HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-27-21City Council Meeting Minutes
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
September 27, 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 Attorney, Gerald Dahl; City Manager, Patrick Goff; City Treasurer,
Chris Miller; Administrative Services Director, Allison Scheck; Deputy City Clerk, Robin
Eaton; Karen O’Donnell, Director of Parks and Recreation; Lauren Mikulak, Planning
Supervisor; Kayla Betzold, Sustainability Coordinator; other staff, guests and interested
citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There were no minutes approved this night
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
Mayor Starker read and presented the Proclamations and Awards
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October)
The Proclamation reminded everyone that domestic violence impacts countless
Coloradans, without regard to age, race, religion, or economic status; as victims suffer
at the hands of a spouse or partner, it affects their children, families, and entire
communities. Where the city and the Wheat Ridge Police Department is committed to
providing assistance to victims and witnesses of crime and other traumatic events
through victim assistance partnerships, awareness-related efforts, and events.
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 2
Accepting the proclamations were CEO Scott Shields and Rachel Rodriguez, both of
The Family Tree. Thanking the Mayor and City of Wheat Ridge for their actions.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)
The Proclamation encouraged residents of Wheat Ridge to seek early breast cancer
detection, diagnosis and treatment. Where one in eight women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer within their lifetime; and when breast cancer is detected early and is in
the localized stage, the five-year survival rate for women is 99%. The awareness
campaign is remembering those who have lost their fight against breast cancer,
standing with those who remember their loved ones and continuing to support our
Nation’s advocates.
Accepting the award was Dr. Karng, Medical Director of Oncology Services at Lutheran
Medical Center.
Sustainable Neighborhood Certification Awards
Mayor Starker announced two neighborhood awards to Applewood Village and
Paramount heights who through their neighborhood accomplishments, achieved enough
credits for the awards. After presentations by Sustainability Coordinator Kayla Betzold,
the awards including their own street signs, were accepted by Chelsea Villaba and for
Paramount Heights, whose award was accepted by Joy Opp.
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK
Ihor Figlus spoke about his concerns with the bulk plane building regulations, being an
issue that has appeared on citizens surveys and some were disappointed when it was
delayed. He would like to see it brought back as an agenda item soon, as construction
has not abated, and the problem has not gone away.
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).
I applaud the council's action and fully support the amendment which will improve the
quality of life for many of us who have had to endure the actions of the few who believe it is
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 3
okay to construct so called unregulated "play structures" without regard to the impact on
everyone else who lives around them. Thank you, Wheat Ridge council and members of the
public for their support of this commonsense approach to improving the quality of life and
maintaining the value of homes for us all in the community going forward. Having said that,
it would be better to restrict the height of structures to no more than the height of a
standard privacy fence (6ft). The current proposal (12ft) would still allow fully grown adults
using structures to tower up to 18ft over a neighbor’s yard and impact privacy and noise at all
hours of the day. Thank you for your consideration.
September 27, 2021, 9:43 AM
Peter Baccarini
11065 Linda Vista Drive
Lakewood, 80215
CONSENT AGENDA
Discussion began at approximately 7:29 PM
Councilmember Hoppe introduced the consent agenda.
a. Resolution No. 47-2021 - a resolution by the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado in
support of joining Colorado Communities for Climate Action
Issue
Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) is a coalition of counties and
municipalities advocating for strong state and federal climate policy. To become a
CC4CA member, all agencies are required to pass a resolution in support of joining the
program.
b. Resolution No. 48-2021 - a resolution authorizing submittal of an application
for a 2022 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trail Grant for
consulting work from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
Issue
The Parks and Recreation Department is applying for a Colorado Parks and Wildlife
(CPW) Non-Motorized Trails grant for funding for the Leave No Trace Center for
Outdoor Ethics to consult on research, analysis, and recommendations for
implementing and communicating the Leave No Trace principles throughout the trails
and trailheads within the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt and Lewis Meadows Open Space. A
resolution of support is required from City Council to apply for this grant.
Motion by Councilmember Hoppe 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 7:33 pm
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 4
2. 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 Stites introduced Council Bill
14-2021
Councilmember Weaver introduced Council Bill 16-2021
Issue
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.
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.
Deputy City Clerk Eaton assigned Ordinance No. 1721
Staff Presentation
Planning Supervisor Lauren Mikulak gave a brief summary of prior actions of the
proposed amendment with descriptive terminology of the building code, along with the
code amendment and its goals. Where the building code has explicit requirements
related to pools but specifically exempts play structures from permit requirements.
Section 5-76 of the municipal code amends section 105.2 of the International Building
Code (IBC) and exempts certain smaller types of recreational improvements.
The zoning code (Chapter 26 of the municipal code) offers less clarity when it comes to
play equipment. Historically, pools which have been subject to building permits have
also been required to meet setbacks and coverage requirements; other types of
recreational equipment have not been required to meet zoning requirements.
Additionally, the ordinance modifies the variance regulations making recreational
equipment eligible for a variance.
Public Comment
Kathleen Baccarini owns property in Wheat Ridge, who along with her tenant, are
greatly impacted from this structure and voiced her support for this ordinance. The
impact, she said, is to many other people in the neighborhood as well.
Council Questions and comments
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 5
Councilmember Hultin asked about calculating variances, how those would be reviewed
and the amortization schedule for existing in-ground pools. Ms. Mikulak answered with
the nine criteria that are listed in code that are adhered to and how they applicant
fundamentally needs to show how the rules that apply to all, need to not apply to the
request for a variance.
Ms. Mikulak clarified that the dimensional standards would not apply to those types of
in-ground pools.
Mayor Starker closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Weaver to approve Council Bill 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 second reading, and that it
take effect 15 days after final publication, seconded by Councilmember Urban.
Discussion on the motion
Councilmembers Weaver and Stites applauded staffs work, along with the
neighborhoods involvement and patience on this issue that went into changing the
code.
Councilmember Hultin brought up the proposed trampolines specifically not listed as not
permanent structures and thought it should be left up to the discretion of the reviewer
and proposed an amendment to the motion.
Amendment to the Motion by Councilmember Hulin that in Section 3. F. 5, that the word
above-ground Trampoline specifically, is stricken from the list of recreational equipment,
seconded by Councilmember Weaver.
Discussion on the amendment by Councilmember Urban asking for clarity from City
Attorney Dahl who responded the list of examples relates back to the first paragraph
and the list may or may not be permanent. As this is not permanent, it doesn’t prevent
the reviewer from inferring it might be permanent or not.
Amendment to the motion carried 5-3 with Members Nosler Beck, Dozeman and Urban
voting no.
Discussion on the main motion continued with Members Hoppe, Dozeman and Nosler
Beck appreciating everyone’s efforts but will not be supporting the measure, while
Members Weaver and Urban spoke on its behalf.
Original motion carried 5-3 with Members Nosler Beck, Dozeman and Hoppe voting no
3. Council Bill No. 15-2021 - An Ordinance revising compensation for the Mayor,
Councilmembers and Mayor Pro Tem
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 6
Discussion began at approximately 7:51 pm
Councilmember Nosler Beck introduced Council Bill 15-2021
Issue
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.
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.
Deputy City Clerk Eaton assigned Ordinance No. 1722
Staff Presentation
Patrick Goff, City Manager summarized the city code where it spoke on the Mayors and
elected officials compensation, whose last increase was in 1997 and 2001 respectively,
as well as the survey results of surrounding areas and that a consensus was reached to
increase the Mayor’s compensation to $21,600 annually, Councilmember’s
compensation to $14,400 annually and to provide an additional $200 monthly stipend
for the Mayor Pro Tem.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions and comments
There were no questions
Mayor Starker closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Nosler Beck to approve Council Bill 15-2021 – An Ordinance
revising compensation for the Mayor, Councilmembers and Mayor Pro Tem, on second
reading, and that it take effect upon adoption, seconded by Councilmember Urban,
motion carried 8-0.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
Discussion began at approximately 7:55 PM
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 7
4. Council Bill No. 17-2021 - An Ordinance approving the rezoning of property
located at 4535 Wadsworth Boulevard from Residential-Two (R-2) to mixed
use-neighborhood (MU-N) (Case No. WZ-21-05
Councilmember Hultin introduced Council Bill 17-2021.
The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Residential-Two (R-2) to
Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N) for property located at 4535 Wadsworth Boulevard.
The zone change will result in a zoning that matches surrounding zoning designations,
as well the character of the Wadsworth Corridor.
Motion by Councilmember Hultin to approve Council Bill No. 17-2021 - an ordinance
approving the rezoning of property located at 4535 Wadsworth Boulevard from
Residential-Two (R-2) to mixed use-neighborhood (MU-N) (Case No. WZ-21-05), on
first reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday, October 25, 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 Stites, motion carried 8-0
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
Discussion began at approximately 7:57 PM
5. Motion to award a contract and approve subsequent payments of $2,784,939
to Farrington Construction for the Prospect Park Phase II Improvement
Project and approve a contingency in the amount of $200,000
Councilmember Dozeman introduced the Motion.
Issue
The award of this contract will continue the efforts to revitalize Prospect Park with the
addition of several park amenities: replacement of the main picnic pavilion/shelter; re-
routing of the main drive into the south parking lot; relocation of the playground, adding
amenities including cornhole, horseshoe pits, and a small shelter; construction of a
fishing pavilion on the northeast side of Prospect Lake; landscaping in the currently
unimproved area on the north side of the park; and removal of current tennis courts with
addition of lighted pickleball courts.
Staff Presentation
Karen O’Donnell, Director of Parks and Recreation presented on the issue to include
the prior actions and phases, taken by City Council awarding a design contract and
supplemental budget appropriation to include funding. The amount of $2,984,939 for
this project is budgeted in the Open Space and Conservation Trust Funds. The funds
shall provide for all general contractor costs as identified in the bid package.
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 8
Including but not limited to any demolition, mobilization, site management, site cleanup
costs. Itemized costs for structural, mechanical, and electrical considerations have been
provided by the contractor. 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.
Council Questions
Councilmember Dozeman asked for an update on the batting cages where Ms.
O’Donnell responded that the cages are in disrepair but are not part of this phase. They
might be taking them down or repurposed down the road.
Councilmember Hutchinson stated that she was glad the plan included horseshoe pits,
hoping they were regulation and inquired how many might be built.
Councilmember Weaver expressed her excitement as well, directed to the plans for
pickleball courts.
Councilmember Nosler Beck inquired about lighting and activities in general occurring at
night in the park. Ms. O’Donnell believed that pickle ball might be the only lighting in
this phase of construction.
Motion by Councilmember Dozeman to approve the motion to award a contract and
approve subsequent payments to Farrington Construction in the amount of $2,784,939
for the Prospect Park Phase II Improvement Project and approve a contingency in the
amount of $200,000, seconded by Councilmember Nosler Beck, motion carried 8-0.
Mayor Starker closed the public hearing.
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
Mr. Goff announced that they received the concurrence from CDOT on the Wadsworth
and will have a groundbreaking on October 12 at 10am. He stated that they are
bringing the budget back for discussion on October 11 and you can post comments on
What’s up Wheat Ridge.
Also you can post comments there for the Green Project, the potential civic community
space on 38th avenue regarding conceptual designs. This will be going on through
October 15.
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
Nothing tonight.
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 9
Deputy City Clerk Eaton spoke briefly on mail ballots being dropped off at the outdoor
ballot collections boxes not needing postage but if one mailed them into the County,
they would be required to pay for postage.
Councilmember Nosler Beck is really excited about the sustainable neighborhoods coming to Fruitdale
Councilmember Dozeman wanted to thank Jefferson County Open Space for hosting
the trail clean-up this past Saturday. Many people posted and participated in the event
and it was noticeably cleaner afterwards. She also noticed that half of the cyclist shared the trails with good cycling road manners and hopes the rest can also do so as there are many dogs, children and people using those trails as well.
Councilmember Hultin wanted to remind everyone that she is hosting a District II
meeting on October 2 at the Happiness Gardens pavilion at 10am and will be joined
with a communications specialist for the Wadsworth project.
She also wanted to give congratulations to the many District II businesses that won awards at the recent business awards breakfast that she attended.
Councilmember Stites attended the really awesome block party for the Applewood area
and wanted to congratulate the sustainable neighborhoods of Applewood and
Paramount Heights.
Councilmember Hoppe again thanked Scott and Rebecca who came in from The Family Tree tonight and mentioned that they have a virtual, how to help training on Wednesday October 27 and can go to familytree.org to attend that training. Please try to give to The
Family Tree and Porchlight Justice Center if you have the means.
The Mayor congratulated all of the businesses and people who participated in the business awards and who are doing business in Wheat Ridge. He had a great time at the event, and it was his pleasure to be there. He thanked Mr. Goff and his staff for helping to put that great event on.
His last wish was for everyone to use caution and be careful driving in the city, with
darkness and light changing rapidly. The children are still out playing, and people are enjoying the sunsets.
Councilmember Dozeman added that she want to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Stites for winning business of the year for their martial arts studio. She stated it was well
deserved and they had adapted and pivoted very well during the COVID crisis. This has allowed many people to have a sense of normalcy.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm.
_____________________________
Robin Eaton, Deputy City Clerk
City Council Minutes September 27, 2021 page 10
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