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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-26 City Council Meeting MintuesPage 1 of 11 MINUTES CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Monday, April 27, 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) in Council Chambers, or virtually. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Stites called the regular City Council meeting to order on April 27, 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, and Patrick Quinn Absent: Kathleen Martell, Jenny Snell, and Susan Wood A quorum was established. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE City Manager Patrick Goff; City Attorney Gerald Dahl; Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling; Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak; Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman; Communications and Engagement Manager Amanda Harrison; Sustainability Coordinator Mary Hester; and Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Council approved the Study Session Notes of April 6, 2026; the City Council Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026; and the Special Study Session Notes of April 13, 2026, as presented. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Page 2 of 11 The agenda stood as presented. PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES Proclamation – National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day Mayor Stites read a proclamation declaring May 6, 2026, as National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day in Wheat Ridge and invited the Williams and Lucier families from Stevens Elementary School to the podium. A student addressed Council, sharing benefits of walking to school and thanking Council for recent safety improvements. Proclamation – Earth Day and National Arbor Day Mayor Stites read a proclamation declaring April 22, 2026, as Earth Day and April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in Wheat Ridge, noting the City’s 47 consecutive years as a Tree City USA. Benny Paiz accepted the proclamation and acknowledged volunteer participation in a recent Prospect Park planting event, including tree planting and park maintenance, and thanked the community for its contributions. Proclamation – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Mayor Stites read a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Wheat Ridge. Ed Nepomuceno accepted the proclamation and spoke about the contributions of AAPI communities, the importance of inclusion, and the value of recognizing diverse cultural histories to strengthen a sense of belonging and continued community engagement. PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK In person Janet Bradford from the Wheat Ridge Historical Society Janet Bradford, Treasurer and Event Coordinator with the Wheat Ridge Historical Society, announced upcoming events, including the May 9 May Festival featuring Maypole dances, live music, crafts, animals, games, and food. She also noted summer hootenanny events, a July community potluck picnic celebrating Colorado’s sesquicentennial and the nation’s 250th anniversary, participation in the Carnation Festival, and a September fall yard sale. Via Zoom: No participants Wheat Ridge Speaks: Jessica L Shymkiw Comment received on: Apr 26, 2026, ∙ 9:19 a.m. Hello Council, I am here to talk about AI. I'm sure you have all experienced when you search a question on Google, glancing at the 'AI overview' you know the information Page 3 of 11 given is incorrect. This happened to me this past football season. When looking up times and scores for the Broncos Conference Championship Game. I was informed there was no game happening for the Broncos that day. I bring this up to emphasize the consequences. If this information was the only source, it would have devastating & embarrassing outcomes. AI is not ready to be used in many of the ways it's is being applied. If we are going to use AI it must be done ethically. With the lack of accuracy, that is often laughable, these tools should not be used by our police force. I urge you to take AI out of policing. The technology does not have the trust of the people for good reason. We don't need the embarrassment that other departments have faced using this type of software. We can do better for the people of Wheat Ridge & the officers who serve our city. Evelyn J Martin Comment received on Apr 24, 2026, ∙ 3:15 p.m. Why is your Building Dept. approving houses to be constructed in pretty small back yards? There is no parking for the tenets and all the guests because there is NO long driveway and owners already have 2 cars of their own, which 1 is parked on the street, 1 in driveway. Their backyard house takes away all our privacy which lowers our property value. So why was this home approved by the city? You are ruining the city of Wheat Ridge for its residents!!! SO VERY SAD!!! Everyone who sees it is horrified by this big house facing our home. Maybe it will happen to one of you. I can only hope, then you would see how you like it. All the construction workers & vehicles for months, the smelly outhouse in yard and dumpsters, stacks of building materials. If I weren't a senior citizen I would move away from a city that allows this to happen to neighbors. Have lived in this house since 1976 and graduated from Wheat Ridge high school. This makes me sick!!! I'll bring a picture of what I must see everyday for you to view at the council meeting. Evelyn Martin 1. CONSENT AGENDA Item Number: 1a Title: Motion to cancel the July 6 and July 20, 2026, City Council Study Sessions for Engage Wheat Ridge Month ISSUE: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin, along with members of City Council, has requested that the Study Sessions on July 6 and July 20, 2026, be cancelled. City Council Members will utilize this time to engage with Wheat Ridge residents through District meetings and attendance at community events. The regular City Council Meetings held on July 13 and July 27 will still be held to conduct Council business. Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record Item Number: 1b Page 4 of 11 Title: Motion awarding a contract to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., in the amount of $2,028,931.62 with a contingency amount of $202,893.16 for a total approved amount of $2,231,824.78 for the 2026 Residential Streets project ISSUE: Four (4) bids were received in response to the City’s Invitation for Bids to complete the 2026 Residential Streets Project. The lowest responsive bidder is Martin Marietta Materials Inc. It is recommended that the City enter into a contract with Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. to perform the work for the 2026 Residential Streets Project. Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record Item Number: 1c Title: Motion to approve payment to Bank of Oklahoma for 2026 principal and interest payments in the amount of $5,041,500 for the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado Sales and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2024. ISSUE: On October 24, 2024, the City closed on Series 2024 Sales and Use Tax Revenue Bonds in the par amount of $34,845,000 with a net premium of $3,856,048 for a total of $38,701,048. After cost of issuance and the refunding of the 2017A Bond Series, the City received a total of $33,345,000 in project funds. The City’s first interest payment for 2026 is due June 1, 2026, in the amount of $793,250, and the first principal and second interest payment is due December 1, 2026, in the amount of $4,248,250. Funds to cover the 2026 payments are budgeted in the 2026 2J Bond Fund budget. Motion: Councilmember Okada moved to approve Consent Agenda items 1a through 1c. Second: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING None ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Item Number: 2 Council Bill No. 10-2026 Title: An Ordinance Amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning vehicular public nuisance ISSUE: Page 5 of 11 The Ordinance revises the definition of “vehicular public nuisance” to facilitate tow and impound of vehicles identified as having been used to elude or otherwise having been used in the commission of a crime. Councilmember Larson read the title and issue into the record Motion: Councilmember Larson moved to approve Council Bill No. 10-2026, an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning vehicular public nuisance; order it published, public hearing set for Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue, and that it take effect upon adoption at second reading as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter. Second: Councilmember Okada Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays. Motion carried DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS Item Number: 3 Resolution No. 19-2026 Title: A Resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year Housing Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $6,047,194 to accept grant funds from the Department of Local Affairs ISSUE: The City of Wheat Ridge was awarded approximately $4.5 million in funding from the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure grant program to support Foothills Regional Housing. The funds will be used to pay for public infrastructure improvements for the Ridge Road Master Plan development. The City must accept the grant award to receive and appropriate the funding in the annual budget. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title into the record. A presentation followed and the issue was not read into the record. Community Development Director Lauren Mikulak presented an overview of the grant supporting a partnership development near Miller Street and Ridge Road with Foothills Regional Housing. The project reflects prior Council direction and the City’s 2023 Affordable Housing Strategy. The City of Wheat Ridge was one of four communities selected for the competitive pilot program and among the first in the state certified as a transit-oriented community. The development will expand the Red Rocks Community College nursing program and provide affordable senior and family housing near the Arvada train station. Page 6 of 11 The grant is expected to accelerate the project timeline, with an agreement anticipated by mid-May, followed by permitting, and construction projected to begin in early 2027. Council noted that, while state legislation has at times been viewed as an expansion of state involvement in local land use authority, this instance represents state funding supporting locally established priorities. Council also noted that the project would be a strong addition to the transit-oriented development (TOD) area along Ridge Road, integrating housing, senior housing, and educational space. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to approve Resolution No. 19-2026, a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year Housing Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $6,047,194 to accept grant funds from the Department of Local Affairs. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried Item Number: 4 Resolution No. 20-2026 Title: A Resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year Housing Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $2 Million to accept grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ISSUE: The City of Wheat Ridge was awarded $2 million in federal Community Project Funding, secured through Congressionally Directed Spending approval by Representative Brittany Pettersen. The funding is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and will support Foothills Regional Housing’s acquisition of Fruitdale School Lofts to preserve the long-term affordability of the 16-unit apartment building. The City must approve a supplemental budget appropriation to receive, budget, and disburse the funds at closing. Councilmember Ohm read the title and issue into the record. Mr. Goff introduced Community Development Director Lauren Mikulak, who provided additional context. She stated that the federal funding was awarded to the City of Wheat Ridge through congressionally directed spending approved by Representative Brittany Pettersen. She reported that staff have worked over the past year to facilitate the sale to preserve long-term affordability of the 16-unit apartment building in the Fruitdale area. She noted that federal environmental requirements through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) have extended the timeline; however, progress continues, Page 7 of 11 with closing anticipated later in the summer. She further noted that the budget supplemental is a required procedural step prior to closing. Motion: Councilmember Ohm moved to approve Resolution No. 20-2026, a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year Housing Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $2 million to accept grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Second: Councilmember Okada Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried Item Number: 5 Resolution No. 21-2026 Title: A Resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $600,000 to accept a grant award from The Denver Regional Council of Governments ISSUE: In March 2026, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) awarded the City of Wheat Ridge $600,000 through the Building Policy Collaborative Jurisdictional Support Subaward Program to support building decarbonization policy development, adoption, and implementation efforts. Council action is requested to accept this grant award and to approve the corresponding supplemental budget appropriation for the $600,000 grant award. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title and issue into the record. Communications and Engagement Manager Amanda Harrison introduced the item and recognized Sustainability Coordinator Mary Hester, who presented the details. Hester stated that the $600,000 grant originates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, awarded to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), which established the Building Policy Collaborative, a regional initiative focused on building-related emissions. Wheat Ridge has been sub-awarded $600,000 to participate through fall 2029, with funding primarily supporting consultant services to evaluate regional recommendations and assess applicability to Wheat Ridge. The grant does not require adoption of specific policies or a General Fund match, and includes engagement with Council, elected officials, and stakeholders throughout the multi-year process. In response to Council questions, staff stated that the Building Policy Collaborative is developing policy recommendations that are forthcoming. Staff further noted that requests for proposals for consultant services are anticipated later in the year, with policy development and engagement expected to begin in late 2026. Page 8 of 11 Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2026, a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $600,000 to accept a grant award from the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried Item Number: 6 Resolution No. 22-2026 Title: A Resolution approving a Public Art Donation Agreement with the Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church to accept “The Winged Rapture” bronze sculpture ISSUE: The Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church submitted a formal request to donate a bronze art piece titled, “The Winged Rapture” to the City of Wheat Ridge, to be installed at the future City Hall site or another location to be determined by the Cultural Commission. Councilmember Quinn read the title and issue into the record Mr. Goff introduced Parks and Recreation Director Karen O’Donnell, who presented a proposed public art donation. Director O’Donnell stated that Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church submitted a request to donate the bronze sculpture The Winged Rapture by artist Dan Ostermiller, installed in 1988 and valued at approximately $60,000. She reported that the proposal followed the City’s Public Art Management Plan and was reviewed by the Public Art Acquisition Committee, which unanimously recommended advancement, and by the Cultural Commission, which unanimously recommended acceptance on April 8, 2026. She noted that the Cultural Commission expressed interest in future placement at the City Hall site, with final siting to be determined through site planning. O’Donnell further noted that the sculpture can be removed, transported, and stored if needed, and may remain in its current location in the interim. In response to Council questions, staff estimated installation costs at under $2,000, to be covered within the existing public art budget. Council expressed support for the donation and appreciation to Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church, the Cultural Commission, and Parks and Recreation staff. Council also noted interest in potential future uplighting at the sculpture’s eventual location. Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to approve Resolution No. 22-2026, a resolution approving a Public Art Donation Agreement with the Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church to accept the “The Winged Rapture” bronze sculpture. Second: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin Page 9 of 11 Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. Item Number: 7 Title: A Motion to amend a contract with Ayres Associates, Inc., in the amount of $284,344 for a total contract amount of $2,022,507 for the 38th Avenue West Corridor Improvement project ISSUE: In March 2023, the City began a planning study of the 38th Avenue corridor, between Youngfield Street and Kipling Street, with the goals of improving the roadway to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists while still accommodating vehicular traffic and providing improved stormwater drainage. On February 10, 2025, Ayres Associates, Inc, was awarded a contract to complete the design for the 38th Avenue West Corridor. An amendment to the Ayres contract is needed to account for changes and additions to the scope of work identified during the design process. Councilmember Quinn read the title and issue into the record. Mr. Goff introduced Public Works Director Kent Kisselman, who presented scope changes requiring a contract amendment. At the 30 percent design milestone, staff identified revisions in coordination with Community Development, including updated curb ramp and driveway designs to avoid additional right-of-way acquisition, pedestrian bump-outs, inclusion of Kipling Street intersection improvements as a bid alternate, expanded corridor lighting, rerouting of the stormwater outfall to Owen Street with potential detention or retention in the adjacent park, and additional surveying and utility work. Director Kisselman reported the project is nearing 60 percent design, plans have been submitted to Xcel Energy for undergrounding review, and an update to Council is anticipated around June 15. In response to Council questions, staff noted the Kipling Street intersection was previously designed in-house and later incorporated into the 38th Avenue corridor project to reduce impacts to businesses and residents, and that damaged curb ramps will be addressed through the City’s concrete repair program. Council requested clarification on funding relative to the 2J Bond Fund. The City Manager stated approximately $20 million is budgeted, with updated estimates expected following Xcel Energy pricing, to be presented at the June 15 study session. Council expressed support for the project and appreciation for staff and contractor coordination on corridor improvements, including roundabouts and bioswales, and acknowledged the long-term effort to improve multimodal safety. Page 10 of 11 Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to amend the contract with Ayres Associates, Inc. in the amount of $284,344 for a total contract amount of $2,022,507 for the 38th Avenue West Corridor Improvement project Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS No matters presented CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS No matters presented ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS Councilmember Okada shared a personal reflection in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As a half-Japanese American, he expressed pride in his grandfather, Ichiro Okada, who served as a lieutenant colonel in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army during World War II—a unit composed entirely of Asian American soldiers, many of whom had family members in internment camps at the same time. He also shared that his brother and sister-in-law recently identified their nearest Japanese ancestor through the Koseki (Japanese family registry) system: their great-great-grandfather, Yoshisuke Okada. Councilmember Larson had no formal report but noted he was looking forward to events planned for the coming week. Councilmember Quinn commented on Councilmember Okada's remarks and shared a related story about a colleague whose family has deep roots in the farming community in the Fort Lupton and Longmont area. He had no other formal report. Councilmember Ohm reported attending the Good News Breakfast, noting it was a positive event that brought together members of the Wheat Ridge Police Department, fire, other council members, and county representatives. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin thanked the Stevens Elementary School families in attendance and noted the value of hearing directly from youth on safety improvements. She reported attending the Good News Breakfast, which included a student panel on community hope and civic engagement with participation from a Wheat Ridge High School student, and noted follow-up on youth engagement discussions. Page 11 of 11 She announced the opening of the Corridor Bookstore in District 2 and encouraged residents to visit. She also co-hosted a District 2 meeting at the Grange with Councilmember Ohm, attended by approximately 20 residents, noting strong awareness of City updates. The primary topic of discussion was Google Fiber infrastructure work in the public right-of-way, and she requested improved advance communication with affected property owners. City Manager Goff acknowledged the ongoing challenge of Google Fiber's communication practices and stated he would follow up with the company. Mayor Stites thanked participants in the evening’s proclamations and acknowledged the Earth Day volunteer event at Prospect Park. He also thanked the Stevens Elementary School families and recognized the student speaker, noting the importance of youth engagement in local government. He shared a visit with a Cub Scout troop from Our Lady of Fatima/Prospect Valley, highlighting their questions and ideas about the community. He reported attending the Jefferson County Housing Blueprint meeting with the City Manager and a Jefferson County mayors meeting, where concerns were raised about litter and debris on Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)-managed properties related to the Youngfield corridor, and requested staff follow up with CDOT regarding maintenance concerns. He also attended the first Jefferson County State of the County luncheon, describing it as productive and collaborative. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the April 27, 2026, Regular Council Meeting at 7:38 p.m. _________________________________________________ Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem __________________________________________________ Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk