HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-23-2017@RW~-CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 WEST 29rH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
October 23, 2017
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 Zachary Urban
Tim Fitzgerald George Pond
Absent: Kristi Davis (excused)
Janeece Hoppe
Larry Mathews Genevieve Wooden
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Attorney, Jerry Dahl; Parks and Recreation
Director, Joyce Manwaring; Public Works Director, Scott Brink; City Treasurer, Jerry
DiTullio, other staff, guests and interested citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 25,
2017 and Study Session Notes of October 2, 2017
Without objection, the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 25,
2017 and Study Session Notes of October 2, 2017 were approved as published.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
Mayor Jay read a proclamation honoring Glory of God Lutheran Church, 12200 W. 3ath
Ave., at it celebrates its 35th year in Wheat Ridge. The proclamation listed some of the
numerous acts of generosity contributed to the community over the years by the
congregation. They were congratulated and applauded for 35 years of community
dedication and service. Connie Bartram and Lynne Rasex were present to receive the
proclamation. Ms. Bartram, church historian, thanked the City for the recognition.
CITIZENS' RIGHT TO SPEAK
Dorothy Archer (WR) distributed to Council a map showing that three-fourths of east
Wheat Ridge is labeled as zone 2 --the subject of the November 20 study session. She
noted the Gazette that just came out has nothing about it, and is concerned that an article
in the Gazette will come out only three days before this important issue is discussed.
She suggested Council would be uncomfortable if every homeowner in Wheat Ridge
wasn't aware of this. -She thanked Monica Duran and Larry Mathews for reaching out
to citizens and holding an open meeting to listen to people's concerns. Surely
councilmembers will not want to rely on their own opinions and not know how citizens feel
before they address this issue. -She spoke for citizens who do not favor 35 foot, flat
roofed houses; they believe 25 feet, with a 15 foot bulk plane is more compatible. She
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 2
has driven all over the city and found very few 3-story houses. She asked why we need
3-story houses five feet from our fence, when most of the houses on the east side are
ranch style or bungalows.
Vivian Vos (WR) applauded the Council for each stating the reasons they voted the way
they did on the results of the executive session two weeks ago. -She thanked
Councilmembers Duran and Mathews for the bulk plane meeting they held on Saturday.
About 26 people were there. She learned a lot and heard from the citizens that are
disappointed on several issues in the city. -She encouraged people to vote and get
their ballots in.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Urban to postpone Item 1 until such time as the full council is
present; seconded by Councilmember Mathews.
Responding to Councilmember Pond, Ms. Manwaring informed Council that rescheduling
would be in late November or early December, and would impact the pool and park
openings set for May and July 2018.
Responding to Councilmember Wooden, Ms. Manwaring listed the opportunities for
public input as the organization of 5 or 6 focus groups and an open house at the
Anderson Building the first week of June, a pop-up event at the concert in the park on
Aug 2, and a community meeting in October. She added that the master plan advisory
committee contained 3 citizens.
Councilmember Hoppe noted citizens were present to comment on this agenda item and
she believed Council should move forward.
Councilmember Fitzgerald thought Council should move forward because this is already
a "reschedule".
Councilmember Urban submitted that this was always scheduled to be heard this night.
His concern is that the other District II councilmember, Ms. Davis, was fairly vocal at the
study session with her concerns about the design; given her absence that discussion will
not be possible.
Councilmember Mathews recalled that additional information was requested at the study
session and Council was informed it would take a couple of weeks. He expressed
surprised that this is on the agenda.
Mayor Jay said staff hurried to get the plan on tonight's agenda because of the time
schedule. She expressed no concern with Ms. Davis' absence since a quorum was
present.
Upon request Councilmember Urban restated his motion to reschedule Item #1 until
November 13 or the earliest available meeting.
Motion failed 3-4, with Councilmembers Wooden, Fitzgerald, Pond and Hoppe voting no
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 3
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
1. Resolution 39-2017 - a resolution approving Anderson Park Master Plan
Councilmember Wooden introduced Item No. 1.
Staff presentation
Joyce Manwaring introduced the consultants: Paul Kuhn from MIG, the landscape
architects, and Craig Bouch from Barker, Rinker, Seacat Architects
Paul Kuhn reviewed the elements of the project as presented in the study session.
He gave an overview of the public outreach process as presented in the study session,
details of which had been posted on the City's website. New information included:
• Following the community workshop emails were received about the bike skills area.
• A public open house was held October 10 -at which time the baseball issue came up
and there were comments about connectivity and improving access to the park.
There were also questions about creek access, flooding and night lighting.
He repeated the notification process for public input opportunities and reviewed
attendance and participation.
• 37 people came to the focus groups; 21 were citizens.
• The masterplan advisory group included 3 citizens and 9 staff.
• 24 people signed into the open house, but likely 30 people attended.
• The pop-up locations had about 45 -50 people total at the two locations.
• The community meeting had 14 people.
He described the exercises that were conducted at the various public input events.
• Top ranked for amenities were a large amphitheater/performance space; small and
large access to the creek (like in Golden or Breckenridge); a bike park/bike skills area;
medium sized amphitheater; skating rink (cut due to operational and maintenance
concerns); universal access; nature play; outdoor education; a zip line; large picnic
shelter like we have now; walking trails; large multi-use turf area
He noted that in the future no lights would be added on any of the fields.
• Comments included concerns about restrooms (too close, need improvement) and
inadequate parking and car circulation; pool and soccer field are well-loved; the
openness of the park is liked (don't fill it with program elements); desire for public art.
He explained how the community workshop (pop-up event) was conducted.
• Two tents with identical information about the locker room renovation; several park
concepts presented; solicited suggestions for a wish list.
• Concept #1 was most popular due to expanded playground and added picnic shelter.
• Concept #2, with bike skills area, was popular with parents and middle aged youth.
• Concept #3 had the concert area south of the proposed multi-use field. Unpopular.
• Suggested (if money was available) were additional creek access, more picnic
shelters, more sidewalks and paths, expanded play area, and bike skills area.
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017
He went through the various prioritization tallies for some of the design elements.
He went through the Preferred Concept Plan.
Page4
• Design objectives included the bond promises, input from the community participants,
the needed infrastructure upgrades, making sure no major elements would be in the
flood plain, and long term operations and maintenance.
• Design elements include
o Refurbishing the parking lots, adding a drop off at Anderson Bldg entrance,
o Added performance stage/group picnic just south and west of where it is now,
o Add two creek access points
o Maintain Parks/Forestry building, Anderson Building and bathhouse, pool
complex, the east-west soccer field, the north parking lot and turf area,
basketball court
o Multi use field to replace the baseball field
o A place is available east of the south parking lot for the bike skills facility
o Additional connectivity and crosswalks included
o Reconfigured and improved parking lots·
o Bus drop-off and pick-up at the Anderson Building
o Multi-use field to be flat, with natural grass. No lighting for games or special
events. ·
o Raised pavilion to be dual use -for picnics and as a concert stage
He presented the Alternate Concept Plan.
• It's the same plan with the baseball field retained and the light poles removed.
• Minor realignments of path along creek
• Second picnic shelter moved closer to trees where it could support the bike park.
• The park functions equally well with either concept plan .. It's just a matter of choice.
Cost for the Preferred Concept Plan is $2,333,381 for everything -demo and build.
• Bid alternates include expanding the play area, adding a picnic shelter, and adding
more 8 foot sidewalks -if funds are available.
• There would be a savings if the multi use field is deleted and baseball field is retained.
Estimating the savings would take a couple of weeks, but it would be a decent
savings.
Craig Bouch walked through the changes to the Anderson Bldg/Pool complex.
Bathhouse: Gutted, rebuild men's and women's and add a family locker room, increase
capacity to each area, redo roof, all plumbing, fixtures and ventilation. Small guard space
added to south west corner of the bathhouse. Janitorial/mechanical spaces to remain.
Link: Put the reception desk in the current lobby area, include some air conditioning.
Anderson Bld g: Replace roof and siding, add insulation and windows, sq ft not .increased.
Interior spaces remain the same but upgraded. Bathrooms removed and replaced with
on_e ADA universal bathroom. Provide a. lobby space outside the main gym. Fitness
room to remain with upgrades .. Transform old parks office space into a multipurpose
room. Minor reorganization for storage area. Improve lighting and flooring.
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Pages
• Siding to be better metal siding with a better color
• Added windows to be high and out of play; will bring in natural light.
• Large garage door added on east side to connect events
Exterior: New paint scheme to unify all three buildings. Architectural unification.
Bathhouse: add decorative elements. Add some signage. New lifeguard room same
color as Anderson Building. Hope to add shade and outdoor seating near entrance.
Costs
Mr. Bouch went through a lengthy explanation of the method used for cost projections.
He also went through a list of priorities for the improvements and a list of things that
would be eliminated --should costs run too high.
Schedule
Contracts need to be in place by 12/31/17 so design can start 2/1/18.
Documents to be complete by 7/1/18, with construction to start after Labor Day 9/1/18.
Plan to have bathhouse and Anderson Bldg operational by Memorial Day 2019.
Council Questions
Councilmember Mathews received confirmation of the following:
• Keeping the baseball field would be less expensive.
• Both Plans remove the lights.
• New (improved) baseball field lights would cost around $300K.
• No option was ever presented to the public that included keeping the baseball field.
He asked why the materials costs are changing mid-project. He was told the materials
are subject to inflationary costs, so a mid-point was used.
Mayor Jay called for the motion.
Public Comment
Don Ryan (WR) lives across the creek from the baseball field. He is amazed they want
to take out a lighted field and replace it with multi-use. Baseball is the soul of sports. He
likes the field, the sounds, and the light -pointing out the separation by the creek and
how the trees block the lights. A past City Council paid a lot of money to put the field in.
There are many other soccer fields; why pay to take this one baseball field out? Do
soccer players pay, and why take out old lights before new lights are put in?
Adam Miller (Golden), head baseball coach at WRHS, apologized for coming in late; he
just found out about this late last week. He stated this filed is their freshman field; kids
practice there 4-5days a week March through May. He's not sure where else they can go
for games or practice. He noted it's the only field in Wheat Ridge for 14-up with a grass
infield. It's also one of the top 2-3 fields in the county and it would be tragic to lose it. He
knows it has been used as a freshman facility for at least 17 years. Besides being used
every afternoon by his kids, it is also used at night. He reported that youth baseball
participation has increased in the last 3-5 years -18% in the last year alone. Losing a
field like this will be hard to get back. Players look forward to playing there. Losing this
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field will be detrimental to the high school side, but also for kids in general. The planning
for the park has been great, but he hopes the baseball field can stay.
Eric Mapps (Arvada), head baseball coach at Pomona High School, said he grew up in
Wheat Ridge and played at Anderson Park field. He believes this baseball field is a
valuable athletic facility in WR, noting there are not many field this size with grass and
lights. He urged Council to choose the second option. Maintaining this field would be
tremendous, because when a field like that goes away, it's awfully hard to get it back.
Tate Shetterly (Lakewood) said he is a third generation of families (Buehler, Coulter,
Shetterly) to play at Anderson Park. Council should know it is a signature field around
the state. Today, as owner of two baseball businesses, he hosts and sanctions
tournaments in the area for 16-18yo amateurs. Just two weeks ago they hosted a
college showcase for high school players and four team were at Anderson Park, including
a team from Albuquerque, NM. The comments about the field were tremendous. He
noted how the lights are the signature. This showcase brought in people from
Pepperdine, Stanford and the Univ of Arizona. If the alternate plan can be chosen it will
benefit everybody.
Rolly Sorrentino (WR), fourth generation WR taxpayer and voter, pointed out that three
of the councilmembers have come to his house and asked for his vote; now he's in their
house asking for their vote to save the baseball field at Anderson Park. He thinks the
renovation plan is acceptable, except for the elimination of the baseball field. If the
baseball field is removed the park won't be multi-use anymore. He doesn't understand
why the public outreach 4-5 months ago failed to include the baseball community.
Multiple baseball leagues have been using and currently use this field over the years. He
told how the process with the hired consultant was skewed to deliver a predetermined
outcome. Last week the consultant admitted they were ever asked to provide an
alternate plan and cost estimate to include the existing baseball field. Regarding soccer
fields, he noted the two soccer fields across from his house are 100% never used and a
third field is occasionally used for little league football practice. He may have seen
soccer on that field a few times, but it is rare. This baseball field is one of its kind in
Wheat Ridge, and one of a few in Denver. This property was purchased in the 1950's for
baseball fields. This field at Anderson Park has been an integral part of the fabric of
Wheat Ridge for 50-60 years. As an engineer he has built sports complexes, and he will
volunteer his services any way he can to help the City maintain that field--and even
upgrade it. There are significant resources out there -that aren't tax dollars -that could
be used for the lights and to make upgrades. He apologized for sounding contrary; even
though he has no kids who play baseball anymore this is a part of Wheat Ridge he would
like to protect and help preserve any way he can.
Guy Namiach (WR) of the Parks and Recreation Commission questioned why, if
baseball fields are so great, the previous speakers didn't ask their cities to build them.
He reported that for 4% months, not 4 % minutes, the community showed up and listened
and planned, and rescheduled their live so they could voice their opinions about what
they wanted in the park, what it should look like and how their tax and bond dollars
should be spent. The councilors at the study session who voted to look at an alternate
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design thought they were doing a good thing. Instead they were ignoring an entire
process where so many citizens were involved, and chose to listen to three people that
have been personally invited to every meeting, but declined and used old relationships to
sneak in their wishes. These councilors have not only insulted the citizens who showed
up for those 4 % months and dedicated their time and energy in the planning, they have
also put the candidates in the up-coming election who have had your support in awkward
situations. -He has spoken with citizens who worked on this project and encouraged
them to come in and speak. They've told him they've been showing up for 4 % months
and asked if our pool was only used for organized meets and by swimmers from outside
the city would he support them over us? He said the field has only been used by an
over-35 men's league from Denver -not Wheat Ridge, not even kids and not half of
mankind; no women's leagues are using the field and that's half of the people in the city.
He noted that several of the speakers who signed up to speak are not from Wheat Ridge;
he wonders how they votes on 2E. -He noted Forbes magazine quotes a sharp
decline in youth baseball -9.09% or 4.5 million kids, with a forecast showing more of the
same in the next few years. He reported that the architect was not asked to include a
baseball field because no one in the community asked for one. If they had shown up for
the meeting they would have known that. The people he speaks for understand it is
Council's job to look at options, but they are asking for Council to listen, acknowledge the
hard work by our citizens and voters, and support the design brought by the Parks and
Rec Commission, the focus group, and the many that have worked so hard to be
representatives of all that contributed.
Brittany Fitzsimmons (WR) spoke on behalf of the Wheat Ridge Avalanche Soccer
Association; they use the Anderson soccer field and others around the city. Their club
has doubled in the last two years and they expect to continue to grow as more families
move here and they attract the North Denver soccer players. They pay for the use of the
fields and attract people from around the state for competition -people who dine here.
They also host club events and team parties at local establishments. They use the field
Monday through Friday afternoons and evenings, August-November and February-June.
On Saturdays they host 4 games at Anderson with about 120 players plus their fans.
They are forced to use the baseball field in the fall and early spring for the lights because
there aren't enough fields to accommodate daytime use for all teams. Since the lights
will be removed they need more fields. The multi-use field will provide more practice
space. She provided information about her club. -She observes that the City likes to
create citizen groups for input and ideas, but doesn't like to use the input provided. She
finds this tactic causes division and frustration because people feel their time is wasted.
This group has been working on the design for Anderson for several months -only to
have it changed at the last minute and their final plan disregarded. Continued use of this
tactic will cause an apathetic city. She urged Council to approve the Preferred Plan.
Rachel Hultin (WR) listed ways she and her son have used Wheat Ridge park and
recreation facilities over the years. She believes Wheat Ridge offers the best recreation
opportunities around. She values the City's heritage, she participated in the planning
process, and she appreciates that people have special memories. She spoke of a lady
who was part of the design process and wanted to keep the baseball field. However the
baseball field didn't move forward in the process; it was the community input and vision
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 8
that has determined what the park should be for the next 20 years. She asked Council
to respect the input of the community. She suggested disregard of the public input would
create apathy. We need more participation, not less. She's sorry the baseball
community wasn't as involved in the beginning, and suggested that at the next process
we address how do make everyone feel like they were part of the process. Tonight she
asks Council to respect the input of the public process.
Dick Orcutt (WR), a resident for 53 years, noted the younger gentlemen who spoke were
raised here and do have strong ties to the interests of Wheat Ridge. .... He shared
highlights of the email he sent to Council. Anderson Park may be the only facility in the
greater Denver area that provides citizens with a soccer field, a swimming pool, a
basketball court, exercise opportunity, sheltered picnic area, skateboarding opportunity,
and a lighted baseball field all at the same location. It can and should be the crown
jewel of Wheat Ridge parks. The field has been here 50 years; it is a landmark.
Hundreds of players have used it, and hundreds more will use it in the future. Playing
fields are on the decrease; it is hard to supply the demand for baseball fields. He
respects soccer, but repeated that baseball people were left out of the process. It is a
running thread that baseball people didn't know about this process and certainly weren't
given invitations. He respects the people who came to all the meetings and their
thoughts, but he pointed out the number of people who gave input was really not very
large. Additionally, in the last two weeks he has learned of a very overplay of
concentrated efforts on the part of the soccer community. He isn't against the soccer
community, but noted there is a soccer field at Anderson and a baseball field. He
believes they should both stay in the overall picture of the plan, and asked Council to
think about the biggest picture possible.
Council questions
Councilmember Duran asked about revenue for the baseball field and for soccer. Staff
member Jim Spaulding reported the baseball field averages around $10K yearly in
rentals from an arrangement that has existed for decades. Soccer generates $15 per
player per season. He had no figures for potential revenue from the multi-use field.
Councilmember Fitzgerald asked about payment from the WRHS freshmen. Mr.
Spalding reported the $15 per person was collected when it was part of WR Area
Baseball, but that is no longer collected since it is now part of the high school program.
Regarding why baseball revenue is available but soccer revenue isn't, Mr. Spalding
reported that baseball figures are readily available because it is income from a private
entity that is billed. He didn't bring revenue figures for the city soccer program; it is
substantial. Regarding soccer field usage, Mr. Spalding reported that soccer fields are
used pretty much year round except for December, January, part of February and a short
period in the summer when the recreation soccer fields are not used. The Avalanche
uses fields about 8 months of the year.
Councilmember Mathews asked how many soccer fields we have. Mr. Spalding reported
5 City-owned game fields, 2 game fields located on school property, and a variety of
soccer practice areas set up. Mr. Mathews asked for insight about the need for more
soccer fields when schools are being closed due to fewer children. Mr. Spalding reported
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 9
there is no decrease in use for soccer fields; the City has about 500 kids a year in the
recreational program and the Avalanche has 316 kids this year. The competitive
program is growing; the recreation program is static.
Mr. Spalding reported finding in his notes that the City collected over $7,000 from the
Avalanche last year. Yes, it covers the use of several fields. He didn't know what the
portion would be for use of the Anderson field.
Councilmember Urban asked which soccer fields are on school property. Per Mr.
Spalding the City uses one small soccer area at Stevens, and some soccer practice fields
at Wilmore-Davis. The City has never used Sobesky, and Martensen is unavailable now.
Councilmember Hoppe asked if there is a softball field in the city that could be converted
to a baseball field. Ms. Spalding said the closest possibility, Panorama East, probably
doesn't have enough space for it.
Councilmember Pond asked how many girls' teams play at the Anderson baseball field?
None. Can we rent out the open space in the outfield? We do rent out that space. The
measurements for the infield are specific to baseball.
Motion by CouncilmemberWooden to approve Resolution 39-2017, a resolution
approving Anderson Park Master Plan; seconded by Councilmember Hoppe.
Motion by Councilmember Mathews to amend the adoption of Resolution 39-2017 to
adopt the Preferred Renovation Plan Alternate with lighted baseball; seconded by
Councilmember Duran.
Mr. Dahl advised this was an appropriate motion and explained it to the mayor. Ms.
Manwaring clarified that this motion would add lights to the alternate plan.
There was discussion on the amendment.
Councilmember Pond believes the public process was fair. He knows this is a loss for
baseball, but he doesn't think it's prudent to have a space that has only one use. There
is high demand on our fields and we don't have enough of them. We can't afford to have
a space that has only one use. Also, since no women's baseball is being played on this
field his girls are out of luck. He supports flexibility so his girls can play there. -He
offered the compromise of a softball field that could be used by both genders and all
ages, but no one was interested. -He noted the proposed multi-use field is a table top -
not a soccer field; it is the other soccer field at Anderson that is a game field. -He made
the point that an objective of the 2E bond process was to create multiple uses beyond
athletics -for festivals and community-building. We can't expect citizens and
commission members to continue to serve if we dishonor them by taking a thinly attended
study session and turning everything around. He understands the sentiment, need and
uses for a baseball field, but this is a balancing act. He won't support the amendment.
2;05
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 10
Councilmember Hoppe wasn't at the study session, but listened to the audio tape. She
doesn't think baseball is a prudent use of this space, because there are other needs. She
doesn't think a long process should change at 11th hour. She suggested staff look at
other places for a baseball field.
Councilmember Fitzgerald offered that he responded emotionally at the study session
because he likes baseball. He has now changed his mind. He doesn't think the process
was exactly right since keeping the baseball field was not presented as an option; to him
this invalidates the process. He wishes the City had been neutral about what was
presented. However he feels people need to participate and the City bent over
backwards to include people. He is sorry people feel they didn't have a chance to
participate, but it's their responsibility to figure that out. He has to honor people who
made choices even if the process wasn't perfect. He must compromise because the
most important thing to him is to stay on schedule and not delay the project. There will
be no lights either way. He read the original ballot language which makes no mention of
any kind of field.
Councilmember Urban doesn't see this as baseball vs soccer, but as being about
compromise. Although there was a robust public input process, it's important that a
significant portion of the recreation community (baseball) was told up front that their
choice of field use would not be included. No option with a baseball field was even
presented to the public. He noted the park contains many other amenities and that many
good ideas came from the input process. He would like to compromise on one aspect of
this entire masterplan since one user group was shut out of the process. He is
concerned that we'd be taking out the only baseball field in Wheat Ridge when there are
other multi-use fields available at schools. The consultant indicates that keeping the
baseball field is less expensive; the baseball field produces more income that soccer; and
it provides the opportunity to bring in people from outside the City. He added that
compromise is taking a little bit from everybody. He encouraged all to come together.
Councilmember Duran respects the process and the people who participated, but there
was a large section of citizens who didn't participate for several reasons. There are a lot
of voices to be heard. Keeping the baseball field doesn't scrape the whole plan; it keeps
all the other great ideas that people worked hard on. She believes keeping the baseball
field is a great compromise -that the concerns and desires of the people who spoke up
recently cannot be dismissed, and there is a need to consider the entire picture. She
respects the last 4 % months and what the baseball folks have to say.
Councilmember Wooden talked about the meetings and the process, noting there was
lots of advertising and this issue of people coming at the last minute saying they didn't
know is not new. This was an open process; she doesn't believe anyone was shut out.
People made the choice not to show up. She doesn't agree that the process was flawed
and proposed that the facts prove otherwise. She recalled an earlier discussion in which
it was made clear up front that the baseball field would be replaced with a multi-use field.
She suggested this isn't a battle between soccer and baseball, but an issue of how to use
space to benefit the most people. She noted all sports pay so the argument that baseball
pays and others don't is invalid.
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 11
Councilmember Mathews recalled the early discussion about Anderson Park and 2E led
him to believe that the baseball field was underutilized -only serving out-of-town folks
once in a while, and that half the time no lights were on and no one was using it. He
didn't know about the history or the need for baseball fields, and he regrets not asking
about it. -He recalled seeing this before in the city --how at times things are
predetermined -how only certain facts are brought out, just facts that support one
direction. He believes we should fight against that -in this and in other situations. -He
believes had there been better due diligence in informing the baseball field users that the
plan was to remove it, more of them would have participated. He was 50-50 when he
came tonight, but after hearing more people talk about the field, it reminded him why the
Baugh House was saved -because it's our history. He doesn't want to erase 50 years of
history -especially when there are other alternatives. Keeping the baseball field won't
jeopardize soccer and lacrosse; all the sports have coexisted a long time. .... He also
suggested we should have been marketing this field better all along. He thinks that effort
was not made and that it was omitted as an option -hoping it would quietly go away. He
appreciates the people who came in, but reminded them when the majority wants to they
can even ignore a vote of the people. He promised to do better asking significant
questions earlier. He now believes the baseball field should be kept -that preserving
this asset will be the bigger service to our city. He suggested future changes could be
made to the fencing to offer access to the outfield for alternate uses. Once it is gone,
there will never be money to build another one. He cautioned the vote is to compromise
or to end part of our history.
Motion to amend failed 3-4, with Councilmembers Wooden, Fitzgerald, Pond and Hoppe
voting no.
The City Attorney clarified for Councilmember Pond that the resolution for the Preferred
Plan includes removal of the baseball field.
Councilmember Urban asked for clarification of the total cost of the Masterplan as
presented. Ms. Manwaring reported the total cost of the Preferred Masterplan is
$5,401,701, and that the additional funds needed (beyond the $4M from 2E) would come
from the 2018 and 2019 Open Space Fund and Conservation Trust Fund.
Main motion carried 4-3, with Councilmembers Mathews, Urban and Duran voting no.
2. Motion to award a contract to Diaz Construction Group LLC, Lakewood CO., in the
amount of $150,750 for Anderson Park Waterline Project
The domestic water line in Anderson Park was installed in the 1970's. It has failed and
been repaired in multiple places over the last several years. Recent repairs indicate that
it is time to replace it. The new Valley Water District system will service the outdoor pool
bathhouse, the Anderson Building, the outdoor restroom and the Parks Operations Shop.
Diaz Construction Group was the low bidder.
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 12
Councilmember Mathews introduced Item No. 2
Staff Presentation
Ms. Manwaring noted this is the first step in the renovation process for Anderson Park.
There were no questions from Council or discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Mathews to award a contract to Diaz Construction Group
LLC, Lakewood, Colorado, in the amount of $150,750 for the Anderson Park waterline
project; seconded by Councilmember Wooden;
Councilmember Urban asked if this $150K was included in the $5.4M for the Anderson
Park project. Ms. Manwaring reported that it is not included in the $5.4M, and yes, it will
come out of the 2E funds. She concurred that the $5.4M figure does not include the
water line or the Masterplan consultant fees. She knows of no other costs that relate to
the Anderson Park renovation.
Motion carried 7-0.
3. Resolution 40-2017 - a resolution adopting the City of Wheat Ridge Americans
with Disabilities Act Transition Plan
The ADA Transition Plan will provide guidance to improve accessibility in the City right-of-
way (ROW) that is in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Alfred Benesch & Company was contracted for $43,247.60 to complete the Plan.
Councilmember Fitzgerald introduced Item No.3.
Staff Presentation
Scott Brink introduced Jess Hastings from Alfred Benesch and Steve Nguyen, City
Engineering Division Manager. Mr. Brink gave some brief highlights. Earlier in the year
the final draft of the plan had been presented to Council by the consultant. Other
information has since been included from public meetings. Main components include:
• A self-evaluation of the City's current practices, guidelines, standards, policies, and
consideration for future ROW use to minimize or eliminate barriers to accessibility.
• Designating the Department's ADA Coordinator and their role and responsibilities.
• Developing a formal ADA complaint procedure.
• Performing public involvement to seek input on the Transition Plan and accessibility.
• Serve as guidance to development of a multi-year program to correct deficiencies,
based on a prioritization method.
He noted the Plan is subject to periodic review and update.
Council questions
Councilmember Urban commented on the large number of spelling errors and missing
letters and words throughout the document. Mr. Brink said staff and the consultant will
do a final edit before it is posted on the website.
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 13
Councilmember Mathews asked if this unfunded federal mandate, with the plan and any
schedules, falls in line with the City's CIP budget. Mr. Brink reported the main thing is
that we make a concerted effort to address the deficiencies. We have designated an
amount of money each year for ADA; this year it's $50K. We also try to correct
deficiencies when other projects happen.
Motion by Councilmember Fitzgerald to approve Resolution No. 40-2017, a resolution
adopting the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan; seconded by
Councilmember Wooden.
Councilmember Urban announced he would be dedicating his vote to his father-in-law,
who spent the majority of his life in a wheel chair. From him he understands and
appreciates the importance of accessibility.
Motion carried 7-0.
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
Mr. Dahl repeated his seasonal advice about the use of social media by elected officials
during elections. Elected officials can do whatever they want on their own social media
sites. They are elected and they can use that title. Use of the city logo is permissible; it
implies no endorsement by the City and costs the City no money. Elected officials cannot
use city funds to urge voters to vote for or against something, but they can use their own
funds and set up their own sites to promote their views. Also, hot links are used all the
time; it spends no city funds and is not a concern.
ELECTED OFFICIAL'S MATTERS
Jerry DiTullio reported on the most recent financial report on the roofing expenses and
revenues. -He noted that on November 13 Council would be approving the first bond
payment for $3M. -He thanked everyone on this and previous City Councils and
Housing Authorities who made the Fruitdale Lofts possible.
Janelle Shaver recalled that when Barker, Rinker, Seacat did the Recreation Center she
and Mr. DiTullio were on City Council. She told that prior to the design being done,
many, many public meetings were held -including at least one in each council district
and at least one citywide meeting in Council chambers. Councilmembers attended them;
they were advertised and announced at Council meetings. There was no Facebook and
no large recreation mailing list of 4,000 at that time, but the attendance was huge --
much, much better than any of these meetings for Anderson Park.
Monica Duran reported that she and Councilmember Mathews had hosted a meeting the
previous Saturday on bulk plain and residential height restrictions. Attendance was good.
A survey was taken at the meeting; she asked if Council would approve putting it on the
website (for those who couldn't attend), collecting that data and providing it for the Nov
20th meeting.
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 14
• Councilmember Hoppe expressed that if height is going to be addressed, she wants
to have it addressed in all zones. She'd like to see about removing height limits.
• Councilmember Pond said he isn't ready to have this be on the website because it
doesn't explain things like bulk plain. Ms. Duran was very agreeable to including that
information on the survey. She just wants to hear what people have to say.
• Councilmember Fitzgerald thinks this is reconsidering a decision, so he's not in favor
of it. There is no point to it. If it's about height, he thinks that is about design
standards and should have a separate public process.
• Councilmember Wooden likes the idea of a survey but doesn't support using a survey
that was created by Councilmembers Duran and Mathews.
• Councilmember Urban noted that several graphics about bulk plain are already
available on the website, and people can google bulk plain. He expects if someone is
bothering to take a survey about bulk plain standards they already are familiar with
the issue and are smart enough to take the survey. He think the additional survey
information would be helpful for the discussion on Nov 20th.
• Councilmember Mathews noted that Council addressed this only for R-3 and R1-C,
which is mostly in District 1. We said we'd come back and revisit this issue city-wide
to create some comprehensive guidelines for all residential zones, but we haven't.
Further discussion ensued.
Ms. Duran reworded her consensus to provide for councilmember to submit questions to
the City Manager and have staff prepare the survey with diagrams and descriptions. Mr.
Dahl explained a way that could be accomplished by gathering questions from
councilmembers and adding them to the survey for Nov 20. That consensus passed by a
vote of 6-2
Janeece Hoppe announced the audio from the October 16 study session will be
available on the website. Clerk Shaver confirmed that a CD of the audio was prepared
and given to the videographer; he can and will make it available. -Ms. Hoppe reminded
everyone it was still Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If anyone would like to help
DV victims they should contact The Family Tree. -She received consensus to have
staff report back with another location for a competitive baseball field with grass infield
and raised pitcher's mound, and include cost estimates. -She offered thanks to Joyce
Jay and Genevieve Wooden for all the time and effort they've put into the community;
they will be missed.
Zach Urban announced that Trunk orTreat would be this Saturday at 4;00PM. Additional
candy is still needed. Rickoli Brewery has a special treat for people who drop off candy
there. -He announced the Optimists Pancake Supper is this Thursday at 5PM at the
high school. -He recognized the passing of Tyler Tapiaro, an Eagle Scout and Explorer
Scout who worked in the City of Wheat Ridge. He was a great young man and a friend of
his; he passed away this weekend. He sends his condolences to the family.
George Pond commended Ms. Wooden and Ms. Jay for the amazing amount of work
they have done in the community. He hopes they both remain engaged.
City Council Minutes October 23, 2017 Page 15
Tim Fitzgerald said he appreciates how the mayor has spent time representing our City.
He is impressed and awed by the amount of time put in. He is also impressed with what
Genevieve Wooden did with the educational alliance. The thanked them both and
agreed he would miss them too. -He announced that Fruitdale Lofts still has vacancies
for rent controlled units.
Larry Mathews still believes that fees are a tax, so regarding all the money that has
been taken in for permits -he advised we not take this windfall for granted, and get all
"spendy" on ourselves, but rather decide conservatively how we will use the excess cash.
Genevieve Wooden thanked people for their comments. She wishes more people could
have the opportunity to serve on Council. It's been a great experience to have this
perspective.
Joyce Jay said it has been a pleasure representing the City and she is proud the City is
doing so well. She thanked everyone for being with her. She praised Ms. Wooden for
the amazing things she did with the education alliance and said it's been a total pleasure
working with the staff.
The City Council Meeting was adjourned at 10:24 p.m .
. JI
Tim Fitzgerald,
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.