HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-2024 - City Council Meeting MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
June 10, 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. Before calling the meeting
to order, Mayor Starker stated the rules and procedures necessitated by this meeting format.
1. Call to Order Mayor Starker called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance Those present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3. Roll Call
Council Members present: Jenny Snell, Scott Ohm, Amanda Weaver, Korey Stites, and Dan Larson, Council Member Leah Dozeman joined virtually on zoom. Absent: Rachel Hultin, Janeece Hoppe.
A quorum was established. Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff; Deputy City Manager Allison Scheck; City Attorney Gerald Dahl; Director of Public Works Maria D’Andrea; Sr. Deputy City Clerk Margy Greer; Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak; Director of Parks
and Recreation Karen O’Donnell, Police Division Chief Jim Lorentz, other staff, guests and interested members of the public. 4. Approval of Minutes Study Session Notes of May 5, 2024
Without objection or correction, the minutes were approved as presented. 5. Approval of Agenda Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced.
6. Proclamation – LGBTQI+ Pride Month - Mayor Starker proclaimed the month
of June 2024 “LGBTQI+ Pride Month” and asked that all honor the resilience of the
LGBTQI+ people who are fighting to live authentically and freely, and to reaffirm the
belief that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights, and we recommit to delivering protections,
safety, and equality to LGBTQI+ families so that everyone can realize the full promise of
America. The Mayor presented the written proclamation to Council Member Jenny
Snell.
7. Proclamation – Wheat Ridge Safety Month - Mayor Starker proclaimed the Month of June 2024, as “Wheat Ridge Safety Month” and urged all community members to establish and maintain safe practices in their homes, workplaces, and communities. The Mayor presented the written proclamation to the Wheat Ridge Safety Committee.
8. Proclamation – Juneteenth - Mayor Starker proclaimed June 19, 2024, as “Juneteenth”” in the City of Wheat Ridge, and called upon the people of Wheat Ridge to acknowledge and condemn the history of slavery in our Nation and recognize how the impact of America’s original sin remains and called on every person to celebrate
Juneteenth and recommit to working together to eradicate systemic racism and inequity in our society wherever they find it. 9. Public’s Right to Speak
Kathleen Martell – a member of the Cultural Commission and the Land
Acknowledgement Committee – spoke about the various activities that took place the
weekend of June 7-9 such as Edgewater Pride, as part of the Jolly Ranchers and the
Wheat Ridge for Equity. Panorama Park Sustainable Neighborhoods also had a ribbon
cutting for a Xeric Native Garden. She also was a part of the All-American City when
Wheat Ridge won the Lifetime designation. She expressed how excited she was to be
able to take part in these activities and was proud of all the good work happening in the
community.
Wheat Ridge Speaks:
No comments from Wheat Ridge Speaks or via Zoom.
10. Consent Agenda
Council Member Ohm introduced the consent agenda reading each Item and Issue
Statement into the Record:
a. Resolution 27-2024 – a resolution approving a first amendment to an
Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the Jefferson County Regional
Crime Laboratory.
Issue
On May 14, 2013, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) was reached between the
County of Jefferson, the City of Arvada, the City of Lakewood, and the City of Wheat
Ridge establishing the Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory (JCRCL) to
regionalize forensic crime laboratory services. An amendment to that IGA expresses the
desire of the participating parties to create a separate fund for planning for future year
capital expenses.
b. Resolution 28-2024 – a resolution amending the 2024 Fiscal Year General
Fund Budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in
the amount of $23,046 for the purpose of accepting grant funds from the
Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
Issue
The City was awarded $23,046 in federal funding through the State of Colorado
Department of Early Childhood’s Child Care Stabilization and Capacity Building grant
programs for the Sun Camp and Licensed Preschool childcare programs. A resolution
approving a supplemental budget appropriation is required to accept and appropriate
this additional grant funding.
c. Motion to award the Recreation Center carpet replacement project to Tarkett
USA, Inc., and approve subsequent payments in the amount of $99,561 with
a contingency amount of $9,959 for a total not to exceed amount of $109,520
Issue
Most of the modular tile carpeting at the Recreation Center was replaced in 2012. The
industry standard for commercial grade carpet replacement is every 10-15 years to
maintain aesthetics and reduce health/allergen impacts. This is also one of the final
components of the Facility Redesign Project for the Recreation Center.
Staff recommends awarding this project to Tarkett USA, Inc. in the amount of $99,561
with a staff-managed 10% contingency of $9,959 for a total not-to-exceed contract
amount of $109,520.
Council Member Ohm made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1a through
1c, inclusive. It was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 6-0. The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
11. Council Bill No. 08-2024 – an ordinance approving the rezoning of property
located at 10840 W. 41st Place from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-One (R-1B)
This Council Bill was introduced into the Record by Council Member Weaver.
Issue The owner of the property at 10840 W. 41st Place is requesting approval of a zone
change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-One B (R-1B). The zone change will
result in a zoning that encourages investment in the site and will enable the land use to
become more conforming with the zoning.
The Mayor opened the public hearing, which was a quasi-judicial matter.
Staff Presentation Alayna Olivas-Loera, Planner in the Community Development department, gave a brief presentation which included the background, public notice requirements met, and property current and future use descriptions. Olivas-Loera referenced the detailed Planning Commission staff report, and both Planning Commission and Staff
recommendation for approval. Public Comment None.
Council Comments Council Member Weaver thanked staff, stated it was close to her house and said it was a great way to bring a property into conformance. Council Member Larson commented this was an open and shut case, and if there was ever a candidate for a proper rezoning, this would be it. Confirmed his support of the item.
Council Member Weaver made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 08-2024, an
ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 10840 W. 41st Place from
Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-One (R-1B), on second reading, order it published,
and that it takes effect fifteen (15) days after final publication. It was seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 6-0. The motion carried.
12. Council Bill No. 09-2024 – an ordinance approving the rezoning of property
located at Parcel ID 39-193-01-010 from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Industrial-
Employment (I-E).
This Council Bill was introduced into the Record by Council Member Dozeman.
Issue The subject property is an isolated parcel at the far northwest corner of the City near
44th Avenue and Holman Street. Cogent Companies is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Industrial Employment (I-E) to allow the site to be utilized for outdoor storage. The zone change will result in a zoning designation that would allow for use of the property unless and until it is developed as right-of-way.
The Mayor opened the public hearing, which was a quasi-judicial matter. Staff Presentation Alayna Olivas-Loera, Planner in the Community Development department, gave a brief presentation which included the background, public notice requirements met, and
property current and future use descriptions. Olivas-Loera referenced the detailed
Planning Commission staff report, and both Planning Commission and Staff recommendation for approval.
Public Comment None. Council Questions and Comments None.
Council Member Dozeman made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 09-2024, an
ordinance approving the rezoning of Parcel ID 39-193-01-010 from Agricultural-One (A-
1) to Industrial-Employment (I-E), on second reading, order it published, and that it
takes effect fifteen (15) days after final publication. It was seconded by Council Member
Ohm. Vote: 6-0. The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING 13. Council Bill No. 10-2024, an ordinance appointing Jonathan Lucero as presiding Municipal Court Judge and approving a Municipal Judge services agreement
This Council Bill was introduced into the Record by Mayor Pro Tem Stites.
Issue
The City’s Home Rule Charter provides for appointment of the municipal court judge for
a term of two years. Judge Randall has resigned from this position, and the City Council
wishes to fill this position by appointing Jonathan Lucero as new Presiding Municipal
Court Judge.
Mayor Pro Tem Stites made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 10-2024, an ordinance
appointing Jonathan Lucero as presiding Municipal Court Judge and approving a
Municipal Judge Services agreement, on first reading, order it published by title and in
full on the City’s website as provided by the Home Rule Charter, public hearing set for
Monday, June 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers,
and that it take effect 15 days after final publication. It was seconded Council Member
Dozeman. Vote: 6-0. The motion carried.
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
14. Resolution No. 29-2024 – a resolution approving the adoption of a land
acknowledgement statement for the City of Wheat Ridge.
This Council Bill was introduced into the Record by Council Member Snell.
Issue
The Wheat Ridge Land Acknowledgement Committee has dedicated the past two years
to extensive research and collaboration with various Tribal leaders. As a result, they
have thoughtfully crafted a land acknowledgement statement for the City of Wheat
Ridge. This resolution supports the formal adoption of this statement.
Staff Presentation
Director of Parks and Recreation, Karen O’Donnell – explained that the Land Acknowledgement Committee was formed in early 2022. The committee did extensive research, contacted Tribal leaders, and collaborated with Indigenous consultants to thoughtfully craft a land acknowledgement statement for the City of Wheat Ridge. In
addition to the plan, the committee created an action plan to continue moving forward with the committee’s work. Decisions to include this work in the IDEA Committee moving forward was made during this process, as several members of the Land Acknowledgement committee serve on other Boards and Commissions already. Director O’Donnell asked Council to approve the resolution accepting the Land
Acknowledgement statement, support the future direction of the work, and asked for consideration of how Council would like to utilize the statement moving forward. Public Comment
None.
Council Comments
Council Member Larson recognized the hard work and perseverance of the process, and creation of the document. Questioned if there was a fiscal responsibility for the City. Director O’Donnell confirmed there is no obligation required. Council Member Weaver thanked staff for the hard work on this item. Also stated she would like to be
able to print the statement, and asked that it go on the website, and said it would be a nice thing on the farm or any business or person, to be able to hang this statement in their home. Council Member Snell acknowledged the committee and the work and time put into the item. It was a long process, and it is the right thing to do, an uneasy path, but right thing to do. In awe of all the folks involved in this project, as they are also
involved in other things in the city, and appreciated their work and grateful for the statement, and said she was glad to be a part of it. Council Member Ohm thanked the committee, staff, and Director O’Donnell. Said he would be supportive of signage in areas around Clear Creek, beyond having the statement read, to identify that the area where signs are placed had indigenous peoples on them. Stated it gives more
awareness to the cultural identity. Council Member Snell made a motion to approve Resolution 29-2024 – a resolution
approving the adoption of a land acknowledgement statement for the City of Wheat
Ridge, seconded by Council Member Ohm. Vote: 6-0. The motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
No report.
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
No report.
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
Council Member Snell – said thank you for the proclamations and the land
acknowledgement statement. Acknowledged colleagues with the Edgewater Pride
group. A group that has grown and is discussing a west side event, so those on the
west side of Denver can participate in Pride. Shared excitement around the All-
American City event, a moving and important event, where we received a lifetime
achievement award.
Council Member Larson – would like to remind everyone that the ballots have gone out
and asked everyone to vote, congratulated those who have already done so.
Council Member Ohm -. talked about a great experience at Little Brazil. Took his family
for his daughters’ graduation. They had live music, fees it is important to the community
and asked that we support the business.
Mayor Pro Tem Stites – wanted to acknowledge all of the great things going on in
Wheat Ridge. Stated the City has changed a little bit considering the history and
incorporation of the City, changes are great, and thanked everyone including citizens
that have had a hand in those changes. Also thanked the Sustainable Applewood
group that put on the garage sale last weekend, he was able to get rid of a lot of things.
Appreciate all those who came out and purchased items. Also said Little Brazil was
fantastic and mentioned that Colorado Plus started construction. Stated all restaurants
on 38th support each other and asked the community to support the businesses on 38th
as well.
Mayor Starker - thanked everyone for coming to Coffee with the Mayor, had a robust
group, and a great discussion, will meet again next month. Was honored to be a part of
the group that went to the All-American City and participated in Wheat Ridge getting an
award. We as a city have great things happening here and great people working on
them. Ives ribbon cutting is coming up on Friday, want to welcome them. Want to
thank the Sustainable Neighborhoods group, who came and built a xeriscape garden.
Mentioned the Study Session coming up next week, and asked citizens to drive safely in
the community.
ADJOURNED
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.
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Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk
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Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem