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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Notes 06-19-2017STUDY SESSION NOTES CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO City Council Chambers 7500 W. 29th Avenue June 19. 2017 Mayor Joyce Jay called the Study Session to order at 6:32 p.m. Council members present: Zachary Urban, Janeece Hoppe, Kristi Davis, George Pond, Genevieve Wooden, Tim Fitzgerald, Larry Mathews Absent: Monica Duran (excused) Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Attorney, Jerry Dahl; City Manager, Patrick Goff; Parks Director, Joyce Manwaring; guests, and interested citizens CITIZEN COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS none 2. Jefferson County Public Library Update Rebecca Winning and Sara Alt were present representing the Library. Ms. Winning played a narrated film outlining the progress that has been made since the Library mill levy passed in 2015. Efforts have been made to restore core services, make technology upgrades, restore library hours, and proceed with delayed capital improvements. Highlights included: • They have bought new books, added new technologies and better access, and restored service hours at all 10 libraries. • They have installed more and better programming, including more story times, promoting reading, STEM for girls, teen coding camps, expanded summer reading programs, and reading contests. • Usage of the library system and its various programs has increased as a result. • Over 200 computers were added and internal tech systems have been upgraded. • Capital projects include landscape upgrades, carpet repairs, new windows at the Wheat Ridge branch, new boiler at Standley Lake, and two new parking lots. A major upgrade is ongoing at the Columbine Library. • Library finance policies have been stabilized to include maintaining minimum and maximum balances. • They will continue to add more resources, updated technology, new service kiosks, more computers, and special technology for patrons. • They have signed a partnership with the City of Edgewater to build a new 1 OK sf library in their new civic center, to open in 2018. There were no questions and no discussion. The presenters were thanked. 3. Approval of Historical Society Agreement -Joyce Manwaring Ms. Manwaring introduced Janice White Bradford, the new VP of the Wheat Ridge Historical Society (WRHS). Ms White was available to answer questions. STUDY SESSION NOTES: June 19, 2017 Page -2- Ms Manwaring explained the City Attorney has drafted a new agreement between the City and the WRHS. The parties have worked together and the contract has undergone several re-writes. The final agreement is ready for approval by the Council. Ms. Manwaring made note of three separate points: 1) The first draft contained much about the old Post Office -which was purchased and moved to the Historic Park solely by the Society with grant money. As of today, the City owns all buildings at the Historic Park and the Baugh property except the Post Office. During discussion the WRHS decided it would be best to sell the Post Office to the City for $10. This is reflected in the new agreement and will simplify maintenance and liability. 2) The new agreement replaces and combines the 1987 Historical Park and the 1998 Baugh House contracts, into one comprehensive agreement. 3) WRHS is struggling to fund programs. Having a stronger partnership with the City will allow for more programs and benefit both parties. The WRHS is also requesting a City Council member liaison to the Society. Mr. Dahl added that the agreement specifies the obligations of each party. Also, the City will hire and pays for one staff employee to assist the WRHS. That person is a City employee, but day-to-day supervision of that staff member will be done by the Society. Ms. White noted that members are getting older and she believes this partnership will help the Society to grow and flourish. They are encouraging families to become involved. Many folks don't even know about the WRHS -the artifacts and historical information that's available. The Post Office has one-of-a-kind documents. The Society appreciates the opportunity to become more active. Ms. Manwaring advised she will also assign a staff person in marketing to work with the WRHS on classes and programming. Ms. Bradford reported the focus is on historical items and the history of the city. There may be some County documents too. The liaison from City Council would keep the Council informed and inform the WRHS of City opportunities that become available. Councilmember Urban thanked the Historical Society and the Parks Department for allowing the Wilmore-Davis Girl Scout troop to plant two apple trees at the Historic Park on Arbor Day. -He raised the questions of availability for private parties, reasonable costs and who should manage those types of events. There was discussion about ensuring WRHS fundraisers are allowed. Ms. Bradford noted that all meetings and events of the Historical Society are open to the public. Councilmember Mathews inquired about the status of maintenance. Ms. Manwaring reported the Post Office going to be painted, and that minor maintenance issues come STUDY SESSION NOTES: June 19, 2017 Page -3- up, but nothing major is needed at this time. Ms. Bradford said hail damage was minimal. Councilmember Davis expressed interest in being the Council Liaison. Councilmember Wooden stated she is happy to be moving forward with this. She thinks transferring knowledge is important so it is not lost, and likes the idea of involving young families. She looks forward to the WRHS being part of the budget. Councilmember Mathews asked about long-range plans or plans for expansion. Ms. Bradford said projects are often dictated by events or donations. Councilmember Fitzgerald suggested a feature article in the Mayor's Matters. Councilmember Urban noted hearing that the Everitt home is being sold that artifacts may be available. Ms. Bradford said she spoke with them Friday. Ms. White outlined the three main public events for the Society, which are held outside. All events are held on the second Saturday of the month. • May is the May Festival at the Sod House Museum, which includes a May Pole Dance. This year the two trees were dedicated • August is Heritage Day at the Baugh House. It includes a quilt show and coincides with the Carnation Festival. • October is Apple Cider Days. Folks can bring their apples and jugs, and for a small donation use the old time press to press their apples and make juice. Crafters are usually demonstrating that day. • Live music is always there and a lunch cooked on the old cook stove can be purchased. There are often some vendors. Councilmember Fitzgerald inquired about the two properties between the Historic Park and the Baugh House. Ms. Manwaring said the City made efforts in the past to acquire those properties, but were not successful. In the early 2000's a change in elected officials resulted in waning of interest for that pursuit. Clerk Shaver noted the donation of the water tower which triggered a project. She shared that there is a long-term vision for the Baugh property which includes a trail through tall prairie grasses. She asked Ms. White if the very successful antique appraisal is still occurring. Ms. White said availability of appraisers in the spring has been a problem. The hope is to move that to the Apple Cider Days. Ms. Manwaring noted the contract will come to Council for approval next Monday . .L Staff Report(s) -Mr. Goff • Mr. Goff reported meeting with Homeland Security last week. They are doing a wide area assessment. No federal declaration for assistance is being offered, but they are STUDY SESSION NOTES: June 19, 2017 Page -4- looking for assistance from the Small Business Association. Any declaration for the Colorado Mills will apply to the whole storm area. He will share the Homeland Security report when it comes. • Regarding the permitting process for new roofs: He has no new stats now, but the steady flow for permits continues. He authorized a third permit tech, and a fifth inspector for the field. They are hopeful to maintain a response time of 3-5 days. Next day inspections are still happening. The company the City is working with has been very helpful to bring staff in to help. 4. Elected Official's Report(s) Tim Fitzgerald reported from the Housing Authority (HA). Homelessness continues, rental rates are high, and the HA has no money. The feds will be releasing CDBG grants and HOME funds to counties. There are no guarantees, but eligibility requires application. Two County Commissioners think using federal tax dollars is a waste of money and may not apply. A million dollars is at stake. On June 27 the Commissioners will meet to decide if they will apply. Citizens are invited to attend at Sam on the second floor of the Taj to encourage the Commissioners to apply for these funds. Zachary Urban agreed that HOME and CDBG funds are a good way to get back funds our citizens have paid into the federal coffers. He understands the pressure on the Commissioners is coming from entities outside the county. The benefits have been many and the money is always used prudently. He will be encouraging the Commissioners to apply. Larry Mathews asked Mr. Goff about stories that have appeared on the news about the G Line. Mr. Goff said a representative from RTD was pushed into a corner to say it could open in 2018. There is actually no date. To reports that there is no solution to this technology problem, he advised that RTD does not believe that. The FRA is allowing testing, which started last week on a limited basis. If the FRA is allowing testing, there should be a solution. He asserted there are no guarantees and no absolute timeline. It could be 2018 or 2019, but RTD is still hopeful for 2017. Zachary Urban invited everyone to the Sts. Peter and Paul Parrish Festival this weekend. ADJOURNMENT The Study Session adjourned at 7:25 pm.