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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-2025 Study Session NotesPage 1 of 7 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES October 6, 2025 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES Hybrid – Virtual Meeting October 6, 2025 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bud Starker called the Study Session to order at 6:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tem Korey Stites, Leah Dozeman, Rachel Hultin (via Zoom), Janeece Hoppe, Dan Larson (via Zoom), Scott Ohm, Jenny Snell, Amanda Weaver. Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff, Interim Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling, Police Chief Chris Murtha, Court Administrator Roxanna Caldwell-Tillery, Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak, Director of Parks & Recreation Karen O’Donnell, Interim Public Works Director Kent Kisselman, Management Analyst Cole Haselip, Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney and other staff and interested residents. PUBLIC COMMENT (In person) Ben Leroux, President of the Wheat Ridge Football Booster Club, requested $3,000 in funding to support low-income student-athletes. He shared the financial challenges faced by many players and emphasized the positive impact of football on youth development. 1. 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET PRESENTATION City Manager – Patrick Goff City Manager Patrick Goff opened the meeting by introducing a podcast-style budget summary, which highlighted Artificial Intelligence to improve communication and efficiency. Following the podcast, Goff began presenting the 2026 Proposed Budget. He emphasized that the budget is not just a financial document, but a reflection of the City’s values, priorities, and long-term vision. He noted that the City is in a strong Page 2 of 7 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES October 6, 2025 financial position, with higher-than-expected revenues from sales tax audits and interest income, as well as a significant fund balance carryover from 2024. Goff highlighted the importance of balancing financial stability with progress, ensuring that essential services are funded while transformational projects continue. 2. PRESENTATIONS General Fund Overview - Marianne Schilling Schilling provided an overview of the City’s proposed 2026 budget. She reported that the total budget across all funds is $101 million, which includes a $3 million transfer from the general fund to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The general fund is projected to end the year with a balance of $12.9 million. Revenues are expected to increase by 8% compared with 2025, and general fund spending is projected to rise by 7%, mainly due to software upgrades, costs for the photo radar program, and employee compensation adjustments. Schilling explained that the City takes a conservative approach to budgeting and highlighted the importance of maintaining a 17% unrestricted fund balance, in line with financial policy. Outside Agency Contributions - Cole Haselip Haselip presented the City’s planned contributions to outside organizations in the 2026 budget. The City plans to continue supporting community events, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Highlights include $100,000 for the annual Carnation Festival, $120,000 for the Wheat Ridge Business District, $75,000 for the Wadsworth Business Recovery Grant Pool, and $45,000 for other citywide business support programs. The City will also provide $326,200 to Localworks to continue community and business development initiatives. The Community Partners Grant Program will award $200,000 to 32 local nonprofits, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 and a median award of $5,000. Administrative Services Highlights - Marianne Schilling Schilling highlighted department accomplishments and priorities for 2026. She noted continued work on the 2J Next Chapter Bond Fund and progress by the IDEA Committee, including support for the City’s first Pride events. She reported more than 25 housing placements through the Homeless Navigation Program and the launch of Wheat Ridge 102, along with other internal staff engagement programs. Marianne also shared plans for a public dashboard to track sustainability metrics and ongoing grant applications to support homelessness and energy initiatives. Municipal Court - Roxanna Caldwell-Tillery Page 3 of 7 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES October 6, 2025 Court Administrator Roxanna Caldwell-Tillery shared updates on the modernization of the Municipal Court. She announced that a new court software system is in the final stages of implementation and that the court is transitioning to a paper-on-demand model. Caldwell-Tillery also discussed the use of a collection agency to manage overdue accounts and the start of photo radar hearings later in the month. She acknowledged that the community court model has not been as successful as hoped and outlined a new approach that includes meeting participants at the jail to provide services. Administrative Services - Marianne Schilling Schilling provided an overview of key accomplishments related to the City’s ongoing systems transformation initiative. The Information Technology division successfully implemented the Go Tax & Licensing software, streamlining business licensing and tax administration. Additionally, payroll and human resources functions have officially transitioned to Paycom, marking a major modernization milestone. October was recognized as Cybersecurity Month, with IT emphasizing best practices to strengthen citywide digital safety. Schilling also highlighted improvements in procurement processes through the adoption of OpenGov, which has enhanced contract compliance and generated positive feedback from vendors. Another major achievement was the completion of a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan, directly supporting Strategic Priority #5: Fiscal Sustainability and Resiliency. In Communications, staff continued extensive outreach surrounding the Lutheran Redevelopment Project, including the launch of “FAQ Fridays” and collaboration with community organizations to keep residents informed and engaged. On the financial side, the Revenue Recovery Group has begun producing audit revenue, with significant one-time increases anticipated in 2026. Schilling expressed optimism about the upcoming rollout of new budgeting software, which will replace labor-intensive Word and Excel processes and improve efficiency across departments. Finally, Human Resources is updating city policies under the direction of the Manager of People & Culture to better align with the City’s core values and organizational culture. Community Development - Lauren Mikulak Lauren Mikulak described 2025 as a year of transition for Community Development, with major planning efforts completed, including the Lutheran campus rezoning and the City Plan. She noted steady development activity and shared that the department is now shifting toward implementation. In 2026, priorities include executing the housing Page 4 of 7 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES October 6, 2025 strategy, updating building codes, and supporting capital projects. Lauren also mentioned that while permit revenues dipped slightly, they recently exceeded projections, signaling renewed development momentum. Operationally, The City renewed its contract with Charles Abbott and Associates for building services and is finalizing a building code update expected later this month. The focus for 2026 will be implementing the City Plan, housing strategy, and redevelopment efforts. The department will also roll out the updated building codes with accompanying education and outreach, while continuing core services such as development review, permitting, and support for capital projects. These efforts are expected to be managed within existing staffing and budget resources. Police Department – Police Chief Chris Murtha Chief Murtha highlighted the department’s continued focus on training, leadership, and relationship-based policing. He reported a fourth consecutive year of crime reduction, with crime down 30% since the COVID spike. The department is fully staffed, which he attributed to a strong internal culture. Technology investments such as photo radar, AI- assisted report writing, and e-ticketing have improved efficiency and safety. The department earned its fifth CALEA accreditation – an achievement held by fewer than 10% of agencies nationwide. For 2026, the department will focus on expanding community engagement, strengthening business partnerships, and maintaining a “compassion with boundaries” approach to public safety. Parks and Recreation - Karen O’Donnell Karen O’Donnell shared several accomplishments from 2025, including the grand opening of The Green at 38th, updates to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and expanded summer camp capacity. She also noted ADA upgrades to the department’s website and the planting of over 150 trees through grant funding. Looking ahead to 2026, the department will begin design work for the Anderson Pool replacement, complete the Tabor Lake Trail project, and pursue reaccreditation through CAPRA. Highlighted efforts to acquire the Wilmore Davis and Color Strand fields for future park use. Public Works - Kent Kisselman Kisselman highlighted key 2025 achievements, including Recreation Center bridge repairs, the Youngfield Scour project, and completion of the Stormwater Master Plan. Ongoing efforts like ADA sidewalk upgrades, traffic calming, and pavement maintenance continued, with 1,000 potholes repaired and final work on 29th Avenue upcoming. A Rate Study will be presented next week. Page 5 of 7 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES October 6, 2025 For 2026, priorities include finishing the Wadsworth Project, launching fleet management software, and replacing 17 vehicles, including a patch truck. Capital spending is projected at $40 million, supporting major projects like the Wadsworth Path, Mirkwood Drainage, Youngfield Aesthetics with public art, 44th and Eldridge signal replacement, and Recreation Center upgrades. Stormwater work under the 2J Bond continues on Hoyt Street and 45th and Jay, with a new mini program for smaller drainage issues. Other projects include Clear Creek to Balsam flood mitigation, 38th Avenue utility upgrades, a new signal at 44th and Tabor, and the 26th and Harlan roundabout led by Edgewater. Public Works and Community Development will focus on sidewalk gaps and multimodal improvements, with consultant Olsson supporting. Key projects include Taber Street and 35th Avenue improvements, traffic calming on Miller and Upham, ADA ramp installations, updates to the ADA Transition Plan, and continued sidewalk repairs. Open Space & Conservation Trust Funds - Karen O’Donnell O’Donnell presented updates on the Open Space and Conservation Trust Funds. She reported $6 million in projected revenue for the Open Space Fund, which will support trail widening, park overlays, and the Anderson Pool design. The Conservation Trust Fund will receive $385,000 in revenue and fund playground replacements, facility upgrades, and maintenance projects. O’Donnell emphasized the City’s commitment to maintaining and improving parks and open spaces through responsible use of restricted funds. Staffing and Benefits - Marianne Schilling Schilling confirmed that no new positions are proposed for 2026. The City will continue to evaluate staffing needs as vacancies arise. She reviewed compensation plans, including $1.1 million for performance-based pay, a new sergeant step program, and a compensation study to inform the 2027 budget. Rising healthcare costs were noted, with an 11% increase due to higher usage of benefits. Closing Remarks – City Manager Patrick Goff Goff closed the presentation by discussing fiscal challenges and opportunities. He noted that while revenues are flat and costs are rising, the City remains in a strong financial position with healthy reserves. He highlighted the end of ARPA funding, the need for stormwater infrastructure investment, and the importance of staying flexible in an uncertain economic environment. Goff expressed optimism about future revenue Page 6 of 7 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES October 6, 2025 growth from Clear Creek Crossing and Wadsworth reinvestment and emphasized the role of AI in improving efficiency and service delivery. COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION Council appreciated the clarity of the presentations and asked questions about departmental priorities, community support, and fiscal strategy. The body discussed the Municipal Court transition, with staff reporting a smooth process and positive staff adaptation to new systems. The City’s photo radar program was also addressed. Staff explained that most public confusion stemmed from outdated vehicle registration addresses and noted ongoing efforts to educate residents. A suggestion was made to post a sample citation online to improve transparency. Council reviewed infrastructure projects, including the 38th Avenue corridor, which is in the design phase for 2026 and expected in the 2027 budget. Council approved a $3,000 allocation from the general fund to support the Wheat Ridge High School football team. Council asked about contingency planning and red-light cameras. Staff explained that mid-year budget reviews provide flexibility and that any new cameras would be added based on safety and would not affect the budget. Council also asked if staffing would be enough if the City Clerk and Treasurer positions became appointed. Goff confirmed current staff levels are sufficient, and no new hires are needed. Councilmembers highlighted other priorities, including the $75,000 Wadsworth Business Recovery Grant, capital improvement project funding, the Community Partners Grant process, playground replacements, tuition assistance for Sun Camp, and the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. The session concluded with Council reaching consensus to approve the $3,000 football team allocation and for the proposed 2026 budget, with final adoption scheduled for October 27, 2025. STAFF REPORTS No additional staff reports were presented at the end of the meeting. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS Councilmember Dozeman announced the upcoming Jeffco Backyard Barbecue Cookoff at Anderson Park on October 18th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Page 7 of 7 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION NOTES October 6, 2025 Councilmember Larson thanked attendees and city staff for their support at the recent gathering at Boyd’s Crossing Park in District IV. He praised the park and encouraged residents to visit with their families and pets. Councilmember Hultin shared feedback from a resident concerned about verifying the legitimacy of automated enforcement citations. It was suggested the City consider posting a sample citation on its website to help residents distinguish official notices from potential scams. There were no additional reports ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the study session at 8:47 p.m. Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem Onorina Maloney. Deputy City Clerk