HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2025 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 6
City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2025
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
DATE: September 8, 2025
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
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 also attended person. Before calling the meeting to
order, Mayor Starker stated the rules and procedures necessitated by this meeting
format.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Bud Starker called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Korey Stites, Leah Dozeman, Janeece Hoppe, Dan Larson, Scott Ohm, Jenny Snell, Amanda Weaver. A quorum was established.
Councilmember Rachel Hultin joined the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff, City Attorney Gerald Dahl, Community
Development Director Lauren Mikulak, and Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney. PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mayor Starker read a proclamation recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month,
from September 15 to October 15, 2025, and honoring the contribution of Hispanic Americans in Wheat Ridge and across the Nation.
Page 2 of 6
City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2025
B. Mayor Starker read a proclamation declaring September 2025 as Hunger Action
Month in Wheat Ridge, recognizing the impact of food insecurity in Jefferson County.
Hallie Nelson, Director of the Jefferson County Food Policy Council, accepted the proclamation.
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK
In Person Russel Rountree, resident, representing Tin Shed Food Pantry – Reported that pantry
operations have changed over the past three years, growing from serving 100 individuals weekly to a peak of over 700, now stabilizing at 400 per week. Expressed
concerns about declining food supply and funding, reliance on food rescue, and invited
Council to visit the pantry on 44th Avenue.
Hallie Nelson, Jeffco Food Policy Council – Thanked Council for the Hunger Action Month Proclamation and highlighted the launch of “Feeding Jeffco Together,” a
collaborative fundraising effort among ten county food pantries. Emphasized the need
for community donations.
Paige Piper, Executive Director, LocalWorks – Provided an update on the Clear Creek Maker Space (CCM). Requested a $30,000 City contribution toward architectural
drawings for the planned CCM Creative Commons expansion.
Kathleen Martell, resident and CCM volunteer/metal shop captain – Spoke in support of
the proposed expansion, noting its positive community impact and encouraging Council’s consideration of the funding request.
CONSENT AGENDA
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
1. Resolution No. 43-2025: A resolution adopting the City Plan as the Wheat Ridge
Comprehensive Plan.
Issue:
The City Plan is the culmination of 16 months of input from the Wheat Ridge
community. The purpose of the City Plan is to supersede the 2009 Envision Wheat
Ridge as the new comprehensive plan for the city. It articulates the community’s vision
for the next 15 years, establishes shared values, and identifies priorities for the future.
Councilmember Dozeman read the title of the resolution and the Issue into the record.
Mayor Starker opened the public hearing at 6:46 p.m.
Page 3 of 6
City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2025
Senior Planner Ella Stueve and Community Engagement Specialist Ashley Holland
presented an overview of the 16-month community process that produced the City Plan to replace the 2009 Envision Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
Kathleen Martell, resident, shared that she was part of the Steering Committee and is
excited about the implementation of this plan and for it to move forward.
At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Starker closed the public hearing and asked for a motion.
Motion: Councilmember Dozeman moved to approve Resolution No. 43-2025, a
resolution adopting the City Plan as the Wheat Ridge comprehensive plan. The motion
was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites.
Council Discussion:
Councilmembers commended staff and the community for their engagement, stating
the Plan is a great guiding document that reflects Wheat Ridge’s values and future vision while providing clear direction for the next 15 years.
Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried.
2. Resolution No. 44-2025: A resolution approving the assignment to the Jefferson
County Housing Authority, d/b/a Foothills Regional Housing of $2,080,116 of the City of
Wheat Ridge, Colorado’s 2025 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.
Issue:
The City of Wheat Ridge has received an allocation of $2,080,116 for the purpose of
issuing Private Activity Bonds (PABs) in 2025 under the state ceiling imposed by the
Tax Reform Act of 1987. Staff recommends assigning the City’s allocation to Foothills
Regional Housing which has agreed to issue PABs for housing on the Ives Campus and
Ridge Road Campus.
Councilmember Weaver read the title of the resolution and the Issue into the record.
Mayor Starker opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.
City Manager Patrick Goff spoke on this resolution and provided an overview of the
City’s annual allocation of Private Activity Bonds (PABs), issued under the Tax reform
Page 4 of 6
City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2025
Act of 1987. For 2025, the City of Wheat Ridge has received an allocation of just over $2
million. Historically, the City has assigned its allocation to Foothills Regional Housing
for projects. Foothills Regional Housing has requested the 2025 allocation to support
either Phase II of the Ives project or the Ridge Road affordable housing development
near Miller Street.
Mayor Starker closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. and asked for a motion.
Motion: Councilmember Weaver moved to approve Resolution 44-2025, a resolution
approving the assignment to the Jefferson County Housing Authority, D/B/A Foothills
Regional Housing of $2,080,116 of the City of Wheat Ridge Colorado’s 2025 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. It was seconded by Councilmember Hoppe.
Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
3. Council Bill No. 18-2025: An ordinance approving the disposition of park land at Hank
Stites Park and in connection therewith authorizing an exchange of land to correct the
property boundary.
Issue:
Hank Stites Park is located at the northwest corner of W. 29th Avenue and Newland
Street. There are discrepancies at the north and west sides of the park where
improvements do not align with the property boundary. In 2021, this was approved by
city council to be resolved by a land exchange with the adjacent property owner,
however that approval has lapsed. Approval of this ordinance will reauthorize that
approval and allow the land swap to be completed.
Because this exchange involves park land, Section 16.5 of the City Charter requires
unanimous approval by the entire council.
Councilmember Hoppe read the title of the bill and the Issue into the record.
Motion: Councilmember Hoppe moved to approve Council Bill No. 18-2025, an
ordinance approving the disposition of park land at Hank Stites Park and in connection
therewith authorizing an exchange of land to correct the property boundary, on first
reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday, September 22, 2025 at 6:30
Page 5 of 6
City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2025
p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, and that it takes effect fifteen
(15) days after final publication, as provided by Section 5.11 of the charter. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Dozeman
Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried.
10. DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
None.
11. CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
Goff expressed his gratitude and appreciation to City staff for their continued dedication and hard work. He gave special recognition to Mikulak and her team for their significant
contributions to the development of the Comprehensive City Plan. Goff also extended his thanks to CZB, Urban Planning and Community Development
firm, for their long-standing partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge. He noted that
CZB’s deep understanding of the City and its needs has resulted in a practical and implementable plan.
12. CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
No matters to present.
13. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
Councilmember Snell praised the grand opening of The Green at 38th, recognized the
Jeffco Food Policy Council, and encouraged support for local food pantries.
Councilmember Hultin noted the community’s enjoyment of The Green, reported participation in the “Week Without Driving” challenge, and highlighted the success of a
neighborhood block party.
Councilmember Larson stated that although he could not attend the grand opening, he
views The Green as one of the City’s most important public spaces.
Councilmember Dozeman commended The Green and reported on the successful
Carnation Festival, thanking service organizations.
Councilmember Weaver raised concerns about off-leash dogs in District 3. Mr. Goff stated that the City will take action when an attack is reported.
Page 6 of 6
City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2025
Councilmember Ohm reported attending legislative and community events and
commended Localworks for promoting block parties and community engagement.
Councilmember Hoppe described The Green as the realization of a long-standing
community vision and thanked early advocates and residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Stites supported funding $30,000 for the Clear Creek Maker Space,
commended Localworks, highlighted the Melrose Drive block party, and noted attendance at other community events.
Mayor Starker thanked staff for their work on the City Plan, commended The Green for
activating the corridor, recognized Clear Creek Maker Space, supported funding
consideration, and announced his upcoming absence from the next study session. 14. ADJOURMENT
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the
meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem
Onorina Maloney. Deputy City Clerk