Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-26 STudy Session Agenda PacketSTUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO Monday, May 4, 2026 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at: 7500 West 29th Avenue, Municipal Building, Council Chambers. City Council members and City staff members will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting. The public may participate in these ways: 1. Attend the meeting in person at City Hall. Use the appropriate roster to sign up to speak upon arrival. 2. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on May 4, 2026) 3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone: Click here to pre-register and provide public comment by Zoom (You must preregister before 5:00 p.m. on May 4, 2026) 4. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. The City will upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for people with disabilities, including qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, documents in Braille, and other ways of making communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments. To request auxiliary aid, service for effective communication, or document in a different format, please use this form or contact ADA Coordinator, (Kelly McLaughlin at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2885) as soon as possible, preferably 7 days before the activity or event. Public Comment on Agenda Items 1. West Metro Fire and Arvada Fire Protection Districts Update 2. Staff Report(s) 3. Elected Officials’ Report(s) ITEM NO. 1 Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager DATE: May 4, 2026 SUBJECT: West Metro Fire and Arvada Fire Protection Districts Update ISSUE: The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an operational and strategic update from the West Metro Fire Protection District and the Arvada Fire Protection District, both of which provide fire protection and emergency medical services to portions of Wheat Ridge. Representatives from both districts will be present to provide an overview of current operations and future planning efforts. BACKGROUND: Wheat Ridge is served by two separate fire protection districts, each with independent governance, funding structures, and service delivery models. West Metro Fire Protection District primarily serves the southern and central portions of the city, while Arvada Fire Protection District serves the northern areas. Given the critical role these agencies play in public safety, periodic updates to City Council help ensure alignment on service levels, capital planning, emergency response capabilities, and coordination with City operations. RECOMMENDATIONS: No formal action is requested at this time. Staff will continue to coordinate with both districts to ensure effective communication and alignment with City priorities. Any future policy considerations or partnership opportunities identified during the discussion will be brought back to Council as appropriate. Staff recommend that City Council receive the presentation and provide any feedback or direction to staff as needed. ATTACHMENT: 1. West Metro Presentation 2. West Metro Handout 3. Arvada Fire Presentation 4. History of Wheat Ridge Fire Department FIRE CHIEF JEREMY METZ MAY 4, 2026 West Metro Fire Rescue Presentation to Wheat Ridge City Council ATTACHMENT 1 Mission, Vision, and Values Mission: The West Metro Fire Rescue family is committed to protecting the community’s quality of life through prevention, preparedness, and all-hazards emergency response. Vision: West Metro Fire Rescue endeavors to be a high-quality, responsive, adaptive, learning organization,anticipating and responding to evolving community needs. Values: Respectful, Resourceful, Responsible West Metro Fire Rescue Community 108 square miles Jefferson & Douglas Counties Municipalities -Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, Mountain View,Lakeside,Morrison, Roxborough Federal Contracts -Denver Federal Center & National Laboratory of the Rockies <1991 1991 - 1995 1999 2016 2024 Today’s West Metro 425 Firefighter/Paramedics 66 Civilian Support Staff Fire Stations 17 Special Operations 2025 by the Numbers 42,279 21% ▲ (2017 – 2025) Calls for emergency services – a call every 12 minutesDistrict Population 5% ▲ (2017 – 2025) 301,904 3.5 Minutes Avg. travel time of first arriving unit for EMS. 4 minutes for first arriving on fire calls 2025 EMS by the Numbers 26,372 62% of All Calls Medical Calls 19,049 Hospital Transports 2025 Incident Distribution Population Growth Impact on Emergency Services District Population 5% ▲ (2017 – 2025) 301,904 Projected 8.3% increase in the next 10 years 42,279 21% ▲ (2017 – 2025) Calls for emergency services Projected 35% increase in the next 10 years 56% Increase in Call Volume (Projected 2017-2035) Planned Growth Credentials and Awards West Metro Fire Rescue Projected Financial Situation There is project a revenue shortfall of nearly $40 million in 2027 2020 Amendment B Gallagher Amendment repealed 2021 SB 21-293 Decreased residential AR Decreased non-residential AR 2022 SB 22-238 Reduced valuations by $15,000 Decreased non-residential AR Recent State Legislation Impacts Recent State Legislation Impacts 2024 SB 24-233 Increased the discount to $55,000 Decreased non-residential AR 2024 SB 24-194 Impact fees Sales tax 2024 HB 24B-1001 Increased the discount up to $70,000 Colorado Property Tax Changes Summary Bill Impact Year(s)Assessment Rate Valuation Cut Growth Cap SB21-293 2022-2023 RAR: 6.95% NRAR: 26.4% SB22-238*2023-2024 RAR: 6.765% NRAR: 27.9% Res: ↓ $15K Non-Res: ↓ $30K SB24-233 / HB24B-1001 2024 RAR: 6.7% NRAR: 27.9% Res: ↓ $55K Non-Res: ↓ $30K 5.25% cap 2025 RAR: 6.25% NRAR: 27% 5.25% cap 2026 RAR: 6.8% NRAR: 25% ↓ 10%5.25% cap *State backfill in 2024 History of WMFPD Elections •Property tax increase •$43 million bond2006 •Property tax increase (failed)2014 •Amendment to residential property tax assessment rate2018 Community Advisory Group (CAG) KEY FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS CAG - Key Findings After being presented with the background information on current financial challenges, the CAG coalesced around the following general statements: The District is a high-performing and efficient organization operating with limited excess capacity. Service demand continues to increase in order to support current residents who are choosing to age in place, as well as population growth, rising emergency call volume, and increased wildfire risk. Expenses are increasing faster than revenues, resulting in a structural funding gap. Despite increases in property taxes, this revenue source is constrained by state policy and is no longer advisable or sufficient to remain as a sole funding source. It is imperative that the District’s funding mechanisms be diversified and modernized to ensure the safety of those on the front lines, as well as those they serve. The District needs to expand the number of fire stations and personnel to continue to meet the community’s growing demand for emergency services. March 2026 Polling •82% have confidence in how WMFPD would spend funds. •52% support a .5% sales tax which would raise about $27.8M •Once informed on what it means to them financially, 25 cents on a $50 purchase, the support increases to 60% with 35% a definite yes •Only 43% support a 3 mill property tax which would raise about $22M •After education •Sales tax ends at 59% support with 43% definite yes •Property tax stays at 43% support with only 22% definite yes CAG - Recommendations The Board should consider a menu of funding solutions to address the District’s structural deficit, and prioritize these items as follows: Immediate/Short Term: •Referral of a sales tax increase to the District voters this year (November 2026). •Private fundraising options, including the creation of a West Metro Fire Foundation, and the pursuit of philanthropy dollars and additional public and private partnership opportunities. CAG - Recommendations Longer Term/Ongoing: •Government solutions at the federal and state levels, such as: •Federal/State advocacy on adjusting Medicare/Medicaid EMS reimbursement rates. •State discussions on treatment in place (TIP) payment through Medicaid and commercial insurance. •Continue to evaluate the District’s spending for any additional reductions where feasible. •Pursue additional grant funding opportunities. •Explore cost-sharing opportunities with local governments and special districts through Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) for specific projects. CAG - Recommendations Continue Pursuing: •Evaluate the implementation of impact fees. •Referral of a capital bond measure to the voters in the next two to four years. Why We Must Find A Solution Discussion & Questions Contact: Jeremy Metz Fire Chief jmetz@westmetrofire.org 303-539-9511 Thank you! FUNDING NEEDED TO TRAIN & EQUIP WEST METRO FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDICS COST BREAKDOWN FIREFIGHTER Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training Fire Academy (5 Months) = $10,000 FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC EMS incidents account for 62% of Emergency Incidents. West Metro firefighters are cross-trained as paramedics to provide quick response and advanced life support care at emergency medical incidents. Training EMT Basic School (6 Weeks) = $2,500 EMT Paramedic School (6 Months) = $10,000 Total Cost Per Firefighter: $35,063 +Total Cost Per Paramedic: $12,500 =Total Cost Per Firefighter/Paramedic: $47,563 OTHER EQUIPMENT Cardiac Monitor = $65,000 + Mechanical CPR Device = $22,000 + Powered Ambulance Cot = $35,000 + Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) = $4,500 =Total Cost For Equipment: $126,500 "WHATEVER IT TAKES...TO SERVE" District Population 301,904 5% ▲ (2017 - 2025) Projected 8.3% increase in the next 10 years 42,279 Calls for Emergency Services 21% ▲ (2017 – 2025) Projected 35% increase in the next 10 years WHAT'S AT RISK CRITICAL NEEDS 1. Having an adequate number of firefighters and paramedics to respond to the increased demand for emergency incidents 2. Impact to critical medical, wildfire, and emergency response training that protects the health and safety of firefighters and paramedics 3. Recruitment and retention of firefighters and paramedics by updating essential equipment and facilities 4. Reducing the capabilities for  local wildfire response and mitigation efforts 5. Longer response times to complex vehicle entrapments and other technical rescues 6. Jeopardize maintaining West Metro’s highest property insurance rating (ISO 1) 1.  Air paks that protect firefighters from toxic smoke and dangerous gases 2.  Replace advanced cardiac monitors for emergency medical incidents 3.  Body armor and ballistic gear for active shooter/ assailant incidents 4.  Upgrade fire fighter personal protective clothing to the latest standard 5.  Ladder truck for emergency response to complex emergencies 6.  Add additional fire stations to meet the growing demand for emergency services "WHATEVER IT TAKES...TO SERVE" WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE 2025 BY THE NUMBERS Coat = $2,260 14 Helmet = $532 Hood = $110 Flashlight = $307 Face Mask = $462 Gloves = $134 Pants = $1,680 Boots = $78 Radio = $7,500 Air Pack = $12,000 ATTACHMENT 2 WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE SERVICE DELIVERY 2025 4 Minutes Average travel time of first arriving unit for FIRE calls 3.5 Minutes Average travel time of first arriving unit for EMS calls COST PROJECTION 2018 2025 2030* $0M $1M $2M COST $1,300,000 $1,980,000 $720,000 Fire Engine *The cost of a fire engine in 2030 is projected using an estimated annual growth rate of approximately 8.8%. Forecast accuracy may decrease over longer timeframes as a result of market variability and other external factors. REVENUES VS. EXPENSES 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget 2026 Estimate 2027 ($50M) $0M $50M $100M $150M ($19M) ($37M) ($5M) $10M$4M $3M $6M $4M $5M $6M $7M *It is projected that by 2027, there will be an estimated revenue shortfall of nearly $40 million. "WHATEVER IT TAKES...TO SERVE" WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE CALLS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE BY STATION 10 11 12 13 14 1617 18 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1617 18 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 © 2026 Mapbox © OpenStreetMap "WHATEVER IT TAKES...TO SERVE" 1515 © Mapbox © OSM STATION 15 CALL VOLUME LEGEND Current or Future Station Approved Future Station Current Station Call Volume Legend 0 0 - 1,500 1,501 - 3,500 3,501 - 5,500 >= 5,500 Map boundaries indicate areas where a station is the primary responder. 2 3 Expenses Revenues Revenues Over Expenses Revenues Under Expenses A study conducted in 2024 showed the need for 2-3 additional fire stations. Currently funding does not support adding these stations. Arvada Fire Protection District May 4, 2026 Kirk Lock, Fire Chief ATTACHMENT 3 By the Numbers 11 Staffed Stations 7 ALS Fire Engines 7 ALS Ambulances 3 ALS Ladder Trucks 1 Safety and Medical Officer 1 Community Support Team 200 Firefighters 60 Square Miles 147,789 Residents 19,025 Calls for service in 2025 74% of calls are EMS in nature ISO Class 1 Accredited Organization since 2014 Old Station 2 – 12195 W 52nd Ave is now the district’s central supply warehouse History March 7, 1985 The Wheat Ridge Lumber Co. fire was a significant fire in the department’s history. The modern Arvada Fire Protection District is comprised of portions of multiple municipalities as well as unincorporated Jefferson County This map published in 1963 shows the district boundary at that time. AFPD has covered the northern portion of Wheat Ridge for more than 100 years. The Arvada Fire Way All Hazard Response Regional Leadership Collaboration Community Engagement Current Situation Strengths Challenges A large number of firefighters are approaching retirement - 40 in the next 5 years Our people and our community Potential Revenue Expansion Background The Central Challenge •Costs to provide services have increased significantly •Fire Engines – $755k(2020) & $1.37M(2026) •Ambulances – $168k(2012) & $354k(2026) Timeline •Required reductions in service levels within 3 years •Difficulty maintaining adequate reserve funds beginning in 2028 Board Direction •Develop 8 to 10-year runway for maintaining operations and capital investments Potential Revenue Expansion Options Property Tax Sales Tax (Authorized by SB24-194) Sales Tax Exemptions: •Food for domestic consumption •Feminine hygiene products •Diapers and incontinence products •Gas, electricity, and other residential fuels Raising $23.1 Million in new revenue would require 7.25 additional Mills 1% sales tax will raise $23.1 million in new revenue for the district -or- •Some farm equipment •Retail marijuana sales •Low volume sales benefiting schools and charitable orgs •Machinery and machine tools •Complete list of exemptions: tax.Colorado.gov/DR1002 Potential Revenue Expansion Community Support The Fire District appreciates strong public approval and trust. Nearly eight in ten voters (79%) approve of the job the Arvada Fire Protection District is doing 62% strongly approve and only 1% disapprove. This demonstrates exceptional community support for the department’s performance. Public Approval and Trust Sales vs Property Tax A 1.0% sales tax increase receives 66% support initially and rises to 70% support after voters receive additional information. A 7.25-mill property tax increase receives 54% support and rises to 58% after providing additional information. When asked directly about their preference, 51% of respondents chose the sales tax increase, compared with 17% who prefer the property tax increase, while 18% prefer neither. All options for raising new revenue being discussed here are exploratory. No decisions are expected until later this summer. Questions… Kirk Lock Fire Chief 303-424-3012 kirk.lock@arvadafireco.gov History of the Wheat Ridge Fire Department The Wheat Ridge Fire Department traces its origins to 1926, when local blacksmith George Hively recognized the need for organized fire protection. He solicited funding from local merchants and private citizens to purchase a 1926 Dodge fire apparatus equipped with an onboard chemical fire extinguishing system. This led to the formation of a non-profit, all-volunteer organization called the Wheat Ridge Fire Department, with Hively serving as its first fire chief AmericanTowns.com. In its early years, the department was staffed by local businessmen and high school students, reflecting the community’s strong volunteer tradition AmericanTowns.com. Organizational Evolution • 1942: The Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District was established under a Colorado state law allowing special districts for taxation. This provided a stable funding source for infrastructure and operations 5280Fire+1. • 1969: As Wheat Ridge expanded, the community held an election to incorporate as a city. Firefighters Kent Higgins, Jerry Rose, Marty Weiland, and Jack Willis were named incorporators AmericanTowns.com. • 1971: The Prospect Valley Fire Department (serving west of Kipling) merged with Wheat Ridge FPD to better meet growing service demands and expand resources 5280Fire+1. • 1974: The Columbia Heights Fire Department also merged into the district 5280Fire. • 1987: Wheat Ridge FPD began a State Certified Firefighter certification program, requiring all volunteers to meet standardized training requirements. The first group earned certification in 1989, boosting the department’s reputation AmericanTowns.com. Service Expansion • 2013: The district took over fire service for the Edgewater Fire Department 5280Fire. • 2016: After a feasibility study and voter approval, Wheat Ridge FPD merged with West Metro Fire Rescue on April 15, 2016, integrating operations and resources. The district was formally dissolved on October 4, 2016 www.westmetrofire.org+1. ATTACHMENT 4