HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-2008
STUDY SESSION NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
March 3. 2008
Mayor DiTullio called the Study Session to order at 6:30p.m. Council Members
present: Karen Adams, Tracy Langworthy, Karen Berry, Mike Stites, Wanda
Sang, Lena Rotola and Terry Womble. Also present: City Clerk, Michael Snow;
City Treasurer, Larry Schulz; City Manager, Randy Young; Community
Development Director, Kenneth Johnstone; Deputy City Manager, Patrick Goff;
Police Chief, Dan Brennan; Police Commander, Joe Cassa; Director of Public
Works, Tim Paranto; Parks & Recreation Director, Joyce Manwaring; Public
Information Officer, Heather Geyer; and Senior Planner, Sally Payne; and
interested citizens.
Council Member Dean Gokey was absent due to illness.
Item 1.
Ballot Questions
Josh Magden, Vice President of George K. Baum & Company and Joe Drew of
Drew Financial, LLC provided Council an outline for election planning and
strategy, and a financial analysis of the proposed ballot questions. Topics
discussed included but were not limited to: recommendations for proposed bond
questions; dissemination of voter information; financing strategies; bond
marketing; and voter acceptance.
Mrs. Manwaring presented Council an outline to further investigate the expansion
of the Recreation Center.
Mr. Paranto distributed a list of local drainage projects needed in the City and
estimates of their cost, as well as updated figures for the 38th Avenue
improvements proposed for Ballot Question #2.
Council Members were asked to begin collecting names and contact information
of key Wheat Ridge leaders to be included in the initial education outreach
program. Community Leaders Worksheets (included in this packet) were
distributed for this purpose.
Council Members shared their perspectives and opinions with respect to the
funding ballot questions. Different funding methods were discussed, including
the alternative of funding drainage projects through a storm water utility as
opposed to the proposed sales tax increase. Other discussion topics included,
but were limited to: whether citizens will understand the degree of need for storm
water drainage infrastructure in the City and support its funding; and the need for
various budget amendments including one to provide $20,000 to conduct a
preliminary study and analysis needed before proposing the Recreation Center
expansion.
Council expressed support to bring several budget amendments to a subsequent
City Council meeting to fund the services of George K. Baum & Company for a
mail survey, phone poll and communication pieces (see packet); to fund the
services of Drew Financial, LLC for financial advisement; and to Barker Rinker
Seacat to design a Recreation Center expansion conceptual plan.
Mayor DiTullio called for a break at 8:03pm, to resume at 8:16pm.
Charter Chances
Mr. Young discussed the political strategy recommendations received from the
consultant, George K. Baum & Company, with respect to the language of the
proposed Charter Changes. Those recommendations suggested crafting the
ballot questions without identifying specific areas for height and density
increases, without specifying the exact height and density limits, and by
proposing these changes within the City's code, rather than in the Charter.
Mr. Young asked Council for permission to postpone discussion of these Charter
Change issues to give his staff time to work further with the consultant in crafting
those ballot questions as such. Council agreed.
Item 2.
Citizen Survey Policy Questions
Ms. Geyer led a discussion with Council to gather input and recommendations on
policy questions for the proposed 2008 Citizen Survey. Council discussed
various current issues they want included in the survey.
Mrs. Sang asked Council for consensus for include questions in the Citizen
Survey pertaining to the use of photo-radar/red-Iight equipment in the City;
consensus was 5-2 in favor.
Study Session adjourned at 8:37.
~
Michael Snow, City Clerk