HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.19.24 - Study Session NotesSTUDY SESSION NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Hybrid - Virtual Meeting
August 19, 2024
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. A quorum of members of
Council were present in Council Chambers for this session.
The Mayor explained the virtual/hybrid meeting format, how citizens will have the
opportunity to be heard, and the procedures and policies to be followed.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Starker called the Special Study Session to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Attendance
Council Members present: Jenny Snell, Rachel Hultin, Janeece Hoppe, Amanda
Weaver, Korey Stites, Dan Larson, and Scott Ohm.
Absent Leah Dozeman
Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff, Deputy City Manager Allison Scheck,
Assistant City Manager Marianne Schilling, Director of Public Works Maria D’Andrea,
Sustainability Coordinator Mary Hester, Community Development Director Lauren
Senior Deputy City Clerk Margy Greer, and other staff and interested residents.
3. Public’s Right to Speak
Public Comments from Wheat Ridge Speaks:
Re: 38th Ave Refresh Project
Kelly Blynn
Aug 19, 2024 at 11:38am
Address: 4175 Brentwood St Wheat Ridge, 80033
ATAT Testimony on 38th Ave “Refresh” - 8/19/24
The Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT) stated she appreciated
the opportunity to comment on tonight’s study session regarding the 38th Ave “Refresh.”
She stated the group supports the focus on improving sidewalks and pedestrian access,
including widened sidewalks, enhanced patio areas, and improved landscaping. These
improvements will greatly enhance the corridor’s walkability. They also urge a strong
emphasis on improving the area between Vance and Wadsworth, which is currently
unfriendly to pedestrians and cyclists, and should connect to the new multi-use trails
from the Wadsworth project.
She stated the group’s concerns about the staff’s recommendation to remove the bike lanes
on 38th Ave. saying it would be a significant setback for bike accessibility in the city’s most bike
and pedestrian-friendly business corridor. While 35th Ave is a good alternative for east-west
travel, cyclists still need a safe way to access businesses on 38th Ave, especially when crossing
Wadsworth from the west. Cyclists also would need a way to access these refreshed
businesses, restaurants, and patios.
Ms. Blynn continued, talking about the co-existing of bike lanes and street parking; stating the
city should manage street parking, not remove bike lanes; the City should consider extending
the bike lanes east of Pierce to Sherian and west to connect with the multi-use trails; and
supporting analyses of crash patterns but question the need for funding of traffic studies to
confirm the current lane configuration.
She stated the ATAT encourages the city to not be reactive to temporary impacts from the
Wadsworth construction and think about the long-term vibrancy of this corridor; and to truly
respond to residents’ clearly stated desire for a more walkable and bike-friendly city. She
thanked Council for their consideration.
Public Comments in Person:
Joy Opp – Resident – Chair of Sustainable Wheat Ridge. She spoke about the history
of the Sustainable Wheat Ridge Committee and how far the Commission had come in
the seven years of its existence. She listed several of the accomplishments to date and
how she enjoys being a member of the Committee. She stated it was now time for
Council to adopt a plan which will move Wheat Ridge into the future.
Amanda Burch – Resident- Member of the Sustainability Committee. She stated that
she was excited to present the new Sustainability Action Plan to Council, saying it would
enhance the daily lives of the residents. She Plan will help reduce waste, provide for
community engagement, beautify he community, provide Green Building alternatives,
conserve water, educate the community, concentrate on energy and transportation, and
more. Adoption of the Plan would be a wise investment for the community.
Betsy Coppock – Member of the Sustainability Wheat Ridge Committee. She stated
that the Sustainability Action Plan will help make an impact on climate change on the
local level. Heat waves are coming more often and at higher temperatures. This
means the most vulnerable populations will be affected. Implementation of the Plan will
help educate residents regarding solar panels, installation of heat pumps, efficient
electrical systems, streamlining the permitting process, planting of trees and other
alternatives.
Connor Denton, Former Resident and Member of Sustainable Wheat Ridge. He stated
sustainable development is included in the Plan which would include green energy,
prioritizing energy efficient designs, and providing alternative transportation
infrastructure, increase quality of life and economic stability.
Amy DePierre – Resident – Sustainability Wheat Ridge Member. She spoke to Council
about the Sustainability Action Plan as it can be affected by agricultural and pollinators.
She stated that the practices should focus on rebuilding, reducing chemical use, and
protecting the water supplies. She stated it is more than a trend, it is a Plan which
needs to be continually implemented by supporting the Plan. She urged Council to
support the initiatives around agriculture and green infrastructure and to show Wheat
Ridge as a forward-thinking community that honors the past and protects the future.
Stu Stewart – Vice Chair of Sustainable Wheat Ridge. He thanked Council, Staff and
others for the future consideration of implementing the Action Plan. He stated that as
the climate becomes warmer, it will damage the eco system and more fires will stress
the water systems. The draft Plan is a good step toward a comprehensive multi-sector
plan that will guide the community now and generations to come. He urged Council to
formally adopt the Plan and create the framework and platform for the future.
Sashi Burlingame – Resident. She stated she is a student at DU getting her degree in
Environmental Policy and Management. She spoke to the Sustainability Plan, stating
she was not on the committee, but wanted to support the Committee and promote their
engagement and thank the city for allowing them to promote the sustainability initiatives.
Carolyn Hushek – Resident – She spoke to the use of bicycles, bike paths,
neighborhoods and visit the 38th Avenue businesses. She encouraged City Council to
not remove the bike lanes form 38th Avenue.
Julie Stern – Resident – 38th Avenue – She stated she loves to bike around the
community and uses her bike and shops on 38th Avenue. She stated she needs a
protective bike infrastructure, as she sustained a brain energy due to a bike accident.
She stated that more bike routes were needed, not fewer.
4. 38th Avenue “Refresh” Project Discussion
City Manager Patrick Goff introduced this item to City Council.
Issue
The overwhelming passage of the 2J sales tax extension, which focuses on funding
critical public infrastructure projects, allows the city to re-examine improvements to 38th
Avenue, between Wadsworth Blvd and Harlan Street. The focus of this effort would be to
refine the latest version of the design as the starting point to effect a final design that
could be constructed in the next 2-3 years. Minimal changes, if any, would be made to
the street width. Instead, the focus of improvements would be to the areas between the
curb line and the private property/right-of-way line. A design consultant team would be
engaged to provide a robust traffic analysis, public involvement, and a preliminary design
for the corridor.
Staff is seeking input and direction from the City Council on this approach.
Public Works Director Maria D’Andrea gave a PowerPoint presentation and spoke about
the Revitalization of 38th Avenue. She stated that Phase II of the Green at 38th Project is
the start of things along the corridor. This was brought to Council in 2016 when the City
saw a growing interested in enhanced biking and walking opportunities and trees in an
effort to revitalize the business corridors.
The remaining of the improvements is along 38th Avenue from Wadsworth to Harlan.
Discussion topics included wanting to know if the City wanted to undertake this project to
make improvements on the 38th Avenue Corridor at this time; what other goals or
outcomes shul be considered and should on street parking be retained in lieu of on-street
bike lanes; and are there other elements that should be considered during this design
phase.
D'Andrea gave some background on the planning of the 38th Avenue Corridor and actions
taken which included the City’s Downtown District, Main Street from Upham to Pierce;
38th Avenue Corridor Plan; Re-striping to a 3-lane roadway; Failed ballot measure for
street width modifications and the “Cr8 your 38” effort. She followed with the 2019
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. 2011 Corridor Plan’s key elements were Identity,
Vitality, Appeal and Mobility. When moving forward with design, will keep those elements
in mind. She showed current conditions which need to be “refreshed.” She showed
alternatives such as the Pavement Treatment near “The Green,” She also spoke to the
Traffic Analysis which included: lane configurations, crash patterns, traffic signal controls,
pedestrian improvements, connections to bike and pedestrian facilities, and parking
updates.
She showed existing on street bike lanes between Wadsworth and Pierce and proposed
bicycle travel between Pierce and Sherian which would be directed to 35th Avenue.
Council Comments
Council Member Hoppe spoke to the long curb cuts along 38th Avenue and the access
points. D’Andrea stated that part of the Plan is to absolutely help those willing business
partners to accomplish secondary access points. She also asked about exploring putting
artwork on the electrical boxes and updating the planter boxes on 38th Avenue.
Council Member Ohms stated that he agrees with trying to get artwork on the electrical
boxes. He stated the importance of keeping the bike lanes on 38th. He stated that parking
is needed for bikes as well and reviewing what is needed to have a safe well-traveled
bike lane.
Council Member Hultin spoke to the importance of bike mobility and reduced parking of
cars. She spoke to plan having bike connection on 38th Avenue from both the north and
the south and needs connectivity. She stated that a design code is needed to make the
corridor updated and look cohesive and updated.
Council Member Snell spoke to the bicycle accessibility and the bikes and pedestrian
traffic to and from the 38th on the Green activities. She stated she does not want to get
rid of any biking and pedestrian opportunities on 38th Avenue.
Council Member Weaver stated is not a bike rider and supports what other council
members have said. She stated she wants to get rid of the car parking on 38th Avenue
because the uses of the 38th Avenue Corridor have changed tremendously. She stated
that the City needs to provide off-street parking as people have no problem walking a
block or two to entertainment venues.
Council Member Stites agreed with most of what was said by others. However, he stated
that getting rid of the car parking may have an effect on our businesses. He has heard
from neighbors that there is a surge of parking in the neighborhoods when there is an
event on The Green. With less parking, it would be worse. He stated that the pedestrian
traffic safety needs to be improved.
Council Member Larson stated that this represents the end of the story regarding 38th
Avenue improvements. He questioned why the City isn’t contacting Public Service to
repair their utility boxes. He stated the earlier plan includes the same elements as today’s
plan. He stated that the businesses should have a say about the parking issues.
Mayor Starker stated that the City should look into alternative parking to off-street parking
such as a parking shuttle and asked staff to look into other alternatives.
Council Members continued to share ideas with staff regarding pedestrian, and bike traffic
as well as parking and enhancements around 38th Avenue.
Maria D’Andrea stated that she would be coming back to Council as they move forward
with the Scope of Work.
5. Business License Improvements
Patrick Goff introduced this item to City Council and turned it over to Alli Scheck, Deputy
City Manager.
Issue
The City of Wheat Ridge manages a robust business licensing program. Staff is
planning to implement software improvements to streamline and modernize this
program. In preparation for these changes, staff has developed several options for the
City Council to further enhance the business licensing program.
Ms. Scheck introduced the City Treasurer Chris Miller, Finance Manager Mike Colvin
and Cole Haselip.
Cole Haselip gave a brief overview of the project. Mark Colvin (via Zoom) spoke to the
many challenges they have due to the 4000 renewals, inspections, and specialty
licenses handled by a small staff. He spoke to the launching of a new licensing
software for the 2025 renewal season as part of the Next Chapter: Systems
Transformation project.
Chris Miller stated that inspections are required by those businesses requesting a
business license, protecting the safety, health and welfare of the community, follow
state laws and best practices, make it easier for our businesses, recovering costs and
maintain licensing revenue.
Cole Halesip spoke to the issue regarding Remote Sellers and a recent law that does
not allow the City to license or charge the remote sellers a business license fee. He
stated staff is asking Council to amend the Code to show these changes and make the
city compliant with laws and best practices. Council gave consensus to move forward
with this option. Council Member Stites questioned if the
Mark Colvin spoke to the annual renewal process being a challenge to staff and the
hope to have a bi-annual license renewal, which will help with staff’s workload.
Council spoke to this issue asking if there could be a 3 or 5-year renewal process.
Colvin stated that specialty licenses should be renewed more often. Council Member
Ohms stated that the discount should not be given just because it is a bi-annual license.
Council Member Hultin supported the two-year license and agreed with Ohms regarding
keeping the license at $40/bi-annual. Council Member Stites asked if there could be a
5-year business license and that he does not receive any information from the sales tax
department outside of his license. Ms. Scheck stated that staff would dig a little deeper
and see if the system would allow for options. Council did agree to move forward with
the two-year option. Council Member Weaver stated that the one-year option should be
$25 and stated that the licenses should be revokable if the businesses are not playing
by the rules. Patrick Goff stated that the Code already allows for this issue. Mayor
Starker asked if the system would allow for log in by businesses to negotiate payments.
Council Member Hopper asked for consensus on a two-year renewal at $40.00 and
asked staff to look into a longer renewal process as well. Consensus was reached.
Mark Colvin then spoke about late fees. Over 50% of the license renewals are late.
Cole Haeslip reviewed the proposed business license late fees with Council. The goal
is to receive less late submissions and collecting late fee revenues. Consensus was
received by Council to move forward with the increase in late fees.
Haselip stated the final item of discussion consolidating specialty licenses. There are
two groups: Essential or Supplemental. Essential permits core activity. Supplemental
Licenses permit complementary activities. Proposal is for one specialty license which
consolidates the Essential with the Supplemental Licenses and requesting to increase
the fees to include the cost of the supplemental license. Consensus was reached by
Council.
Mayor Starker recessed the meeting at 8:52 pm and reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
6. Sustainability Action Plan Update
Patrick Goff turned the presentation over to Mary Hester, City’s Sustainability
Coordinator.
Issue
The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an update on the
Sustainability Action Plan Update project including the process to date and stakeholder
engagement and culminating in the presentation of the draft Sustainability Action Plan
Update: Five-Year Roadmap to ensure alignment with Council priorities.
Mary Hester introduced Grace Sullivan of Lotus Engineering and Sustainability. Grace
Sulivan reviewed the Action Plan, which was talked about earlier by the Sustainable
Wheat Ridge Committee members.
Sullivan gave a PowerPoint presentation which included an overview of the 2018 Wheat
Ridge Sustainability Action Plan; the six areas of cous and the 20 goals and 125
strategies. She spoke about the core planning process, existing conditions analysis, the
engagement plan, goal setting, prioritizing, implementation plan and tracker. She
included the energy action plan, the bicycle/pedestrian plan, Open Space, and the
environmental studies. She stated that the Engagement Plan included input from city
staff, city leadership, water districts, Sustainable Wheat Ridge, small businesses and
community members. She reviewed the prioritization methodology, environmental
impact and resilience,
Sullivan than spoke to the Sustainability Action Plan Overview for 2024 which included
water, transportation, solid waste and recycling, renewable energy, energy efficiency
and green building, businesses and jobs, communications and engagement, arts &
cultures, all which equaled 24 goals and 113 strategies. She spoke to all of these and
the focus areas for the new Plan.
She showed how they would track the implementation of the Plan, the numbers of goals
and action steps, action status, action by deadlines, relative cost of actions, action level
of efforts and the responsible and reporting parties.
She explained the next steps was to incorporate Council’s feedback, add graphic design
to the Plan, and return to a regular council meeting for adoption of the Plan.
Council Comments
Council Member Hoppe stated she would like to study the proposed Plan and was
looking forward to the final design. She stated how impressed she was with the
workings of this Committee.
Council Member Hultin said she was so impressed by the serious work being done by
Mary Hester and the committee and their commitment to the Plan.
Council Member Larson said the Plan was obviously the result of many hours of work
and effort and thought. When he read through it, he stated there were two glaring
omissions: one, the need for undergrounding of utilities and the need for noise pollution
mitigation.
Council Members thanked staff and stated their appreciation for their leadership and
how they considered all aspects of the community: businesses, renters, owners,
schools, etc.
There was consensus to move forward with bringing it back to Council at a future
Council Meeting.
7. Staff Report(s)
City Manager Patrick Goff gave an update on Intermountain Health and the Lakewood
Legacy Campus.
8. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
Mayor and Councl Members reported on recent meetings and events they attended and
upcoming activities in the community
9. Adjournment
With no further business to come before Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the meeting
at 9:47 p.m.
_________________________________
Margy Greer, Senior Deputy City Clerk
________________________________
Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem