HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-25-16®JrnR~ 1m~mmu~~~
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
January 25, 2016
Mayor Jay called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ROLL CALLOFMEMBEACVRS
Monica Duran
Tim Fitzgerald
Zachary Urban
George Pond
Kristi Davis
Genevieve Wooden
Janeece Hoppe
Larry Mathews
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Attorney, Gerald Dahl; City Manager,
Patrick Goff; Acting Police Chief, Jim Lorentz; Public Works Director, Scott Brink;
Administrative Services Director, Heather Geyer; other staff, guests and interested
citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF January 11, 2016 and Study Notes of January 4, 2016
There being no objection, the Minutes for January 11 , 2016 and Study Notes of January
4, 2016 were approved as published.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
Rotary Contribution Presentation
Marty Yulberg, president of the Wheat Ridge Rotary, presented the Mayor with a check
for $3,000 -the fifth and final installment of their commitment to the City for public art.
She recited a long list of community efforts for which the Rotary raises money.
CITIZENS' RIGHT TO SPEAK
Mariann Stork (WR) noted Walmart will be closing 154 neighborhood grocers nationwide
-two in Colorado. 95% of those slated for closure are within 1 0 miles of another
Walmart. She cited dwindling clientele at the 641h & Indiana Walmart. Will it be the next
to close? These grocers are typically placed in less affluent neighborhoods. She gave
examples of how our demographics support businesses that locate in affluent areas.
Sprouts and Natural Grocers are doing well; specialty grocery is growing. She asked that
Council offer Quadrant the opportunity to drop its law suit and back out, so they don't
build something here that will close in a few years. If they don't drop out, Council should
follow the directive of their constituents and defend the initiative passed in November.
Tina Dobrinsky (WR) is concerned about the lawsuit. She pled with Council to support
what the voters wanted and fight the lawsuit. News stories about Walmart grocers
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page2
closing is a valid concern. We'd hate to see that corner finally redeveloped and then go
belly up.
Diane Robb (WR), chair of the WR Cultural Commission, announced there are three
open positions on the Commission-two in District 3 and one in District 4. Anyone
interested in public art and cultural activities is encouraged to call her or their
councilperson about serving. She reviewed a list of programs/events the Cultural
Commission arranges throughout the year. They have $90,000 built up for public art.
Michael lllo (WR) alleged the attack on the City by Quadrant is a frivolous lawsuit
containing false allegations from a non-credible source who has acted not in good faith,
but unethically and unprofessionally. They claim the retroactive language of Question
300 is unconstitutional. He outlined arguments against their allegation they were caught
off guard, including their knowledge of the retroactive language. They had ample,
verifiable, notification that TIF reform was underway and had time to tweak their project.
He's trusting Council; he believes it's their civic responsibility to put their personal
opinions on this matter aside and have our City defended by the City Attorney.
APPROVALOFAGENDA
~ CONSENT AGENDA
a) Resolution No. 04-2016 -designating the City Hall Lobby as the Official Public
Notice Posting location and the Wheat Ridge Transcript as the Official
Newspaper of General Circulation for the City Publications in 2016
b) Resolution No. 05-2016-amending the Fiscal Year 2016 General Fund
Budget to reflect the approval of a Supplemental Budget Appropriation in the
amount of $5,000 for the purpose of donating to the Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong
Learning Scholarship Fund [see January 11, 2016 minutes for details)
c) Resolution No. 06-2016-amending the Fiscal Year 2016 General Fund
Budget to reflect the approval of a Supplemental Budget Appropriation for the
acceptance of the 2016 Peace Officer Standards and Training Grant in the
amount of $7,500 [Specifically earmarked for in-service training; not include
in the 2016 Budget]
d) Resolution No. 07-2016 -approving an Agreement between the City of
Lakewood and the City of Wheat Ridge for Forensic Crime Lab/Crime Scene
Services and authorizjng payment of $69,600 [Made in four quarterly
payments]
e) Resolution No. 10-2016-amending the Fiscal Year 2016 General Fund
Budget to reflect the approval of a Supplemental Budget Appropriation for the
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 3
purpose of accepting the 2015 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant in the
amount of $11.454 [For recording and media storage equipment for a new
recording system for interviewing suspects, witnesses and victims]
f) Motion to approve the purchase of six 2016 vehicle replacements and the
purchase and installation of lighting, auxiliary and communications equipment
in a total amount not to exceed $224,199 [Three -PO; three -Parl<s/Rec]
g) Motion to approve $43.477 payment to Foothills Animal Shelter for a special
assessment to support shelter operations {City share per IGA dog population
formula]
h) Motion to accept Construction Easements from adjacent property owners for
the 2015 Miscellaneous Drainage Project {461h and Balsam project]
Councilmember Pond introduced the Consent Agenda
Motion by Councilmember Pond to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by
Councilmember Wooden.
Councilmember Fitzgerald had a question about the Forensics Crime Lab (Item d).
Councilmember Urban had a question about Foothills Animal Shelter (Item g).
Motion carried 8-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
2. Council Bill 01-2016-An Ordinance Amending Sections 16-113 and 16-114 of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning Solicitation
A federal District Court recently struck down several provisions in the City of Grand
Junction's panhandling ordinance that prohibit panhandling based solely on time, location
or frequency when there was no demonstrated safety risk. This ordinance amends the
Wheat Ridge Code to eliminate similar local regulations that are likely now
unconstitutional.
Councilmember Davis introduced Council Bill 01-2016.
Clerk Shaver assigned Ordinance 1591 .
Mayor Jay opened the Public Hearing.
Staff report
City Attorney Dahl had some remarks about the US Supreme Court ruling on free speech
that has applied to soliciting. Absent other aggressive/threatening behavior, begging is
a form of free speech. Repeated asking and following can be considered stalking or
harassment, but merely asking a second time is not considered harassment. The
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page4
proposed motion also removes from our Code Section 17-31 which prohibits solicitation
in parks.
Discussion
Councilmember Wooden explained why she would not be supporting this. She
appreciates free speech, but feels removing language that prohibits repeated solicitation
and following, especially at night, will leave people feeling unsafe in certain situations.
Councilmember Urban asked about solicitation based on false information and case
volume.
• Mr. Dahl explained that lying is still speech and likely doesn't become fraud until
someone enters into a contract. He suspects the police will shift from the status
crime to focusing on the actual elements of harassment and stalking.
• Commander Lorentz noted that as of last September our police suspended
enforcement of solicitation in traffic-except in aggressive situations. He doesn't
believe there have been any incidents of that and tickets for solicitation are pretty
rare. Mr. Urban noted that our police try to provide homeless with resources.
Commander Lorentz agreed, but also noted that most solicitation is not done by
homeless people. The majority of homeless you don't see.
• Mr. Goff added that advocacy groups and others watch us closely concerning
different groups they term homeless -filing many public information requests for
types of tickets our police write. Additionally, the ACLU has filed several lawsuits
against Wheat Ridge and other cities for what they term restrictive laws. If we
don't follow court precedence this will continue.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Jay closed the Public Hearing
Motion by Councilmember Davis to approve Council Bill 01-2016, an ordinance
amending Sections 16-113 and 16-114 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning
Solicitation on second reading, with the following amendments:
1. Amend the title of the ordinance to include the repeal of Code Section 17-31 ; and
2. Amend the ordinance by adding a new section that repeals Code Section 17-31 ;
and that it take effect fifteen (15) days after final publication: seconded by
Councilmember Fitzgerald; carried 7-1 , with Councilmember Wooden voting no.
3. Council Bill 02-2016-Repealing and Reenacting Section 16-106 of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws concerning Loitering
This ordinance amends the language in Code Section 16-106 to mirror current state law
regarding loitering.
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 5
Councilmember Fitzgerald introduced Council Bill 02-2016.
Clerk Shaver assigned Ordinance 1592.
Mayor Jay opened the Public Hearing.
Staff report
Mr. Dahl explained this Council Bill amounts to a tune-up-not a retreat or addition of
major new regulations. Loitering around schools is the focus.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Jay closed the Public Hearing
Motion by Councilmember Fitzgerald to approve Council Bill 02-2016-an ordinance
repealing and reenacting Section 16-106 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning
loitering on second reading , and that it take effect 15 days after final publication;
seconded by Councilmember Mathews; carried 8-0.
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
4. Resolution No. 03-2016-terminating the 1995 Development Agreement, as
amended, between the City of Wheat Ridge and the 381h and Sheridan, L TO.
Partnership and Dillon Companies, Inc.
This development agreement involving the northwest comer of 381h & Sheridan Blvd has
been fully performed.
Councilmember Urban introduced Resolution No. 03-2016
There was no public comment or questions from Council.
Motion by Councilmember Urban to approve Resolution No. 03-2016 a resolution
terminating the 1995 Development Agreement, as amended, between the City of Wheat
Ridge and the 38th and Sheridan, LTD. Partnership and Dillon Companies, Inc.;
seconded by Councilmember Duran; carried 8-0.
5. Resolution No. 08-2016-amending the Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Investment
Program Budget to reflect the approval of a Supplemental Budget
Appropriation in the amount of $165,785 for the purpose of providing additional
funding for the Tabor Street Reconstruction Project and awarding the Contract
to Duran Excavating, Inc. Greeley, CO, in the amount of $872,202.
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016
Councilmember Wooden introduced Resolution No. 08-2016
Staff presentation
Page 6
Scott Brink gave a short presentation. The reconstruction of Tabor Street from the 1-70
Frontage Road to Ridge Road will be funded with federal money received through RTD
for improvements near light rail stations. Only three bids were received -all much higher
than expected. Two bids also had improper or missing information. The bid package
was adjusted to make lighting optional and re-bid. Council has two options: Award the
contract with lighting ($872,202) -probably cheaper now than later, or just lay conduit
and do the lighting later ($751 ,813). Staff recommends including the lighting now.
Discussion followed.
• It's a desolate area. If we want people to walk and ride bikes there it would be
better to add the lighting now.
• Prior budget numbers for the project were discussed. The grant is for $740,00; the
City is required to fund the remainder of the project (reconstruction of the street
north of 491h). An additional $300,000 was budgeted in 2015 to cover the City's
share. Total estimated project cost is $1 ,040,228. The need for the $165,000 is
due to rising costs since the project was originally estimated.
• It's possible the 10% contingency fund of $87,220 might not be used.
• Councilmember Duran noted she has no relation to this company.
Motion by Councilmember Wooden to approve Resolution No. 08-2016, a resolution
amending the fiscal year 2016 Capital Investment Program Budget to reflect the approval
of a supplemental budget appropriation for the purpose of providing $165,785 as
additional funding for the Tabor Street Reconstruction and awarding the contract to
Duran Excavating, Inc. Greeley, CO, in the amount of $872,202;
and further that a contingency amount of $87,220 be established and the Director of
public Works be authorized to issue change orders up to a total contract and contingency
amount of $959,422;
and further to transfer $8,722 from the Capital Investment Fund to the Public /Art Fund;
seconded by Councilmember Davis; carried 8-0
6. Resolution No. 09-2016-approving an Agreement with the Urban Drainage
Flood Control District regarding funding of major drainageway planning and
flood hazard area delineation for Sloan's Lake Drainageway and Tributaries
Urban Drainage would like to update the masterplan and flood area hazard delineation
report for this area.
• Our partners in the Sloan's Lake Drainageway include Lakewood, Edgewater, and
Denver.
• The Intergovernmental Agreement was created in 1977. There have been many
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 7
changes since then and most of the proposed infrastructure has been completed.
The existing plan is obsolete.
• The cost of the study is not to exceed $250,000. The Wheat Ridge share is 8.5%
($17,000) and was approved in the 2016 Budget.
Councilmember Mathews introduced Resolution No. 09-2016.
There was no staff presentation. Council had no questions.
Motion by Councilmember Mathews to approve Resolution No. 09-2016. a resolution
approving an agreement with the Urban Drainage Flood Control District for the Major
Drainageway Planning and Flood Hazard Delineation for Sloan's Lake drainageway and
tributaries; seconded by Councilmember Wooden; carried 8-0.
7. Resolution No. 11-2016-approving an Intergovernmental Agreement
establishing a combined Auto Theft Prevention Task Force named the
Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority-Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force
(CMATT)
This IGA will facilitate the merge of the Metropolitan Auto Theft Team (MATT), in which
Wheat Ridge currently participates, and the Eastern Metropolitan Auto Theft Team
(EMA TT), which includes Aurora and Adams and Arapahoe Counties. The CO Auto
Theft Prevention Authority, funded by a fee on auto insurance premiums, has determined
this is the best use of resources.
Councilmember Hoppe introduced Resolution No. 11-2016.
There was no discussion or questions.
Motion by Councilmember Hoppe to approve Resolution No. 11-2016. a resolution
approving an Intergovernmental Agreement establishing a combined auto theft
prevention task force named the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority-Metropolitan
Auto Theft Task Force (CMATT); seconded by Councilmember Duran; carried 8-0.
8. Resolution No. 12-2016-expressing support for consolidation of the Wheat
Ridge Fire Protection District with the West Metro Fire Protection District and
the use of the consolidated district for fire-based Emergency Medical Services
Councilmember Duran introduced Resolution No. 12-2016.
This consolidation had been discussed thoroughly at the study session of January 19,
2016. The consolidation will have no impact on the budget of the City of Wheat Ridge.
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 8
It was noted that the mill levy for Wheat Ridge property owners would go down from 12.5
mills to 12.38 mills.
Motion by Councilmember Duran to approve Resolution No. 12-2016. a resolution
expressing support for the consolidation of the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District with
the West Metro Fire Protection District and the use of the consolidated District for Fire-
Based Emergency Medical Services; seconded by Councilmember Hoppe;
In response to a question from Councilmember Wooden, Councilmember Duran verified
that the City Attorney and the attorney for the Fire Board have both assured her there is
no conflict of interest with her City Council position and her membership on the Wheat
Ridge Fire Board, as they are two separate entities.
The motion carried 8-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Community Exchange Presentation
Kathy Novak, hired to facilitate the Mayor's Community Exchange process, presented the
results of the two meetings with a citizen group.
• Discussion took place during a contentious election season, but the individuals did
a good job limiting the discussion to the general topic of communication.
• Objective #1 : Identify ways to enhance communication between the City and the
residents around big issues and projects.
• Objective #2: Develop recommendations on processes through which the City can
engage its residents in civil, meaningful, productive and inclusive community
dialog and engagement.
• It was a self-selected group (volunteers) who spoke for themselves, not the
community.
• They began to understand how complicated it is to communicate with residents.
A variety of tools, methods and options are necessary.
• They identified 19 different recommendations (in the packet). The top five were:
1) More district meetings and informal/small group meetings with Mayor/Council.
2) Desire to get to know the councilmembers better, understand your
perspectives and be able to communicate with you directly.
3) Get information out with a variety of different methods, including robo-calls,
postcards, website, email, and apps for a variety of things.
4) Desire for tutorials on the website to teach citizens how certain things work.
5) Need more information on how Council reaches its decisions. (They were
surprised at what has to be considered in making decisions.)
Discussion followed .
• Heather Geyer reported the City's new website will be launched on February 8.
An app format will be included.
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 9
• There weren't as many "new faces" in the group as the Mayor would have liked.
• They realized the demographics of the group wasn't reflective of the entire
community (e.g. all homeowners, no renters)
• One challenge identified was information overload. Ms. Novak noted the
recommendations include a balance of push and pull ideas, i.e. giving information
out and getting feedback/input back from citizens.
• Engaging the actual renters may be better than trying to communicate through
owners or property managers.
• There was interest in finding ways to actively listen to citizens.
• Residents are encouraged to call (councilmembers, the City or 911, depending on
the seriousness) when they see something isn't right. Staff doesn't monitor social
media constantly.
• Maurine Harper explained Fact Checker, a new feature on the City website. It's to
provide correct facts and information on issues people are talking about.
• Three citizens who participated in the group offered personal comments.
CITY MANAGER'S MA TIERS
CITY A TIORNEY'S MATTERS
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MA TIERS
Monica Duran reminded District 1 residents of the Meet Your Councilor meeting she and
Janeece Hoppe are having this Wednesday, January 27 from 6:00-8:30pm at Clancy's.
Tim Fitzgerald announced he and George Pond would be having their listening meeting
for District 3 residents on Saturday, February 6 from 9:30-11 :OOam at the Rec Center.
Mayor Jay thanked one of the Councilors for making a postcard about the Cre8 Your 38
online survey that was distributed last weekend in all districts. Discussion followed.
Motion by Councilmember Pond to go into executive session for a conference with the
City Attorney, City Manager, and appropriate staff under Charter Section 5.7(b)(1) and
CRS 24-6-402(4)(b), specifically for legal advice from the City Attorney concerning the
complaint for Declaratory Judgement and Permanent Injunction from Quadrant Wheat
Ridge Corners, Inc.; and further to adjourn the Council meeting at the conclusion of the
executive session; seconded by Councilmember Duran; carried 8-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular City Council Meeting was adjourned at 9:03pm.
City Council Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 10
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council convened in executive session in the second floor conference room at
9:11 pm. The executive session adjourned at 10:39 pm.
CIL ON February 22, 2016
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.