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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-13-2025 Special Study Session NotesPage 1 of 4 City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado Study Session Notes October 13, 2025 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO SPECIAL STUDY SESSION NOTES Hybrid – Virtual Meeting October 13, 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 person. Before calling the meeting to order, Mayor Starker stated the rules and procedures necessitated by this meeting format Call to Order Mayor Starker called the Study Session to order at 8 p.m. Attendance Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tem Kory Stites, Lia Dozeman, Rachel Hultin, Janeece Hoppe, Dan Larson, Scott Ohm, Jenny Snell, Amanda Wever. A quorum was established Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff, City Attorney Gerald Dahl, Interim Public Works Director Kent Kisselman, and other staff and interested residents. Consultant Jennifer Tavantzis from Raftelis Financia Consultants, Inc. joined via Zoom Public Comment There were no public comments submitted. 1. Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study Issue: The City of Wheat Ridge previously adopted a Stormwater Master Plan to address a range of critical needs, including system enhancements to prevent flooding, maintenance of aging infrastructure, and various operational requirements. Recently, the City has also experienced multiple sinkholes attributed to stormwater pipe failures, underscoring the need for sustainable, long-term investment in the stormwater system. Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. (Raftelis) has conducted a comprehensive Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study to assess the City's needs and evaluate funding Page 2 of 4 City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado Study Session Notes October 13, 2025 options. Raftelis will present the findings and recommendations of the study, including a proposed framework for implementing a stormwater utility fee that aligns with the City's infrastructure and environmental goals. Goff introduced the item and turned the presentation over to Kisselman, who then introduced Jennifer Tavantzis. Tavantzis presented the findings of the Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study, which built upon the Stormwater Master Plan completed in May 2025. The study recommends establishing a dedicated stormwater utility to fund capital improvements and ongoing maintenance. Tavantzis explained that the utility would be a standalone fund supported by user fees based on impervious surface area. The billing unit, known as an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), was defined as 3,800 square feet of impervious area. Single-family homes would be billed at a flat rate of one ERU, while non-residential and multi-family properties would be billed based on actual impervious area. The financial model projected over $35 million in capital costs and $2 million annually in operations and maintenance. The proposed fee would begin at $10 per ERU per month and increase to $17 over ten years. Real-world examples were provided, including a pharmacy (15 ERUs), a small business (5 ERUs), an apartment complex (24 ERUs), and a shopping center (344 ERUs). Council Comments Council discussed creating a stormwater utility fee to fund stormwater systems and prevent flooding. The fee would help maintain existing infrastructure and pay for the improvements needed. Staff explained that property owners with existing stormwater systems could receive credits or incentives, and that billing would likely be handled by a third-party service to make it easier for everyone. Council emphasized making the program fair and effective by using green infrastructure like bioswales, ensuring underserved neighborhoods receive needed improvements, and conducting clear public outreach so residents understand the fee and its benefits. They also discussed creating an appeal process for unique properties and exploring external funding options such as the Mile High Flood District. Staff clarified that Option 1 would begin the implementation process in 2026, with billing possibly starting in 2027. Council reached consensus to move forward with Option 1 and to develop a stormwater utility program supported by a strong public communication plan. Staff Reports There were no additional staff reports. City Manager’s Matters Page 3 of 4 City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado Study Session Notes October 13, 2025 None City Attorney’s Matters None Elected Officials Reports Council Member Snell thanked the Transportation Advisory Team for their recent candidate forum and Vision Zero plan launch. She reminded residents to use lights when biking or walking, especially in the early morning. Council Member Hultin had no report. Council Member Larson congratulated Officer Mallory on being named Officer of the Year and praised the Wheat Ridge Police Department. Council Member Dozeman thanked public speakers and Arvada Council Member John Marriott for his involvement in stakeholder meetings. She noted she would miss the canceled November 3rd meeting. Council Member Weaver commented on the upcoming time change and clarified that the initiative to eliminate daylight saving time had failed. Council Member Ohm thanked the Police Department for their awards event, attended ribbon cuttings, and enjoyed Cider Fest with residents. Council Member Hoppe had no report. Mayor Pro Tem Stites thanked public speakers and encouraged support for local businesses. Mayor Starker thanked the Police Department, welcomed new businesses, announced an upcoming groundbreaking at Clear Creek Crossing, and acknowledged the Wheat Ridge Historical Society and Vinnola’s for their community contributions. He also thanked all the speakers who participated in the meeting, expressing appreciation for their time, input, and commitment to the community. He acknowledged that while the City of Wheat Ridge is not perfect, City Council and staff continue working to improve and serve residents to the best of their ability. Page 4 of 4 City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado Study Session Notes October 13, 2025 Adjournment With no further business to come before Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the Study Session at 8:51 pm. Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem Onorina Maloney. Deputy City Clerk