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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-2025 City Council Meeting MinutesCity Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING  May 12, 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, Amanda Weaver, Korey Stites, Janeece Hoppe, Leah Dozeman and Dan Larson. Absent: Rachel Hultin A quorum was established. Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff; Public Work, City Attorney Gerald Dahl, Deputy City Manager Allison Scheck, Police Chief Chris Murtha, Community Development Director Lauren Mikulak, Senior Planner Scott Cutler, and Sr. Deputy City Clerk Margy Greer 4. Approval of Minutes Study Session Notes, April 21, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes, April 28, 2025 Notes and Minutes stood as presented. 5. Approval of Agenda Without objection or correction, the agenda stood as presented. 6. Proclamations A. Mayor Starker proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Month and presented the proclamation to Julie DiTullio with the Jefferson Center. B. Mayor Starker proclaimed the Month of May15, 2025, National Peace officers Memorial Day and the month in which it follows, National Law Enforcement Week, He presented the proclamation to Wheat Ridge Officer Brian Cook. C. Mayor Starker proclaimed the week of May 18-14, 2025, as the 65th Annual Public Works Week. He presented the proclamation to Director of Public Works Maria D’Andrea, who in turn introduced some of her employees and thanked them for their work. 7. Public’s Right to Speak In Person Jeff Richards – Resident and Member of the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission spoke of a $500 grant opportunity to those in the community regarding all types of arts and cultural projects. He stated the deadline for the grant applications is May 31st. Wheat Ridge Speaks: Jennifer Yates 3700 Miller Street Wheat Ridge, 80033 I’m writing as a concerned citizen regarding an incident involving my son in Wheat Ridge that raises serious questions about how violent crimes are handled in our city. In January, my son and his friend were followed to a gas station and physically assaulted by two individuals after flashing their lights at a speeding van in their neighborhood. Despite video evidence showing clear aggression from the other party—including use of a weapon that sent my son to the ER with fractures and a scalp injury—the case was downgraded to disorderly conduct, and the assailants received minimal consequences. My son and his friend were eventually cleared, but only after months of stress, missed work, and navigating a justice process that seemed to assume their guilt from the start. We are grateful to the officers who responded with compassion, but deeply disappointed by what followed: limited investigation, missing witness follow-up, unacknowledged video evidence, and a sense that the case was pushed off to county court to avoid accountability. I ask city officials and law enforcement leadership: Are serious crimes being downgraded to keep statistics low? Are investigations being handled thoroughly and impartially? And who is protecting families like mine when the system doesn’t work as it should? I will email more details so this incident can be looked at more thoroughly. Thank you Kelly Blynn Address - 4175 Brentwood Street Wheat Ridge, 80033 I wanted to submit these comments to support the adoption of this ordinance. While spurred in part by the 2024 state land use laws, Wheat Ridge has already been strongly moving in this direction. Wheat Ridge is already close to complying with the ADU law (as well as parking and occupancy) and only needs to make modest changes to do so. Wheat Ridge has already enabled homeowners to build ADUs, has lowered parking requirements for affordable housing, has taken steps to remove occupancy limits based on family status, and has enabled more density around our transit corridors and stations. Taking these steps helps Wheat Ridge achieve its goals of becoming a more walkable, bikeable, sustainable, and affordable city, and is in line with the city's affordable housing plan, Lutheran plans, and forthcoming city plan. Additionally, taking these steps will set the city up for additional incentives -- such as the forthcoming grant program from DOLA that can support permitting fees and other costs for ADUs, financing programs for ADUs from CHFA, an infrastructure grant program for transit- oriented communities, and tax credits for affordable housing in transit-oriented communities. Additionally, the state has signaled it will continue to prioritize jurisdictions working to support infill and transit-oriented housing through Executive Order D 2023 014. The housing crisis we find ourselves in is regional and statewide. While Wheat Ridge is showing great leadership on this issue, ultimately we can’t solve it on our own. By continuing to be a leader, we can help ensure that others follow, and create a greater impact. Thank you for the opportunity to comment, and for doing what you do! 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Larson read the Consent Agenda, which consists of Items 8a through 8f, inclusive, as well as the accompanying Issue Statements into the record. a. Motion awarding a contract to Essential Contractors Inc. in the amount of $300,371 with a contingency amount of $30,037 for a total approved amount of $330,408 to construct the Miller Street Storm Water Improvements project Issue Statement: Ten (10) bids were received in response to the city’s Invitation for Bids to construct the Miller Street Storm Sewer Improvements Project. The lowest responsive bidder was Essential Contractors Inc. It is recommended that the city enter a contract with Essential Contractors Inc. to perform the storm sewer main replacement along Miller Street from 32nd Avenue to 35th Avenue. b. Motion to approve payment to Bank of Oklahoma for 2025 principal and interest payments in the amount of $5,041,154.16 for the City of Wheat Ridge Colorado Sales and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, series 2024 Issue Statement: On October 24, 2024, the city closed on Series 2024 Sales and Use Tax Revenue Bonds in the par amount of $34,845,000 with a net premium of $3,856,048 for a total of $38,701,048. After cost of issuance and the refunding of the 2017A Bond Series, the City received a total of $33,345,000 in project funds. The City’s first interest payment for 2025 is due June 1, 2025, in the amount of $1,055,029.16, and the first principal and second interest payment are due December 1, 2025, in the amount of $3,986,125. Funds to cover the 2025 payments are budgeted in the 2025 2J Bond Fund budget. c. Motion awarding a contract to Brannan Sand & Gravel in the amount of $1,737,966.62 with a contingency amount of $173,797 for a total approved amount of $1,911,763.62 for the 2025 Residential Streets Program Issue Statement: Five (5) bids were received in response to the city’s Invitation for Bids to complete the 2025 Residential Streets Program project. The lowest responsive is Brannan Sand & Gravel. It is recommended that the city enter into a contract with Brannan Sand & Gravel to perform the work for the 2025 Residential Streets Program. d. Resolution No. 26-2025 – a resolution of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado approving the Second Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement for the use and maintenance of a Regional Criminal Justice Records Management System Issue Statement: The City of Wheat Ridge Police Department is a member of the Records Management System Consortium (RMSC) along with Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood and the Town of Mountain View. This regional consortium allows for effective and efficient criminal records management beyond what the Wheat Ridge Police Department could provide on its own. e. Resolution No. 27-2025 – a resolution of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado approving a Law Enforcement Recruit Training Agreement Issue Statement: The Wheat Ridge Police Department requests approval to enter into an agreement with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Lakewood Police Department Combined Regional Academy. The cost for the academy class will be outlined in Exhibit A and based on the number of recruits attending, as agreed upon by the recruit’s sponsoring agency and the combined regional academy before each class. f. Resolution No. 28-2025 – a resolution authorizing a Building Lease Agreement between the City of Wheat Ridge and Wheat Ridge 2020, Inc. d/b/a Localworks for 9110 West 44th Avenue Issue Statement: The city entered into a 5-year lease agreement with Localworks, effective March 2, 2023, for the purposes of establishing the Clear Creek Makerspace (CCM) at a city owned building located at 9110 West 44th Avenue. Localworks is seeking grant funding to expand the operations of the CCM. Grantors have recommended that Localworks seek an extension of their lease to be more competitive for funding. Localworks is requesting an extension of their lease with the city to May 12, 2035. Council Member Larson made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented into the Record. It was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nayes. The motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING 9. Council Bill No. 07-2025 – an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning membership of the Urban Renewal Authority Council Member Hoppe read the Bill Title and Issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: In 2015, the Colorado Legislature passed HB15-1348 amending the urban renewal statute requiring certain processes occur upon the adoption of a new plan area or a substantial modification to an existing plan. One requirement is the addition of new board members representing the affected tax entities. This expands the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority, dba Renewal Wheat Ridge, membership to thirteen. This ordinance will amend the current code section in the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to provide for the new members. Council Member Hoppe made a motion to approve council bill number 07-2025 – an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning membership of the Urban Renewal Authority on second reading, order it published, and that it takes effect immediately. It was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 10. Council Bill No. 09-2025 – an ordinance amending Section 26-646 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and making conforming amendments therewith Council Member Ohm read the Bill Title and Issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: This ordinance amends Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to update Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) requirements to comply with state legislation and recent policy direction from City Council. There was a presentation by Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak and Senior Planner Scott Cutler. Council Member Ohm made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 09-2025, an ordinance amending Section 26-646 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and making conforming amendments therewith, on second reading, order it published, and that it takes effect fifteen days after final publication. It was seconded by Council Member Hoppe. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. Council Member Hoppe made a motion that in the event the statute adopted by House Bill 24-1152 concerning Accessory Dwelling Units is repealed by the state legislature or held unconstitutional by the Colorado Supreme Court, in whole or in part, that City staff is directed to schedule a Council study session to consider whether the Council should amend or repeal this Ordinance. It was seconded by Council Member Weaver. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 11. Council Bill No. 10-2025 – an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding Residential Occupancy Limits and making conforming amendments therewith Council Member Dozeman read the Title of the Bill and Issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: This ordinance amends Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to update residential occupancy limits to comply with a recent update to the City Charter and state legislation. Community Development Director Lauren Mikulak and Senior Planner Scott Cutler gave a presentation on the issue. After Council discussion, Council Member Dozeman made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 10-2025, an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding residential occupancy limits and making conforming amendments therewith, on second reading, order it published, and that it takes effect fifteen (15) days after final publication. It was seconded by Council Member Weaver. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING 12. Council Bill No. 08-2025 – an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding Freestanding Emergency Departments Council Member Ohm made a motion to approve Council Bill No. 08-2025, an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws regarding Freestanding Emergency Departments on first reading, order it published, the public hearing set for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, and that it takes effect fifteen (15) days after final publication. It was seconded by Council Member Hoppe. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS 13. Motion approving a Termination Agreement, and a Funding Agreement related to the sale of Fruitdale School Lofts Council Member Larson read the Item and Issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: Fruitdale School Partners LLC intends to sell the Fruitdale School Lofts property to Foothills Regional Housing. The purpose of the sale is to ensure the long-term affordability of the 16 dwelling units. To facilitate the sale, certain agreements need to be in place to terminate the prior development agreement and to establish the financial obligations for the proposed sale. After discussion amongst Council, Council Member Larson made a motion to Approve a Termination Agreement and a funding agreement related to the sale of Fruitdale School Lofts and authorize the Mayor, City Clerk, and City Manager to execute the same and such additional documents as necessary to implement those agreements, all in the form as approved by the City Attorney. It was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 14. Motion to adopt the Stormwater Master Plan Council Member Snell read the item and the Issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: In 2024, the city undertook completion of a Stormwater Master Plan. The Plan outlines various capital projects that will prevent flooding of private property. The goals of the Plan included establishing a baseline hydrologic study and providing solutions that addressed existing stormwater issues. In addition, costs to maintain the existing system along with the cost of various operational needs results in a comprehensive Stormwater Program for possible implementation over the next 10-year period. Council Member Snell made a motion to adopt the Stormwater Master Plan. It was seconded by Council Member Hoppe. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 15. Resolution No. 29-2025 – a resolution approving the revised Procurement Policy and Guidelines including increased procurement limits, thresholds, and authorities and rescinding Resolution No. 30-2017 in conflict therewith Council Member Dozeman read the item and the Issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: The City of Wheat Ridge’s procurement program supports departments across the City by ensuring millions of dollars in project, supplier and contractor spending is properly solicited and reported, and that best value is achieved. Staff is working to implement software improvements to streamline and modernize this program. In preparation for these changes, staff has revised the existing procurement policy to provide increased clarity, improved procedures, increased thresholds to streamline the process, and additional information about legal and ethical requirements. Council Member Dozeman made a motion to adopt Resolution 29-2025, a resolution approving the revised Procurement Policy and Guidelines including increased procurement limits, thresholds and authorities and rescinding Resolution 30-2017 in conflict therewith. It was seconded by Council Member Ohm. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 16. Resolution No. 30-2025 – a resolution approving amendment number 4 to the contract with The Colorado Department of Transportation for the Improve Wadsworth project Council Member Weaver read the Title of the Resolution and Issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: The original completion date for the Improve Wadsworth Project was established in the original contract between the city and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) as October 25, 2025. Construction is currently on-going with substantial completion expected by the end of 2025. Final completion is expected in the spring of 2026. As the project will not be complete by the contract date, it is necessary to extend the contract completion date to October 25, 2030, to ensure that adequate time is provided for project closeout. Director of Public Works D’Andrea stated that while the new completion date is 2030, that the construction project will be completed in the Spring of 2026. The CDOT, FHA, and other sources paperwork will not be completed until 2030. In answer to a question from Council Member Ohm, D’Andrea stated that the warranty period is one year from date of substantial completion. Council Member Weaver made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 30-2025, a resolution approving Amendment No. 4 to the contract with the Colorado Department of Transportation for the Improve Wadsworth Project. It was seconded by Council Member Hoppe. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 17. Resolution No. 31-2025 – a resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between Jefferson County R-1 School District and the City of Wheat Ridge for the School Resource Officer Program Mayor Pro Tem Stites read the Title of the Resolution and the issue Statement into the Record. Issue Statement: The Wheat Ridge Police Department and the Jefferson County R-1 School District have worked together for several years and participated in the School Resource Officer Program. The primary mission of the School Resource Officer Program is to provide formal instruction, informal consultation and mediation, enforcement, and problem solving for the school communities. A formal, written, intergovernmental agreement between the City and the District concerning School Resource Officers has been in place for over ten (10) years. The District has requested the intergovernmental agreement be reviewed and re-accomplished. As part of the Police Department’s commitment to national accreditation, an intergovernmental agreement between the District and the City is required by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The attached intergovernmental agreement is similar to formal written agreements established between other national accredited police departments and public-school districts. Mayor Pro Tem Stites made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 31-2025 – a resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between Jefferson County R-1 School District and the City of Wheat Ridge for the School Resource Officer Program. It was seconded by Council Member Ohm. Vote: 7 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. 18. City Manager’s Matters City Manager Patrick Goff reported that Foothills Regional Housing received a tax credit award from CHFA for Phase II of the Ives affordable housing project. Demolition of the former Bank of the West building and construction of Phase II will likely start this fall. The project consists of 98-, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments with onsite services. He also reported that while Uncle Julio's Hacienda Colorado closed several weeks ago, he spoke to the property owner, and they have solid interest from at least three restaurants to backfill the space. Police Chief Chris Murtha gave Council an update on the photo radar program. 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 Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m. _________________________________ Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk _________________________________ Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem