HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-23 - City Council Meeting MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
December 11, 2023
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 6:32 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Jenny Snell Scott Ohm Rachel Hultin (virtually) Janeece Hoppe
Amanda Weaver Korey Stites Leah Dozeman Dan Larson
Also present: City Attorney Gerald Dahl; Police Chief, Chris Murtha; Director of Parks
and Recreation, Karen O’Donnell; Director of Public Works, Maria D’Andrea; Director of Community Development, Lauren Mikulak; Deputy City Clerk Robin Eaton, other staff, guests and interested citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Study Session Notes of November 6, 2023 and November 27, 2023
• City Council Meeting Minutes of November 13 2023 and November 27, 2023
The above Notes and Minutes were approved without changes.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
Wheat Ridge 102 Graduation
Mayor Starker recognized the participants in Wheat Ridge 102 and thanked them for
their hard work. He also noted that their civic interest and voluntary efforts are essential
for our City. He described the two programs the group started, a Green Business
Program and a Snow Removal Assistance Program, which they presented to Council
during the Study Session on December 4th.
Introduction of new Police Recruits
Mayor Starker introduced Chief Murtha, who introduced the newest class of Wheat Ridge Police Officer recruits, at the end of their Police Academy training, testing and
evaluation. The Mayor thanked them for their willingness to serve and protect in the
proud tradition of service at the WRPD.
Recognition of Wheat Ridge High School Soccer League Champions
Mayor Starker and CM Hoppe recognized the Wheat Ridge High School Boys Soccer Team, who recently won their second consecutive district championship! They
recognized the coach and each member of the team and listed not only their athletic accomplishments but also their academic achievements.
Recognition of Wheat Ridge High School Varsity Poms League Champions
CM Hoppe recognized the team and their coaches for their recent victory in the league championship competition. The team practices for 10-15 hours a week, in addition to
supporting live competitions for other WRHS varsity teams. They were also the Colorado State Poms competition runners-up!
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK
Margaret Robinson, 4 Hillside Drive, came to commend City Council for approving the zoning changes that made affordable housing near Wadsworth and 44th Avenue. Then
she commented on the recent bitterly cold weather, and previous extreme weather events, that make surviving the cold a real challenge for the unhoused. She listed locations where the unhoused can seek refuge but lamented the lack of communication about these shelters to the unhoused across Jefferson County.
Shelli Williams, spoke about the speeding cars on 32nd Avenue between Wadsworth
and Sheridan and wants something done about it. She lost two pets recently to speeding vehicles. Vehicles along that main artery routinely exceed the posted speed limit by dangerous amounts.
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).
No comments appeared in WR Speaks for this session of Council.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
CM Hoppe introduced the consent agenda. She asked for a consensus to separate item 1 a on the Consent Agenda and consider it separately. Without objection, the
change in agenda was approved.
CM Hoppe then proceeded with introduction of, and a motion to approve, the remaining items on this list.
b. Motion to extend the contract for professional services with AECOM Technical
Services Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,903,103 and approving
subsequent payments for ongoing program management services for the
Investing 4 the Future program.
Issue
On January 27, 2017, the firm AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) was selected through the city’s procurement process to provide multi-year professional engineering and land use planning services for the 2E Bond Fund, “Investing 4 the Future”, projects and to serve as an extension of staff, as needed, for review and
assistance in the delivery of private development projects in the Clear Creek Crossing
and Wheat Ridge Ward Station areas as well as construction management for the Improve Wadsworth Project. The scope and related fees for AECOM services for 2024 have been negotiated and are presented in this memo. City Council action is requested for the approval of the AECOM contract amendment and extension.
c. Resolution No. 54-2023 – a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2023 General
Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in
the amount of $90,000 for the purpose of funding the Anderson Building boiler
replacement.
Issue
On occasion, it is necessary to adjust the current year’s budget in order to account for unanticipated expenditures. In late-August, the boiler at the Anderson Building failed. The unit is estimated to be 20 to 25 years old and needs to be completely replaced.
The city’s insurance will provide for the replacement costs less the deductible. As this is an unanticipated expense, it is required that the City Council authorize this increase to the City’s budget by resolution.
d. Motion to award a contract and approve subsequent payment of $106,713 to
Progressive Commercial Aquatics for pipe and skimmer leak repairs at the
Anderson Pool.
Issue
The leisure pool at Anderson Park has encountered numerous pipe leaks that require
immediate repair to safeguard the facility's integrity and allow us to continue offering
outdoor aquatics to the Wheat Ridge community. This motion is to award a contract to
Progressive Commercial Aquatics to complete this essential work.
Motion by CM Hoppe to approve Consent Agenda Items, b.), c.), and d.), seconded by
CM Weaver, motion carried 8-0.
CM Hoppe then returned to addressing item 1 a:
a. Motion to adopt the 2024 City Council Meeting calendar.
Issue
The calendar of the City Council meetings is adopted by a motion of the City Council
annually. Adopting the meeting calendar for the year is more efficient and enables the Mayor, Council, and staff to schedule other events and travel in advance. The Council will be able to amend the calendar by motion throughout the year, if necessary.
The following City Council meetings that conflict with observed City holidays or other
known events during the year are recommended for cancellation.
• Study Session, January 1, 2024 - New Year’s Day observance
• Study Session, January 15, 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Study Session, February 19, 2024 – President’s Day
• Regular City Council Meeting, May 27, 2024 – Memorial Day
• Study Session, September 2, 2024 – Labor Day
• Regular City Council Meeting, November 11, 2024 – Veterans Day
Council may want to also consider the following City Council meetings that conflict with other meetings or community events:
• Regular City Council Meeting, March 11, 2024 – National League of Cities Conference
• Regular City Council Meeting, March 25, 2024 – Jeffco Schools spring break
• Regular City Council Meeting, December 23, 2024 – Christmas holiday
• (Amended) Regular City Council Meeting, December 24, 2024
Motion by CM Hoppe to approve Consent Agenda Item, 1 a.), with the addition of the
Regular City Council meeting on 12/23/2024 to the list of cancelled sessions due to the
Holiday Season; seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
2. Council Bill No. 29-2023 – An Ordinance approving the rezoning of properties
located at 3650 and 3660 Wadsworth Boulevard from Restricted-Commercial (R-
C) and Neighborhood-Commercial (N-C) to Mixed Use Neighborhood (MU-N).
CM Hoppe introduced Council Bill 29-2023.
Issue
Batt Cave LLC is requesting approval of a zone change from Restricted-Commercial (R-C) and Neighborhood-Commercial (N-C) to Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N) for the properties at 3650 and 3660 Wadsworth Boulevard. The zone change will result in one zoning across both parcels, will provide a continuation of the MU-N zoning from the
east, and reflects both the transitional nature of this location and the character of the Wadsworth Corridor.
The Mayor opened the public hearing, which is quasi-judicial.
City Attorney Dahl discussed CM Larsen’s previous handling of this item when he
served on the Planning Commission.
Motion by CM Hoppe to not excuse CM Larsen from voting on this item, seconded by CM Stites. After due discussion and deliberation, Council voted to allow CM Larson to participate in the discussion and vote on this item: Ayes were 6; CM Dozeman voted
Nay and CM Larson abstained by voting present.
The City Attorney then asked CM Larsen several questions relating to his impartiality, and thereafter declared he is satisfied CM Larsen is qualified and able to participate in this item.
Staff Presentation
Planner II Alayna Olivas-Loera gave a detailed presentation which included the background where the property is located on the east side of Wadsworth Boulevard between W. 38th Avenue and W. 36th Avenue. The property at 3660 Wadsworth Boulevard is zoned Neighborhood-Commercial (NC) and 3650 Wadsworth Boulevard is zoned Restricted-Commercial (RC). Properties to the north and east are zoned Mixed
Use-Neighborhood (MU-N), Residential-Three (R-3) to the south, and Mixed Use-
Commercial (MU-C) to the west. All neighboring properties are predominantly commercial in nature with some higher density residential to the south.
Ms. Olivas-Loera stated that the applicant is requesting a zone change to MU-N to allow for a wider range of uses and to align the properties’ zoning with the Envision Wheat
Ridge Comprehensive Plan (the “Comprehensive Plan”), the Wadsworth Corridor
Subarea Plan (the “Corridor Plan”), and other properties on the corridor.
Staff believes the zone change would bring the property into conformance with the adjacent mixed-use zoning. Although no development for the site is proposed at this time, a zone change to MU-N would provide consistent zoning across both parcels,
provide more consistent zoning in the area, allow a wider range of use options should it
redevelop in the future, and bring the site into conformance with the long-term goals for the corridor.
Afterwards she stood by to answer any questions.
Public Comment
There were none tonight.
Council Questions and comments:
CM had few comments, having recently reviewed the details of this item in a Study Session.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion by CM Hoppe to approve Council Bill 29-2023 – an ordinance approving the rezoning of properties located at 3650 and 3660 Wadsworth Boulevard from Restricted-Commercial (R-C) and Neighborhood-Commercial (N-C) to Mixed Use Neighborhood
(MU-N), on second reading, and that it takes effect 15 days after final publication,
seconded by CM Ohm, motion carried 8-0.
3. Council Bill No. 30-2023 – An Ordinance amending Section 2-33 of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws concerning Community Service Officer code enforcement
powers.
CM Snell introduced Council Bill 30-2023.
Issue
In an effort to bring greater compliance to the City’s licensing programs, a new compliance officer position is being created through a vacancy on the Community Services Officers (CSO) team. This position will focus on licensing compliance rather
than typical CSO duties. In order to meet the objective of ensuring compliance with
licensing programs, the City’s Code of Laws needs to be amended to expand the scope of City employees that are able to issue municipal court summons, including Chapter 11 licensing violations. Furthermore, the Code should also reflect that compliance officers shall be designated as peace officers akin to a CSO.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Staff Presentation
City Attorney Gerald Dahl gave a brief presentation on the facts of Hotel Licenses, Short Term Rentals among others.
Cole Has gave a brief presentation which included the background where in an effort to
bring greater compliance to these licensing programs and others, including home occupation business licenses, the City is centralizing responsibility under one CSO/Compliance Officer in the Finance Division. This employee will manage caseloads, akin to a CSO, but focus on licensing compliance rather than typical CSO duties. This
approach requires an update to the Code so that the employee has the appropriate
authority to do the work..
Afterwards he stood by to answer any questions.
Public Comment
There were none tonight.
Council Questions and comments:
CM had no comments, having recently reviewed the details of this item in a Study Session.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion by CM Snell to approve Council Bill 30-2023 – an ordinance amending Section 2-33 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning Community Service Officer code enforcement powers, on second reading, and that it takes effect 15 days after final
publication, seconded by CM Weaver, motion carried 8-0.
4. Council Bill No. 31-2023 – An Ordinance vacating any interest held by the City in
a portion of Clear Creek Drive, a public roadway.
CM Stites introduced Council Bill 31-2023.
Issue
Clear Creek Drive is currently under construction to extend the roadway approximately 500 feet to the northwest. As part of this extension, the existing cul-de-sac bulb was demolished and reconstructed. City staff has determined that the sidewalk easements at the previous cul-de-sac location are no longer necessary, and they will be vacated by
this ordinance.
The Mayor opened the public hearing, which is quasi-judicial.
Staff Presentation
Lauren Mikulak gave a brief presentation which included the background where Clear Creek Drive is currently being extended by the master developer to provide secondary
access to the Outlook II multi-unit development. As part of this extension, the existing cul-de-sac bulb will be demolished and reconstructed at the new terminus of the Clear Creek Drive approximately 500 ft to the northwest.
Due to the bulb out design of the previous cul-de-sac, a very small section of sidewalk extended beyond City ROW, therefore an easement was required to encompass the
sidewalk to allow for public access and future maintenance. With the relocation of the cul-de-sac, the sidewalk was straightened, and the previous sidewalk easement must now be vacated.
Disposal of property, including an easement serving as an extension of right-of-way, is completed by ordinance. Staff recommends approval of the ordinance so that the
easement can be vacated and the encumbrances on the private property owners can be removed.
Afterwards she stood by to answer any questions.
Public Comment
There were none tonight.
Council Questions and comments:
CM had few comments, having recently reviewed the details of this item in a Study Session.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion by CM Stites to approve Council Bill 31-2023 – an ordinance vacating any interest held by the City in a portion of Clear Creek Drive, a public roadway, on second reading, and that it takes effect immediately after final publication, seconded by CM
Hoppe, motion carried 8-0.
5. Council Bill No. 32-2023 – An Ordinance vacating any right-of-way interest held
by the City in a portion of Miller Court.
CM Dozeman introduced Council Bill 32-2023.
Issue
A portion of right-of-way near Miller Court and W 37th Place has been deemed to be unnecessary by the Community Development Department. This portion of right-of-way is not built or used as a roadway and is proposed to be vacated.
The Mayor opened the public hearing.
Staff Presentation
Lauren Mikulak gave a brief presentation which included the background where in 1984 , the City, in cooperation with the Mile High Flood District (MHFD), constructed flood mitigation improvements along Lena Gulch. After the completion of the improvements, Lena Gulch was narrowed, and Tract A was no longer needed. This parcel of land was
to be vacated by the City to the property owner of 10450 W 38th Avenue while reserving
an easement for maintenance access of the improvements in Lena Gulch. No documents have been found in either City, County, or the property owners records that indicate that the transfer was completed. This ordinance would complete the previously intended vacation.
This portion of the Miller Street ROW has been used by the property owners for
decades as a parking area for the business at 10450 W 38th Avenue. The City and MHFD’s contractors, acting on the City’s behalf, have used the southwest corner of the Miller Street ROW to access Lena Gulch, when necessary, to maintain the Gulch. This maintenance mostly consists of routine removal of vegetation and debris to ensure the
capacity of the Gulch to convey storm events, whereas staff recommends approval of
the ordinance.
Afterwards she stood by to answer any questions.
Public Comment
There were none tonight.
Council Questions and comments:
CM had no comments.
The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion by CM Dozeman to approve Council Bill 32-2023 – an ordinance a vacating any right-of-way interest held by the City in a portion of Miller Court, on second reading, and that it takes effect immediately, seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
6. Council Bill 33-2023 – An Ordinance amending Section 11-52.5 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning membership of the Wheat Ridge Liquor Licensing Authority.
CM Stites introduced Council Bill 33-2023
Issue
City Council amended the City’s Boards and Commissions Code to create new regulations pertaining to term limits, unexcused absences, automatic removal, approximately equal district representation of board members, and Council’s ability to remove members among other things. While certain provisions extend to the Liquor
Licensing Authority (LLA), amendments concerning term limits, district representation,
and Council’s removal authority do not apply to the LLA. This ordinance will amend the Code to extend these provisions of the Boards and Commissions Code amendments to the Liquor Licensing Authority.
Staff Presentation
There was none as this is a bill on first reading.
Public Comment
No one came forward as this item sets the date and time for the public hearing on this ordinance at the indicated date and time.
Motion by CM Stites to approve Council Bill 33-2023 – an ordinance amending Section 11-
52.5 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning membership of the Wheat Ridge Liquor
Licensing Authority, on first reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday,
January 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, and that it
takes effect 15 days after final publication, seconded by CM Hoppe, motion carried 8-0.
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
7. Motion to award a contract and approve subsequent payments to CZB LLC, in an
amount not to exceed $400,000 for professional services for the Comprehensive
Plan update.
CM Hultin introduced the Motion.
Issue
The city has determined that it is time to update the comprehensive plan. Funds were
previously budgeted for this update, and the city is seeking consultant services to
complete this plan update for a total cost not to exceed $400,000. On October 30, 2023,
the firm CZB was selected by the City’s established procurement process to perform the
required professional services for completion of the comprehensive plan update.
Staff Presentation
Ella Stevie, project manager, presented details to Council about getting involved and
how to get updates.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions and comments
CM Hultin questioned about a dedicated URL for the community engagement.
Motion by CM Hultin to award a contract and approve subsequent payments to CZB
LLC, in an amount not to exceed $400,000 for professional services for the
Comprehensive Plan update, seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0.
8. Motion to approve installation of Traffic Calming Devices on Estes Street, from
35th Avenue to 38th Avenue, and Lamar Street from 26th Avenue to 29th Avenue,
in accordance with the requirements of the Neighborhood Traffic Management
program.
CM Larson introduced the Motion.
Issue
In early 2023, the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) underwent
modifications aimed at streamlining processes, improving accessibility for residents,
setting eligibility requirements, and establishing a formal annual project timeline. Out of
the seven segments enrolled in the 2023 NTMP, four were deemed eligible for speed
humps based on program criteria. Of those, two segments—Estes Street and Lamar
Street—met the 50% resident approval requirement necessary for the NTMP. These
two projects will be constructed in 2024.
Staff Presentation
Lauren Mikulak and Project manager Jordan Jeffries gave brief presentations which included the budget items and background where the City of Wheat Ridge has long provided a Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) to address resident concerns about traffic, particularly speeding, on local and collector streets within
residential areas. In late 2022, the program was temporarily paused to enhance its effectiveness. The aim was to streamline procedures, define eligibility criteria, increase accessibility, and establish a clear annual schedule for project implementation.
Of the seven segments in the 2023 NTMP, only four were eligible for speed humps based on traffic data collected. However, only two segments met the 50% resident approval threshold required for traffic-calming installation. Those include:
1. Estes Street, from 35th Avenue to 38th Avenue.
2. Lamar Street, from 26th Avenue to 29th Avenue
Virtual neighborhood meetings were held for approved projects on Lamar Street and
Estes Street. These meetings, held on November 7th and November 9th respectively,
presented traffic data and speed hump layout plans to interested residents.
A two-week comment period followed the neighborhood meetings. City staff received
only one inquiry from a Lamar Street resident questioning a speed hump location; after
an explanation, no further concerns were raised.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions and comments
CM Hultin asked detailed questions about how this action will impact schools and parks,
which staff answered.
Motion by CM Larson to approve installation of Traffic Calming Devices on Estes
Street, from 35th Avenue to 38th Avenue, and Lamar Street from 26th Avenue to 29th
Avenue, in accordance with the requirements of the Neighborhood Traffic Management
program, seconded by CM Weaver, motion carried 8-0.
9. Resolution No. 55-2023 – a resolution approving a trail maintenance agreement
with Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, Inc. (SCL Health).
CM Weaver introduced Resolution 55-2023.
Issue
Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, Inc. (SCL Health) is constructing a
trail on the east side of the hospital at Clear Creek Crossing. This Agreement outlines
the responsibilities of the City of Wheat Ridge and SCL Health, as it pertains to trail
maintenance.
Staff Presentation
Director of Parks and Recreation Karen O’Donnell presented to council the background
where pursuant to the Clear Creek Crossing subdivision and Planned Mixed Use
Development zoning, a trail connection is required and planned for on the east side of
the hospital (13155 W. 40th Ave.). The subject Trail Maintenance Agreement between
SCL Health and the City was drafted by the City to identify short and long-term
obligations of the owner and City.
The trail connection is in CDOT right-of-way, is being constructed by SCL Health, and is
located within the City of Wheat Ridge, hence the need for an agreement. The trail is
now under construction by SCL Health. When SCL Health and Intermountain Health
merged in 2022, the property stayed in the name of SCL Health which is why SCL
Health is listed as the official party to the agreement.
Per the hospital’s recorded development agreement, this trail agreement is a
requirement that must be completed before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
Within the agreement, the Parks and Recreation Department agrees to provide routine
and preventative maintenance of the entire trail commencing on the date of completion
of the trail.
Routine and preventative maintenance includes:
• routine and preventive maintenance of stabilized crushed granite fines
• snowplowing, sweeping, and clearing.
• spraying for weeds twice annually
• maintenance of directional signs
SCL Health will be responsible for long-term repairs beyond routine and preventative
maintenance, and potential relocation of the trail should CDOT ever need this portion of
right-of-way. SCL Health has agreed to the terms of the Trail Maintenance Agreement.
Ms. O’Donnell then stood by to answer questions.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions and comments
CM Dozeman stated that the applicant is employed by the SCL Health group. Whereas
Mr. Dahl asked, and it was confirmed that no funds will go to her directly and she was
allowed to vote.
Motion by CM Weaver approving a trail maintenance agreement with Sisters of Charity
of Leavenworth Health System, Inc. (SCL Health), seconded by CM Hoppe, motion
carried 8-0.
10. Resolution No. 56-2023 – a resolution amending the 2023 Fiscal Year General
Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the
amount of $9,934 for the purpose of accepting donations to fund the Wish for
Wheels event.
CM Ohm introduced Resolution 56-2023.
Issue
The City partnered with the non-profit Wish for Wheels to facilitate a bike build at
Stevens Elementary for the entire 2nd grade class. To cover the cost of the event,
donations were made by The Architerra Group, ECI Construction Management, and
Lutheran Medical Center. This budget supplemental will allow the City to cover this
unbudgeted expense.
Staff Presentation
Director of Parks and Recreation Karen O’Donnell thanked council for their support.
Ms. O’Donnell then stood by to answer questions.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions and comments
There were none.
Motion by CM Ohm to approve Resolution No. 53-2023, a resolution amending the
2023 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget
appropriation in the amount of $9,934 for the purpose of accepting donations to fund the
Wish for Wheels event, seconded by CM Stites, motion carried 8-0.
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
Ms. Mikulak alerted every one of the last meetings of the year and updates about the
winter weather will be given to the first speaker tonight.
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
Nothing tonight
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
CM wished all a healthy, happy and peaceful Holiday Season.
CM Dozeman reminded us of all that as we shop for Holiday gifts and stocking stuffers
that there are many local businesses that make it easy to select a variety of gifts; so, if
you can find it in Wheat Ridge, please, buy it in WR, including the Four Seasons
Farmers’ Market.
CM Snell reported that the Senior Resource Center has acquired an electric Tri-Shaw, a
cycle with a seat located in front of the cycle. The cycle will provide rides for seniors to
the Center as well as trips around the area so that seniors can enjoy their neighbor-
hoods and get some fresh air and (usually) sunshine. There is an open house on
Thursday, December 14.
CM Hultin reported on extensive goat herd shenanigans at Happiness Gardens as the
herd feasts on the end of season plants. She also commented on the resident’s
concerns about speeding along 32nd Ave expressed this evening during the Public’s
Right to Speak. She opined that along 32nd Avenue from Wadsworth to Sheridan the
thoroughfare is wide and that there are very few lights or other reasons to slow or stop.
She asked that staff report to Council on ways the City can better manage traffic flow,
especially speeding.
CM Larson expressed his strongly positive impressions from the Proclamations and
Ceremonies this evening. He was reminded why Wheat Ridge is such a great place to
live.
CM Ohm attended the ribbon cutting for the new playground at Anderson Park. The
weather was hardly conducive to using the playground; there was snow on the new
equipment and the windchill was uncomfortable.
CM Weaver thanked District II and CM Hultin for welcoming Willie Nelson and his goat
herd to Happiness Gardens. The goats will return to Five Fridges Farm soon. And
remember, when Council returns in January it will be Stock Show season, and she
invited everyone to attend, especially those who have never attended.
CM Hoppe opined that our Wheat Ridge High School athletes demonstrate their
commitment to academic and athletic excellence again, and again and again. We have
so many student athletes who win competitions at the district, county and even state
levels while performing well academically. The teams we recognized tonight are shining
examples.
MPT Stites echoed CM Hoppe’s comments as a former Farmer and alumnus. He
thanked our seven new officers who Council met tonight. He also recognized the
graduates of WR 102 for their commitment to the City and their work for others. He also
noted that his son Brandon was the first kiddo to enjoy the new Anderson Park
playground at the recent ribbon cutting. If you can find it in Wheat Ridge, buy it here.
Mayor Starker thanked those who received proclamations tonight including the teams
from WRHS and out new police officers. He had a great conversation at the last coffee
with the mayor. He echoed resident’s concerns about speeding along 32nd Avenue.
Drive carefully everywhere in WR! There is a meeting Wed. December 13 to discuss
city-wide refuse removal. He thanked Parks and Rec Director O’Donnell and her staff
for their excellent work on the Anderson Park Playground.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON January 8, 2024
__
_______________________________
Steve Kirkpatrick, City Clerk
_________________________________
Korey Stites, 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.