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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.09.26 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 13 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO Monday, March 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 March 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. 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, and Susan Wood. Absent: None A quorum was established. Also in attendance: City Manager Patrick Goff, Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling, Police Chief Chris Murtha, City Attorney Gerald Dahl, Community Development Director Lauren Mikulak, Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman, Procurement Manager Whitney Mugford-Smith, Procurement Coordinator Kelsey Carter, and Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. Page 2 of 13 PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES Mayor Stites noted that invited guests Monica Duran and Brittany Pettersen could not attend as they were working at the State Capitol. He read the proclamation celebrating March 2026 as Women's History Month and March 8, 202,6 as International Women's Day, highlighting the theme "Lead the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future." The Mayor invited Mayor Pro Tem Hultin, Councilmember Martell, Councilmember Snell, and Councilmember Wood to join him for a photo. Proclamation – Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Representatives from Lutheran Hospital, Casey Bogenschutz (Director of Oncology Service Line) and Tammy White-Uecker (oncology nurse), joined Mayor Stites for the proclamation of March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The proclamation emphasized that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and highlighted screening disparities affecting communities of color and rural populations. Bogenschutz addressed the council, thanking them for the recognition and emphasizing that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through screening. She noted that screening is now recommended beginning at age 45 due to rising diagnosis rates in younger adults. She concluded by challenging the council with the question: "What's one conversation you will have because of this proclamation?" Proclamation – National Procurement Month Mayor Stites read a proclamation designating March 2026 as National Procurement Month. Procurement Manager Whitney Mugford‑Smith and Procurement Coordinator Kelsey Carter accepted the proclamation. Ms. Mugford‑Smith thanked the Mayor and Council for recognizing Procurement Month. She noted that the team is proud of the work they do each day to ensure the City’s resources are used responsibly, fairly, and transparently. Mayor Stites opened the public’s right to speak portion of the meeting. Due to the number of speakers signed up, individual comments were limited to two minutes. PUBLICS' RIGHT TO SPEAK In person Patrick Stanley – Requested preserving the Wilmor- Davis site as a full-size neighborhood park rather than minimal open space tied to private development. Stated it functions as the main walkable play area for nearby children and families Page 3 of 13 Trevor Hopkins – Requested that the City work with Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco) to keep the Wilmore Davis property as a public park instead of additional housing. Cited lack of parks in the area and nearby residential growth (The Stack and former Lutheran campus) as reasons to prioritize green space. Parag Mahale – Requested preservation of the open field as a neighborhood gathering place. Cited mental-health and environmental benefits of green space and suggested community-oriented alternatives (library expansion, arts/cultural center, expanded community garden) instead of dense redevelopment. Brooks Cannon – Opposed more residential units at Wilmore Davis. Requested that the City maintain the property as a park/green space, describing it as the neighborhood “anchor” and one of few green spaces accessible without crossing major streets Lindsay Lynch – Supported keeping the site largely as open community space; noted the school building may again be needed for education due to many young families. Expressed concern about adding redundant housing in an area with already high property taxes. Mike Moore – Requested converting the former school site into a public park with green space and a dog-friendly area. Described the parcel as a rare opportunity and stated that a designated dog area would meet demand and reduce conflicts in other parks. Erin Meyer – Requested that the property remain a large open green space and opposed additional townhomes given new housing at the former Lutheran site. Supported retaining updated playgrounds and courts, adding a dog area, and considering amenities such as expanded gardens and a splash pad Greg Watson – Reported chronic problems at 4515 Balsam Street, including alleged drug dealing, prostitution, disturbances, frequent vehicle traffic, underage occupants, and a recent overdose. Stated police had been called 43 times in 2024 and requested City action. Justin Padilla – Reported suspected drug deals occurring adjacent to his property tied to 4515 Balsam Street, with drug paraphernalia and needles found in his yard. Expressed concern for his young child’s safety and stated that repeated police responses have not resolved the problem. Peggy Taulli – Supported the nuisance-abatement request and confirmed the reported activities. Reported being verbally abused and having a vehicle allegedly swerved toward her by an individual associated with 4515 Balsam Street. Page 4 of 13 Wayne and Beverly Konrad – Requested a formal chronic nuisance designation for 4515 Balsam. Cited over a decade of criminal activity and patterns of short-stay vehicle traffic and stated that a problematic resident remains despite landlord assurances. Kristine Disney – Requested designating a portion of the Wilmore Davis playground for dogs, located away from gardens. Stated that many neighbors have built community there while walking dogs. Kristi Davis – Requested preserving the area and avoiding additional high-density development near the Legacy Lutheran and Zephyr Gardens projects. Stated that increasing density increases need for dog parks and asked that any future park recognize the Wilmore and Davis families, who donated the land. Nikki Davis Depew – Supported Park use and requested that the Wilmore/Davis names be retained on the site. Emphasized her family’s long service and land donations to the community. Elizabeth and Tim Cessar – Requested keeping the property as it is. Noted many young families in adjacent townhomes, expected growth at the former Lutheran and 44th/Kipling developments, and potential future need for a school, while valuing current recreational use. Alex Gouldsmith – Requested that any development partner for Wilmore Davis provide clear neighborhood benefits. Preferred maintaining an educational use; alternatively supported a civic/cultural center. If residential is pursued, requested mixed-use zoning with small neighborhood-serving retail and limited parking so the park primarily serves nearby residents. Andrea Grasso – Supported preserving Wilmore Davis as green space and reported regular daily use by children, neighbors, and dogs. Requested a public update on the current interest process and urged retention of green space. Via Zoom: Allison Fingado – Supported preserving the Wilmore Davis open space and opposed additional housing on the site. Reported frequent use of the area by children and families and described it as an important safe gathering place, especially with new housing planned at the former Lutheran campus. Sarah Westmoreland – Not connected Shawn Edmonds – Not connected Page 5 of 13 Tanya Barb – Supported retaining Wilmore Davis as a community gathering space and expressed concern that planning for the site appears to be moving forward. Requested an update on the City’s current direction and next steps for the property Wheat Ridge Speaks: Agenda Item: Public's Right to Speak Emma Balder Submitted comment: March 9, 2026, at 10:50 AM Regarding the Wilmore Davis Elementary school, I concur with several other folks here that the neighborhood would greatly benefit from a park/open space, as a continuation of the Happiness Gardens. The neighborhood is lacking in park and gathering space. Alternatively, I could see a community art center (with affordable artist studios, community art classes and programs) being a great use of the current building structure, while creating a more robust public park with the surrounding green space. The area (and the front range in general) is lacking in affordable art studios for professional working artists - this could bring a positive influence on the neighborhood through community engagement and cultural enrichment in the area, while retaining the educational essence and history of the building. Breonna Minor Submitted comment on March 8, 2026, at 8:06 PM RE: Wilmore-Davis green space I would like to encourage the council to consider purchasing the land behind Wilmore-Davis and designating it as protected green space. Doing so would be a meaningful investment in the well-being, environmental health, and quality of life of our community. The property already sits at the heart of an established neighborhood, making it uniquely positioned to serve residents as a park, natural habitat, or community greenway. Preserving it would maintain the character of the area while adding lasting public value. Thank you for your time, your efforts, and your consideration. Deb Schmidt Davies Submitted comment on March 7, 2026, at 4:27 PM Hello, I’m Deb Schmidt Davies, I live at 3960 Dover St. My comment is about the excess traffic and speeding on Dover and the potential road, storm drainage, curb gutter and sidewalk re construction. I’m asking for alternatives to a wider road, curb, gutter & sidewalks. Alternatives more conducive to the current street character, less costly, and Page 6 of 13 less destructive environmentally. Wider asphalt roads and concrete curb gutter and sidewalks deflect water. Porous pavement and porous concrete allow water to percolate into the soil replenishing ground water. Bioswales filter storm water and help slow down the storm water flow. For all the new sidewalk gap plans through out Wheat Ridge, the environmental impact should be a major factor in the design of the project. I have listed below the example of minimum re-construction for Dover Road, drainage, and traffic calming methods. Also listed is the example for the maximum re construction. Minimum: The Minimum re construction for Dover: is the road needs re grading, currently it crowns to the East. The road base is very poor. The asphalt thickness is not 3 - 6 inches and it should be near 6 inches given our cold climate. Our traffic volume is about 1400 vehicles per day. I believe that is medium volume. In contrast Dudley from 32nd to 38th is about 600 vehicles per day. There are 50 homes on Dover from 38th to 44th. Each household could have a different drainage solution. Some have already installed concrete swales. Others have retained the original grass swales, which could be improved, not demolished. The concrete swales double as sidewalk. Maximum: The Maximum re construction for Dover and most costly is a wider road with curb, gutter and ADA compliant sidewalks. If this is the final plan for Dover please implement permeable concrete, pavement, and bioswales. In the road re-construction design please include Traffic Calming methods, these can include: 4 speed tables, and a traffic circle at 41st. This is similar to what was approved for Dover in 1996 but never completed. In an email dated Oct 2025, Counselor Ohm suggested to Public Works director, Kent Kisselman, “installing some bioswales at the intersection to capture water /debris and reduce the street width as a pilot project?” Thank you for your time. Mariann Storck Submitted comment on March 7, 2026, at 12:24 PM. Wilmore Davis I'm worn out. Wheat Ridge residents endured many years of change, mess, traffic congestion and more with the rebuild of Wadsworth Boulevard over the past many years. We've endured a sh*t show from our nation's capital that has left many of us in sorrow, despair, anxiety, frustration, hopelessness and feelings of being powerless. With the development of the former Lutheran Hospital Campus, we can look forward to more of the same. Most likely, that project will probably continue for the remainder of my life. I think that if the city really cares about its residents, long-term and new, they will see that the Wilmore Davis property would better serve a small neighborhood, without a nearby park, as an open space. The Bel Aire section of Wheat Ridge does not have much in the way of parks. It could be another emerald for the city with space enough for more playground equipment, discovery trails, extension of the urban forest started at Happiness Gardens, and even for our neighbors with no yards as Page 7 of 13 a destination for their canine pals to play. I like to think that by now, everyone knows the mental health benefits of being outdoors for humans and animals. I see the conversion to a park on the Wilmore Davis property as a win-win situation: productive use of the land to control greenhouse gases, a boost for the mental health of viewers and visitors, an opportunity to build more community within a section of the City, and a reduction of stress, dismay and frustration. I prefer a green space over yet another block of high rise, high density, bland housing that can't be sold because of costs beyond regular taxes, insurance and mortgage. Yes, I’m referring to metro district fees. Think about it. Would you rather see a small urban forest with play areas for all ages and multiple species or ugly, bland, unsellable, 3 story townhomes built like giant foot long sardines in a can? It would be short-sighted of the City to agree to add everywhere USA style housing on this property. I don’t believe it is in the best interests of the City to fill every vacant or available spot in the city with more unaffordable, high-density housing. Aren’t we supposed to be a Tree City USA? Let’s make sure we kept that designation. Thank you Jeffrey Lormand Submitted comment on March 7, 2026, at 11:19 AM It is my understanding that the Jeffco School District has decided to sell the Wilmore- Davis School Property. As a resident of the neighborhood, one who’s children all attended Wilmore-Davis, I am concerned about the impacts to our neighborhood that future development might impose. That the property is zoned R2, indicates that the future development will be townhouses or condominiums. While this is not currently the core of our neighborhood where the school is located, there are townhouses just north of the Wilmore property, so it is not hard to imagine what some future development will be. One of the key aspects to any future development is that setbacks to existing single- family residences are honored and, more critically, that a portion of the property is set aside for a neighborhood park. Currently our neighborhood has no park and the school provided that for the residents. Our wish is for the City to purchase the property and create a community park, that might include relocated Wheat Ridge Library and Community Center, items lacking in the heart of our city. Failing that, we want a substantial portion of the back fields in the current school layout to become a park, perhaps in conjunction with the existing Harmony Gardens. A one-acre park, similar to that proposed in the Vivian School redevelopment in Lakewood, would not provide enough space for a neighborhood of our size. I realize that change is hard, particularly for some residents. But our neighborhood is already set to be significantly impacted by the Lutheran Campus redevelopment. There needs to be a balance going forward that honors the current residents while allowing new future friends to move into the Page 8 of 13 neighborhood. What I am asking for is that you, as the leaders of our community, remember and honor both the current and the future residents of our neighborhood. Corey J. Fisher, AIA, NCARB Submitted Comment on: March 9, 2026, at 4:14 PM via email to Staff Please do not make the turn Wilmore Davis site into a housing development. We need the open space in the neighborhood. While the proposed "Parks and Recreation Uses at Wilmore Davis” in the RFI is a step in the right direction, the proposed 5.0-acre development opportunity takes up approximately 75% of the site. This will only solidify the green space behind the school as a dog park. Council and Staff Response – Wilmore Davis and Balsam Council received an update from City Manager Goff regarding Jefferson County School District’s (Jeffco Public Schools) decision to surplus the Wilmore Davis and Kullerstrand properties and the City’s participation in the district’s municipal-interest process, including issuance of a Request for Interest (RFI) to identify partners to help preserve open space and explore reuse of the school buildings, with no specific redevelopment plans at this time. Community Development Director Mikulak summarized prior Council direction and planning work, noting that the City Plan and Parks and Recreation Master Plan support preserving field areas at both schools as park space, that Council previously indicated support for purchasing and permanently preserving field portions at Wilmore Davis and Kullerstrand, and that the forthcoming RFI (to be issued with the school district, with an anticipated six-week response period) is intended to identify concepts consistent with City and district goals and will be followed by further public engagement if proposals advance. City Manager Goff further reported that the 2026 budget includes $2 million toward acquisition and/or development related to these properties, while school district appraisals currently value Wilmore Davis and Kullerstrand together at approximately $7–10 million, and he reiterated Council and staff’s shared intent to preserve as much open space as feasible. In response to a request from Mayor Pro Tem Hultin, Police Chief Murtha provided an update on a recurring nuisance and disorderly-house issue at a residence on Balsam Street, explaining that the Police Department previously conducted an extended enforcement effort at the property that appeared to resolve the problem, that similar concerns have recently resurfaced, and that the current case has been reassigned as a Page 9 of 13 priority to the supervisor over the Crime Prevention Office, who is coordinating renewed information-gathering, neighborhood outreach, and enforcement efforts under the City’s disorderly-house tools. Chief Murtha noted that staff are again engaging nearby residents (including outreach by Chief Kellogg), that some operational details cannot be shared publicly at this stage, and that the Police Department will keep Council and affected neighbors apprised as the matter progresses. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin thanked staff for their efforts and requested ongoing updates to Council and residents regarding the Balsam Street case. Following the update and public comments, the Mayor thanked everyone for attending and announced that Council would proceed to the regular agenda, beginning with the Consent Agenda. 1. CONSENT AGENDA a. Resolution No. 15-2026 – 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 $5,374,077.75 ISSUE: There is one remaining open purchase order from the 2025 budget that will be carried over to the 2026 budget. The remaining purchase order is associated with the Wadsworth Improvement Project. The funds which were encumbered for this purchase order was transferred to the unreserved fund balance of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Fund when the purchase order was closed. To close out this project in 2026, a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $5,374,077.75 is necessary to allow transfer of these funds into the Wadsworth Improvement Project budget line item in the 2026 CIP Budget. b. Resolution No. 16-2026 – a resolution amending the 2026 General Fund Budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of$99,000 to accept a grant from the Colorado Auto Theft Task Authority (CATPA). ISSUE: The City was recently awarded a grant by the Colorado Auto Theft Task Force through the funding authorization of the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) for the purchase of a new covert vehicle to be equipped with license plate reading technology. The award provides $70,000 for the vehicle and $29,000 for the purchase and installation of a mobile license plate reader. The Page 10 of 13 total cost of the award is $99,000 and is a fully reimbursable award provided the vehicle and equipment are purchased prior to June 30, 2026. c. Motion awarding a contract to Jalisco International, Inc in the amount of $3,278,285 for the Wadsworth Boulevard Path project ISSUE: Four bids were received in response to the city’s Invitation for Bids to complete the Wadsworth Boulevard Path project which will add a wide, detached, shared use path on the west side of Wadsworth between 32nd and 35th Avenues. The lowest responsive bidder is Jalisco International, Inc. It is recommended that the city enter into a contract with Jalisco to perform the work for the Wadsworth Boulevard Path project. Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to approve items 1a, 1b, and 1c. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING none ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING 2. Council Bill No. 05-2026 – an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws supporting compliance with state legislation regarding housing supportive code amendments to remain eligible for state funding opportunities ISSUE: The item under consideration is to amend Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to update the review process for qualifying affordable housing projects and to update accessory dwelling unit (ADU) setback requirements for some zone districts to ensure compliance with state regulations, in order to remain eligible for state funding opportunities. Councilmember Martell read the title and issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Martell moved to approve Council Bill No. 05-2026, an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws supporting compliance with state legislation regarding housing supportive code amendments to remain eligible for state funding opportunities, order it published and public hearing set Page 11 of 13 for March 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: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays. Motion carried. 3. Council Bill No. 06-2026 – an ordinance approving the sale of city-owned real property and in connection therewith, authorizing execution of a purchase and sale agreement. ISSUE: The purpose of this action is to request City Council approval for the sale of approximately 0.31 acres of City-owned real property located at 3805 Wadsworth Boulevard to HCA-HealthONE LLC for a purchase price of $422,500. Approval of this ordinance will also authorize the execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) and associated closing documents. Councilmember Ohm read the title and issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Ohm moved to approve Council Bill No. 06-2026, an ordinance approving the sale of City-owned real property and in connection therewith, authorizing execution of a purchase and sale agreement, order it published and public hearing set for March 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 Snell Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays. Motion carried. DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS 4. A motion awarding a contract to Olsson in the amount of $1,652,462 for design services for the 2J Fund Sidewalk Gap project Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title. As staff provided a presentation, the formal reading of the issue was omitted. Public Works Director Kisselman presented an overview of the 2J Next Chapter Bond Fund sidewalk gap project and related bonding, noting that the program prioritizes locations based on proximity to parks and schools, surrounding sidewalk network, minimal utility and right-of-way conflicts, and opportunities to coordinate with maintenance or adjacent capital work. Staff stated that the Parfet/Harland segments and the recently added I-70 frontage road segment can move into design quickly with limited right-of-way needs, while Miller Street and W. 26th Avenue will require more Page 12 of 13 right-of-way acquisition, and the Dover and Pierce corridors will be the most complex and are expected to proceed in phases. Staff indicated that a pre-design meeting will be held with the consultant, a schedule will be developed and shared with Council and affected residents, and community meetings will be scheduled during design. Staff recommended awarding a professional services contract to Olsson, Inc. in the amount of $1,652,462 for design of the 2J Fund Sidewalk Gap Project. There was no public comment on this item. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to award a contract to Olsson in the amount of $1,652,462 for the 2J Fund Sidewalk Gap Project. During discussion, Council expressed appreciation that the I-70 Frontage Road segment from Garrison to Holland was added to the scope, stating that this missing sidewalk segment is hazardous and that its inclusion will significantly improve pedestrian safety. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. 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 – No report Councilmember Larson – Reported that Renewal Wheat Ridge now has 13 members and that he looks forward to serving on the board. He spoke to the Wheat Ridge Optimist Club about topics including the Legacy campus and Wadsworth and noted the Jeffco Schools Foundation fundraiser raised about $130,000. Councilmember Wood – Announced the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT) meeting on the following evening at 6:00 p.m. at Colorado Plus, describing the group’s focus on sidewalks, bicycle routes, and paths. She stated she looks forward to hearing from residents and emphasized the importance of active transportation to Wheat Ridge residents and to herself. Councilmember Quinn – Announced that he and Councilmember Wood are planning a District 3 meeting on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at a location to be determined in the Page 13 of 13 district. He thanked International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) members and Xcel Energy contractors for recent utility pole work in his neighborhood Councilmember Martell – No report Councilmember Snell – Announced that she and Councilmember Martell will not hold their regular coffee meetings next week due to travel to Washington, D.C., and that they will resume on April 7 at Annie’s Pie Café on W. 29th Avenue. She invited residents to attend and reminded drivers to use extra caution with more people walking and biking in good weather. Councilmember Ohm – Commented on recent beneficial moisture and encouraged residents to water trees but delay lawn watering to conserve water in an expected drought year. He thanked District 2 residents for attending and reiterated support for improving sight triangles at intersections for safety. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin – Reminded residents about the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team “State of the City” event the following evening at Colorado Plus. She reported on a new monthly “community table” potluck at the Grange, upcoming National League of Cities transportation meetings in Washington, D.C., and advocacy for transportation funding at federal and state levels. She reminded Council that a supermajority is needed at the meeting in two weeks for a city disposition-of-property item and asked members who cannot attend to notify leadership. Mayor Stites – Reported attending the Jeffco municipal breakfast with several councilmembers and noted Wheat Ridge will host in September. He described attending a ribbon cutting for Keyrenter at 4300 Harlan Street, reading at Stevens Elementary, the PorchLight Family Justice Center fifth-anniversary event, and the Jeffco Schools Foundation Gala. He reminded residents about the Active Transportation event, a town hall with School Board member Michelle Applegate at Wheat Ridge High School, and “Coffee with the Mayor” at the Active Adult Center and encouraged supporting local businesses for St. Patrick’s Day. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the March 9, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting at 8:02 p.m. ____________________________________ Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem ___________________________________________ Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk