HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-2022 City Council MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING
March 28, 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. Seven 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 7:00 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
Absent: Valerie Nosier Beck (excused)
Also, present: City Manager, Patrick Goff; City Attorney Gerald Dahl; City Treasurer,
Chris Miller; Administrative Services Director, Allison Scheck; Police Chief, Chris
Murtha; Director of Parks and Recreation, Karen O'Donnell; Project Manager Lauren
Mikulak; Deputy City Clerk, Robin Eaton, other staff, guests and interested citizens.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Without objection or correction, the Study Session Notes of January 3, 2022, March 7,
2022, City Council Minutes of February 28, 2022, and Special Study Session notes of
February 28, 2022, were approved as published.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
This item began at 7:02 PM.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Mayor Starker read the Proclamation in support of National Child Prevention Month,
April 2202 and invited Jennifer Kemps of the Ralston House and Cyan Chapman
Victims Outreach to join him and accept it.
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page2
Afterwards they thanked everyone in recognizing the month and spoke to where
Ralston house had seen an increase in the numbers of children and teens go through
their doors. This can be seen as somewhat of a good thing, to know their program is
working.
National Sexual Assault Awareness Month -April 2022 (Colorado Denim Day is April
27 -to recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness Month)
Mayor Starker invited the special guests up to the podium and by the proclamation,
declared April Nation Sexual Awareness month.
Commander Dave Pickett (Ret) and Cyan Chapman accepted the proclamation and
thanked the community where they are ready to move forward in the partnership with
the City of Wheat Ridge in support of services throughout the victim's entire process.
Sandie Carter Retirement/Appreciation Proclamation
The Mayor read the proclamation for Sandie Carter, listing her work with the City of
Wheat Ridge Police Department in many areas, along with her faithful and loyal
devotion for the past 22 years.
Chief Murtha accepted the proclamation in Sandie Carter's behalf.
CM Dozeman and Hultin arrived at 7:06 pm
PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO SPEAK
No one came forward to speak tonight.
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 da y 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
Discussion began at approximately 7:14 PM
CM Ohm introduced the consent agenda.
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 3
a. Resolution No. 12-2022, a resolution amending the Flscal Year 2022 Public
Art Fund Budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation
in the amount of $185,000 for the Clear Creek Crossing public art installation.
Issue
On November 8, 2021, City Council approved a contract with Aethyrworks in the
amount of $185,000 for a public art installation at Clear Creek Crossing. Sufficient funds
were appropriated in the 2021 budget to encumber and pay for the project. Due to
timing of the encumbrance, funds for the project were not included in the 2022
reappropriation of carryovers and no funding exists in the 2022 Public Art Fund budget
to encumber for this purpose.
b. Resolution No. 13-2022, a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement
with Jefferson County concerning the release and use of electronic copies of
building permits and plans for the purpose of assessing real property
Issue
Jefferson County desires to have access to electronic copies of permits and
supporting documents controlled by the City of Wheat Ridge for property
assessment purposes. The County and City wish to enter into an Intergovernmental
Agreement (IGA) allowing County staff to have access to these materials
c. Resolution No. 14-2022, a resolution approving an amended and restated
intergovernmental agreement for the West Metro Drug Task Force
Issue
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, a member of the West Metro Drug Task Force
(WMDTF), has asked that the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) establishing the
Task Force between the participating agencies be amended. The City of Arvada has
withdrawn from the WMDTF, and some financial responsibilities with regard to the
WMDTF are changing.
d. Resolution No. 15-2022, a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022 General
Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the
amount of $34,058 for the purpose of approving a grant agreement with History
Colorado's State Historical Fund
Issue
The Pioneer Sod House has potential structural issues and a contractor specializing in
historic buildings is recommending that the Sod House is monitored and assessed for
an 18-month period. The City was awarded funding from History Colorado's State
Historical Fund (SHF) Competitive Grant program for this monitoring and assessment
work. This resolution is to approve the signing of the Acknowledgement of Award
Conditions and approve a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $34,058.
The SHF awarded $25,540 in funding and the City is required to provide a 25% match.
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page4
Motion by CM Ohm to approve Consent Agenda Items a.), b.), c.), d.), Seconded by
CM Sites, motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
Discussion began at approximately 7: 15 PM
2. Resolution No. 09-2022, A Resolution approving the assignment to the Housing
Authority of the City of Lakewood, Colorado, D/B/A Metro West Housing
Solutions, of $1,789,050 of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado's 2022 Private
Activity Bond Volume Cap Allocation from the State Ceiling for Private Activity
Bonds; and authorizing the execution and delivery of an Assignment and other
documents in connection therewith.
CM Hultin introduced Resolution 09-2022.
Issue
The City of Wheat Ridge has received an allocation of $1,789,050 for the purpose of
issuing Private Activity Bonds (PABs) in 2022 under the state ceiling imposed by the
Tax Reform Act of 1987. Staff recommends assigning the City's allocation to Metro
West Housing Solutions which has agreed to issue PABs for the renovation of the
Caesar Square Apartments owned and operated by the Jefferson County Housing
Authority.
Mayor Starker opened the public hearing.
Staff Presentation
City Manager Patrick Goff introduced Lori Rosendahl from Jeffco Housing Authority dba
Foothills Regional Housing. She spoke on the earlier bonds and updated the financial
structure for these funds to be used for the redevelopment at Caesars Square.
Ms. Case was brought on and added that they were almost finished with the project as
there were a few cost overruns and that these funds will allow them to do a few extra
things at the property that they are looking to accomplish
Ms. Case also spoke to the council on the issue where the City of Wheat Ridge has
traditionally assigned the City's PAB allocation to either the Colorado Housing and
Finance Authority (CHFA) or the Metro Mayors Caucus for single family mortgage
revenue bonds. The last allocation assignment was approved in 2011 to CHFA. Since
2011, neither CHFA nor the Metro Mayors Caucus were accepting applications for
allocations because of the decline in the financial markets and the impact that has had
on investor interest in PAB. Between 2012 and 2018, the City's allocation was
relinquished to the statewide balance for distribution to applicants by the Department of
Local Affairs.
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 5
In prior action City Council assigned the City's 2019 and 2020 PAB allocations to FRH
for the Caesar Square Apartments project and its 2021 PAB allocation for the Allison
Village affordable housing project in Arvada.
The Mayor reviewed the procedures. No citizens appeared in chambers to address this
issue. There were none who wanted to speak through the Zoom format.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions and comments
CM Hoppe, who appreciated the work that had been done at the property, asked Ms.
Case to explain about the few of the items that have come up that required a larger
budget.
Amy Case, CFO for Foot Hill Regional Housing, explained that some of the overruns
resulted from COVID cost increases and supply chain issues, along with additional work
done for longevity of the property, safety, and asset integrity.
Mayor Starker closed the public hearing.
Motion by CM Hultin to approve Resolution No. 09-2022, a resolution approving the
assignment to the Housing Authority of the City of Lakewood, Colorado, D/8/A Metro
West Housing-Solutions, of $1,789,050 of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado's 2022
Private Activity Bond Volume Cap Allocation from the State Ceiling for Private Activity
Bonds; and authorizing the execution and delivery of an Assignment and other
documents in connection therewith, seconded by CM Hoppe, motion carried 7-0
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
3. Council Bill No. 02-2022 -An Ordinance approving the rezoning of property
located at 7585 W. 32nd Avenue from Restricted-Commercial (R-C) to Planned
Residential Development (PRD)
CM Hutchinson introduced Council Bill 02-2022 at 7:22 pm.
Issue
The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Restricted-Commercial (R-
C) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) with approval of an Outline Development
Plan (ODP) for the development of fourteen single-family attached homes at 7585 W.
32nd Avenue. The zone change is compatible with surrounding land uses, provides for
housing options, and encourages improvement of the underutilized property.
Motion by CM Hutchinson to approve Council Bill 02-2022 an ordinance approving the
rezoning of property located at 7585 W. 32nd Avenue from Restricted-Commercial (R-C)
to Planned Residential Development (PRD) on first reading, order it published, public
hearing set for Monday, April 25, 2022 at 7 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 6
Chambers if allowed to meet in person on that date per COVID-19 restrictions, and that
it takes effect 15 days after final publication; seconded by CM Stites; motion carried 7-0.
4. Council Bill No. 03-2022 -An Ordinance approving the rezoning of property
located at 4877 Robb Street from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Planned Commercial
Development (PCD)
CM Dozeman introduced Council Bill 03-2022 at 7:24 pm.
Issue
The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to
Planned Commercial Development (PCD) with approval of an Outline Development
Plan (ODP) for the development of a tree service business at 4877 Robb Street. The
zone change is compatible with the area and allows for an appropriate transition from
surrounding land uses while encouraging investment in a long-vacant lot.
Motion by CM Dozeman to approve Council Bill 03-2022 -an ordinance approving the
rezoning of property located at 4877 Robb Street from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Planned
Commercial Development (PCD) on first reading, order it published, public hearing set
for Monday, April 25, 2022 at 7 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 takes
effect 15 days after final publication; seconded by CM Hultin; motion carried 7-0.
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
Discussion began at approximately 7:26 PM
5. Resolution No. 16-2022 -A Resolution approving a memorandum of
understanding between Porchlight, A Family Justice Center, and the City of
Wheat Ridge concerning the provision of on-site police department services at
the Center
CM Hoppe introduced Resolution 16-2022.
Issue
Porch Light, a Family Justice Center, began operations on February 25, 2021, and has
been open serving victims and survivors of domestic violence since that time. In April of
2021 Wheat Ridge executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PorchLight
to allow the Wheat Ridge Police Department (WRPD) to be a service provider through
PorchLight despite not having dedicated space on site. WRPD now has dedicated on-
site space at PorchLight for use when needed, and as such a new MOU is requested by
PorchLight because of this change.
Staff Presentation
Chief of Police Chris Murtha spoke on how more than 75 partner agencies have been
working together to provide coordinated services for victims of violence. Violence can
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 7
include physical abuse, emotional abuse, harassment, threats, strangulation, murder,
elder, and at-risk adult abuse, human trafficking, property damage, and child abuse.
The advantage of a Family Justice Center is for victims of crime to have one-stop
access to essential services. The City of Wheat Ridge is an important and participating
partner in Porchlight. WRPD has a great relationship with them, and this is just an
amendment that allows us to have a seat at the table.
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.
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions
There were none
Motion by CM Hoppe to approve Resolution No. 16-2022 -a resolution approving a
memorandum of understanding between Porchlight, A Family Justice Center, and the
City of Wheat Ridge concerning the provision of on-site police department services at
the Center, seconded by CM Dozeman, motion carried 7-0.
6. Motion to approve subsequent payments of $100,000 to Logan Simpson, Ft.
Collins, CO, for the Open Space Management Plan Project
CM Weaver introduced the Motion at 7:31 pm.
Issue
The current Open Space Management Plan for the City is twenty years old. A request
for proposals (RFP) was issued to solicit qualified firms to develop a new
comprehensive Open Space Management Plan. Five proposals were received and
accepted as complete. City staff has evaluated the bids, and Logan Simpson was
selected as the most responsible and responsive bidder in the amount of $100,000.
Staff Presentation
Parks, Forestry and Open Space Manager Zack Lovato described how the intent of this
project is to conduct a thorough analysis through discovery session and direct settings
of the City's open spaces. He said they will look at current management strategies
through engagement and surveys with the community, field research, and fact findings.
This analysis will help to define the operational needs of the Parks Forestry, and Open
Space Division, while accounting for the needs and desires of the community.
The current Open Space Management Plan was written in 2002 and is over 20 years
old. During that timeframe, much has changed in relation to the City's open space
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 8
including development, increased usage of the greenbelt, increased demand for access
and facilities, invasive species, wildlife populations, and water quality.
Mayor Starker reviewed the procedures for public comment where no citizens appeared
in chambers to address this issue
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak on the zoom format
Council Questions
CM Weaver, who often hears from both constituents and water providers, asked about
issues such as the long-term understandings of how the ditches work, especially the
historical ditches and park waters. Many don't understand the difference between
agriculture water and public use water.
CM Hultin is excited to get this Plan updated and to have a lot of input into it. She
seeks a better understanding of how we will both preserve these valuable resources
and manage them for the safety and enjoyment of the community.
Both topics were addressed in great detail by Mr. Lovato.
CM Hoppe noted that on the future agenda items list, there is a topic for wildlife and
habitat management plan and wondered if this open space plan will help to address
some of those concerns.
Mr. Lovato answered that it will.
CM Ohm asked about items including co-locating fiber optics under the trails and usage
counts, now and in the future.
Mr. Lovato responded affirmatively that there are dreams of having a smart trail system
with communication and electrical connections on the trails. Also there are desires to
increase data collection for these trails, by multiple platforms.
Mayor Starker, who is honored to sit on the Mile-Hi flood district, relayed that they have
a great of group of talented people working on staff and excited to help and share
resources, including design, and offered their assistance.
Motion by CM Weaver to approve subsequent payments of $100,000 to Logan
Simpson, Ft. Collins, CO, for the Open Space Management Plan Project, seconded by
CM Hoppe, motion carried 7-0.
7. Resolution No. 17-2022 -A Resolution amending the 2022 fiscal year general
fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the
amount of $150,000 to accept grant funds from the Colorado Department of
Local Affairs for the purpose of awarding a contract and approving subsequent
payments to czb LLC for an affordable housing strategy and action plan
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022,
CM Stites introduced Resolution 17-2022 at 7:48 pm.
Issue
page 9
Addressing affordable housing is one of the City and state's most pressing issues. The
Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) awarded the City a grant in the amount of
$112,500 for an Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan ("Plan") in October 2021.
On February 18, 2022, the firm czb, LLC was selected by the City's established
procurement process to perform the required professional services for completion of the
Plan. This resolution amends the City's 2022 budget in the amount of $150,000,
accepts the grant award from DOLA and awards the contract to czb LLC.
Staff Presentation
City Manager Patrick Goff and Planner Jeff Hirt spoke briefly on the important topic,
where State House Bill 21-1271 established a new program to support local
governments in developing affordable housing strategies; the program is administered
by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). This DOLA program recognizes that
affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing the state and is a top-tier award.
The grant is a well-timed opportunity that is supported both politically and throughout
the city. There will be many engagements through council with the consultants from czb
who are very familiar with the City of Wheat Ridge.
The City has minimal adopted policy addressing affordable housing, nor any recent
housing-related community-specific analysis or programmatic guidance. The City's
comprehensive plan is from 2009 and is still a couple years from being updated; the
Housing Diversification Study was adopted in 2014, but it is not specifically focused on
affordable housing and much has changed in the Wheat Ridge housing market in the
intervening 7 years.
This topic is tentatively scheduled for a City Council Study Session on the May 2, 2022.
Key stages of the project include:
• Policy direction from City Council;
• Community engagement opportunities and focused stakeholder discussions
(e.g., with affordable housing developers) early in the project to share ideas and
help define housing needs and later to review the draft framework for the Plan;
• A preliminary analysis of trends in the Wheat Ridge housing market using data
from a range of sources (April/May);
• A housing needs assessment based on the data analysis and stakeholder
discussions;
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 10
• An analysis of the land use, financial, and policy tools listed in State HB 21-1271
(as required by the grant) and an assessment of which tools could be most
impactful in Wheat Ridge (e.g., zoning code changes, partnerships, etc.);
• An analysis of opportunity sites, such as the Lutheran Legacy Campus and
others
Mayor Starker reviewed the procedures for public comment where no citizens appeared
in chambers to address this issue
Public Comment
No one came forward to speak.
Council Questions
CM Hultin was excited to see that czb received the contract because she had worked
with them previously on the NRS. She was impressed with their methodology and their
relationship with Wheat Ridges unique circumstances.
CM Weaver congratulated the City on getting the grant, its great thing and very well
timed. She agreed with CM Hultin's comments.
Motion by CM Stites to approve Resolution No. 17-2022, a resolution amending the
2022 fiscal year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget
appropriation in the amount of $150,000 for the purpose of funding the Affordable
Housing Strategy and Action Plan and accepting grant funds from the Colorado
Department of Local Affairs, seconded by CM Hultin, motion carried 7-0.
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
Mr. Goff informed Council that the Director of Public Works Greg Knudson is retiring
after 31 years with the City. He was a great asset who doesn't want any fanfare and
thanked him for all that he has done to help manage the streets, the vehicle fleet, and
that he did a really great job.
Director O'Donnell wanted to let everyone know about the trees sales coming up on
April 16 and 23 at Anderson park, from 9am to 3pm. Residents will be able to purchase
trees at wholesale prices, with payment by cash or check and pickup only. There will
also be a tree planting event on May 14 on 38th Ave. with more information coming later.
An update was given on the tree grant program where there were 26 applications from
last year, with 17 people following through. Any extra funds from last year were rolled
over into this year's program. The 2022 applications will be opening up to public in
April. Lastly there will be a recruitment, job fair at the recreation center on April 15 from
2-4:30 pm. Please let anyone who might be interested know.
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 11
CM Weaver asked if the announcement will be on the Parks and Recreation webpage
and other sources. Ms. O'Donnell confirmed that it will be so, with links to all of the tree
different species.
CM Hultin inquired about the size of the trees. That detail could not be answered at
this time.
Mayor Starker and Ms. O'Donnell reminded everyone that there will be Easter egg
hunts on April 9 from 1 0am until noon at Panorama, Anderson and Discovery Parks and
they will be free. Mayor said that they are great events and if you've never been, you've
been missing an opportunity so please attend.
Chief Murtha stated that PD will be hiring park rangers, and that this is occurring earlier
than normal due to increased usage of the greenbelts and other areas. He also spoke
about the restructured communication teams, with Sara Spaulding moving
predominantly to the city side, with the WRPD hiring their own Public Information Officer
(PIO) and named Joanna Small, who is in the process of moving out here from
Lynnwood, Washington. She was an award-winning newscaster who most recently
worked for as the PIO for Lynwood PD and will make a great addition to the team.
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
Nothing tonight.
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS
CM Hutchinson spoke on the beautiful day and the wind. She spoke also on wildlife
sightings including coyote, foxes, and bunnies in her yard.
CM Stites recommends everyone to shop local and if you can find it in Wheat Ridge,
buy it in Wheat Ridge.
CM Ohm was riding his bike on the Clear Creek trail and could see the progress at
Prospect park. He and others are anxious for its re-opening. He also was excited for
the tree sales and would like to have the mature height and width for the trees listed
somewhere.
CM Weaver was also super excited about tree sale and planting workshop, there will be
an end of season workshop for what to do with them for the fall.
CM Hultin recognized the Mayor as he represents the City on many boards and is
widely revered on those boards, She thanked him for attending all those board
meetings and serving as the voice of the City.
She also wanted to suggest a study session to take a look at reevaluating the short-
term rental (STR) tax rate because some of that revenue supports the police work to
help keep our motels and hotels safe. She wants to look at creating a standalone STR
Tax where the revenues would be used specifically for addressing homelessness or
attainable housing in our community. CM Hoppe supported her idea.
City Council Minutes March 28, 2022, page 12
Mayor Starker thanked everyone and spoke about having a great walk with his son
around Panorama park. He wished for everyone to stay safe and drive alertly, to make
sure that all of our citizens get home every night.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm
44.'h a
Robin Eaton, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON April 25, 2022
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tern
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.
Recordings and DVDs of the meetings are available for listening or viewing by contacting the
City Clerk's Office, as well as copies of Ordinances and Resolutions