HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-22-2018. -' • ~ t -. -,,, ,--,--
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CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 WEST 29rH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
January 22. 2018
Mayor Starker 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
Boy Scout Troop 329 performed the flag ceremony, posted the colors and recited the pledge.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Zachary Urban
Kristi Davis
Janeece Hoppe
Tim Fitzgerald
Absent: Monica Duran (excused)
George Pond
Larry Mathews Leah Dozeman
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Treasurer, Jerry DiTullio; City Attorney,
Gerald Dahl; City Manager, Patrick Goff; Administrative Services Director, Heather
Geyer; Community Development Director, Ken Johnstone; Public Works Director, Scott
Brink; Parks & Recreation Director, Joyce Manwaring; other staff, guests and interested
citizens.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES none
CITIZENS RIGHT TO SPEAK
Dorothy Archer (WR) distributed a packet of information to the Council containing the
ordinance Edgewater passed limiting residential heights to 25 feet. She spoke of
Arvada's plans to address this same issue. An Arvada planner, whose contact
information she also gave them, told her Arvada realizes that 35 feet is no longer an
acceptable height, and he would be glad to speak with anyone. A lady in the Lakewood
Planning department told her that Lakewood is not experiencing scraping, but they do
have very strict standards that must be followed. -She spoke about the new houses at
32nd & Teller. The owner told her the sf house is not quite 30 feet high (with a sloped
roof), and the duplex is 27 feet high. Additionally, the garage was kept at one-story out
of consideration for the neighbors to the east. -She invited Council to drive by a new
house that is being built using the 35 ft height/15ft bulk plane rules. Council should see
how uncomplimentary it is to the neighbors. -She will continue to come every week if
necessary until Council addresses this 35 ft/15 ft bulk plane issue in east Wheat Ridge.
Bob Brazell (WR) addressed the issue of ADU's. He thinks if people want to add a
second house on their property they should buy a duplex. He believes it isn't fair to the
existing neighbors, who bought property in a neighborhood with a specific zoning, to
allow people to come in and actually change the zoning to allow for additional rental
City Council Minutes January 22, 2018
units on a single lot. Zoning is zoning. He thinks this is a selfish desire that will deflate
property values and crowd the streets with added cars and traffic. He doesn't think we
need more people in Wheat Ridge -reminding Council that our property values have
remained high because we don't have this kind of nonsense.
Michael lllo (WR) distributed a packet of material to the Council which contained
examples of how he thought a public representative used his elected office to represent
his personal opinions with numerous derogatory statements and incitements. He
understands that everyone has a right to free speech, but he thinks it is a conflict of
interest for elected officials to use their publicly funded office to express personal views,
say negative things about people in the city and influence people. He hopes there can
be a protocol for how elected representatives conduct themselves. This is the only
example he has seen of an elected official trying to go behind the scenes and instigate
arguments. He thinks this is deceitful and makes the whole city government structure
look suspect.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
1. CONSENT AGENDA
a) Motion to approve the purchase of 2018 vehicle replacements and the
purchase and installation of lighting, auxiliary and communications equipment
in a total amount not to exceed $351,897 [4 Ford Police Interceptor Utility
Vehicles@ $33,425; 2 Ford Fusion hybrid sedans@ $22,430; 1mid-size4x2
Chevrolet Colorado ext cab pickup ($22,376); 1 mid-size 4x2 Chevrolet
Colorado ext cab pickup ($27, 507; 1 Ford F-350 Cab & Chassis wl dump
body ($40,454) = $268,897; lighting, markings and communication equip=
$83,000]
b) Motion to appoint Jerry DiTullio as a City Director to the Wheat Ridge
Business District Board of Directors, term to expire March 31, 2021
c) Resolution 09-2018 -amending the Fiscal year 2018 General Fund Budget in
the amount of $6,698 for the purpose of appropriating Grant Awards for the
purchase and installation of a Bike and Pedestrian Counter on the Clear
Creek Trail and for a Pergola and Fruit Trees at Happiness Gardens
[unbudgeted; two unanticipated grants from JeffCo Public Health; portable
bi kelped counter = $4, 048; pergola (shade for gardeners) and fruit trees (to
provide healthy foods) = $2, 650]
d) Motion to approve payment to Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing
Agency (CIRSA) for 2018 Workers' Compensation Premium in the amount of
$304,536 and 2018 Property/Casualty Premium in the amount of $231,139
[workers' comp premium down $53, 560 from last year; property/casualty
premium up $35,497 from last year]
City Council Minutes January 22, 2018
e) Motion to approve 2018 Payment to Renewal Wheat Ridge in the amount of
$300,000 {budgeted; yearly contribution for RWR operating expenses]
Councilmember Hoppe introduced the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Councilmember Hoppe to approve the Consent Agenda items a), b) c), d),
and e); seconded by Councilmember Urban; carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
2. Council Bill 02-2018-An Ordinance extending the Temporary Moratorium of the
submission, acceptance, processing, and approval of applications and requests
for a permit, license land use approval or other approval for a Freestanding
Emergency Room Facility
The one-year moratorium on applications and requests related to freestanding
emergency rooms expires in April. This ordinance extends the moratorium period for an
additional 120 days, to and including August 27, 2018.
Councilmember Davis introduced Council Bill 02-2018.
Mayor Starker opened the public hearing.
Staff presentation
Mr. Dahl explained the extension. There is some expectation that the legislature will act
on this matter during this year's session. He advised that the extension is appropriate.
There was no public comment on the ordinance.
Motion by Councilmember Davis to approve Council Bill 02-2018 an ordinance
extending the Temporary Moratorium of the submission, acceptance, processing, and
approval of applications and requests for a permit, license, land use approval or other
approval for a freestanding emergency room facility, on second reading, and that it take
effect 15 days after final publication; seconded by Councilmember Fitzgerald.
Mayor Starker closed the public hearing.
Clerk Shaver assigned Ordinance 1634.
The motion carried 7-0.
3. Council Bill 03-2018 -An Ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Wheat Ridge
Code of Laws regarding Elections to ensure consistency and compatibility with
the Colorado Municipal Election Laws
City Council Minutes January 22, 2018
This ordinance will delete certain sections of the City's Election Code which are
adequately covered and governed by state law.
Councilmember Urban introduced Council Bill 03-2018.
Mayor Starker opened the public hearing .
Clerk Shaver assigned Ordinance 1635.
Staff presentation
Jerry Dahl explained that this section of our Code grows smaller as state law becomes
more specific. Many municipalities defer to state laws on this subject. The City does
hold its elections in November and all elections are now coordinated elections with the
County. Since the City already subscribes to state municipal election laws, it makes
sense to remove sections of our code that are covered by state law so that changes
aren't necessary every time state law changes. The sections being deleted deal with
reporting requirements, filings, violations, penalties and automatic recounts -all of
which are governed by state statues. Sections that are specific to Wheat Ridge will not
be removed.
Clerk Shaver explained how the change will affect reporting requirements for
candidates. Current Wheat Ridge Code requires candidates and committees to file two
campaign finance reports --11 days before the election and 30 days after the election.
Following adoption of this ordinance we will follow the state requirement of three reports
-21 days before the election, the Friday before the election and 30 days after the
election. She added that most cities she knows of, certainly in Jefferson County, all
require the three reports; Wheat Ridge has had a unique set of reporting rules. She
pointed out that with mail-in ballots this reporting schedule will benefit the voters by
providing them with financial information from the candidates and committees earlier in
the process.
Councilmember Urban asked if the Election Commission would be affected. No.
Motion by Councilmember Urban to approve Council Bill 03-2018, an ordinance
amending Chapter 7 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding elections to ensure
consistency and compatibility with the Colorado Municipal Election Laws, on second
reading to take effect immediately upon passage as provided by Section 5.13 of the
Charter; seconded by Councilmember Hoppe; carried 7-0.
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
4. Motion to award contract to Design Concepts, Inc. in a not to exceed amount of
$175,695 for the purpose of preparing the design and construction documents for
Prospect Park Renovation Phase 11
City Council Minutes January 22, 2018
This contract includes design development, preparation of construction documents,
building, and bid analysis services. It includes services from the vendors OHM Design,
JVA Engineering and Ackerman Engineering.
This phase of the renovation includes the addition of lighted pickle ball courts, improved
park entrance drive, improved access to the no th side of Prospect Lake and the
addition of a fishing dock and small shelter, a new picnic pavilion, resurfaced trail,
relocation of the playground, and changes to the driveway into the south parking lot.
Councilmember Mathews introduced Item 4.
Staff presentation
Joyce Manwaring reported this phase includes the construction of pickle ball courts on
the northwest side of the park, improvements to the lake edge, replacement of the
pavilion on the south side of the park, and a new trail and new entry into that area.
Depending on grant funding and the market at bidding, it is hoped all of Phase II can be
completed.
Council questions
Councilmember Urban had a question about the letter addressing engineering services
for map revisions. If we aren't intending to use those ser\/ices because we don't want to
impact he flood plain, why are we setting aside $20K forthat? Ms. Manwaring reported
that it is specifically worded as "not to exceed". While the intent is not to impact the
flood plain, in the event the design requires even a small change funding will be there
for that permit so the project can continue. Hope those funds won't be need.
Councilmember Urban hopes that any impact to the flood plain doesn't cause any
downstream problems for residential neighbors east and south of the park.
Motion by Councilmember Mathews to award contract to Design Concepts, Inc. in a not
to exceed amount of $175,695 for the purpose of preparing the design and construction
documents for Prospect Park Renovation Phase· II; seconded by .Councilmember
Dozeman; carried 7-0.
5. Resolution 08-2018-A Resolution accepting a watercolor painting by Artist
Charlotte Talbert.
The Cultural Commission has received a request to accept the donation of a painting by
longtime resident Charlotte Talbert. Council approval is required.
Councilmember Dozeman introduced Item 5.
Staff presentation
Ms. Manwaring and citizen Moe Keller displayed the painting that has been donated to
the City.
City Council Minutes January 22, 2018
Citizen comment
Moe Keller 0JVR) reported that her neighbor of 40 year, Charlotte Talbert, passed away
last May at the age of 93. Charlotte founded the Wheat Ridge Art League in 1974 and
was president of it many times. She was on the Carnation Festival board for some 20
years and set up the Art League displays for the festival. Her neighbors thought it fitting
to honor her by purchasing one of her paintings and donating it to the City. Perhaps it
could hang in City Hall or in the Active Adult Center where the Art League still meets.
The neighbors are willing to create a plaque to accompany the painting and will be
gathering some history on Charlotte.
Motion by Councilmember Dozeman to approve Resolution No. 08-2018, a resolution
accepting a water color painting by artist Charlotte Talbert, seconded by
Councilmember Mathews; carried 7-0.
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
Mr. Goff gave an update on the Ridge Home property as a follow-up to the email he
sent to Council several months ago. Jefferson Copnty Human Services is looking at
acquiring the property that is located in Wheaf Ridge.: It is currently owned by the state
and is zoned A-1. Structures on the north are vacant. The buildfngs still under
operation continue to house developmentally disab(egoffender~ that don't fit ln the
corrections system. Legislation is being dr~fted on the t~arisfer. Nothing is final.
Jeffco plans to use this property for their Jeffco Prosperity Project to help families break
the cycle of generational poverty. Since this is in Wheat Ridge he wanted to give
Council a heads up. There are no plans or financing in place. Institutional buildings
would be razed and the site cleaned up. City may be asked for funding or to be a
partner is this effort. He recommended joining the Arvada City Council in a meeting
with the County about this.
Councilmember Mathews asked if the buildings would fall under our City's codes. Yes.
The County has been told it would have to go through the standard rezoning process.
Councilmember Urban inquired why it is zoned A-1. Mr:.Johnstone had no information
on that; it is old zoning from priorto incorporation. Councilmember Urban understands
that the Jeffco Housing Authority is also interested ·in this property. Mr. Goff noted the
final ownership is undecided, but the. Housing Auth'ority Is· one. of the partners.· Clerk
Shaver noted that when she .was a chHd an9. Ri~g~ H9me vvasin pperation it had barns
and cows --likely a dairy operation and other farm . uses for the Hdnie. .·
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS none
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS
Treasurer DiTullio reported that on January 17th Localworks had a Pints and Policy
discussion. 25 citizens were there, including him, Scott Brink from Public Works and
City Council Minutes January 22, 2018
Guy Nahmiach from the Parks Commission, to talk about the 2E projects. He read
information from a flyer he distributed at that meeting and reported on the CSAFE
account.
Janeece Hoppe announced that she and Councilmember Dozeman would like to have
the topic of a tree removal, trim and replacement grant program be added to a future
study session -preferably in the early spring for seasonal reasons.
Kristi Davis asked to add a mulching progrC:lm fo th;8t discussion.
Zach Urban thanked the Boy Scouts of Troop 329 for attending the meeting. He
jokingly apologized there were no contentious issues this evening -as he knows one of
the elements of the Communications merit badge is to develop two sides to one issue.
Tim Fitzgerald, in response to Mr. Brazell's comment, reported that the city manager is
actively involved in discussing the renewal projects. Council will be discussing it at a
later date, and probably as a result will also discuss ADUs. It is coming; things don't
happen instantly. -He announced that Mr. Pond and 'he will be having a citizen
listening session on March 10 at 9:30 at Morningstar(38th & Kipling), in the meeting
room upstairs.
Mayor Starker thanked Troop 329 for helping Is with the flag ceremony and for coming
in to find out about how city government works. -· He thanked the Parks Department
and staff for acquiring the beautiful painting by Charlotte Talbert.
ADJOURNMENT to Special Study Session
The City Council Meeting adjourned at ,7:54 ,pm.
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018
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.