HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Agenda Packet 03-01-21STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
March 1, 2021 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted as a VIRTUAL MEETING. No members of the Council or City staff will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting; the public may not attend in person. The public may participate in these ways: 1. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on March 1, 2021)
2. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
• Click here to join and provide public comment
• Or call +1-669-900-6833 with Access Code: 986 5608 3324 Passcode: 245509 3. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube
Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view 4. Individuals who, due to technology limitations, are unable to participate in the meeting virtually (via the Zoom platform) or by calling in on the telephone may contact Danitza
Sosa, Assistant to the Mayor and City Council, at 303-235-2977 by noon on the day of the meeting. Arrangements will be made for those individuals to access City Hall during the meeting to view the meeting and provide public comment if desired. These comments will be heard and seen in real time by members of Council and City staff.
Individuals accessing City Hall must practice social distancing, wear a mask or other
facial covering and be free of COVID-19 symptoms.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored
by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877 or
wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if you are interested in participating in a meeting and need inclusion assistance.
Citizen Comment on Agenda Items
1. Draft 2021 Resident Survey
2. Lodging Facility Licensing program
3. Liquor Occupation Tax waivers
4. Staff Report(s)
5. Elected Officials’ Report(s) ADJOURNMENT
Item No. 1
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Marianne Schilling, Assistant to the City Manager DATE: March 1, 2021
SUBJECT: Draft 2021 Resident Survey
The enclosed survey is the seventh iteration of the City’s biannual survey. The most recent resident survey was conducted in 2018. Similar to the previous survey, the city is conducting the survey earlier than in years past to have results by early June. The 2020 survey was postponed due to COVID, and the 2021 survey reflects updates that have taken place since the 2020 survey
was finalized.
BACKGROUND: The resident survey serves as the City’s “consumer report card.” The purpose of the survey is as follows:
• To assess resident satisfaction with community characteristics and amenities
• To evaluate Wheat Ridge local government and employees
• To further understand the resident’s priorities regarding government services in Wheat
Ridge
Boulder-based National Research Center (NRC) (now the research arm of Polco, an online civic engagement platform) administers the survey. A postcard and pre-survey notification letter will be sent in March to 4,500 randomly selected households throughout the City. Following the
notification, the survey will be mailed twice to each selected household. Residents will have the
option to complete the survey online instead of completing the mailed hardcopy survey. The online option includes a special access code for the randomly selected resident to use in order to prevent multiple submittals.
Historically the City has had a high rate of participation, with a response rate of 26% in 2018 and 31% in 2015. The average response rate for a survey of this type ranges from 20 - 30%. By mailing the survey to 4,500 households, the city can expect to receive 900 to 1,200 completed surveys. The City is mailing the same number of surveys as 2018 and 1,500 more than in previous years.
1,100 completed responses would yield a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. The margin of error for the 2018 survey was 3%. For The National Citizen Survey (NCS) and other surveys completed by NRC, the goal is to obtain responses from approximately 300-400 households, yielding a 5% margin of error. A margin of error of 5% is typically seen in other national
Draft 2021 Resident Survey March 1, 2021
Page 2
surveys and is generally viewed as a good and sufficient margin of error to be statistically significant.
It is important to note that many of the survey questions allow for comparisons to national and front-range benchmark data, available through NRC (policy questions excluded); therefore, these same questions appear on each iteration of the survey. This approach provides comparable trend data and benchmarks for Wheat Ridge. The NCS was among the first scientific surveys to gather
resident opinions on a range of community issues and has been used by more than 300
communities in 45 states. The NCS is the only resident survey tool endorsed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National League of Cities (NLC). Following the data analysis and report writing phase of the project, City Council can expect an
update from staff regarding the resident survey results during a study session by early June. Staff
also plans to include a snapshot of survey results in a future edition of the Connections Newsletter. NEW AND UPDATED QUESTIONS:
The draft survey is attached for Council review and discussion. Policy questions on
homelessness (#22 -23), accessory dwelling units (ADUs) (#24-26) and sustainability (#27) remain on the survey from 2018 to gauge level of support, importance, and opinion of residents related to those topics over time.
Question #24 was altered from the 2020 survey to consider regulating both new and existing
ADUs. This change was made following feedback provided during the 2021 City Council Strategic Planning Retreat in February 2020. The previous version of this question asked:
To what extent do you support or oppose the City allowing ADUs?
The current version reads: To what extent do you support or oppose the City doing each of the following?
Allowing and regulating new ADUs
Allowing and regulating existing ADUs
The response options for both iterations include: Strongly support/Somewhat support/Neither support nor oppose/Somewhat oppose/Strongly oppose/Don’t Know Additionally, given the 2020 implementation of the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy, staff recommended adding questions related to that initiative on the 2020 survey. However, since that
time, the Let’s Talk program is now underway through the community engagement tour. Staff has recommended the removal of those questions. Instead, staff would recommend the additional of a new question in the Community and Services section (#5) that can be tracked over time related to community equity and inclusivity:
Draft 2021 Resident Survey March 1, 2021
Page 2
Please rate your community on each of the following (Poor/Fair/Good/Excellent/Don’t know):
Making all residents feel welcome
Helping new residents feel connected and integrated
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds Demonstrating respect for residents of different cultures and belief systems
Treating all residents fairly
Providing a safe and secure environment for residents of all backgrounds Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values
Providing equal employment opportunities to residents of all backgrounds
Providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds
Making all residents feel welcome in business establishments
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to participate in local government and community decision-making
Please keep in mind that the average length of a resident survey (or best practice) is five to seven pages as lengthier surveys can negatively impact response rates. Currently, the attached draft is seven pages. REQUESTED ACTION: Staff is seeking feedback and direction on the current policy questions. ATTACHMENT: 1. Draft 2021 Resident Survey
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 1 of 7
2021 Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s
year of birth does not matter. Your responses are confidential and will be reported in group form only. Thank you.
Community and Services
1.Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Wheat Ridge.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Wheat Ridge as a place to live ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Your neighborhood as a place to live .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to work .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a whole .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
2.Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same or decline over the next 5 years?
Improve a lot Improve slightly Stay the same Decline slightly Decline a lot
3.What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that apply.)
I feel safe here
I like the school my children
attend
My job is here
I like my neighborhood
I like the location in general
I like the access to dining and
entertainment
Housing and rental rates are
affordable
I’ve always lived here
I have friends and family in the area
Small town feel
Cost of living is affordable
I like that the community is forward-
thinking
The growing and diverse community
None of these
4. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Sense of community ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of
diverse backgrounds .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Variety of housing options .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Wheat Ridge ............ 1 2 3 4 5
Shopping opportunities ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to attend cultural activities ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Recreational opportunities ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Employment opportunities ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Educational opportunities .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities ............................... 1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to volunteer ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to participate in civic matters ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of parks............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of paths and walking trails ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of bike trails ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality housing ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality child care ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality health care ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality food ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Availability of preventive health services ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Air quality............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat Ridge .................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
ATTACHMENT 1
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 2 of 7
5. Please rate your community on each of the following:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Making all residents feel welcome ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Helping new residents feel connected and integrated ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Demonstrating respect for residents of different cultures and belief systems .. 1 2 3 4 5
Treating all residents fairly ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Providing a safe and secure environment for residents of all backgrounds ...... 1 2 3 4 5
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Providing equal employment opportunities to residents of all backgrounds .... 1 2 3 4 5
Providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds .................. 1 2 3 4 5
Making all residents feel welcome in business establishments ......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to participate in local government
and community decision-making ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
6. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone who asks ........... 1 2 3 4 5
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years ............................ 1 2 3 4 5
7. Despite the limitation of some of these facilities and services due to COVID, in the last 12 months, about how many
times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the following activities in Wheat Ridge?
1-2 3-12 13-26 More than
Never times times times 26 times
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center ....................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Participated in a recreation program or activity ....................................................1 2 3 4 5
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail ............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Visited the Anderson Building for a reason not related to the outdoor pool ........1 2 3 4 5
Used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian path .............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Used Clear Creek Trail .............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Attended a (virtual) meeting of local city officials or other local public meeting ..1 2 3 4 5
Watched a meeting of local city officials (on cable television, YouTube, etc.) ......1 2 3 4 5
Participated in a senior program ............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant (other than fast food) ....................................1 2 3 4 5
Used the Wheat Ridge Library ................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special event..................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ridden an RTD bus ..................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ridden the G-Line from the Wheat Ridge-Ward station ........................................1 2 3 4 5
8. Please rate the following aspects of transportation within the City of Wheat Ridge:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Condition of city streets ..................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Access to mass transit ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of commuter rail use in Wheat Ridge ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Traffic flow on major streets .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 3 of 7
9. The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please first rate the quality of each
service and next rate the importance of each service.
Quality Importance
Don’t Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Excellent Good Fair Poor know Essential important important important know
Snow removal .................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Street repair and maintenance ....................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Street cleaning ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Traffic enforcement ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed
control, trash, outside storage) ................ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Animal control ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Land use, planning and zoning ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Building permits............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Building inspections ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Maintenance of existing city parks .................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Maintenance of open space and trails ............ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Recreation programs ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Recreation facilities ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Community/public art ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Services/programs for youth ........................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Services/programs for seniors ......................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Municipal court ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Public information services ............................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Community engagement by City staff ............. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Policing services ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) ........... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Police response time to non-emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) ........... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) . 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Community-oriented policing .......................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
10. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge?
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
City Government and Employees
11. How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government?
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
12. Please rate the following aspects of Wheat Ridge city government performance.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials act in the best interest
of the community at large ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The quality of work performed by City of Wheat Ridge employees .................. 1 2 3 4 5
The value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat Ridge. .................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge is taking ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The job Wheat Ridge does at informing residents on major issues within
the community ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The job Wheat Ridge government does at welcoming citizen involvement ........ 1 2 3 4 5
13. In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)?
Yes (go to question 14) No (go to question 15)
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 4 of 7
14. What was your impression of the City of Wheat Ridge employee(s) overall? (Rate each characteristic below.)
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Knowledge .......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Responsiveness ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Courtesy .............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Making you feel valued ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Overall impression .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
15. Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t
safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know
Parks and playgrounds ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Recreation centers. ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
In your neighborhood ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
In your home ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
On the trail system ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
On roadways ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Retail/commercial areas ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
16. Please indicate whether or not each of the following has applied to you in the last 12 months.
No Yes
Household member was a victim of a crime in Wheat Ridge ......................................................................... 1 2
Reported a crime to the police in Wheat Ridge ............................................................................................. 1 2
17. How important, if at all, is it for the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department to prioritize resources in each of the
following areas in the next 12 months?
Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Essential important important important know
Solving violent crimes ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Solving property crimes ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Reducing illegal drug activity ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Enforcement of traffic laws ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, etc.) ......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) .. 1 2 3 4 5
18. How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department place on each of the following in the
next two years?
High Medium Low Not a Don’t
priority priority priority priority know
Better connection with the community (i.e., community forums, events) ................ 1 2 3 4 5
Increased visibility of police ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Additional City resources directed towards crime-related mental health issues
in the community ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Greater accessibility to police and police-related information ................................... 1 2 3 4 5
More community policing officers (problem solving at a community-level such as
neighborhood problems) ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Adding officers in public schools ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime area ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Economic Development
19. When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside of Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.)
Don’t shop outside of Wheat Ridge It is more affordable
It is convenient; on my way to or from work or near my home Visit a mall or other major retailers
I like the range of quality goods and services I shop online
Desired item is not available in Wheat Ridge Other
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 5 of 7
20. For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently you make purchases in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
Never infrequently infrequently frequently frequently know
Grocery shopping ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Health services ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Meals and entertainment .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Household items ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Computers and electronics ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
General retail (shoes, drug stores, clothing, etc.) ......... 1 2 3 4 5 6
21. How much do you agree or disagree that the City of Wheat Ridge should do each of the following?
Strongly Somewhat Neither agree Somewhat Strongly Don’t
agree agree nor disagree disagree disagree know
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s housing areas ....... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s business areas ...... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s community image and identity ........ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to attract and recruit new types of retail
businesses to Wheat Ridge ..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to revitalize business corridors such as 38th
Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling St ..... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to attract new jobs ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Policy Topics
22. To what degree, if at all, is homelessness a problem in the City of Wheat Ridge?
Major problem Moderate problem Minor problem Not a problem Don’t know
23. How important to you, if at all, is it for the City to contribute funding to community-based organizations that provide
each of the following services to the homeless populations?
Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Essential important important important know
Job training programs ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Mental health programs .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Substance abuse programs .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Shelters for severe weather ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Housing/rental assistance programs ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Supportive housing, which combines housing with services
such as job training and substance abuse treatment .................................. 1 2 3 4 5
24. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary, independent housing units with a separate entrance, kitchen, bath, and
bed created within a single family home or on its lot. Currently the City does not allow ADUs, which means any existing
ADU may or may not be legal. To what extent do you support or oppose the City doing each of the following?
Strongly Somewhat Neither support Somewhat Strongly Don’t
support support nor opppose oppose oppose know
Allowing and regulating new ADUs ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
Allowing and regulating existing ADUs ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
25. If ADUs were allowed, how important to you, if at all, would each of the following regulations be?
Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Essential important important important know
Ensure the ADU is architecturally compatible with the existing home ........... 1 2 3 4 5
Restrict the size of the ADU ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Limit the number of people allowed to live in the ADU .................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Require the property owner to live in either the main house or ADU ............ 1 2 3 4 5
Require off-street parking ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 6 of 7
26. How likely, if at all, would you be to consider adding an ADU for each of the following reasons?
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t Not
likely likely unlikely unlikely know applicable
For an elderly family member ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
For a disabled family member ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
For an adult child ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
For visitors ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
For my own personal use .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
For rental income ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Some other reason (please specify):____________________________________________________________________
27. How important to you, if at all, is it that the City focus on each of the following areas of environmental sustainability,
which may or may not increase costs for taxpayers?
Very Somewhat Not at all Don’t
Essential important important important know
Expanding access to residential recycling and composting services ............... 1 2 3 4 5
Implementing organized trash hauling in neighborhoods .............................. 1 2 3 4 5
Promoting use of drought tolerant and native landscaping ............................ 1 2 3 4 5
Establishing a permanent fee paid by residential and commercial properties
for storm water management and water quality for needed capital
improvements and to improve the City’s storm water drainage system .... 1 2 3 4 5
Encouraging biking or walking, instead of automobile use ............................. 1 2 3 4 5
Ensuring availability of and access to public transit ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Implementing energy efficiency improvements for city facilities ................... 1 2 3 4 5
Requiring green building practices for new commercial and
residential construction ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the community .................... 1 2 3 4 5
Promoting renewable energy (wind or solar) in the home ............................. 1 2 3 4 5
Creating walkable communities (providing sidewalk connections,
bike lanes, retail/shopping/grocery closer to homes, etc.) ......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Information Sources
28. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members used the following
sources of information for news about Wheat Ridge?
1-2 3-12 13-26 More than
Never times times times 26 times
City Quarterly “Connections” Newsletter ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Denver Post…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1 2 3 4 5
Denver Post YourHub ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Jeffco Transcript........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Neighborhood Gazette ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Denver Gazette ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Radio news ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Television news ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel) ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
City live/on-demand videostreaming, including City Council meetings ................... 1 2 3 4 5
City’s website: www.ci.wheatridge.co.us ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
City website automatic notifications (e.g., community events, calendar listing) ..... 1 2 3 4 5
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites (Facebook, Twitter) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Speaks ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
What’s Up Wheat Ridge ............................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Police Department social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook page .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Community-created Facebook groups/pages about Wheat Ridge .......................... 1 2 3 4 5
Neighborhood websites (e.g., NextDoor, etc.) ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Word of mouth ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Resident Survey Page 7 of 7
29. In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each of the following social media sites?
1-3 times Once Multiple times
Never a month a week a week Daily
Facebook ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Twitter .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
YouTube .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
LinkedIn .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
NextDoor ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Instagram ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Demographics
Our last questions are about you and your household. All of your responses are completely confidential.
D1. About how long have you lived in Wheat Ridge?
Less than 2 years 11-20 years
2-5 years More than 20 years
6-10 years
D2. In what city do you work? (If you work in more than one
city, check the box for the city in which you most often
work.)
Arvada Louisville
Aurora Northglenn
Boulder Thornton
Broomfield Westminster
Denver Wheat Ridge
Englewood Other
Golden Do not work (student,
Lakewood homemaker, retired, etc.)
Littleton
D3. Please check the appropriate box indicating the type of
housing unit in which you live.
Detached single-family home Apartment
Condominium or townhouse Mobile home
Duplex
D4. Do you live in senior housing such as an assisted-living
or senior living community?
Yes
No
D5. Do you own or rent your residence?
Own
Rent
D6. How many people (including
yourself) live in your household? people
D7. How many of these household
members are 17 or younger? people
D8. Please indicate the number of dogs and cats in your
household. (Please write “0” if none.)
A. Number of dogs ______
B. Number of cats ______
D9. How much do you anticipate your household’s total
income before taxes will be for the current year?
(Please include in your total income money from all
sources for all persons living in your household.)
Less than $15,000 $50,000 to $74,999
$15,000 to $24,999 $75,000 to $99,999
$25,000 to $34,999 $100,000 to $124,999
$35,000 to $49,999 $125,000 or more
D10. What is your age?
18-24 45-54 75 +
25-34 55-64
35-44 65-74
D11. What is your race? (Please check all that apply.)
White
Black or African American
Asian or Pacific Islander
American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut
Other
Prefer not to say
D12. Are you Hispanic/Spanish/Latino?
Yes
No
D13. What is your gender?
Female Prefer to self-describe:____________
Male Prefer not to say
D14. Did you vote in the last election?
Yes
No
Thank you very much! Please return the completed
questionnaire, in the postage-paid envelope provided, to:
National Research Center, Inc.
PO Box 549, Belle Mead
NJ 08502
Item No. 2
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager Christopher Murtha, Chief of Police
FROM: Jim Lorentz, Division Chief
Patrol Operations Division DATE: March 1, 2021
SUBJECT: Lodging Facility Licensing Program
ISSUE Communities across the country, particularly those that contain a major interstate highway, find that their police departments and city services employ a disproportionate amount of resources dealing with budget motels within their jurisdiction. The City of Wheat Ridge certainly faces
this issue. Wheat Ridge has nine motels in its jurisdiction with a total of 972 rooms. Resident calls for service (CFS) at these nine motels account for 7.5% of the total CFS in the entire city of 14,616 households and 4,194 businesses. Police calls for service at budget motels include unwanted parties, disturbances, welfare checks,
theft, suspicious persons and vehicles, drug calls, domestic violence, assaults, motor vehicle thefts, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, it's easy for a small motel to slip into a spiral that will make it seedy and crime ridden. Once a motel gains a troublesome reputation, it attracts a wide variety of criminal elements that drive out legitimate business. The absence of legitimate businesses presents more opportunity for disorder, and soon a local police department must deal
with a whole neighborhood enveloped in different types of crime. With the rise of COVID-19 in 2020, the City of Wheat Ridge has had a marked increase in crime. With jail restrictions due to COVID and other proposed jail population management tools, arrest warrants have not been executed, and people who commit crimes are issued summonses
rather than taken to jail. With courts not in session, the system is extremely backlogged and since warrants are not enforced, people are unlikely to appear on summons. Many violators simply choose to stay in the area and re-commit crimes as there is little ability to hold persons accountable. The area of I-70 and Kipling tends to be the statistical hot-spot for crime and includes the majority of hotels/motels in the city.
BACKGROUND The very nature of overnight lodging makes it conducive to crime and disorder. Motels and hotels house people only temporarily, often in commercial areas with high crime rates. Because
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budget motels offer low rates, accept cash, and often have a relatively unrestricted environment, local residents with illicit or antisocial intentions find them particularly attractive. Drug sales, prostitution, loud parties, and other activities can often be undertaken at motels with less risk
than at private residences. Motel guests have little motivation to report drug dealing and
prostitution because they have no long-term stake in the motel. In addition, motel managers often have a limited opportunity to get to know the backgrounds of the people on their premises. Finally, in municipalities that lack the resources to provide motel oversight, motel managers have little incentive to accept responsibility for problems.
In general, the principles for effective strategies in lowering CFS at budget motels, as studied by the Center for Problem Oriented Policing, involve: 1) Extra police patrol and enforcement. While increased patrol and enforcement have a
role in crime prevention, trying to “arrest” away the problem tends to be ineffective over
time and is reactive in nature rather than proactive. 2) Enlisting community support to address the problem, i.e., changing the way motels do business requires support of elected officials, government agencies, and the community at
large.
3) Obtaining cooperation from motel owners and managers, i.e., Crime Free Multi-Housing Program consisting of management training, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and Community Awareness Training.
4) Establishing and enforcing minimum functionality and security standards, i.e., City of Wheat Ridge Hotel/Motel Inspections Program. 5) Adopting Extended Stay Lodging Regulations, i.e., motels that allow extended stay options without regulation tend to have more CFS, crime and disorder. This strategy has
been discussed by Community Development Director Ken Johnstone in his Staff Report
dated June 11, 2019.
6) Adopting Lodging Facility Licensing, i.e., based on a calls for service per room
(CSF/room) ratio allowing for a standardized comparison of problem levels across motels of different sizes. This strategy is based on a model adopted by the City of Lakewood. LODGING LICENSING PROGRAM
The City of Wheat Ridge has employed the first four strategies listed above for several years
with limited participation and success. In an effort to reduce police CFS and to improve safety and quality of life, the police department suggests implementing a Lodging Facility Licensing program with the goal of obtaining a reduction in CFS, and consequently, crime and related unsafe practices at the City’s hotel/motel locations. Elements of the program include:
• A new licensing program for hotels/motels modeled after the City’s pawnbroker license program
• The lodging license would be in addition to the standard business license
• A significant lodging license fee in the amount of $5,000 to $10,000
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• Lodging license fee could be reduced by the hotels/motels by taking affirmative steps to increase safety including participating in the following programs:
a) Participate in Certified Crime Free Hotel-Motel Program
This is a program with national certification run by the WRPD that teaches crime
prevention techniques. This has been offered for several years but the City has
had limited success in getting hotels to participate.
b) Good scores in Hotel Inspection Program
Another program we run with Arvada Fire and City Building Inspectors. All
hotels currently participate, but we could incentivize good passing scores on
inspection.
c) Good Improvement to Land Value Ratio
This is a formula from Community Development that compares the amount of
improvement to property based on building permits. If properties are well
maintained, they are likely to have less crime.
d) Low Calls for Service per Room Ratio (CFS/Room)
Another formula the number of calls for service divided by the number of
available rooms. This makes the comparison fair to all properties. Lower CFS
would equal a safer property and less time needed by public safety.
e) Approved Security Plan
If a property maintains an approved security plan, included crime prevention
through environmental design (CPTED), video surveillance, security guards, fencing, etc., another discount could be achieved.
• To the extent the hotel implements these steps, then the licensing fee can be reduced
• Reduction of CFS but must be structured to not incentivize unreported crimes
• For hotels that have good records or for new hotels, a reduction in licensing fees would be appropriately applied
Enforcement tools under this Lodging Facility Licensing program include: 1) Suspension, revocation, denial of the license 2) Administrative enforcement 3) Standard municipal court citation
4) Nuisance abatement RECOMMENDATIONS Staff believes that adopting a lodging facility licensing program would help in lowering police CFS at budget motels. Staff requests for council direction/approval to bring forward an ordinance
for first reading.
Item No. 3
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager Steve Kirkpatrick, City Clerk FROM: Robin Eaton, Deputy City Clerk DATE: March 1, 2021 SUBJECT: Liquor Occupation Tax Waivers
ISSUE: To help local businesses weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council requested that the City Clerk’s Office look into options for waiving and/or refunding revenues due the City related to liquor. These fees include liquor license renewal fees and liquor
occupation tax (LOT). After researching state statutes regarding liquor license renewal fees, the
recommended waiver program applies only to LOT. PRIOR ACTION: At the City Council Study Session on February 1, 2021, consensus was attained directing staff to
bring forward to Council appropriate action(s) that will put into effect:
• A liquor license fee and LOT tax waiver
• All businesses that have Liquor Licenses for “on-premises” sales will be eligible
• Those licensees experiencing a loss of gross revenue of 20% or greater over the year before based on City sales tax returns, for business that were in operation for a year or more prior to March 2020.
• For businesses that began operations during the pandemic (operating for less than one
year as of March 2020) and are experiencing a loss of gross revenue of 20% or greater
compared to projections of sales made prior to opening
• Waiver will last from April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
• Business must apply to the City Clerk’s office for the waiver
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Forty-two businesses are eligible to apply for the tax waiver program based on the type of liquor license they hold. The potential lost LOT revenue in 2021 is $36,000. However, it is unlikely that all 42 businesses qualify due to 2020 gross sales or will apply. A breakdown of license type with
associated LOT amounts follow:
Liquor Occupational Tax (LOT) loss of revenue Class F - # of business at LOT $600 = 11 Class G - # of business at LOT $900 = 27
Class T - # of business at LOT of $1,300.00 = 4
BACKGROUND: Liquor Occupation taxes Pursuant to Sec. 11.63 and 11.64 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, businesses that sell at retail any fermented malt beverage (beer) or vinous or spirituous liquor, other than medicinal liquors, are levied and assessed for each year, an annual occupation tax upon the business of selling
alcohol beverages.
Those types of business fall under certain classes of operators, with each class paying a specific fee. Those fees range in cost between $600 for a fermented malt beverage retailer to $1,300 for a tavern type of license holder.
While not every jurisdiction requires this type of tax, a recent survey of those who do and who answered the survey, show that the City of Wheat Ridge is generally in the middle of the scale for those fees. Some other cities, like Denver and Aurora choose to charge a head tax instead of an occupational tax, generally costing $2 a day.
Hereto in that survey, the overwhelming majority of those who responded stated that they had no plans to waive or amend their tax fees that they currently collect. DISCUSSION:
Waiver Plan Progress
Since consensus was attained, staff has put together a draft outline of this program. While not originally part of Council’s consensus, staff has determined that refunds of LOT paid to date in 2021 can in fact be implemented. This ensures that businesses who paid LOT by the deadline of January 31st are not penalized by having to wait nine months for this economic relief.
The program is as follows:
1. Businesses will be encouraged to apply by filling out a simple form on the City’s website by April 30, 2021 2. Applicants will confirm their revenue loss in 2020 over 2019 or will be asked to provide
initial projections if they opened in 2020. Losses in 2020 over 2019 will be verified by
Finance Division staff 3. Applicants will upload ACH (automated clearing house – electronic payment authorization) and W9 forms if they are due a refund for LOT already paid. This is the same method that was used to distribute funds to stability grant recipients effectively.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends that for the year of 2021, City Council reach consensus to waive the Liquor Occupation Taxes that have been collected by the license holders that have qualified for the program. Those qualifying must hold the required LOT classes of F, G, or T. As this is a waiver
of taxes and if consensus is reached, Council action will be necessary at the March 8, 2021
meeting. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Current LOT spreadsheet
Business Address Type CODE FEE
BOWLERO -(formerly BRUNSWICK ZONE)9751 W. 49th Ave H&R G 900.00
L'IL NICKS PIZZA 5016 Kipling Street Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
WHEAT RIDGE LANES 6595 W. 38th Avenue Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 CHILI'S RESTAURANT 3240 Youngfield St.Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 NEW CANTON RESTAURANT 4550 Wadsworth Blvd Beer/Wine F 600.00 QUEEN OF VIETNAMESE MARTYRS CHURCH 4665 Harlan Street Beer/Wine F 600.00
SALSA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 7630 W. 44th Ave.Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
CLUB CORNER 6551 W. 44th Avenue Tavern T 1,300.00
ROCKETTE TAVERN 10006 W. 44th Avenue Tavern T 1,300.00 CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL 3294-A Youngfield Street Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 LA FONDA MEXICAN REST.5750 W. 38th Avenue Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 LONG SHOTS 4400 Ward Road Tavern T 1,300.00
HOPPER'S SPORTS GRILL 10051 I-70 Frontage Rd North Tavern T 1,300.00
FANELLI'S AMICI'S 4300 Wadsworth Blvd.Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
3 MARGARITAS 10160 W. 50th Ave Unit 7 Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 IPIE 5807 W. 38th Ave.Beer/Wine F 600.00 THAI GREEN & SUSHI 3300 Youngfield St #7A Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 KICKIN' WINGS 4990 Kipling St #15 Beer/Wine F 600.00 RIGHT COAST PIZZA CO 7100 W. 38th Ave Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
LITTLE BRAZIL 10081 W. 26th Avenue Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
PIETRA'S INC.9045 W. 44th Ave Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
WEST 29TH 5560 W. 29th Ave Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 MAMA SANNINOS 5800 W. 38th Ave Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 COLORADO + LIQUID ART WORKS 6995 W. 38th Avenue Brew Pub G 900.00 EL Aguascalientes ( LLC)4105 WADSWORTH BLVD Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
RAMBLING ROSE 10080 W. 44th Avenue Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
RED LOBSTER INN #119 4455 Wadsworth Blvd Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
REAL THAI 4980 Kipling St. A 10-11 Beer/Wine F 600.00 GRAMMYS GOODIES 4600 Harlan Street Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 CLANCY'S 7000 W. 38th Avenue Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 SMASHBURGER 3356 Youngfield St.Beer/Wine F 600.00
DISCOVERY TAP HOUSE 4990 Kipling St # b-7 Beer/Wine F 600.00
BARDO COFFEE HOUSE 9150 W. 38th Ave Beer/Wine F 600.00
NEW IMAGE BREWING 9505 W. 44th Avenue Brew Pub G 900.00 UNCLE JULIOS (HACIENDA COLORADO)3298 Youngfield Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 TOKYO JOES 3753 Wadsworth Blvd. Ste. 113 Beer/Wine F 600.00 FATSHACK 10160 W. 50th Ave Unit 5 Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
LUKE'S STEAK PLACE 4990 Kipling St.Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
KING OF WINGS LLC 7545 Newland St Beer/Wine F 600.00
WRENCHES BAR (FIRE FLY SALOON)PO BOX 1934 Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00 AUDACITY LOUNGE 7190 W 38TH AVE Beer/Wine F 600.00 T BIRD (Elite Investments Inc.)9701 W. 44th Avenue Hotel/Restaurant G 900.00
TOTAL REVENUE LOST 36,100.00
ATTACHMENT 1