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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-13-21City Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING September 13, 2021 Note: This meeting was conducted both as a virtual meeting and hybrid, where some members of the Council or City staff were physically present at the Municipal building, and some members of the public attended in person as well. All eight members of Council were present in Council Chambers for this session. Before calling the meeting to order, Mayor Starker stated the rules and procedures necessitated by this meeting format. 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 ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Janeece Hoppe Judy Hutchinson Zachary Urban Rachel Hultin Amanda Weaver Korey Stites Leah Dozeman Valerie Nosler Beck Also, present: City Clerk, Steve Kirkpatrick; City Attorney, Gerald Dahl; City Manager, Patrick Goff; City Treasurer, Chris Miller; Administrative Services Director, Allison Scheck; Scott Cutler, Project Manager; Karen O’Donnell, Director of Parks and Recreation: Director of Community Development, Ken Johnstone; Director of Business Development, Steve Art; Police Chief Chris Murtha; Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority, Steve Art other staff, Senior Planner, Scott Cutler; Chris Auxier with Storybuilt; guests and interested citizens. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Without objection or correction, the City Council Minutes of August 23, 2021 were approved as published (with the correction of one typo). APPROVAL OF AGENDA Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced. PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES Mayor Starker read and presented two Proclamations: Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Twentieth Anniversary The proclamation recognized Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth, to honor its founders and the volunteers from twenty community organizations who have sustained this organization for two decades, and to congratulate the young people who have become confident members and leaders of our community because of this unique and special program City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 2 National Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15 The Proclamation encouraged residents of Wheat Ridge to celebrate the cultural, professional, educational, and civic contributions of the Hispanic community. Where throughout history, Hispanic Americans have enriched the American way of life and recognized the millions of Hispanic Americans whose love of family, hard work, and community have helped unite us as a nation. PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK Jessie Hill, 2995 Chase St. came to ask Council to consider more affordable housing in Wheat Ridge. He commented on the lack of affordable housing availability. He noted the several housing options in the Council Packet but emphasized the unseen barriers to affordability. In particular, he asked that Council carefully include auxiliary dwelling units (ADU) in the Wheat Ridge plan for affordable housing because it has proven to be highly effective as a means to provide affordable housing. Note about Wheat Ridge Speaks: Members of the Public may visit the Wheat Ridge Speaks website and enter written comments of up to 1,000 words on any Council agenda item. The deadline for members of the public to submit comments is 12:00 Noon Mountain Time on the day of a Council session so that Council members, other elected officials and City Staff have time to review the comments before the meeting on Monday evening. The City Clerk’s Office transcribes those Wheat Ridge Speaks comments into these minutes, placing each comment along with the record for that agenda item, including items that address a public hearing (verbatim, if the comments do not contain lascivious language or unlawful hate speech). Members of the public posted these comments to Wheat Ridge Speaks this week: My initial reaction to the proposed development on 38th and Eaton St. was Absolutely Not, knowing the huge impact it will have on the people living on Eaton St. I changed my mind somewhat after looking on Storybuilt's website and seeing their plans of 21-23 townhomes and accepting this as another one of our "new normals". The design looked very appealing, and the area being developed could use a little revitalization and new life. The new plans are for 26 townhomes, packing as many onto the site as possible and having 4 of the townhomes up close and personal (too personal...) to our property and two of our neighbors to the south. My backyard is my sanctuary. I treasure the privacy I have out there. I also get great pleasure from all the creatures that come through there as well. Unfortunately, development has run amok with no consideration for what was once there or on how it impacts the neighborhood. This will greatly impact me personally, losing all of my privacy (probably most of the animals that come visit too). Upon seeing that the plans show the trash receptacles being placed on tract in the NE corner of the development (butting up to our backyard and our neighbors to the south) I feel like that as almost a slap in our face in regard to being a "good neighbor" in the design development. To the developers, you are welcome to spend some time with me in my backyard to get my perspective on how your development will change everything. September 13, 2021, 11:28 AM Nicki Conway 3901 Eaton St City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 3 Wheat Ridge, 80212 We are not opposed to development of this corner however this development is too dense, and is not at all in keeping with the Eaton St. neighborhood. Currently from 41st street to 38th there are 27 single family homes on Eaton. This proposal doubles the density on the block and crams the homes onto 1.25 acres. I attended the planning meeting via zoom and was surprised to learn that at some point in Wheat Ridges history a statute was approved that allows 21 homes to an acre. I have no idea what the spirit of that statute was or why it was ever approved, but just because statute allows it doesn't mean it should be approved. This design also has an exit onto Eaton street. The traffic on Eaton street will more than double, however, City planning staff said something to the effect "they had a study done once and they didn't see the need for another one". I have no idea when this study was done, I assume it was when a previous developer sued our neighborhood, however, common sense says, today there is virtually no traffic coming in and out onto Eaton St. (maybe 1 or 2 cars a day) after this development there will be a massive amount of traffic coming out onto Eaton. To imply that there will be no change to traffic on our quiet street is simply not true. This development should be reconfigured to provide for both the entrance and the exit to be on 38th. The planning commission did ask the City planners if this was possible, and the City planners reply was something like "it would be possible, but it would be very difficult". I can tell you it will be way more difficult on the current neighborhood if that exit is allowed to stay on Eaton St. If it is allowed to stay, then it must be a right turn only exit and that right turn must be enforced to keep the traffic off of Eaton. Eaton is a very narrow street with no curbs or gutters, since school has started, we have buses travel Eaton St. twice a day. Recently the bus had to stop and wait for someone to come move their car because it could not get through. This is concerning for the health and safety of the Eaton street residences. It sounds like the planning staff had fire and police look at the development itself to make sure that it could access those 26 homes, however, I don't think they evaluated what will happen when those residence start parking up and down Eaton on both sides of the street. If a school bus could not get through, then firetrucks and ambulances will not be able to get through. Prior to the sale of the properties in question I hosted a neighborhood meeting with a developer who indicated they were proposing to build 14 row homes on this property. I mistakenly thought that developer was this current developer, storybuilt. Well sadly this developer storybuilt has never even reached out to anyone who lives on Eaton street. Again, common sense, common courtesy and just trying to be a good neighbor, you would think this developer would have reached out. To not even reach out it is clear they don't care. They don't care about our opinions, the impact on our neighborhood and/or what this will do to Wheat Ridge. This developer is based in Austin and has never built a development in CO. We have no idea or examples of the quality of their work. We have no idea of the relationships or contacts they have with the local people they will have to sub to get this job done. They have employed some people in CO, I think the person who presented lives out North. So really no one with this developer has any idea or commitment to the character, culture or deep sense of community that Wheat Ridge is so well known for. The only somewhat close neighbors they spoke to were the Incarnation development. That conversation was about the alley/walkway running from Incarnation towards 38th. That walkway is not kept up, there is broken lighting, weeds and it runs next to businesses that have boarded doors with spray painted "blocked doorway" signs. The developer is using this walkway as a selling tool to promote the developments "walkability". My guess is there will be so much traffic going in and out of this cramped development that walking or riding a bike through or around the development will be dangerous, especially for children and pets. While listening to the comments of the planning commission it sounds as if they only approved this development because they felt they were backed into a corner and had no choice because City Planning staff said it meets all City requirements. I am pleading with City Council to take a deeper look. Push back on the density, dig into what the "spirit of the law" was when 21 homes to an acre was written (this developer could easily cut down on the number of units and reconfigure the entrance and exit.) Despite what the planning department staff says the traffic increase on Eaton street will be dramatic and dangerous. Fire and Police have to get re-engaged and assess what the impact to Eaton street will be in an emergency situation. Someone from the City must look at the width of Eaton street, it seems more narrow than surrounding blocks so parking will absolutely be a City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 4 huge issue. It is imperative that City Council deep dive this situation before approving. I believe the density alone should be reason enough for a formal protest. Thank you for reading, listening and acting on behalf of your citizens. September 12, 2021, 9:59 PM Susan R. Hartley 4015 Eaton St. Wheat Ridge , 80212 I believe the Storybuilt proposal is in line with the City's declared efforts to revitalize 38th Avenue into a "Main Street" feel and more appealing place. That well-publicized goal was actually one reason we moved here six years ago. Freshening up the avenue's landscape, taming it as a raceway, and encouraging new growth in that corridor can make it more welcoming to pedestrians and families and foster local restaurants and businesses. Many younger people are attracted to more contemporary notions of home and housing type than was my generation. Good-quality design and oversight can bring fresh blood into a community without damaging the appeal of the older community, as has happened on certain blocks of Tennyson Street. I live nearby the construction site and support the proposal. However, I do not border it. Homeowners, especially those who live next to the property or nearly so, have legitimate questions and concerns about traffic congestion on Eaton Street and other issues that deserve to be heard, and hopefully mitigated. As an aside, I would ask the Council to consider a pedestrian crosswalk at Fenton Street where the property is located across 38th Avenue. This would make walking between Panorama and Randall parks much less nerve wracking across 38th. Thank you. September 12, 2021, 11:12 AM Thad Keyes 5730 W. 39th Place Wheat Ridge, 80212 Water. Water. Water. How is increasing density here and its subsequent demand for water protecting the health & well-being of your citizens as you were elected to do? Developing beyond our resources in Jeffco is reckless and short-sighted. There are reasons many out of state developers and investors would like to further build in the area, but what level of human intelligence locally allows development denser than the land and resources can support. There ARE places in Colorado and elsewhere that would love this development and have the resources to support it. It is time developers started looking to those places vs destroying existing, built-out areas. Thank you for your consideration and taking the time to individually research for yourselves the water supply issue for this county. September 10, 2021, 11:41 AM Rev Imara 1001 e 62nd Av. Denver, 80216 We are 30-year Wheat Ridge residents and live within a few hundred feet of this proposed major new development with a clear view from our kitchen window. We have several concerns we would like addressed and hear about mitigation plans. 1. Increased traffic congestion 2. Population density 3. Noise from people, pets, traffic, heating and cooling machinery and trash collection 4. Obscured sightlines 5. Mature tree removal 6. Pedestrian safety and ease of movement crossing the street 7. Environmental impacts September 8, 2021, 7:53 AM Douglas Jacobson 5805 W 37th Pl. Wheat Ridge, 80212 1. CONSENT AGENDA Discussion began at approximately 7:48 PM Councilmember Dozeman introduced the consent agenda. City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 5 a. Resolution No. 42-2021 - a resolution authorizing submittal of an application for a 2022 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-motorized Trail Grant for Bass Lake Boardwalk Improvements b. Resolution No. 45-2021 - a resolution in support of an application to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Affordable Housing Strategies Planning Grant Program for a Wheat Ridge Housing Strategy and Action Plan Motion by Councilmember Dozeman to approve Consent Agenda Items a.), and b.) Seconded by Councilmember Stites; motion carried 8-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Discussion began at approximately 7:09 pm 2. Resolution No. 44-2021 – A Resolution approving a major subdivision at 5725-5785 W. 38th Avenue in the Mixed Use – Neighborhood (MU-N) Zone District (Case No. WS-21-03/Judy Townhomes) Councilmember Hultin introduced Resolution No. 44-2021. Issue The applicant is requesting approval of a major subdivision on property located at 5725 and 5785 W. 38th Avenue. The purpose of the request is to subdivide the property into 26 townhome lots in a total of four buildings, plus two tracts. The plat is required to divide the property, allowing each townhome in the development to be owned separately. Mayor Starker opened the public hearing and declared that all who will appear before Council tonight on this matter must tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Staff Presentation Scott Cutler gave a detailed presentation and entered into the records the case for a major subdivision that was previously heard and approved by the Planning Commission. Among many details, he explained that this subdivision approval does not involve a zoning change. Chris Auxier, representing Storybuilt, the developer of the proposed subdivision, gave a detailed presentation on his firms plans. He leads the Denver market region for his firm, which is headquartered in Texas. He discussed how his firm’s plans are consistent with the 38th corridor development plans. Public Comment Matt Filipini, 3905 Eaton St., came to comment on the subdivision plan, which he asserts is not a good use of this location for the neighborhood. He also reported hearing from the developer that only 12 units were to be built, not 22. He believes if this City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 6 plan is approved then the quality of life, the urbanscape, and the health and safety of the existing neighborhoods. Jennifer Filipini, 3905 Eaton St. She stated again that the developer told the neighborhood residents one story and now puts forth a much denser plan. The developer showed us a lot of smoke and mirrors. Turing Eaton and 38th into an even more rush hour crowded thoroughfare with this plan is unacceptable. Karen K. Case owns the property and 3841 Eaton St. where she lived for 40 years. The proposed subdivision is adjacent to her property. She is adamantly opposed to the subdivision plan as presented, for reasons of safety, quality of life and property values. This developer has made no effort to contact the neighbors. Eaton St. is a prime example of Wheat Ridge neighborhoods and this proposed subdivision will degrade that area. We want input and to share ideas before this plan is approved. John Conway, 3901 Eaton St., has lived in WR for 40 years and at his Eaton St. address for 28 years. He has heard three issues repeatedly from his neighbors: density, density and density. He is concerned about the same issues his neighbors have expressed here tonight. He noted that this project will increase the number of homes from 2 to 22. Todd Harley has lived in Stewart Gardens for 28 years. This new development will add 26 new homes to the neighborhood and completely change the profile and ambiance of the neighborhood. He opposes this project because it imposes too much density, not only in this subdivision but also in the next one and the ones to follow. The developer has proposed only one plan. We residents want input on a plan that will not involve so many new high density housing units., Jared Leidcth, 3880 Eaton St. spoke against this plan as too dense and not compatible with the existing neighborhood. Even though this subdivision is along 38th Avenue, the bigger impact will be along Eaton St and seriously degrade the quality of life for the residents in this neighborhood. Council Questions and comments Councilmember Nosler Beck asked the developer to explain the floor plans for the proposed units. The developer gave a detailed response. He also claimed that other developers who came before his firm proposed different plans, including a 12-unit plan for the site. His asserted that his firm never stated that there would be a 12-unit plan. Councilmember Hultin asked whether there has been a neighborhood meeting with the developer, and he replied that Community Development held those meetings. Councilmember Hultin asked how the plan includes some accommodation for traffic flow and safety. Mr. Johnstone gave a specific answer. She asked a more detailed engineering question about ingress, egress and traffic flow and Mr. Johnstone asked Jordan Jeffries, Civil Engineer, to answer; and he did. Among other details Mr. Jeffries indicated that traffic analysis leads to the conclusion that the subdivision will add very little traffic to Eaton St. City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 7 Councilmember Urban commented that we need to understand that this location will be developed, and he thinks this plan is workable so long as we attend to the traffic ingress and egress issues. Councilmember Hoppe asked about the Code and Charter exceptions to development for the 38th Avenue corridor. Mr. Johnstone provided a detailed answer. Councilmember Hutchinson asked the developer how long this project construction would require. The developer estimated 18-months, depending on how quickly the units sell. She also asked him if this is affordable housing and the developer answered no, but that the development will offer housing at a cost below average. Councilmember Stites asked about on-site parking and the impact of the subdivision on parking in the area, especially along Eaton St. The developer replied that every unit has a garage, the larger units having a two-vehicle garage. The Councilmember also asked if the City could restrict parking along the adjacent streets, especially Eaton. Mr. Johnstone provided a specific reply. Councilmember Weaver asked about the impact of the plan on mature trees and the adjacent cityscape aesthetics. Is there a way that we can better shield the neighbors from the impact of the subdivision with more attention to the mature trees and ways to abate noise? Councilmember Dozeman asked about deed restrictions that this subdivision plan anticipates. Staff stated that we are not a party to such restrictions. Any such deed restrictions are an agreement between the developer and the buyers. Councilmember Hultin asked whether the City can impose conditions on the subdivision plan to address some of the residents’ concerns expressed here tonight. Mr. Johnstone again provided a reply. Mayor Starker closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Hultin to approve Resolution No. 44-2021 – A Resolution approving a major subdivision at 5725-5785 W. 38th Avenue in the Mixed Use – Neighborhood (MU-N) zone district for the following reasons: 1. City Council has conducted a proper public hearing that meets all public notice requirements as required by Section 26-109 and 26-407 of the Code of Laws. 2. The requested subdivision has been reviewed by the Planning Commission, which has forwarded its recommendation of approval. 3. The subdivision plat has been found in compliance with Article IV of Chapter 26 of the Code of Laws. 4. All agencies can provide services to the property with improvements installed at the developer’s expense. and with the following condition: City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 8 1. The applicant shall pay the required fees-in-lieu of parkland dedication at time of building permit. The developer shall enter into a Subdivision Improvement Agreement and a Lot Sale Restriction Covenant Agreement with the City at the time of recordation of the subdivision plat. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hoppe; motion carried 5-3, with Councilmembers Nosler Beck, Hutchinson and Dozeman voting nay. Councilmember Hoppe commented on the residents’ concerns that were expressed about previous projects along 38th Avenue. She has observed that the traffic concerns in those cases never materialized. In order to build strong and diverse communities we need to build more varieties of housing, and this project does that. Councilmember Dozeman stated she has a lot of concerns, including a lack of community engagement and input. If we vote in favor of this subdivision tonight, then the remaining steps will push through administratively. She agrees with Councilmember Hoppe’s sentiments but also knows how concerned our residents are with density of housing. Councilmember Hultin commented that we need more affordable housing, and we must respect homeowners’ concerns. However, this project fits the 38th Avenue development plans and in balance this project adds more to the City than it detracts. Because this is not a rezoning, and the developer has come to this point without a zoning change request, she supports this project along a main corridor within the current zoning. She expects to vote in favor with the understanding that the developer will meet with the neighborhood residents. Councilmember Hutchinson stated that the people of Wheat Ridge like the City as it has been since it was chartered decades ago and they consistently oppose high density, high rise buildings, traffic and noise. She supports the residents’ concerns as expressed tonight and online. Councilmember Stites recalled he was born and raised here, but when he was entering the housing market in his mid-20s he could not find anything affordable in Wheat Ridge. He will support this motion because we need the housing, and this does not involve a zoning change. He will vote yes, expecting like Councilmember Hultin that the developer will work to build a dialogue and really listen to the neighbors. Councilmember Hultin recalled previous projects that inspired neighborhood objections but when built those previous projects were completed the neighborhood concerns never developed. 3. Council Bill No. 14-2021 - An Ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority and in connection therewith approving the conveyances of real property to and from the City. Councilmember Stites introduced Council Bill 14-2021 City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 9 Issue The Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority d/b/a Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR) owns property located at 7690 W. 38th Avenue which has been under active environmental remediation since 2013. The Colorado Legislature passed Senate Bill 14-073 which provides a state income tax credit for the environmental remediation of contaminated land. State law requires that the City both pay for the remediation and own the land to be eligible for the tax credits. The City has on an annual basis provided funding to RWR to pay for the environmental remediation of the property. This ordinance will convey the property to the City in order to obtain the tax credit certificate and then convey the property back to RWR once the tax credits are secured so that RWR can sell the property to the Wheat Ridge Corners development for future redevelopment. Mayor Starker opened the public hearing. The Mayor reviewed the procedures. No citizens appeared in chambers to address this issue. There were none who wanted to speak through the Zoom format. City Clerk Steve Kirkpatrick assigned Ordinance No. 1720 Staff Presentation Mr. Goff and Mr. Dahl recapped the process through which we arrived at this proposed Ordinance and the issues it resolves. Steve Art gave a detailed background summary of the location along with the financial impacts listed the financial impact where the sale of the tax credits is estimated to generate approximately $280,000. Public Comment No one came forward to speak. Council Questions and comments Councilmembers had no questions or comments, having thoroughly studied this matter previously during a Study Session. Mayor Starker closed the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Stites to approve Council Bill 14-2021 – An Ordinance approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority and in connection therewith approving the conveyances of real property to and from the City, on second reading, and that it take effect upon approval by Renewal Wheat Ridge of the Intergovernmental Agreement, but in no event later than November 20, 2021, as permitted by Section 5.11 of the Charter, seconded by Councilmember Urban, motion carried 8-0. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Discussion began at approximately 8:51 PM City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 10 4. Council Bill No. 16-2021 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding outdoor recreational equipment on private property (Case No. ZOA-21-02) Councilmember Weaver introduced Council Bill 16-2021. The zoning code in Chapter 26 of the Code of Laws includes very few regulations related to outdoor recreational equipment. City Council has determined that it is appropriate to amend the code to limit the size of private recreational equipment, particularly those which are permanent in nature. The purpose of this amendment is to allow for reasonable, common sense enjoyment of recreational equipment in residential yards. Motion by Councilmember Weaver to approve Council Bill No. 16-2021 - an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding outdoor recreational equipment on private property (Case No. ZOA-21-02), on first reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday, September 27, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers if allowed to meet in person on that date per COVID-19 restrictions, and that it take effect fifteen days after final publication, seconded by Councilmember, motion carried 8-0. 5. Council Bill No. 15-2021 - An Ordinance revising compensation for the Mayor, Councilmembers and Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Nosler Beck introduced Council Bill 15-2021. As a part of the 2022 budget process, staff conducted a survey of other Colorado municipalities concerning the compensation for Mayors and Councilmembers. Survey results indicated Wheat Ridge compensation is significantly lower than neighboring communities. This ordinance increases compensation for the Mayor, Councilmembers and Mayor Pro Tem and requires that this compensation is reviewed every six years by City Council. Motion by Councilmember Nosler Beck to approve Council Bill No. 15-2021 - an ordinance revising compensation for the Mayor, Councilmembers and Mayor Pro Tem, on first reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday, September 27, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers if allowed to meet in person on that date per COVID-19 restrictions, and that it take effect upon adoption, seconded by Councilmember Urban, motion carried 8-0. Councilmember Hutchinson asked whether the people running for election on November 2, 2021 can benefit from this proposal. The Mayor answered her question yes. DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS 6. Resolution No. 43-2021, a resolution authorizing submittal of an application to the Jefferson County Open Space Land Conservation Partnership Program for funding to support the acquisition of 4100 Gray Street, and in connection City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 11 therewith, approving the acquisition by the City of real property for addition to Randall Park Councilmember Urban introduced Resolution No. 43-2021. Issue The Parks and Recreation Department would like to acquire and conserve the 4100 Gray Street residential lot, which is adjacent to the southwest corner of Randall Park. The current owner has contacted the City about its availability and given the City the option to purchase the property for market value. Should the City purchase the 0.16- acre property, the 1,110 square foot, circa 1951 house would be demolished and the property would become part of Randall Park. The Parks and Recreation Department is applying for a grant through the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Land Conservation Partnership Program. The program will fund up to 25% of the cost of a local land acquisition. A resolution of support is required from City Council to apply for this funding program. Staff Presentation Karen O’Donnell, Director of Parks and Recreation presented on the issue to include that the acquisition of this property would expand the park to one city square block. It is proposed by City staff to convert the usage of the area into a community garden. The construction of a community garden would address equity issues as the City currently houses only one community garden several miles away. It would also help to bolster the current initiative for the increase in sustainable agriculture and food security for the Wheat Ridge community. Public Comment No one came forward to speak. Mayor Starker closed the public hearing. Council Questions Councilmembers thanked the staff for their work long and hard work on this project. Councilmember Weaver commented that she is very excited about this plan. Councilmember Hultin asked staff for a timeline and staff provided a detailed response. Motion by Councilmember Urban to approve Resolution No. 43-2021, a resolution authorizing submittal of an application to the Jefferson County Open Space Land Conservation Partnership Program for funding to support the acquisition of 4100 Gray Street, and in connection therewith, approving the acquisition by the City of real property for addition to Randall Park, seconded by Councilmember Hultin, motion carried 8-0. Councilmember Hoppe proposed that Council reschedule the Special Study Session scheduled for later this evening. City Council Minutes September 13, 2021 page 12 CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS Mr. Goff thanked staff, especially Allison Scheck, for their hard work on the proposed 2022 budget. He reminded the Council and members of the public of the upcoming study session and formal public hearing on the budget. CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS Nothing tonight. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS Councilmember Dozeman thanked Local Works for their success with an event she attended recently, which was highly successful and much appreciated. This Saturday, September 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. More details to follow Councilmember Hultin echoed Councilmember Dozeman’s comments about the recent Local Works event. She will convene a District II meeting on October 2 at 10 a.m.; further details to follow. Councilmember Weaver noted the passing of a former Councilmember Hanley. Councilmember Stites and Councilmember Weaver held a free dumpster drop at Louise Turner Park that was highly successful. The event filled three dumpsters. He also thanked Guy Nahmiach for his many years and hundreds of hours of volunteer work. The Mayor thanked Chief Murtha for attending the most recent Coffee with the Mayor to discuss community policing. The Mayor thought the discussion was helpful and fruitful. He also asked that we drive carefully and take care of one another. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:13 pm. _____________________________ Steve Kirkpatrick, City Clerk APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON October 11, 2021 ______________________________ Janeece Hoppe, Mayor Pro Tem 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 by contacting the City Clerk’s Office, as well as copies of Ordinances and Resolutions.