HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.09.26 City Council Meeting MintuesPage 1 of 8
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Monday, February 9, 2026
The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with Councilmembers, City staff,
and members of the public participating either in person at the Municipal
Building (7500 W. 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado) or virtually.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stites called the regular City Council meeting to order on February 9, 2026, at
6:30 p.m. Prior to the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Stites reflected on the meaning of the
pledge, emphasizing that it represents allegiance to the ideals the country was founded
on rather than to any political party, president, or individual.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present stood, if able, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Councilmembers Present: Rachel Hultin, Dan Larson, Scott Ohm, Mike Okada, Patrick
Quinn, Jenny Snell, Susan Wood.
A quorum was established.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council approved the City Council Meeting Minutes of January 26, 2026, without changes.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Snell moved to amend the agenda to move item number 5, the
appointment of the City Clerk, to immediately after public comment.
Second: Councilmember Quinn
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
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1. Proclamation - Black History Month
Mayor Stites read a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month,
honoring the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. The proclamation
reaffirmed the City’s commitment to addressing racial injustice through initiatives
including the Wheat Ridge Race and Equity Task Force and the Inclusion, Diversity,
Equity, and Accessibility Committee.
Matthew Walton, representing IBEW Local 111 and the Electrical Workers Minority
Caucus Denver Chapter, accepted the proclamation and encouraged Council to support the proclamation with meaningful action, uphold its resolution that racism and hate
have no place in Wheat Ridge, and continue working with community organizations to
promote equity and inclusion.
PUBLICS' RIGHT TO SPEAK
In person
Marta Hedde, representing the Wheat Ridge Historical Society, invited council members
to attend an upcoming tea and fashion show at the Baugh House on February 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring historical clothing and fashions from days gone by.
Via Zoom:
There were no participants who signed up to speak via Zoom
Wheat Ridge Speaks:
No comments were submitted through Wheat Ridge Speaks
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
5. Motion to make an appointment to fill the City Clerk Vacancy, Term ending November 8, 2027.
ISSUE:
City Clerk Kirkpatrick tragically passed in February of 2025. An initiative was added to
the ballot at the November 4, 2025, election to have both the City Clerk and City Treasurer positions appointed following the completion of the term. This ballot
initiative failed, and therefore it is necessary to appoint a City Clerk to finish out the term
ending in November of 2027. Wheat Ridge City Charter Section 3.11 (c) states that “If a vacancy occurs in the office
of the City Clerk or City Treasurer, no special election shall be called but such vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the council for the remainder of the term”. After
advertising the vacancy, one qualified application was received from an interested
candidate for the vacant seat. An interview was conducted by City Council at the Study
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Session on February 2 and an appointment will be considered at the regular meeting on
February 9.
Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record.
Council expressed gratitude that such a qualified candidate was willing to step into the
role, noting that former Councilmember Hoppe had earned the public's trust through her
ten years of service on City Council.
Motion: Councilmember Okada moved to appoint Janeece Hopee as City Clerk, term to expire November 8, 2027.
Second: mayor Pro Tem Hultin. Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays.
Motion carried.
Judge Jonathan Lucero administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed City Clerk Janeece Hoppe.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Snell introduced the following consent agenda items:
a. Resolution No. 07-2026 - A resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement
between the Cities of Wheat Ridge and Edgewater concerning regional homeless navigator services.
ISSUE:
The City of Wheat Ridge is committed to regional homeless navigation efforts between
Jefferson County and the cities therein to address the increasing number of individuals experiencing homelessness. A previous Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) included
the cities of Wheat Ridge, Golden and Edgewater. Golden has since left the IGA
and hired its own Homeless Navigator. This Intergovernmental Agreement, in partnership with the City of Edgewater, reflects this change as well as the
corresponding payment obligation update between the two cities.
Councilmember Snell read the title and issue into the record.
b. Resolution No. 08-2026 - A resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund
budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of
$423,775 for automated vehicle identification services.
ISSUE:
During the October 28, 2024, City Council Meeting, City Council approved the service
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agreement with Altumint, Incorporated to provide automated vehicle identification
services (AVIS). The fee structure guarantees that the City never incurs direct costs to
Altumint, however, for financial auditing purposes, the City must capture the total expense to implement the program in the budget. This budget supplemental of
$423,775 is offset by total revenues of $499,586.
Councilmember Snell read the title and issue into the record.
c) Resolution No. 09-2026 - A resolution of support for an application to the Colorado Energy Office Local IMPACT Accelerator grant.
ISSUE: The City is applying for grant funding from the Colorado Energy Office for the Local
IMPACT Accelerator Grant. The grant would support a zoning code audit, housing-
supportive code amendments, and financial incentives for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), multi-unit, and affordable housing. A resolution and letter of support from the
City Council are required to apply for this grant program.
Councilmember Snell read the title and issue into the record.
Motion: Councilmember Snell moved to approve items 1a, 1b, and 1c.
Second: Councilmember Okada. Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays.
Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
2. Council Bill No. 02-2026 - an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning vehicle muffler requirements.
ISSUE:
Noise produced by motor vehicles with noncompliant, altered, or missing mufflers is
injurious to the public health and welfare. This ordinance adopts muffler-specific Code
requirements to better address vehicular exhaust noise and its control.
Councilmember Larson read the title and issue in the record.
City Attorney Dahl presented the ordinance, explaining that it defines compliant mufflers as factory-installed or replacement mufflers conforming to original factory
specifications, prohibits operation of a vehicle without a compliant muffler, and establishes minimum fines for violations.
Council discussion addressed enforcement standards, applicability to classic and
vintage vehicles, use of engine brake systems, and the relationship between
unreasonable noise and muffler compliance. Clarification was provided regarding
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officer discretion, evidentiary standards in municipal court, and the intent to focus
enforcement on egregiously loud vehicles impacting quality of life.
Motion: Councilmember Larson moved to approve Council Bill 02-2026, an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning vehicle muffler
requirements, ordered published, to take effect immediately upon adoption and
signature by the Mayor.
Second: Councilmember Okada.
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays. Motion carried.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
3. Council Bill No. 03-2026 - an ordinance repealing Article IV of Chapter 11 of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning amusement arcades and amusement centers
ISSUE:
This ordinance repeals the licensing procedures for amusement arcades. It has become apparent that this section of the Code of Laws is outdated and no longer
necessary for the protection of the public health, safety or welfare of the residents of
Wheat Ridge.
Councilmember Quinn read the title and issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to approve Council Bill No. 03-2026, an
ordinance repealing Article IV of Chapter 11 of the of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws
concerning amusement arcades and amusement centers, order it published and public hearing set for February 23, 2026 in City Council Chambers, and if adopted on second
reading to take effect 15 days after final publication as required by the charter. Second: Councilmember Ohm.
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays.
Motion carried.
4. Council Bill No. 04-2026 – An ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Wheat Ridge
Code of Laws concerning write-in candidate affidavits
ISSUE
This ordinance requires that write-in candidates for any elective office must file an
affidavit of intent with the City Clerk prior to 64 days before the election.
Councilmember Martell read the title and issue into the record.
Motion: Councilmember Martell moved to approve Council Bill No. 04-2026, an
ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning write in candidate affidavits, order it published, public hearing set for Monday February 23,
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2026, at 6:30 p.m., as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, 7500 West
29th Avenue, and that it takes effect fifteen (15) days after final publication, as provided
by Section 5.11 of the Charter. Second: Councilmember Snell.
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays.
Motion carried.
*5. Motion to make an appointment to fill the City Clerk Vacancy, Term ending November 8, 2027. Councilmember Snell moved to amend the agenda to move item
number 5, the appointment of the City Clerk, to immediately after public comment.
See above
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
6. Motion proposing adopting the 2026 Legislative Agenda
ISSUE: The Legislative Committee has recommended that the City Council consider the
adoption of the 2026 Legislative Agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title and issue into the record.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to adopt the 2026 Legislative Agenda.
Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried.
Councilmember Hultin highlighted two updates to the agenda: the addition of governance to the home rule section to address legislative matters affecting the city's
governance abilities, and the addition of special districts and utilities as a standalone issue area.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 7:29 p.m., Councilmember Ohm moved to go into executive session for conference
with the City Manager, City Attorney, and the appropriate staff under Charter Section 5.7B1 and CRS 24-6-402(4)(b) for legal advice and specific legal questions regarding
federal grant conditions, and to return to the open meeting at the conclusion of the
executive session.
Second: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin.
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays. Motion carried.
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Executive Session commenced at 7:35 p.m. and concluded at 8:40 pm. Council returned
to the open meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Mayor Stites called the meeting to order at 8:46 p.m.
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
The City Manager had no matters to report and deferred to the study session.
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
No matters were presented.
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS
Councilmember Okada noted that he and Councilmember Larson would hold a District 4
meeting on February 17th at 6 PM at the Anderson Building. He also expressed gratitude for his council work.
Councilmember Larson mentioned the upcoming District 4 meeting would coincide with Mardi Gras.
Councilmember Wood announced she would attend the Wheat Ridge Business
Association breakfast.
Councilmember Quinn thanked the Electrical Worker Minority Caucus for accepting the
Black History Month proclamation, noting his 30-year involvement with the union and how participation in the caucus had changed his life.
Councilmember Martell mentioned upcoming ribbon cuttings and the Community
Safety Meeting.
Councilmember Snell highlighted the Community Safety Information Fair on
Wednesday from 5-7 PM at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, featuring community partners providing information about safety resources.
Councilmember Hultin announced a District 2 meeting on February 28th at 3 PM at
Stylus and Crate. She also shared that DRCOG received significant funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, including a $600,000 subgrant for Wheat Ridge to
support staff in examining building efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction through building policy and code updates. She noted that funding for Area Agency on
Aging services had been drastically reduced.
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Mayor Stites thanked the IBEW crew for attending the Black History Month
proclamation. He mentioned upcoming business events including the Business
Association meeting, Business District meeting about the Wadsworth grant, ribbon cuttings on Wednesday and Thursday, and Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday at Stylus
of Crate at 9 AM.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the Regular Council Meeting at 8:52 p.m.
_____________________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
___________________________________________
Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk