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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.23.26 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 14 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO Monday, February 23, 2026 The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with Councilmembers, 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 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Those present stood, if able, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Councilmembers Present: Rachel Hultin, Dan Larson, Kathleen Martell, Scott Ohm, Mike Okada, Patrick Quinn, Jenny Snell, and Susan Wood. Absent: None A quorum was established. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Patrick Goff, Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling, Police Chief Chris Murtha, City Attorney Gerald Dahl, Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak, Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman, and Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Council approved the Study Session Notes of February 2, 2026, the City Council Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2026, and the Special Study Session Notes of February 9, 2026, without changes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Page 2 of 14 The agenda was approved as presented. PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES None PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK In person: Julie Clark Raised two concerns: the 3900 block of Holland Street has remained unpaved for 13 months despite repeated inquiries, and she urged the City to prohibit detention centers in Wheat Ridge, citing national trends and community safety concerns. Idella Lewis Invited council and residents to visit the Baugh House and the historical park’s original buildings. She expressed disappointment that the society was omitted from a recent city promotional video during its 50th‑anniversary year. Tamara Phelan Criticized poor communication about Dover Street improvements, noting residents learned of the project informally. She reminded Council that neighbors previously voted against sidewalks, curbs, and gutters and worried that widening the street would increase traffic. Kelly Blynn Supported 2J projects and safe routes to schools, raised concerns about inconsistent driver compliance with flashing beacons, and endorsed operational‑efficiency approaches like Dover. She urged preserving enough 2J funding for data‑driven Vision Zero work and questioned why some May 2025 projects were omitted. Krista Holub Backed sidewalk‑gap projects as essential for safety and requested clearer prioritization and broader user consultation, citing past pedestrian improvements that unintentionally created bike‑safety issues on 29th Street. Via Zoom: Jan Stevenson Expressed excitement about the Miller Street segment and emphasized the importance of walking proposed areas to understand true needs. She advocated for prioritizing W. 32nd Avenue near the high school and requested consideration of automated enforcement for stop sign running. Page 3 of 14 Wheat Ridge Speaks Item No. 5 – Resolution 14-2026 - support human dignity and civil rights Kim Calomino Thank you for bringing forward this resolution to, as the memo says, state "City Council’s commitment to justice rooted in dignity, equity, accountability, and the protection of civil rights for all persons within the community." At a time when fear, distrust, and division are rife in our country; families are broken apart and lives ruined; and lawlessness and disregard of our Constitutional Rights are evidenced daily in communities across the country by the reckless and callous acts of our federal government, it is important that we as a community and you as our leaders voice our commitment to each other and to justice. I support adoption of resolution 14-2026 with one recommended amendment: please add "language spoken" to the 7th Whereas where race, color and country of origin are identified as reasons members of our community may be unfairly targeted. Lastly, I encourage Council to make resources readily available where members of the community can learn how to remain safe when contacted by or witnessing contact by ICE, and regular encouragement to connect with neighbors so we can act as a community to safeguard each other. Thank you. Hadassah Damien As a Wheat Ridge resident and homeowner, I see this resolution as a positive step towards our city being a place for all people to live thriving lives. My spouse and I support Resolution 14-2026. Doug Bates Recent polling suggests 2 out of every 3 Americans now inhibit free expression for fear of retaliation. Rapidly developing surveillance technologies such as Flock cameras, Webloc tracking, and facial recognition present profound concerns for us all, threatening civil rights with a deeply chilling effect. At the same time, accurate identification and instant video evidence offer deterrence and accountability for harms done unto us. Today's governments all struggle to balance civil rights with accountability in a complex world of big data, corporate power, and algorithmic influence. I write today in support of Resolution 2026-14 and to encourage taking action by adopting laws akin to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS) model policies. We the people, through our city representatives, would be kept informed and empowered. These efforts would help us all see that our personal data was handled responsibly helping build trust, public safety, and civic engagement. Page 4 of 14 https://www.aclu.org/community-control-over-police-surveillance I would also refer the Council and broader public to resources provided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) focusing on the constitutional and lawful application of emerging technologies and how each of us can protect our digital privacy and rights. https://ssd.eff.org/ Thank you for hearing us today and for all the work Wheatridge and its law enforcement provide! Debra Sanders Due process is in the constitution. Due process matters and is the right of every person. Wheat Ridge should act in a constitutional manner by supporting due process in all circumstances. Beyond that- as a lifelong citizen of Wheat Ridge I would appreciate knowing that people who live and work in this city feel safe not only from crime but from ice and from anyone espousing violence and hate. In that regard it would also be great to know and understand what the Wheat Ridge government is doing to protect citizens as well as what are the policies for the police department in supporting citizens and what if any allegiance our police have to assist in immigration issues? Rob Cobb Thank you for taking this resolution under consideration. In these challenging times it is imperative our voice is heard among all the noise and rhetoric. Let that voice be loud and clear that we support and stand with all people of Wheat Ridge - residents and non- residents alike. I urge all officials to approve the resolution. Megan Gaydos My name is Megan Gaydos and I have been a Wheat Ridge resident since 2021. I’m writing to express my strong support for this resolution. Everyone who lives in the US has close or distant family that immigrated from somewhere. Our diversity is what makes US unique and valuable. Families should not be separated because of political whims. Please do all you can to protect our immigrant families and everyone else whose safety is at risk by the unnecessary presence of ICE in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and the US. Please support neighborhood organizing and response to keep our neighbors safe not just from ICE, but from climate disasters, other unexpected emergencies and to create a more connected community that promotes belonging, not othering, and nurtures connection not division and difference. Thank you so much Megan Gaydos Nikki Larsen Thank you for issuing this resolution and making it clear which side of history our city stands on. After two people were detained from locations in our city last week, I'd find it Page 5 of 14 very helpful if the city started posting information on the city website about these incidents so that residents have facts and can make sure we have agency to act in ways that support this resolution so that it doesn’t become simply performative Karen Stanley I wholly support this resolution. I hope our City Council and Police Department will stand firmly behind this resolution and not allow our citizens to be harassed and traumatized by federal agents. I hope this will allow our city to stand up to unconstitutional actions by federal agents. Please stand up for all our citizens by adopting this measure. Thank you. Tricia Becker I am a proud Wheat Ridge resident and have felt inspired by our local organizing in response to recent increases in ICE activity in the Denver metro area as well as across the country. Together with 10 households in my WR neighborhood, we gathered to make signs of solidarity and support with our immigrant community members. These signs, which now are posted throughout our neighborhood, reflect the values held by many of us in the community. We will protect our immigrant neighbors, and we hope that our city will stand with us. Thank you for considering this resolution and standing on the right side of history. Shellie and Paul Brockmann We support Resolution 14-2026. 1. CONSENT AGENDA a. Resolution No. 10-2026 – a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year Open Space Fund budget to reflect the approval of the supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $213,470 for the purpose of accepting grant funds from the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. ISSUE: In 2024, the City was awarded $669,073 in federal U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Urban and Community Forestry funding as a pass-through partner of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN). On April 4, 2025, the City was notified that the USDA had terminated its grant agreement with USDN, which paused the City’s grant and all related spending. Page 6 of 14 In September 2025, USDN informed the City that a federal judge had issued an injunction blocking the USDA’s termination, allowing the City to resume eligible grant activities on a reimbursement basis rather than through advance payments. The proposed supplemental appropriation would increase the forestry budget within the 2026 Open Space Fund to support planned USDN grant activities in 2026. Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record. b. Resolution No. 11-2026 – a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation for the re-appropriation and re-encumbrance of 2025 Fiscal Year encumbered funds in the amount of $10,360,392. ISSUE: There are 59 open purchase orders from the 2025 budget that will be carried over to the 2026 budget. Each purchase order is associated with a specific project that was not fully completed in the 2025 fiscal year. The funds which were encumbered for these purchase orders were transferred to the unreserved fund balance of the relevant fund when the purchase orders were closed. To continue or close out these projects in 2026, a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $10,360,392 is necessary to allow transfer of these funds into specific budget line items in the 2026 Budget. Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record. c. Resolution No. 12-2026 – a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Arvada outlining management of a Clear Creek Trail segment near Otis Street ISSUE: The City of Wheat Ridge manages approximately seven miles of the regional, paved Clear Creek Trail (CCT). From approximately the I-70 Westbound bridge over Clear Creek to Wadsworth Boulevard, the CCT is mostly within Arvada’s jurisdiction, but is only accessible to users from Wheat Ridge. Historically, Wheat Ridge has managed and maintained this trail segment, along with the Otis St. connection trail. This proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) formalizes the division of responsibilities for Wheat Ridge and Arvada in this area. To participate in this IGA, City Council must authorize the Mayor to sign the IGA. Page 7 of 14 Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record. d. Resolution No. 13-2026 – a resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Wheat Ridge and the Colorado Department of Transportation for the Tabor Street Multimodal Improvement project ISSUE: In 2025, the City was awarded funding through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to construct improvements for Tabor Street from I-70 to Clear Creek Trail. The funding includes both federal and state funding. CDOT administers the funding, so an Intergovernmental Agreement needs to be executed that outlines the various parties’ responsibilities, summarizes the funding sources, and details the requirements of the funding sources. Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Okada moved to approve items 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING 2. 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. Mayor Stites opened the Public Hearing City Attorney Gerald Dahl explained the code section dates from 1977 when there was concern about illegal gambling at arcades, but this concern no longer exists and the licensing program generates minimal revenue while creating regulatory burden for Page 8 of 14 businesses. Council sought confirmation that state gambling laws, liquor laws, and local laws provide necessary tools to handle potential unlawful acts, which Attorney Dahl confirmed. Mayor Stites closed the Public Hearing. Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to approve 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 and that it takes effect (15) days after final publication as required by the charter Second: Councilmember Okada Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays. Motion carried. 3. 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. Mayor Stites opened the Public Hearing 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 and that it takes effect fifteen (15) days after final publication, as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter. Mayor Stites closed the Public Hearing City Attorney explained this ordinance allows election officials to prepare appropriate materials and know whether to count write-in votes, while not preventing anyone from running as a write-in candidate. Council confirmed this ordinance does not prevent or discourage anyone from running for office as a write-in. Second: Councilmember Snell Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion Carried ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Page 9 of 14 NONE DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS 4. Motion to approve appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees ISSUE: As of March 2, 2026, the terms of twenty-six Board, Commission, and Committee members of the City of Wheat Ridge will expire. Additionally, there are three existing vacancies to fill. These twenty-nine positions in total are to be filled or reappointed. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title and issue into the record. Mayor Stites requested the following appointments: Aspen Jacoby to the Alternate Board of Adjustment, term to expire March 2, 2029, and the re-appointment of Terra Greer to the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee, term to expire March 2, 2029, and the appointment of Jenny Snell to the Council Liaison position on the IDEA Committee, term to expire March 2, 2029, and the appointment of Jenny Snell to the newly formed Council Liaison position on the Cultural Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029, and the appointment of Patrick Quinn to the newly formed Council Liaison position on the Parks and Recreation Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to ratify the Mayor’s recommendations as presented by the Mayor. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried District I Motion: Councilmember Snell moved to re-appoint Al Gallo to District I, Building Code Advisory Board, term to expire March 2, 2029, and, Moved to appoint Taylor Dupree to the District I, Cultural Commission, term to expire on March 2, 2027, and, Moved to appoint Wesley Hughes to the District I, Cultural Commission vacancy, term to expire on March 2, 2029. Second: Councilmember Martell Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried District II Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to appoint Dustin Brucher to the District II, Board of Adjustment, term to expire March 2, 2029, and, Page 10 of 14 Moved to appoint Celia Daly to the District II, Cultural Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029, and, Moved to appoint Katherine White to the District II, Parks and Recreation Commission, term to expire on March 2, 2029, and, Moved to appoint Kristine Disney to the District II, Planning Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried District III Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to re-appoint Laura Sicard to the District III, Board of Adjustment, term to expire March 2, 2029, and, Moved to re-appoint Kathy Plummer to the District III, Cultural Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029, and Moved to appoint Kimberly Cross to the District III, Parks and Recreation Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029, and Moved to appoint Simon McGowan to the District III, Planning Commission, term to expire March 2, 2028, and Moved to appoint Jennifer Gibbs to the District III, Planning Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029. Second: Councilmember Wood Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried DISTRICT IV Motion: Councilmember Larson moved to appoint Andy Sulak to the District IV, Board of Adjustment, term to expire March 2, 2029, and Moved to appoint Antonio Medina to the District IV, Cultural Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029, and, Moved to appoint Charlotte Kettering as an out-of-district appointment to, District IV, Cultural Commission, term to expire March 2, 2027, and Moved to appoint Pat Cervera to the District IV, Parks and Recreation Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029, and Moved to appoint Anna Sparks to the District IV, Planning Commission, term to expire March 2, 2029, and Moved to appoint Charlie Hood to the District IV, Renewal Wheat Ridge, term to expire March 2, 2031 Second: Councilmember Okada Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. 5. Resolution No. 14-2026 – a resolution declaring City of Wheat Ridge support for human dignity and civil rights for all Page 11 of 14 ISSUE: The City Council is asked to consider a resolution affirming the City of Wheat Ridge’s commitment to human dignity, civil rights protections, constitutional guarantees, and maintaining community trust and public safety. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title and issue into the record and explained the resolution was a collaborative effort with each Councilmember authoring their own “whereas” statements. Each Councilmember read their own portion of the resolution as follows: RESOLUTION DECLARING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE SUPPORT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL Mayor Stites: WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge affirms that civil rights and human dignity are foundational to a safe, thriving, and welcoming community, and we stand united in protecting the inherent worth and equal protection of every person who calls our city home; and Councilmember Okada: WHEREAS, an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty regarding federal enforcement actions undermines the trust between our community and government institutions, resulting in reduced safety for everyone; and Councilmember Snell: WHEREAS, we acknowledge the fear and uncertainty felt within our own community and recommit ourselves to being present, transparent, and responsive to our residents during this time; and Councilmember Quinn: WHEREAS, democratic systems depend on open institutions, civic participation, and the protection of individual rights, and the City Council recognizes the importance of supporting these principles in its local governance; and Councilmember Larson: WHEREAS, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of all persons within its borders to freedom of religion, expression and peaceable assembly, the Fourth Amendment protects against warrantless searches, and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee due process, the civil rights of both citizens and non-citizens must be protected; and Councilmember Martell: WHEREAS, Wheat Ridge City Council supports the rule of law and our Wheat Ridge Police Department, we will not ignore any injustice or unlawful behavior we see where rights guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution are violated at any level; and Councilmember Wood: WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge holds core values of being Page 12 of 14 independent-minded, inclusive, and forward-looking, as affirmed in the adopted City Plan; therefore, we disavow actions that may unfairly target community members based on race, color, or country of origin; and Mayor Pro Tem Hultin: WHEREAS, Wheat Ridge is at its best when we overcome differences and stand alongside community leaders and caring neighbors to stay vigilant and to take right action to ensure everyone has safe access to a vibrant community life; and Councilmember Ohm: WHEREAS, we must be a light of hope in challenging times and stand firm in our commitment to a peaceful democracy and to strengthening our community while protecting fairness and equal opportunity for all. Councilmember Snell: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Wheat Ridge Mayor and City Council are committed to ensuring that our local policies are consistent with our dedication to justice rooted in dignity, equity, accountability, and the protection of civil rights; we call upon all levels of government to act in ways that strengthen, rather than harm, the communities we serve; and this Council reaffirms its commitment to fostering trust, promoting public safety, and ensuring that our community remains a place where all people feel valued and protected. Mayor Stites: DONE AND RESOLVED this 23rd day of February 2026 Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to approve Resolution No. 14-2026, a resolution declaring City of Wheat Ridge support for human dignity and civil rights for all Mayor Stites opened Public’s Right to Speak on the item. PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK on Resolution 14-2026 In person: Morgan Richards- read a confirmed detention report from Dover and Fenton Streets and requested the resolution be backed with action. Doug Bates - offered action items including community control over police surveillance policies. Gary Holmes- requested specific immigration-related actions including prohibiting ICE deputization agreements and requiring judicial warrants for immigration enforcement. Page 13 of 14 Council asked about zoning restrictions on detention centers. Director of Community Development Mikulak and the City Attorney explained that such facilities are not permitted uses under current zoning code, and federal preemption would be required for such facilities to override local zoning. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort and emphasized this resolution as a starting point for further community protection work. Second: Councilmember Snell Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS City Manager Goff announced Onorina Maloney has earned her Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). The City was awarded a $4.5 million transit-oriented community infrastructure grant for the Foothills Regional Housing Ridge Road project. Wheat Ridge was the first in the state to submit compliance reports for House Bill 24-13 affordable housing requirements and received the most funding in the first grant round. CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS No matters to report ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS Councilmember Okada: Thanked everyone who attended the District 4 meeting, noting good attendance and conversations. Mentioned the Mardi Gras king cake and humorously noted that no one has found the baby yet. Councilmember Larson: Highlighted that all buildings for the Foothills Regional Housing project are now demolished, with site excavation underway. Mentioned that Regional Transportation District (RTD) staff are recommending increasing G Line train frequency from 30 minutes to 15 minutes. Councilmember Wood: Attended the Colorado Environmental Film Festival, emphasizing Wheat Ridge's focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, and suggested next year Wheat Ridge could be involved. Councilmember Quinn: Participated in ribbon cuttings and attended the Colorado Municipal League's legislative conference, mentioning concerns about unfunded Page 14 of 14 mandates and state budget issues, acknowledging that Wheat Ridge's legislative committee has a lot to address. Councilmember Martell: Announced the completion of the Wadsworth Recovery Grant Program's first round, distributing $75,000 to businesses. Requested support for a second-round discussion at the March 2 study session, which was granted. Commented on attending the CML legislative workshop, the Makerspace upgrade, and encouraged tours and participation. Councilmember Snell: Expressed pride in community involvement at the community safety meeting. Updated on the monthly office hours and advertised the next session with Representative Brita Patterson's office holding mobile hours. Councilmember Ohm: Requested removal of personal contact data from online employment packets. Inquired about progress on the car wash. Concerned about water scarcity due to unusually warm weather and advised against watering lawns prematurely. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin: Attended several meetings and workshops, including events hosted by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and the Colorado Municipal League (CML). Highlighted federal budget advocacy efforts through the National League of Cities. Announced the District 2 meeting this Saturday at 3 PM at Stylus and Crate, with an open invitation for community engagement. Mayor Stites: Reported on multiple ribbon-cutting ceremonies and the completion of the Wadsworth Recovery Grant Program's initial phase. Announced the next Coffee with the Mayor at the Active Adult Center on March 14. Visited Cub Scout Pack 241, discussing civic responsibility, and welcomed any scouting troops for similar future engagements. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the February 23, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting at 7:54 PM. _________________________________ Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem ___________________________________________ Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk