily be added to the lot
surveys that are required with certain bui lding permits. This would only be required for
those properties on the boundary of the floodplain.
• Require construction sites to be staked showing the limits of the floodplain. As noted
above, with the available mapping, this is not a burdensome requirement. This would
help ensure that improvements (incl uding fill) do not creep into the limits of the
floodplain. Again, this would only be required for those properties on the boundary of the
floodplain.
• Prohibit new septic systems in the floodplain. Currently, the City does not allow new
septic systems except in cases of extreme hardship. This would prohibit new septic
systems in floodplains in all cases. This requirement would prevent installation of a
system that would likely back-up into a house during a flood .
Adopting these changes could help improve the City's rating and the discount received, but more
importantly, the changes would alert future t~nants and property owners of their flood risk and
prevent future problems associated with septic systems in floodplains. Congress approved
legislation in 2012 and 2013 in an attempt to make the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
sustainable after the impact of Hurricanes Katrina, Ivan, and Sandy. That process includes the
reassessment of numerous properties, and a substantial rise in insurance rates for many property
owners and renters; therefore, keeping or improving the rating and discount is considered critical
by staff.
If Council is receptive to these revisions, Staff will conduct a public meeting to convey these
changes to the residents, especially those in the floodplain. Staff would mail notices of the
meeting to all property owners who are in the floodplain. This meeting would be similar to the
meeting held in 2013 , when the City adopted the new maps and state regulations.
Electrical Regul ation s
An electrical ordinance change is proposed to clarify the authority of building inspectors related
to electrical work in the right-of-way. With the recent MVG development at 38111 and Kipling, an
issue arose on how the electrical systems for the new pedestrian lights would be inspected.
Historically, Xcel has installed and inspected street and pedestrian lighting systems within the
right-of-way. However, since the City now owns the LED street and pedestrian lighting systems
on new projects, there is a need to have City staff from the Building Division inspect the
installations, since Xcel will not be involved. This provision would not only include lighting
systems, but also the electrical work associated with traffic signals or other related electrical
work in the public right-of-way.
Public Works-Floodplain, Traffic and Electrical Amendments
April 20, 2015
Page 3
Traffic Regulations Regarding Bicycles
The following traffic ordinance changes are proposed due to an overall increase in bicycle traffic
and on-street facilities citywide. It will also allow for enforcement of time restrictions in
designated parking spaces. With the addition of the bike lanes on Pierce Street and the proposed
bike lanes on 32"d A venue, the Police Department has identified changes that are needed to
clarify the use of the bike lanes and new proposed bike boxes (see attachment). The other
ordinance change is to authorize the Police Department to enforce time-restricted parking,
primarily along 38th Avenue. The proposed ordinance changes are as follows:
• Designate marked bike lanes as no parking zones in order to explicitly prohibit parking in the
marked bike lanes. Limited signage will be provided on new projects to alert the public of
this restriction.
• Allow bicycles to pass stopped cars at a signalized intersection in order to access a bike box.
It is currently illegal for a bicycle to pass a stopped car. The bike box is an area in front of the
stop bar to provide space for bicycles at intersections with traffic signals, at a location in
front of the stopped cars in order to improve safety and awareness for both motor vehicles
and bicycles.
• Allow enforcement of properly-signed, time-restricted parking spaces. These spaces exist
along 38th Avenue, but the restrictions currently cannot be legally enforced.
Scheduling
Since the process requires a series of legislative stages, staff is proposing the following schedule
for revising the ordinances. It is recommended that the floodplain changes in particular be made
effective by this fall , in time for the recertification visit:
• July 6, 2015 -CC Study Session -Present draft ordinance
• July 22, 2015 -Floodplain Ordinance Public Meeting -Present draft changes -Targeted
mailing to all residents in the floodplain
• July 23 , 2015 -Planning Commission -Present ordinances for recommendation for
approval. Changes to Chapter 5 (Building Code) should also be reviewed by the
Building Code Advisory Board.
• August 10, 2015 -CC Meeting - 1st reading
• August 24, 2015 -CC Meeting -2"d reading
Summary
Staff is seeking Council consensus to move forward with the adoption of the proposed changes.
ATTACHMENTS:
1 . Proposed Bike Boxes