HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Notes 08-07-2017STUDY SESSION NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
City Council Chambers 7500 W. 29th Avenue
August 7. 2017
Mayor Joyce Jay called the Study Session to order at 6:30p.m.
Council members present: Monica Duran, Zachary Urban, George Pond, Kristi Davis,
Tim Fitzgerald, Larry Mathews, Genevieve Wooden
Absent: Janeece Hoppe (excused)
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Manager Patrick Goff; Administrative
Services Director , Heather Geyer; Public Works Director, Scott Brink; other staff,
guests, and interested citizens
CITIZEN COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Carol Mathews (WR) expressed frustration in attending many staff-controlled citizen
meetings (38th Ave, ADU's, Wadsworth configuration) where issues were presented with
controlled rhetoric and left no options for citizen input. Citizens with other ideas have
been cut off or threatened with expulsion. She now hears that councilmembers,
including those who are candidates, believe the Council and the City staff should control
who hosts the election forum, and that staff should select the questions. She gave
several reasons why she thinks this is not democratic.
Tom Slattery (WR) stated he was deeply involved in the organization and presentation
of the WR United Neighborhoods Candidates and Issues Forum for over 20 years and
was the moderator many times. The City generously provided the use of Council
Chambers. It was understood this was a courtesy and that the City was not a partner,
sponsor or overseer of the Forum. It was understood that any City review, editing,
contribution or approval of the content would create the appearance of prior restraint or
censorship. It was also understood that WRUN would maintain impartiality and would
not take a stand on any issue at the forum or give the appearance of same. WRUN was
to follow all FCC requirements, and always did. Because of WRUN's commitment to
impartiality, the fact that WRUN was active in City issues was not considered a reason
to bar them from use of the Council Chambers. He feels that any organization willing to
commit to impartiality should not be barred from using the Council Chambers. The
WRUN forum was conducted in complete freedom and the great integrity of the event
was continuously applauded by mayors, councils, administrations and city attorneys
over the years. They assumed it was City policy to allow the use of Council Chambers
for purposes of conducting an annual election forum by a competent organization. The
WRUN forum has always enjoyed the highest reputation with candidates and issues
activists, and he hopes that reputation continues for many years to come.
Vivian Vos (WR) Regarding the candidate forum, she suggested some people's noses
got bent out of shape and she's not sure why. She proposed that the City Clerk draw
names from a hat and candidates speak for a given amount of time. She thinks a
moderator and questions are not necessary due to modern technology, and that all the
STUDY SESSION NOTES: August 7, 2017 Page -2-
City need do is name the date/time and arrange for the videographer. The "host" could
be chosen by drawing lots from a list of interested parties, and whoever conducts the
forum would not be eligible to do it the following year. She doesn't think City Council
should be involved as it runs well without them. She also believes that councilmembers
who are candidates should not be involved in making any policy about the forum.
Staff Report(s) none
2. Denver Water Presentation -Scott Brink
Katie Knoll, Community Relations Manager from Denver Water, and Jim Light, also from
Denver Water, were present to update Council on the upgrading and modernization of
the North System.
Ms. Knoll noted that Denver Water will be celebrating 100 years of service in 2018. It is
the oldest and largest utility in Colorado. They deal only with drinking water and serve
1.4M people -including contractors that provide water for WR residents. Upgrading
and modernization of the North System is needed to maintain reliable water delivery.
She went through the four components of the project.
1. Ralston Reservoir Connection: This project involves an upgrade and improvements
to connect Ralston Reservoir to the Northwater Treatment Plant. This includes
replacing and upgrading the 1930's-era pipelines and valves that allow water to be
released from the reservoir.
2. Northwater Treatment Plant: A new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant will be
built next to the Ralston Reservoir north of Golden. The Northwater Treatment Plant
will be capable of treating up to 150 million gallons of water a day and will be
equipped with disinfection technology that will provide flexibility to react to changes
in water quality.
3. Northwater Pipeline: A seven-foot diameter pipeline will be installed along an 8.5-
mile route from Ralston Reservoir to the Moffat site in Lakewood (near 2Qth &
Simms), replacing two existing smaller diameter pipelines. The new pipeline will
transport treated water from the newly built Northwater Treatment Plant to the Moffat
site for distribution to customers.
4. Moffat Distribution Site: The existing Moffat Treatment Plant, originally constructed
in 1937, will be re-purposed into a storage and distribution site for the treated water
coming from the new Northwater Treatment Plant.
Related specifically to Wheat Ridge:
• A tunnel will be constructed from the Fairmount area through the Clear Creek
Crossing property, under 1-70 and the Applewood Shopping Center.
• In the area of Mountain Shadows Drive about 28 properties are within the easement
and will be directly impacted. Denver Water has met with each of them at their
home and has been in contact with them for two years.
• Construction under the BNSF Railroad near 44th & Eldridge and under Highway 58
will begin in October.
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• There will be open trenches on the south side of 44th near Eldridge, and by the Clear
Creek Bike trail. Street closures and detours will happen this fall.
She added that safety is the #1 priority. Denver Water takes pride in being a good
neighbor -noting they are committed to clean, well-managed worksites; minimizing
construction impact to neighbors; communicating regularly with the community and
individually impacted residents; and responding promptly to questions and concerns.
Another, more detailed, mailing, will be going out. She has been meeting with city and
county PIO's and other community groups. A website will be up soon that includes a
fact sheet and detailed infographics. 2017 and 2018 will be tunneling projects. Pipeline
installation and the Ralston Reservoir Connection will overlap with the Moffat
Distribution Site and Northwater Treatment Plant during the following five years.
Questions from the Council followed.
Councilmember Urban had questions answered:
1) There is regular coordination with the Fairmont and West Metro Fire
Departments.
2) There will be no impact on day-to-day water delivery.
3) There will be no changes in water pressure. Water pressure varies within the
distribution system, with the average ranging from 80-100 PSI.
Councilmember Mathews asked if there has been coordination with the developer of the
Clear Creek Crossing property. Mr. Goff said coordination with the developer has been
ongoing for about two years on the pipeline and the hook ramps. He reminded Council
of their recent approval of an IGA for $20K to authorize Denver Water to do redesign
work for the bore pit on the west side of 1-70. That has concluded and both projects can
proceed simultaneously.
Mr. Light reported that Denver Water meets with Evergreen as well.
~ 38th Ave. Pedestrian Lighting Replacement -Scott Brink
Mr. Brink explained this relates to the damage from the May hailstorm to decorative
streetlights on 381h Ave from Harlan to Sheridan. 42 of 72 lighting units were damaged.
Stock piles for replacement are depleted and the current model is discontinued. New
ones will need to be purchased. A design can be chosen that is similar to existing light
fixtures, or a new style can be purchased for all 72 lights. There are options. It depends
on what Council wants.
The City's insurance carrier (CIRSA) has authorized replacement of the 42 damaged
fixtures at a cost of $3,234 each, totaling $135,828. 30 units were not damaged and
therefore are not eligible for reimbursement should the City wish to replace them. The
$3,234 unit amount is essentially the cost to replace the fixture units and poles with the
City's standard LED ornamental lighting unit, similar to what has been installed at Town
Center North and Kipling Ridge (Attachment 2). The price is a materials cost only, but
CIRSA has indicated that installation costs will also be eligible for reimbursement.
Discussion points included:
STUDY SESSION NOTES: August 7, 2017 Page -4-
• Existing fixtures violate the dark skies principles. It is an opportunity to follow the
dark skies principle by replacing all units, and have insurance pay for half of them.
• This would involve an insurance claim.
• The fixtures in question are all east of Harlan.
• Could we use Urban Renewal funds the WR Cyclery money? Yes.
• It was suggested to use the 30 undamaged fixtures at other locations such as parks.
• Continuity of design was generally supported.
• The dark skies principle allows for areas where ambient light is needed for activity.
• The dark skies principle is not required by ordinance; it's something Excel pushes.
Councilmember Davis received unanimous consent to proceed with the replacement of
light fixtures along the 39th Avenue corridor with an eye to standardization of design,
and to repurpose useable fixtures in other places in the city; and further to approach
Urban Renewal for any possible funding.
4. Run Hide Fight Video -Chief Brennan
The Chief introduced the topic. In June 2016, a facility assessment of City Hall was
conducted and a national model has been adopted. It provides guidelines for officers,
employees, and councilmembers for what to do in an active shooter situation.
Commander Mike Hendershot highlighted the process that was used to analyze our
workplace safety.
• The employee evacuation map that was developed was distributed to Council.
• The complete list of things that could be done will take a long time to implement.
• He played the Run, Hide, Flight video and elaborated on it.
• He presented a power point on Workplace Safety.
• He briefly addressed Active Shooter situations, what was learned in the analysis
process, and things to expect during an incident and when the police come.
Discussion and questions followed.
• Have we reached out to other soft targets in the community such as churches or
grocery stores? Chief Brennan said we have reached out to Lutheran and certain
churches on this. We work closely with the schools and if we get calls from
businesses or other elements of the community, we will assist with training.
• Councilmember Davis suggested banners on computers to alerting employees of an
active shooter.
• Mr. Goff noted the Rec Center is well-versed and well-trained in safety procedures.
• Clerk Shaver noted that since she is in the building daily she can vouch for the
repeated analysis and discussions with the staff safety committee, then the Police,
and then the professional consultant. She said active shooter response is discussed
by employees.
• Councilmember Urban thanked staff for balancing accessibility and safety.
• The Chief noted that training for councilmembers would be beneficial.
Councilmember Wooden inquired how National Nite Out would. Chief Brennan said it
went well and elaborated on the positive impacts of the event. Councilmember Urban,
who attended with his family, said it was a lot of fun and was well put together.
STUDY SESSION NOTES: August 7, 2017 Page -5-
§.. Election Forum -Heather Geyer
Councilmember Urban read a statement recusing himself from the discussion on the
election forum, since he is a declared candidate. He doesn't think it is appropriate for
candidates or their registered agents to set the rules. He left the Chambers at 7:48pm.
Councilmember Fitzgerald noted he is also a candidate, but does not think participating
in this discussion violates any ethics rules. He will participate in the discussion.
Councilmember Davis declared that she is a registered agent for a candidate and
expressed willingness to recuse herself if Council wished. She will speak on behalf of
feedback she has been given, not her own opinion.
Discussion on policy-making followed.
• Councilmember Wooden: This is only a discussion -no policy will be set.
• Councilmember Mathews: Recommendations would come from this discussion.
• Mayor Jay: Policy would be handled differently than a choice Council makes tonight.
• Councilmember Davis suggested that any policy would be set after this forum.
• Councilmember Duran: She understood tonight's discussion would affect this year's
forum. Mayor Jay said it would, but any policy that is made would be for the future.
• Mr. Goff clarified that tonight's discussion need only be about this year's forum.
• Councilmember Duran asked what would be covered in the forum. Ms. Geyer and
Mr. Goff said it would cover all levels of candidates and all issues on the ballot.
Discussion about who should host this year's forum proceeded with no further recusals.
Councilmember Mathews asked for a description of how we got here tonight.
Heather Geyer reviewed the history of the Forum. It was hosted by WR United
Neighborhoods every year (except 2009, hosted by Enterprise Wheat Ridge) until last
year. In 2016 the WR Chamber did it; there were no City candidate races. The City
pays for the videography, replays the forum on Channel 8 and has it available on the
website. In April she reached out to the WR Chamber and WRUN. The Chamber
responded; WRUN did not. After July 4th CFIWR expressed interest in participating.
The WR Chamber is willing and can do it either alone or with assistance from CFIWR.
What other cities do was presented at last week's Special Study Session. We are at a
decision point for who Council wants to host a forum. The date of October 3 has been
set. There was interest in having the League of Women Voters (L'Jl./V) host a forum, so
staff reached out to them and asked them to hold the date.
• Councilmember Wooden said she asked for this to be placed on the agenda
because she found out a mayoral candidate is on the board of the WR Chamber.
She likes the idea of a forum, but would like there to be a policy. She objects to any
group being allowed to host if one of their members is a candidate.
• Councilmember Duran read into the record an email from resident Jessica Fasy
protesting having the WR Chamber host an election forum because they are biased.
Joe DeMott is their president. She stated this is an official Wheat Ridge City event,
is played on Channel 8, and is funded by the City. Having CFIWR cohost is also
inappropriate because they are incredibly biased; they have received funding from
STUDY SESSION NOTES: August 7, 2017 Page -6-
Joe DeMott. She wants Council to set guidelines disallowing hosting by any
organization that has a board member who is a candidate. She would like this and
all future forums to be hosted by the LWV.
• Councilmember Duran expressed preference for asking the LWV to host, but she
would like questions to come from citizens not the staff.
• Councilmember Pond agreed with Councilmember Duran and favors drawing the
questions from a hat. He thinks any group that hosts should commit to removing
any perception of bias.
• Councilmember Fitzgerald expressed the WRUN forums were fantastic, but they
haven't applied so maintaining the appearance of impartiality is his concern. He
prefers the LWV, and would like to discuss how the questions happen.
• Councilmember Davis doesn't think either of the groups who asked to host would
come with an agenda or show bias; she is only concerned about the perception.
• Sara Spaulding, PIO for the City, said she and Ms. Geyer have talked with the LWV.
They have a process and are able to provide questions.
• Councilmember Duran asked if funds were available to pay for a moderator. Ms.
Geyer said they could find money for that. Lakewood hires a TV personality. LWV
would find a moderator from amongst its membership.
• Councilmember Mathews asked if the LWV has confirmed ability to host. Yes.
Councilmember Mathews asked for consensus 1) to use the LWV as host and
moderator for this year's forum, 2) to have citizens be allowed to submit questions, and
3) to finalize a permanent policy after this election.
Councilmember Duran asked for division of the question.
No vote was taken. Discussion continued. Mayor Jay allowed Tom Slattery to speak.
Mr. Slattery encouraged continuation of the past practice of covering the entire WR
ballot -including candidates at all levels and all issues. Some councilmembers
expressed agreement with that.
There was unanimous consent to ask the LWV to host a forum.
Councilmember Duran received unanimous consent to have the LWV provide the
questions.
Councilmember Mathews received unanimous consent to let the LWV provide the
moderator.
There was agreement to talk about guidelines for future forums after the election.
Councilmember Urban returned to the Chambers at 8:20pm.
6. Elected Officials' Report(s)
Kristi Davis reported that the Urban Renewal Authority met last week. They heard a
presentation from The Swiss Flower Shop requesting a TIF for an addition they are
planning, and a presentation from Hacienda Colorado.
STUDY SESSION NOTES: August 7, 2017 Page -7-
Tim Fitzgerald reported that the WR Business District approved several grants for the
owner of a building on 44th Avenue just west of Wadsworth. The building is for rent and
is being refurbished to suit the new tenant. It's where the fireplace store was.
Larry Mathews reported that, contrary to rumors he has heard, he is not resigning his
seat due to dire medical needs. Borrowing from Mark Twain, he said the report of his
impending doom and resignation is greatly exaggerated and not to be believed.
Mayor Joyce Jay reported there is an opening on the Urban Renewal Authority.
She and Chairman Tim Rogers have met with three candidates. Applications are still
being taken until August 15. -She reported attending the Metro Mayor's Caucus last
week. There was information given on 1) a possible ballot question on instituting a
transportation tax, and 2) the Ward Station. Testing has gone well; they are close. -
She expressed concern that a speaker feels we are unfair to speakers in giving them
time to speak. She doesn't think that is the case, but is concerned because we try very
hard to be fair to all speakers.
Patrick Goff noted the Carnation Festival is this weekend. He asked councilmember to
let him know if they want to walk with the City and if they need anything. Larry Mathews
requested an easy chair on wheels with a fan and a cold drink. Mr. Goff said he will
work on that.
Clerk Janelle Shaver reminded folks that tomorrow is the first day for candidates to
pick up their nomination petitions. They must be submitted by August 28.
ADJOURNMENT The Study Session adjourned at 8:28 pm.
George Pond, Mayor Pro Tern