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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-2025 Study Session NotesCITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION STUDY SESSION NOTES Hybrid – Virtual Meeting October 20, 2025 1. Call to Order Mayor Starker called the Study Session to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call Members present: Korey Stites, Leah Dozeman, Rachel Hultin, Dan Larson, Scott Ohm, Jenny Snell, and Amanda Weaver. Absent: Janeece Hoppe Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff, Assistant City Manager Marianne Schilling, City Attorney Gerry Dahl, Homeless Navigators Kory Kolar and Maddy Horgan, Interim Public Works Director Kent Kisselman, and Sr. Deputy City Clerk Margy Greer. 3. Public’s Right to Speak None. 4. Homeless Navigation Program Update Mr. Goff introduced Korey Kolar and Maddie Horgan, the Homeless Navigators, to provide an update on the Homeless Navigation Program. The presenters shared information about the program's operations, recent data, partnerships, and plans for severe weather response. Kory Kolar began by explaining that the program is part of the Jeffco Homeless Navigation Collaborative, which started in early 2020. Wheat Ridge joined in December 2020, initially serving Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, and Golden, though Golden now has its own navigators. The program's daily operations include: ● Weekly outreach in areas where people experiencing homelessness congregate ● Intake and documentation in the HMIS database ● Assistance with vital documents ● Specialized referrals for mental health, substance use, and legal issues ● Customized housing pathways based on individual needs ● Support with housing applications, landlord interactions, and security deposits Maddie Horgan presented their referral data, noting that their biggest referral source is community partners, including non-profits like Family Tree, JCMH, local businesses, and motels. Almost half of their referrals come from within the city, including police, municipal court, and other city staff. She highlighted that 15% of referrals come from current or former clients through word-of-mouth. The navigators reported 175 transitional and permanent housing placements since the program began, with 34 placements in the past year. The median time to housing placement is 129 days, though it can range from quick placements to nearly three years. Many clients have been housed in Wheat Ridge, keeping them as constituents in the community. Horgan shared a success story about a client who had been living in a motel with her adult son while fleeing domestic violence. The program was able to help pay off past housing debt accrued by her ex-husband and assist with a security deposit, enabling her to move into stable housing. The presenters discussed their aftercare program, which provides support to clients after housing placement. They explained that the transition from homelessness to housing can be challenging for many reasons: ● Intimidation from lease agreements and landlord processes ● Feeling unsafe or isolated without the community found on the streets ● Adjusting to the quiet of an apartment after constant street noise ● Feeling judged by neighbors ● New responsibilities of apartment living Through aftercare, they check in with clients at regular intervals and proactively address potential issues. They reported that 83% of households remain housed after one year in the program. Program expenses were reviewed, with bridge housing (temporary motel stays while awaiting permanent housing) being the largest cost, followed by move-in costs. They recently added furnishings as a separate expense category to help make apartments feel more like home. The median cost to reach housing is $1,550 per client, though some cases require more investment. Demographic data showed that over half of their clients have been homeless for more than 12 months in the past three years, and over half have no income. Those with income typically receive fixed benefits like disability or Social Security. Regarding partnerships, the presenters highlighted contributions from Glory of God Lutheran Church and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, which have provided winter hats, donation collection sites, and community education opportunities. They also mentioned applying for grants, including a $60,000 Homelessness Resolution Program grant through DOLA and an anticipated $25,000 from the Colorado Gives Foundation. For severe weather response, changes were noted for the upcoming season. The Lakewood Navigation Center (formerly Recovery Works) is undergoing renovations to become a year-round shelter but won't reopen until December. In the meantime, the city has entered into an IGA with other Jefferson County municipalities to provide motel vouchers during severe weather. They have allocated funding for 200 motel rooms for an estimated 50 nights of severe weather. Additionally, an extreme weather response shelter will be available at Jefferson County Human Services during single-digit temperatures. Council members asked several questions: Councilmember Weaver inquired about donation options. The presenters mentioned that donations can be made through the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation, and they offered to provide a flyer with multiple organizations and donation methods. Councilmember Ohm commended the program, noting that constituents have remarked positively about Wheat Ridge's approach compared to surrounding cities. He highlighted that Wheat Ridge, despite being a third of the size of Arvada, has achieved the same number of housing placements. Councilmember Hultin praised the aftercare program and asked about support for people with pets. The navigators explained they look for pet-friendly apartments and encourage emotional support animal documentation when needed. He also asked about family reunification efforts and whether immigration status creates barriers to program participation. Corey explained that they rarely encounter immigration issues, possibly because more migrant services are available east of Sheridan. Councilmember Larson inquired about utility assistance. The navigators described resources like the Low Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and their ability to help with utility payments in emergency situations. Councilmember Snell asked about the age demographics, noting the 45-54 age group was most represented. Corey explained that urban areas tend to have more youth homelessness resources, while middle-aged individuals have fewer targeted services. Councilmember Dozeman asked about housing placement distribution and the reasons behind "auto exits" from the program. The presenters explained that many clients want to stay in the general area, and Wheat Ridge's partnership with Foothills Regional Housing has enabled many local placements. Auto exits typically occur when clients move to different jurisdictions or connect with other service providers. The Mayor asked whether the homeless population in the city is changing. The navigators indicated that while many individuals from the visible homeless population have been helped, they continue to see new clients regularly. They confirmed that the program will likely be needed in the city's budget for the foreseeable future due to ongoing housing challenges. Mr. Goff concluded by noting that Wheat Ridge's navigation program is considered the best in the regional collaborative, with other communities inquiring about their approach. 5. Removal of Utility Marking Requirements Mr. Goff introduced a topic regarding utility markings across the city. He explained that with increased growth and redevelopment in Wheat Ridge, utility markings have become more prevalent and often remain visible for extended periods. The city has received complaints from residents and is exploring options for an ordinance with stricter requirements for removing these markings. Interim Public Works Director Kent Kisselman provided additional context, explaining that their staff uses water-soluble paint for utility locates, but other contractors may use more permanent markings. He expressed frustration about the potential for new projects like Wadsworth to be marred by utility markings that could remain visible for years. The proposed ordinance would give the city authority to require contractors to clean up unsightly markings, particularly when water-soluble paint is not used. Council members were supportive of moving forward with an ordinance: Councilmember Weaver called it a "no-brainer" and mentioned receiving complaints about line markings on 38th Avenue. Councilmember Ohm asked about the methods used to remove permanent paint. Kisselman explained they use products like "elephant snot" (a graffiti removal solution) and pressure washing equipment ("Hotsy") to fade markings, so they disappear more quickly with weather and traffic. Councilmember Larson inquired about how the requirements would apply to homeowners who call 811 for utility locates on their property. Kent clarified that the ordinance would apply to contractors pulling right-of-way permits, not homeowners working on private property. In cases where utilities marks are across private and public property, the utility company would be responsible through their franchise agreement. Councilmember Toesman asked about the prevalence of utility markings and whether there had been a shift away from water-soluble paint. Mr. Goff explained that the increase is primarily due to construction activity in the community rather than changes in marking materials. Councilmember Hultin supported the ordinance but emphasized the importance of requiring water-soluble paint rather than encouraging the use of chemical removers that could enter waterways. The Mayor suggested reaching out to the 811-utility notification center and utility providers to inform them of the city's new requirements once implemented. He also asked about potential sanctions for non-compliance, with Mr. Goff mentioning cost recovery as one option. The Council reached consensus to move forward with developing an ordinance addressing utility marking requirements. 6. Staff Report(s) Mr. Goff provided updates on upcoming events: ● Trunk or Treat on October 25 from 4-6 PM at the Green ● Gold's Market trick-or-treat on the same day from 2-4 PM ● RSA "Get It Done" breakfast on October 30 at 7:30 AM, with seats still available for council members 7. Elected Officials' Report(s) Councilmember Ohm reported attending several events: ● The groundbreaking for Pros and The Lookout at Clear Creek ● An award ceremony for the Mayor ● The Wadsworth ribbon cutting ● The Jeffco Backyard BBQ at Anderson Park, which raised funds for 4H and the Grange Councilmember Weaver expressed appreciation for the Homeless Navigation Program, sharing that a friend biking through Wheat Ridge had noticed the lack of homelessness in the city compared to surrounding areas. Councilmember Larson reported attending the Mayor's award ceremony and the Wadsworth ribbon cutting. He inquired about the timeline for continuous traffic flow on Wadsworth, which Mr. Goff indicated would be approximately one month away. He also mentioned attending the Jefferson Library Foundation's book sale. The Mayor thanked the city for the celebration held in his honor and commented on the positive developments at Clear Creek Crossing, noting how far the city has come. The meeting was adjourned. 10. Adjournment There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Starker adjourned the meeting at 7:44 pm. Korey Stites, Mayor Pro Tem Margy Greer, Sr. Deputy City Clerk