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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2021 Study Session NotesSTUDY SESSION NOTES CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO Hybrid -Virtual Meeting October 18, 2021 Mayor Bud Starker called the Study Session to order at 6:33 p.m. 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. Mayor Pro-Tern welcomed the Council, other elected officials, staff and interested citizens. The Mayor Pro-Tern also explained the virtual/hybrid meeting format, how citizens will have the opportunity to be heard, and the procedures and policies to be followed. Council members present Zach Urban, Amanda Weaver, Judy Hutchinson, Janeece Hoppe, Korey Stites, Valerie Nosier Beck, and Rachel Hultin. Mayor Starker was traveling out of state this evening. Councilmember Dozeman excused herself. Also, present: City Manager, Patrick Goff; City Clerk, Steve Kirkpatrick; City Attorney, Gerald Dahl; Director of Parks and Recreation, Karen O'Donnell; Director of Community Development, Ken Johnstone; Projects Supervisor, Mark Westberg; interested citizens and guests. Citizen's Right to Speak None one presented to speak Note about Wheat Ridge Speaks: Citizens 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 citizens 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. 1.:. Jefferson County Multi-Hazard Plan 2021 Update Discussion of this item began at approximately 6:34 pm Issue Natural hazards in Jefferson County and the City of Wheat Ridge have historically caused significant disasters resulting in damage to property and natural resources, and in some instances, loss of life. Undertaking hazard mitigation actions in accordance with an adopted and updated plan will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future hazard occurrences. Council adopted the current Jefferson County Multi-hazard Mitigation Plan on August 22, 2016. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires that an adopted natural hazard mitigation plan be updated every five years as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pre-and post-disaster mitigation grant programs. The City of Wheat Ridge has fully participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to help prepare this 2021 update to the 2016 Jefferson County Multi-hazard Mitigation Plan. Staff Reports Projects Supervisor, Mark Westberg presented to Council a detailed update and restated the background, opportunities for public comment and that the plan was reviewed by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management (COOEM) and FEMA from July through September. FEMA approved the plan in mid-September pending adoption by the City and other partner agencies. He supported his report with a detailed PowerPoint presentation. Staff will be recommending adoption (by resolution) of this update to the Jefferson County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan on November 8, 2021. This updated plan will aid in the on-going planning of projects that will lessen the impact of natural disasters on the City, assist in obtaining mitigation funds, and will help maintain the City's Class 5 CRS rating. Councilmembers had questions and comments, to which staff and Mr. Westberg gave detailed responses: How will residents receive notice that the flood plain plan is changing? Please, explain when the City is responsible for a drainage ditch or conduit and when is the resident responsible? How has this plan helped the City and our residents plan for and mitigate hailstorms? Have other organizations, for example the school district, hospital, nursing homes, childcare facilities and utilities, been notified of the changes to the plan? In locations where the embankments along Clear Creek are steep and the water flow velocity increases, how does the City mitigate the risk in case of local flooding to residents, especially children? Do we have a plan with the fire districts serving Wheat Ridge to address the risk or wildfire in the City, especially along the Creek and smaller runs that course through the City? When we have a natural disaster the power, internet and cable TV services are often down. How do we notify residents of the situation, danger and safe places to evacuate or shelters available? Is there an effort to inform people in the agricultural community and residents about actions they should take to protect animals in the event of a flood, windstorm, or other natural or manmade disaster? Councilmember Urban proposed a consensus that Council formally adopt the plan at a future Council Meeting. 2. Staff Report(s) Discussion began at 7: pm, approximately minutes into the recording of the session 3. Elected Officials' Report(s) Discussion of this item began at approximately 7: PM. Councilmember Hoppe r Councilmember Dozeman Councilmember Hutchinson Councilmember Hultin thanked those who organized and attend the Harvest Festival. Council member Weaver City Clerk Kirkpatrick reminded Mayor Starker t ADJOURNMENT TO SPECIAL MEETING The Study Session adjourned at 7:15 pm. APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 24, 2022. Janeece Hoppe, Mayor Pro Tern