HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-22 City Council Meeting MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
November 14, 2022
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. 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 7:01 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Judy Hutchinson Scott Ohm Rachel Hultin Janeece Hoppe
Amanda Weaver Korey Stites Leah Dozeman Valerie Nosler Beck
Also, present: City Manager, Patrick Goff; City Attorneys Jerry Dahl and Nicholas Klein;
City Clerk, Steve Kirkpatrick; City Treasurer, Chris Miller; Administrative Services
Director, Allison Scheck; Director of Parks and Recreation, Karen O’Donnell; Interim
Director of Community Development, Lauren Mikulak; Human Resources Business
Partner Melissa Long and HR Director Michael Classen other staff, guests and
interested citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Council Minutes of August 22, 2022, City Council Minutes of September 12, 2022,
Special Study Session Notes of September 19, 2022, Special Meeting notes of
September 19, 2022, City Council Minutes of September 26, 2022, Study Session
Notes of October 3, 2022, and Study Session Notes of October 17, 2022, were
approved as published.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 2
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
Small Business Saturday – November 26, 2022. Mayor Starker read the
proclamation, which highlighted the critical role small businesses play in employing 46
million people in the US and contributing to local economies and communities. Ms.
Maki DeLaet, President of the WR Small Business Association, accepted the procla-
mation and thanked the City, Council and Mayor for acknowledging this important day.
Mayor Starker proclaimed November 26, 2022, as Small Business Saturday and urged
everyone to shop businesses located in the City of Wheat Ridge.
National Native American Heritage Month
Mayor Starker designated the month of November as National Native American Month
acknowledging how Native Americans have enriched our heritage and continue to add
to all aspects of our society through their generosity of culture and the continued
practice of teaching economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability.
National Veterans and Military Families Month
Mayor Starker recognized and honored the Veterans and the Military Families, who also
then designated November 2022 as National Veterans and Military Families Month. He
acknowledged the role that not only service members but also their families play in
protecting our freedom. Wheat Ridge Police Sergeant Jamie Watson (CPO, US Navy
Medical Corps, Ret.) accepted the proclamation on behalf of herself and all the other
Veterans she represented. She eloquently and sincerely thanked the City, Mayor, and
Council for this proclamation.
National Records Appreciation Proclamation
Mayor Starker proclaimed the week of November 14, through November 18, 2022, as
Law Enforcement Records Personnel Appreciation week. The Mayor, Council, City
Clerk and City Treasurer the City of Wheat Ridge is proud of the dedicated Police
Department Records professionals who respond to the needs of officers and detectives
while also serving our community members with care and compassion, during what for
them is often a very difficult time. Angel LaPierre, Wheat Ridge Police Department
records safe keeper, accepted the proclamation on behalf of herself and her peers
across the state and nation.
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK
Lee Recca, 4475 Brentwood – Came to protest the opening of a firearms range and gun
store on 44th Avenue. She cited the proximity of the proposed business to children at
nearby schools and the swimming pool in Anderson Park. She cited three different
legal means to stop the business from opening based on Federal and state law. She
urged the creation of a task force to investigate this situation.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 3
Rosemarie Bowden, and Walter Kordzial, both residing at 3535 Dudley St., came to
address the proposed speed bump in their neighborhood. They received a letter
indicating that their street would be on tonight’s agenda. That item was pulled from this
evening’s agenda at residents’ request to await presentation of a petition from residents
in that neighborhood.
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 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,
including items that address a public hearing (verbatim, if the comments do not
contain lascivious language or unlawful hate speech).
CONSENT AGENDA
No items this evening.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
1. Council Bill No. 18-2022 – An Ordinance amending Sections 2-89 and 11-565 of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to provide an administrative subpoena process
for hotel licensing.
CM Nosler Beck introduced Council Bill 18-2022
Issue
This Council Bill amends the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to authorize the issuance of
administrative subpoenas for records related to hotel licensing requirements.
Mayor Starker opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Steve Kirkpatrick assigned Ordinance No. 1748.
Staff Presentation
City Attorney Nicholas Klein described the new City hotel license requirements,
(codified as Article XVI of Chapter 11 of the Wheat Ridge Code), one of which requires
that hotel establishments obtain a City license, one condition of which is that the hotel
must meet certain structural and operational requirements. One of the operational
requirements is to limit the duration of guest stays to match the type of hotel license
held (regular or extended stay). Efficient and reliable access to hotel guest records will
be a key element of monitoring compliance.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 4
In general, City staff may file an affidavit with a Court to obtain a warrant authorizing the
seizure of a business’ documents. Such an affidavit must articulate probable cause to
believe that the documents will reveal evidence of legal violations
Public Comment
No citizens appeared in chambers to address this issue. There were none who wanted
to speak through the Zoom format.
Council Questions and comments
CM Hoppe asked detailed questions about the procedure this ordinance would create.
Mr. Goff and City Treasurer Chris Miller gave detailed responses.
Motion by CM Nosler Beck to approve Council Bill No. 18-2021 - an ordinance
amending Sections 2-89 and 11-565 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to provide an
administrative subpoena process for hotel licensing, on second reading, and that it take
effect 15 days after final publication, seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0
2. Resolution 39-2022 – A Resolution declining full participation in the Colorado
Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program
CM Stites introduced the resolution.
Mayor Starker opened the public hearing. The Mayor reviewed the procedures.
Issue
The Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act was passed by voters in
the November 2020 election. The new law requires all employers to provide paid family
and medical leave to its employees through a state managed program which is funded
by employer and employee paycheck withholdings. Local governments have the option
to decline participation in the program
Staff Presentation
Human Resources Business Partner Melissa Long and HR Director Michael Clasen
spoke briefly to the council on the issue including Council’s review of this matter in a
study session on June 27, 2022. At that meeting, Council provided consensus to opt out
of the state’s paid family leave program and bring back an internal program draft for
consideration.
If the City were to participate in the state’s program, it would cost approximately
$90,000 per year to cover the 50% mandatory employer premium based on 2021
audited payroll. Additionally, staff estimates another 0.25-0.50 FTE would be required to
administer the program.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak about this item. There were none who wanted to speak
through the Zoom format.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 5
Council Questions and comments
CM Nosler Beck indicated her strong support for this motion and thanked the staff for
their excellent and time-consuming effort this took.
CM Dozeman thanked the staff for their work, adding she is very glad that we have the
option to not participate because of the burden the program imposes on municipalities
and small businesses.
Motion by CM Stites to approve Resolution No. 39-2022 – a resolution declining full
participation in the Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program,
seconded by CM Weaver, motion carried 8-0.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
3. Council Bill No. 20-2022 – An Ordinance amending Sections 22-58 and 22-67 of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to establish an exemption from the City’s Sales
and Use Tax for carryout bag fees enacted by the State of Colorado.
CM Ohm introduced Council Bill 20-2022
Issue
The Colorado State Legislature adopted a carryout bag fee effective January 1, 2023,
which by January 1, 2024, prohibits all retailers, with a few specific exceptions, from
providing single-use plastic bags. Carryout bag fees are currently subject to local sales
tax. As a home-rule City, Wheat Ridge is able to establish its own laws including the
ability to exempt from taxation certain goods and services. The attached ordinance
enacts such an exemption for the City.
Motion by CM Ohm to approve Council Bill 20-2022, an ordinance amending sections
22-58 and 22-67 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to establish an exemption from the
City’s sales and use tax for bag fees enacted by the State of Colorado, on first reading,
ordered in published, public hearing set for Monday, November 28, 2022, 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 15 days after final publication;
seconded by CM Hultin; motion carried 8-0
4. Council Bill No. 21-2022 – An Ordinance approving the rezoning of property
located at 7525 W. 44th Avenue from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed Use-
Commercial (MU-C)
CM Ohm introduced Council Bill 21-2022
Issue
The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Commercial-One (C-1) to
Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C) for property located at 7525 W. 44th Avenue. The zone
change will result in a zoning that matches surrounding zoning and enables
redevelopment of the site by expanding permitted uses.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 6
Motion by CM Ohm to approve Council Bill 21-2022, an ordinance approving the
rezoning of property located at 7525 W. 44th Avenue from Commercial-One (C-1) to
Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C), on first reading, ordered in published, public hearing
set for Monday, December 12, 2022, 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 15 days after final publication; seconded by CM Dozeman; motion
carried 8-0
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
5. Motion to approve the selection of public art for the Improve Wadsworth Project to
JCAS Studios
CM Hutchinson introduced the Motion.
Issue
The Improve Wadsworth Project includes funding for public art. The process for
selecting public art is defined in the Public Art Management Plan. Per this process, a
series of public art pieces proposed by the JCAS Studios team have been
commissioned. JCAS Studios’ proposal was selected by an appointed committee for
recommendation to the Cultural Commission. The Cultural Commission reviewed the
proposal and per the defined process would like to make a recommendation to City
Council for acceptance and purchase. The purchase price of $475,000 includes design,
construction, installation, and documentation.
Staff Presentation
Director of Parks & Recreation Karen A. O’Donnell spoke on the proposed motion
describing the policies and procedures for this selection are based on the Public Art
Management Plan adopted by the Wheat Ridge City Council. The public art selection
committee included a Cultural Commission representative, one community
representative, a visual artist, an elected representative, a City staff representative, and
two site agency representatives from CDOT.
Kendall Peterson, our Public Arts consultant outlined the process of decision-making to
bring this proposal to Council and the process that will follow if Council approves.
The cost for this acquisition is $475,000. The funds for this purchase are appropriated in
the 2023 Public Art Fund in the amount off $467,000. In early 2023, we will request
contract approval, including a budget supplemental in the amount of $8,000 in order to
fund the entire art selection and the Cultural Commission recommends approval of the
purchase of these art pieces for placement throughout the Improve Wadsworth Project.
Mayor Starker reviewed the procedures for public comment. No citizens appeared in
chambers to address this issue. There were none who wanted to speak through the
Zoom format.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 7
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions and Comments
CM Nosler Beck thanked the people who worked on this process for their hard work.
She noted a number of aspects of the work selected, and expressed her profound
support for the motion to approve this art. She mentioned that the celery seeds are
historically accurate for Wheat Ridge.
CM Hultin echoed CM Nosler Beck’s sentiments and how well this art connects the
present and future and to WR’s past. She also thanked the Cultural Commission for
their hard work and excellent recommendations on this project. CM Hultin asked about,
and Mr. Goff explained, the sources of funding for this artwork.
Motion by CM Hutchinson to approve the selection of public art for the Improve
Wadsworth Project to JCAS Studios, seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0.
6. Resolution No. 40-2022 - A Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022 Renewal
Wheat Ridge Bond Projects Fund to reflect the approval of a supplemental
budget appropriation in the amount of $4,251,442 and to award a contract and
approve subsequent payments to Goodland Construction, in an amount not to
exceed $7,313,186.74, for street improvements at the Wheat Ridge Ward
Commuter Rail Station area.
CM Dozeman introduced Resolution 40-2022.
Issue
Public infrastructure improvements at the Wheat Ridge Ward Commuter Rail Station
area include reconstruction of 52nd Avenue, Tabor Street, Ridge Road, adjacent
intersections, and improvements to Valley Water District utilities in 52nd Avenue. Staff is
recommending that the lowest responsive bidder, Goodland Construction, Inc., be
awarded a contract in the amount of $7,313,186.74.
Staff Presentation
Lauren Mikulak, Interim Community Development Director, gave a brief background on
the item explaining that a supplemental budget appropriation from the Renewal Wheat
Ridge Bond Projects Fund reserves is required to increase what was budgeted for
2022. The 2022 budget only included the City’s estimated share of the construction
costs and not the full estimated construction costs with portions that will be reimbursed
by the City of Arvada, CDOT and Valley Water District.
The City of Arvada is responsible for 50% of the costs for 52nd Avenue, including the
intersection with Ward Road and 36% of the costs for Ridge Road. CDOT is contributing
$300,000 towards the costs of the 52nd Avenue and Ward Road intersection. Valley
Water is responsible for all the costs associated with the reconstruction of their water
main in 52nd Avenue.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 8
With the above reimbursement from the City of Arvada, CDOT and Valley Water
District, the City’s net contribution towards this contract is $3,318,925.40. All of the
City’s contribution is being funded by the Renewal Wheat Ridge bond funds.
Mayor Starker reviewed the procedures for public comment.
Public Comment
No citizens appeared in chambers to address this issue. There were none who wanted
to speak through the Zoom format.
Council Questions
There were none.
Motion by CM Dozeman to approve Resolution No. 40-2022 - a resolution amending
the Fiscal Year 2022 Renewal Wheat Ridge Bond Projects Fund to reflect the approval
of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $4,251,442 and to award a
contract and approve subsequent payments to Goodland Construction, in an amount
not to exceed $7,313,186.74, for street improvements at the Wheat Ridge Ward
Commuter Rail Station area, seconded by CM Hoppe, the motion carried 8-0.
7. Resolution No. 41-2022 - A Resolution approving an agreement with the Valley
Water District regarding waterline improvements in 52nd Avenue
CM Nosler Beck introduced Resolution 41-2022.
Issue
Public infrastructure improvements at the Wheat Ridge Ward Commuter Rail Station
area include reconstruction of 52nd Avenue, Tabor Street, Ridge Road, adjacent
intersections, and improvements to Valley Water District utilities in 52nd Avenue. As
part of the reconstruction of 52nd Avenue, the Valley Water District needs to reconstruct
a portion of their water main. The water main is in conflict with the proposed storm
sewer and needs to be relocated. An agreement is needed between the City and Valley
Water to outline each entity’s responsibilities and to detail a reimbursement obligation.
Staff Presentation
Project Manager Mark Westberg was available to answer any questions.
Mayor Starker reviewed the procedures for public comment.
Public Comment
No citizens appeared in chambers to address this issue. There were none who wanted
to speak through the Zoom format.
Council Questions
CM Dozeman asked how projects we engage with other outside agencies, not only
water districts but also other special districts, are developed; how do we collaborate and
communicate. She asked questions about the specifications for the project and Mr.
Westberg gave detailed answers.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 9
CM Hultin asked whether we have items scheduled about more projects like this and
Mr. Goff replied that Public Works is preparing a Study Session presentation on this
topic.
Motion by CM Nosler Beck to approve Resolution No. 41-2022 - a resolution amending
an agreement with the Valley Water District regarding waterline improvements on 52nd
Avenue, seconded by CM Dozeman, the motion carried 8-0.
8. Motion to approve installation of traffic calming device on 31st Place between
Union Street and Vivian Street in accordance with the Neighborhood Traffic
Management Program (NTMP)
CM Weaver introduced the Motion.
Issue
Residents on 31st Place petitioned the City to address traffic concerns for the street
segment from Union Street to Vivian Street. In accordance with the City’s Neighborhood
Traffic Management Program (NTMP), the City met with the residents at a neighbor-
hood meeting and subsequently discussed and devised a plan to mitigate traffic issues.
The residents then secured a petition with the necessary number of property owner
signatures, supporting the installation of a speed hump in accordance with the NTMP
policy and are hereby seeking approval for implementation.
Staff Presentation
Civil Engineer, Steve Nguyen summarized the issue explaining that per the NTMP,
speed humps can be ordered for installation by the City if at least 80% of residents in a
designated street segment sign the petition, including the residents who reside
immediately adjacent to the speed humps. Based on the results of the petition received
by the City, a sufficient number of signatures have been attained for the speed hump as
referenced above. The NTMP policy requires Council approval of a proposed project. If
approved, the project will quickly go to bid with construction anticipated in late 2022 or
early 2023, assuming there are no significant weather delays.
Residents on 31st Place, in the petition segment between Union Street and Vivian
Street, have satisfied the process outlined in the NTMP policy and through the staff
evaluation process. As a result, staff recommends moving forward with installation of a
speed hump on 31st Place as specifically requested by the residents.
Staff responded to questions raised by neighborhood residents about the number and
placement of signs warning of the speed bump.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak neither in person nor on the zoom format.
From Wheat Ridge Speaks:
I am a resident on 31st Place. I am in agreement on having a speed hump placed on the street.
When vieNguyeng the proposed plan, the signage seems excessive, 4 signs for one speed hump. I feel
that 2 signs would be plenty. On Vivian street, right around the corner there are 2 signs and 2speed humps
and a curve in the road that does not have nor require a sign. Thank you
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 10
B. Abare
12124 W 31st Pl
Wheat Ridge 80215
Council Questions
CM Hultin asked how staff collects data to gauge residents’ opinions on projects like
this. Mr. Nguyen gave a detailed answer. CM Hultin then asked how the average or
median speed is gauged in assessing the need for this project and others like it. Mr.
Nguyen gave a detailed answer to her question.
CM Stites thanked staff for their hard work on a sound solution.
Motion by CM Weaver to approve installation of traffic calming device on 31st Place
between Union Street and Vivian Street in accordance with the Neighborhood Traffic
Management Program (NTMP), seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0.
9. Motion to approve installation of traffic calming device on Lamar St between 39th
Avenue and 41st Avenue in accordance with the neighborhood traffic
management program (NTMP)
CM Hultin introduced the Motion
Issue
Residents on Lamar Street petitioned the City to address traffic issues for the street
segment from 39th Avenue to 41st Avenue. In accordance with the City’s Neighborhood
Traffic Management Program (NTMP), the City met with the residents at a
neighborhood meeting and subsequently discussed and devised a plan to mitigate
traffic issues. The residents then secured a petition with the necessary number of
property owner signatures, supporting the installation of a speed hump in accordance
with the NTMP policy and are hereby seeking approval for implementation.
Staff Presentation
Civil Engineer, Steve Nguyen stood by to answer any questions.
Mayor Starker reviewed the procedures for public comment and no citizens appeared in
chambers or in the virtual format to address this issue.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions
CM Weaver asked for a definition of a hump and a bump. A hump is narrow and
abrupt. A bump is wider, lower, and less of a deterrent to speed.
Motion by CM Hultin to approve installation of traffic calming device on Lamar St
between 39th Avenue and 41st Avenue in accordance with the neighborhood traffic
management program (NTMP), seconded by CM Hoppe, motion carried 8-0
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 11
10. Motion to approve the purchase and installation of the City’s core switches for a
total of $165,047.25
CM Hoppe introduced the Motion
Issue
The City’s core switches, which facilitate internet access to every City facility, are
approaching end of life. If a failure occurred, all City facilities would be affected, causing
severe service interruption.
Staff Presentation
IT Manager Jesse Dubin spoke briefly on the item explaining that the City’s current core
switches hardware is based on a 2010 model that is approaching end of life. If a
catastrophic failure of the existing equipment were to occur, the City would be in a
challenging position because some components of the current system reach end of life
next year and it is unlikely replacement parts are available. Staff recommends ordering
the new equipment now because the hardware will likely take between nine months and
a year to arrive due to supply chain issues.
In order to secure best pricing, this quote has been secured on a cooperative solicitation
through the National Association of State Procurement Officers (NASPO). The City’s
membership in NASPO enables us to benefit from volume pricing through this
cooperative bid. In this particular case, the State of Utah was the lead agency and the
agreement between Utah and Cisco Systems was attached.
Mayor Starker reviewed the procedures for public comment and no citizens appeared in
chambers or in the virtual format to address this issue.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions
There were none.
CM Weaver stated an antidote about Core Switches.
Motion by CM Hoppe to approve the purchase and installation of the City’s core
switches for a total of $165,047.25, seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0.
11. Motion to approve appointment to current vacancy on Liquor Licensing
Authority Board
CM Dozeman introduced the Motion.
Issue
One of the City's Liquor Licensing Authority Board Members in District IV has moved out
of the State of Colorado. This has created a vacancy on this Board.
Motion by CM Dozeman to appoint Anthony Romero to the Liquor Licensing Authority,
term ending 3/2/24, seconded by CM Nosler Beck, motion carried 8-0.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 12
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
Mr. Goff noted that a new coffee business, Dutch Brothers, is open and operating.
He also reported that the new budget proposed for 2023 is now available for review. On
November 21, 2022, staff will review the budget with Council.
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
None.
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
City Clerk Kirkpatrick reported attending the Wheat Ridge Community Theater
presentation of Lysistrata. While the production is not quite Off-Off-Broadway, the
fledgling effort to bring live theater to Wheat Ridge deserves our support – and
attendance.
CM Nosler Beck reported that Trunk or Treat was a great success, thanks to Local
Works. She also thanked those who worked on the school closings recently passed by
Jeffco Schools’ Board. Although we did not get the outcome we wanted, the level of
participation and the energy the community generated was appreciable and once again
indicative of the Wheat Ridge community. The group will continue to work as Jefferson
County Schools proceeds with planning to potentially close middle and high schools.
CM Stites thanked Guy Nahmiach for his work on Art on the Farm. He echoed CM
Nosler Beck’s comments; he too was awed by the community effort and energy in the
recent effort to save our neighborhood schools. He also compared and contrasted our
process for public speaking and appearance before Council vs. Jeffco School Board
that conducts these conversations in camera and excludes residents’ input until it’s too
late to make a different decision possible. He is proud of how we operate. If you can
find them in Wheat Ridge, buy holiday gifts in WR.
CM Dozeman announced that 5-7 pm tomorrow the Wheat Ridge Business Assoc. will
hold its next meeting. She also thanked CM Stites and Nosler Beck for their hard work
and organizing efforts to resist the school closures in Wheat Ridge. She commented
that the way the process was conducted by Jeffco Schools damaged their trust with our
residents and families across the county.
CM Ohm urged us to schedule a Study Session item on school closing and their impact
on our residents, especially school children and their parents. We need a plan to
address these changes. CM Stites seconded adding the issue to a future Study
Session. He attended the annual police dinner with the Mayor and came away awed by
the officers’ service and sacrifices, as well as the impacts on their families. Remember
that you can go to Wheat Ridge poultry online and order your Thanksgiving turkey.
CM Weaver thanked the City for expanding our knowledge in several areas of traffic
control methods and terminology.
CM Hoppe reported that the Porchlight Family Justice Center event was a roaring
success. Wheat Ridge High School will hold a forum for 8th grade students who are
considering enrolling at WRHS in the fall of 2023.
City Council Minutes November 14, 2022 page 13
CM Hultin asked for clarification of the topics to be discussed in a Study Session about
the elementary school closings. CM Ohm gave a specific answer focusing on several
aspects of the impact these closings will have. CM Hultin asked staff for a possible date
to add that topic to a Study Session agenda. CM Nosler Beck asked to add the
subjects of safe crossings and child protection from the high traffic volume on
Wadsworth, which children will have to cross to go to their new school.
CM Hultin remarked about the speaker who opposes the opening of a new gun store in
Wheat Ridge. She asked staff how we have communicated with the speaker and how
the process works. Mr. Goff commented that at present the City has no legal way to
deny the business license application. CM Hultin then said that hopefully in the first
quarter of 2023 we will revisit the traffic plans and the needs we will have going forward,
especially the changes that will follow the elementary school closures. She requested
that there are gummy bears added to the snacks provided on the dais. She has missed
the conversations we have not had during the four-week hiatus.
Mayor Starker spoke about the 3-week hiatus. He repeated some of the CM comments
about events like Trunk or Treats and new business openings. He went to a Veterans’
Day celebration at the Active Adult Center and really appreciated the event. He
thanked those who attended coffee with the Mayor last Saturday, especially the young
people who participated. The Historical Society had a flag raising to honor our Veterans
and he also appreciated that event. We are already looking forward to the holiday
lighting ceremony on December 3rd. He echoed CM Ohm’s comments on the recent
dinner for our WRPD. He thanked the election officials who ran the general election last
week and our renewed faith in participating in our democracy. To our residents who
worked on the school closing issue, he thanked them for their engagement and hopes
they will continue to engage. We need our residents’ voices at the table as we plan for
the future without 3 of our schools and all of the changes children and families will
experience. Mayor Starker once again asked us all to drive carefully, especially now
that darkness is earlier and bad weather is upon us.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON November 28, 2022
_____________________________
Steve Kirkpatrick, City Clerk
______________________________
Rachel Hultin, 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.