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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2024 City Council Meeting MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING  February 12, 2024  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 6:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Jenny Snell Scott Ohm         Rachel Hultin        Janeece Hoppe Amanda Weaver     Korey Stites       Leah Dozeman(virtual) Dan Larson Also present: City Manager, Patrick Goff; Deputy City Manager, Allison Scheck; City Attorney Gerald Dahl; City Clerk, Steve Kirkpatrick; P Director of Community Development, Lauren Mikulak, other staff, guests and interested citizens.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Special Study Session Notes of January 22, 2024 • City Council Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2024 The above Notes and Minutes were approved without changes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced. PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES Master Municipal Clerk Presentation – Deputy City Clerk Robin Eaton Mayor Starker recognized the recent certification of Master Municipal Clerk to the Deputy City Clerk Robin Eaton. Deputy Clerk Eaton accepted it, along with his wife Maggie, and wanted to thank her and the City of Wheat Ridge for allowing him the chance to receive certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK Jeremy Laufer – President of LocalWorks – stated LocalWorks’ 2023 Annual Report was available. The report includes their 2023 accomplishments and the goals for the next three years. He stated their purpose, their goals, and encouraged people to go online and get a copy of their report. Kelly Blynn - Resident – stated the City has done great with the Equity Task Force and wants the City to demonstrate its values by opening the neighborhoods, do what is within the City’s capacity and be leaders by becoming a welcoming and open community. She also spoke to the issue with snow removal, reminding people of pedestrian and bicycle safety during snow days. Dominic Ricco – Resident – stated that none of the people who came to Council and spoke hatefully were residents of Wheat Ridge. He stated there is a group of people on the website encouraging others to go to meetings and cause division. He also spoke to new technology with surveillance and neurological capabilities that Council should be aware of. He stated that Council needs to be aware of the higher forms of government are doing. 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 and read the items into the Record: a. Motion to approve the purchase of salt materials for snow and ice control on city streets from Independent Salt Company in a total amount not to exceed $140,200. Issue The city purchases and applies deicer materials each year as part of its snow and ice control efforts. The city has participated in a cooperative bidding process through the Colorado Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO) to obtain the best pricing. The city will utilize a City of Fort Collins contract with Independent Salt Company to purchase materials for 2024 in an amount not to exceed $140,200. b. Motion encumbering funds in the amount of $136,500 for bulk fuel purchase and delivery from Senergy Petroleum in 2024. Issue The city provides on-site fuel tanks at the Public Works Shop to allow for fueling of city vehicles. Purchase and delivery of fuel is provided on a periodic basis from Senergy Petroleum of Arvada, Colorado. Senergy was selected as the preferred vendor based on a procurement process through the Colorado Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO) in 2022. This action will encumber funds in the amount of $136,500 for fuel purchases, including delivery to the Shop, in 2024. c. Motion encumbering funds in the amount of $180,000 for utilization of the WEX fuel card system in 2024. Issue In 2023 the city entered into an agreement with WEX Bank to provide fuel cards for each city vehicle which can then be used at any participating gas station in their network. WEX tracks the expenses and provides one invoice to the city monthly for all fuel purchases. The program is currently being utilized by the Police Department but is anticipated to be expanded to all city departments for unleaded fuel only, later this year. This action will encumber funds in the amount of $180,000 for all WEX purchases in 2024. d. Motion to award a custodial services contract and approve subsequent payments in an amount not to exceed $419,350 to S&B Confluence d/b/a Jani- King of Colorado and approve a contingency in the amount of $10,000 for unforeseen custodial expenses. Issue The City’s various facilities require consistent custodial service. Ensuring clean and hygienic public and workspaces is fundamental to the safe operation of the city organization and community services. Staff is recommending approval of a contract to S&B Confluence d/b/a Jani-King of Colorado in the amount of $419,350 plus a contingency for unforeseen items of $10,000 for the 2024 calendar year. e. Motion to approve the purchase and payment of two Ford Expedition SSV Police Patrol vehicles in a total amount not to exceed $113,140. Issue Each year, the city identifies a proposed list of vehicle replacements within the city fleet. In 2024, two of the Police Department’s Patrol vehicles are scheduled for replacement. Staff recommends the purchase of two 2024 Ford Expedition SSV Police Patrol vehicles under The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) Price Agreement at a total cost of $113,140. f. Motion to cancel the March 11, 2024 City Council Meeting. Issue The City Council Meeting of March 11, 2024, currently does not have any scheduled agenda items. Due to three members of the City Council as well as the City Manager attending the NLC Conference, and one additional councilmember absent that evening, and seeing there are no items currently scheduled for this date it is recommended that City Council cancel this meeting. CM Hoppe made a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items a.), b.), c.), d.), e), and f.) It was seconded by CM Hultin. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING 2. Council Bill No. 01-2024 – an ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 10390 W. 38th Avenue from Commercial-One to Mixed Use- Neighborhood (MU-N). CM Weaver introduced Council Bill 01-2024 and read the Issue into the Record:. Issue The owner of the property at 10390 W. 38th Avenue is requesting approval of a zone change from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N). The zone change will result in a zoning designation that would allow for the redevelopment and revitalization of the property. The Mayor opened the public hearing, which is quasi-judicial. Staff Presentation Planner II Alayna Olivas-Loera gave a brief PowerPoint presentation which included the background, current zoning, and the proposed zoning, where the applicant is requesting a zone change to MU-N to allow for the development of townhomes on the property and to align the property’s zoning with the Envision Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan. Saff recommended approval of the request. She entered all required documents into the Record. Afterwards she stood by to answer any questions. Public Comment Patrick Berrend – Applicant for the project - made himself available to answer questions. Tom Jersey – Resident – stated he believes it is a poor choice for the neighborhood. Single-family is the neighborhood on all sides and this doesn’t fit. He disagrees with staff that this is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. He stated it would cause more parking issues, isn’t right for the area, and prices are not compatible with the area. Council Questions and comments: CM had few comments, having recently reviewed the details of this item in a Study Session. CM Weaver asked about the drainage issue regarding Lena Gulch. Staff stated that the developer of the rezoned property will be responsible for detaining the run-off from their property. The Mayor closed the public hearing. CM Weaver made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 01-2024, an ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 10390 W. 38th Avenue from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N) on second reading, order it published, and that it takes effect 15 days after final publication. It was seconded by CM Hoppe, CM Stites stated that he appreciated the residents coming forward with comments. He stated he believes the zoning makes sense for the neighborhood. CM Weaver stated this she appreciates wanting to keeping it single family homes, but she believes having a house front 38th Avenue makes it nearly impossible. She believes this is a good development and use for the property. CM Ohm believes it’s a nice location for pedestrian traffic to local shops as well as being near major arterials for vehicle travel. CM Holtin spoke in support of the mixed-use neighborhood. It is consistent with the development on the corridor. She stated that there is a larger town home development in her neighborhood and there is little to no parking spillover from the development onto side streets. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried. 3. Council Bill No. 02-2024 – an ordinance vacating any interest held by the City in a portion of west 46th Avenue between Everett and Estes Streets. CMP Larson introduced Council Bill 02-2024 and read the Issue statement into the Record. Issue The City of Wheat Ridge holds rights-of-way (ROW) in trust for the public. A portion of right- of-way along the south side of W 46th Ave, located between Everett St and Estes St, has been deemed to be unnecessary by the Community Development Department. The Mayor opened the public hearing, which is not quasi-judicial. Staff Presentation Community Development Director Lauren Mikulak spoke to the the issue, reporting where the subject property includes a portion of W 46th Avenue adjacent to private property at 8766 W 46th Avenue. The original plat from 1955 – Clearvale Subdivision dedicated Tracts A and B to Jefferson County prior to the incorporation of the City. It is staff’s belief that the original intent of Tracts A and B were reserved in case a cul-de-sac was needed if W 46th Avenue ended at that location. Since W 46th Avenue is currently a thorough street, staff has determined that the City does not need Tracts A and B for use as ROW. Afterwards she stood by to answer any questions. Public Comment There were none tonight. Council Questions and comments: None. The Mayor closed the public hearing. CM Larson made a motion to approve Council Bill 02-2024 – an ordinance vacating any interest held by the City in a portion of W 46th Avenue, on second reading, order it published, and that it takes effect immediately. It was seconded by CM. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING 4. Council Bill No. 03-2024 – an ordinance amending Articles V and XI of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning bicycle parking and storage requirements, and making conforming amendments therewith. CM Hultin introduced Council Bill 03-2024 and read the Issue statement into the Record. Issue The proposed ordinance creates long-term bicycle storage requirements for large multi-unit residential developments, updates and clarifies vehicle parking reduction allowances when additional bicycle parking is required and decouples bicycle parking requirements from vehicle parking requirements. 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. CM Hultin made a motion to approve Council Bill 03-2024 – an ordinance amending Articles V and XI of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning bicycle parking and storage requirements, and making conforming amendments therewith, on first reading, order it published, the public hearing set for Monday, February 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, and that it take effect on March 1, 2024, seconded by CM Stites. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried. 5. Council Bill No. 04-2024 – an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking and Charging requirements and making conforming amendments therewith. CM Ohm introduced Council Bill 04-2024 and read the Issue statement into the Record. Issue The proposed ordinance creates regulations for electric vehicle (EV) parking and charging facilities within the zoning code, defines terms related to EVs, allows for EV charging facilities of various types throughout the City, and establishes minimum EV parking space requirements. 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. CM Ohm made a motion to approve Council Bill 04-2024 – an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning electric vehicle (EV) charging and parking requirements, and making conforming amendments therewith, on first reading, order it published, the public hearing set for Monday, February 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, and that it take effect on March 1, 2024, seconded by CM Holtin. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried. DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS 6. Resolution No. 06-2024 – a resolution in support of Democracy. CM Snell introduced Resolution 06-2024 and read the Issue statement into the Record. Issue This resolution declares the Council’s unwavering commitment to supporting democracy. The resolution affirms, emphasizes, and actively promotes democratic values and principles within the City of Wheat Ridge, encouraging widespread participation in fostering an inclusive and accountable governing structure. Public Comment Peggy Naomi Warhwadi spoke in favor of the resolution and supported it whole- heartedly. Council Questions and comments There were none on this item. CM Snell made a motion to approve Resolution No. 06-2024- A Resolution in Support of Democracy. It was seconded by CM Holtin. CM Snell thanked the speaker for her words and then read the Resolution in its entirety. CM Weaver thanked the speaker for sharing her experience with Council. CM Larsen stated it was one of the best written documents and believes in the participatory government. Mayor Starker stated that real task in our democracy is to get everyone to participate. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried. 7. Motion approving the revised Council Rules of Order and Procedure dated February 12, 2024 MPT Stites introduced the Motion and read the Issue statement into the Record. Issue The Charter of the City of Wheat Ridge provides that the Council may determine its own rules of procedure for meetings. Section B of Suspension and Amendment of these Rules states “These Rules may be amended, or new Rules adopted by a majority vote of City Council Members present at a Regular or Special Meeting, provided that the proposed amendments or new Rules shall have been submitted in writing to City Council at a preceding meeting or a Study Session. Any City Council Member, or the Mayor, may initiate an amendment of these Rules in the manner provided for initiation of Agenda Items by Rule V.D. These Rules shall be reviewed and revised by the City Council as needed and as provided for herein.” Staff Presentation City Manager Patrick Goff reviewed the changes as requested by Council at the January 22nd Study Session Public Comment No one came forward to speak. Council Questions and comments CM Dozeman asked for clarification Mayor Pro Tem scheduling special council meetings or study session at same time as regular meetings. This was so that meetings would be held at reasonable times. CM Holtin stated that it was her proposal to have the Mayor Pro Tem election changed from November to January in order to give new council members voted into office in November a chance to become better acquainted with the members and have a chance to acquaint themselves with the process. Mayor Starker asked what “adjourned meeting” means and why it is in the Rules. City Attorney Dahl stated that the terminology is archaic and it can be removed from the Rules. Mayor Starker stated that under the section, Public’s Right to Speak – Agenda Items and Non-Agenda Items should both reflect 6 minutes if a translation is required. Mayor Starker in the section regarding Written Comments coming to Council doesn’t allow the Author of the comments to come to Council and read their comments themself. A change should be made allowing for the author to speak. Mayor Starker – asked if the requirement for the city attorney to attend all meetings and includes study sessions. City Attorney Dahl stated it does say “meetings,” which would not include study sessions. MPT Stites made a motion to move under Rule 7A to suspend the rules of council and to further amend the motion to delete all references to “adjourned meetings and further to 1) delete all references to “adjourned meetings,” 2) create a new subsection to reflect 3a and 3b mirroring 2a and 2b regarding allowing 6 minutes for those requiring a translator, and 3) edit the section to allow the author of a written public comment to present it themself. It was seconded by CM Poppe. Vote:8-0. The motion carried. CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS City Manager Patrick Goff stated he had a good meeting with Intermountain Health and their 6-month countdown for when the hospital opens. They are excited about the move, preparing community events, and a ribbon cutting ceremony. He stated he would keep Council inforrmed. CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS None. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS City Clerk Steve Kirkpatrick spoke to the dates on the election calendar surrounding the primary election. He also stated that the new Sr. Deputy City Clerk Margy Greer will be clerking some of the upcoming Council Meetings and he will be clerking some of them – a schedule had not been set yet. CM Dozeman thanked the speaker regarding the Resolution for Democracy. CM Snell stated she met with the Transportation Advisory Team and was so impressed by the way that residents, elected officials and staff communicated and worked together discussing solutions for pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic. CM Hultin thanked the speaker who came to the podium and spoke about the Resolution for Democracy. She stated she also attended the Advisory Transportation Team meeting and it reminded her of how special Wheat Ridge is, working together with staff, residents, elected officials and bike advocates. She also stated she was elected to NLC’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee explaining they develop policy platforms and one of the topics this year is train derailments. CM Larson recognized long time Wheat Ridge business owner Jack Padilla, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer and is currently in hospice care. He was born in 1936 in what would eventually become Wheat Ridge and ran a greenhouse business at Garrison and 46th Place on the Frontage Road for three decades. The greenhouse produced carnations and was instrumental in the naming of Wheat Ridge as a carnation city. CM Ohm thanked staff for being so supportive and helping Council make things better for Wheat Ridge. He also asked if there could be a study session to look at changing the current Code to include townhomes as part of the Cap for short term rentals. CM Weaver stated she’s very excited about the zoning changes on 38th Avenue that were voted on tonight. It will help create a cohesive corridor for transportation. CM Hoppe – No report. MPT Stites thanked those who came to the podium, stating there is a plaque outside City Hall that states you get the form of government you show up for. He also reminded everyone that Valentine’s Day is around the corner and be sure to make your Valentine purchases in Wheat Ridge or take your Valentine to dine in Wheat Ridge. MPT Stites stated he’s excited to see the new things happening at Everett. Mayor Starker stated he’s excited about the citizens and the great work being done around bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Wheat Ridge. He stated he attends a lot of meetings with other Mayors and Wheat Ridge is doing things right. He stated it was great to meet the folks at Intermountain Health and is looking forward to next steps. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm. APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 25, 2024. _________________________________ Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk _________________________________ Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem