HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-2024 - City Council Meeting MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
June 24, 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: Scott Ohm, Amanda Weaver, Korey Stites, and Dan Larson, Leah Dozeman, Rachel Hultin, Janeece Hoppe, and Council Member Jenny Snell joined virtually on zoom. A quorum was established.
Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff; Attorney Gerald Dahl; Director of Public Works Maria D’Andrea; Executive Assistant Rhi Curry; Police Chief Chris Murtha, Assistant City Manager Marianne Schilling, participants of the NCL All American City presentation, other staff, guests and interested members of the public.
4. Approval of Minutes City Council Meeting Minutes, May 13, 2024 Special Study Session Notes, May 13, 2024 Study Session Notes, May 20, 2024
Special Meeting Minutes, May 20, 2024 Study Session Notes June 3, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 Study Session Notes, June 17, 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. Presentation – Chief Murtha – Introduction of New Police Recruits – Chief
Murtha gave a brief introduction to Mayor and Council of the five new police recruits to
the City of Wheat Ridge, each got up and spoke about their background and why they
wanted to be a part of the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department Family. The recruits
are as follows – Tristin Siemek, Tristan Alago-Gomez, Hannah Bouley, Daniel Meunier,
Jeffrey Kozeluh.
7. Presentation – Wheat Ridge receives the National Civic League American City Hall of Fame award – NCL President Doug Linhart presented the National Civic League American City Hall of Fame award to the Wheat Ridge presentation team as well as to Mayor Starker. Gave a brief background of the NCL stating they are
headquartered in Denver for the last 40 years after moving here from New York City.
Every year 20 finalists present to a Jury, and the Jury decides from those 20 finalists who will win the All-American City Award. Wheat Ridge won this award in 2021 during Covid for the Let’s Talk program. President Linhart congratulated Wheat Ridge on its dedication and change effort through multiple programs to work with its citizens to
initiate real change and representing a City and Community that work well together.
8. Public’s Right to Speak
None
Wheat Ridge Speaks:
No comments from Wheat Ridge Speaks or via Zoom.
9. Consent Agenda
Council Member Hoppe introduced the consent agenda reading each Item and Issue
Statement into the Record:
a. Resolution 30-2024 – a resolution amending the 2024 Conservation Trust
Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in
the amount of $114, 239 for the purpose of funding repairs to the Anderson
Pool
Issue
The leisure pool at Anderson Park encountered numerous pipe leaks that required
immediate repair to safeguard the facility's integrity and allow for continued outdoor
aquatics in the Wheat Ridge community. This project was budgeted and approved by
Council in December of 2023 and completed in May of 2024, but the funds were
mistakenly not carried over to the 2024 Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) budget.
b. Motion to cancel the July 1, 2024, City Council Meeting
Issue
The City Council Meeting of July 1, 2024, currently does not have any scheduled
agenda items. Due to the Independence Day Holiday and several Council and staff
members being on holiday and seeing there are no items currently scheduled for this
date it is recommended that City Council cancel this meeting.
c. Motion to approve the appointment of Meggen Rumley to the Cultural
Commission
Issue
As of May 8, 2024, the Cultural Commission has one vacancy in District II. This position
was advertised for a total of two weeks. The application received from Meggen Rumley
was reviewed and distributed to Council District II representatives to review for possible
appointment.
Council Member Hoppe made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1a through
1c, inclusive. It was seconded by Council Member Weaver. Vote: 8-0. The motion
carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
10. 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 Korey 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 the new Presiding Municipal
Court Judge.
The Mayor opened the public hearing, which was not a quasi-judicial matter. Staff Presentation
None
Public Comment Judge Lucero was in the audience and took the opportunity to thank the Mayor and Council for the opportunity and the trust they have placed in him, and expressed
humbleness to be there, and explained he was looking forward to safeguarding the laws
and serving the people of Wheat Ridge. Council Comments Council Member Hultin expressed excitement to be voting to bring on the new judge.
She apologized, she was unable to attend the Study Session when Lucero interviewed
before Council, but she watched the Video. Council Member Hultin stated she appreciated the process, the inclusivity of staff, community, and council and the diversity of the panel, and feels good about this decision.
Mayor Pro Tem Stites welcomed Judge Lucero to Wheat Ridge and thanked him for a great interview process, telling him what a great job he did. Mayor Pro Tem Stites went on to thank all that were a part of the process, and thanked Judge Basso for his time
with Wheat Ridge and stated he was glad Basso would continue as a backup judge with
Wheat Ridge. Council Member Dozeman stated she was honored to be a part of the process, and is grateful to welcome Judge Lucero, and believes he will do a great job ushering Wheat
Ridge into its “Next Chapter”.
Council Member Hoppe said she looked forward to Judge Lucero’s service and believes him being bi-lingual is an added service to the City. Council Member Hoppe told Judge Lucero she looked forward to working with him.
Council Member Snell thanked staff for the process, stating she understands a lot of time goes into this type of process, especially for a position of this caliber, expressed Judge Lucero’s appointment is a good addition to the city, and she is happy to have him here.
Mayor Starker welcomed Lucero to the bench and thanked Judge Basso for his service to the city, stating he had been a great judge in our chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Stities 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. It was seconded by Council Member
Hoppe. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING 11. Council Bill No. 11-2024, an ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 11910 W. 52nd Avenue from Industrial-Employment (I-E) to Mixed-Use Commercial TOD (MU-C TOD)
This Council Bill was introduced into the Record by Council Member Larson.
Issue
Confluent Development, LLC is requesting approval of a zone change from Industrial-
Employment (I-E) to Mixed Use-Commercial TOD (MU-C TOD) at property located at
11910 W. 52nd Avenue. The purpose of the rezoning request is to allow for the mix of
land uses, densities, and urban form as contemplated in the Northwest Subarea Plan.
Council Member Larson made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 11-2024, an ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 11910 W. 52nd Avenue from Industrial-Employment (I-E) to Mixed-Use Commercial TOD (MU-C TOD), 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, July 22, 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: 8-0. The motion carried.
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
12. Resolution No. 31-2024 – a resolution approving a Tax Increment Revenue
Agreement between the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal
Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge pertaining to the Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan.
This Resolution was introduced into the Record by Council Member Dozeman.
Issue
The Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) was prepared at the direction of the Wheat
Ridge Urban Renewal Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR) that ultimately is
subject to consideration and approval by the Wheat Ridge City Council (City). This
resolution authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Tax Increment Revenue Agreement (the
Agreement) providing for RWR to retain 100% of the City TIF generated within the Plan
area. Such an agreement with the City, and the other taxing entities that collect a mill levy
within the proposed Plan area, is necessary in advance of the City considering approval of
the Plan.
Staff Presentation
City Manager Patrick Goff explained that the presentation was for two identical items for two separate Urban Renewal Areas, one being Clearvale and the other being the Lutheran Legacy Campus. Goff explained the ins and outs of Urban Renewal Areas and the tax implications and requirements of them accordingly, and how they will assist funding of public improvements in both locations.
Public Comment
None. Council Comments
None
Council Member Dozeman made a motion to approve Resolution 31-2024 – a resolution
approving a Tax Increment Revenue Agreement between the City of Wheat Ridge and
the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge pertaining to the
Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan, seconded by Council Member Ohm. Vote: 8-0. The
motion carried.
13. Resolution No. 32-2024 – a resolution approving a Tax Increment Revenue
Agreement between the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal
Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge pertaining to the Lutheran Legacy Campus Urban
Renewal Plan.
This Resolution was introduced into the Record by Council Member Weaver.
Issue
The Lutheran Legacy Campus Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) was prepared at the direction of
the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR) that
ultimately is subject to consideration and approval by the Wheat Ridge City Council (City).
This resolution authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Tax Increment Revenue Agreement (the
Agreement) providing for RWR to retain 100% of the City TIF generated within the Plan
area. Such an agreement with the City and the other taxing entities that collect a mill levy
within the proposed Plan area, is necessary in advance of the City considering approval of
the Plan.
Staff Presentation
None Public Comment
None.
Council Comments
None Council Member Weaver made a motion to approve Resolution 31-2024 – a resolution
approving a Tax Increment Revenue Agreement between the City of Wheat Ridge and
the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge pertaining to the
Lutheran Legacy Campus Urban Renewal Plan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites.
Vote: 8-0. The motion carried.
14. Motion – to approve a contract amendment with David Evans and Associates in
an amount not to exceed $160,000 for additional professional services required to
complete the construction documents and permitting for the Youngfield Beautification
Project.
This Motion was introduced into the Record by Council Member Hultin.
Issue
The city contracted with David Evans and Associates, Inc. in 2022 to provide design
services for the Youngfield Beautification project. The design is currently estimated to be
at 75% completion, but due to an extended conceptual refinement phase, an amendment
in the amount of $160,000.00 will be required to complete the construction documents as
well as additional, unanticipated permitting submittals.
Staff will provide a brief overview of the proposed design elements at the City Council
meeting.
Staff Presentation
Jordan Jefferies a Program Manager with the Public Works department shared a slide show with the proposed work to be done on Youngfield between the I-70 on ramp south to 40th Avenue. Jefferies detailed the various landscaping, public art, lighting, monuments, hardscaping, and linear elements throughout the project. Jefferies also explained that work is currently being done in the area to clean up items like trash and
debris, mowing, graffiti removal, etc., and these items should be done by June 28. Public Comment
None.
Council Comments
Council Member Hultin asked Project Manager Jefferies to address the changes and causes for those changes during the initial planning and engineering design of the project to current. He explained to council, that due to slope issues and inflation, monuments had to be removed, and more public art added, with the initial design, being over budget, and a concern of obtaining approval from CDOT, the project was
redesigned to conserve necessary funds to complete. Council Member Hultin also asked about lighting. Project Manager Jefferies explained that after testing the lighting around 32nd, it was deemed appropriate for peds, bikes, and vehicles, so any lighting there would more than likely be uplighting to highlight public art, as CDOT will not allow lighting hanging from the bridge there.
Council Member Hoppe asked that as time draws closer to the construction phase, that there is adequate communication around the construction to take place, as that intersection has traffic issues already due to a middle school in the vicinity, and construction will only add to the congestion.
Council Member Weaver questioned the removal of a City of Lakewood sign in Wheat Ridge, and Public Works Director D’Andrea confirmed the sign will be displaced.
Council Member Larson asked about a piece of land located in Unincorporated
Jefferson County, that is also in the CDOT right of way, and questioned vision obstruction in another area due to planned landscaping. Project Manager Jefferies assured Council that Jeffco is on board if CDOT approves plans, and that he will have David and Evans address the vision obstruction concern to ensure it is a non-issue.
Council Member Hultin made a motion to approve a contract amendment with David
Evans and Associates in an amount not to exceed $160,000 for additional professional
services required to complete the construction documents and permitting for the
Youngfield Beautification Project.
It was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 8-0. The motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
City Manager Goff thanked Executive Assistant Rhi Curry for filling in for the Clerk’s
office during the meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
None
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
Council Member Hultin spoke to the state of Happiness Gardens and all the goings on
there, and asked City Manager Goff to address the on-going issue of off-leash dogs.
Council Member Snell reminded folks about bike to workday on June 26, and asked
bikers and vehicles alike to be cautious, and reminding bikers to stay hydrated. Council
Member Snell also informed of the upcoming RidgeFest at Anderson Park.
Council Member Dozeman again welcomed the Police Recruits to Wheat Ridge and
thanked the PD for all they do for the City. Council Member Dozeman expressed
excitement for RidgeFest and talked about the upcoming Carnation Festival, letting all
know there is still time to register to be a part of the parade.
Council Member Larson, discussed in depth the happenings at RidgeFest at Anderson
Park, explaining the event is hosted by LocalWorks, with a theme of putting down roots,
and showcasing local vendors from Wheat Ridge, and explaining it will take place from
2pm-8pm, and you can find more information at localworks.org.
Council Member Ohm asked residents to be careful when using pesticides and be
mindful of water usage.
Council Member Weaver discussed the goat parade at 9am on Saturday starting at Luis
Meadows Park walking the goats to their summer destination at Prospect Valley, parade
is approximately one mile, and will take about an hour.
Mayor Pro Tem Stites, joked about needing the law-and-order sound, as the meeting
contained both Law with the new Police Recruits and order with Judge Lucero. Mayor
Pro Tem Stites talked about the WR business event, where businesses were visited and
asked for feedback. Mayor Pro Tem Stites asked residents if they can find it in Wheat
Ridge to buy it in Wheat Ridge.
Mayor Starker – welcomed the new recruits to Wheat Ridge, wished them well, and
asked them to be safe out in the community doing their work. Mayor also thanked
Judge Lucero and Judge Basso, and asked residents to celebrate the approaching
holiday appropriately and with the sense of independence and freedom we enjoy.
Mayor Starker also reminded residents that school is out and to drive slowly and safely
down the streets in the City of Wheat Ridge.
ADJOURNED
The meeting adjourned at 7:44 pm.
_________________________________
Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk
_________________________________
Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem