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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-2025 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Hybrid Virtual Meeting Monday, September 22, 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 also attended in person. Before calling the meeting to order, Mayor Starker stated the rules and procedures necessitated by this meeting format. 1. Call to Order The regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge City Council was called to order by Mayor Bud Starker at 6:30 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Those present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3. Roll Call Councilmembers present: Korey Stites, Leah Dozeman, Rachel Hultin, Janeece Hoppe, Dan Larson, Scott Ohm, Jenny Snell, and Amanda Weaver were present. A quorum was established. Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff, City Attorney Gerald Dahl, Economic Development Manager Steve Art, Interim Public Works Director Kent Kisselman, Interim Capital Program Manager Daniel Martinez, Parks and Recreation Director Karen O'Donnell (remote), Community Development Director Lauren Mikulak, and Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney. 4. Approval of Minutes None Page 2 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 5. Approval of Agenda No changes were made to the agenda. 6. Proclamations and Ceremonies A. Mayor Starker read a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honoring the Lutheran Breast Cancer Center for its comprehensive care and survivorship support. Director of Strategic Initiatives Tiffany Perhovicak Obi and Director of Strategic Initiatives Casey Bogenschutz accepted the proclamation on behalf of Lutheran Hospital. Ms. Bogenschutz spoke briefly about the importance of early detection and compassionate care. B. The second proclamation declared October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Deputy Director of Porchlight Family Justice Center Nicole Lopez accepted the proclamation and highlighted the center’s role in supporting survivors through legal, emotional, and advocacy services. She emphasized the importance of community-wide prevention efforts. 7. Public’s Right to Speak No public comments were submitted for the Public’s Right to Speak portion of the meeting. 8. Consent Agenda None PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING 9. Resolution No. 45-2025: A resolution approving the Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan and finding that the Plan Area is a blighted area, designating such area as appropriate for an urban renewal project pursuant to the Plan, and finding that the acquisition, clearance, rehabilitation, conservation, development, redevelopment, or a combination thereof of such area is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of the City of Wheat Ridge. Issue: Urban renewal plans are adopted by City Council and implemented by the Urban Renewal Authority d/b/a Renewal Wheat Ridge. The proposed Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan area is generally located between Wadsworth Boulevard and Carr Street and meanders along the floodplain to 44th Avenue and then west to Garrison Street and includes Garrison Street to I70 Frontage Road North. The Plan will allow for the use of tax increment financing (TIF) within the plan area. Councilmember Larson read the title of the resolution and the Issue into the record. Page 3 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 Mayor Starker opened the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. Economic Development Manager Steve Art summarized the two-year URA process, EPS reports, HB 1348 compliance, URA board expansion, revenue-sharing agreements, and TIF approvals. Sarah Dunmeyer described the 109-acre study area and blight factors, including poor street layout, deteriorated infrastructure, and floodplain risks. Council Questions: A question was raised about the plan’s connection to the 44th Avenue Sub-Area Plan. Staff clarified that the plan covers the entire 44th Avenue corridor and would remain unaffected by future sub-area planning if redevelopment generates increment. Support was expressed for the included properties. It was confirmed that no residential properties south of the creek would be impacted, and Foothills housing, being non- profit, is unlikely to generate tax increment financing (TIF). Additional inquiries about other projects led to mention of the U.S. Truck School and nearby industrial properties. Mayor Starker closed the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. Motion: Councilmember Larson moved to approve Resolution No. 45-2025, a resolution approving the Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan and finding that the Plan Area is a blighted area designating such area as appropriate for an urban renewal project pursuant to the Plan, and finding that the acquisition, clearance, rehabilitation, conservation, development, redevelopment, or a combination thereof of such area is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of the City of Wheat Ridge. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hoppe. Council had no discussion on the motion Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried 10. Resolution No. 46-2025: A resolution approving the Lutheran Legacy Campus Urban Renewal Plan and finding that the plan area is a blighted area, designating such area as appropriate for an urban renewal project pursuant to the plan, and finding that the acquisition, clearance, rehabilitation, conservation, development, redevelopment, or a combination thereof of such area is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of the City of Wheat Ridge. Issue: Urban renewal plans are adopted by City Council and implemented by the Urban Renewal Authority d/b/a Renewal Wheat Ridge. The proposed Lutheran Legacy Campus Urban Renewal Plan area is located between 38th Avenue to the north and 32nd Avenue to the south and Allison Street to the east and Dudley Street to the west. The Plan will allow for the use of tax increment financing (TIF) within the plan area. Mayo Pro Tem Stites read the title of the resolution and the Issue into the record. Page 4 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 Mayor Starker opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. Art presented a staff report noting that the plan followed a similar process to Clearvale. Sarah Dunmeyer of EPS described the study area as approximately 112 acres with 20 parcels. Blight factors included poor lot layout, deteriorated infrastructure, and vacancy. The plan supports implementation of the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan, promoting mixed-use redevelopment and improved connectivity. TIF projections estimate $76M in property tax. Mayor Starker closed the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. Council Questions: none Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Stites moved to approve Resolution No. 46-2025, a resolution approving the Lutheran Legacy Campus Urban Renewal Plan and finding that the Plan Area is a blighted area designating such area as appropriate for an urban renewal project pursuant to the Plan, and finding that the acquisition, clearance, rehabilitation, conservation, development, redevelopment, or a combination thereof of such area is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of the City of Wheat Ridge. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Ohm. Council Discussion: none Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried. 11. 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. Councilmember Hoppe read the title of the bill and the Issue into the record Mayor Starker opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. and recognized Attorney Dahl. Dahl reviewed Charter Section 5.9 which prohibits Councilmembers with a personal or private interest from voting. Councilmember Ohm disclosed his employer’s contract with a neighboring property owner but stated he has no financial interest and can vote impartially; Dahl confirmed he may fully participate and vote on the matter. Mikulak Page 5 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 noted the 2021 approval had lapsed and the proposed exchange would correct playground and basketball court boundaries, adding a modest amount of parkland. Council Questions: none 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 second reading, order it published, 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 Snell. Council Discussion on the motion: Council thanked the property owners for working with the city to resolve the matter and allow the project to move forward. Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING 12. Council Bill No. 19-2025: An ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 10285 Ridge Road from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Mixed Use Commercial – Transit Oriented Development (MUC-TOD) Issue: The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A- 1) to Mixed Use Commercial – Transit Oriented Development (MUC-TOD) for property at 10285 Ridge Road for a mixed-use affordable housing project. Councilmember Dozeman read the title of the bill and the Issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Dozeman moved to approve Council Bill No. 19-2025, an ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 10285 Ridge Road from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Mixed Use Commercial – Transit Oriented Development (MUC- TOD) on first reading for the purpose of ordering it published for a public hearing set for Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, and, if adopted, that it take effect 15 days after final publication. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried. Page 6 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS 13. Resolution No. 47-2025: A resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement concerning regional cold weather response for those experiencing homelessness Issue: The County of Jefferson and the cities of Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge are proposing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to establish a collaborative, regional approach to addressing cold weather response for those experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County for the 2025-2026 cold weather season and potentially beyond. This initiative aims to address the increasing number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County, which is recognized as a regional issue affecting the health, safety, and welfare of each community. Councilmember Snell read the title of the resolution and the Issue into the record. City Manager Patrick Goff provided a staff report on the proposed intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for regional cold weather homelessness response. The IGA builds on work from the Jefferson County Spring Forum on Homelessness and reflects a regional approach, as Wheat Ridge has no local shelters. Participating cities share costs for sheltering during cold weather, including the Lakewood Navigation Center, Jeffco Family Shelter, temporary rec center shelters, motel vouchers, and staffing support. Council Questions: Council confirmed that all Jefferson County jurisdictions—including Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and the county—are participating. Questions were raised about mobile shelters and funding. Staff explained that the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) includes a true-up period, during which end-of-season expenses will be reviewed to determine whether unused funds will be rolled over or reimbursed. Motion: Councilmember Snell moved to approve Resolution 47-2025, a resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement concerning regional cold weather response for those experiencing homelessness. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Dozeman Council Discussion: Council expressed support for the regional homelessness initiative, noting the significant increase in homelessness in Jefferson County, and the importance of Wheat Ridge’s participation in addressing this pressing community need. Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried. Page 7 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 14. Motion to approve appointments to Board, Commissions, and Committees Issue: In August of 2025, the resignation of one IDEA Committee member was received, leaving a vacancy on that Committee. There is one nomination and one ratification to make at this meeting. Councilmember Ohm read the title of the motion and the Issue into the record. Mayor Starker nominated Shannon Garcia-Lewis for the At-Large vacant seat on the IDEA Committee term to expire March 2, 2028. Council Questions: none raised Motion: Councilmember Ohm moved to ratify Mayor Starker’s nomination of Shannon Garcia-Lewis to the At-Large IDEA Committee vacant seat, term to expire March 2, 2028. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hultin. Council discussion on motion: none Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried. 15. Resolution No. 48-2025: A resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvement Program budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $5 million for the purpose of issuing a contract amendment in the amount of $5,374,077.75 for construction of the Improve Wadsworth Project to Concrete Works of Colorado Inc. Councilmember Weaver read the title of the resolution into the record. Mayor Starker stated that the reading of the Issue was to be bypassed and to proceed directly to the presentation. Goff introduced Interim Public Works Director Kent Kisselman and Interim Capital Program Manager Daniel Martinez. Goff reported that the Wadsworth Boulevard Project remains on schedule, with active construction substantially complete by year-end and full completion in spring. Over 90% of work, including all northbound lanes, is finished. Staff recommended approval of a CIP budget amendment to complete the project. The improvements include safer intersections, better business access, continuous sidewalks, and a new bike-pedestrian path to Clear Creek Trail. A ribbon-cutting is planned for October 17. Council Questions: Council inquired about training for the new lanes, and staff confirmed an education campaign is planned. They also noted that the Continuous Flow Intersections (CFIs) may not be fully operational by the October 17 ribbon cutting. Concerns were raised Page 8 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 about unsynchronized pedestrian signals; staff responded that all signals will be timed upon substantial completion. Questions about public art revealed that sculptures are finished, but installation is delayed due to CDOT regulations and right-of-way issues, with key pieces expected next month. Staff also confirmed the project budget is final, unless unexpected issues arise. Motion: Councilmember Weaver moved to approve Resolution No. 48-2025, a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvement Program Budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $5 million for the purpose of issuing a contract amendment in the amount of $5,374,077.75 for construction of the Improve Wadsworth Project to Concrete Works of Colorado, Inc. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hultin. Council Discussion: none Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried. 16. Resolution No. 49-2025: A resolution of support for an application to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trails Grant program. Issue: The Parks and Recreation Department is applying for a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Non-Motorized Trails grant for funding to install wayfinding and safety signage along the Clear Creek Trail and throughout the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt network. A resolution of support is required from City Council to apply for this grant. Councilmember Hultin read the title of the resolution and the Issue into the record. Council Questions: Council supported the resolution and asked that the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation and Trails (ADATS) group help provide community input on the placement of wayfinding signs, noting previous signs were poorly positioned. Motion: Councilmember Hultin moved to approve Resolution 49-2025, a resolution of support for an application to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trails Grant program. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Stites. Council Discussion on the motion: Councilmembers noted that the Clear Creek trails are a valuable part of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation and emphasized the need for improved signage, including bicycle speed limits. Support was expressed for the resolution, with hopes for safer trail use. Suggestions were made to include signage with information on how to report trail issues to help ensure a positive experience for all users. Page 9 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 Vote: 8 Ayes; 0 Nays. The motion carried. 17. City Manager’s Matters Goff announced that the proposed 2026 budget would be delivered electronically later in the week. A study session is scheduled for October 6, with final adoption planned for October 27. 18. City Attorney’s Matters None 19. Elected Officials’ Matters Councilmember Snell: No matters to report. Councilmember Hultin: Suggested quarterly postings of board and commission vacancies and noted constituent concerns about unsafe crossings to The Green at 38th Avenue. Councilmember Larson: Supported Hultin’s proposal, reported volunteering with Local Works at TLC Event #4, and announced a pop-up community event at Boyd’s Crossing Park on October 4, 9 a.m.–noon. Councilmember Dozeman: No matters to report. Councilmember Weaver: Reported the goats completed their city tour, thanked community members and staff for the Lewis Meadows project, and acknowledged Parks and Recreation and Police Department support. Councilmember Ohm: Emphasized clear communication on board openings and noted ADA accessibility concerns at the Grange, recommending review. Councilmember Hoppe: Recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighted Porchlight Family Justice Center services, and encouraged community support. Mayor Pro Tem Stites: Provided updates on recent events, encouraged attendance at the Candidate Forum in Council Chambers or via YouTube/Channel 8, and announced a ribbon-cutting at Mercedes, 7057 West 38th Avenue, on September 26 at 10 a.m. Mayor Starker: Encouraged attendance at the Candidate Forum, noted ongoing ribbon- cuttings and community events, and reminded residents to drive safely. Page 10 of 10 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 20. Adjournment There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the September 22, 2025, Regular Council Meeting at 7:53 p.m. Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem Onorina Maloney. Deputy City Clerk