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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-25 City Council Meeting MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING  FEBRUARY 10, 2025  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.  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, Rachel Hultin, Amanda Weaver, Korey Stites, Janeece Hoppe, Dan Larson, and Leah Dozeman Absent: None. 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; Parks and Recreation Director Karen O’Donnell, City Clerk Margy Greer, and other staff, guests and interested members of the public. 4. Approval of Minutes City Council Study Session Notes, January 6, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes, January 13, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes, January 27, 2025 Without objection or correction, the Notes were accepted as presented. 5. Approval of Agenda Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as announced. 6. Public’s Right to Speak Wheat Ridge Speaks: In Person Cody Hedges, resident of Wheat Ridge, spoke about ADA accessibility regarding new sidewalks and repair & replacement of sidewalks. Kathleen Martel – resident of Wheat Ridge – spoke as Chair of the Cultural Commission and invited all to an upcoming event that the Cultural Commission is hosting, a Spring mixer and Legacy Lutheran Hospital art sale fundraiser. Julie Pelligran – resident of Wheat Ridge – member of Cambridge Park HOA– spoke about her concerns regarding the proposed traffic circle on 38th Avenue and Miller Street. Erin Martin (via Zoom) – resident of Wheat Ridge – spoke about his concerns of a house on 34th Avenue, wherein the residents are running a car repair business, and cars are overflowing onto the surrounding streets. There was no one signed up to speak on the agenda items on the Study Session following the meeting. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Larson read the Consent Agenda into the Record. a. Motion to Cancel the March 10, 2025, City Council Meeting b. Motion awarding a contract to KECI Civil Inc., in the amount of $191,029 with contingency amount of $19,103 for a total approved amount of $210132 to construct the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center bridge settlement repair project c. Resolution No. 08-2025 – a resolution approving an amendment to the agreement with Mile High Flood District regarding the Clear Creek Master Drainageway Plan update d. Motion to approve the purchase and installation of various equipment from Holman Upfitting Truck Services in a total amount not to exceed $190,000 e. Resolution No. 09-2025 – a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Jefferson County Open Space to accept the Trails Partnership Program grant in the amount of $475,854 for concrete improvements and widening throughout segments of the Clear Creek Trail in Wheat Ridge f. Resolution No. 10-2025 – a resolution amending the 2025 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $10,000 for the purpose of accepting and utilizing grant funds from the Jefferson County Open Space Foundation’s Nature’s Next Stewards program Council Member Larson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda (which consists of Items 7a through 7f, inclusive). It was seconded by Council Member Hoppe. Vote: 8 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING 8. Council Bill No. 05-2025 – an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning disposition of lost, abandoned, and unclaimed property Council Member Snell read the Title of Council Bill No. 05-2025 and the Issue Statement into the Record. Issue: The Colorado state treasurer's office has advised the City of a state statute governing unclaimed property. The statute referenced is the Colorado Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, CRS 38-13-101 et seq. (the “Act’). The Act generally requires holders of unclaimed property, such as the City, to disburse unclaimed cash and cash instruments to the state treasurer. The City may exempt itself from the Act, but only if it has adopted a local ordinance concerning unclaimed property which conflicts with the Act. This ordinance revises Code sections to comply with the Act while preserving the City’s authority to dispose of unclaimed property. The ordinance simplifies the Code sections on disposition of unclaimed property generally and property held by the police department. Council Member Snell made a motion to adopt Council Bill No. 05-2025. It was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 8 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS 9. Motion adopting the 2025 Legislative Agenda Council Member Hultin made a motion to adopt the 2025 Legislative Agenda and read the Issue Statement into the Record: It was seconded by Council Member Ohm. Issue: The City of Wheat Ridge’s 2025 Legislative Agenda will guide the City’s advocacy on state-level policy decisions that could significantly impact the City. Developed in collaboration with the City’s Legislative Committee, the Agenda establishes clear positions on anticipated legislation for the 2025 Colorado Legislative Session. It serves as both a framework for the City’s advocacy efforts and a resource for state legislators considering policies affecting Wheat Ridge. Council Comments Several Council Member thanked the Legislative Committee for their work on the Agenda and stated how it was a good representation of the Council’s priorities. Vote: 8 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 10. Resolution No. 11-2025 – a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025 2J Next Chapter Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $1,911,963 for the purpose of issuing a contract for professional services to Ayres Associates, Inc., and approving subsequent payments, for the 38th Avenue West Corridor Improvement project Council Member Weaver made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 11-2025 and read the Issue Statement into the Record. It was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Issue: In March 2023, the city began a planning study of the 38th Avenue corridor, between Youngfield Street and Kipling Street, with the goals of improving the roadway to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists while still accommodating vehicular traffic and providing improved stormwater drainage. The study consultant, Ayres Associates, Inc., has presented a final version of their report to staff, and the next step is to develop constructions plans to build the improvements along 38th Avenue. Ayres Associates, Inc. has been selected to complete the design work due to their previous work and current knowledge of the specific needs along 38th Avenue. Council Comments Council Member Weaver asked for an explanation regarding the design of the round-abouts and spoke to the ADA issues regarding sidewalk repairs. Public Works Director D’Andrea explained both processes. Council Member Ohm asked about the type of trees along the south side of street. D’Andrea stated that the City tries to save as many trees as possible and types of trees would be considered when planting began. Council Member Hoppe asked about public outreach. D’Andrea stated the use of the website, meetings, and more. Hoppe also asked about the budget regarding ADA accessibility for sidewalks. D’Andrea explained that the cost to repair or replace all is not in the budget, but they are being replaced as work proceeds in the public rights-of- way. Council Member Hultin asked when the study would come back to Council and stated she agreed with Council Member Ohm regarding having evergreen and spruces on the south side of the street. D’Andrea stated it would be on Council’s March 3rd Agenda and that the design process would take about one year. She stated community outreach plans are being made as well. Council Member Dozeman asked about preserving as much infrastructure as possible and when Council would receive estimates for stormwater and undergrounding of utilities. D’Andrea stated that they will preserve as many trees as possible, and they do not yet have the cost for stormwater and undergrounding. Vote: 8 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 11. Motion approving a construction agreement with JOC Contracting, LLC., in the amount of $898,911.56 for Tabor Lake trail improvements 6. Motion approving a construction agreement with Colorado Designscapes in the amount of $1,211,000 for the Panorama tennis courts project Director of Parks and Recreation Karen O’Donnell reviewed the proposed scope of work regarding the contract. Project Manager Mark Route and Manager of Parks, Forest, and Open Space Benny Paiz, were also available to answer questions. Council Member Dozeman made a motion to approve a construction agreement with JOC Contracting, LLC., in the amount of $898,911.56 for Tabor Lake trail improvements She also read the Issue Statement into the Record. It was seconded by Council Member Ohm. Issue: Planning and design work associated with the Tabor Lake Trail project has reached completion. JOC Contracting, LLC was selected through Sourcewell cooperative purchasing to complete the construction phase of this project. This project will create a connection to the Clear Creek Trail from 44th Avenue through Van Gordon Street. Formalizing the existing social trail adjacent to Tabor Lake will provide a wider, safer, ADA accessible path to the Clear Creek Trail, and will enhance birding experiences by adding a bird blind and lake overview shelter. Council Comments Council Member Weaver asked about allowing paddle boats or small boards on the lake and also asked about the fish in the lake. Non-motorized boats are allowed during certain time frames that do not impact the bird population. Benny Paiz stated that there are several different types of fish in the lake. Council Member Larson asked about the ownership of Tabor Lake. Route stated that the City purchased it from Coors years ago. Larson asked if the lake was spring fed. Paiz stated that the lake is fed by groundwater. Larson asked about the solar lights on the bird blinds. Paiz stated there will be a timer on the lights. Council Member Hultin asked if the City would be taking measure to eliminate the social trail. The answer was yes. Council Member Dozeman asked about the maintenance agreement and if the agreement would follow the change in property ownership. O’Donnell stated that they would have renegotiate with any new owners. Mayor Starker asked about the cooperative purchase agreement. O’Donnell stated that Sourcewell is a cooperative purchasing agreement which is used through the City’s procurement process. It is a cooperative purchasing agreement used throughout the state, so the City does not have to pre-quality contractors. Vote: 8 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 12. Motion approving a construction agreement with Colorado Designscapes in the amount of $1,211,000 for the Panorama tennis court project. Council Member Hoppe made a motion to approve a construction agreement with Colorado Designscapes in the amount of $1,211,000 for the Panorama tennis court project. She also read the Issue Statement into the Record. It was seconded by Council Member Snell. Issue: Planning and design work associated with the Panorama Tennis Courts project has reached completion. Colorado Designscapes was selected through a competitive procurement process to complete the construction phase of this project. The existing tennis and basketball courts at Panorama Park have reached the end of their useful life span and need replacement. Court subsurface is in poor condition along with cracking on the play surface, making them unsafe and beyond normal maintenance repair Council Comments Council Member Snell asked if there was a backboard. Karen O’Donnell stated there was not one in the current design. Council Member Larson asked about the court surface product. It will be the typical petroleum-based coating used for all courts. Council Member Ohm asked about the drainage. Mark Route, Parks Project Coordinator, explained the flow was away from the courts and into a small retainage area. Ohm also asked if the shelter would have power. Route stated electricity is not in the current plan. Mayor Starker asked about the changes in parking. Route explained that the parking for the courts on 35th will stay as is, parking off Depew will be altered to be ADA compliant. Council Member Hultin asked if there was any bike parking at the tennis courts. There is not currently, but staff will ensure that it gets added into the design, as there are several areas where bike parking would be appropriate. Council Member Hoppe stated that she would also like to see a backboard in the project design. . 18. City Manager’s Matters None. 19. City Attorney’s Matters None. 20. Elected Official’s Matters Mayor and City Council Members stated their pride in the City, thanked staff for their hard work, and reported on events and activities they attended over the past weeks. 21. Adjournment There being no further business to come before City Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the meeting at 8:00 pm. _________________________________ Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk _________________________________ Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem