HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.09.26 Special Study Session NotesPage 1 of 4
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
SPECIAL STUDY SESSION NOTES
Hybrid Meeting
Monday, February 9, 2026
The study session was held both in person and virtually at 7500 West 29th
Avenue, Municipal Building, Council Chambers. Councilmembers and City
staff were present in the Council Chambers. Members of the public were
able to observe and participate either in person or virtually.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Korey Stites called the City Council Special Study Session of February 9, 2026, to
order at 8:58 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Councilmembers Present: Rachel Hultin, Dan Larson, Kathleen Martell, Scott Ohm, Mike
Okada, Patrick Quinn, Jenny Snell, Susan Wood.
Also present: City Manager Patrick Goff, City Attorney Gerald Dahl, Community
Development Director Lauren Mikulak, and Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
In person
No one signed up to speak.
Via Zoom
No one signed up online to speak.
Via Wheat Ridge Speaks
Kelly Blynn
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Thanks for the thoughtful approach on how to move forward with the Wilmore Davis and
Kullerstrand properties. Regarding Wilmore Davis, I wanted to share a few thoughts as a
nearby neighbor of the site. The site is already quite actively used by neighbors (for
soccer practice, playground, informal dog park, etc.), and with open space being
reduced at Lutheran/more density being built and potentially more homes being built on
this site, it may be worth considering if there is an opportunity to keep more of the site
as a park than what is currently contemplated in the RFI. Maintaining more of what is
currently recreational space than what is outlined would allow the site to serve multiple
neighborhood uses for the long term as the neighborhood grows incrementally more
dense. Perhaps a question or scenario in the RFI could gauge whether the city allowing
more moderate density on the site than current zoning could enable maintaining more
park space (maybe in addition to definitively waiving park dedication fees)? This
direction already seems contemplated with the city’s comp plan and future code
updates, and there is already a townhome development bordering one side of the site
and additional townhomes and small apartments around the corner, so additional
townhomes or small scale apartments would fit in well. Perhaps more clearly stating
this direction and demonstrating council's support could foster additional creative
responses that might better serve the neighborhood long term. Thanks for the
consideration.
1. Next Steps for Kullerstrand and Wilmore Davis Elementary Schools
City Manager Goff introduced the topic and outlined the intent not to finalize decisions
that night but to explore potential pathways. Community Development Director Lauren
Mikulak presented a draft Request for Interest (RFI) to identify potential development
partners for the properties. The RFI approach allows the city to gauge interest and feasibility without committing to specific outcomes, while positioning the city to
proceed with the school district's municipal interest process. No members of the public signed up for comment, and Council began discussing the
agenda item.
Key points raised during the discussion included:
• Parks Department plans for both properties were discussed, with reference to
their integration into community needs and existing uses.
• Naming considerations for any acquired parkland, to potentially honor the
historical figures the schools were named after.
• Challenges in connecting Kullerstrand with the greenbelt were highlighted due to
topography, with ideas for creative solutions like switchbacks being considered.
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• Preservation of space adjacent to the Happiness Gardens in the Wilmore Davis
area.
• Councilmember Martell expressed a vision for the Kullerstrand property as a
potential arts and cultural center that could provide space for performing arts, artists, creative entrepreneurs, cultural gatherings, and community events.
• Potential noise impacts from sports fields were discussed, specifically regarding
how this might impact the surrounding neighborhood.
• Zoning considerations for potential redevelopment, particularly about accommodating community-driven concepts like market spaces and social
gathering sites.
STAFF REPORTS
Goff encouraged Councilmembers with ideas or contacts relevant to the RFI to come
forward, stressing the importance of having diverse potential partners involved in the
process. Councilmembers were invited to share the RFI with their networks, diversifying
the pool of respondents and proposals.
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS
Councilmember Okada announced a District 4 meeting with Councilmember Larson set
for February 17 at 6 p.m., at the Anderson Building, underscoring the need for
community engagement and input.
Councilmember Larson highlighted the confluence of the meeting date with Mardi Gras,
adding humor with an encouragement for costumes and community spirit.
Councilmember Wood shared insights from recent meetings with community
stakeholders, detailing plans to further integrate feedback into policymaking.
Councilmember Quinn expressed gratitude towards the Electrical Worker Minority
Caucus, sharing personal reflections on their impactful presence and importance in his
career.
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Councilmember Martell voiced excitement for upcoming community events and safety
forums, emphasizing collaboration with local agencies and organizations.
Councilmember Snell detailed the objectives of the upcoming Community Safety
Information Fair, scheduled to foster stronger ties between citizens and emergency
management teams.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin provided updates from the Denver Regional Council of
Governments (DRCOG), offering context for Wheat Ridge’s ongoing housing and climate
discussions.
Mayor Stites concluded with upcoming business events and encouraged citizens to
support local, echoing gratitude for communal efforts and participation.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stites adjourned the February 9, 2026, Special Study Session at 9:24 p.m.
_____________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
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Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk