HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 11-14-16@iW~~
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 WEST 29rH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
November 14, 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 CALL OF MEMBERS
Monica Duran
Tim Fitzgerald
Zachary Urban
George Pond
Janeece Hoppe
Larry Mathews
Kristi Davis
Genevieve Wooden
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Attorney, Jerry Dahl (arrived at 7:24pm);
City Manager, Patrick Goff; Community Development Director, Ken Johnstone; Public
Works Director, Scott Brink; Parks Director, Joyce Manwaring; Administrative Services
Director; Heather Geyer; Police Chief, Daniel Brennan; City Treasurer, Jerry DiTullio;
other staff, guests and interested citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of October 24, 2016, Study Session Notes of October 17,
2016 and Special Study Session Notes of October 24, 2016
There being no objection, the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 24,
2016 and the Notes of the Study Session of October 17, 2016 and the Special Study
Session of October 24, 2016 were approved as published.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES none
CITIZENS' RIGHT TO SPEAK
Rachel Hultin (WR) shared that Wheaties Academy just graduated 12 members. She
talked about the Wheaties Love brand that asks the question "How do you Wheat
Ridge?" She also reported attending the sustainability conference in Denver today.
Jerry DiTullio (WR) thanked voters for approving ballot question 2E. He explained how
it will create jobs and clarified that the design for Wadsworth is still ongoing; there will be
public meetings in February, 2017 and possibly beyond before the design is finalized . He
noted that Wheat Ridge voter turnout was 80% of registered voters. He would like us all
to come together now on these four projects, 3Sth & Wadsworth and 38th & Upham.
Public comment on Study Session items -none
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 2
1.:. CONSENT AGENDA
a) Motion to award RFP-16-31 Videography Services to 1.0.T.K Media in the
contract amount of $45,425 [Budgeted; includes all related services]
b) Motion to award a contract to Murphy Construction Company, LLC, Denver,
CO., in the amount of $107,050 for the Clear Creek Trail Maintenance
Replacement Project, and to authorize a 10% Contingency amount of $10,705
for a total of $117, 755 [Moore St Bridge to Parfet St; replace cracked and
uneven asphalt trail with concrete; Open Space funds]
c) Resolution No. 44-2016 -amending the Fiscal Year 2016 General Fund
Budget to reflect the approval of a Supplemental Budget Appropriation in the
amount of $4,000 for the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Grant to be used
for the installation of City Directional and Distance Signs [LiveWell Colorado
grant; to encourage awareness and walking/biking to use parks and recreation
facilities]
d) Resolution No. 46-2016 -approving an Agreement between the City of
Lakewood and the City of Wheat Ridge for Crime Lab/Crime Scene Services
and authorizing Payment of $69,600 [Budgeted]
Councilmember Davis introduced the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Councilmember Davis to approve the Consent Agenda items a), b), c) and d).
Joyce Manwaring gave an update on Item b), the Clear Creek Trail maintenance project.
This is an extension of the grant from Jeffco Open Space to spend the balance of the
remaining funds from an original grant for the 41 st & Kipling trail head relocation. Due to
the additional scope the County is requiring an additional resolution -which will come to
Council on November 28th.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wooden; carried 8-0
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
£. Council Bill 22-2016 -an Ordinance repealing and reenacting Section 26-615 of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning Commercial Mobile Radio Service and
making conforming Amendments in connection herewith (Case No. ZOA-16-04)
Revisions to the cell tower regulations are needed to align with current technology and
FCC regulations. This hearing was continued from October 10, 2016, at which time the
Council directed staff to include provisions for alternative, or stealth, facilities in
residential zones on property that contains a non-residential use.
Councilmember Mathews introduced Council Bill 22-2016.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016
Mayor Jay opened the Public Hearing.
Staff Report -Lisa Ritchie
Page 3
• Stealth towers have been added to the code and are defined as "alternative tower
structure".
• Wording was provided by the Wireless Policy Group 0/'JPG) and staff conducted
independent research as well.
• These will require a Special Use Permit just as free-standing towers do.
• They need to conform to the definition. Specific architectural standards are not
being provided-they must be compatible with the natural setting and surrounding
structures, and conceal the presence of antennae.
• She noted the WPG is still requesting additional height allowance.
• As proposed the ordinance restricts heights for both free-standing towers and
alternative tower structures to the same height as structures in the underlying zone
district.
• The Charter allows additional height for antennae, steeples, silos and other
mechanical elements.
Questions from Council
• No, staff has not added the additional height allowance requested by the WPG.
• Rooftop facilities allow additional height. The point was raised that limiting a free-
standing tower to the height of the roofline defeats the purpose of having a separate
tower.
• Staff believes there is room within the Charter to allow additional height from a legal
perspective.
• As written no extra height is allowed.
• Is there a variance process? Yes. It would be eligible and not violate the Charter.
Public Comment
Jennifer Price (Englewood) from AT&T thanked staff for a very collaborative process.
The ordinance provides the best possible wireless coverage with the least visual impact.
The stealth towers will be inconspicuous and add value to the properties. Viability
remains a question. 40% of Council's constituents use cellular only and height is an
issue for viability. To better shoot through buildings, height is necessary. Without
additional space above a roofline, coverage will be compromised. A stealth antenna on
a flagpole can provide better coverage than an antenna on a rooftop.
Dustin DePentino (Englewood), an engineer with AT&T explained 'line of sight
technology' and the importance of getting above the clutter to provide quality service. He
testified they need to get above the roof line; through-put is essential to good connection
and speed of service. Having more cell sites is also important.
Councilmember Mathews listed a number of examples of stealth towers that had been
presented at an earlier meeting -including man-made trees, clock towers, bell steeples,
light poles, silos, and existing utility poles and transmission towers.
City Council Minutes November 14 , 2016 Page4
Valerie Cardenas (WR) lives here and is a contractor to AT&T. She supports design
that adheres to the context and character of a neighborhoods. She illustrated, with an
example on a local church , how stealth facilities are not obtrusive.
Motion by Councilmember Mathews to approve Council Bill 22-2016, an ordinance
repealing and reenacting Section 26-615 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning
commercial mobile radio service and making conforming amendments in connection
herewith on second reading , with the amendments shown on the redline version of said
ordinance, direct the City Attorney to finalize the ordinance with said changes, and that it
take effect 15 days after final publication.
Mayor Jay closed the Public Hearing.
Clerk Shaver announced for the record this is Ordinance 1612.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Fitzgerald.
There was discussion about the variance process. Council could amend the motion per
industry desires for extra height or rely on variances that would be handled on a case by
case basis through the Board of Adjustments. The variance process really doesn't have
technical criteria, but Mr. Johnstone suggested that viability would be covered. Beyond
discussion, no amendments were proposed .
Motion carried 8-0.
~ Public Hearing on the proposed 2017 City Budget
Councilmember Pond introduced Item 3.
Staff presentation -Heather Geyer
Short-term: The 2017 proposed budget is balanced and adds $%2.1 M to reserves.
The City manager made reductions of $1 .6M. $465K in fleet replacement and 7.5 new
positions were deferred. Other immediate factors:
• The voter-approved sales tax increase has resulted in some changes to the GIP.
• Transfers of $2M to GIP and $100,000 to Capital Equipment Replacement Fund
• Projected unrestricted Reserves would be 21.5%.
Long-term Fiscal Challenges include:
• Perpetual systemic funding gap
• Lack of sustainable long-term funding for infrastructure; dependence on transfers
• Continued focus on economic development
2017 Total Projected Revenue (all funds)
$40,097,719 Projected Revenues (7% increase compared to 2016)
$12.414.494 Beginning Fund Balance
$52,512,213 Total Available Funds
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 5
2017 Total Proposed Expenditures
$43,165,474-for General, CIP and 8 special revenue funds (10% decrease over 2016)
72% General Fund
16% CIP (Capital)
6% Rec Center
2017 Projected General Fund Revenues
$33,272,401 Projected Revenues
$ 8.068.070 Beginning Fund Balance
$41,340,471 Total Available Funds
3% Open Space
1 % Conservation Trust Fund
2% other special funds
2.6% increase compared to 2016 estimated revenues (not including fund balance)
60% Sales Tax 6% lntergov. 2% Fines 0.1 % Interest
11 % Use tax 5% Licenses 2% Property tax
8% Other taxes 4% Services 1.9% Other
2017 Proposed General Fund Expenditures
$31, 172,401 Proposed Expenditures
$ 2. 100.000 Proposed Transfers
$ 33,272,401
• 0.7% decrease compared to the adjusted 2016 budget
• $2M transfer to CIP (adjusted down from $3M prior to the election)
• $100k transfer to Equipment Replacement Fund
• Ending fund balance of $8,068,070
• Unrestricted fund balance of $6,687,070 (21.5%)
32% Police
15% Public Works
15% Parks/Rec
12% Admin Services
10% Central Charges (medical premiums, risk mgmt., etc)
9% General Govt (budgets for attny, city manager, legislative)
4% Community Development
3% Municipal Court
Goal 1 Viable Commercial Areas
• Urban Renewal--$300,000
• ESTIP/TIF $564,000
• Ridge at 38 public events --$140,000 (Localworks)
• Public relations and marketing (citywide) --$22,500
• Wheat Ridge Bu_siness District (WRBD) grants --$45,000
• Live Local events --$50,000
• Building Up Business Loans (BUBL) $25,000
• Realtor, new resident and developer positioning tours -$20,000 (Localworks)
• 44th Avenue corridor marketing --$7,500
• 29th Avenue Marketplace marketing --$5,000
• 381h Avenue Marketing --$40,000 (Localworks)
• Ridge at 38 banners and lights program --$25,000
• Gold line marketing materials --$10,000
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 6
• Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy update $27,500 (Localworks)
• Kipling/1-70 Corridor planning --$10,000
• Wadsworth reconstruction project (CIP) -adjusted from $2.2M down to $1.7M
Goal 2 Financially Sound I Providing Services
• Preventative street maintenance (CIP) -adjusted from $500,000 up to $2M
• Fleet acquisition and replacement --$547,000
• Employee compensation (3% raise) --$450,000
• Lakewood Crime lab services --$63,000
• Regional Crime lab --$49, 157
• Employee safety and wellness programs --$43,530
• Socrata open budget software --$7 ,500
• Contractual sales tax auditing services --$36,300
• Community solar garden lease payments --$80, 167
• Replace heat exchangers at outdoor pool --$35,000
Goal 3 Desirable Neighborhoods
• Prospect Park: 2 improvements (OS & CT Funds) --$2,225,000
• Rec center maintenance (CT Fund) --$115 ,000
• Traffic safety, Life quality and Crime reduction (TLC) program --$40 ,000
• Home Investment Loan Program (HIP) --$25,000
• Police Department community-oriented neighborhood programs --$36 ,288
• Park patrol (police) --$34,900
• Special events overtime (police) --$29,000
• Two part-time park rangers --$23,400
• ADA improvements citywide (CIP) --$50,000
• Discovery Park ADA accessibility playground (CTF) --$125 ,000
Goal 4 Attractive City
• Parks and trails maintenance projects (CTF and OS Funds) --$425,000
• Open space improvements (OS Funds) --$50,000
• Citywide right-of-way (ROW) maintenance --$65,311
• Gold Line station ROW maintenance --$13,416
• Bus shelter and bench maintenance, cleaning and snow removal --$40,000
• Large item pick-up program --$5 ,000
• Anderson Park water line --$100,000 (to be included as a 2E project; may free up)
• 2.0 FTE Community Service Officers --$102 ,000 (Fund 63)
• Facility repair and maintenance for historic buildings --$38, 110
• Founders Park playground (CT Fund) -$100,000
Other Notable Budget Items
Carnation Festival: Contribution --$60 ,000; Overtime -$25 ,500; Barricades --$2,000
Outside agency contributions $108,950
Court appointed attorneys mandated by HB 1309 -$12,500
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 7
2017 Proposed Capital Investment Program (CIP) --reflects passage of 2E*
• Preventative street maintenance -$2m (increase)
• Wadsworth EA project -$1.76m
• Minor street improvements -$435,000 (29th Ave & Fenton St)
• Public improvement development projects -$233,000 (32nd Ave & Xenon St)
• Miscellaneous drainage improvements -$200,000
• Clear Creek Crossing (Phase II ES re-evaluation -$140,000
• ADA Plan (Completion of ADA Plan) -$50,000
• Clear Creek master plan updated -$50,000
Additional projects resulting from passage of 2E
• PD evidence building -$50,000
• Neighborhood traffic management-$35,000
• Gateway signage program -$50,000
• Completion of bike/ped master plan -$30,000
• New shop funding -$25,000
• Municipal parking lots -$25,000
• Aerial photography/GIS updates -$25,000
• Maple Grove reservoir (Release rate study with partners) -$10,000
• Street light program -$10,000
A special fund has been created for the 2E projects. The four projects are:
Gold Line $12M
o Reconstruction of the adjacent streets -Ridge Road, 52nd Ave, Tabor Street
o Installation of a traffic signal at Ward Road/Ridge Road intersection
o Building a pedestrian bridge over the rail tracks
Clear Creek Crossing $10M
o Construction of westbound 1-70 hook ramps
o Removal of the off-ramp at 32nd Avenue
o Construction of a connecting street to 32nd Ave
Wadsworth EA -$7M
o 3 travel lanes in each direction
o 10-foot sidewalks on both sides
o 10-foot tree lawns on both sides
o 10-foot, two-way bike lane on east side (from 35th to 44th)
o Center medians
o Continuous flow intersections at 38th & 44th
Anderson Park --$4M
o Renovations to the outdoor pool locker room
o Anderson Building upgrades, replace roof, reconfigure space to enhance fitness
and wellness programming
o Replace baseball field with multi-purpose sports field
o Reconstruct soccer field to higher quality field
o Parking lot improvements, water line replacement
Mayor Jay opened the Public Hearing.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 8
Public Comment
Joy Opp (WR), Localworks board member, talked about the Live Local events. She
described them as successful. She asked for adoption of the full Localworks budget.
Patti Askew (WR), board member of the WR Backpack Program, talked about the
importance of funding for the WR Backpack program. She distributed data on costs and
the number of children served. Cost per bag has risen from $2.50 to $4.00. If there isn't
enough money cuts will be necessary. She asked that the allotment be increased.
Tracy Langworthy (WR) elaborated on the cost increase from the Arvada Food Bank.
Schools served are Stevens, Kullerstrand, Pennington, and the Head Start near41 51 &
Youngfield. The increased costs will now require $18,000 more a year than planned.
The committee's recommendation was $7,000, but she asked Council to please fund the
full $10,000.
Jon Genova (WR), Localworks board member, believes Localworks provides a sense of
community and increases quality of life. He asked for full funding for Localworks.
Britta Fisher (WR), Localworks executive director, spoke of the connecting, volunteering
and creating that Localworks does.
• 40+ Live Local events (Dines, Active, Harvest) with 693 attendees. In 2017 Active and
Harvest events will partner with ATAT, Four Seasons, and some wellness businesses
that will take more leadership.
• The Ridge at 38 continues to grow with new businesses moving in and existing
businesses thriving and expanding.
• Marketing events attracted thousands from across Colorado. All Ridge events grew
this year: 7 major events, 20,000+ attendees, collaborated with 19 Ridge at 38
businesses.
• Localworks has only 3. 75 staff, but hundreds of volunteers.
• Specific programs include partnering with WRPD on TLC dumpster days and the
Wheaties Academy.
She urged adoption of the budget with full funding for Localworks.
Rachel Hultin (WR) said a budget reflects a city's priorities and read from the Knight
Foundation list of what makes a good community. The 3 most important things are social
offerings, openness and aesthetics. She asked for funding for bike/ped projects as she
sees nothing for that through 2019. For bicycles, she suggested the Garrison Corridor is
key to access to the Gold Line and important regionally. She also believes Localworks
creates a platform for people who want to step up, and builds "community". Council
should look at long term opportunities to implement the plans they are investing in today.
Mr. Goff noted that because of 2E, besides the significant bike/ped elements of the $40M
Wadsworth project, $600K for additional bike/ped improvements has been added over a
six year period starting in 2019.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 9
Council questions:
• The points were made that 1) TIF's are pass through money, and 2) the projects
now added to the budget are being funded with money that was being saved for
2E projects -if 2E didn't pass. There will be no intermingling between funds for
the 2E projects and the regular budget.
• Yes, the Anderson Park water line could be taken out of 2E money, thereby
reducing the General Fund budget by $100,000 -if Council wishes.
Mayor Jay closed the public hearing.
Official adoption of the budget will be on November 28.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
4. Reconsideration of Council Bill 25-2016 -An ordinance amending Articles I, II and
IV of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning the implementation
of a Residential Bulk Plane Development Standard (Case No. ZOA-16-06)
This ordinance amends the development standards for the R1-C zone and single-family
dwellings in R-3 zones to add bulk plane regulation. This will reduce the mass and scale
of new development in the smallest lot single-family zones . Currently the only standard is
a 35 foot height maximum.
Mr. Dahl gave procedural directions for reconsidering the defeat of Council Bill 25-2016 .
Public Comment
Michael Epson (WR) stated that the neighborhood group prefers a 12% feet bulk plane
height, but at this point, feels that 15 feet is a fair compromise to preserve their historic
neighborhood. They'd like to see building height revisited later, but he encouraged
Council to pass this ordinance.
Al Lazalde (WR) believes this is a compromise --that it's a good first step, and hopes
this will pass .
Katie Jacobson (WR) expressed support for reconsideration and approval of this bill. It
will reduce the mass and scale of new developments and help protect the privacy of
small, single-family lots.
Benny Gonzales (WR) asked Council to pass the bulk plane ordinance.
Robin Thorpe (WR) grew up here and recently moved back. She encouraged that this
ordinance be reconsidered to keep the wonderful quality that's here in Wheat Ridge.
Deana Swetlik (WR) encouraged Council to reconsider and approve the bulk plane
ordinance.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 10
Dorothy Archer (WR) spoke about the importance of keeping R 1-C the way it is -to
protect our citizens. The 35 foot towers devalue neighboring properties. We shouldn't
grow at the cost of who's already here.
Christi Aultman(WR) urged reconsideration and passage of Council Bill 25. While this
isn't what the community wanted, it's better than having no standard at all. These tower
structures are incompatible with surrounding neighborhoods. Regarding the concern
about visual impact, she noted the City has building restrictions for antennae structures,
but not so much for single-family homes in District 1.
Jerry DiTullio (WR) encouraged reconsideration of this bill. He believes this topic
deserves to have a public hearing. He supports the 15 foot bulk plane.
Motion by Councilmember Duran to reconsider Council's previous motion denying
passage of Council Bill No. 25-2016; seconded by Councilmember Mathews; carried 8-0.
Motion by Councilmember Hoppe to approve Council Bill No. 25-2016, an ordinance
amending Articles I, II and IV of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning
the implementation of a residential bulk plane development standards on first reading,
order it published pursuant to section 5.12(h) of the Charter, public hearing set for
Monday, November 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, and that it take
effect immediately upon adoption and signature by the Mayor; seconded by
Councilmember Urban.
Councilmember Hoppe indicated this reconsideration is a good move. Councilmember
Fitzgerald will happily vote against this again because he feels the way the base plane is
measured is unfair to those with sloped lots. Councilmember Duran believes this is a
good start. Councilmember Urban will vote yes this time because now enough
information has been provided and he can make an informed decision.
The motion carried 7-1, with Councilmember Fitzgerald voting no.
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTION
5. Special Meeting request for November 21, 2016
Mr. Dahl advised that the Mayor has already called a Special Meeting for November 21,
2016. At that meeting the public hearing on the bulk plane ordinance will take place, and
a resolution approving the Fruitdale Agreement will be considered.
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 11
Mr. Goff reported the Urban Land Institute Transit Oriented Development Marketplace
was held last week. Ken Johnstone presented on the Ward Station. Mr. Urban's
suggestion of calling it Base Camp is catching on. Councilmember Hoppe sat at the
table and answered questions. There was a lot of interest in the site.
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
ELECTED OFFICIAL'S MATTERS
Jerry DiTullio distributed the September financial report. He repeated that in January
there will be a new section of reporting on the 2E funds -which will be kept separate.
Janeece Hoppe reported attending the ULI Marketplace. It was fun and she got some
ideas for how to market the area.
Zach Urban noted that the passage of 2E includes significant investment related to bike
and pedestrian improvements. He believes everyone should be grateful for the voters'
generosity and not come back and ask for more and more. When is enough enough?
George Pond expressed gratitude for staffs work on the 2E projects. He hopes we
continue to have the engagement of our citizenry.
Kristi Davis thanked everyone for 2E. She encouraged councilmembers to give any
remaining 2016 outreach funds to the backpack program. Citizens can donate as well. -
She will be having her last Catch Up with Kristi meeting tomorrow night at Clancy's from
5:30-7pm.
Tim Fitzgerald thanked citizens for passing 2E. It passed by 10% and the vote total was
the highest in a decade.
Larry Mathews encouraged citizens to stay informed and involved in the budget. It's
their tax dollars. The budget vote will be on November 28th. If anyone has questions
they should call him.
Genevieve Wooden thanked the citizens for passing 2E, the Yes WR Committee, and
the volunteers who helped.
Joyce Jay joined the thanks for the passage of 2E.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Meeting was adjourned at 9:04p.m.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 12
J
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.