HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-26 City Council Agenda PacketAGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Monday, June 08, 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 June 08, 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 June 08, 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.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• City Council Study Session Notes, May 4, 2026
• City Council Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2026
• City Council Special Study Session Notes, May 11, 2026
• City Council Special Meeting Minutes, May 18, 2026
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
1. Proclamation – National LGBTQ+ Pride Month
2. Proclamation – Juneteenth
PUBLICS’ RIGHT TO SPEAK
a. Public may speak on any matter not on the agenda for a maximum of 3 minutes
under Publics’ Right to Speak. Please speak up to be heard when directed by the
mayor.
b. Members of the Public who wish to speak on a Public Hearing item or Decision,
Resolution, or Motion may speak when directed by the mayor at the conclusion
of the staff report for that specific agenda item.
c. Members of the Public may comment on any agenda item in writing by noon on
the day of the meeting at www.WheatRidgeSpeaks.org. Comments made on
Wheat Ridge Speaks are considered part of the public record.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Resolution No. 27-2026 – a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General
Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in
the amount of $96,000 for the purpose of Equity Audit services
b. Resolution No. 28-2026 – a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General
Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in
the amount of $50,000 for the purpose of accepting a grant from Colorado Gives
Foundation
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
2. Council Bill No. 07-2026 – an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Municipal
Code concerning animal welfare and regulations for the same
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
3. Council Bill No. 11-2026 – an ordinance reappointing Jonathan Lucero as
presiding Municipal Court Judge and approving a Municipal Judge services
agreement
4. Council Bill No. 12-2026 – an ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the Wheat Ridge
Code of Laws to transfer the duties of the Board of Adjustment to the Planning
Commission
5. Council Bill No. 13-2026 – an ordinance amending Section 205 of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws concerning disposition of lost, abandoned, or unclaimed
property
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
6. A motion awarding a contract to Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc., in the amount of
$427,536.19 with a contingency amount of $42,753.62 for a total approved
amount of $470,289.81 for the Wadsworth Path Construction Management
Services contract
7. Consideration of written findings and decision for the Lakeside Autowash Special
Use Permit
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
ADJOURN TO SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
Page 1 of 4
NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
STUDY SESSION
Monday, May 4, 2026
The Study Session was held in a hybrid format, with Councilmembers, City
staff, and members of the public participating either in person at the
Municipal Building (7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado) in
Council Chambers, or virtually.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Korey Stites called the City Council Study Session of May 4, 2026, to order at 6:30
p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Councilmembers Present: Rachel Hultin (attended remotely); Dan Larson; Kathleen
Martell (remote); Scott Ohm; Mike Okada; Patrick Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood.
Absent: None
Staff in Attendance: City Manager Patrick Goff; Chief of Police Chris Murtha, Senior
Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney; and other staff as needed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
No public comments were received in person, via Zoom, or through Wheat Ridge
Speaks.
1. West Metro Fire and Arvada Fire Protection Districts Update
Fire Chief Jeremy Metz presented on behalf of West Metro Fire Rescue.
Chief Metz stated West Metro serves approximately 302,000 residents across multiple
municipalities and operates 17 fire stations under an all-hazards response model with
cross-trained firefighter/paramedics.
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He reported calls for service increased by 21 percent between 2017 and 2023, with
approximately 62 percent of responses being medical in nature. He attributed growth to
population increases, aging-in-place trends, and rising demand for emergency medical services, and noted continued growth is projected.
Chief Metz described the district’s automatic aid agreement with Arvada Fire Protection
District, under which the closest available unit responds regardless of jurisdiction.
He reviewed financial projections indicating expenditures are expected to exceed
revenues beginning in 2025, citing inflation, apparatus cost increases, and legislative changes affecting property tax revenues for special districts. He noted long
procurement timelines for fire apparatus.
Chief Metz summarized findings of the Community Advisory Group, which concluded
the district is high-performing but faces a structural funding gap. The group
recommended consideration of a sales tax measure for the November 2026 ballot. He reported polling showed stronger support for a sales tax increase than a property tax
increase.
Additional funding options discussed included grants, public-private partnerships,
impact fees, reimbursement reforms, and future capital funding strategies. He identified
long-term capital needs, including a proposed station at 5th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard and replacement of aging facilities.
Captain Mulcahey discussed workforce demands and the expanding role of firefighters in medical response. Board Vice President Wolfram noted efforts to extend equipment
life through maintenance and resource management.
Council discussion included Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) constraints, service demand growth, emergency response models, ballot timing, high-utilization call
locations, and coordination among regional fire agencies, including potential impacts of multiple November 2026 ballot measures.
2. Arvada Fire Protection District Presentation
Fire Chief Locke presented on behalf of Arvada Fire Protection District.
Chief Locke stated the district serves approximately 150,000 residents across Arvada,
portions of Wheat Ridge north of Clear Creek, and parts of Golden, and responded to more than 19,000 calls in 2025, approximately 75 percent Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) related. He noted that the district merged with Fairmount Fire Protection District
in 2025.
He highlighted community risk reduction programs, workforce retention efforts, and
specialty response capabilities, including behavioral health response, wildfire
Page 3 of 4
preparedness, hazardous materials response, and whole blood administration. He noted
the district is currently fully staffed but anticipates significant retirements in the coming
years.
Chief Locke reviewed increasing capital and operational costs, including apparatus and
facility replacement needs, and stated the district anticipates future funding challenges.
The board is evaluating long-term revenue options.
Polling indicated stronger support for a sales tax measure than a property tax increase.
Chief Locke stated no final decisions have been made and that the objective is to identify a sustainable long-term funding solution.
Council discussion included comparisons of sales tax and property tax approaches,
Interstate 70 response considerations, regional tax benchmarking, and impacts of state
property tax legislation on special districts.
3. Staff Reports
City Manager Goff had no matters to report
Police Chief Murtha emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between
law enforcement and fire agencies and noted that Wheat Ridge benefits from strong
interagency partnerships in addressing public safety challenges.
4. Elected Officials' Reports
Councilmember Okada announced a District 4 community meeting scheduled for May
23, 2026 and reported meeting with residents regarding preservation concerns
associated with a potential development site on Garrison Street.
Councilmember Snell announced the “How the West Was Worn” community fashion
show scheduled for May 10, 2026.
Councilmember Martell announced rescheduled District 1 coffee office hours for May
12, 2026 and May 19, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin reported on discussions regarding bicycle access and safety
considerations along the Tabor Lake Trail and portions of the Clear Creek Trail.
Councilmember Wood reported attending the American Planning Association National Conference and the Jefferson County Regional Forum on Homelessness.
Councilmember Larson reported attending Wheat Ridge High School senior capstone
presentations and recognized Military Appreciation Month, National Bicycle Month, and
National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Page 4 of 4
Councilmember Quinn had no report.
Mayor Stites announced the launch of a Community Champion Award program
recognizing residents for contributions to the community.
Councilmember Ohm shared reflections related to student presentations addressing
mental health and outdoor activity.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stites adjourned the May 4, 2026, Study Session at 8:39 p.m.
_____________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
_____________________________________
Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Page 1 of 12
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Monday, May 11, 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 May 11, 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; Kathleen Martell; Scott Ohm; Mike
Okada; Patrick Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood
Absent: none
A quorum was established.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
City Manager Patrick Goff; Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling; City Attorney Gerald
Dah; City Clerk Janeece Hoppe; Police Chief Chris Murtha; Division Chief Eric Kellogg; Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak; Director of Public Works Kent
Kisselman; Communications and Engagement Manager Amanda Harrison; Planner
Chris Masar; Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney; and Deputy City Clerk Luz Elena Spalenka.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Council approved the Study Session Notes of April 20, 2026; and the City Council
Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026, as presented
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda stood as presented.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
Page 2 of 12
National Police Week & National Peace Officers Memorial Day
Mayor Stites read the proclamation designating the week of May 15–21, 2026 as National Police Week and May 15, 2026, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Chief Chris Murtha accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Wheat Ridge Police
Department, joined by Officer Taggart and Division Chief Kellogg. Chief Murtha took the
opportunity to speak about Officer Alan Fisher, who was seriously injured on duty in
April 2022 and officially retired this year. Chief Murtha chose to retain Fisher's name in the proclamation to honor the ongoing sacrifice he and his family have made, noting
that Fisher has no regrets about his career. The Chief expressed gratitude to the Mayor and Council for the recognition.
National Public Works Week
Mayor Stites read the proclamation designating the week of May 17–23, 2026 as
National Public Works Week, noting the 66th annual observance and the theme "Rooted
in Service, Powered by Community." The proclamation highlighted the department's
management of 133 miles of streets, 850 street lights, 45 traffic signals, 36 miles of
storm sewer, 190,000 square feet of public buildings, and 230 vehicles and large equipment.
Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman accepted the proclamation alongside department staff members. Director Kisselman invited the community to an open house
at the Public Works facility on Tuesday, May 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which will
be the department's first-ever public open house.
57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week
Mayor Stites read the proclamation declaring the week of May 3–9, 2026 as
Professional Municipal Clerks Week, recognizing City Clerk Janeece Hoppe, Senior
Deputy Clerk Onorina Maloney, and Deputy City Clerk Lucy Spalenka.
City Clerk Janeece Hoppe offered remarks on behalf of the clerks' team, describing the
breadth of their responsibilities and serving as a link between the community and government. She thanked Maloney and Spalenka for their dedication and
professionalism.
Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2026
Mayor Stites read a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing Jefferson Center for Mental Health as a community partner. Julie DiTullio, Senior
Coordinator of Donor Engagement at Jefferson Center, accepted the proclamation and
noted that the Center serves nearly 25,000 people annually through partnerships with
more than 150 community organizations, including the City of Wheat Ridge. She
highlighted available services including therapy, counseling, substance use and crisis services, and community trainings such as Mental Health First Aid and QPR suicide
Page 3 of 12
prevention. She emphasized the importance of reducing stigma and ensuring equitable
access to care.
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK
In person
Three students from Wheat Ridge High School addressed the Council regarding the
"Wheat Ridge Board Factory" program:
Addison Gothard: Described the program's partnership with GoneBoarding, allowing
students to design and build personalized boards. Highlighted its uniqueness in
Colorado with only 50 schools nationwide offering it. Emphasized project-based learning benefits and potential to boost school enrollment.
Gabriel Wortman: As an ambassador for the program, noted benefits like accessing
outdoor recreation and community through board design. Stressed mental health,
physical health, and the program's role in connecting students across demographics.
Ryker Urbont: Emphasized Colorado's culture around skiing and snowboarding and noted the program's potential to promote access and equality for students not typically
able to partake in those activities. Highlighted opportunities for skills development in
trades and carpentry.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin commended the student speakers, noting they presented with the
polish of professional speakers.
Public Comment for Special Study Session
Candice Tomlinson, a Wheat Ridge resident, addressed Council regarding the proposed
cats-at-large code amendment to be discussed in the Special Study Session. She
expressed concern that the change would place an unfair burden on responsible cat
owners, noting the practical difficulty of preventing cats from roaming. She also offered her perspective as a birder, arguing that outdoor cats are only one part of a complex
problem affecting bird populations and that other factors—such as window strikes, light
pollution, and rodenticides—contribute more substantially to bird mortality.
Via Zoom:
No participants
Wheat Ridge Speaks:
Item Public's Right to Speak
Page 4 of 12
Posted by Gretchen Josten on May 10, 2026, at 6:06 p.m.
I want to publicly thank the city staff and city council for affording time to study and
review the Special Use Permit for Autowash at Lakeside next week. I’m writing on behalf
of all of the Gray Street neighbors. We thank you for making time to hear this issue in
detail. We are grateful to the city staff for compiling all documentation from the last
several years from planning through the first year of operation. We hold that there can
be an amicable resolution to the stress and loss of peace that our neighborhood has
experienced. We thank you for holding space for this on May 18. With gratitude and
hope, Gray Street neighbors
Item Public's Right to Speak
Posted by Michael Moody on May 8, 2026, at 11:36 a.m.
Following up on the presentation and submitted petition for a crossing guard and/or
rumble strips in front of Stevens Elementary. Safety on 38th is a sensitive issue for us.
When it comes to the kiddos (especially our son attending Stevens), it undoubtedly
elevates the emotional side. Many discussions have taken place over the past year, but
the necessary change has not been implemented in front of the school (although we
recognize the changes to the signage, the light, etc., which have led to some statistical
change). When a community doesn't employ a crossing guard and/or rumble strips as a
solution, it's hard not to question the intention (especially since they are aware of the
challenge). We even offered to raise the funds for the rumble strips but haven't heard a
response. To make it worse, 14 separate businesses near the intersection have
confirmed a chronic safety problem on 38th. We, like many residents, noticed how
dangerous the street can be walking the kids to Stevens on day one. It was painful to
hear that my son's friend was almost hit and killed when it could have been prevented
with the steps taken by other schools and towns, including RMPB, Lumberg, Centennial,
Brown, etc, etc. Very frustrating and disappointing. While thankful for the steps already
taken, the appropriate steps have yet to be taken. We hope to work together to build a
safer Wheat Ridge.
Item No. 1 - ORD - Rezone of 3338 Depew
Posted by Lauren on May 7, 2026, at 7:10p.m.
Comment
We support the proposed rezoning at 3338 Depew and appreciate continued thoughtful
investment in this part of Wheat Ridge. We believe well-designed residential
redevelopment can positively contribute to the neighborhood and surrounding property
upkeep.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
None
Page 5 of 12
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
Item Number 1
Council Bill No. 09-2026
Title: An ordinance approving the rezoning for property located at 3338 Depew Street from
Residential-Three (R-3) to Residential-One C (R-1C)
Issue:
The owner of the property at 3338 Depew Street is requesting approval of a zone
change from Residential-Three (R-3) to Residential-One C (R-1C). The zone change will
result in zoning that encourages investment in the site and will enable the existing land
use to become more conforming with the zoning.
Councilmember Martell read the title and issue into the record
Mayor Stites opened the Public Hearing
Planner Chris Masar presented Case No. WZ26-1 on behalf of the Community
Development Department. The request is to rezone two lots totaling approximately 5,890 square feet on the east side of Depew Street from R-3 to R-1C to allow
redevelopment with a new single-unit dwelling. Staff explained that the existing R-3 zoning resulted from a 1996 rezoning action and stated that the proposed R-1C zoning
is consistent with surrounding properties and applicable dimensional standards. Staff
reported no objections from reviewing agencies and noted receipt of one online public comment in support. The Planning Commission recommended approval on March 19,
2026. Betsy Lawton, representing the project architect on behalf of the property owner, was available for questions.
Council asked regarding the distinction between R-1 and R-1C zoning, and staff explained
that the surrounding properties are all zoned R-1C, making that designation the most
consistent choice. Discussion also addressed whether the internal lot line between the two
parcels would require formal dissolution; staff confirmed that a consolidation covenant or
similar instrument would address the lot line, though such action is not strictly required.
Mayor Stites closed the Public Hearing
Motion: Councilmember Martell moved to approve Council Bill No. 09-2026, an ordinance
approving the rezoning of property located at 3338 Depew Street from Residential-Three (R-
3) to Residential-One C (R1-C) on second reading, order it published, and that it takes effect
15 days after final publication
Seconded: Councilmember Snell
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried
Page 6 of 12
Item Number 2
Council Bill No. 10-2026
Title: An ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning vehicular public
nuisance
Issue
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
Mayor Stites opened the Public Hearing
City Attorney Dahl introduced the item, describing a gap in the existing law: while prior amendments addressed eluding, officers currently lack the authority to act against a
vehicle—as distinct from an identified driver—when the operator has fled and cannot be identified. The ordinance amends the definition of vehicular public nuisance to include
eluding and other criminal behaviors beyond racing and exhibitions of speed, allowing
the vehicle itself to be seized based on probable cause.
Division Chief Kellogg provided an example of recent incidents involving motorcyclists
evading law enforcement and stated that the proposed ordinance would allow the department to identify vehicles through license plate information and pursue vehicle
seizure when operators cannot be identified. Staff noted that approximately 200 similar
incidents have been documented over the past two years, with no fatalities reported.
Chief Murtha explained that the ordinance would function as a civil action against the
vehicle, holding the registered owner responsible for the conduct of the vehicle operator. The owner would have the right to challenge probable cause through a hearing
process, and vehicles determined to be subject to the ordinance could be impounded
for up to one year.
Council discussed enforcement protocols for vehicles without license plates, including
possible applicability to high-powered e-bikes that have been modified beyond legal speed limits. Discussion also addressed whether enforcement would occur solely
through the Wheat Ridge Police Department or be coordinated regionally through the
Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), as well as how the ordinance would apply
when a vehicle is located away from the registered owner’s address.
It was noted that legally defined e-bikes are limited to 28 mph and that vehicles affected by the ordinance are likely altered beyond those specifications. The ordinance was
described as a clear, targeted response to recurring constituent concerns, particularly
along Ward Road.
Page 7 of 12
Motion: Councilmember Larson moved to approve Council Bill No. 10-2026, an ordinance
amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning vehicular public nuisance and that
it take effect upon adoption at second reading as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter.
Seconded: Councilmember Quinn
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
None
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
Item Number: 3
Resolution No. 23-2026
Title: A resolution in opposition to House Bill 26-1114 prohibiting cities from requiring
minimum lot sizes
ISSUE:
House Bill 26-1114 would limit municipal authority over local land use by prohibiting cities from requiring minimum lot sizes greater than 2,000 square feet for certain
residential development. The City Council is being asked to consider adopting a
formal position opposing the bill, based on concerns that it would preempt local zoning authority, conflict with Wheat Ridge’s adopted plans and community-driven
policies, and impose a one-size-fits-all approach to land use regulation across diverse communities.
Councilmember Wood read the title and issue into the record
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin and the Legislative Affairs Committee provided context for the
four resolutions under consideration. The committee—Mayor Pro Tem Hultin,
Councilmember Larson, and Councilmember Okada, with staff support from Ms. Harrison—focused on bills with the most direct impact on Wheat Ridge and required
unanimous agreement before taking an advocacy position. Committee members noted
the volume and pace of legislation this session and described their participation in two
Senate hearings.
City Manager Goff reported that HB 26-1114 did not advance, noting the council’s opposition.
Councilmember Quinn expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the
importance of preserving local zoning authority and the city’s home-rule charter.
Motion: Councilmember Wood moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2026, a resolution in
Page 8 of 12
opposition to House Bill 26-1114 prohibiting cities from requiring minimum lot sizes.
Second: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion Carried
Item Number: 4
Resolution No. 24-2026
Title: A resolution in opposition to Senate Bill 26-117 proposing restrictions on how
Colorado Lottery tickets may be sold.
ISSUE:
The Legislative Committee is requesting City Council consideration of an advocacy
position regarding Senate Bill 26-117, Permissible Methods of Selling Lottery
Tickets. The bill proposes new restrictions on how Colorado Lottery tickets may be
sold, including limitations on modernization efforts such as online sales and updated payment methods. The Committee recommends that City Council adopt a
position opposing SB26-117 to help protect essential funding for parks and outdoor
infrastructure.
Councilmember Ohm read the title and issue into the record
City Manager Goff noted that SB 26-117 did pass
Motion: Councilmember Ohm moved to approve Resolution No. 24-2026, a resolution in
opposition to Senate Bill 26-117 proposing restrictions on how Colorado Lottery tickets may
be sold.
Second: Councilmember Okada
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried
Item Number: 5
Resolution No. 25-2026
Title: A resolution in support of House Bill 26-1318 concerning traffic safety near schools
ISSUE:
The Legislative Committee is requesting City Council consideration of an advocacy position on HB26-1318, a bill currently before the Colorado General Assembly that
concerns traffic safety near schools. The proposed position aligns with the City’s
adopted legislative priorities, including public safety, local control, transportation
safety, and protection of local funding sources. HB26-1318 would expand local
authority to implement school-zone safety measures, and the Committee recommends that City Council formally support the legislation.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title and issue into the record
Page 9 of 12
Council asked whether the bill could address speeding concerns raised by constituents
on 38th Avenue near a local school. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin explained that the bill
primarily addresses speed limit enforcement authority and zone expansion rather than physical street design but noted it could allow for enhanced treatments near Stevens
Elementary School and would remove barriers to police speed enforcement near
schools.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to approve Resolution No. 25-2026, a resolution
in support of House Bill 26-1318 concerning traffic safety near schools.
Second: Councilmember Quinn
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried
Item 6
Resolution No. 26-2026
Title: A resolution in support of House Bill 26-1071 to implement Local Government Vehicle
Identification Systems on interstate highways
ISSUE:
The Legislative Committee is requesting City Council consideration of an advocacy position on HB26-1071, legislation before the Colorado General Assembly that
would authorize municipalities to deploy automated vehicle identification systems
on interstate highways within their jurisdiction. This request aligns with the City’s adopted legislative priorities related to public safety, local control, transportation
safety, and preservation of local funding sources. Adoption of an advocacy position would allow the City to formally communicate support for legislation that may
enhance roadway safety and provide additional enforcement tools for high-risk
interstate corridors Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record.
Councilmember Larson reported that the bill originated from discussions with Chief Murtha about the high number of serious high-speed crashes on the 8–9 mile stretch of
I-70 within Wheat Ridge and the fact that the Wheat Ridge Police Department is not
reimbursed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the substantial
time spent managing interstate crash scenes. The bill was intended to deter speeding
and help offset those costs. Councilmember Larson noted that the bill was defeated in a Senate hearing the same day he testified in support, largely due to concerns that
speed-camera provisions were linked in the debate to broader issues of public
surveillance.
Chief Murtha noted that municipalities currently respond to interstate crashes without a
formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state. He is working to convene a coalition of agencies that police state highways to formalize this relationship and
pursue additional resources.
Page 10 of 12
City Manager Goff stated that the Colorado Municipal League (CML) will be involved in
next steps after the legislative session.
Councilmember Okada clarified for the record that speed cameras are permitted on Colorado interstates by the state itself; the bill's restriction was specifically on local
government deployment.
Motion: Councilmember Okada moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2026, a resolution
in support of House Bill 26-1071 to implement Local Government Vehicle Identification
Systems on interstate highways.
Second: Councilmember Ohm
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried
Item Number: 7
Motion: Motion to cancel the November 2, 2026, City Council Study Session
ISSUE:
The City Council Study Session of November 2, 2026, currently coincides with the week
of the upcoming November 2026 Election. The City of Wheat Ridge will sign an IGA to
run a concurrent election with Jefferson County. The Wheat Ridge City Council
Chamber is an advertised Jefferson County polling place. As such, the City Council Chamber will require election equipment, election judges, and the utmost security to
ensure a valid election, free from protest. It is for these reasons that staff and the City
Clerk’s office request to cancel the November 2, 2026, City Council Study Session.
Councilmember Snell read the title and issue into the record
Motion: Councilmember Snell moved to cancel the November 2, 2026, City Council
Study Session.
Second: Councilmember Martell
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
City Manager Patrick Goff provided several updates.
Lutheran Legacy Campus: E5X is actively marketing the redevelopment project to
stakeholder groups, including the Colorado Real Estate Expo, Colorado bond buyers, and
the Urban Land Institute. A short conceptual video was shown, highlighting preservation
of the chapel and Blue House and dedicating 20% of the site to open space and public gathering areas. Demolition work is underway.
Page 11 of 12
Homeless Navigation Program Grant: The City received a $50,000 grant from the
Colorado Gives Foundation to support outreach goods and services for the homeless
navigation program.
Community Polling: Per Council direction from the April 11, 2026 workshop, the polling
instrument was distributed to Council. The consultant, Magellan, will begin polling this
week, with results expected for the June 1, 2026 Study Session.
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
City Attorney Dahl informed the Council that he would be unable to attend the special
meeting scheduled for the following Monday regarding the auto wash special use
permit hearing. He arranged for his law partner, Thad Renaud, to attend in his place. Mr.
Dahl confirmed that Mr. Renaud is a municipal city attorney for other communities, has
reviewed all case materials, and will meet with staff prior to the hearing to ensure full preparation
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS
Councilmember Okada: Announced that he and Councilmember Larson will hold a
District 4 meeting on May 23, 2026 at the Wheat Ridge Historical Society's historic park.
Councilmember Larson: Shared that May 20, 2026, is Armed Forces Day, and both he
and Councilmember Okada will attend the Red Rocks Community College commencement ceremony. He noted May as Older Americans Month with the theme
"Champion Your Health.”
Councilmember Wood: Will attend Red Rocks Community College commencement; appreciated the parks tour and Family Tree celebration event, highlighting the
meaningful community impact.
Councilmember Quinn: Echoed appreciation for the parks tour and Family Tree event;
announced upcoming District 3 events on July 8, 2026, and July 25, 2026.
Councilmember Martell: Attended the Family Tree event and parks tour, noting continuous learning from city staff; participated in a vintage fashion show benefiting the
community.
Councilmember Snell: Recognized Teacher Appreciation Week; applauded the Wheat
Ridge High School students and their board-building program; reminded District 1
constituents of office hours on May 12, 2026 at Anne's Pie Café.
Councilmember Ohm: Attended Leadership Jefferson County and Civic Spark events;
highlighted concerns over a problematic tall wall on Wadsworth; commended city
Page 12 of 12
improvements like the well-lit Kipling Tunnel and new sidewalk work; thanked city
services for property and branch cleanup efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin: Highlighted a fleet-management update from the city manager’s quarterly report: through cross-departmental auditing, the City shifted from purchasing
three heavy-duty pickups to acquiring fuel-efficient midsize trucks and three electric
vehicles, aligning with fiscal and environmental priorities. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin also
reported on a peer exchange trip with the Denver Regional Council of Governments
(DRCOG) to the Puget Sound Regional Council in Seattle, which included meetings on transit-oriented development, regional housing planning, and transportation initiatives.
She concluded by expressing appreciation for the strong civic culture and conduct of the Wheat Ridge City Council compared with challenges described by peers in other
communities.
Mayor Stites: Reported on the Education Coalition meeting, upcoming kindergarten T-shirt events at Everett, field day visits to Prospect Valley and Stover elementary schools,
and the Civic Spark event. He noted the importance of connecting homelessness and housing discussions to early childhood development and childcare access. He
recapped a Coffee with the Mayor event at the new Starbucks at Wadsworth and 38th,
and shared a letter received from a young community member named Liliana, who asked the city to consider parks and the history of the Lutheran Legacy Campus. He
reminded the public that the first Concert on the Green of the season is Friday evening, featuring a 14-year-old DJ.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the
May 11, 2026, Regular Council Meeting at 8:20 p.m. Council will reconvene at 8:30 p.m. for the Special Study Session.
_________________________________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
__________________________________________________
Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Page 1 of 4
NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
Monday, May 11, 2026
The Special Study Session was held in a hybrid format, with
Councilmembers, City staff, and members of the public participating
either in person at the Municipal Building (7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat
Ridge, Colorado) in Council Chambers, or virtually.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Korey Stites called the City Council Special Study Session of May 11, 2026, to
order at 8:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Councilmembers Present: Rachel Hultin; Dan Larson; Kathleen Martell; Scott Ohm; Mike
Okada; Patrick Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood.
Absent: None
Staff in Attendance: City Manager Patrick Goff; Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling;
City Attorney Gerald Dahl; Chief of Police Chris Murtha; Community Services Supervisor
Marie Trujillo; Community Services Supervisor Phil Schroeder; Senior Deputy City Clerk
Onorina Maloney; and other staff as needed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Candice Tomlinson, a Wheat Ridge resident, commented on the proposed cats-at-large
amendment. Her comments are reflected in the Regular Meeting minutes.
No public comments were received via Zoom or through Wheat Ridge Speaks.
1. Animal Code Update
Deputy City Manager Schilling presented an overview of three remaining topics from the
ongoing Chapter 4 (Animals) code update project, which has been under review since
Page 2 of 4
the prior year and went through first and second readings in March and April,
respectively. The public hearing was continued to address these three specific items.
Venomous Animals
Staff identified that the previously proposed Section 4-14(d) had become overly
complex and risked unintended consequences for lawful businesses—specifically The
Reptile Room, a local business. Staff noted that several of the proposed prohibitions were already covered under state law (e.g., venomous snakes), creating unnecessary
duplication. Additionally, staff agreed with feedback that the term "insects" should be updated to "invertebrates" to better reflect the scope intended. The recommendation
was to simplify the proposed language and defer more heavily to existing state
regulations rather than restating them at the local level.
Council unanimously supported staff's recommendation.
Pot Bellied Pigs and Swine
Under the existing code, pot-bellied pigs are not permitted without an annual exemption from the Chief of Police. Requirements for exemption include a maximum weight of 150
pounds, a maximum height of 2 feet, and veterinary certification. Council previously reached consensus to ban swine broadly while retaining the pot-bellied pig exemption
process; this was approved by Planning Commission in February 2026.
The current discussion addressed two sub-issues: (1) whether the Latin species designation ("Sus scrofa vittatus," referencing wild boar) should be corrected or
removed, and (2) whether to allow other small pigs not strictly classified as pot-bellied pigs.
City Attorney Dahl noted that the weight and height limits function primarily as an
educational tool for applicants at the time of exemption application, rather than as an ongoing enforcement mechanism. Chief Murtha and Community Services Officer
Supervisor Trujillo reinforced the practical difficulties of monitoring an animal's weight and size over its lifetime and the complexity of distinguishing species in the field. Staff
recommended simply removing the Latin language and relying on veterinary
certification, as this is more practical for enforcement and makes the code cleaner.
Council asked whether a broader term like "domestic pigs kept as companion animals"
might be used instead of "pot-bellied pigs," and whether the size and weight limits remained useful without the Latin classification. After discussion, staff and the City
Attorney advised that clear, defined terms are preferable for enforcement purposes, and
that the veterinary certification process adequately handles species verification. Council
expressed satisfaction with the direction and supported removing the Latin language
while retaining the other requirements unchanged.
Page 3 of 4
Council noted the 150-pound threshold is not arbitrary—it roughly corresponds to the
size of a very large dog and the practical threshold beyond which an animal becomes
difficult to keep inside a home or transport conventionally. Council also noted the animal welfare challenges of rehoming pigs that outgrow their living situation, as
options for surrender are limited compared to dogs and cats.
Council reached consensus to remove the Latin language and otherwise keep the
existing recommendation.
Cats At Large
Under existing code, Section 4-8 (Animals at Large) applies only to dogs. The prior
council reached consensus to update the language to say "animals" while creating an
explicit exemption for domestic house cats. Staff's current recommendation was to retain that exemption, based on input from Community Service Officers who expressed
significant practical concerns about enforcement and noted that cats at large do not
represent a widespread complaint in the city.
Community Services Supervisor Trujillo reported she has received only one cat-related
at-large complaint in 13 years of service. Chief Murtha explained the operational distinction: while cats are generally considered less dangerous to humans than dogs,
attempting to physically contain a cat presents logistical challenges distinct from dogs. He also noted that if enforcement of cats at large became widespread, it could require
additional staffing consideration. City Attorney Dahl clarified that the inability to
physically capture an animal does not preclude issuing a citation—tickets for animals at large can be written based on identification of the owner, regardless of whether the
animal is apprehended.
The discussion among Council members reflected a split in perspectives. Mayor Pro
Tem Hultin, Councilmember Wood, Councilmember Okada, Councilmember Snell, and
Councilmember Martell expressed support for removing the exemption and including
cats in the animals-at-large enforcement framework. Their shared reasoning included:
the well-documented impact of outdoor domestic cats on bird populations (estimated 1–4 billion birds killed annually in North America), the safety risks to cats themselves
(outdoor cats have roughly half the lifespan of indoor cats), nuisance impacts on
neighboring properties, and a desire for consistent and equitable application of the
code. Councilmember Wood and Councilmember Okada each emphasized that this
position is pro-animal rather than anti-cat, noting that cats can live full, happy lives indoors and that the harm caused is often invisible to owners.
Councilmember Quinn and Councilmember Ohm expressed skepticism about the
practical enforceability of the provision and the real-world role that outdoor cats play in managing rodent populations, particularly near areas with chickens, bird feeders, and
grain. Councilmember Quinn cited personal experience with his own cats and neighbors' community cats, concluding he could not support removing the exemption.
Page 4 of 4
A majority of Council members expressed support for removing the exemption for
domestic house cats and including cats within the animals-at-large provisions. Staff
confirmed the ordinance would return for public hearing and final Council consideration on June 8, 2026.
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
None
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
None
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stites adjourned the May 11, 2026, Special Study Session at 9:24 p.m.
_____________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
_____________________________________
Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Page 1 of 51
MINUTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, May 18, 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 special City Council meeting to order on May 18, 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; Kathleen Martell; Scott Ohm; Mike
Okada; Patrick Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood.
Absent: None
A quorum was established.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE
City Manager Patrick Goff; City Attorney Thad Renaud; Director of Community
Development Lauren Mikulak; Planning Manager Jana Easley; and Senior Deputy City
Clerk Onorina Maloney.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda stood as presented.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
Page 2 of 51
None
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK
In person
Montana Stevenson, Wheat Ridge resident, commented on noise from the Silver Bullet Shooting Range on 38th Avenue, stating it is audible from her property and nearby
areas. She expressed concern about compatibility with future development and asked Council to pursue a solution that supports residents and businesses.
Nikki Larsen, Wheat Ridge resident, commented on the City-funded noise-mitigation project at the Silver Bullet Shooting Range. She stated the study area did not include
homes south of the range and that the 4–6 decibel reduction was limited in effectiveness. She noted a petition with 70 signatures was not provided to Council. She
asked Council to acknowledge the project’s limitations, improve oversight of
noise-mitigation efforts, and engage with the property owner on the site’s long-term future.
Via Zoom:
No participants signed up for Public’s Right to Speak
Recusal of Mayor Pro Tem Hultin
Prior to the opening of the public hearing, Mayor Pro Tem Rachel Hultin addressed the
Council on a point of order. She stated that outside counsel for Autowash had submitted a records request for correspondence of several staff members and elected
officials, including herself, and had subsequently requested her recusal, citing
communications she had with Gray Street neighbors over the preceding 18 months. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin stated she had done nothing wrong, as her communications were
not subject to quasi-judicial restrictions and were conducted in good faith as constituent engagement. However, she stated that to avoid casting doubt on the
proceedings, she was voluntarily recusing herself.
City Attorney Renaud cited Charter Section 5.9, which provides that a Council member
may be excused from voting by unanimous consent of the remaining members present.
Mayor Stites requested unanimous consent to excuse Mayor Pro Tem Hultin from the hearing. Unanimous consent was granted.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin departed the dais for the remainder of the hearing.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
None
Page 3 of 51
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
Item Number 1
MOTION
Title: Review of a previously issued special use permit (SUP-23-01) and associated
conditions related to Lakeside Autowash.
Issue:
The purpose of this public hearing is for City Council to review the Special Use Permit
(SUP) for Lakeside Autowash, located at 5900 W. 44th Avenue. Pursuant to Section 26-
114.F of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, City Council shall determine whether
modification, additional conditions, or revocation is warranted based on operational
impacts.
Councilmember Ohm read the title and issue into the record.
Mayor Stites opened the Public Hearing at 6:42 p.m.
Mayor Stites read a procedural statement outlining the order of testimony, timing rules,
quasi-judicial standards, and conduct expectations. Staff were allotted approximately 30 minutes; Autowash was allotted approximately 45 minutes. Public testimony was
limited to four minutes per speaker, with no donation of time permitted. For the record,
Mayor Stites noted that all testimony given constitutes an affirmation the speaker will
tell the truth as they understand it.
Attorney Renaud addressed a letter submitted by Autowash’s outside counsel, John
Peckler, requesting the recusal of Councilmember Ohm based on alleged bias. The City
Attorney stated that the recitations supporting the allegation were relatively few and
proceeded to question Councilmember Ohm on the record. Councilmember Ohm
confirmed that he had reviewed the letter, held no ill will toward Autowash or any of its
employees or representatives, did not regard Autowash as having been a bad actor,
understood that Autowash had an absolute right to an impartial decision-maker, and
believed he could serve as a fair, impartial, and unbiased decision-maker in the
proceeding. No recusal was granted.
Attorney Renaud addressed the matter of ex parte communications, noting that the
issue had evolved from citizen complaints and an administrative investigation over a
12–18-month period before becoming a formal quasi-judicial proceeding. He
acknowledged that communications had occurred during that period through multiple
channels, including public meetings, letters, and electronic correspondence. He asked
all Council members present to raise their hands if they understood from prior legal
training that, in a quasi-judicial proceeding, they were to consider only the evidence
presented at that night’s hearing or included in the written record, and to disregard all
prior communications. All members raised their hands. He then asked members to raise
Page 4 of 51
their hands if they believed they could do so in making their decision. All members
again raised their hands.
Staff Presentation
Director Mikulak presented the staff report and entered into the record the case file, the
municipal code, the comprehensive plan, and the digital presentation. She confirmed that all appropriate notification and posting requirements had been met and that City
Council had jurisdiction to hear the case.
Overview of Special Use Permits
Director Mikulak explained that a special use permit is a discretionary land use that may
or may not be permitted depending on operations, characteristics, and location, governed by Section 26-114 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws. Special uses may
include conditions of approval to mitigate potential impacts and require that the use be properly designed, developed, operated, and maintained. The code provides nine criteria
for review focused on appropriate design, operation, and compatibility.
Site and Case History
The property at 5900 West 44th Avenue and Harlan Street had operated as a car wash
since 1997, initially as a self-serve facility with one automatic bay added in 2015.
Autowash held a pre-application meeting in 2022 and submitted a formal application in
February 2023 to demolish the existing facility and construct four enclosed automatic
bays with relocated vacuum stations. The application included a site plan, narrative, and
responses to the Special Use Permit criteria, stating that the proposal would not have a
detrimental effect on the surrounding area.
Director Mikulak reported that the application and review process did not focus heavily
on operational noise, as the enclosed bays and relocated vacuums were expected to
reduce impacts compared to the prior configuration. Based on the submitted materials,
she administratively approved the Special Use Permit in January 2024. The conditions
of approval required consistency with the application materials, the issuance of a
building permit, and non-transferability of the permit; no specific operational noise
conditions were included.
Post-Opening Compliance History
Autowash opened in February 2025. Neighbor concerns emerged within weeks,
focusing on dryer noise, bay doors being left open, 24-hour operations, and general
neighborhood impacts. Code enforcement, police, and planning staff became involved.
Staff initially sought to open a dialogue and identify voluntary measures to address the
concerns.
Page 5 of 51
Over the following year, Autowash voluntarily adjusted its hours and modified its
vacuum equipment, but impacts continued. Director Mikulak issued a Notice of Special
Use Violation in June 2025. In response, Autowash proposed a voluntary 90-day closure,
during which it engaged a sound consultant, closed one of the four bays, adopted
modified hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and constructed a six-foot fence with a faux-stone
treatment. A follow-up sound study was completed, and Autowash reopened three bays
in November 2025.
Director Mikulak stated that operational variability and continued neighborhood impacts
persisted, leading to the current proceeding. She noted that professional mediation had
been offered to both Autowash and neighborhood representatives but was not accepted
by either party.
Staff Finding and Recommendation
Director Mikulak stated that, based on staff observations, noise readings, neighborhood
statements, and the history of compliance efforts, she had determined that the car wash operations have resulted in adverse impacts and have materially altered in scope,
application, and design from the original SUP application. She noted that the code does
not authorize her as director to modify the SUP conditions; that authority rests with City
Council.
Mikulak presented three options for Council consideration: (1) modify the SUP with additional conditions, (2) leave the SUP as is, or (3) revoke the SUP. She recommended
Option 1—modification of the SUP with six proposed conditions:
• (a) Bay doors shall remain fully closed on the north and south sides during all
wash and dry cycles.
• (b) Hours of operation limited to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• (c) On-site signage requesting customers limit noise.
• (d) Trash receptacles sized and maintained appropriately at vacuum stations.
• (e) Compliance with all applicable noise standards.
• (f) Sound measurements to be conducted and submitted upon request by the city
if Autowash makes operational changes, such as equipment changes or returning the fourth bay to service.
Director Mikulak stated that 83 comments were received through Wheat Ridge Speaks, and one letter was received outside that platform; all were incorporated into the public
record and provided to both Council and Autowash.
Autowash Presentation
Dennis Dreeszen, Co-Founder, Autowash, stated that the company was founded
approximately 14 years prior and had grown to 26 locations in the Denver area. He
Page 6 of 51
described the previous car wash on the site as having deteriorated and stated that
Autowash’s intent in redeveloping the property was to improve the corner. He noted that
the prior facility included an automatic bay with open doors and that Autowash
relocated the vacuum stations farther from adjacent residential properties as an
intentional improvement. He stated that the company completed the full city review
process, received no noise-related comments during the two years of permitting, and
constructed the facility as proposed and approved. He also stated that ambient traffic
noise from 44th Avenue often exceeded noise from the car wash and expressed
concern about what types of businesses could viably operate in the corridor if existing
traffic noise was comparable to or greater than operational noise from the facility.
Troy Kirschman, Architect, Hubber Architecture, stated that he had worked on
hundreds of car washes over approximately 25 years in Colorado and more than 40
other states. He confirmed that his firm submitted the application, held a neighborhood
meeting as required, and received no feedback related to noise during the process. He
explained that architectural elevation drawings customarily depict overhead doors in the
down position to show design elements such as finishes, materials, and colors, and that
such depictions are not representations of operational commitments but standard
industry and architectural practice. He stated that he found no provision in the Wheat
Ridge code prohibiting overhead doors from remaining open during car wash
operations. He further stated that he found no documented discussion of noise—
whether in review comments, emails, or meeting notes—throughout the design and
permitting process. He noted that when noise or operational issues are raised during
design, they are documented in writing and addressed, and that no such issues were
raised in this case.
He added that car wash equipment varies significantly by operator and location, and
that noise levels at one facility are not directly comparable to those at another. He
stated that, as a matter of professional reputation, his firm would not knowingly submit
deceptive drawings and that depicting the doors in the down position was not intended
as a misrepresentation of how the facility would operate.
Evan Singleton, Attorney, Spencer Fane, LLP (Outside Land Use Counsel for Autowash)
addressed the legal posture of the proceeding. He stated that while the initial approval
of a special use is discretionary, once a permit is issued it is governed by its written conditions and stipulations—not by ongoing discretionary review. He argued that City
Council's authority under Section 26-114(f) is limited to evaluating compliance with the
approved written conditions, and that the SUP approval—containing five conditions—is
the relevant standard. He stated that Autowash built exactly what was approved and
that there is no written condition in the permit specifically addressing door operation or a site-specific noise standard, which the city had the opportunity to impose during the
original review.
Page 7 of 51
He described the difficulty of operating under a shifting noise standard. When
Autowash was initially cited, the City of Wheat Ridge noise ordinance was applied—
setting limits of 65 dBA during daytime hours. In early discussions with the planning department, staff indicated the standard was "inherently subjective" due to the special
use context. When Autowash retained a sound engineer to model mitigation, the state
statute standard was used in consultation with city staff. Follow-up measurements
following installation of the sound fence showed levels in the 47–53 dBA range, which
Autowash understood to be compliant. City code enforcement staff indicated in December 2025 that they had no concerns with the results. However, when the city's
subsequent sound study was received, the commercial standard had shifted from the
city ordinance's 65 dBA daytime to the state statute's 60 dBA daytime, which Singleton
characterized as another movement of the goalposts.
He stated that the next essential step—before permit action—was for the city to clearly define the applicable standard, which would benefit all parties and provide a path to a
workable resolution. He stated that the city's final sound study was only provided to Autowash after an open records request, which he found troubling.
Dennis Dreeszen described the financial impact of the voluntary closure—approximately
$40,000 per month for four months—and the cost of the sound fence, approximately $70,000, built to the density specifications recommended by the sound engineer. He
stated both the Wave Engineering follow-up study and the city's EDI study showed measurable sound reduction on the other side of the fence. He described additional
voluntary measures, including sound-dampening foam installed on the interior of bay
doors, reduction of dryer motor speed by 25% through variable frequency drives (VFDs),
and dampening added to the vacuum equipment. He stated that removing one bay
reduced the site's revenue capacity by 25%, placing the location in an ongoing loss position. He noted that Autowash's other 26 locations—including locations directly
across from residential housing—do not receive noise complaints, and that none of
them include the sound mitigation measures installed at the Wheat Ridge location.
Attorney Singleton presented a data table from Wave Engineering's post-fence sound
study, showing levels in the 47–53 dBA range under typical operating conditions, and noted that city sound study measurements were taken at the property line and north of
44th Avenue, not at the residential properties to the south where many complainants
reside.
John Peckler, Attorney, Spencer Fane LLP, summarized Autowash's legal position. He
framed the core issue as fairness, stating that the process for reaching a solution must follow the city's own code, provide due process to the holder of a protected property
interest, and be based on the written conditions of the issued permit. He stated this is
an enforcement hearing for an approved SUP, not a fresh discretionary review, and that
the five written conditions—none of which explicitly address door operation or site-
specific noise limits—are the applicable standard.
Page 8 of 51
He argued that the architectural drawings depicting closed doors were prepared to
show design elements, not to constitute an operational commitment, and that
converting an assumption drawn from drawings intended for a different purpose into an enforceable condition is unfair. He stated Autowash had no notice that operating with
bay doors open would be considered non-compliant until the Notice of Violation was
issued in July 2025—after the SUP was issued, the site plan and building permit
approved, and a certificate of occupancy obtained.
On the proposed conditions, Peckler offered Autowash's perspective on each:
Condition (a) – Bay doors closed: Autowash opposed this condition as written, stating
that operating with all doors closed in warm weather creates excessive humidity that damages equipment and is not sustainable long-term. He noted Autowash voluntarily
closes the south-side bay doors during wash cycles and would continue to do so. He
stated that industry practice is to keep doors open in warmer temperatures to protect equipment, and that closing them in winter is to prevent freezing.
Condition (b) – Hours 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Autowash opposed the 8 p.m. cutoff, noting it does not align with the city noise ordinance or state statute (both of which use 7 p.m. or
10 p.m. thresholds). Autowash recommended continuing its current voluntary hours of
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Condition (c) – On-site signage: Autowash requested discretion to determine
appropriate messaging, noting from experience that prohibitive signage can be counterproductive. Autowash stated there has not been a documented issue with
customer behavior generating noise.
Condition (d) – Trash receptacles: Autowash stated it was unaware of trash concerns
prior to this proceeding and takes pride in site cleanliness. It requested a contact-based
remedy rather than a codified condition.
Condition (e) – Noise compliance: Autowash stated compliance with city code and
state law is always required and need not be a separate SUP condition.
Condition (f) – Sound monitoring: Autowash opposed the condition as written due to its open-ended nature, the cost and logistical difficulty of sound studies, and concern that
the requirement could be used to compel frequent studies without clear methodology or standard. He also noted that police expressed reluctance to rely on third-party sound
data for prosecution purposes.
Attorney Peckler recommended that if Council wished to take any action, it should defer
imposing conditions until a clear noise standard is established, additional mitigation
options are evaluated, and all parties have had the opportunity to review the city's sound study and discuss it collaboratively. He stated that imposing conditions at this hearing
would lock them in permanently and foreclose the collaborative process that had been
Page 9 of 51
underway. Autowash's preferred outcome was for the Council to take no action and
allow the ongoing compliance process to continue.
Public Testimony
Cat Tarnoff (via Zoom) stated she had previously worked at the veterinary clinic at 4355
Gray Street. She expressed concern that the special use permit was granted with a condition requiring no detrimental effect and argued that the ongoing noise from the car
wash constitutes a detrimental effect that places the facility out of compliance. She
stated that the neighbors and nearby businesses could not have been expected to anticipate and object to noise during the approval process when they were told there
would be no issue. She expressed the view that, given Autowash's experience operating 26 locations, it likely knew noise would be a concern. She noted that the attorney's
argument—that without a specific written condition there is no violation—appeared to
represent a loophole and emphasized that the neighboring veterinary clinic and residential neighbors are losing quality of life and property value. She acknowledged
improvements but said they had not resolved the problem.
In Person:
Lisa Hamilton Fieldman (Wheat Ridge resident, also appearing as a consultant to a
group of concerned residents) stated that she had provided the group with legal
guidance but was not entering a formal appearance on their behalf. She noted that her
cat had developed a seizure disorder triggered by loud noises and that she no longer
brought him to the neighboring veterinary clinic due to concerns about potential noise
exposure.
Regarding the legal framework, she cited the Colorado Noise Abatement Act, including
CRS 25-12-103, which establishes statewide noise limits and defines noise exceeding
those limits as a public nuisance. She noted that the statute sets limits of 55 dBA for
residential properties during daytime hours and 50 dBA at night, and 60 dBA for
commercial properties during daytime hours and 55 dBA at night. She highlighted
subsection (3), which treats periodic, impulsive, or shrill noises as a public nuisance
when they are 5 dBA below the standard limits and argued that car wash noise could fall
within that category.
She also referenced CRS 25-12-108, which prohibits municipalities from adopting noise
standards less restrictive than state law, and cited the Colorado Supreme Court’s 2025
decision in Hobbs v. City of Salida, which she stated clarified that a municipality cannot
exempt a facility from state noise standards through a special use permit.
Leslie Baca (Denver resident, client of the neighboring veterinary practice for 26 years)
stated she brings animals to the clinic regularly and that the car wash noise disrupts veterinary examinations and distresses her animals, resulting in failed specimen
Page 10 of 51
collection and additional costs. She stated she could not recall seeing the conditions
described at the prior car wash site. She urged the Council to require mitigation and, if it
cannot be achieved, to revoke the permit.
Scott Galloway (Wheat Ridge resident) stated that he can hear the car wash dryers from
his property and that the prior car wash never produced such noise. He quoted from the
July 16, 2024 city memorandum, noting that the SUP was approved in part because the
special use would not create or contribute to blight by virtue of physical or operational
characteristics. He stated the current noise represents the first negative impact on the neighborhood in his 33 years of residence. He did not ask for closure but supported
closing the doors, limiting hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., and affirmed the neighborhood's right to protect its quality of life.
Brett Lilly (Wheat Ridge resident) stated that sound study data notwithstanding, the
noise is disruptive in practice, producing peaks and variations that create a different quality of nuisance than constant background noise. He argued that there are many car
washes in the area but only one neighboring veterinary practice and one neighborhood. He questioned the proportion of pro-car wash comments submitted online that came
from actual Wheat Ridge residents. He argued that the nine findings of fact in the SUP—
not just the five written conditions—are relevant to the compliance question and that the car wash has violated the spirit of those findings. He stated that no business has a
vested right to be a nuisance to the surrounding community and recommended revocation, or failing that, specific and enforceable conditions with a clear compliance
timeline.
Cassandra Cooper stated she is a client of the neighboring veterinary practice. She spoke in support of requiring significantly increased and independently verifiable sound
mitigation measures as a condition for continued operation. She stated the noise is disruptive for people and animals in the veterinary office and that the city has an
obligation to uphold the standards tied to special use permits. She supported enhanced
mitigation with ongoing monitoring and demonstrated compliance over a sustained period. She stated that if the issues persist, the permit should be suspended or revoked.
Dr. Jan Facinelli (veterinarian, 4355 Gray Street) addressed Autowash's owners directly, expressing regret that the situation had reached this point and suggesting that an early
in-person visit might have led to a different outcome. She spoke to two of the nine SUP
approval criteria: (1) that the use will not have a detrimental effect on the general health,
welfare, safety, or convenience of persons residing or working in the neighborhood; and
(2) that the use will not create or contribute to blight. She stated the car wash has had a detrimental effect on her health, welfare, quality of life, and business operations. She
described the noise as shrill, continuous, periodic, sudden, and impulsive, and
acknowledged that conditions have improved, particularly in winter when the doors
were down. She stated the noise still enters her facility through windows during
examinations. She requested a more substantial sound fence constructed of proper acoustic materials, and noted that if doors cannot be kept down, acoustic solutions
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exist and specialists are available. She stated her intent was not to close the business
but to find a workable solution and suggested the Council might benefit from continuing
the matter to allow additional time and site visits. She noted that the neighborhood was there first and that the prior car wash did not disturb the peace.
Mike Josten (Wheat Ridge resident) stated the prior car wash never caused noise
issues. He acknowledged that Autowash has made improvements and that conditions
have gotten better, but stated the problem is not fully resolved. He noted that sound
reflects off the bank building across the street and the pawnshop next door and returns to the neighborhood. He expressed hope for a solution acceptable to both parties.
Sandra Sands (Wheat Ridge resident) stated the car wash noise prevents her from enjoying her front porch in the evenings. She spoke to the traffic and safety concerns at
the intersection of 44th Avenue and Gray Street, stating that the curb extension
constructed with the car wash project has narrowed the turning radius and created unsafe conditions for motorists. She noted that Randall Park is directly adjacent and
expressed concern about increased traffic speeds and stop sign violations in proximity to the park. She stated the neighborhood does not want to close the business but
wishes to be able to sit on their porches without disruption.
Greg Primavera (Wheat Ridge resident) stated that with three operating bays instead of one, the noise is significantly worse than under the prior car wash. He noted that during
the neighborhood meeting he was told traffic would go north and not through Gray Street, but that the do-not-enter signs shown on the approved plans have since been
removed. He asked that the Council address both the noise and traffic issues and
expressed frustration that neighbors were told there would be no problem and are now bearing the consequences.
Gretchen Josten (Wheat Ridge resident) submitted documents to the record from the owner of Gleam Car Wash regarding that facility's noise mitigation experience, including
a good neighbor agreement and the approach of engaging an acoustical expert prior to
construction. She also submitted materials from an acoustical consultant retained at no charge by Gleam's owner, which identified multiple potential mitigation options
estimated at under $40,000, including: filling gaps in the existing fence, applying acoustic felt woven through the fence structure, mounting acoustic block on walls and
ceilings and doors, reducing door opening size, applying sound paint or stucco to the
adjacent pawnshop wall facing the facility, installing blower inlet silencers on the dryers,
and installing sound baffles similar to those used in pools and large gymnasiums. She
presented photographs of sound walls at other facilities—Gleam Car Wash, Colorado Autowash on Sheridan Boulevard, and Whistle Car Wash—as examples of proper sound
enclosures. She stated neighbors should not be responsible for identifying mitigation
solutions, as this is Autowash's 26th location.
Chris Nietzold (Wheat Ridge resident) addressed several of Autowash's legal
arguments. He argued that the SUP's first condition—requiring operations to be
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consistent with the representations in the application materials—encompasses the nine
findings of fact, not merely the five written conditions, and that the car wash has failed
the broader criteria. He stated that vested rights under Wheat Ridge Code Section 26-121 require lawful conduct and justifiable reliance, and that a business that opens in
violation of noise standards cannot claim constitutional protection by remaining open.
He argued that the architectural drawings depicting closed doors were shown to the
neighborhood and that neighbors relied on them in good faith—a form of detrimental
reliance that Condition 1 exists to protect. He cited the Colorado Supreme Court's decision in Hobbs v. City of Salida as establishing that CRS 25-12-103 sets binding
statewide noise limits that no local process can waive or permit around. He noted
police-recorded readings of 85.4 dBA at the facility. He closed by stating that
Autowash's owners chose to live in a residential neighborhood insulated from industrial
noise, and that the Council should modify the SUP with enforceable conditions and hold Autowash accountable.
Wheat Ridge Speaks:
Eighty-three public comments were submitted through the Wheat Ridge Speaks
platform regarding Item 1 – Review of the Lakeside Autowash Special Use Permit. The names of commenters, along with their submission times, and the full text of their
remarks, are included in the official record of this meeting.
Nikki S
May 18, 2026 ∙ 11:27am As an employee of Autowash for the past six years, I’ve only ever known this company
to be deeply community-focused. Our motto, “because you love your car,” reflects the pride we take in serving all kinds of customers and communities across Colorado. Since
the beginning of construction at the Lakeside location, Autowash has worked closely
with the City of Wheat Ridge to ensure all permits, operational requirements, and city expectations were met. As concerns from nearby residents and businesses were raised,
the company also invested significant time, money, and effort into additional mitigation measures because being a good neighbor matters to us. I absolutely understand and
respect the importance of peace and quiet for nearby residents and businesses. At the
same time, I also see firsthand how much this location means to the thousands of
members and customers who rely on it, as well as the employees whose livelihoods
depend on it. What stands out to me is that Autowash has continued trying to find solutions rather than ignoring concerns. Hours were adjusted, operational changes were
made, and additional sound mitigation efforts were implemented even beyond what
was originally required. That willingness to listen and adapt should matter. If the goal is
truly to find a workable solution rather than shut the location down entirely, I hope the
efforts already made by a local Colorado company are recognized as part of that conversation. I believe there is still a path forward that supports both the surrounding
neighborhood and a business that has worked hard to serve the community responsibly.
Maryann Kirkhoff
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May 18, 2026 ∙ 11:06am
Hi there, My name is Annie and I just moved into Gray St, and live two houses down. I do
hear insanely loud noises, almost like a jet engine. I had no idea what it was until a neighbor told me it was the car wash. I do own a Reiki business that I operate part time
from my home, and it requires a calm and quiet environment, and the noises will be
business disrupting.
Mike Josten May 18, 2026 ∙ 10:46am
My name is Mike Josten and my wife and I have lived at our home on Gray Street for 11
years. We bought the home knowing there was a self serve car wash across the street.
We never had any issues with that business and there are no noise complaints on
record for that business that Autowash has lied about being a space for homelessness, drug use and police activity. Those lies are the actions of a company not acting out of
integrity and instead relying on emotional responses from their customers who read their lies on their website and react assuming they are telling the truth. We trusted that
they were telling the truth as well during the neighborhood zoom meeting where
Autowash owners said there would not be any noise impacts upon our neighborhood or additional traffic concerns. Autowash operates only two of their 25 locations with four
automatic wash bays with dryers. One location sits on an 86,000 sq ft lot near TopGolf and one sits on a 19,000 sq ft lot 100 feet from a residential neighborhood. I invite you
to guess which location has incurred endless complaints about noise and traffic
concerns. Their own sound study found the dryers to hit 94 db from the north point exit doors along the Gray Street sidewalk. These are the doors the city is requesting to be
closed during operation. Yet their follow up study conveniently failed to get readings from that point again to truly see how the installation of a decorative fence along just
one of four property lines helped. One Autowash owner admitted in front of a city
council member, city staff and two Gray Street neighbors that blower motors originally installed from the car wash manufacturer weren’t to the OEM specifications. They knew
this to be true, yet they continued to tell their customers and the city that they were operating in compliance and that a small, vocal group of locals were just trying to shut
them down. According to the July 14, 2022 pre-application meeting summary
document, the city of Wheat Ridge planning staff met with the Autowash owner and the Hover Architecture team and in their notes it reads “The applicant should maintain or
replace any existing fences on property lines to the west and south to provide a buffer and screening from the carwash for adjacent properties.” This never happened, and
instead was used as a tool after complaints came rolling in to look like they were doing
the right thing and investing in mitigation methods after the fact. The site plan also requires two do not enter signs on the Gray Street exit for patrons, however on October
31st we witnessed the Autowash owner removing the do not enter signs just prior to reopening without notifying the city. Autowash is not just a little mom and pop shop
trying to figure out how to run one car wash. They know this industry and had they held
the intention of upholding their nine Special Use Permit criteria from the start in 2024
upon approval, they would have operated differently and with the intention of doing right
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by their word to the city of Wheat Ridge and their neighbors. Right now it seems easier
to play the victim, lie to the public to evoke emotional reactions and ignore the truth,
which is that their actions are having a detrimental effect upon the general health, welfare, safety and convenience of persons residing or working in the neighborhood.
The opportunity to operate a business aligned with the SUP was always been in
Autowash's hands, instead they chose to deny those agreements and act as though this
location was just like their other by TopGolf and thusly would be fine to operate 24/7,
with the doors wide open. There are at least five Autowash customer reviews on the Lakeside google page reflecting negative safety issues that they've experienced at this
property. So they have not improved the property that previously had no noise
complaints or safety issues, but have instead made the property less efficient, more
disruptive and a true safety concern. We simply want a resolution to the noise concern.
That too is in their hands.
Attachment
Stephen Van Es
May 18, 2026 ∙ 10:43am
I am writing in support of Lakeside Autowash and the continued operation of the car
wash at 5900 W. 44th Avenue. Autowash has made a substantial investment to replace a dilapidated car wash with a cleaner, more efficient, and more environmentally
responsible facility. This investment also included sound mitigation and operational
improvements intended to address neighborhood concerns in good faith. I recognize
that nearby residents’ concerns should be taken seriously. At the same time, the
reported noise levels should be evaluated in proper context. The sound readings, particularly if they are short-duration exterior readings, appear comparable to common
urban traffic conditions, including busy arterial roads, heavy trucks, and motorcycles.
These measurements should be reviewed objectively and in context before being
characterized as evidence of harm to residents, pets, or the neighborhood. Autowash
also provides a public benefit. Professional car washes are designed to capture and manage wash water, helping prevent soap, oil, brake dust, road grime, and other
pollutants from entering the stormwater drainage system. Without access to a modern
local car wash, more residents may wash vehicles in driveways or on streets, where
runoff is much harder to control. The appropriate path forward is continued cooperation
among the City, Autowash, and nearby residents. Autowash has already demonstrated a willingness to mitigate its impact and operate responsibly, and I believe a fair resolution
can be reached through continued dialogue and objective evaluation. For these reasons,
I respectfully support Lakeside Autowash and encourage the City to work with
Autowash and its neighbors toward a fair and balanced resolution.
Mike Trujillo
May 18, 2026 ∙ 10:20am
I have lived in Wheatridge for the last 42 years My home is located the area northwest
on 45th and Ingalls St. just west of the Lakeside Walmart, It is in close proximity to the
Lakeside autowash. When the loud disturbing noises started in 2025 I had no idea
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where it was coming from I later discovered it was the new autowash that had opened. I
was then told by the Gray St. residents the Autowash had closed the south doors to help
with the noise problem to the south. I believe that created a new problem to the northwest in my area, immensely amplifying the sound waves towards my
neighborhood. I noticed one time they closed the north doors and the sound was almost
non existent in my area. I did not know what to do about the noise and spoke with
Autowash. They asked me which location it was making the loud noise, and the location
of where I lived, I told the representative how I could still hear the disturbing noise in my house on a regular basis, even when the windows and doors are closed They said it will
be monitored and if it continues to let them know. After speaking again with Autowash
They said they are within noise compliance according to the codes and told me to
contact the city regarding the noise problem. I had a friend come over to visit who use
to reside nearby in Wheatridge and he asked me what that noise was, almost as soon as he got out of his car in the driveway and was surprised it was the carwash. This has
always been a very quiet area until now. When its hot outside, We cant enjoy the breeze when we open our windows to come through to cool our home because the noise is
much louder then. We have enjoyed our peace and enjoyment of our home for the last
28 years we have lived here. Now we were unable to. This has become a very stressful situation for my wife and myself. I am retired now, and my wife is on the verge of
retirement, this type of regular noise nuisance is unacceptable that will be here to stay on a daily basis. We have lived in Wheatridge since 1984 and lived nearby other
carwashes and businesses and never had a complaint. I describe the sound as being
near an airport with loud turbines and fluctuating sounds that change like machinery, and towards the end when the turbine dryers turn off it sounds a like an air raid siren
shutting down its very alarming and startling because its so random, The noise is unpredictable, startling and the siren noise makes is a reminder of the time I spent
during my military service in Germany. It is totally obnoxious and terribly disturbing to
hear it. Also especially in our bedroom when we are trying to go to sleep usually around 9pm Is it really necessary to be that loud to dry a car ? This carwash is a whole different
animal considering the circumstances of being near peaceful residential areas it is now in and will be there long term, I also read in the comments section of the barths app.
someone asking if anyone knows what that random unknown sounds of helicopters
landing are coming from. Other carwashes in the area, have enclosures built at the bay where their dryers operate, and it dampens the noise very well. They are also
surrounded by residential homes and are being a good neighbor. They have a high respect for their neighbors' well-being for doing that. I am also really concerned about
the possible residential property devaluations that have this type of noise problem
nearby.
Bettina Kimball-Cholewinski May 18, 2026 ∙ 10:06am
Hello, I have worked for Dr Facinelli for 11 years, at Holistic Care For Animals. 4355 Gray
St Wheat Ridge CO 80212. The new car wash with the blow dryers are so loud even with
the windows closed is very disruptive. Thank you Bettina Kimball-Cholewinski
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Paula Cox
May 18, 2026 ∙ 9:10am Good morning! I would love to leave feedback concerning the noise level of the car
wash right next to my sister's vet clinic. JAN, has been treating animals in that location
for 29 years and has wonderful clientele!!! The noise level from the carwash has been so
detrimental to Jan and her neighbors that they feel their peace and quiet will never
return! I have watched my sweet, quiet-natured sister struggle with this fixable situation for months now. She's not asking that the carwash shut down and cause the owners to
lose money......she just wants the unbearable noise level to be remedied. She and her
neighbors deserve that much! Granted, the car wash will have to invest money to reduce
the noise but that seems fair since the car wash is causing the distress. Can a noise-
blocking wall like they use on the freeways bordering housing developments be installed ? That sounds like a win win situation. I am assuming the carwash owners can
afford it!? Please, please help this neighborhood regain its peaceful quality again!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Samantha Metzger May 18, 2026 ∙ 5:20am
My name is Sam Metzger, and Jan Facinelli’s clinic has been a part of my life from the start. My mother was employed at Holistic Care For Animals from the time I was three
months old, and she would take me to work with her. The clinic was quiet, peaceful, and
homey. I could nap, and my mom could continue working to provide for us without worrying about the additional cost of childcare. Some of my earliest memories are
being out in the garden behind the clinic, where I used to play and where my mother and I would pick vegetables to help us get by when money was tight. It was my home away
from home, and it still means a great deal to me. I was privileged enough to grow up
witnessing Dr. Facinelli’s compassion and expertise, and there’s no shortage of testimonies for all of the animals (and their humans) she has helped during her career.
Jan has been a pillar of the Wheat Ridge community for nearly 30 years, and that’s why it’s so upsetting to see all that she’s built being affected by the excessive noise level
coming from AutoWash. While I can respect that AutoWash is a family-owned business,
I do not believe that excuses the negative impact it is having on surrounding businesses and residents, nor do I believe that ensuring proper sound mitigation being put into
place is an unreasonable expectation. Animals deserve a calm environment for veterinary care, and Wheat Ridge locals deserve to be able to open their windows or
enjoy time in their yards without the constant barrage of mechanical noise. There is a
surplus of car washes all across the Denver metro, but Jan’s clinic and the work she does are truly one-of-a-kind. I hope Wheat Ridge acts to protect businesses like hers by
revoking AutoWash’s Special Use Permit until proper measures are taken to lower the disruptive noise levels that have become detrimental over the past year.
Cat Tarnoff
May 17, 2026 ∙ 7:50pm
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I began working with Jan Facinelli in 1997. At the time, she had a home practice and
invited me to join her, along with my three-month-old daughter. Later that year, she
bought the clinic at 4355 Gray St. It was a peaceful, welcoming place to work. We gardened in the backyard, and it was a wonderful place for my daughter to spend her
first four years. The love and care remain the same, but the atmosphere has changed
dramatically. The original self-serve carwash was not a problem and coexisted
peacefully with the neighborhood. The new automated operation has changed that. The
increase in noise is dramatic. It is no longer a calm environment for my animals when I bring them in for care. The noise is excessive, disruptive, and intrusive. Even with the
windows closed, the sound from the carwash can be overwhelming. In the past, my cats
would sit comfortably by the open exam-room window and remain calm throughout
their visits. Jan works with people and their animals during deeply traumatic moments,
including terminal diagnoses and euthanasia. The industrial noise from next door is not appropriate for the calm, supportive environment these situations require, just as a rock
concert or racetrack would be inappropriate beside a hospital. I have seen how these changes have affected Jan. Her office is closest to the carwash, and the constant noise
is agitating and makes it hard to concentrate. It is painful to see the damage to the
tranquil environment she worked so hard to create. When she works up cases for my animals, I usually receive results after the weekend. With the relentless noise and
distraction from the carwash, I can only imagine how difficult it is to focus. I cannot overstate the difference between the carwash as it once operated and as it operates
now. I urge the City of Wheat Ridge to address this noise issue. There is a reasonable
middle ground between forcing nearby residents and businesses to endure the current noise levels and requiring the carwash to close or return to self-service. Aerodry, a
Colorado-based company, is one example of a provider offering modern, high-efficiency systems designed to reduce noise. The responsible solution is to limit noise from the
automated carwash so it can be a more welcome, sustainable and profitable part of the
community.
Kay Cee May 17, 2026 ∙ 1:33pm
I use Autowash and have been a customer for many years, most recently this location
on Lakeside. The way I see things is the city either did not do their due diligence and/or the neighbors just decided to ignore the posting from the city when they were getting
permits to build. Now that it is built and probably cost millions, the city and neighbors want to shut them down??? This is a failure on the part of the city as far as I can see. I
hope Autowash can stay in business and if not, the city should be sued by Autowash!
Jennifer H May 17, 2026 ∙ 11:40am
I live in NW Denver and had been waiting for the Autowash Lakeside to open for quite a while. I have a membership and drive from Denver to Wheat Ridge once or twice a week
to get a wash. As such, I have also patronized a lot of businesses along this corridor,
adding to the local economy. It’s my understanding that Autowash followed all of the
legal avenues to get the car wash approved and have been cooperative in reducing
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impact on the local residents. If they followed the process and got all the required
approvals, they should stay in place and continue to operate at the capacity it was
approved for. They certainly improved a section of 44th Ave that needed it and will attract more investments and improvements. I am empathic to surrounding residents
and businesses, but when you live and/or operate a small business within a half block
of a major commercial district, you can’t expect noise levels to never increase, or for no
development to occur. I have personally lived directly next to years of various
construction projects and that’s just part of living in an urban and commercial environment. Sometimes change is hard, but it appears that Autowash has been a good
steward of this parcel, and were given full permission by the city of Wheat Ridge. I hope
I can continue to travel from Denver to Wheat Ridge to utilize Autowash and all the other
small businesses like Grammy’s, Molly’s and ModMood. Without Autowash, I wouldn’t
be over there.
Gretchen Carrolla May 17, 2026 ∙ 9:26am
Autowash (Lakeside) is not just a business; it is a vital part of our community. It
provides a convenient service that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors The car wash has also demonstrated a sustainable business model, successfully
adapting to the needs of the community. This includes environmentally-friendly practices and competitive pricing that benefits all customers. I believe in the
importance of supporting local businesses that contribute to our community’s vibrancy
and economy. Therefore, I respectfully request that you reconsider the decision to close Autowash Lakeside.
EVA LISA
May 17, 2026 ∙ 9:05am
Hello, My name is Eva Lisa. I live on Gray Street and can hear the dryers from my home several houses down the street. The noise is distressing and causes unneeded urban
noise pollution. It's just awful to hear this at all hours of the day and night. We are requesting the front and back doors of the bays to be closed during residential hours.
Residential hours we propose are 9 to 6 pm like many of the other car washes in the
area. It is also quite sad that Dr. J Facinelli's practice is suffering as the high noise decibel distresses the poor animals needing her care. Furthermore it is a shame to see
so many good people on this street pour so much time and energy into reasonable requests that could have been avoided right from the beginning. These are good people
with jobs and families who have spent hours upon hours working on a peaceful
resolution. I'm sure they would have liked to spend their time and energy else where. We are just asking Wheat Ridge to do the right thing and support its' residents. Sincerely,
Eva Lisa 4301 Gray Street, Wheat Ridge
Rachel Rhodes
May 17, 2026 ∙ 8:55am
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The law is the law. The business has followed every requirement, including additional
requirements after the fact. The city approved the project, and should not be permitted
or required to walk back their decision after a business has been constructed, opened, and been in operation for some time. Additionally, the city has an obligation to approve
businesses that are helpful and wanted by the members of its community. The need
and desire for car washes has increased massively. Many people prefer to go to a car
wash that is well maintained and well lit for safety. Other nearby car washes are older,
not well maintained, or do not provide a membership subscription for convenience. I understand that nearby neighbors may not be pleased with the sounds of a successful
and bustling city. I’m sure that 25 to 30 years ago the Neighborhood was more quiet
than it is now. And even in times more recent. But this entire metro area has been an
evolution of massive growth. Roads and streets that used to be more calm are
invariably getting more busy. 44th Ave is a major thoroughfare. The sounds of city living are sure to impact residents and businesses that are closest to 44th Ave. I see residing
and operating this close to a main thoroughfare as a choice. If your home or your business requires quietude in order to live or operate happily and successfully, then your
home or business should perhaps not be located on, or near, a main thoroughfare.
Sometimes we need to move away from that which no longer serves us.
Mason W May 17, 2026 ∙ 8:54am
As a customer of this location, I wanted to share that my experience has been
overwhelmingly positive. The staff has always been professional, the property is clean and well-maintained, and it’s clear they’ve invested heavily into the site and surrounding
area. I understand nearby residents have concerns, and I think reasonable compromises around operating hours or additional sound mitigation make sense if needed. But I also
think it’s important to recognize that this business went through the city approval
process, has tried to respond to concerns, and provides a service many local residents use and appreciate. I’d encourage the city to work toward a balanced solution that
addresses neighborhood concerns without unfairly penalizing a business that has made a significant investment in the community.
Maureen Coghlan May 17, 2026 ∙ 6:30am
Autowash is a great addition to the neighborhood and provides a needed diversification of carwash service in the area. The only other carwash options are self service and a
significantly more expensive, manned carwash. Autowash is convenient, reasonably
priced and keeps up their property. It is in an existing, commercial area, surrounded by other businesses. I do not consider the sound coming from this business to be any
more disruptive than it's neighboring businesses. In fact, it is significantly less concerning than the parking lot across the street regularly filled with trash and people
clearly living in their automobiles. And, the Dollar Store a block away who regularly has a
police presence due to disturbances in the parking lot.
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RANDALL KASPER
May 16, 2026 ∙ 7:27pm
For the record I'm a monthly paying member & weekly patron of 3 of your other locations, none of which are even remotely as close to my house as this new one.
Would be nice to make a 5 minute trip to get my car washed instead of driving across
town & waiting in insufferably long lines at the other locations that ALWAYS have non-
functioning bays...but sorry Autowash, I'm going to have to side with the neighbors on
this one. I can confirm that every location of your washes is indeed very loud but none of them butt right up to houses that have existed long before your cash cow. You
should've known this site would've been an intrusion on their peace so this is on you for
neglecting that. Even if you manage to lobby your way into keeping this one open, I
won't be visiting it out of basic respect for my fellow humans. I suggest cutting your
losses & finding a more considerate location to feed your greed. You can afford it & the people will most likely show up anyway. Be better.
Jacob D DeVoe
May 16, 2026 ∙ 6:27pm
I am writing to express my support for the updated Autowash facility and to provide some perspective as a nearby resident. While I understand that any business can create
occasional inconveniences, I believe the concerns being raised do not reflect the overall reality of the situation. I grew up with my backyard directly behind a car wash—an older,
louder, and far busier one than the modern systems being installed today. Even living
right up against it, the noise and activity were manageable. It simply became part of the normal background of the neighborhood. If an entire townhouse community with fifty or
more residents can comfortably live next to a car wash that is significantly louder than this new, updated model, it shows that the impact is far less disruptive than some may
fear. It’s also important to recognize that this property was already a car wash. The new
owners are improving it, modernizing it, and replacing an outdated, run-down wash with a cleaner, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible operation. This is not a
new intrusion—it is an upgrade to something that has existed here for years. Beyond that, the business provides clear benefits to the community. It creates local jobs,
increases foot traffic for nearby businesses, and improves the appearance and utility of
a property that had previously been neglected. A well-run car wash is a community asset, not a detriment. While I respect that one neighbor with a home-based business
may find the activity inconvenient, it is not reasonable for a single individual to expect a long-standing commercial property to halt improvements or operations that benefit the
broader community. Living near businesses comes with occasional annoyances, but in
this case, they are minimal, manageable, and far outweighed by the positives. Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective.
J Davis
May 16, 2026 ∙ 6:23pm
It is unconscionable that a city, state or any government authority would revoke a
license after a person or organization has spent significant monies on not only the
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opening of a business, but also to address concerns on an ongoing basis. My question
is very simply: what’s the line? Where does this sort of government overreach end?
Who’s to say that your own business isn’t at risk when someone nearby no longer likes you operating there? I cannot imagine having invested millions of dollars on something
only to be told by the city that it’s too bad, cut your losses and close. I would
respectfully ask all who are somehow involved in this to consider the financial ruin that
could befall small business if this becomes an accepted precedent.
Dan L
May 16, 2026 ∙ 6:09pm
I’ve also followed some of the back and forth on the noise concerns, and I get it, nobody
wants a disruptive neighbor. But from everything I’ve seen, this company actually
responded. They reduced hours, shut down a bay permanently, put up a sound wall, kept the doors closed during operation. Most businesses would’ve dug in and done the bare
minimum. At the end of the day, closing this place doesn’t make the neighborhood better. It just takes away something a lot of people use and leaves a vacant commercial
property in its place — and we’ve all seen how that tends to go. I’d much rather see the
city work with Autowash to hold them to the right standards than pull the plug on a business that’s clearly trying to get it right. Please keep this open.
Ron Sandberg
May 16, 2026 ∙ 6:04pm
My name is Ron Sandberg and I am a long time resident in nearby Edgewater, CO. I am also a subscriber to Autowash services, Lakeside being my most convenient locale. I do
not find that this site is extremely noisy or obtrusive and the owners have clearly taken steps to mitigate that. I don't understand how the City of Wheat Ridge could review the
application, issue construction permits and grant an operating license to a business
which subsequently invested what I imagine are millions of dollars only to have that retracted due to complaints from what seems to be one veterinary clinic nearby. To do
so would be anti-business and un-American. I can assure you that if this license to function as a business at this location is retracted, I will boycott every business in
Wheat Ridge from then on. The time for public comment on this venture has long
passed.
Diego Burciaga May 16, 2026 ∙ 5:59pm
Sounds like autowash has conducted extensive sound studies to be in compliance with
the permitted levels. It also appears that they’ve made attempts to be in compliance all the way since before even building the autowash. If you disagree with the levels of noise
permitted perhaps that is a rule that should change municipal wise and not force a business to close because you’re unhappy the outcome wasn’t shutting the autowash
down. I understand the frustration with the noise levels but it’s what the law says. If city
noise frustrates you perhaps don’t live in an urban area.
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Michael Condon
May 16, 2026 ∙ 5:48pm
Please allow Autowash at Lakeside to remain open! There are bigger problems in Wheat Ridge and they have made significant improvements to help the neighborhood when
they expressed dissatisfaction. Closing another business will not help with the blight of
the area.
Tara Lane May 16, 2026 ∙ 5:47pm
I have been using Autowash in Lakeside the last few months ever since I got a new
vehicle that I want to keep clean. The location is so convenient as it is right around the
corner from me. I don't understand why this is even a discussion that this location could
possibly close or the hours be affected. I wish the they were a 24 hour location to be honest. Sorry, but this is a growing area. It's not like the car wash is in a remote area. It
is literally on a busy road with other businesses all around, including Walmart. If someone nearby wants peace and quiet and a remote location for themselves then
maybe they need to move their location to a remote area. Please keep this location
open and do not put restrictions on this Autowash!
STEVEN CICCARELLI May 16, 2026 ∙ 5:40pm
I am a chauffeur in Denver and heavily rely on this particular facility daily. It’s no secret
that DENVER has a very strong black car business. Please do not even consider closing it. Thank you in advance.
Jorge
May 16, 2026 ∙ 5:38pm
Its a great addition to the town gives that modern look to it and its always clean ,safe and well maintained
Ethel Garcia
May 16, 2026 ∙ 3:45pm
Holistic Care for Animals has been a beneficial business in the Wheat Ridge community since 1997 and I have been fortunate to take my pets there to be treated by Dr. Jan
Facinelli for many of those years. Anyone that has ever been to her clinic knows it is one of a kind for pets. Until last year, it has been a quiet, calm environment for pet owners,
their pets, and for Dr. Jan to care for pets. Pet owners can relate to their stress when
they have to visit the veterinarian, now imagine when you are trying to calm them down and huge, noisy machines come on and keep running. Holistic Care for Animals and the
surrounding neighbors are deserving of the same consideration that the car wash business is asking for. The car wash owners and patrons are happy with it and want to
keep it going and Holistic Care for Animals and its neighbors were happy with their
neighborhood and want to keep it the way that it was. The business was given
permission to build and operate following certain rules and regulations and it has come
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down to Autowash saying they have done their part and the surrounding area saying
they have not done enough. How can a decision be made without another independent
study to prove the noise levels are meeting regulation? This isn’t about random noises we are all forced to experience in everyday life, this is about people living and working in
this environment day in and day out constantly. The community is only asking for what
they are legally entitled to as well as some empathy for how they are being forced to live
and work. If anyone; city council members, car wash owners or car wash patrons took
the time to hang out in the area for any amount of time, it would not take long for them to realize they would not want to live and work in this environment. How can anyone
decide it is okay for others to live like this without actually experiencing what they are
experiencing? I share the same hope as Dr. Jan and the surrounding neighborhood, a
good resolution for all parties involved. Thank you for your consideration, Ethel Garcia
Julie Knight
May 15, 2026 ∙ 8:56pm I am an Autowash member and use this Wheatridge location frequently (work in area.)
This location is so quiet and easy to use and provides this community with an
affordable car wash option. I truly hope this location continues to stay open and provide excellent car washes and customer support to our community.
Janice Facinelli DVM
May 15, 2026 ∙ 4:34pm
My name is Janice Facinelli DVM. I have owned the property at 4355 GRAY ST. since 1997, at which time I opened my holistic veterinary homeopathy consulting practice.
The property has provided a quiet, peaceful home like environment for me to do my working also enjoy gardening for the last 28 years. My clients have always commented
on how unique the atmosphere has been, and that their animals, my patients, weren’t
frightened as they were in conventional clinics. The calmness not only helped them, but enabled me to observe them more closely so that I could focus and do the difficult work
required to help them. That has all changed since the opening of AutoWash in Feb. 2025. Other uses of my building have been to provide consults while sitting outside in
the beautiful back yard, in a very quiet environment. The meditative quality of the back
yard made it a perfect place for euthanasia also. That has not been an option in the last year since Autowash opened. When I acquired this property, there was an existing self
serve carwash to my north. For 28 years the only occasional problem, had to do with the patrons of the car wash having their radios blaring during the vacuuming process. The
vacuums were next to my fence at that time. The previous owners put up signs to keep
the sound down to respect the neighbors and that took care of the problem for the most part. There was the occasional patron who didn’t care that they were disturbing the
peace. When Autowash had the original community phone meeting , we were told that there wouldn’t be any big changes to what we had lived with for the previous 28 years.
That was not true. When the Automated carwash opened in Feb. of 2025, it was obvious
that things had changed, and not for the better. The noise coming from the air dry
blowers sounded like jets taking off, or air raid sirens. Loud, shrill, obnoxious, startling,
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and continuous noises came through my exam windows and walls, and were even
louder in my private office. My receptionist in the south end of the building could hear
them also. Forget being able to work outside in any capacity. Clients coming into the clinic, complained of their animals being startled by the noise, and I could tell a
difference in their demeanor in the clinic. They were more anxious, with pacing and
hiding. Numerous times during exams I had to run outside and take decibel readings at
my property line to document the noise violations. This was disruptive to my clients and
to my ability focus and concentrate. I was no longer able to use my office to study my cases, having to take my work home, because the noise was so disruptive. And I was no
longer able to enjoy working in my yard. I found it difficult to sleep at night, hearing the
sounds of the blowers even though I was miles away. This is a common symptom of
auditory noise stress. I experienced incredible stress over the situation and It affected
my health. I am extremely concerned about the consequences of the noise pollution on my property values, as the sell of my building is a large part of my retirement plan. I,
along with my neighbors have never wanted to close down the car wash. Instead we just want back the peace and quiet we have known for the last 29 years. Problems with
dampness and noise are not unique to this car wash. There are many companies that
specialize in solutions to these problems that occur commonly in all kinds of car washes. The residents feel that keeping all doors closed during operations and erecting
real sound proof barriers, not decorative fences, would be two solutions. As a small business owner, I applaud community development, but not at the expense of existing
families and businesses. Not once did the owners offer to come to our properties to
observe first hand what we were experiencing so that they could find the correct solution. Instead they have villainized us as the “small and vocal group of residents”
that want to close them down and ruin people’s livelihoods. That is so far from the truth. We want solutions. Autowash voluntarily closed last summer when the City of
Wheatridge imposed mitigation deadlines. However, on their website, they blamed us
instead of taking the high road and admitting that they were volunteering to close for 3 months to mitigate problems. As to those patrons of the car wash who are minimizing
the noise issue because you want the car wash for your convenience and benefit, I ask you to consider how you would feel if you could no longer enjoy your home, or find
peace of mind in your yard because this Autowash now shared your fence. Remember,
that you might spend 15 minutes once a week hearing the noise and then you go to your quiet home. We were hearing the noise for 24 hours a day until the hours were changed
to 7-10.pm. This last winter, with the changes Autowash made, and the doors being down during operations, the noise was almost negligible . And for that we were grateful
and encouraged that all would be well. However, now that the doors are open during
operation it is an intolerable situation once again, contributing to noise blight: (Noise BLIGHT is defined as a severe, negative impact of persistent, unwanted sound on
human health, quality of life, and property values and leads to property becoming uncomfortable, unpleasant or unsafe to inhabit. Health effects can be cardiovascular,
sleep disturbance, mental health impacts and cognitive impairment.) I know this is a
very complicated and many faceted issue. I also believe that solutions can be found
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that will allow us to all be good neighbors and live in harmony as we have for the past
29 years!! That is my most heartfelt wish.
Hannah Sapp
May 15, 2026 ∙ 2:41pm
Hello all, I work for Autowash on the Customer Success team and wanted to share a
little of what the company looks like from the inside. This is a Colorado company,
family-owned and run by people who actually live here. The thing I appreciate most is that you feel it. Leadership isn't sitting in some out-of-state headquarters that none of
us ever see. The CEO knows employees by name! So do the facility managers, the
people in customer success, and the folks in marketing and accounting. That kind of
interconnectivity and respect changes how decisions get made when something hard
comes up. I've watched the company take neighborhood concerns seriously. When issues were raised around the Lakeside location, no one tried to brush them off.
Autowash paid for sound studies and put up sound barriers. The site's operations were adjusted based on what people in the area said. None of that was cheap, and it would
have been a lot easier to do nothing. The company chose to do the work. That
willingness to listen and adjust is part of why I'm proud to be here! Autowash doesn't pretend it has every answer on day one. It pays attention and gets better. I'm asking that
Autowash Lakeside be allowed to keep operating. Autowash cares about the communities where the company operates because they are also the ones we call
home. Thank you for taking the time to consider this!
Keyasia Saulnier
May 15, 2026 ∙ 1:53pm Hi there, I completely understand that some nearby residents have concerns regarding
noise. However, from what I have personally witnessed, the company has made
consistent efforts to address those concerns and comply with the city’s requirements. They have restricted wash hours, lowered wash bay operations, and worked to make
adjustments whenever concerns were brought forward. Having a car wash in that part of town has benefited many people, including local residents, commuters, and
employees. It has created jobs, provided a convenient service, and transformed a
neglected property into something productive and well maintained from what I can see. We're really hoping that closure of Autowash@ lakeside is reconsidered.
Kyle Hollingsworth
May 15, 2026 ∙ 12:36pm
As a current veterinary client of Dr. Jan Facinelli, I strongly support revoking or suspending AutoWash’s Special Use Permit until appropriate sound mitigation
measures are put in place. As someone who regularly visits Dr. Facinelli's veterinary clinic next door to the Autowash, I have personally experienced the excessive noise
coming from the facility. It is unbearable and the fact that the Autowash owners, who
claim to be community-centered, are fighting their neighbors on this is frankly offensive.
The constant sound from dryers, vacuums, and car wash operations is disruptive and
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inappropriate for an area that includes medical and professional offices, neighboring
businesses, and nearby residents. It creates an overwhelming environment not only for
people, but for the animals visiting Dr. Facinelli next door who are already experiencing stress and anxiety that so often comes along with a vet visit. You'd think after building
25 other Autowash's around Colorado that the owners would be aware of the need for
ample sound mitigation, wouldn't you? Let alone the advanced need for sound
mitigation in a residential area... The repeated concerns raised by neighboring
businesses and residents make it clear that this is not an isolated issue. If the business cannot operate within acceptable sound limits and without negatively impacting their
neighbors, then the Special Use Permit should clearly not remain in place until those
problems are fully addressed. I support responsible local business growth, but it should
not come at the expense of the health, comfort, and wellbeing of neighboring
businesses, residents, clients, and animals. Are we allowing car washes to push people out of their homes now? Is this where we want to be in Denver's already stretched-thin
housing market? The City should require independently verified sound mitigation and demonstrated long-term compliance before allowing the SUP to continue.
George Aragon May 15, 2026 ∙ 12:35pm
Autowash has had a meaningful impact on my life, both personally and professionally. As the Area Manager for the west side locations, including Lakeside, I take a lot of pride
in what I do every day. This isn’t just a job to me, it’s a career that I genuinely care about.
Autowash has given me the opportunity to grow, build valuable skills, and provide for myself, and I’m grateful for that. Because Lakeside is one of the locations I personally
oversee, I’m heavily involved in the day-to-day upkeep of the property. I spend a lot of time making sure the site stays clean, safe, and welcoming for the community. Whether
it’s keeping trash under control, addressing homeless activity around the property, or
maintaining the overall curb appeal of the lot, I work hard to ensure the area continues looking nice and well maintained. I care deeply about how this location reflects on both
the company and the surrounding neighborhood. One thing that has always stood out to me about Autowash is that it’s a family-owned and operated Colorado company. It
doesn’t feel corporate or disconnected. Leadership is involved, listens to concerns, and
genuinely tries to do the right thing for both employees and the communities we serve. I’ve personally seen the effort the company has made to address concerns raised by
nearby residents. We reduced operating hours from being open 24/7 to a set schedule, even though that directly impacted both business and customer convenience. We
invested in sound studies, built a sound wall, and installed additional equipment to help
reduce dryer noise. Those changes were not easy or inexpensive, but they were done because the company wanted to be a good neighbor. Unfortunately, some of these
changes have also made it harder for me to serve customers the way I want to. Since the hours were reduced, I now regularly deal with frustrated customers who come
directly to me because late-night washing no longer fits their schedules. Many people
only have time to wash their vehicles later in the evening, and it’s difficult not being able
to help them the way I used to. Even some of the noise-reduction changes have created
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new customer complaints that I end up handling personally. What’s difficult is that
Lakeside is by far our nicest location. It has our newest equipment, and I truly believe
we’ve put more effort into improving and maintaining this site than almost anywhere else. I take pride in trying to provide customers with the best possible Autowash
experience, so it’s frustrating and honestly sad when I feel like I can’t fully deliver that
because of ongoing restrictions and complaints despite all the efforts we’ve made.
From my perspective, Autowash has consistently shown a willingness to listen, adapt,
and invest in solutions to support the surrounding community while continuing to operate responsibly. I’m proud to work for this company, proud of the work we do at
Lakeside, and thankful for the opportunities it has provided me. I hope that is taken into
consideration, and that Autowash Lakeside is allowed to continue operating and serve
the community. Thank you for your time.
Leslie Baca
May 15, 2026 ∙ 11:44am Dr. Jan Facinelli has been the veterinarian for my family pets for 26 years. And her clinic
has been at its current location for 29 years. I so appreciate the care my pets receive
there at what used to be a very peaceful clinic. I say “used to be” because her neighbor to the north, Autowash has disrupted this peace with noise from their automated car
wash since they opened last year in 2025. The noise is very disruptive. I could hear it when I’ve brought my sick pets into her clinic several times. Sick pets do not need loud
noises when they are getting medical care. Dr. Jan has also been very distraught by the
noise. I worry that my pets can no longer get great veterinary care because Autowash has disturbed the peaceful environment of her clinic. I’ve never heard Dr. Facinelli
mention that she wanted the Autowash closed but just that they mitigate the sound so she could get back to a peaceful quiet environment to do her work. I’ve read that
Autowash has at least 12 locations in the Denver Metro area and over 25 locations
statewide. Surely, they knew how noisy their automated washes are and that their newest location on W44th Ave in Wheat Ridge was not a good fit since it is so close to
neighbors and a local small business, my veterinarian’s clinic.
Riley Knight
May 15, 2026 ∙ 11:24am I have worked for Autowash for 5 years and I’m reaching out today to address the
ongoing discussions regarding our Lakeside location. I want to advocate for the value this business brings to the community and highlight the very real, permanent steps
we’ve taken to address neighborhood noise concerns. We want to be good neighbors,
and we’ve proven that through significant operational changes and physical investments: -Permanent Bay Closure: We have permanently shut down our 4th bay to
directly lower the site’s noise output. -Enclosed Operations: We keep all of our bay doors closed while we are operating to ensure sound is muffled and contained. -Sound Wall
Installation: We have invested in a sound wall specifically designed to create a physical
barrier and further reduce the noise reaching nearby homes. -Restricted Hours: Lakeside
is our only site that does not run 24/7. We’ve limited our hours to 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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because we respect the neighborhood’s right to quiet mornings and evenings. It’s also
worth remembering what this site was before we took over. It was neglected and
unsafe. We stepped in to transform it into a calm, professional environment. For many of our customers, coming here is a part of their self-care or even a form of therapy, and
we’ve worked hard to make it a safe space for that. Bringing a business like Autowash
into the area is good for the city’s growth and ensures that this property remains a
managed, high-quality asset rather than a safety concern. So many of our local
customers relied on this site for years and waited a long time for it to be revitalized; now that it is a safe and high-quality space, they truly utilize and value it every day. Thank you
for your time and for considering the progress we've made at the Lakeside location.
Sheldon Steinbock
May 15, 2026 ∙ 10:21am I have been associated with the Holistic Care for Animals Clinic at 4355 Gray Street for
26 years, performing office management and administrative support duties. During those 26 years I have been in the clinic on a weekly, and often daily basis. The previous
operation of the car wash that was located there was in operation during that entire
time. Not once was I ever bothered or did I even observe a noticeable noise level from that car wash operation. That changed in March of 2025 when the current car wash was
put into operation. Not only was the noise level loud enough to be heard but it was immediately disturbing to me while I was trying to do my work there. I have also seen
the disturbance it has caused to the owner of the clinic and to the clients and their
animals who visit there for diagnostics and treatment.
Kasi Cooper May 14, 2026 ∙ 8:15pm
About a year ago I ran into our good friend, neighbor, and veterinarian in the
neighborhood and noticed immediately that something was wrong. She was tense, agitated, and visibly flustered, which was very unlike her and I immediately became
concerned. Jan is the type of neighbor and friend you dream of. Unfailingly kind, calm and generous, Jan is the welcoming committee when you move in and the first one to
reach out when you’re going through something. When we had our first child, Jan knew
we were far from family and became ours. She’s the first person we trusted to leave our child with overnight, the first person we call when our dog is sick and over the years she
has become the first person we call when we need to call on our community. Jan asks for very little in return for all she does for us and the rest of her community, so when I
ran into her a year ago and realized that something wasn’t right, I was concerned. When
she told me about the struggle that she and her Wheat Ridge neighborhood were having with one of their business-neighbors, I became angry. Jan told me that she wasn’t
sleeping due to stress and that she was afraid she would have to close her veterinary business after 29 years of operation, due only to the sound of the Autowash branch
which had just re-opened directly next door to her office in the Wheat Ridge
neighborhood of Lakeside. She told me the sound emanating from the Autowash’s dryer
bays was so overwhelming, so deafening, and so constant that she couldn’t think, let
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alone run a business focused on the care of animals. But most of all, Jan was dismayed
by the response of the owners of the Autowash chain, who seemed unconcerned and
largely unbothered by the negative impact of their Lakeside branch on the surrounding neighborhood, even after hearing directly how the sound coming from this re-opened
location was negatively impacting their neighbor’s daily quality of life. If you look at their
website today, you will see that Autowash has invested a great deal of time and energy
into fighting the reality that their neighbors are suffering because of them. You’ll see a
list of the efforts they’ve purported to implement in an effort to resolve their neighbor’s complaints, but if you look at the facts behind their “campaign” against their neighbors,
you’ll see the extent of the smoke and mirrors. If they’d actually followed the rules,
complied within code, and met the requirements of the Special Permit, then why would
their neighbors have any reason to complain? Historically, the neighbors of Lakeside
have had no issue with the operation of a car wash at this location for the last 10 years. The issues only arose when Autowash expanded its business, increasing the scope of
the Autowash chain, including larger and louder drying bays, which thereby amplified the auditory impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The neighbors of Wheat Ridge are
not asking that the Lakewood Autowash branch be shut down, they’re simply asking for
them to comply within the criteria that was outlined in the Special Use Permit to assist in mitigating the negative auditory impact on the surrounding community; and yet,
Autowash continues to fight its neighbors. At the end of the day, Jan can go home. And yes, she can close her business of nearly 30 years and find an escape from the
overwhelming, deafening, and unrelenting sound coming from her closest “neighbor”,
but Jan stays because her other neighbors cannot do the same. From what I know, the neighbors who live full time in Wheat Ridge’s Lakeside neighborhood have had to
rearrange their homes in order to find a place as far away from the Autowash as possible to find even a modicum of relief from the sound emitted from their “neighbor”.
They’ve tried wearing sound-cancelling headphones, they’ve tried sound machines,
they’ve tried working elsewhere, they’ve tried communicating, and they’ve tried compromising; and Autowash continues to fight their neighbors. The neighbors of
Lakeside Autowash cannot live comfortably in their own homes, they cannot escape the unrelenting sound the Autowash emits, they cannot reason with the owners of
Autowash, and Autowash continues to fight their neighbors. After learning the full
extent of facts in this situation, as far as I’m concerned the owners of Autowash are corporate bullies who are attempting to present themselves as a small, local Colorado
business that adds value to their community while simultaneously making choices that actively go against that spirit of community and neighborliness in favor of protecting
their own greed. This is not the type of neighbor I want, and I’d be willing to guess it’s
not the kind of neighbor that the majority of commenters on this board would want to have directly next door either. There are a plethora of options for car washes within a
five-mile radius of the Lakewood Autowash branch which the members of our community can utilize without much impact to their day-to-day, as well as 25 additional
“Autowash” locations from the “Autowash Companies” chain throughout Colorado for
their members to take advantage of their car washing memberships. If Autowash
Companies continues to flout code in favor of their bottom line, I do not think it
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unreasonable to ask the city council to revoke their Special Use Permit until they can
clearly demonstrate that they can follow the rules of said Permit and come into
compliance, with the option to reinstate when modifications have been made which align to the rules that are clearly laid out for them. Furthermore, I do not find it
unreasonable for the community to ask that there be enforcement of civil penalties
should any issues arise again after reinstatement, considering the propensity of
Autowash’s owners towards the belief that they are nonexempt from the very most
basic laws of a civil and neighborly society.
Sarah Moberg
May 13, 2026 ∙ 10:02pm
I have been taking my pets to Holistic Care for Animals since 2017. In November 2025,
while at an appointment, a very loud industrial noise came from outside the building where the Lakeside Car Wash now operates directly against the clinic. The sound was
impossible to ignore and disrupted the treatment room. My cat was visibly frightened, and even the veterinarian stepped out to record the noise. The noise reminded me of
heavy industrial equipment, like a grain auger or elevator, and was loud enough that
hearing protection would feel necessary. I can easily see how this would disturb nearby residents and cause stress and fear in animals. I’m surprised some comments are pro
supporting a car wash that is so disturbing to the ones who are affected the most. Surely the Autowash could do the right thing and consider their neighbors.
Sarah Moberg
May 13, 2026 ∙ 8:18pm I have been taking my pets to Holistic Care for Animals since 2017. In November 2025,
while at an appointment, a very loud industrial noise came from outside the building where the Lakeside Car Wash now operates directly against the clinic. The sound was
impossible to ignore and disrupted the treatment room. My cat was visibly frightened,
and even the veterinarian stepped out to record the noise. The noise reminded me of heavy industrial equipment, like a grain auger or elevator, and was loud enough that
hearing protection would feel necessary. I can easily see how this would disturb nearby residents and cause stress and fear in animals.
Gretchen Josten May 13, 2026 ∙ 7:49am
My name is Gretchen and my family and I live directly across from Autowash. This is an emotionally charged issue that has been going on for over a year. I am a former small
business owner and I strongly support local business. I value a business that brings a
service to the community that makes their lives easier and does it in a responsible way with their resources. I see the way that Autowash fulfills this role in a lot of people’s
lives and for that I am grateful. We as a community have never sought to shut down Autowash over the last two years. We took them at their word during the neighborhood
meeting that they would not cause detrimental effects on our neighborhood. We have
simply asked for the city to enforce the criteria that was outlined in Autowash’s Special
Use Permit. These are the guidelines that have not been met, and thus for the last year,
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they have been found to be out of compliance with the rules that were laid out in 2024
prior to building the facility and opening in 2025. The community is welcome to read
through the nine points that were clearly defined in the approval of their special use permit. They had clear choice in the way they would choose to either align with the rules
that were laid out or defy the rules. Our neighborhood has been reasonable and patient.
We are not asking for anything outside of what was outlined in 2024 when Autowash
was approved for their permit. They have chosen to defy the rules and therefore are
being subjected to the process of reviewing their permit. We are not unreasonable. We have been here for decades prior to the construction of this business living across from
a very functional and well kept self-serve car wash for almost 10 years that never
caused any issues in the neighborhood. The city was under the assumption that
Autowash would continue along that same path. However, things have not worked out
that way. The power to remedy this issue and come into compliance lies solely in the hands of Autowash. They had over two years to plan a building that could operate in
compliance, but did not. They have chosen to blame us as the problem. We are not the problem. The solution is clearly outlined in the rules of their special use permit. There
are five car washes between 38th Ave. and 44th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd and Pierce. This
type of business must follow the rules that the city implements in order to operate. The answer lies with Autowash, and if they choose to follow the rules or not. They can make
this happen. They are choosing not to and blame us instead. We ask the city council to revoke their special use permit until they can clearly demonstrate that they can follow
the rules of their permit and come into compliance. We ask for the permit to be
reinstated when they make the modifications that align to the rules that are clearly laid out. And following that we ask that there be enforcement of civil penalties should any
issues arise again after reinstatement. We thank you for holding space for this review process.
Matthew Lanclos May 12, 2026 ∙ 2:45pm
I feel Autowash has done MORE than enough to please neighbors who clearly will never be happy. We live in a big city. I hear sirens all the time Am I to tell those in need nobody
gets help because of some noise?! NO! KEEP AUTOWASH LAKESIDE OPEN.
Sean covi
May 12, 2026 ∙ 11:27am I use this carwash frequently and feel strongly that when a municipality approves a
business design that they should grandfather businesses they approved if future
changes occur. Thank you.
DAVID MELDMAN May 12, 2026 ∙ 6:35am
Autowash is an excellent community asset. It’s the best car wash in the area and you
should allow its SUP in perpetuity.
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Michael Zamora
May 10, 2026 ∙ 7:50pm
As someone who lives nearby, I really hope Autowash Lakeside is able to stay open. This location has become part of the routine for a lot of people in the area, including
myself. It is convenient, well-maintained, and provides a service that people genuinely
use on a regular basis. Living in Colorado, our cars take a beating from snow, road salt,
dust, pollen, and everything else that comes with the seasons here. Having a reliable car
wash nearby is not just about appearances — it helps protect our vehicles from long-term damage. The Lakeside location is especially valuable because it offers touchless
washes that are safer for newer vehicles, ceramic coatings, wraps, and sensitive paint
finishes. A lot of us specifically choose this location because we trust the quality of the
wash and know we are not risking damage from traditional brush systems. The property
is also clean, well-lit, and professionally operated. That matters to residents. It contributes positively to the area instead of becoming another empty or neglected
commercial property. The location is easy to access, close to other businesses people already visit, and open during hours that work for commuters and working families.
What I appreciate most is that Autowash clearly invested in creating a customer-
focused experience. From the unlimited membership options to the free vacuums and app convenience, it feels like a business that actually listens to and values its
customers. You can tell people use this location regularly because there is always steady activity there. Businesses like this are part of what make a neighborhood
functional and convenient to live in. Losing it would not improve the area or benefit
residents. It would take away a service that many people rely on every week and replace it with uncertainty about what comes next for the property. I respectfully ask that the
Lakeside Autowash be allowed to remain open. It is a responsible business, a useful service for the community, and something many local residents would truly miss if it
were gone.
Dane Vickers
May 10, 2026 ∙ 1:48pm I live right by this location. It is well kempt and a great addition to our neighborhood.
Rebecca Johnson May 10, 2026 ∙ 12:34pm
I'm a huge fan of Autowash!! I've been a member for years and it's one of the best car washes I've ever used. The team is always willing to make things right, as they've shown
with this location. As a member of this neighborhood, I'm very thankful for this location
and the corporation as a whole. If the city goes back on its word and its standards, I'd be ashamed to live in this area.
David Kelley
May 10, 2026 ∙ 12:24pm
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This car wash has been a great addition to the area. Areas are always changing and this
change was for the better. A carwash is needed in the area and it seems that the
Autowash has taken all the steps to accommodate the neighborhood complaints.
Davidson M
May 10, 2026 ∙ 7:27am
I think that this car wash should remain open because it provides a service to the
community that in that area is somewhat scarce, everyone complaining about it making too much noise but don’t say anything about the 3 tire shops/ mechanic shops within 5
blocks from this car wash. If you’re gonna target Autowash then target them too or stop
hassling Autowash. Worse case scenario maybe reduce the hours of operation but keep
it open!!!
Joni Moore
May 9, 2026 ∙ 4:07pm I am writing to support the neighbors by the Autowash on 44th &Gray St. in Wheat
Ridge. While visiting in late November and recently, I became aware of the noise that is
generated from that business. The drying cycle of the carwash is extremely offensive and bothersome. Residents nearby cannot eliminate the overpowering sounds made all
day long from the dryers because the doors remain open during those drying times. The Autowash also rudely opens too early and closes too late. Business hours should be 9-
5, with the doors fixed to be closed during each drying cycle. When a local resident has
to wear noise-blocking headphones and move/alter their home set-up toward the back of their home because of the obnoxious noise disturbance, it should trigger action by
the council to correct the problem. The hours and noise levels are so offensive, the residents are correct in requesting that changes need to be made.
AJ Tarachanowicz May 9, 2026 ∙ 9:31am
I use this car wash weekly and choose it because it was in the neighborhood and it’s the most modern car wash around. I really hope to see that they’ll be able to continue
operations.
Will S
May 8, 2026 ∙ 7:20pm A great car wash that was desperate for updates. The noise can easily be limited with
doors during the cycle and limiting hours to typical hours people are awake like 6am to
8pm. Autowash is a greatly appreciated business in our town beyond the few negative comments most of us really love the convenience and quality of the wash! Keep up the
good work, will be back again next week.
Brett Lilly
May 8, 2026 ∙ 11:53am
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Thank you for your time my name is Brett Lilly I am a long-term wheat ridge resident and
a long-term client of Dr. Janice Facinelli I am writing to share my experience with Dr.
Facinelli and the car wash next-door I believe it is important for the city to support new development but that new development cannot adversely and negatively impact the
existing businesses that we rely on I can state for many experiences that the new car
wash was creating much noise and foam spray and water disruption and other
problems that Dr. Facinelli had to focus on and deal with to the adverse effect of her
practice and her clients I would strongly urge that wheat ridge not allow the special use permit to be renewed as the adverse impacts from the car wash on Dr. Facinelli‘s
practice have been profound and should not be tolerated Thank you for your time and
consideration Brett Lilly
Jase Thulin May 8, 2026 ∙ 11:02am
Noise pollution is a real issue in an urban environment and the decibel level created by the car wash and their machinery doesn’t align with current code. As such, efforts must
be made to rectify this issue.
Kelsey Moore Thulin
May 8, 2026 ∙ 10:32am The autowash team has clearly come to the message board with some AI bots. Its
disturbing to see when this is quite obviously disturbing the peace to their neighbors.
No matter if they are a commercial business or not, they still should be neighborly. If I had a garage band and was disturbing my neighbors at all hours of the day, I’d still try to
work with them to keep the door shut and only practice during normal hours. That is the neighborly thing to do. We’d really just like for them to keep the doors shut in the front
AND back while the machines are running the wash and especially the dryers. They can
leave the doors open the rest of the time to help air out the bays. Many car washes are near neighborhoods throughout the city, but the ones who want to actually work with
their neighbors have agreed to only operate during simple business hours. 9-6 is reasonable operating hours. 24 hours for this location is just wrong and excessive. Two
simple asks: 1. operate the machines with the doors closed. 2. Keep it in normal
business hours. Please and thank you!
Heather Josten May 8, 2026 ∙ 7:33am
This 24-hour car wash has had a major impact on our family and others who live on the
same block. My family has had to rearrange the entire layout of their home and move their living spaces toward the back of the house just to reduce the constant noise. No
family should have to redesign their home simply to escape the sound of a neighboring business. I understand that many people in the community appreciate having access to
the car wash, and I support local businesses. However, residents also deserve peace
and quiet in their own homes. A home should be a sanctuary — a place where families
can rest, sleep, and enjoy time together without constant disruption from commercial
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noise at all hours of the day and night. I believe there are reasonable compromises that
could better support both the business and the surrounding neighborhood. Limiting
operations to normal business hours, such as 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and keeping the doors closed during the loudest wash and drying cycles could make a significant difference
for the families who live nearby. I hope the council will consider the long-term impact
this 24-hour operation has on the people who call this neighborhood home.
Trent Josten May 8, 2026 ∙ 7:27am
The new car wash has been very disruptive to our friends and families. The noise
increase from the previous car wash has made our family have to rearrange their living
set up in their house to try and find peace in their own home. Shutting the bay doors
during washes and closing at regular business hours (6/7pm) would bring more peace back to our families lives. A local business should strive to be a part of the community
they do business in, not create conflict and disruption.
Gregory M Isabel
May 8, 2026 ∙ 6:59am Keep this car wash open please! This location has been a carwash for a long time. The
new owners have made it look kept and the surrounding residents that live close to busy W 44th Ave should not be allowed to shut this commercial property down!
Eric Norsworthy May 7, 2026 ∙ 8:55am
This facility improved the area and has made significant investments. Now the community wants another abandoned car wash?
Hodding Hall May 7, 2026 ∙ 8:52am
Here’s a more polished and persuasive version that keeps your core points intact while improving the flow, tone, and impact: This Autowash provides tremendous value to my
household and to the Wheat Ridge community as a whole. In Colorado, where weather
and road conditions make it difficult to keep vehicles clean, this business serves an important practical need and has become one of the most frequented businesses in the
area. Beyond the service itself, Autowash transformed what was once a neglected and unattractive property into a clean, modern establishment that the community can take
pride in. They invested in Wheat Ridge, improved the appearance of the area, created
jobs, and built a business that residents actively use and support. What is especially concerning is that the City of Wheat Ridge initially approved this project, allowing the
company to move forward with substantial investments in construction and development, only to later impose additional restrictions, fines, and operational
limitations. Requiring the business to remove a quarter of its service bays after
approvals were already granted sends a troubling message to current and future
business owners considering investing in Wheat Ridge. What confidence can local
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businesses have in the city’s approval process if projects can later be subjected to
changing standards after significant investments have already been made? Actions like
this risk discouraging other businesses from putting down roots in Wheat Ridge and investing in our community. If this location is forced to close, Wheat Ridge will lose a
valuable and heavily utilized community asset, and the city will be turning its back on a
local business that has worked to comply with the requirements placed before it. I
strongly encourage the city to work collaboratively toward a reasonable solution that
allows this business to continue serving the community.
Scott Galloway
May 7, 2026 ∙ 7:45am
I live down the street south of 43rd and have heard the dryers running during the day
and that's living a block away. I can't imagine what it's like being right next door. The car wash is very disruptive to the neighborhood especially at all hours. In my opinion the
neighborhood was here first and the business should fit in whether it be limiting hours of operation or closing bay doors to silence the noise or both preferably.
Eric Greer May 7, 2026 ∙ 6:13am
Autowash is more than just a business, it's a community. The team at Autowash has always been dedicated to clean, updated and great facilities. The location at Lakeside
transformed the community and we hope to see other businesses transform over time
as well. Stapleton/Northfield as an example of a run down city looks impeccable now, businesses including autowash work very hard to maintain a clean and awesome
facility for enthusiasts such as myself. Autowash has always been about the culture of the car community and its commitment to do better, has been at the top of their
priorities. I ask that you step back and let Autowash continue to service the Lakeside
area and continue to see the positive image the company brings. We've got to stop living in a culture that is ran negatively by a handful of people that complain or report
businesses and stand up to those and put an end to the negative changes this world has come to in recent years. Thank you for your consideration.
Reed Matthew Goede May 6, 2026 ∙ 8:57pm
Where do I start? This is one of the best AutoWash locations in Town. There is no doubt this location adds value to the surrounding area! In our current climate, water is a
precious resource. This location recycles and helps eliminate wasted water. It sounds
like they have spent extensive time and resources into ensuring this facility would comply with all regulations and neighboring desires. This location is extremely
beneficial and to see it not be allowed to operate is extremely disappointing. Please support Local, and not regulate them to death!
Keegan Remsen
May 6, 2026 ∙ 8:37pm
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This is the nicest carwash in the area and I was sad when it closed down last year.
Noise complaints for an all enclosed automatic carwash is interesting. I’m not sure
Autowash could have done anything better when building this carwash as far as noise levels go.
Amru Ashour
May 6, 2026 ∙ 8:12pm
As an Autowash, customer, I can confidently say that they are committed to creating a wonderful experience for everybody. As a frequent visitor of their many locations, I can,
without a doubt say that they are always listening to critiques and concerned citizens.
The city is unfairly targeting them, and backing out of their approved agreements
Aaron Pilcher May 6, 2026 ∙ 7:49pm
My Dad and I share a membership for all-out cars at Autowash and are huge fans of the company. They’ve consistently gone above and beyond to provide excellent customer
service, maintain clean and welcoming locations, and invest in high-quality technology
that truly stands out from other car wash companies. Their attention to detail — from advanced water filtration systems to the overall customer experience — clearly shows
they care about both their customers and the community. Colorado is lucky to have a local company like Autowash. Not every car wash appeals to people who genuinely care
about their vehicles, but Autowash has built a reputation that car enthusiasts and
everyday drivers alike trust and appreciate. I honestly believe in the company so much that I would buy stock in them if they were publicly traded. It’s disappointing to see
them being treated unfairly when they have spent years building a respected business that serves the community well. I strongly support Autowash and hope the City allows
them to continue operating and expanding. Businesses that invest in quality, innovation,
and customer care like this should be encouraged, not pushed aside.
Israel May 6, 2026 ∙ 6:43pm
Keeping The AutoWash open is important not only for the customers who rely on it
every day, but also for the surrounding community that has benefited from the positive changes it brought to the area. Before The AutoWash opened, the property was
occupied by an older car wash that had become neglected and was widely associated with criminal activity, vandalism, loitering, and homelessness-related issues that made
nearby residents and businesses feel unsafe. The abandoned appearance of the
previous property hurt the image of the neighborhood and discouraged investment and customer traffic in the surrounding area. Since replacing the former business, The
AutoWash has helped transform the location into a cleaner, safer, and more professional environment that serves a real purpose for the community. A functioning
car wash is more than just a convenience; in an area where many residents depend on
their vehicles for commuting to work, transporting family members, and daily
responsibilities, access to an affordable and reliable car wash is a practical necessity.
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Clean vehicles also contribute to community pride and help maintain a more welcoming
appearance throughout the neighborhood. Unlike the previous property, The AutoWash
operates as an active business that attracts paying customers, and increases activity from responsible members of the community. This type of legitimate business
presence naturally discourages criminal behavior and reduces opportunities for illegal
activity that often occur around abandoned or poorly maintained properties. In addition,
The AutoWash contributes to the local economy through taxes, employment
opportunities, and support for nearby businesses that benefit from increased traffic in the area. Closing the business could risk allowing the property to once again fall into
neglect, reopening the door to the same problems the neighborhood previously
struggled with for years. Residents and business owners have already seen firsthand
how quickly an unmanaged property can become a hotspot for crime and disorder, and
many people recognize the improvements that came after The AutoWash took over the location. Businesses that invest in maintaining their property, improving safety, and
providing useful services should be supported because they play a major role in stabilizing neighborhoods and encouraging future development. The AutoWash has
shown that it can successfully operate in a way that benefits the community while
replacing a property that once created fear, frustration, and negative conditions for the area. Rather than removing a business that has contributed positively to the
neighborhood, community leaders and residents should work together to support businesses like The AutoWash that offer services people genuinely use. Keeping The
AutoWash open would continue the progress already made in the area and help ensure
the property remains a productive and positive part of the community instead of returning to the harmful conditions that existed before its arrival.
Mitch Cox
May 6, 2026 ∙ 4:34pm
My family and I started going to the Lakeside Walmart, Goodwill, and Molly’s when this Autowash opened up. Since we have a subscription, it’s an easy and fun family outing
hitting all the locations, especially since this location is brand new with state of the art equipment. Unfortunately, since we live in the Golden area, there is little reason for us to
continue shopping in this area if this Autowash location is forced to be shut down. Also
seems like quite a waste to shut that invested so heavily in the community, and was approved to do so.
Liat Fuller
May 6, 2026 ∙ 12:48pm
My family and I have utilized Autowash services for nearly a decade, and can first-hand acknowledge that Autowash takes pride in their renovations, remodels, and new builds.
While this site was once vacant and neglected, today - it is clean, maintained, well lit, and actively serving the community. What stands out to me is that Autowash has
continued making adjustments in response to concerns that were raised. Reduced
hours, sound mitigation efforts, and continued investment into the property show there
has been a genuine effort to work alongside the City and surrounding neighborhood. I
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also think it’s important to recognize the positive impact local businesses have on
employees, families, and the community around them. Businesses willing to invest in
aging properties, create jobs, and continue adapting when concerns arise should be encouraged to keep finding solutions. I hope the City considers the improvements made
to the property and the broader community impact before making a final decision
regarding the permit.
Travis H May 6, 2026 ∙ 12:28pm
Watching this situation unfold has honestly been tough because I was using the
Lakeside location long before I even worked for Autowash or really knew much about
the company. I always thought it was a great wash and a really nice addition to the area,
especially compared to how the property used to look. Now after working here, I’ve gotten to see firsthand how much effort has actually gone into trying to make this
location work for everyone and how kind and considerate the owners really are. When concerns were raised, the company didn’t ignore them or just do the bare minimum.
They spent a serious amount of time and money making adjustments, reducing noise,
changing operations, and trying to be respectful to the neighborhood. I live closest to this location so it’s still the one I use all the time, and I’d genuinely be really sad to see
anything happen to it after all the effort that’s been put into making it work. I’m proud to work for a local Colorado company that genuinely cares about its employees,
customers, and the communities it’s part of, and I hope the city takes all of that into
consideration.
Eddy Lin May 6, 2026 ∙ 10:42am
As a nearby Denver-area resident, I strongly support allowing Autowash @ Lakeside to
remain in operation and believe the Special Use Permit should be upheld. This site was previously a long-neglected, deteriorating carwash that created ongoing issues for the
surrounding community. Its redevelopment into a clean, modern, and well-maintained facility is clearly an improvement for the neighborhood and the surrounding area. The
overall condition of the property has made the area feel safer and more welcoming for
all. Just as important, this project followed the full approval process established by the City. It received the necessary approvals based on the determination that it would not
create impacts beyond what zoning allows. Changing course after the fact raises concerns about consistency and fairness in how approved projects are treated. Since
opening, Autowash has demonstrated a willingness to listen and adapt. The company
has made multiple efforts to address concerns, including investing significant resources into sound mitigation, modifying equipment, reducing operating hours, and
even closing one wash bay indefinitely. These are meaningful, good-faith actions that show a commitment to being a responsible neighbor. No business operates with zero
impact, especially in a commercial zone. The question should be if reasonable steps
have been taken to mitigate concerns, and in this case, Autowash has shown it has.
This situation is not just about one property. It reflects how the City supports local
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businesses that follow the rules, invest in the community, and respond to feedback.
Autowash has done all of these following. I encourage the City Council to uphold the
Special Use Permit and allow Autowash @ Lakeside to continue operating. Thank you for your consideration and for supporting fair and consistent decision-making in our
community.
Logan J
May 6, 2026 ∙ 10:19am Autowash is a local business built by Coloradans who genuinely care about the service
they provide, those who keep it running, and the community they serve, as opposed to
conglomerate corporations that only care about profits and shareholder value. It would
be such a shame for the people of Wheat Ridge and others in the Western Denver region
to lose such a convenient location. It's also uncommon to have access to a touchless car wash that doesn't damage your vehicle's paint like a typical brush wash. The
company has gone above and beyond to accommodate the demands of a small group of people who had plenty of time prior to the build of the wash to voice their concerns.
The owners have made changes to their operation and invested hundreds of thousands
of dollars to install new equipment all to appease a few unreasonably entitled people. Allowing Autowash to continue operating in this location is an opportunity to support a
beneficial local business that provides a valuable service to the community.
Seth C.
May 5, 2026 ∙ 4:56pm Love this location and its services. So convenient and well maintained. An instant
improvement compared to the old worn down wash that was there before. Not to mention the company is entirely local which is what we should be supporting in our
neighborhoods. We should find solutions to keep a local business running not finding
reasons to shut it down. Really sad if the neighbors aren't willing to compromise.
Richard Bates May 5, 2026 ∙ 1:58pm
Every town in Colorado needs a car wash with everything that gets on your vehicle here
winter or summer. Autowash is one of the best there is for a touch less wash. They keep there Autowash facilities clean and in tip top shape for there customers. Any town
should be glad to have them in it for the convenience it offers to the people that live there.
Teri Bates May 5, 2026 ∙ 1:52pm
Autowash is the best car wash available. Their facilities are attractive, well maintained and an important addition to every city they are in. Autowash is far superior being
brushless and the best wash for every car. Every good business adds to the cities they
are in and should be supported. This is important to everyone who wants fairness to
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operate this and all businesses. Autowash is a much needed business in this city and all
others where they are located. They deserve your support.
Brandon
May 5, 2026 ∙ 1:26pm
I’m writing as a loyal customer and community member to express my full support for
allowing this car wash to continue operating at its current location. This business has
consistently shown that it cares about the neighborhood, its customers, and its long-term presence in our community. When concerns were raised about noise, they
didn’t ignore them—they invested in real upgrades, including soundproofing and
noise-reduction measures, to ensure they remain a respectful and responsible neighbor.
Local businesses like this one are part of the fabric of our community. They provide
jobs, convenience, and reliable service, and they’ve shown a willingness to listen, adapt, and improve when issues arise. The steps they’ve taken demonstrate good faith and a
genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of nearby residents. Given the improvements already made and their ongoing efforts to operate responsibly, I believe
they’ve earned the opportunity to continue serving the community at their current
location. I hope the city recognizes the value they bring and supports their ability to remain open.
Zachariah DelGado
May 5, 2026 ∙ 12:44pm
I love this location especially when the Old Town Arvada location has multiple cars lined up. The Lakeside location has saved me so much time. I work graveyard shifts and I
wash my car before going to work at 11pm and it’s the only location that isn’t flooded with other cars.
Nathan Luebbehusen May 5, 2026 ∙ 12:13pm
Small and local businesses like Autowash are the lifeblood of our greater Denver neighborhoods. As a car enthusiast who’s experienced dozens of car wash brands,
Autowash stands head and shoulders above the run-down self-service washes and the
low quality corporate automatic washes. If you’re going to impose burdensome approval processes for local businesses, the LEAST you can do is keep your word that
these expensive regulatory hoops allow for the continued operation of a great business. You are our employees, not our overlords.
Christopher R Stapor May 5, 2026 ∙ 12:07pm
While I don't live in Wheat Ridge, I am an Autowash employee. And I'm very happy to be an Autowash employee. Autowash is a local 'mom and pop' operation that has not only
brought a wonderful service to the greater Denver/Front Range area, it is also the source
of many of our livelihoods. Furthermore, even though I've only been part of the team for
about a month now, I have to say, this business is run with consideration, integrity, and
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compassion. And I've worked for a lot of local businesses that can't say that. It is, quite
frankly, a blessing to find a company that believes in its mission and, more importantly,
its people. And the communities in which it operates. I believe in democracy, and the process of self-determination. My hope is that the local citizens will see the good-faith
efforts Autowash has put into ameliorating the concerns they have addressed. Thank
you for listening to my perspective. I wish you all nothing but the best.
Donald Trump May 5, 2026 ∙ 11:15am
Stop harming small business! MAGAtards have already made life hard enough!
(Comment reproduced verbatim as submitted; language reflects the commenter’s submission.)
Lee Burris
May 5, 2026 ∙ 10:49am
As the husband of an Autowash employee, I’ve followed the developments at the Lakeside site closely. I’ve been impressed—and frankly, surprised—by the length the
company has gone to accommodate the neighbors, spending over half a million dollars on improvements and sound walls. It’s rare to see a business act with that much
integrity. My wife’s livelihood depends on this location, and I believe Wheat Ridge is
better off with a business that is this committed to following the rules and improving the neighborhood.
Veronica Burris
May 5, 2026 ∙ 10:46am
As an employee, I’ve seen firsthand how much effort and money Autowash has put into being a good neighbor. We didn't just ignore the noise concerns; the company spent
over half a million dollars on sound walls and equipment upgrades to make things right. It’s rare to see a business go to these lengths to cooperate with the city and residents.
We want to be here, and we’ve proven we’re willing to do the work to fit in. Working at
Autowash is more than just a job to me. I take pride in providing a quality service to our customers and we take pride in keeping our site in top shape. Seeing the City consider
revoking our permit is disheartening because we’ve followed every rule and jumped through every hoop asked of us. Our customers love going there, and I love working
here. Losing this location would be a loss for the employees and the many residents
who rely on us.
Amanda von Kleist May 5, 2026 ∙ 6:58am
I am writing in strong support of Autowash and asking the City of Wheat Ridge to please
consider what this business truly means to the families and community around it. My husband works for Autowash, and his job there helps provide for our family. Like so
many local employees, this is not just a business to us. It represents stability, security, and the ability to care for the people we love. Autowash has also shown that it cares
about this community in ways that go far beyond washing cars. They have supported
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charitable causes like The Joshua School, a Colorado school for children with autism
and developmental disabilities. This is deeply personal to me because our special
needs son attends The Joshua School. As a parent, I know how important community support is for families raising children with special needs, and it means so much to see
a local company choose to give back in that way. Autowash is a family-owned business
that employs local people, supports local families, and contributes to organizations
helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Taking away their
permit would not just hurt a company. It would hurt employees, spouses, children, and families who depend on those jobs. It would also send the message that a business
that has invested in this community is not valued here. Please consider the human
impact of this decision. Autowash has been a positive force for many families, including
mine, and I hope they are allowed to continue serving Wheat Ridge.
Dylan von Kleist
May 4, 2026 ∙ 1:20pm Autowash has been a meaningful part of my life, both professionally and personally. I’ve
had the opportunity to grow within the company, take on more responsibility, and build a
career while supporting my family. That’s not something I take lightly. The actions being considered by the City of Wheat Ridge put at risk a company that has provided so much
to me and many others. What makes Autowash different is that it’s a family-owned and operated Colorado business. Every location is here in Colorado, and there is a real
commitment to investing in the communities we serve. Decisions are made by people
who are involved, accessible, and genuinely care about doing things the right way. This is not an out-of-state company moving in as so many other car washes are. It was
founded in Denver and has grown over more than a decade as a local family business right here in Colorado. In my role, I’ve been fortunate to be part of community outreach
efforts supporting causes like breast cancer research, food banks, disabled veterans,
programs for children with autism, and animal rescue organizations. Autowash has consistently given back to the communities it operates in, and that matters. Beyond
that, Autowash operates at the forefront of technology and conservation—values that are core to Colorado. The company continues to innovate and improve, representing the
kind of entrepreneurial spirit that helps put local businesses on the map. From my
perspective, this is a business that followed the process, received approval through the proper channels, and then continued to invest significant time and resources to meet
evolving expectations. That level of effort should matter. Autowash provides real value. Not just as a service, but as a local employer and community partner. I’m proud to be
part of it and hope to continue building my future here. I respectfully ask that you
consider the full picture and allow Autowash to continue operating the Lakeside location. Thank you for your time and consideration.
At 8:50 p.m. Mayor Stites declared a ten-minute recess.
Mayor Stites called the meeting to order at 9 p.m.
Staff Closing Remarks
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Director Mikulak stated that a special use permit is not a one-time entitlement
disconnected from future operations. She reiterated that the code does not provide the
Director with the authority to require site improvements to mitigate impacts—that authority rests solely with Council. She stated that voluntary changes have not
sufficiently mitigated impacts, that enforcement is not a permanent management
strategy, and that after more than a year of efforts, concerns have persisted. She
indicated that the car wash does not comply with applicable noise limits under all
conditions, that professional mediation was offered and declined, and that additional conditions are necessary to provide operational clarity consistent with the original SUP
criteria and application.
Autowash Closing Remarks
Attorney Peckler thanked Council and the public for their testimony. He acknowledged
the sincerity of neighbors' concerns and stated that the data does not show sound levels equivalent to a jet engine—that sound is improving and further mitigation may be
possible. He asked Council not to cut off the 18-month collaborative process by imposing permanent conditions at this hearing, stating that doing so would eliminate
flexibility to find new solutions and lock in conditions without knowing whether they will
achieve the desired standard. He reiterated that Autowash's request for "no action" means no permanent conditions on the SUP, not the absence of further noise mitigation
efforts. He requested the opportunity to review the mitigation materials submitted by the neighbors and indicated openness to continued engagement.
Council Questions
Councilmember Okada asked about the basis for the trash can condition. Director Mikulak confirmed it was based on periodic staff observation of overflowing
receptacles at the vacuum stations, a lesser concern than the noise issues but included as a site maintenance expectation. Councilmember Okada also confirmed that
professional mediation was offered and not accepted by either party. He asked Auto
Wash about the decision to close the fourth bay; Mr. Dreeszen explained it was based on sound study data showing that operating with only three bays brought
measurements within the then-understood standard. Councilmember Okada asked Autowash about the apparent incongruity between claiming to operate the quietest car
wash in the country while community noise complaints persist; Mr. Dreeszen
acknowledged the difficulty in reconciling those positions given that measurements
show approximately 55 dBA at the property line, and expressed concern about the lack
of a fixed, agreed-upon standard.
Councilmember Quinn asked whether the car wash had violated the noise ordinance.
Director Mikulak confirmed there had been measurements over the past year that
violated the noise ordinance. On the applicable standards, City Attorney Renaud clarified
that the city's noise code decibel limits apply only to industrial properties; for residential
and commercial properties, the city's code applies to a reasonableness standard. The
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state statute, however, establishes binding statewide noise limits—55 dBA daytime and
50 dBA nighttime for residential; 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime for
commercial—and those standards take precedence. On the applicability of the Hobbs v. City of Salida decision, Attorney Renaud noted that the case involved an outdoor
amplified sound permit, which is factually distinct from this matter; however, he stated
most municipal practitioners read it as signaling that future cases will hold that
statewide noise standards trump conflicting local enactments. Councilmember Quinn
also noted that the two sound studies in the packet—one by Wave Engineering (retained by Autowash) and one by EDI (commissioned by the City)—reached different
conclusions. Director Mikulak confirmed they were performed by different consultants
under different methodologies and conditions and that this variability is part of why she
moved away from relying solely on sound studies and toward the special use permit
enforcement framework.
Councilmember Ohm asked how state law addresses shooting-range noise. City
Manager Goff explained that state statute grants shooting ranges use-by-right protection and prevents lawsuits from property owners who moved in after a range was
established. Councilmember Ohm noted that the approved site plan showed two “do not
enter” signs on the Gray Street access and asked whether the City authorized their removal. Director Mikulak stated she did not know and would follow up. Referencing
staff’s statement that the Gray Street access was intended as exit-only, Councilmember Ohm asked whether that access could be closed. Director Mikulak confirmed it must
remain at least an exit and also serve as required fire access. Councilmember Ohm
asked whether staff reasonably relied on the application’s depiction of closed bay doors as representing typical operations. Director Mikulak confirmed that staff did rely on that
representation. Councilmember Ohm then asked whether dryers or blowers were referenced in the special use permit application, project narrative, or criteria. Director
Mikulak stated she could not locate those terms in the special use permit materials and
noted they would more likely appear in the building permit application.
Councilmember Snell asked whether the prior car wash at the location ever had blowers
or dryers. Director Mikulak stated she believed the automatic bay added in 2015 may have, but the four open self-serve bays did not. She also asked the fence's composition.
Dreeszen confirmed it consists of steel framing, three-quarter-inch plywood, and one-
and-a-half-inch polyurethane foam, selected based on density specifications
recommended by the sound engineer, constructed on a two-foot berm, making the
effective height approximately eight feet from the site's grade zero.
Councilmember Wood asked whether standard modeling techniques for sound walls
could be used going forward to design a barrier that would reliably achieve compliance
with applicable standards. Director Mikulak confirmed that an appropriate sound engineer could design and model a more effective barrier, though it is not the city's role
to develop those design solutions.
Page 46 of 51
Councilmember Martell asked whether the fence could have been built taller. Dreeszen
stated the eight-foot total height was what the sound engineer recommended, that it
could theoretically be built taller, and that before construction Autowash asked staff whether the proposed wall would satisfy the requirement and received confirmation that
it would. Attorney Peckler added that the city code allows fences up to six feet by right
and that a taller fence would require a variance, which he indicated staff had historically
signaled they would likely support.
Councilmember Larson confirmed that the previous car wash operated as a legally nonconforming use without a special use permit. He asked about the wall along the
west side, referenced in some materials; Director Mikulak stated she did not have details on that specific element. He noted the claim that the city ended collaborative
discussions before the technical review was complete, citing language in the agenda
packet. Director Mikulak stated there was no withholding of the city's sound study; it had simply not been provided until shortly after the city received its final version from
the consultant, at which point Director Mikulak had decided to pursue a different course of action given the absence of sustained voluntary progress over 15 months.
Mayor Stites asked why sound-dampening foam was installed on the interior of the bay
doors if the doors are not closed during operation. Dreeszen clarified that the south-side entry doors have been closed during every wash cycle since the first enforcement
action, with the sound foam applied to those doors. The north-side exit doors are left open in warm weather due to humidity and equipment protection concerns.
Mayor Stites closed the testimony portion of the hearing and opened deliberation.
Council Deliberation
Councilmember Wood stated she was inclined toward Option 1—modification of the
special use permit—as the path most likely to provide a workable outcome that allows the car wash to continue operating while addressing community impacts.
Councilmember Larson also supported Option 1 and recommended: retain (a) with
refinement; retain (b); remove (c) and (d); retain (e); and revise (f) to allow periodic, random, non-announced monitoring, with City-initiated studies required after operational
changes.
Councilmember Okada expressed agreement with Councilmember Larson's framework
and proposed a modification to Condition A specifying that bay doors may be open
when no vehicle is actively in a wash or dry cycle, clarifying that the restriction applies
only during active use of a bay. He also proposed limiting City requests for sound
monitoring under Condition F to no more than twice per calendar year.
Page 47 of 51
Councilmember Ohm supported Option 1 with all conditions, including the bay-door
requirement, unless Autowash demonstrates additional mitigation that would allow
doors to open. He supported the twice-per-year limit.
Councilmember Quinn stated he had initially favored revocation but was persuaded
otherwise by the public testimony. He stated he would support Option 1 but expressed
concern about certain actions taken by Auto Wash during the process that he felt were
inconsistent with the stated commitment to operating in good faith.
Councilmember Snell supported Option 1 with the doors open only when no active wash or dry cycle is occurring, supported removing the signage condition, and supported the
twice-per-year sound monitoring limitation.
Councilmember Martell supported Option 1 and suggested expanding (E) to explicitly
reference the reasonableness standard in Section 16-103. She also expressed concern
that twice-per-year monitoring may be insufficient initially.
Councilmember Okada also noted that adding "reasonableness" to Condition E could
reintroduce the very interpretive ambiguity that had complicated the process to date, given Autowash’s concern about a shifting standard. He indicated comfort with the
existing language given the City Attorney's explanation of the existing statutory
definitions.
Attorney Renaud advised on Condition E, noting that the reasonableness standard is
already inherent in the reference to Section 16-103, which defines unreasonable noise through several specific sentences, and cautioned against adding a shorthand
reference to “reasonableness” that might be interpreted out of context. Councilmember
Martell accepted this clarification and indicated she could support Condition E as
written.
Councilmember Wood proposed additional language for Condition E that would require compliance to be achieved through identified operational or physical mitigation, as
determined through modeling, so as to ensure a proactive path to sustained compliance
rather than reactive monitoring.
Councilmember Larson expressed some skepticism about the additional specificity, and
the proposal was discussed but not incorporated into the final motion.
On the frequency of sound monitoring under Condition F, Councilmember Martell and
Councilmember Snell both suggested that more than twice annually might be
appropriate in the near term given recent violations. Councilmember Okada reiterated
that given the cost and logistical complexity of obtaining sound studies and the existing
limitation to city-requested measurements, twice annually is appropriate and potentially frequent enough on its own.
Page 48 of 51
Attorney Renaud summarized the emerging consensus as a motion to adopt Option 1
with the following modifications: Condition A limited to requiring all bay doors remain
fully closed during all wash and dry cycles (removing the second sentence from staff’s draft); Condition B retained as written; Condition C removed entirely; Condition D
retained as written (note: subsequently amended out); Condition E retained as written;
and Condition F revised to limit city requests for sound monitoring to no more than
twice per calendar year, and directing the City Attorney to prepare written findings for
the next regular council meeting.
A friendly amendment was raised by Councilmember Okada to remove Condition D (site
maintenance and trash cans) from the motion.
Motion to amend: Councilmember Quinn
Second: Councilmember Okada
Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Amendment to remove condition D carried.
Council voted on the motion as amended
Motion to adopt Option 1 — modification of the Special Use Permit — with the
following conditions:
(a) Bay Doors Closed: All bay doors (north and south) shall remain fully closed during all
wash and dry cycles. Doors may be opened only for vehicle entry and exit.
(b) Hours of operation limited to 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
(c) On-Site Signage: The operator shall install and maintain signage in visible locations
requesting that customers minimize noise, including prohibiting amplified music while on site.
(d) Site Maintenance: The operator shall install and regularly service trash cans which are appropriately sized to accommodate trash deposited by customers without the
potential for overflow.
(c) (e) Operation shall comply with all applicable noise standards, including CRS 25-12-103 and Section 16-103 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
(d) (f) Monitoring: Upon request of the City made not more than twice in each calendar year, the operator shall conduct and submit sound measurements prepared by a
qualified professional to demonstrate compliance. Such requests may be made under
circumstances that include but are not limited to, equipment changes, operational
changes, or recommissioning of the eastern bay.
Page 49 of 51
The City Attorney’s Office was directed to prepare written findings consistent with this
decision for consideration at the next regular meeting.
Motion: Councilmember Ohm Second: Councilmember Quinn.
Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays
Motion as amended carried
Motion as amended and adopted:
(a) Bay Doors Closed: All bay doors (north and south) shall remain fully closed during all wash and dry cycles.
(b) Hours of operation limited to 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
(c) Operation shall comply with all applicable noise standards, including CRS 25-12-103 and Section 16-103 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
(d) Monitoring: Upon request of the City made not more than twice in each calendar year, the operator shall conduct and submit sound measurements prepared by a
qualified professional to demonstrate compliance. Such requests may be made under
circumstances that include but are not limited to, equipment changes, operational changes, or recommissioning of the eastern bay.
The City Attorney’s Office was directed to prepare written findings consistent with this decision for consideration at the next regular meeting.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
None
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
None.
CITY MANAGER'S MATTERS
City Manager Goff requested consensus from the Council to send a letter to West Metro Fire District, co-signed with the cities of Lakewood and Edgewater, ahead of the fire
district's board meeting the following day. He explained that West Metro Fire District
and South Metro Fire District are both considering sales tax ballot increases this
November. Because sales tax is the city's primary revenue source, the letter would
encourage West Metro to explore alternatives, such as a property tax increase—similar to the approach that South Metro Fire District ultimately took after engagement from
Page 50 of 51
neighboring cities. The City Manager noted that the City of Edgewater had drafted the
letter for signature by the respective mayors.
Consensus granted by the Council to send the letter to West Metro Fire District.
CITY ATTORNEY'S MATTERS
Attorney Renaud noted that the direction to prepare written findings consistent with the
Council's decision on the Lakeside Autowash SUP was incorporated as part of the motion, and that the findings would be brought before the council at the next regular
meeting.
ELECTED OFFICIALS' MATTERS
Councilmember Okada reported attending the Red Rocks Community College graduation on Saturday alongside Councilmembers Ohm, Larson, and Wood. He also
announced that he and Councilmember Larson would be hosting a district meeting at the historical society the following Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Councilmember Larson expressed appreciation for the Red Rocks graduation. He
reported attending the Wheat Ridge Business Association meeting the previous Tuesday, where City Manager Goff presented the State of the City. He also attended the
O’Reilly Auto Parts ribbon cutting on Friday morning. Later in the week, he traveled to Pueblo for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Colorado
Chapter 2026 Annual Conference, where he moderated a panel featuring Wheat Ridge
Senior Housing Planner Shannon Terrell on the Ridge Road foothills regional housing project connected to the Red Rocks Community College nursing campus.
Councilmember Ohm reflected on the Red Rocks Community College graduation, noting the inspiring remarks by President Landon Curry and the community built among
students. He shared that his son, along with two friends made in sixth grade, are
graduating and all three are attending Western Colorado University together.
Councilmember Wood also commented on the Red Rocks graduation. She announced
that she and Mayor Pro Tem Hultin would be attending the Civic Canopy Summit in Colorado Springs on Thursday and Friday—a conference focused on civil discourse and
constructive dialogue in a polarized environment.
Councilmember Quinn congratulated Steve Art on his retirement, noting an official retirement party had taken place that day. He thanked members of the public who
testified at tonight's meeting. He also noted the concert at the Green on 38th Avenue on Friday evening and the block party at Esters Gold’s Marketplace on Saturday.
Page 51 of 51
Councilmember Martell reported attending her nephews' graduation in Kansas over the
weekend and the Action Center Western Gala fundraising event the previous week. She
reminded the public of an upcoming movie at the Green on Friday evening.
Councilmember Snell recognized the neighbors who attended tonight's hearing and
expressed appreciation for the council's collaborative deliberation. She announced that
she and Councilmember Martell would hold office hours the following morning at Ann's
Pie Cafe from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and that regular office hours would resume on the
first and third Tuesday of each month going forward.
Mayor Stites thanked attendees for their respectful conduct. He noted City Manager
Goff’s State of the City presentation at the Wheat Ridge Business Association meeting, the O’Reilly Auto Parts ribbon cutting, and the second round of Wadsworth Business
Grant Program awards, which distributed $42,000 to local businesses. He commended
the Parks and Recreation Department—particularly Beth June—for the first Concert on the Green, featuring 14-year-old DJ Kai White and drawing strong attendance alongside
the Stevens Elementary School carnival. He reported handing out Wheat Ridge T-shirts to graduating kindergarteners at Peak Elementary School. He also highlighted the Public
Works Open House scheduled for the following day from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Public
Works facility. Mayor Stites noted there would be no City Council meeting on May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day, with the next meeting scheduled as a study
session on June 1, 2026.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the May 18, 2026, City Council Special Meeting at 10:25 p.m.
_________________________________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
__________________________________________________
Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH
JUNE 2026
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge cherishes the value and dignity of each person and appreciates the
importance of equality and freedom; and
WHEREAS, all are welcome in the City of Wheat Ridge to live, work, play, and every family deserves a place to call home where they feel safe, happy, and supported by friends and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, the City denounces prejudice and unfair discrimination based on age, gender identity,
gender expression, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical attributes as an affront to our fundamental principles; and
WHEREAS, during Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month, we reflect on the
progress we have made as a nation in the fight for justice, inclusion, and equality while reaffirming our
commitment to do more to support LGBTQ+ rights; and WHEREAS, today, the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans are under relentless attack and many of these
individuals continue to face discrimination and cruel, persistent efforts to undermine their human rights; and
WHEREAS, despite being marginalized, LGBTQ+ people continue to celebrate authenticity, acceptance, and love; and
WHEREAS, we appreciate the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community
which strengthen our social welfare.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I Korey Stites, Mayor of the City of Wheat Ridge, and the Wheat Ridge City Council do hereby declare the month of June 2026 as
LGBTQI+ PRIDE MONTH
And we honor the resilience of the LGBTQ+ people who are fighting to live authentically and freely, we reaffirm our belief that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and we recommit to delivering protection, safety and equality
to LGBTQ+ families so that everyone can realize the full promise of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, On this 8th day of June 2026.
Janeece Hoppe, City Clerk Korey Stites, Mayor
ITEM NUMBER: 1a
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
RESOLUTION NO. 27-2026
TITLE: A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR
GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO REFLECT THE APPROVAL OF A
SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION IN THE
AMOUNT OF $96,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF EQUITY AUDIT
SERVICES
☐PUBLIC HEARING
☐BIDS/MOTIONS
☒RESOLUTIONS
☐ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING
☐ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐YES ☒NO
ISSUE:
At the direction of City Council, Staff is requesting approval of a budget supplemental of
$96,000 to complete an internal equity audit.
PRIOR ACTION:
• October 27, 2025: During the City Council meeting, following the adoption of the
2026 Budget, Councilmember Snell requested that staff return at a future study
session to discuss an equity audit. Consensus was provided by City Council.
• January 4, 2026: Staff presented information on a proposed equity audit and
received consensus from City Council to return with a contract and budget supplemental for the agreed-upon scope.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
These funds have not been appropriated in the 2026 budget. This resolution will amend the
budget to appropriate the funds in the General Fund in the amount of $96,000 for equity audit services.
BACKGROUND:
Following the adoption of the 2026 budget, Councilmember Snell proposed that staff
look into completing a City equity audit to gain a greater understanding of IDEA-related gaps within the City and asked for City Council support to bring this topic back to a future
Council Action Form – Equity Audit Budget Supplemental
June 8, 2026
Page 2
study session for discussion. Consensus was provided by City Council.
An equity audit is a systematic examination of the City’s policies, practices, and culture to identify disparities and biases that may be affecting certain groups of employees or
community members. Additionally, an equity audit would provide a comprehensive
understanding of the City’s equity landscape, identify areas for improvement and “blind
spots”, and inform strategies for promoting greater equity and inclusion. It can help
identify inequities, benchmark best practices, and create a roadmap to facilitate change. Oftentimes, equity audits involve key stakeholders, ensuring all groups are heard and are
involved in identifying issues and finding solutions. Equity audits traditionally involve
taking a close look at policies and procedures, the decision-making process,
representation and diversity, support and access, and Human Resource practices.
In January 2026, staff presented a draft scope of work to City Council, and received
feedback and consensus to move forward with the following details to include in a
request for proposals, and to return with a contract and supplemental budget request for
the agreed-upon scope:
1. Evaluation
Collect, organize, review, analyze, interpret, and assess policies, programs, and practices
that directly or indirectly impact City staff and residents regarding their race, ethnicity,
gender, national origin, color, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion,
or other socio-culturally significant factors.
The equity audit will include the review of the following, but not limited to:
• City policies, practices and training (including Personnel/Human Resources)
• Organizational structure
• Protocols
• Communications
• City staff demographics (compared to peer agencies and the most recent census)
• Community engagement
2. Equity Audit Report and Presentations Prepare formal presentation of findings to stakeholders including City Council, City Staff,
and the Community. The data should be comprehensive and identify the current state of
the organization, and any organizational trends.
3. Recommendations Develop a final report of recommendations and insights including the equity audit
evaluation data. This report should identify strengths, gaps, and best practices for the
desired level of IDEA success; establish a baseline from which to measure and
benchmark progress; determine IDEA priorities, strategies, objectives, programs, and
initiatives; ascertain aspects of employees’ experience and where attention should be
Council Action Form – Equity Audit Budget Supplemental
June 8, 2026
Page 3
focused in the future; and pinpoint policies, programs, and practices that may be
inhibiting IDEA success in key organizational areas.
Following the request for proposal process, Staff received 11 proposals and selected UPD
Consulting to lead the equity audit process. The initial proposal submitted was $125,000,
however, Staff and the Consultant were able to modify the scope of work to reduce the
cost of services to $90,000 with an additional $6,000 set aside for travel, with the Not to
Exceed amount of $96,000. The equity audit is anticipated to take four to six months, with a desired completion date of December 31, 2026.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommend approval of the supplemental budget appropriation. RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve Resolution No. 27-2026, a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the
amount of $96,000 for the purpose of equity audit services”
Or,
“I move to postpone indefinitely Resolution No. 27-2026, a resolution amending the 2026
Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget
appropriation in the amount of $96,000 for the purpose of equity audit services for the
following reason(s) _______________________________.”
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Carli Seeba, Manager of People and Culture
Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 27-2026
2. Contract with UPD Consulting
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 27
SERIES OF 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 $96,000 FOR THE
PURPOSE OF EQUITY AUDIT SERVICES
WHEREAS, following adoption of the 2026 Budget, City Council expressed interest in conducting an internal equity audit to better understand IDEA-related gaps within the
City, including policies, practices, and organizational culture; and
WHEREAS, at the October 27, 2025 City Council meeting, Council reached
consensus directing staff to return with additional information regarding an equity audit;
and
WHEREAS, at the January 4, 2026 City Council Study Session, staff presented a
proposed audit scope and received consensus to return with a contract and a
supplemental budget appropriation request; and
WHEREAS, staff conducted a competitive request-for-proposals process,
receiving 11 proposals, and subsequently selected UPD Consulting as the preferred vendor; and
WHEREAS, staff negotiated a final not-to-exceed cost of $96,000, consisting of
$90,000 in consulting services and $6,000 in travel; and
WHEREAS, funds for this purpose were not appropriated in the adopted 2026
Fiscal Year Budget; and
WHEREAS, the City Council now wishes to amend the 2026 Fiscal Year General
Fund Budget to provide for this supplemental appropriation; and
WHEREAS, the Wheat Ridge Charter requires that amendments to the budget be
affected by the City Council adopting a resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A transfer of $96,000 is hereby approved from the General Fund
undesignated reserves to account 100-70704-106.
ATTACHMENT 1
DONE AND RESOLVED this 8th day of June 2026.
Korey Stites, Mayor
ATTEST:
Janeece Hoppe, City Clerk
Equity Audit
26-8
THIS AGREEMENT made this Monday, June 1, 2026, by and between the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado,
hereinafter referred to as the “City” or “Owner” and UPD Consulting, 2526 St. Paul Street, 2nd Floor,
Baltimore, MD 21218, hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor.”
WITNESSETH, that the City of Wheat Ridge and the Contractor agree as follows:
Article 1 - Services
The Consultant will serve as the City’s Consultant and provide at a minimum all the professional services
required as per 26-8-Equity Audit (Exhibit A), as more fully described in the Consultant's response to the RFP
(Exhibit B) incorporated herein by reference.
The Consultant agrees to perform the following services:
•Develop a workplan, listening plan, sampling plan
•Develop survey
•Identify early actions
•Survey administration, facilitate interviews and group discussions
•Policy / Practice Review
•Communications and Website scan
•Draft Findings including baseline measures
•Draft Roadmap and Monitoring Approach
•Deliverable Walkthrough
•Staff & Council Presentation
•Draft Final Reports and Tools Package
To meet the project goals fully while remaining within the $90,000 budget the consultant will modify the scope
in the following ways:
•A leaner staffing model: a core delivery team of Philip Jacobs (PM/facilitation), Sherry Jackson (senior
lead/facilitation and synthesis), and Ian Brown (survey/analysis), plus design/production support for
report/deck clarity.
•A more consolidated listening approach that stays meaningful: including a mixed-method listening
campaign (survey, targeted interviews, group discussions), the team will reduce the overall number of
sessions and which interviewees are prioritized, reduced duplication across sessions.
•Survey to ensure broad reach, then seek a smaller set of well-selected interviews/groups to deepen
and validate themes.
•More targeted review vs. “review everything” prioritizing the policies, practices, and communications
most connected to staff experience and the themes emerging from listening, rather than trying to cover
every possible artifact with the same depth.
ATTACHMENT 2
• Tighter synthesis and review cycles: we’ll build in clear review points (workplan/instruments, interim
themes, draft findings, final) and keep feedback windows disciplined so time isn’t lost in multiple rounds
of rework.
Article 2 - Term
The work to be performed under this agreement may commence promptly after receipt of a fully-executed copy
of the agreement, to the extent that the Consultant has been authorized to proceed by the City.
This agreement is intended to extend the length of the engagement and is not eligible for renewal. Services
shall be completed no later than December 31, 2026, unless extended by mutual agreement.
Article 3 - Payment and Fee Schedule
It is understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that the City shall pay the Consultant for
services provided, and the Consultant will accept a not-to-exceed a not-to-exceed amount of ninety thousand
dollars ($90,000) as full payment for the services and an additional not-to-exceed amount of six thousand
dollars ($6,000) for travel expenses related to the project.
The City operates on a calendar year as its fiscal year; as such, all invoices must be received no later than
December 20, in order to be processed in the same calendar year.
1. Invoices by Task
Invoices will be submitted monthly by the Contractor for services performed and expenses incurred,
pursuant to this agreement during the prior month. Payment is then made to the Consultant within thirty
(30) days of receipt via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The City may elect the alternative method of
payment by the Treasurer’s Office through proper accounting procedures.
2. Funding
There is in effect within the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, a provision of the City’s Code of Laws which
limits the amount for which the City shall be liable to the amount expressly appropriated by the City
Council, either through budgeted appropriation, or contract or bid award. The Consultant is specifically
advised of the provisions of this portion of the Code of Laws of the City of Wheat Ridge, which was
enacted pursuant to Ordinance 787, Series of 1989, and expressly incorporated herein. This contract is
specifically subject to the provisions of said Ordinance and adopted Code Section.
Article 4 - No Damages for Delay
Pursuant to Section 2-4 of the Code of Laws, Consultant agrees to waive, release or extinguish its right to
recover costs or damages, or obtain an equitable adjustment, for delays in performing this contract if such
delay is caused in whole or in part by acts or omissions of the City or its agents, provided however an
extension of time is the Consultant’s remedy for such delay.
Article 5 - Sales and Use Taxes
The City of Wheat Ridge is exempt from City, County, State, and Federal sales and excise taxes. Certificates
will be issued upon request. City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Exempt: 98-03515
Article 6 - Independent Contractor
In performing the work under this agreement, the Consultant acts as an independent contractor and is solely
responsible for necessary and adequate worker’s compensation insurance, personal injury and property
damage insurance, as well errors and omissions insurance. The Consultant, as an independent Contractor, is
obligated to pay Federal and State income tax on monies earned. The personnel employed by the Consultant
are not and shall not become employees, agents, or servants of the City because of the performance of any
work by this agreement. The Consultant warrants that it has not employed or retained any company or person,
other than a bona fide employee working solely for it, to solicit or secure this agreement, and that it has not
paid or agreed to pay any company or person—other than bona fide employees working solely for the
Consultant—any commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gifts, or any other consideration, contingent upon or
resulting from the award or making of this agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty the City will have
the right to annul this agreement without liability or in its discretion to deduct from the agreement price or
consideration, or otherwise recover the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or
contingent fee.
Article 7 - Insurance
In accordance with Article 6 above, the Contractor shall furnish a certificate of insurance upon
notification of award, and prior to performance. Work shall not commence under this agreement until the Contractor has submitted to the City and received approval thereof, a certificate of insurance showing compliance with the following minimum types and coverages of insurance:
Type of Insurance Minimum Limits of Liability
coverage for all employees at work site.
$500,000 per accident
$500,000 each disease
(including Premises-Operations, Independent
Damage, and Contractual Liability)
• Bodily Injury
• Property Damage
$1 million per occurrence
$2 million aggregate
$1 million per occurrence
$2 million aggregate
(owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles)
• Bodily Injury
• Property Damage
$2 million per occurrence
$2 million per occurrence
The City of Wheat Ridge shall be named as additional insured on all liability policies.
Insurance shall include provisions preventing cancellation without 30 days prior notice by
certified mail to the City.
Nothing herein shall be deemed or construed as a waiver of any of the protections to, which the agencies may be entitled pursuant to the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Sections 24-10-101, CRS, as amended.
Article 8 - Indemnification
The Consultant agrees to indemnify, defend, and to hold the City and its agents, officials, officers and
employees harmless for, from and against any and all claims, suits, expenses, damages, or other liabilities—
including reasonable attorney fees and court costs arising out of damage or injury to persons, entities, or
property causes or sustained by any person or persons to the extent caused by the negligent, acts, omissions,
performance or failure of the Consultant to provide services pursuant to the terms of this agreement.
Article 9 - Equal Employment Opportunity
The Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race,
color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Consultant shall adhere to acceptable affirmative action guidelines in
selecting employees and shall ensure that employees are treated equally during employment, without regard to
age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Such action shall include—but not be limited to the following:
employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination,
rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training—including apprenticeship. The
Consultant agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment,
notices provided by the local public agency setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.
The Consultant will cause the foregoing provisions to be inserted in all subcontracts for any work covered by
this agreement so that such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor—provided that the foregoing
provisions shall not apply to contracts or subcontracts for standard commercial supplies or raw materials.
Article 10 - Charter, Laws, and Ordinances
The Consultant at all times during the performance of this agreement, agrees to strictly adhere to all applicable
Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances that affect or govern the work as
contemplated under this agreement.
Article 11 - Law and Venue
The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern as to the interpretation, validity, and effect of this agreement.
The parties agree that venue and jurisdiction for disputes regarding performance of this contract is with the
District Court of Jefferson County, Colorado.
Article 12 - Termination
The Consultant acknowledges that his failure to accomplish the work as described shall be considered a
material breach of the contract and entitle the City to consequential damages resulting from failures, acts, or
omissions—including, but not limited to re-procurement costs, insufficient or improper work.
The City and the Consultant agree that this agreement may be canceled for cause by either party, with a fifteen
(15) day prior written notice. The cost of completing the portion of the work which remains unperformed at the
time of such termination shall be deducted from the contract price before payment is made.
The City may terminate the agreement for its convenience, upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event of
such termination the Consultant will be paid for all work and expenses incurred up until the time of such
termination.
All work accomplished by the Consultant prior to the date of such termination shall be recorded, and tangible
work documents shall be transferred to and become the sole property of the City, prior to payment for services
rendered.
Article 13 - Notices
Contact Information City Consultant
Name: Carli Seeba UPD Consulting
Office Phone: (720) 216-4999 410-361-1187
Email Address: cseeba@wheatridge.gov schen@updconsulting.com
Address: 7500 W 29th Ave. 2526 St. Paul Street, 2nd Floor
City, State, Zip
Code:
Article 14 - Assignment and Subcontractors
The duties and obligations of the Consultant arising hereunder cannot be assigned, delegated, nor
subcontracted except with the express written consent of the City. The subcontractors permitted by the City
shall be subject to the requirements of this agreement, and the Consultant is responsible for all subcontracting
arrangements, as well as the delivery of services as set forth in this agreement. The Consultant shall be
responsible for the performance of any subcontractor.
Article 15 - Severability
To the extent that the agreement may be executed and performance of the obligations of the parties may be
accomplished within the intent of the agreement, the terms of this agreement are severable. Should any term
or provision hereof be declared invalid or become inoperative for any reason, such invalidity or failure shall not
affect the validity of any other term or provision hereof. The waiver of any breach of a term hereof shall not be
construed as a waiver of any other term, or the same term upon subsequent breach.
Article 16 - Integration of Understandings
This agreement is intended as the complete integration of all understanding between the parties. No prior or
contemporaneous addition, deletion, or other amendment hereto shall have any force and effect whatsoever,
unless embodied herein in writing. No subsequent novation, renewal, addition, deletion, or other amendment
hereto shall have any force or effect unless embodied in writing and signed by an authorized representative of
the City and the Consultant.
Article 17 - Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
Disadvantaged business enterprises are afforded full opportunity to submit bids and will not be discriminated
against on the grounds of race, color or national origin in consideration for an award. Consultants shall insert
this provision in all subcontracts for any work covered by this Agreement, so that it shall be binding upon each
sub-consultant or subcontractor providing labor or services.
Article 18 - Ownership of Contract Products
All products produced from the awarded contract shall be the sole property of the City.
Article 19 - Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Open Records Act
Contractors, consultants, business partners and vendors that handle, process, or work in areas where
personally identifiable information may reside in hard copy or electronic records must maintain the
confidentiality of all Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Violation may result in contractual penalties and
termination of the business relationship with the City. In extreme cases criminal punishment under Colorado
Law (C.R.S. § 24-73-101) may occur. Consultant acknowledges that the City is subject to the provisions of the
Colorado Open Records Act, CRS 24-72-201, et seq., (“The Act”) and that all documents, correspondence,
email messages and other communications between the Consultant and the City are subject to public
disclosure under the provisions of that Act, with limited exceptions for proprietary information, business
secrets, and similar information. Consultant shall identify all proprietary and confidential information on the
document or communication itself. In the event the City receives a request for disclosure of such information
under the Act, Consultant agrees to indemnify the City against any attorney fees and court costs incurred by
the City in defending its refusal to disclose such information.
Article 20 - Accessibility
Consultant(s) and solutions complies with all applicable provisions of §§24-85-101, et seq., C.R.S., [1] and the
Accessibility Standards for Individuals with a Disability, as established by the Office Of Information Technology
pursuant to Section §24-85-103(2.5). Consultant also complies with the latest version of Level AA of the Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), currently version 2.1, as described in State of Colorado Technical
Standard TS-OEA-002, Technology Accessibility for Web Content and Applications when developing solutions
for the state.
The Consultant agrees to indemnify, save, and hold harmless the state, its employees, agents and assignees
(collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”), against any and all costs, expenses, claims, damages, liabilities, court
awards and other amounts (including attorneys’ fees and related costs) incurred by any of the Indemnified
Parties in relation to the Consultant's failure to comply with §§24-85-101, et seq., C.R.S., or the Accessibility
Standards for Individuals with a Disability as established by the Office of Information Technology pursuant to
Section §24-85-103(2.5).
Any additional costs to add accessibility features will be the obligation of the Consultant, and any addition or
change to the Price Proposal will be disallowed.
Article 21 - Cooperative Procurement
The City of What Ridge encourages and participates in cooperative procurement endeavors undertaken by or
on behalf of other governmental agencies including the Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO)
and the Cooperative Educational Purchasing Council (CPEC).
Consultants are hereby advised that any member of MAPO/CPEC is permitted to avail itself of this contract at
the prices resulting from the successful award of this contract.
Article 22 - Vendor Performance Feedback
The City of Wheat Ridge has implemented a requirement for Project Managers to assess each vendor’s performance and issue a determination as to whether the City should award the vendor future City contracts.
All contracts will need to be considered as part of the requirement. The following criteria will be evaluated annually for renewable contracts and at contract closeout for one-time agreements:
1. Work completed on time
2. Work completed within budget
3. Work completed as per the Scope of Work
4. Future Award Recommendation
SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW
This Agreement shall be binding upon all parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors,
administrators, successors, and assigns.
Each party has reviewed the items contained within this contract and recommend executing this
contract to proceed with the agreed upon Statement of Work.
SIGNATURE
FULL NAME
TITLE
DATE SIGNED
SIGNATURE
FULL NAME
DATE SIGNED
TITLE
SIGNATURE
FULL NAME
TITLE
DATE SIGNED
SIGNATURE
FULL NAME
TITLE
DATE SIGNED
May 26, 2026
**signature_125214**
SIGNATURE
Christopher Molison
FULL NAME
Director of Administrative Services
TITLE
**date_signed_125214**
DATE SIGNED
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
Equity Audit (26-8)
Proposal Submitted by UPD Consulting
Mar 5, 2026
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
Table of Contents
Cover Letter 2
1. Firm Capabilities and References 3
2. Scope of Submission 5
3. Effective Approach and Timeline 8
4. Plan Effectiveness 10
Appendix: Resumes 13
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Cover Letter
To the Selection Committee,
UPD Consulting is pleased to submit our proposal to partner with the City of Wheat Ridge on its Equity Audit.
UPD is a public-sector consulting firm founded in 2006 with a 14-person team supporting clients nationwide
from our Baltimore office. We help public agencies close opportunity gaps by turning equity commitments into
measurable, day-to-day practices that improve how organizations operate and serve their communities.
Our understanding of the request
The City of Wheat Ridge is seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive equity audit that includes: review
and analysis of City policies, programs, practices, training, organizational structure, protocols and initiatives; a
listening campaign using a staff survey, interviews, and group discussions; review of community engagement,
internal/external communications and the City website; and a final report and presentations to City staff and
City Council that establish a baseline, identify strengths and gaps, recommend IDEA priorities and strategies,
and propose short- and long-term actions with monitoring and evaluation methods.
What makes UPD’s approach different (and more likely to stick)
Equity audits often succeed at documenting perspectives and confirming patterns, but progress stalls when the
findings don’t connect to daily work. UPD’s approach is designed to prevent “report-to-shelf” outcomes. We
deliver the required audit and recommendations, and we also build in implementation readiness: clear owners,
a concise baseline scorecard (10–12 measures), and a small set of practical early actions that can begin during
the audit period and be refined as findings emerge. We don’t assume everyone must share the same beliefs or
language for outcomes to improve. We meet teams where they are, align around shared outcomes, and focus
on changing routine behaviors and decisions—the places where equity becomes real.
Proposed schedule (April–August 2026)
Assuming a contract start around April 1, 2026, UPD will complete the audit by August 31, 2026 in four phases:
1. Launch & Audit Framework (April)
2. Evidence Review & Listening Campaign (May–June)
3. Analysis, Baseline Measures & Draft Findings (July)
4. Final Report & Presentations (August)
We appreciate the opportunity to be considered. UPD would be excited to help Wheat Ridge complete a
rigorous equity audit—and, just as importantly, leave the City with a clear baseline, practical next steps, and
the routines needed to sustain progress.
Sincerely,
Sherry Jackson
Executive Vice-President | UPD Consulting
(410) 361-1187| schen@updconsulting.com
2526 St. Paul Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21218
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1. Firm Capabilities and References
1) Company overview and history
UPD Consulting is a public-sector consulting firm founded in 2006. UPD is led by an experienced management
team and currently operates as a 14-person firm, with team members based across the United States and
supported by a central office in Baltimore, Maryland. UPD’s working office for this project is Baltimore, with
remote delivery and on-site travel to Wheat Ridge as needed. UPD does not operate under any other “doing
business as” names (DBAs).
2) References for projects of similar size and scope
UPD has successfully delivered equity-centered organizational assessments, strategy/action planning, and
implementation support for public agencies and mission-driven organizations. Three references are provided
below; each includes the owner’s project manager contact information, total contract amount, and a brief
scope summary. No sub-consultants were used on these engagements unless otherwise noted.
● Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education — Adult &
Community Learning Services (ACLS)
Contact: Wyvonne Stevens-Carter, Director, ACLS • (781) 338-3835 •
wyvonne.stevens-carter@mass.gov
Contract Amount: Approximately $350,000 per year (multi-year engagement; currently in Year 5)
Scope Summary: Design and delivery of a statewide equity/anti-racism learning and capacity-building
effort across an adult education provider network, including facilitation, coaching, and tools that
translate learning into practice.
● City of Duluth, Minnesota
Contact: Jessica Casper, Budget Manager • (218) 730-5195 • jkasper@duluthmn.gov
Contract Amount: Approximately $150,000
Scope Summary: City-wide equity/DEI assessment and development of recommendations and
structures to support coordinated implementation across departments.
● Safe Horizon, New York
Contact: Vagnes de la Rosa, Chief of Organizational Culture & Community Engagement,
Vagnes.DeLaRosa@safehorizon.org, (917) 658-5260
Contract Amount: $115,000
Scope Summary: Conduct organizational equity review and assessment. Develop strategies for
prioritization that bring equity to action in day to day operations.
3) Experience overseeing and coordinating multiple, concurrent projects
UPD regularly manages multiple concurrent projects across jurisdictions and client types. We use a disciplined
project management approach that includes a clear workplan, milestone-based deliverables, defined roles and
decision points, and regular check-ins with client leads. Internally, we maintain weekly delivery huddles to
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manage workload, track dependencies, and ensure quality and timeliness across simultaneous engagements.
This structure enables UPD to deliver on schedule while maintaining consistent standards and responsiveness.
4) Familiarity with the project area and local market
UPD has completed project work in Colorado and understands the regional context and operating environment
for public and nonprofit partners. In 2019, UPD supported the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) in standing up
a continuous improvement process, including a measurement framework and coaching staff working with a
school improvement network. While UPD’s municipal and public-sector work is national in scope, we apply a
consistent local-learning approach in every engagement: rapid orientation to local context, stakeholder
mapping, and alignment to the City’s existing routines and constraints.
5) MBE/WBE/DBE participation
UPD is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) through the Colorado Department of
Transportation. UPD’s DBE renewal is currently pending, and documentation can be provided upon request.
UPD also holds MBE/DBE certifications in multiple jurisdictions across the country.
6) Insurance statement
UPD agrees to provide and maintain all required insurance in accordance with the RFP requirements upon
award.
7) Conflicts of interest
UPD has no known relationships with the City, its employees, or other entities that would be construed or
perceived as a personal or organizational conflict of interest related to this solicitation.
8) Financial stability
UPD Consulting is financially stable and in good standing. Neither UPD nor any affiliates have filed for
bankruptcy or reorganization under bankruptcy laws, and no such proceedings are pending. UPD has the
financial capacity to perform and complete the services described in this proposal.
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2. Scope of Submission
2.1 Team members and respective roles (including any sub-consultants)
UPD proposes the following team for the City of Wheat Ridge Equity Audit. No sub-consultants are proposed at
this time.
● Philip Jacobs — Project Manager: day-to-day project management, schedule control, stakeholder
coordination, and facilitation support across the audit process; ensures deliverables are produced on
time and in alignment with the City’s expectations.
● Jenni Greene — Principal Consultant: senior engagement lead; oversees audit design, synthesis of
findings, and development of actionable recommendations; leads key facilitation moments and
presentation preparation.
● Ian Brown — Senior Consultant / Analyst: leads mixed-method data collection and analysis (survey
results, interview/group themes, workforce/operational inputs where available) and supports
development of baseline measures and monitoring methods.
● Sherry Jackson — Executive Oversight (and facilitation support): provides senior oversight for quality
and alignment; participates in key stakeholder sessions and deliverable walkthroughs, and may
facilitate select meetings or workstreams as needed to ensure momentum and high-quality synthesis.
Resumes for essential staff are in the Appendix section at the end of this proposal.
2.2 Resumes of essential staff (similar project experience, credentials,
education/certifications, time with company)
Resumes for Philip Jacobs, Jenni Greene, Ian Brown, and Sherry (Chen) Jackson are included as attachments.
Each team member brings extensive experience with equity-focused organizational assessments, facilitation,
and implementation planning for public agencies and mission-driven organizations.
● Philip Jacobs is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has served as project manager
for multiple equity assessments and strategic planning efforts, including work for Queens Public Library
and the State of California Department of Human Resources. He has also supported clients such as
Massachusetts DESE/ACLS, Benton County (OR), Summit County (OH), A Better Whitehaven (Memphis),
and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and has worked with the Port of Seattle,
Washington Department of Health, Washington State Equity Office, and Washington State Auditor’s
Office. Prior to UPD (joined 2022), he served as Executive Director of Washington Employers for Racial
Equity (WERE).
● Jenni Greene served as project manager for the City of Duluth (MN) engagement and currently serves
as project lead for Safe Horizon (NYC) and as a project lead on Massachusetts DESE/ACLS. Jenni brings
deep expertise in learner-centered design, curriculum and professional development systems, and
facilitation—supporting practical, job-embedded learning and behavior change.
● Ian Brown currently supports Massachusetts DESE/ACLS, Safe Horizon (project team), the San Diego
Office of Race Equity and Justice, and the Nevada Department of Education. Ian brings strong
mixed-methods capability and facilitation experience, including youth mentorship and speaking, which
strengthens inclusive engagement and the ability to surface real themes through listening sessions.
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● Sherry Jackson brings 20 years of experience helping public, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations
improve performance and strengthen equitable outcomes. A founding partner at UPD, she leads the
firm’s strategy and delivery in Strategic Planning, Design, and Continuous Improvement. Sherry has led
district- and state-level professional learning engagements across the country focused on strengthening
implementation systems—building the structures, routines, and capacity that help organizations
translate priorities into measurable results.
2.3 Project manager experience and references (similar projects in the
same capacity)
Philip Jacobs will serve as Project Manager for this engagement. Philip has served as project manager for equity
assessments and related strategic planning work for Queens Public Library and the State of California
Department of Human Resources, and has supported additional public agency and civic engagements including
Massachusetts DESE/ACLS, Summit County (OH), Benton County (OR), SANDAG, and others listed in his résumé.
Philip brings disciplined schedule management, risk tracking, and client communication practices as a certified
PMP. He also brings equity implementation experience from his prior role as Executive Director of Washington
Employers for Racial Equity (WERE), strengthening his ability to manage both technical delivery and relational
dynamics typical in equity audits.
2.4 Individual experience with the City or other government agencies;
experience in Denver metro and Colorado
UPD’s experience includes extensive work with local and state government agencies nationwide. In Colorado,
UPD supported the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) in 2019 to stand up a continuous improvement process,
including a measurement framework and coaching staff working within a school improvement network. While
UPD has limited direct Denver-metro project history, our team applies a disciplined “local learning” approach in
each engagement: rapid orientation to City context and priorities, stakeholder mapping, and alignment to the
City’s existing routines, constraints, and decision processes.
2.5 Prior client relationships not renewed after the agreed upon term and
why
Many UPD engagements are designed with a defined start/end period and specific deliverables, and conclude
as planned when scope is completed. In some instances, work has not extended beyond the initial term due to
factors such as budget shifts, contracting conditions, leadership transitions, or completion of the original scope.
At the same time, UPD has a strong record of renewal and scope expansion, including multi-year renewals and
follow-on work after initial assessments and plans (for example, Massachusetts DESE/ACLS is currently in Year
5; Safe Horizon has added a Year 2; and Summit County, Ohio expanded scope beyond the initial engagement).
2.6 Unique strengths and relevant experience UPD offers
UPD’s distinctive value is combining deep equity practice with the disciplines that make change stick. Many
equity audits accurately document patterns and perceptions, but progress stalls when findings do not translate
into the realities of daily work. UPD addresses that risk by pairing a rigorous audit with implementation
readiness: clear ownership, a concise baseline of measures, and a small set of practical actions that can begin
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during the audit period and be refined as findings emerge. This helps staff build the habit of deliberate
practice—small steps, repeated over time—so equity becomes part of how work is done.
UPD’s team brings strong facilitation and trauma-informed practices that support meaningful participation,
psychological safety, and credible synthesis—particularly important when staff perspectives differ on priorities
or experience. The team is people- and community-centered, grounded in lived experience, and experienced at
bridging gaps in communication and building transparency and inclusive decision-making.
UPD also brings learning design capability that strengthens follow-through. Jenni Greene and Ian Brown have
deep experience designing learner-centered professional development and facilitation that translates
recommendations into practical routines and tools. In addition, Philip Jacobs has developed an interactive
learning tool that helps teams practice equity-related skills in a structured, collaborative format—useful for
building shared language and “muscle memory” for action without relying on lecture-style training.
2.7 Client-firm dispute resolution in the past five years
UPD has had no formal client-firm disputes requiring dispute resolution in the past five years.
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3. Effective Approach and Timeline
Overview
UPD’s approach is designed to ensure the Equity Audit strengthens day-to-day practice—not only documents
perspectives. A common reason equity audits stall is that findings don’t translate into the realities of daily
work, so even when there is agreement about what the City “should” do, people aren’t sure what to do
differently on Monday. UPD addresses that risk by translating findings into small, practical actions embedded in
existing routines—incremental does not mean less impactful when the practices are repeated, measured, and
refined over time. This section describes how we will complete a rigorous audit and deliver the required report
and presentations, while also establishing the minimal implementation conditions that make change more
likely (clear owners, baseline measures, and early actions).
3.1 Workload and project accomplishment
Our plan is built around a simple arc: start with clarity and trust, gather solid evidence, turn that evidence into
usable priorities, and deliver a final package the City can actually act on. Assuming an April 1, 2026 start, UPD
will complete the Equity Audit by August 31, 2026, including the listening campaign, analysis, presentations to
staff and Council, and the final report with baseline measures, priorities, and monitoring methods. The timeline
is realistic for a City of Wheat Ridge’s size and scope because we run several workstreams in parallel, keep
decisions moving through a steady cadence, and avoid leaving major synthesis to the very end.
The phases below follow that arc and describe the work and deliverables from April through August 2026:
Phase 1: Launch & Audit Framework (April 2026)
○ Confirm scope, roles, and decision cadence; issue a document/data request.
○ Finalize the listening plan (survey + interviews + group discussions) and communications plan.
○ Select 2–3 “early implementation actions” (small, low-risk practice changes within City control)
that can begin during the audit period.
○ Deliverables: audit workplan; instruments and sampling plan; early-action shortlist;
document/data inventory.
Phase 2: Evidence Review, Listening & Engagement (May–June 2026)
○ Review policies, programs, and practices affecting staff; review organizational structure,
protocols, and training.
○ Execute listening campaign: survey(s), 1:1 interviews, and group discussions with staff and
community stakeholders (including historically underrepresented populations).
○ Review internal/external communications and website for accessibility, clarity, and inclusion;
compile staff demographics and relevant resource allocation inputs.
○ Deliverables: interim themes memo; participation summary; preliminary observations by audit
domain.
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Phase 3: Analysis, Baseline Measures & Draft Findings (July 2026)
○ Synthesize findings into strengths, gaps, patterns, and root causes; identify barriers preventing
inclusive practices from taking hold.
○ Establish the required baseline (10–12 measures) with definitions, data sources, and practical
ownership/refresh cadence.
○ Draft recommendations, including near-term actions and longer-term goals, plus
monitoring/evaluation methods.
○ Deliverables: draft findings; baseline measures; draft action roadmap and monitoring plan.
Phase 4: Final Report & Presentations (August 2026)
○ Present findings to City staff and City Council; incorporate feedback.
○ Deliver final report including baseline, priorities, strategies/objectives, short-term steps,
long-term goals, barriers, and monitoring/evaluation approach.
○ Deliverables: final report; Council/staff presentation materials; implementation-ready action
roadmap.
3.2 Managing work to meet deadlines / ability to expedite schedule if
needed
The City of Wheat Ridge’s timeline runs straight through spring and summer, which means calendars, vacations,
and Council schedules can slow momentum if the work isn’t tightly managed. UPD keeps projects moving by
locking in key dates early, running the audit in short phases with clear outputs, and using a steady check-in
rhythm so decisions don’t pile up at the end.
How we will stay on track:
● Lock key dates early: confirm the survey window, interview/group discussion weeks, draft review
windows, and Council/staff presentation dates during kickoff.
● Run in short phases with clear outputs: each phase ends with a specific deliverable
(workplan/instruments; interim themes; draft findings + baseline; final report + presentations).
● Parallel workstreams (without chaos): policy/practice review, listening activities, and
communications/website review run concurrently, with one integrated workplan and clear owners.
● Biweekly City check-ins + monthly written updates: biweekly check-ins with the City lead to clear
obstacles and confirm decisions; a concise monthly written update summarizing progress, upcoming
work, and decisions needed.
● Time-bound review cycles: draft materials are shared in manageable increments with agreed feedback
windows, so revisions happen continuously rather than all at once at the end.
If the City asks for an expedited schedule:
UPD can compress the timeline by increasing interview blocks, adding additional group sessions, and
shortening draft review cycles—while maintaining confidentiality protections and analytic rigor.
3.3 Foreseeable problems and mitigations
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Equity audits can lose momentum for predictable reasons—low participation, messy data, and findings that
don’t translate into daily practice. We plan for those risks up front so the City isn’t stuck troubleshooting late in
the process.
● Participation and trust (survey, interviews, group discussions): People won’t share candid input if
they’re unsure how it will be used. We address this by being clear about confidentiality, offering
multiple ways to participate (anonymous survey + 1:1 + small groups), and communicating what will be
reported (themes and patterns) versus what will not (attribution of comments).
● Data gaps or inconsistent records: City data is often spread across systems or not clean enough for
perfect trend analysis. We start with “good enough” baselines using what’s available, document
limitations transparently, and recommend practical improvements to data ownership and tracking so
the baseline gets stronger over time.
● Findings that don’t change day-to-day work: Even strong findings can stall if they aren’t connected to
the routines where decisions happen. We reduce this risk by packaging recommendations as specific
actions with owners, sequencing, and measures—and by identifying a small set of early actions during
the audit period so follow-through starts before the final report.
● Spring/summer scheduling constraints: Delays often come from calendars, not content. We mitigate
this by booking key interview/group windows early, offering flexible meeting times and virtual options,
and reserving presentation dates well in advance so the project can still close by the end of August.
3.4 How project objectives will be achieved
UPD will help Wheat Ridge get to an Equity Audit that is credible, usable, and easier to act on—by combining
three things: a clear look at how the City operates today, honest input from staff and stakeholders, and
recommendations that translate directly into day-to-day practice.
● Look at the systems that shape outcomes: We will review the policies, practices, training,
organizational structure, and protocols that affect staff experience and opportunity. We will also review
communications and the City website for accessibility and clarity, and use available workforce
demographics and relevant funding/expense information to understand patterns and establish a
baseline.
● Gather input people will actually give: We will run a listening campaign that includes one staff survey,
targeted 1:1 interviews, and small group discussions. We will design the process so it feels safe and
worth people’s time, and so the findings reflect both lived experience and how work actually gets
done.
● Turn findings into a practical path forward: Rather than a long list of recommendations, we will deliver
a prioritized roadmap with short- and long-term actions that are ready to run—each with an owner,
what changes in routine practice, what gets measured, and how progress will be reviewed.
● Start early so momentum isn’t deferred: By the end of the first month, we will identify 2–3 small,
practical actions the City can begin immediately and refine as findings emerge. This helps teams build
the habit of deliberate practice while the broader audit is underway.
3.5 Understanding of technical requirements
UPD understands the City expects a multi-method equity audit and will address each requirement explicitly:
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● Listening methods: survey(s), 1:1 interviews, and group discussions; instruments designed to support
participation, confidentiality, and usable synthesis.
● Internal review domains: internal policies and training, organizational structure, protocols,
initiatives/programs, and practices affecting staff across protected and socio-cultural factors.
● External-facing domains: community engagement practices; internal/external communications;
website review for accessibility, clarity, and inclusion.
● Data inputs for baselining and benchmarking: staff demographics and relevant funding/expense
patterns (as available and appropriate), plus clearly defined baseline measures from which progress
can be tracked.
● Deliverables: formal presentation(s) to City Council and staff; final report identifying strengths/gaps,
barriers, priorities and strategies, short-term actions and long-term goals, and monitoring/evaluation
methods.
4. Plan Effectiveness
4.1 Customer service philosophy; client communication and reporting
UPD’s customer service philosophy is simple: be clear, be responsive, and make the work easy for the City to
manage. We use a predictable cadence, transparent communication, and “no-surprise” reporting so the City
always knows what is happening, what is coming next, and what decisions are needed. This is consistent with
Wheat Ridge’s ACTION values—especially Accountability and NOW!—and it will show in how we partner day
to day.
Communication and reporting approach
● Single point of contact and escalation path: Philip Jacobs will serve as the day-to-day Project Manager,
with Jenni Greene as the senior engagement lead and Sherry Jackson providing executive oversight and
escalation support as needed.
● Biweekly check-ins (and more as needed): UPD will hold biweekly check-ins with the City’s designated
project lead (anticipated to be HR and/or an Inclusion/Equity committee liaison), with additional
touchpoints during time-sensitive windows (e.g., survey launch, draft findings review, Council/staff
presentation planning).
● Regular progress reporting: UPD will provide a concise written update at least monthly summarizing
completed work, upcoming activities, key risks/constraints, and decisions needed from the City.
● Responsiveness: UPD will acknowledge City questions and requests promptly and will work
collaboratively to resolve issues or adjust sequencing when conditions change.
What it is like to work with UPD (commitments)
● Equity: UPD brings deep equity expertise and a people-centered approach designed to support
meaningful participation and reduce barriers to inclusion.
● Alignment: UPD builds on existing City approaches, language, and structures rather than creating
parallel systems that are difficult to sustain.
● Flexibility: capacity-building and change work is rarely linear; UPD adapts sequencing and methods to
fit real-world constraints while protecting the integrity of the audit.
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● Collaboration: UPD works in a collaborative, stakeholder-informed way that reflects local wisdom and
builds ownership.
● Implementation focus: UPD emphasizes practical, feasible next steps—so findings translate into
day-to-day practice and measurable progress.
4.2 Quality control methodology and adherence to widely accepted
standards
UPD’s quality control is designed to keep the audit rigorous, fair, and usable. We don’t assume there is “perfect
data.” Instead, we use multiple sources, check them against each other, and document what is strong, what is
limited, and what that means for decision-making.
● Planned review points: we confirm alignment at key moments—after the workplan and instruments
are set, after early themes emerge, after draft findings/baseline are developed, and before final
materials are released.
● Triangulation across data sources: we compare what we learn from document review, survey results,
interviews, and group discussions so findings are grounded in more than one source.
● Consistent qualitative analysis: we use a structured approach to coding themes so patterns are clear
and not dependent on a single note-taker’s interpretation.
● Confidentiality and secure handling: clear confidentiality norms for listening activities; secure file
transfer and controlled access to sensitive materials.
● Accessible, plain-language deliverables: clear writing, readable visuals, and common digital
accessibility practices for reports and presentations.
● Shared understanding with leaders: short check-ins on emerging themes and draft deliverables so
leaders interpret results consistently and decisions don’t get delayed late in the process.
4.3 Billing procedures, reporting, collection, and customer service policies
UPD’s billing approach is designed to be transparent, predictable, and easy for the City to process. UPD
proposes a fixed-fee contract structure with billing tied to agreed milestones and monthly invoicing.
● Monthly invoicing: UPD will submit invoices monthly, with clear descriptions of work completed during
the invoice period and progress toward milestones.
● Milestone-based billing: invoices will reflect the agreed milestone schedule and percent complete as
appropriate, consistent with public-sector billing expectations.
● Reimbursable expenses: reimbursable expenses, if any, will be invoiced at cost and supported by
documentation consistent with the City’s requirements.
● Payment terms: UPD will comply with the City’s standard payment terms and administrative
requirements.
● Billing inquiries and customer service: UPD will respond promptly to billing questions, provide
clarification as needed, and resolve any discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
4.4 Value-added services
UPD’s value-add is not more deliverables for their own sake—it’s the capability to help Wheat Ridge use the
audit. Equity audits often stall because organizations don’t have the routines, skills, and practical habits that
12
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
turn insight into sustained practice. UPD brings deep experience in change management and data-driven
continuous improvement, and we apply that discipline so the City can move from findings to consistent action
and organizational learning over time.
Just as importantly, we bring seasoned equity and facilitation expertise that helps the work land with real
people. Our team is experienced at creating space for honest input, supporting managers and leaders who may
be navigating discomfort or uncertainty, and still maintaining clear expectations for progress. We combine
empathy with accountability—meeting teams where they are while helping them move toward more equitable
practice.
Included value-add supports (built into our approach):
● Continuous improvement setup (lightweight): a small baseline scorecard (10–12 measures) with
definitions, owners, and refresh cadence—so progress is visible and the City can benchmark over time.
● Action planning that is runnable: a prioritized roadmap with first steps, owners, sequencing, and what
“success” looks like—so teams know what to do next and how to start.
● Simple routines that build follow-through: a concise monthly progress update format and decision
prompts that help leaders review what’s working, adjust, and avoid losing momentum after the report
is delivered.
● Facilitation that supports real change: structured sessions and discussion guides that help leaders and
teams translate findings into practical next steps, surface barriers early, and build shared ownership.
● Clear, usable communication products: well-designed visuals and plain-language summaries that make
findings easier to understand, discuss, and act on across the organization.
Appendix: Resumes
13
Philip is an experienced DEI consultant and project manager. He is a skilled
equity coach and facilitator with expertise in applying change management
and continuous improvement practices in the diversity and inclusion space.
Philip has extensive experience in the private sector as a consultant and
project manager and holds the PMP credential in Project Management.
At UPD, Philip has supported the DEI strategic planning work in Summit
County, Ohio, the creation of equity action plans for the San Diego Association
of Governments (SANDAG), and the facilitation of ADEI training workshops
for 80 adult education agencies across the state of Massachusetts.
WO R K E X P E R I E N C E :
UPD CONSULTING
Baltimore, MD
Senior Consultant
2021-Present
WASHINGTON EMPLOYERS
FOR RACIAL EQUITY
Seattle, WA
Executive Director
2021
GREATHEART CONSULTING
Seattle, WA
Program Analyst
2008-2010
R.E.B.E.L. FIRM
Tacoma, WA
Consultant/Speaker
2007-2021
ICF
Seattle, WA
Project Manager/Analyst
2014-2017
Account Manager
2014
FCI MANAGEMENT, INC.
Long Beach, CA
Project Analyst/Energy Services
Representative
2012-2014
Business Development Account Manager
2011-2012
Program Manager
2010-2011
Field Supervisor
2010
Energy Services Representative
2008-2010
RELEVANT EXPERTISE:
PMP Certification
Equity Strategy
Communications/Messaging
Continuous Improvement
Client Delivery
Capacity Planning
Workforce Development
Stakeholder Management
Facilitation
Project Documentation
Quality Assurance
Project Planning
EDUCATION:
Business Administration,
Seattle Pacific University.
Associate of Arts, Highline
Community College
C H A N G E A G E N T S F O R E Q U I T Y.W W W . U P D C O N S U L T I N G . C O M
P H I L I P JACO B S
senior consultant
Jenni leads UPD’s professional learning practice and leads several engagements
with school districts and state education agencies. She brings over 20 years
in educational leadership and focuses on anti-racism, diversity, equity and
inclusion (ADEI) and how it intersects with curriculum and instruction, aligned
people and processes, and the adult mindsets that are needed to make
liberatory change scalable and sustainable. Jenni’s real-world experience leading
in large school districts (including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC) give her
the skills needed to help others design and lead with empathy and innovation.
Clients have included Tulsa Public Schools (OK), districts in Florida including
The School District of Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools,
Pasco County Schools, other districts in Florida and throughout the nation.
In addition, Jenni has recently partnered with Student Achievement Partners
(SAP), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and Impact Florida.
WO R K E X P E R I E N C E :
UPD CONSULTING
Baltimore, MD
2020-Present
Senior Consultant
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS
Charlotte, NC
2018-2020
Director, Secondary Curriculum
WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Raleigh, NC
2015-2018
Senior Administrator, High
School ELA
WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Raleigh, NC
2010-2015
Literary Specialist, Foundational
+ Disciplinary Literacy
HOLLY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Holly Springs, NC
SOUTHEAST RALEIGH HIGH SCHOOL
Raleigh, NC
MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL
Dunn, NC
CLAYTON HIGH SCHOOL
Clayton, NC
1999-2010
High School English Educator
and Leader
RELEVANT EXPERTISE:
Successfully organized a
multi-phase curriculum
selection process across a
wide array of stakeholders
Created a governance
structure at the district level
Curriculum creation for high-
quality instructional design,
alignment to standards, and
inclusive, diverse text sets
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts in
Education from her tribally-
affiliated institution, the
University of North Carolina
at Pembroke,
Master of Science in
Curriculum and Instruction
from Concordia University
(OR)
License in Educational
Leadership, Superintendent
& School Administration
C H A N G E A G E N T S F O R E Q U I T Y.W W W . U P D C O N S U L T I N G . C O M
J E N N I G R E E N E
senior consultant
Ian is experienced in the development and implementation of evidence-based,
results-driven, community-informed, and transformative programs that are rooted
in decolonial practices and aim to advance the goals of diversity, equity, and
inclusion at a system level. His recent engagements as an educational consultant
working with school districts across North America has focused on working
with historically marginalized communities, navigating institutional resistance
and leading equity and anti-oppression work. Ian also has experience in data
governance, qualitative data collection and analysis, knowledge management,
community-based consultations, program evaluation and research.
His past work has been on UPD’s internal project, Knowledge Management,
which sought to create a seamless process and be the vehicle to coordinate and
support the sharing of information, ideas and artifacts between UPD entities in
support of our strategic business goals.
WO R K E X P E R I E N C E :
UPD CONSULTING
Baltimore, MD
Senior Consultant
2008–Present
EMERY SUMMIT DEVELOPMENT
Newark, NJ
Planner/Designer
2007–2008
TOWN OF HALTON HILLS
Georgetown, ON
Assistant Planner
2004–2006
VO L U N T E E R I N G :
• Executive Board Member, Excellence Conference Toronto East, 2017
• Councilor Candidate Dr. Jennifer McKelvie (Ward 44), Campaign
Volunteer, 2014
• Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Otis Rolley, Campaign Volunteer, 2010
• Baltimore Memorial, Youth Leader, 2009
• Lawrence Heights Community Revitalization Project, Community
Liaison, 2006
RELEVANT EXPERTISE:
Advancing ADEI goals
Education Data Use for
Performance Management
Aligning Technology
Department with Business
and Strategic Goals
Change management
Antiracism, Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion (ADEI)
Analytics & Data Use
Community & Stakeholder
Engagement
Professional Learning &
Training
EDUCATION:
Masters in Social Justice
Education, Ontario Institute
of Studies in Education, 2021
GIS Certification, Oklahoma
University, 2008
Bachelors in Urban and
Regional Planning, Ryerson
University, 2008
C H A N G E A G E N T S F O R E Q U I T Y.W W W . U P D C O N S U L T I N G . C O M
I A N B R OW N
senior consultant
Sherry brings 20 years of experience in helping public, nonprofit and
philanthropic organizations transform outcomes. A founding partner at UPD,
Sherry oversees the company’s strategy around equity-centered strategic
planning, performance management, and professional learning. Sherry has
worked with great leaders and managers in strategic visioning, transforming
ideas into action, and building organizational capacity to lead complex change
initiatives effectively and sustainably.
While she has supported a wide range of organizations including school districts,
state education agencies, local government agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic
entities over the past 15 years at UPD, Sherry’s focus and passion has been on
addressing the systemic racial, social and economic disparities that exist in our
public and private institutions that drive inequitable outcomes in our communities.
She’s had the privilege of working with leaders on equity-based improvement
initiatives in school districts across the country, including: the School District
of Palm Beach County, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Miami-Dade Public
Schools, Hartford Public Schools, and the District of Columbia Public Schools, as
well as state level initiatives in Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, North Carolina,
and Hawaii.
She’s led multiple organizational assessment, strategic planning projects with
public and nonprofit agencies that incorporated strategies for meaningful
stakeholder input and engagement, resulting in strategies, plans and actions more
equitably aligned with the needs of the community being served.
Prior to joining UPD, she served as Director of Special Projects for the Chief
Executive Officer of the Baltimore City Public School System, where she led the
implementation of several management reform initiatives to improve performance
and accountability.
WO R K E X P E R I E N C E :
UPD CONSULTING
Baltimore, MD
Partner
2007–present
BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL
SYSTEM
Baltimore, MD
Special Assistant to the CEO
2005-2007
BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Baltimore, MD
Special Assistant to the
Deputy Commissioner
2003-2005
EMPOWER BALTIMORE
MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
Baltimore, MD
Coordinator for Data, Research
and Evaluation
2000-2003
DAY CARE & CHILD DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL OF TOMPKINS COUNTY,
Ithaca, NY
Consultant, Early Education
Partnership Initiative
1999-2000
RELEVANT EXPERTISE:
Equity-Based Assessment,
Planning and Design
Continuous Improvement and
Performance Management
Professional Learning/
Communities of Practice
Business Process
Reengineering
Metrics and Measurement
Data Use and Data-Driven
Decision Making
Change Management
EDUCATION:
Masters of Public
Administration, Institute
for Public Affairs, Cornell
University, 2001
Bachelor of Arts, Cornell
University, 1999
C H A N G E A G E N T S F O R E Q U I T Y.W W W . U P D C O N S U L T I N G . C O M
S H E R RY C H E N
partner
Price Proposal
5. Price and/or Total Cost of Ownership
5.1 Statement of fees (individual rates) and reimbursable expenses
(billed at cost, no markup)
UPD proposes a fixed-fee engagement for the Equity Audit, supported by the fully loaded hourly rates
below for transparency and for any City-approved additional services. Reimbursable expenses, if any, will
be billed at actual cost without markup and submitted with appropriate documentation.
Fully loaded hourly rates (no additional fringe/overhead added):
Staff Role Hourly Rate
Sherry Jackson Executive Oversight $225/hr
Philip Jacobs Project Manager (PMP) $225/hr
Jenni Greene Principal Consultant $225/hr
Ian Brown Senior Consultant / Analyst $200/hr
Design & Production
Support
Report/deck production and data visualization
support
$175/hr
Reimbursable expenses (billed at cost, no markup):
Reimbursables may include air/ground transportation, lodging, and per diem for approved site visits.
UPD will not exceed the agreed travel not-to-exceed (NTE) amount without written authorization.
5.2 Rates/fees include fringe benefits, payroll taxes, insurance, and
overhead costs
All hourly rates shown above are fully loaded and include fringe benefits, payroll taxes, insurance,
administrative costs, and overhead. No additional indirect cost rates or overhead multipliers will be
applied.
5.3 Pricing for requested services (fixed fee by milestone)
UPD’s fixed fee covers the full scope described in the RFP, including: policy/program/practice review;
listening and gathering campaign (survey(s), 1:1 interviews, and group discussions); analysis and
synthesis; presentation of findings to City staff and City Council; and a final report including baseline
1
measures, IDEA priorities and strategies, short- and long-term actions, and monitoring/evaluation
methods.
Fixed Fee by Milestone (Labor): Total = $125,100
Milestone Deliverables (summary) Fixed Fee
(Labor)
Milestone 1 – Project Launch
& Audit Framework
(Weeks 1–4)
Kickoff; workplan; document/data request; listening
plan; survey instrument draft/final; sampling plan;
early actions identified
$27,600
Milestone 2 – Evidence
Review & Listening Campaign
(Weeks 5–10)
Survey administration + analysis (incl. 1–2 open-ended
items); interviews + group discussions; policy/practice
review; comms/website scan; interim themes memo
$49,750
Milestone 3 – Analysis, Draft
Findings & Baseline (Weeks
11–14)
Draft findings; baseline measures
(definitions/owners/cadence); draft roadmap +
monitoring approach; draft deliverable walkthrough
$31,500
Milestone 4 – Final Report &
Presentations
(Weeks 15–16)
Staff + Council presentation(s); final report; final
roadmap + monitoring tools; final files packaged
$16,250
Total Fixed Fee (Labor) $125,100
(Design/production support is included within the fixed fee.)
Travel / Reimbursables (billed at cost, no markup): Not to Exceed $6,000
Assumptions: up to 2 site visits, up to 2 travelers per visit, 2 nights lodging per traveler, per diem for 3
days per traveler, airfare and local ground transportation. If fewer travelers are used, actual costs will be
lower.
● Transportation (air + ground): $3,213
● Accommodations: $1,836
● Per diem: $95
● Total Travel (NTE): $6,000
5.4 Rates are negotiable
UPD understands rates are negotiable and is willing to work collaboratively with the City to finalize
scope, staffing, and pricing consistent with the City’s budget and procurement requirements.
2
UPD Consulting Proposal
3.1. Major Account History*
Attach a list of all major accounts for the past two (2) years. For each account indicate
the following:
1. Account: Massachusets Department of Elementary and Secondary Educa�on – Adult
and Community Learning Services (ACLS)
a. Contract Amount: $350,000 (annual)
b. Owner: Gilary Massa, gmassa@updconsul�ng.com, (647) 869-2101, 2526 St.
Paul Street, Bal�more, MD 21218
c. Account Services Provided: Equity Based Professional Development, Equity
Centered Program Design, Strategic Planning
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Wyvonne Stevens-Carter,
Director, ACLS • (781) 338-3835 • wyvonne.stevens-carter@mass.gov
2. Account: Seatle Public U�li�es
a. Contract Amount: $250,000
b. Owner: Sherry Jackson, schen@updconsul�ng.com, (410) 361-1187, 2526 St.
Paul Street, Bal�more, MD 21218
c. Account Services Provided: Race and Equity training
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Sapan Parekh, Racial Equity
Advisor at SPU, sapan.parekh@seatle.gov
3. Account: City of Duluth, MN
a. Contract Amount: $150,000
b. Owner: Gilary Massa, gmassa@updconsul�ng.com, (647) 869-2101, 2526 St.
Paul Street, Bal�more, MD 21218
c. Account Services Provided: Organiza�onal Assessment and Strategic Planning
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Jessica B. Kasper, Budget
Manager, 218-730-5195, Jkasper@duluthmn.gov
4. Account: TD Jakes Founda�on
a. Contract Amount: $185,000
b. Owner: Sherry Jackson, schen@updconsul�ng.com, (410) 361-1187, 2526 St.
Paul Street, Bal�more, MD 21218
c. Account Services Provided: An�-recidivism program toolkit design and
development.
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
UPD Consulting Proposal
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Marc Alexandar. Chief Strategy
Officer, TD Jakes Founda�on. MAlexander@tdjfounda�on.org
5. Account: Safe Horizon
a. Contract Amount: $115,000
b. Owner: Douglass Aus�n, daus�n@updconsul�ng.com, (410) 627-8778
c. Account Services Provided: Organiza�onal Equity Assessment
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Vagnes de la Rosa, Chief of
Organiza�onal Culture & Community Engagement,
Vagnes.DeLaRosa@safehorizon.org, (917) 658-5260.
6. Account: Maryland Family Network
a. Contract Amount: $175,355
b. Owner: Douglass Aus�n, daus�n@updconsul�ng.com, (410) 627-8778
c. Account Services Provided: Improving the organiza�onal and opera�onal
prac�ces associated with the Family Support Center program.
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Michael Herschenfeld, Chief
Impact Officer, 410-659-7701, mherschenfeld@marylandfamilynetwork.org
7. Account: Maryland Family Network – Bal�more Police Department
a. Contract Amount: $62,000
b. Owner: Sherry Jackson, schen@updconsul�ng.com, (410) 361-1187, 2526 St.
Paul Street, Bal�more, MD 21218
c. Account Services Provided: Employee-designed child care pilot with BPD Office
of Equity.
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Michael Herschenfeld, Chief
Impact Officer, 410-659-7701, mherschenfeld@marylandfamilynetwork.org
8. Account: City of Philadelphia Department of Licensing and Inspec�ons
a. Contract Amount: $99,840
b. Owner: Gilary Massa, gmassa@updconsul�ng.com, (647) 869-2101, 2526 St.
Paul Street, Bal�more, MD 21218
c. Account Services Provided: DEI Assessment, facilita�ng an equity Ac�on Plan,
and establishing an implementa�on framework for the city's code enforcement
department.
d. Li�ga�on or claims: N/A
e. Name, address and phone number of reference: Saleem Muhammad, Fiscal
Officer, Saleem.Muhammad@phila.gov
Price Proposal
5. Price and/or Total Cost of Ownership
5.1 Statement of fees (individual rates) and reimbursable expenses
(billed at cost, no markup)
UPD proposes a fixed-fee engagement for the Equity Audit, supported by the fully loaded hourly rates
below for transparency and for any City-approved additional services. Reimbursable expenses, if any, will
be billed at actual cost without markup and submitted with appropriate documentation.
Fully loaded hourly rates (no additional fringe/overhead added):
Staff Role Hourly Rate
Sherry Jackson Executive Oversight $225/hr
Philip Jacobs Project Manager (PMP) $225/hr
Jenni Greene Principal Consultant $225/hr
Ian Brown Senior Consultant / Analyst $200/hr
Design & Production
Support
Report/deck production and data visualization
support
$175/hr
Reimbursable expenses (billed at cost, no markup):
Reimbursables may include air/ground transportation, lodging, and per diem for approved site visits.
UPD will not exceed the agreed travel not-to-exceed (NTE) amount without written authorization.
5.2 Rates/fees include fringe benefits, payroll taxes, insurance, and
overhead costs
All hourly rates shown above are fully loaded and include fringe benefits, payroll taxes, insurance,
administrative costs, and overhead. No additional indirect cost rates or overhead multipliers will be
applied.
5.3 Pricing for requested services (fixed fee by milestone)
UPD’s fixed fee covers the full scope described in the RFP, including: policy/program/practice review;
listening and gathering campaign (survey(s), 1:1 interviews, and group discussions); analysis and
synthesis; presentation of findings to City staff and City Council; and a final report including baseline
1
measures, IDEA priorities and strategies, short- and long-term actions, and monitoring/evaluation
methods.
Fixed Fee by Milestone (Labor): Total = $125,100
Milestone Deliverables (summary) Fixed Fee
(Labor)
Milestone 1 – Project Launch
& Audit Framework
(Weeks 1–4)
Kickoff; workplan; document/data request; listening
plan; survey instrument draft/final; sampling plan;
early actions identified
$27,600
Milestone 2 – Evidence
Review & Listening Campaign
(Weeks 5–10)
Survey administration + analysis (incl. 1–2 open-ended
items); interviews + group discussions; policy/practice
review; comms/website scan; interim themes memo
$49,750
Milestone 3 – Analysis, Draft
Findings & Baseline (Weeks
11–14)
Draft findings; baseline measures
(definitions/owners/cadence); draft roadmap +
monitoring approach; draft deliverable walkthrough
$31,500
Milestone 4 – Final Report &
Presentations
(Weeks 15–16)
Staff + Council presentation(s); final report; final
roadmap + monitoring tools; final files packaged
$16,250
Total Fixed Fee (Labor) $125,100
(Design/production support is included within the fixed fee.)
Travel / Reimbursables (billed at cost, no markup): Not to Exceed $6,000
Assumptions: up to 2 site visits, up to 2 travelers per visit, 2 nights lodging per traveler, per diem for 3
days per traveler, airfare and local ground transportation. If fewer travelers are used, actual costs will be
lower.
● Transportation (air + ground): $3,213
● Accommodations: $1,836
● Per diem: $95
● Total Travel (NTE): $6,000
5.4 Rates are negotiable
UPD understands rates are negotiable and is willing to work collaboratively with the City to finalize
scope, staffing, and pricing consistent with the City’s budget and procurement requirements.
2
ITEM NUMBER: 1b
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
RESOLUTION NO. 28-2026
TITLE: A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR
GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO REFLECT THE APPROVAL OF A
SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION IN THE
AMOUNT OF $50,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACCEPTING A
GRANT FROM COLORADO GIVES FOUNDATION
☐PUBLIC HEARING
☐BIDS/MOTIONS
☒RESOLUTIONS
☐ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING
☐ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐YES ☒NO
ISSUE:
In May 2026, Colorado Gives Foundation awarded the Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation
Program $50,000 to be used for unrestricted operational support through December 31,
2027.
PRIOR ACTION:
None.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
These grant funds have not been appropriated in the 2026 budget. This resolution will
amend the budget to accept these grant funds and appropriate the funds in the General Fund
for the following purposes: $50,000 to support people experiencing homelessness and
place them into transitional or permanent housing.
BACKGROUND:
Colorado Gives Foundation is a community foundation dedicated to improving the lives of people in Jefferson County through responsive grant opportunities designed to
support non-profits and local governments with projects they believe will help Jeffco
communities thrive.
The funding from this grant will allow the Homeless Navigation Program to continue its
Council Action Form – 2026 Colorado Gives Foundation Grant
June 8, 2026
Page 2
operations and potentially expand the number of clients it is able to assist. The Homeless
Navigation Program uses operational funds for a variety of activities including but not
limited to application fee and deposit assistance, bridge housing (motel vouchers), outreach supplies, and transportation for clients.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommend City Council accept the grant funds from Colorado Gives Foundation to supplement and expand the scope of the Homeless Navigation Program.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve Resolution No. 28-2026, a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year
General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the
amount of $50,000 for the purpose of accepting a grant from Colorado Gives Foundation”
Or,
“I move to postpone indefinitely Resolution No. 28-2026, a resolution amending the 2026
Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget
appropriation in the amount of $50,000 for the purpose of accepting a grant from Colorado
Gives Foundation for the following reason(s) _______________________________.” REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Patrick Goff, City Manager Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager
Wyatt Peterson, Assistant to the City Manager
Kory Kolar, Housing Navigator
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution No. 28-2026
2. Grant award letter
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 28
SERIES OF 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 $50,000 FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM COLORADO GIVES
FOUNDATION
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation Program engages with
people experiencing homelessness within Wheat Ridge and Edgewater to provide basic
needs and referral services, as well as housing-focused case management; and
WHEREAS, Colorado Gives Foundation awards Jefferson County-serving
nonprofits and municipalities grant funds to be used for community needs; and
WHEREAS, in 2026, Colorado Gives Foundation has awarded the City of Wheat
Ridge Homeless Navigation Program $50,000 in funds to be used for unrestricted operational support; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to accept the 2026 Colorado Gives Foundation
funds for the aforementioned homeless navigation purposes, as set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the Wheat Ridge Charter requires that amendments to the budget be
affected by the City Council adopting a resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO AS FOLLOWS:
1. The City of Wheat Ridge hereby accepts the 2026 Colorado Gives Foundation grant funding in the amount of $50,000 for the outlined purposes.
2. A transfer of $50,000 is hereby approved from the General Fund undesignated reserves to account 100-65660-114 and the 2026 revenues are amended
accordingly.
DONE AND RESOLVED this 8th day of June 2026
ATTACHMENT 1
_______________________________________ Korey Stites, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Janeece Hoppe, City Clerk
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ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
COUNCIL BILL NO. 07-2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHEAT RIDGE MUNICIPAL
CODE CONCERNING ANIMAL WELFARE AND REGULATIONS FOR
THE SAME
☒PUBLIC HEARING ☐BIDS/MOTIONS ☐RESOLUTIONS
☐ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING
☒ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐YES ☒NO
ISSUE:
Several sections of the City’s animal code are outdated, inconsistent, confusing, or do
not reflect current needs or practices. As such, Staff propose several amendments to
the Wheat Ridge Animal and Land Use Code for City Council’s consideration.
PRIOR ACTION:
• June 2, 2025: the City Council held a Study Session to review several proposed
amendments to the City’s animal code, aimed at clarifying language, aligning
with best practices, and keeping pace with peer cities. Council discussed many
of these items and directed staff to return with the remaining amendments and
additional considerations.
• September 15, 2025: Council reconvened to address those outstanding issues.
This ordinance reflects the guidance provided by Council at both meetings.
• February 19, 2026: Planning Commission recommended approval of the
proposed changes to Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning
the keeping of small animals by a vote of 5 to 0 on February 19, 2026.
• March 23, 2026: City Council approved Ordinance No. 1840 on first reading. A
motion was made by Councilmember Hultin and seconded by Councilmember
Ohm and approved by a vote of 8 to 0.
Council Action Form – Animal Welfare Regulations
April 13, 2026
• April 13, 2026: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to continue the public hearing
for this ordinance to the regular business meeting of the Council scheduled to
commence at 6:30 p.m. on June 8, 2026. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Okada and approved by a vote of 8 to 0. During the City Council
reports, Mayor Pro Tem Hultin clarified that the upcoming animal code hearing in
June would address three specific items: swine/domestic pigs, cats at large, and
venomous animals.
• May 11, 2026: City Council held a Special Study Session to discuss
swine/domestic pigs, cats at large, and venomous animals, and directed staff to
update the proposed ordinance to reflect those changes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No impact.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Wheat Ridge’s Municipal Code defines the manner and method by which
animals may be kept within the community and it establishes regulations to safeguard
residents and public safety. As such, Council Bill No. 07-2026 makes the following
changes to Chapter 2: Administration, Chapter 4: Animals, and Chapter 26: Zoning and
Development of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
Chapter 2
Section 2-80: Purpose, scope
This section reflects the addition of procedural language as well as the inclusion of
Chapter 4: Animals to the administrative scope of the article.
Chapter 4
Section 4-1: Vicious Animal, Dangerous Dog, and Aggressive Dog Definitions:
Currently, the animal code includes definitions for vicious animals, aggressive dogs, and
dangerous dogs. This amendment consolidates those categories into aggressive
animals and dangerous animals to improve clarity and ensure consistent treatment
across different animal species.
Section 4-8: Animal at Large
Currently, the “animal at large” provisions apply only to dogs. This amendment
extends these regulations to all animals and clarifies that animals remaining on their owner’s property are not considered at large. During the May 11 Special Study
Session, City Council provided consensus to remove the exemption to domestic
house cats.
Council Action Form – Animal Welfare Regulations
March 23, 2026
Section 4-8: Off-Leash Dog Park Regulations
Currently, violations of off-leash dog park regulations are treated as criminal offenses.
This amendment deletes the relevant clause in Chapter 4, allowing such violations to be
addressed solely as civil offenses. This amendment also provides clarity to allow all off-
leash regulations to live entirely within Chapter 17: Parks and Recreation.
Section 4-10: Owners Required to Report Bites
Currently, the City of Wheat Ridge does not require animal owners to report when their
animal bites a person. This amendment requires that bites breaking the skin be reported
to the City within 48 hours, aligning with best practices for rabies control.
Section 4-10: Rabies Quarantine Vaccinations
Animals that bite a person are required to be placed under quarantine for ten days to
monitor for signs of rabies. However, the code does not currently prohibit an owner
from obtaining a rabies vaccination for an animal during the quarantine period. This
amendment establishes such a prohibition, as vaccination during quarantine could
interfere with the rabies evaluation process.
Section 4-10: Rabies Outbreak Powers
Currently, in the event of a rabies outbreak, the Mayor is authorized to impose strict
regulations on animals within the City limits. This authority has never been exercised in
practice. This ordinance amends the code to remove this provision, so that any
emergency declarations or regulatory actions related to rabies would instead follow the
City’s standard health and safety emergency procedures, which defer to county public
health officials.
Section 4-11: Unsafe Transport of Animals
The code is amended to define transporting an animal in a motor vehicle or trailer without
appropriate safety restraints, sufficient to prevent the animal from falling or jumping from
a moving vehicle in a public place, as a form of animal cruelty.
Section 4-11: Animals Exposed to Extreme Temperatures in Vehicles
Currently, the code does not explicitly prohibit leaving animals unattended in vehicles
without adequate ventilation or in extreme temperatures. Although City law enforcement
may address such situations under state law, this amendment establishes the conduct
as a form of animal cruelty under the City’s code and authorizes law enforcement to
immediately enter and inspect the vehicle to rescue an endangered animal.
Council Action Form – Animal Welfare Regulations
April 13, 2026
Section 4-14: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Insects in the City of Wheat Ridge
Currently, Section 4-14(d) prohibits the keeping of amphibians, reptiles, and insects. This
amendment revises the section to allow the keeping of such animals under specified
conditions. During the May 11 Study Session, City Council provided consensus to 1) replace
“insects” with “invertebrates” and to 2) simplify the City Code to align with State statutes.
Section 4-14: Endangered Species
The code currently prohibits the ownership of exotic or wild animals. This amendment
allows endangered or threatened species listed under state, federal, or international law
to be kept within the City of Wheat Ridge, provided they are cared for by a properly
licensed entity.
Section 4-14: Chief’s Exemption Process
The Chief of Police may grant exemptions to the exotic or wild animal provisions on a 12-
month basis. This amendment clarifies the expectations and procedures for this process
and authorizes the Chief to approve, approve with conditions, or deny exemption
requests.
Section 4-14: Swine in the City of Wheat Ridge
Swine are currently permitted in the City of Wheat Ridge under both the animal code and
the land-use code. This amendment revises the animal code to prohibit the keeping of
swine. A separate ordinance addresses swine regulations within the land-use code.
During the May 11 Special Study Session, City Council provided consensus to remove Latin
language descriptors and to use plain language instead.
Section 4-17: Dangerous Animal Defenses
The defenses available for dangerous dogs, including defense of an owner or
provocation, were expanded to apply to all animals.
Section 4-17: Childproof Structures for Dangerous Dogs
A presiding judge of the City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Court may allow a dog, meeting
the definition of a dangerous animal, to be kept within the City of Wheat Ridge, provided
the dog is maintained in a secured enclosure. This amendment clarifies that such
enclosures must be childproof.
Section 4-17: Transfer of Dangerous Dogs
Currently, a dog meeting the definition of a dangerous animal may be transferred only to
a family member. This amendment revises the code to allow transfers solely to
responsible caretakers, as evaluated by the City’s Community Service Officers, regardless
Council Action Form – Animal Welfare Regulations
March 23, 2026
of the relationship between the transferring parties.
Section 4-17/4-18: Possession of Dangerous and Aggressive Dogs
Currently, the code allows dogs, meeting the definition of a dangerous or aggressive
animal, to be kept within the City of Wheat Ridge, provided the owner complies with
certain conditions specified by a presiding judge of the City of Wheat Ridge Municipal
Court. This amendment clarifies the section without making any substantive changes.
Section 4-31: Licensing Authority
The code was amended to authorize staff to establish approved licensing administrators.
The code previously required a Mile Hi rabies tag, which existed at one time but is no
longer in use.
Section 4-33: Childproof Structures for Guard Dogs
The code was amended to require that enclosures for guard dogs be childproof.
Section 4-33: Guard Dog Cease and Desist Orders
The code was amended to authorize the City’s law enforcement to issue a cease-and-
desist order to an entity using a guard dog when such use poses a danger to the public.
Any such order would be subject to the administrative hearing appeals process.
Section 4-34: Kennel Licenses
The City currently issues kennel licenses. This amendment establishes that, as a
condition of the license, the City’s law enforcement may inspect the facility at any time if
there is reasonable cause to suspect a danger to the animals.
Section 4-52: Hearings Required for the Disposal of Animals
Current practice at the City of Wheat Ridge and the Foothills Animal Shelter is that no
animal may be sold, donated, or euthanized without a signed order from a judge, except
in cases where the animal is ill, severely injured, or experiencing extreme pain. This
amendment codifies that existing practice.
Section 4-52: Court Ordered Animal Holds
The code establishes that the municipal court is authorized to place a hold on animals
suspected of neglect, seized due to cruelty, designated as dangerous or aggressive, or
identified as service animals, until the resolution of their case. While this has been
standard practice in the City of Wheat Ridge, the authority was previously inferred rather
than explicitly granted to the judge.
Council Action Form – Animal Welfare Regulations
April 13, 2026
Chapter 26
Section 26-204: Zone District Use Schedule
This amends the code by replacing the note in the “Table of Uses - Agricultural and Public
Facilities” to prohibit the raising or keeping of swine in all zone districts.
Sec. 26-606: Small Animals and Poultry
Section 26-206 of the Code is amended to:
• Establish limits on the number of roosters permitted per property: one rooster
is allowed on property under one acre, and up to three roosters are allowed on
larger properties. This applies to residential and agricultural zone districts.
• Prohibit the raising or keeping of swine in all zone districts
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve Council Bill No. 07-2026, an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge
Code of Laws concerning animal welfare and regulations for the same and that it takes
effect fifteen (15) days after final publication as provided by Section 5.11 of the
Charter.”
Or,
“I move to postpone indefinitely Council Bill No. 07-2026, an ordinance amending the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning animal welfare and regulations for the same, for
the following reason(s).”
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager
Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Council Bill No. 07-2026
2. Planning Commission Minutes
1 ATTACHMENT 1
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HULTIN
COUNCIL BILL NO. 07
ORDINANCE NO. 1840
Series 2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHEAT RIDGE MUNICIPAL
CODE CONCERNING ANIMAL WELFARE AND REGULATIONS FOR
THE SAME
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge (the “City”) is a home rule municipality having
all powers conferred by Article XX of the Colorado Constitution; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule authority and C.R.S. § 31-23-101, the City,
acting through its City Council (the “Council”), is authorized to adopt ordinances for the
protection of the public health, safety or welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Council previously adopted and amended Chapter 4 of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws (the “Code”) concerning animals; and
WHEREAS, the Council also previously adopted and amended Chapter 26 of the
Code which also contains provisions concerning animals; and
WHEREAS, the Council now wishes to further amend Chapters 4 and 26 of the Code concerning the regulation and welfare of animals within the City and provide for
administrative enforcement of the same; and
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge Planning Commission held a public hearing on
February 19, 2026, and voted to recommend approval of the Chapter 26 amendments.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. The following sections of Chapter 4 of the Code are amended as
follows:
Sec. 4-1. Definitions.
[…]
Aggressive dog means any dog that (1) approaches any person, without provocation,
in a menacing manner or in an attitude of attack, whether or not an attack actually
occurs; (2) inflicts a puncture wound, abrasion, or other wound caused by the dog's
teeth upon a person or domestic animal, but the injury does not meet the definition of bodily injury or serious bodily injury; or (3) in an attacking manner encroaches
2 ATTACHMENT 1
over, through, or under a fence onto public property or the private property of
another.
AGGRESSIVE ANIMAL:
i. ANIMALS THAT APPROACH ANY PERSON, WITHOUT PROVOCATION, IN A
MENACING MANNER OR WITH AN APPARENT ATTITUDE OF ATTACK,
WHETHER OR NOT AN ATTACK ACTUALLY OCCURS, INCLUDING ANIMALS
THAT ARE NOT ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED WITHIN AN ENCLOSED AREA;
ii. ANIMALS THAT, IN AN ATTACKING MANNER, ENCROACH OVER, THROUGH, OR UNDER A FENCE ONTO PUBLIC PROPERTY OR THE PRIVATE PROPERTY OF
ANOTHER;
iii. ANIMALS THAT INFLICT A PUNCTURE WOUND, ABRASION, OR OTHER INJURY
ON A PERSON OR DOMESTIC ANIMAL, BUT THE INJURY DOES NOT MEET THE
DEFINITION OF BODILY INJURY OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY;
[…]
DANGEROUS ANIMALS:
i. ANIMALS THAT INFLICT OR CAUSE BODILY INJURY, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
UPON A PERSON, OR DEATH UPON A PERSON OR DOMESTIC ANIMAL;
ii. ANIMALS THAT ENGAGE IN OR HAVE BEEN TRAINED FOR ANIMAL FIGHTING;
iii. ANIMALS THAT HAVE BEEN DETERMINED BY A COURT OF RECORD WITHIN
THE STATE OF COLORADO TO BE A VICIOUS OR DANGEROUS ANIMAL AND FOR WHOM THE OWNER DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY
STATE STATUTE, LOCAL ORDINANCE, OR COURT ORDER FOR OWNERSHIP OF
SAID ANIMAL.
[…]
Vicious animal means an animal, other than a dog, that unprovokedly bites or attacks humans or other animals, or an animal which is not adequately restrained in an
enclosed area that approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack or in a
terrorizing or menacing manner.
Sec. 4-8. Running at large; off-leash dog parks.
(a) A person who is a dog AN ANIMAL owner shall be guilty of dogANIMAL at large if such dogANIMAL runs at large within the City. ANIMALS PRESENT ON REAL
PROPERTY OWNED BY THE OWNER OR PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
ANIMAL SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED AT LARGE.
(b) . . .
(c) The city council may, from time to time, direct the creation, alteration and removal of off-leash dog parks within the city. Off-leash dog parks shall be
located on city property and shall be governed by and posted with signs giving
notice of the following rules and regulations. It shall be unlawful to violate any
3 ATTACHMENT 1
provision of this subsection (c). Conviction of any provision of this subsection
(c) may also result in a loss of privilege to the owner, handler or subject dog to
use the city's off-leash dog parks:
(1) Off-leash dog parks are open to the public during the same hours the
surrounding city property is open to the public.
(2) All dogs must be under the effective control of their owners or handlers by
means of a leash, cord, or chain not to exceed six (6) feet in length when
entering and leaving the designated dog park area.
(3) All dogs must display a current rabies tag affixed to the collar.
(4) All dogs belonging to city residents must display a current license issued by
the licensing administrator as required by section 4-31(c).
(5) All dogs must be accompanied by a person seventeen (17) years of age or
older.
(6) Dog owners and handlers assume full responsibility for their dogs and minor
children within the dog park area.
(7) Dog owners and handlers must remain within the off-leash dog park area and
within sight of their dogs at all times.
(8) Dog owners and handlers must remove and promptly dispose of any feces deposited within the dog park area by their dogs.
(9) Dogs may not chase or otherwise harass wildlife.
(10) The following dogs are not permitted within off-leash dog parks:
a. Aggressive dogs, as defined by section 4-1.
b. Female dogs in heat.
c. Dogs without a current rabies tag affixed to the collar or without a
current license issued by the licensing administrator, as applicable.
d. Dogs under the age of four (4) months.
e. Dogs exhibiting visible signs of illness or known by the owner or
handler to be ill.
f. Dogs that do not respond to and obey their owners' or handlers' sight
or voice commands.
Sec. 4-10. Rabies control.
(a) . . .
(b) Any dog, cat or other animal that has bitten any person CAUSING A WOUND BREAKING THE SKIN shall be immediately confined for a period of ten (10)
days. No animal under confinement shall be released from confinement until such release has been approved by the community service officer. THE OWNER
OF SUCH ANIMAL SHALL FILE, WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT (48) HOURS OF THE
4 ATTACHMENT 1
INCIDENT, A REPORT OF THAT INCIDENT WITH A COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER], THE REPORT TO CONTAIN DATE/TIME OF BITE, PERSON BITTEN,
NAME OF ANIMAL OWNER. (c) . . .
(d) . . .
(e) When an animal under quarantine has been diagnosed as being rabid by a
licensesD veterinarian the veterinarian making such diagnosis shall
immediately notify the county public health officer and advise THEMhim of any reports of human contact with such rabid dog [animal]. If any animal under
quarantine dies while under observation, the community service officer or his
THEIR agents shall immediately take action to obtain a pathological and
inoculation examination of the animal. As soon as a diagnosis is made
available, the community service officer shall notify the county public health officer of any reports of human contact with the animal. Any animal which has
not beEN inoculated against rabies and known to have been bitten by a rabid animal shall be humanely destroyed.
(f) . . .
(g) . . . (h) In case of an outbreak of rabies, constituting an emergency situation, the
mayor shall be authorized to impose strict regulations pertaining to animals within the city. IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR AN OWNER TO PROCURE A
RABIES VACCINATION FOR AN ANIMAL UNDER QUARANTINE, UNLESS
APPROVED BY THE COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER IN WRITING.
Sec. 4-11. Cruelty or inhumane treatment; HARASSMENT.
(a) IT SHALL BE CRUEL OR INHUMANE FOR ANY PERSON TO:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to Commit or cause to be committed
any act of cruelty, harassment, abandonment, torture, mistreatment or
neglect to any animal, or to cause any animal to be wounded, mutilated, strangulated or inhumanely killed.
(2) For purposes of this section, a person commits an act of harassment upon an animal if such person's conduct or actions causes CAUSE an
animal to behave as if frightened, causes the animal displeasure or
pain, or otherwise causes the animal to become likely to injure either itself or other persons or animals, or causes the animal to create a
nuisance.
(3) TRANSPORT AN ANIMAL IN OR ON ANY MOTOR VEHICLE OR TRAILER
UNLESS THE ANIMAL IS SAFELY RESTRAINED. AS USED IN THIS
SECTION, RESTRAINED IS DEFINED AS ENCLOSED WITHIN A VEHICLE OR TRAILER WITH NO OPENINGS LARGE ENOUGH TO
PERMIT THE ANIMAL TO EXIT THE VEHICLE OR TRAILER ON ITS OWN, OR PLACED WITHIN A SECURED CONTAINER, CAGE OR OTHER
ENCLOSURE OR RESTRAINING DEVICE SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT THE
5 ATTACHMENT 1
ANIMAL FROM FALLING FROM, BEING THROWN FROM OR JUMPING
FROM THE VEHICLE. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, PUBLIC PLACE IS
DEFINED AS ANY PLACE OPEN TO AND GENERALLY USED BY THE PUBLIC, WHETHER PUBLICLY OR PRIVATELY OWNED, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO STREETS, HIGHWAYS, ALLEYS, PARKING LOTS,
SCHOOLS AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
(4) LEAVE AN ANIMAL IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE WITHOUT ADEQUATE
VENTILATION OR IN ANY MANNER WHICH SUBJECTS THE ANIMAL TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE
DANGEROUS OR DETRIMENTAL TO THE ANIMAL’S HEALTH OR
WELFARE.
a. IF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER OR POLICE OFFICER
HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE KEEPING OR MAINTAINING OF ANY ANIMAL IS SO HAZARDOUS, UNSAFE,
OR DANGEROUS AS TO REQUIRE IMMEDIATE INSPECTION TO SAFEGUARD THE ANIMAL OR THE PUBLIC HEALTH OR
SAFETY, THE COMMUNITY SERVIE OFFICER OR POLICE
OFFICER SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT IMMEDIATELY TO ENTER AND INSPECT THE PROPERTY OR VEHICLE IN OR UPON
WHICH THE ANIMAL IS KEPT, AND MAY USE ANY REASONABLE MEANS REQUIRED TO EFFECT SUCH ENTRY AND
MAKE SUCH INSPECTION, WHETHER THE PROPERTY
OR VEHICLE IS OCCUPIED OR UNOCCUPIED AND WHETHER PERMISSION TO INSPECT HAS BEEN OBTAINED OR NOT. IF
THE PROPERTY OR VEHICLE IS OCCUPIED, THE COMMUNITY SERVIE OFFICER OR POLICE OFFICER SHALL FIRST PRESENT
PROPER CREDENTIALS TO THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT OF THE
PROPERTY OR VEHICLE AND DEMAND ENTRY, EXPLAINING REASONS THEREFOR AND THE PURPOSE OF THE INSPECTION.
SUCH ENTRY SHALL BE SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ABATING THE VIOLATION AND NO EVIDENCE OBTAINED
DURING OR AS A RESULT OF SUCH ENTRY SHALL BE
ADMISSIBLE FOR PURPOSES OF PROSECUTION.
(b) Ownership of the animal in question shall not be a justifiable defense for acts
or conduct prohibited by this section or for a violation of this section.
(c) AnY community service officer or other employee or official of the city may
impound an animal or animals pursuant to section 4-52 if the officer,
employee or official reasonably believes that such impoundment is necessary for the health or safety of any mistreated animal. The animal owner shall be
liable for all expenses arising from such impoundment or any medical treatment for the animal during such impoundment.
Sec. 4-14. Exotic or wild animals.
6 ATTACHMENT 1
(a) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, harbor, sell, or in
any other manner traffic in any exotic or wild animals, that is, any animal that is not
a domestic animal, whether it is a native animal of this state or not. THIS PROHIBITION SHALL NOT APPLY TO THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES
LISTED UNDER STATE, FEDERAL, OR INTERNATIONAL LAW AND KEPT BY A
LICENSED ENTITY WITHIN THE CITY.
(b) Exceptions. The chief of police may grant exceptions to this section for
successive periods of time not to exceed twelve (12) months. APPLICATIONS FOR AN EXCEPTION MUST BE FILED WITH THE CHIEF OF POLICE ON FORMS
MAINTAINED BY THE CHIEF’S OFFICE, ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION FEE SET
BY THE CITY COUNCIL FROM TIME TO TIME. THE CHIEF OF POLICE IN THEIR
SOLE DISCRETION MAY GRANT, GRANT WITH CONDITIONS OR DENY THE
APPLICATION. Notwithstanding the requirements of Chapter 26, the keeping of an exotic animal for which the chief of police has granted an exception pursuant to
this subsection (b) shall be deemed a lawful use of the affected property
(c) Potbellied pigs: Any exceptions granted by the chief of police for a potbellied
pig, Sus scrofa vittatus, pursuant to subsection (b), shall be limited as follows:
(1) No more than two (2) potbellied pigs may be kept at one residence or location, provided, however, that an additional pig may be kept for each one
acre of property in excess of the minimum lot size;
(2) Every potbellied pig must be neutered or spayed by the age of four (4)
months;
(3) No potbellied pig may weigh more than one hundred fifty (150) pounds nor be taller than twenty-two (22) inches in height;
(4) The potbellied pig must be certified as such by a licensed veterinarian or be an officially registered potbellied pig;
(5) Penned exterior areas confining potbellied pigs must be no closer than
fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear yard lot line and no closer than thirty (30) feet to a residential structure located on an adjacent lot;
(6) Outdoor enclosures must be kept clean;
(7) Prior to the granting of an exception, owners must review educational
materials provided by the chief of police related to the care and keeping of
potbellied pigs;
(8) The chief of police shall adopt rules of procedure related to the review of
complaints regarding the keeping of potbellied pigs for which an exception has been granted; and
(9) The chief of police may impose reasonable conditions prior to granting or
during the term of any exception which is necessary to protect the animal's health and the safety and enjoyment of adjacent properties and owners.
7 ATTACHMENT 1
(1) The keeping of potbellied pigs, Sus scrofa vittatus, which is an
exotic animal, shall be permitted in the Agricultural-Two Zone District and
shall not be subject to the requirements of subsections (b) and (c).
(d) Specific animals enumerated.
(1) The following animals are domestic animals:
a. Aquarium fishes
b. Psitocine birds, aviary finches, etc, farm birds (ducks, geese, swans,
poultry)
c. Domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
d. Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguicularus)
e. Guinea pig ( Cavia porceilus)
f. Hamster (Musorcriectus auratus)
g. Domestic laboratory mouse (Mus domesticus)
h. Domestic laboratory rat (Rattus rattus albino strain)
i. Domestic cat (Felis catus)
j. Domestic dog (Canas familiaris)
k. Domestic livestock, including but not limited to: horses, cattle,
sheep, goats, mules, donkeys, burros, llamas, honeybees, and swine
l. SWINE AS DOMESTIC ANIMALS ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL ZONE
DISTRICTS PER CHAPTER 26 (except potbellied pigs, Sus scrofa vittatus, which is an imported variety of swine and which shall be
considered exotic animals).
(2) REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, INVERTEBRATES, INCLUDING TARANTULAS, SCORPORIONS, AND CENTIPEDES, SHALL BE ALLOWED WITHOUT ANY
REQUIREMENT FOR AN EXCEPTION FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE, EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:
a. ANY ANIMALS THAT HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS A DANGEROUS OR
HAZARDOUS SPECIES UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW
b. ANY ANIMALS THAT ARE NOT PERMITTED AND/OR REQUIRE A
LICENSE FROM COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE TO POSSESS
c. ANY SPECIES LISTED UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW AS
INJURIOUS TO WILDLIFE OR AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES
(3) Exotic and wild animals shall consist of every other creature within the animal kingdom.
Sec. 4-17. Unlawful possession of dangerous ANIMAL OR dog.
(a) It is unlawful for a person who is a dog owner to keep, harbor or possess a
VICIOUS ANIMAL OR A dangerous dog within the city. NOTHWITHSTANDING
THIS PROHIBITION, A COURT MAY AUTHORIZE THE POSSESSION OF SUCH AN ANIMAL IF THE OWNER COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
SECTIONS 4-17(e) AND 4-17(f), AS WELL AS ANY OTHER CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY THE COURT.
8 ATTACHMENT 1
(b) An affirmative defense to the violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be:
(1) That, at the time of the attack by the ANIMALdangerous dog, which
caused injury to or the death of a domestic animal: a. . . .
b. The domestic animal was biting or otherwise attacking the
dangerous OR VICIOUS animal or its owner.
(2) That, at the time of the attack by the dangerous dog, which caused injury
to a person, the victim of the attack was:
a. Committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against the
dog ANIMAL owner, and the attack did not occur on the owner's property; or
b. . . .
c. Tormenting, provoking, abusing or inflicting injury upon the ANIMAL dog in such an extreme manner that the attack was a result of the
victim's actions. (c) . . .
(d) . . .
(e) . . . (1) . . .
(2) . . . (3) At all times when the dog is at the property of the dog owner, the dog
owner shall keep the dog confined except as further allowed by this
section. When outdoors, the dog shall be confined in an escape-proof enclosure WHICH IS ALSO DESIGNED TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL ENTRY
BY ANYONE, INCLUDING CHILDREN. All structures must be locked with a key or combination lock when the dog is within the structure. Such
structure shall have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the
pen or the sides of the pen shall be embedded in the ground no less than two (2) feet. All such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated
and kept in a clean and sanitary condition. All structures erected to house such dog must comply with all zoning and building requirements. The
community services officer shall inspect the structure to ensure
compliance with suchTHESE conditions.
(4) . . .
(5) . . . (6) . . .
(7) . . .
(8) . . .
(9) The dog owner shall not sell or transfer the dog to any person except a
member of the dog owner's immediate family OR TO A RESPONSIBLE CARETAKER who shall then be deemed the dog owner and subject to all
the requirements of this title. For the purposes of this subsection,
"immediate family" shall mean the owner's spouse, child, parent, or sibling,
9 ATTACHMENT 1
“RESPONISBLE CARETAKER” SHALL MEAN A PERSON APPROVED IN THE
REASONABLE JUDGEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER.
[…]
Sec. 4-18. Unlawful possession of aggressive ANIMAL OR dog.
(a) It is unlawful for a person who is a dog owner to keep, harbor or possess an
aggressive dog within the city. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS PROHIBITION, A
COURT MAY AUTHORIZE THE POSSESSION OF SUCH AN ANIMAL IF THE
OWNER COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTIONS 4-18(C) AND 4-18(D), AS WELL AS ANY OTHER CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY THE COURT.
(b) . . .
(c) . . .
(1) The dog owner shall, at the dog owner's expense, have a microchip
containing an identification number implanted into the dog and provide such information to the COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER section of the
wheat ridge police department. The dog owner shall produce the dog for verification by a COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER of the microchip
implementation. THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER SECTION OF THE
WHEAT RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT shall maintain records containing the registration number and name of said dog and name and address of
the dog owner. The dog owner shall be responsible for notifying THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER of any change in the address, ownership,
or death of the dog.
(2) . . . (3) . . .
(4) . . . (d) . . .
(1) . . .
(2) . . . (3) The dog owner shall, at the dog owner's expense, have the animal spayed
or neutered and shall provide proof to the COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER section of the wheat ridge police department that the
sterilization has been performed.
(e) . . .
Sec. 4-31. Dog and cat licenses.
(a) . . . (b) . . .
(c) Required; described. A license is required for all dogs and cats FROM THE
LICENSING AUTHORITY IDENTIFIED BY, AND IN FORM AND CONTENT APPROVED BY THE LICENSING ADMINISTRATOR the city as follows: A valid cat license shall be a current Mile-Hi rabies tag and registration
certificate. A valid dog license shall be a dog license issued by the licensing
10 ATTACHMENT 1
administrator. A cat or dog owner may request an exemption to this
requirement if, for medical reasons, his/her cat or dog cannot be vaccinated. In
this event, a cat or dog owner must submit an affidavit from a licensed veterinarian stating the reasons why the cat or dog is unable to be vaccinated.
(d) Wearing of tag; availability of certificate. A current and valid Mile-Hi rabies tag
shall be worn on a collar or harness by the dog at all times, unless a current and
valid tag from the licensing administrator, which requires proof of current
rabies vaccination for its issuance, is worn on a collar or harness by the dog at all times. A current and valid registration certificate, as above-described, shall
be kept in the possession of the owner of any dog or cat within the city, and
such registration certificate or a copy of it shall be produced or producible by
the owner as proof of current registration in the event of loss or the
correspondingly numbered tag.
(e) . . .
(f) . . . (g) Obtainment from licensed veterinarian. Mile-Hi rabies tags and registration
certificates are only to be issued by and obtained from veterinarians currently
licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state.
(h) New residents. New residents of the city may be issued a current Mile-Hi rabies
tag and registration certificate for their cat or dog by a veterinarian licensed to practice in the state, upon proof of having had the cat or dog vaccinated for
rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
(i) . . .
Sec. 4-33. Guard dogs.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place or maintain guard dogs in any area for the protection of persons or property unless the following conditions are met:
(1) The dogs shall be confined to an enclosed area adequate to ensure they
will not escape AND SO AS TO HAVE SAFEGUARDS IN PLACE THAT
PREVENT ACCIDENTAL OR UNINTENTIONAL ENTRY BY ANYONE, INLCUDING CHILDREN; or
(2) . . .
(3) . . . (4) . . .
(5) COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE A CEASE AND DESIST ORDER IF THEY DETERMINE THAT THE
PRESENCE OR CIRCUMSTANCES OF GUARD DOGS POSE A DANGER TO
ANY PERSON, PROPERTY, OR ANIMAL. SUCH CEASE AND DESIST ORDER IS SUBJECT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING APPEALS PROCESS AT
CODE SECTION 2-80 et seq.
Sec. 4-34. Kennel licenses.
11 ATTACHMENT 1
(a) . . .
(b) . . .
(c) . . . (d) . . .
(e) .. . .
(1) . . .
(2) . . .
(3) . . .
(4) . . .
(5) Community service officers or any agent of the chief of police have the
authority to inspect any licensed facility under this section during normal
posted business hours, OR AT ANY TIME IF THERE IS REASONABLE
CAUSE TO SUSPECT THAT THE OPERATION IS A DANGER TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE ANIMAL OR THE PUBLIC.
Sec. 4-52. Custody and disposition of impounded animals.
(a) . . . (b) . . . (c) . . . (d) . . . (e) . Whenever a community services officer or other employee or agent of the city
impounds an animal, such animal shall be impounded in a humane manner for
a period of not less than five (5) days following the date of notice to the animal owner of such impoundment pursuant to section 4-53; any animal so impounded which is not claimed within said five-day period may be disposed of by sale, donation or destruction at the sole discretion of the animal shelter.
WHENEVER A COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER OR OTHER EMPLOYEE
OR AGENT OF THE CITY IMPOUNDS AN ANIMAL, SUCH ANIMAL SHALL BE IMPOUNDED IN A HUMANE MANNER FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN FIVE (5) DAYS FOLLOWING THE DATE OF NOTICE TO THE ANIMAL OWNER OF SUCH IMPOUNDMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 4-53. NO
ANIMAL SHALL BE DESTROYED, SOLD, OR DONATED UNLESS
ORDERED BY A JUDGE AFTER A HEARING, WHICH MAY BE NOTICED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE IMPOUNDMENT NOTICE, PROVIDED THE HEARING OCCURS NO SOONER THAN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER THE HEARING NOTICE IS GIVEN. EXCEPTIONS APPLY IN CASES WHERE THE
ANIMAL IS CRITICALLY ILL OR INJURED, SUFFERING EXTREME PAIN,
AND/OR HAS A POOR PROGNOSIS FOR RECOVERY. THE ANIMAL SHELTER SHALL CONSULT WITH A VETERINARIAN AS TO THE DISPOSITION OF INJURED ANIMAL, WHEN THE ANIMAL’S PROGNOSIS CANNOT BE ASCERTAINED BY THE ANIMAL SHELTER WITH
REASONABLE CERTAINTY. THE OWNER OF AN IMPOUNDED ANIMAL IS
RESPONSIBLE FOR BOARDING AND IMPOUNDMENT FEES ESTABLISHED BY THE SHELTER. THE CITY, ITS EMPLOYEES, THE ANIMAL SHELTER, AND ANY
12 ATTACHMENT 1
CONSULTED VETERINARIAN SHALL BE IMMUNE FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY
ACTIONS TAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
(f) No animal shall be destroyed before the lapse of five (5) days following notice of impoundment pursuant to section 4-53, unless the animal shelter determines
that the animal is critically ill or injured, is suffering extreme pain, and/or has a
poor prognosis for recovery. The animal shelter shall consult with a veterinarian as to the disposition of injured animals, when the animal's prognosis cannot be ascertained by the animal shelter with reasonable certainty. The owner of any impounded animal shall be responsible for the payment of such boarding and
impoundment fees established by the animal shelter. The city and its
employees, the animal shelter and its employees, and any veterinarian consulted shall be immune from liability for any actions taken pursuant to this section.
(g) (f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever an animal is impounded by order of
the municipal court or other court, the animal shelter shall not sell, donate or
destroy such animal unless such action is permitted by a subsequent order of the same court which ordered the initial impoundment. THE MUNICIPAL COURT IS AUTHORIZED TO ORDER A HOLD ON ANIMALS SUSPECTED OF NEGLECT, AS WELL AS ANY ANIMALS SEIZED OR IMPOUNDED DUE
TO CRUELTY, INHUMANE CONDITIONS, DESIGNATION AS A
DANGEROUS OR AGGRESSIVE DOG, OR FOR BEING A SERVICE ANIMAL, UNTIL THE RESOLUTION OF THEIR CASE.
Section 2. Section 2-80 of the Municipal Code is amended to read:
Purpose; scope. The purpose of this article is to encourage prompt compliance with this
Code and prompt payment of penalties for violations thereof. This article provides for
administrative PROCEDURES AND penalties that may be imposed for violation of the
following portions of this Code CHAPTER 4, ARTICLES I AND II ANIMALS, chapter 5,
buildings and building regulations; chapter 9, health; chapter 13, motor vehicles and traffic; chapter 15, nuisances; article X of chapter 11 concerning massage businesses,
article XIV of chapter 11 concerning short term rentals; chapter 21, streets and
sidewalks; chapter 22, taxation; chapter 24, vegetation; chapter 26, zoning.
Section 3. Section 26-204 (zone district use schedule) of the Code is amended
by replacing the note in the “Table of Uses - Agricultural and Public Facilities” as follows:
13 ATTACHMENT 1
Uses Notes A-1 A-2 PF
[…]
General farming and raising or
keeping of stock, bee keeping,
poultry or small animals such as rabbits or chinchillas
keeping of swine
INCLUDED in A-2: The keeping of swine and/or potbellied pigs, Sus Scrofa Vittatus, except such animals shall not
be fed garbage
PROHIBITED IN ALL DISTRICTS: THE
RAISING OR KEEPING OF SWINE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF POTBELLIED PIGS, .
Section 2. Section 26-206 of the Code is amended by the addition of new
subsections B and G with appropriate re-numbering of the section to read as follows:
Sec. 26-606. - Small animals and poultry.
The private keeping of small animals, such as dwarf goats, rabbits and chinchillas, or
poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants or pigeons, shall be subject to the following requirements. This section shall not apply to conforming lots in the A-1 or A-2
districts.
A. Except when in compliance with section 26-605 (large animals), dwarf goats shall
be limited to a maximum of three (3) per residential dwelling unit, plus their
unweaned offspring and provided no un-neutered male dwarf goats shall be allowed. For each dwarf goat, a minimum of one hundred thirty (130) square feet
of permeable lot area shall be provided in the side or rear yard.
B. FOR LOTS THAT ARE UNDER ONE (1) ACRE IN SIZE, ONLY ONE (1) ROOSTER IS
PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL ZONE DISTRICTS. FOR LOTS
THAT ARE ONE (1) ACRE IN SIZE OR LARGER, UP TO THREE (3) ROOSTERS ARE PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS. ROOSTERS ARE
NOT PERMITTED IN ANY OTHER ZONE DISTRICTS.
C. Poultry houses and pigeon coops, or the portions of these and other structures
used to house or provide shelter for small animals, shall not exceed four hundred
(400) square feet of ground floor area nor twelve (12) feet in height.
D. Hutches for small animals shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet of
ground floor area with a maximum of two (2) floors or levels.
E. Maximum ground floor areas for small animals or poultry set forth above may be
increased by fifty (50) percent for each acre in addition to the minimum lot size for
the zone district.
F. All houses, coops, hutches or portions of these and other structures housing or
providing shelter for small animals shall be located other than in a front yard, shall be set back at least fifteen (15) feet from side and rear property lines, and shall be
14 ATTACHMENT 1
no closer than thirty (30) feet from a residence or other main structure on an
adjacent property.
G. THE RAISING OR KEEPING OF SWINE IS PROHIBITED IN ALL ZONE DISTRICTS WITH THE CITY. THIS PROHIBITION SHALL NOT APPLY TO POTBELLIED PIGS
WHICH MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 4-14.
H. The accumulation of animal waste to the extent that such becomes a nuisance to
surrounding properties is prohibited, as regulated by chapter 15 of this Code of
Laws.
I. The legal, nonconforming keeping of such animals may be continued so long as
such keeping of animals remains otherwise lawful; except where such keeping of
animals is discontinued for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or more, then
said keeping of animals must conform to the provisions hereof or must cease.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after final publication, as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of 8 to 0 on this 23rd day of March 2026, ordered published by title in a newspaper of general circulation in the
City of Wheat Ridge and in full on the City’s website, and Public Hearing and
consideration on final passage set for April 13, 2026, continued to June 8, 2026 for final passage at 6:30p.m, in the Council Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge,
Colorado.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final reading by a vote of
___ to ___, this 8th day of June 2026.
SIGNED by the Mayor on this _____ day of ____________, 2026.
________________________________
Korey Stites, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Onorina Maloney, Sr Deputy City Clerk
Approved as to Form
______________________________ Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
15 ATTACHMENT 1
First Publication: March 24, 2026
Second Publication: June 9, 2026
Effective Date: June 24, 2026
Published:
Jeffco Transcript and www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
Planning Commission Minutes -1 –
February 19, 2026
PLANNING COMMISSION
Draft Minutes of Meeting
February 19, 2026
CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair DISNEY at 6:30 p.m. This meeting
was held in person and virtually, using Zoom video-teleconferencing technology.
1.ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Commission Members Present: Kristine Disney
Daniel Graeve
Michael Moore
Syrma Quinones
Anna Sparks
Commission Members Absent: Krista Holub
Staff Members Present: Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager
Jana Easley, Planning Manager
Stephanie Stevens, Senior Planner (via Zoom)
Scott Cutler, Senior Planner
Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
It was moved by consensus to approve the order of the agenda.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 18, 2025
It was moved by Commissioner SPARKS and seconded by Commissioner
MOORE to approve the minutes of December 18, 2025, as written. Motion
approved 5-0.
5.PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not
appearing on the agenda.)
No one wished to speak at this time.
6.PUBLIC HEARING
ATTACHMENT 2
Planning Commission Minutes - 5 –
February 19, 2026
found Wheat Ridge's can-do and proactive attitude refreshing, making the
city appear forward-looking, and he appreciated it.
Commissioner SPARKS stated she would not want the city to miss out on
millions of dollars from state grants in the future. If this is what the state
wishes, even though it takes away some authority from the commission,
and if it makes sense to the state, it makes sense to her.
Vice Chair DISNEY close the public hearing.
It was moved by Commissioner MOORE and seconded by Commissioner
QUINONES to recommend approval of the proposed 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.
Commissioner MOORE stated he wanted to thank staff for the presentation
and work. He was excited about what's happening at Ridge Road.
Motion carried 5-0.
C. Case No. ZOA-26-3: An Ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Municipal
Code to impose zoning limitations on the keeping of small animals.
Vice Chair DISNEY opened the public hearing.
Ms. Schilling gave a short presentation regarding the ordinance.
Public Comment
No one wished to speak at this time.
Commissioner SPARKS asked about the system to help with roosters,
similar to the system for barking dogs.
Ms. Schilling explained that they are called "crow collars" and help with
noise mitigation as best they can. Community service officers treat
roosters similarly to barking dogs, where it's not necessarily always a noise
violation but rather an expectation of reasonability regarding what you can
expect from crowing or barking.
Commissioner QUINONES asked if there are individuals in residential areas
on less than one acre with more than one rooster.
Planning Commission Minutes - 6 –
February 19, 2026
Ms. Schilling responded that the city doesn't currently track this since no
permit is required, so they don't have any numbers.
Commissioner QUINONES asked what happens once this ordinance
passes.
Ms. Schilling explained that if a property had more than one rooster, it
would likely be able to maintain their roosters, but as the roosters pass,
they wouldn't be able to replace those roosters.
Vice Chair DISNEY asked how many properties in Wheat Ridge are larger
than an acre that would have roosters, noting there can't be many left.
Ms. Easley, referring to a table from the previous agenda item, stated that
there is very little agricultural or larger-than-one-acre residential property
within the city, so it would be a very small percentage.
Vice Chair DISNEY asked how animal control polices work—whether it's one
strike, two strikes, three strikes.
Ms. Schilling explained it's similar to how they police dogs. It would be a
longer-term issue that wasn't being mitigated. Sometimes they request
folks to bring their roosters indoors for a certain amount of time or wear
crow collars, and they ask for support from owners. It depends on how
often they're crowing, how loud, and how disruptive. There's no one-size-
fits-all solution. Crow collars have proven helpful.
Vice Chair DISNEY asked why roosters are necessary, noting they help
breed chickens but questioning why someone would need a rooster.
Commissioner SPARKS offered to answer, having grown up on a chicken
farm. She explained that roosters have a large spur on the back of their leg
and aggressively protect hens under their control. Many predators want to
eat hens and eggs, and they're very clever. Sometimes roosters lead hens
up into trees to protect them from ground-dwelling predators.
Commissioner GRAEVE then noted finding one of the more interesting
points in the materials: that all surrounding neighboring communities don't
allow roosters. He asked what about the city's decision made City Council
go a different direction than neighboring communities and actually permit
them.
Ms. Schilling clarified that the city has always implicitly allowed roosters
through allowing poultry, so that hasn't changed. Now they would be
Planning Commission Minutes - 7 –
February 19, 2026
explicitly allowing roosters for lots of a certain size. She stated that City
Council was trying to maintain its urban agricultural roots and felt areas
and lots of that size make sense. For City Council, there wasn't any
perspective during the conversation where they felt it was worth
abandoning roosters completely.
Commissioner MOORE asked whether the city currently has a swine
problem or if this is more battening down the hatches.
Ms. Schilling stated she's not aware of an existing swine problem. Ms.
Easley added that the city does get inquiries, and the code is somewhat
unclear.
Vice Chair DISNEY closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Commissioner GRAEVE and seconded by Commissioner
QUINONES to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending
Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning the keeping of
small animals and making conforming amendments therewith.
Commissioner GRAEVE offered a quick comment, noting that he's known
people who have gotten chicks and don't know when they arrive if it will be
a hen or a rooster. What if one turns out to be a rooster? Urban folks with
chickens then have to do something with the rooster. As someone who
embraced the city's urban agriculture reputation many years ago, it's
comforting to see this carried forward and the city being bold enough to
allow folks to have something on their property that is an element of
sustainability and can be beneficial in many ways. He commended this
decision by council and the city.
Motion carried 5-0.
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Upcoming Dates
Ms. Easley confirmed there is no meeting on March 5 but possibly on
March 19.
B. Project and Development Updates
Ms. Easley provided several updates including that former City Councilor
Janeece Hoppe has been newly elected as city clerk, and the city is
ITEM NUMBER: 3
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
COUNCIL BILL NO. 11-2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE REAPPOINTING JONATHAN LUCERO AS
PRESIDING MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE AND APPROVING A
MUNICIPAL JUDGE SERVICES AGREEMENT
☐PUBLIC HEARING ☐BIDS/MOTIONS ☐RESOLUTIONS
☒ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING ☐ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐YES ☒NO
ISSUE:
The City’s Home Rule Charter provides for appointment of the municipal court judge for
a term of two years. The current term of Presiding Judge Jonathan Lucero expires July 1, 2026.
PRIOR ACTION:
June 22, 2024: Judge Lucero was appointed by City Council in 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Judge is presently compensated at $110.00 per hour and has requested a new rate
of $135.00 per hour.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Court operates an Administrative Management
Model, as opposed to the previous Judicial Management Model, assigning hiring
and personnel management to the Court Administrator under the direction of City
management, while still aligning with the Charter giving assignment of general supervision of the court personnel to the presiding judge. Administrative functions
are overseen by the Court Administrator who reports to the Deputy City Manager.
The Presiding Municipal Judge retains all judicial responsibilities.
Charter and Code Considerations Sec. 8.2 of the Municipal Charter enables the City of Wheat Ridge to organize a
Council Action Form – Appointment of Presiding Judge
June 8, 2026
municipal court. The Charter requires that the City Council appoint a judge to serve
a two (2) year term and that they be a member of the Bar of the State of Colorado
and have a minimum of five years’ experience on the bench or in the active practice of law in Colorado immediately prior to appointment.
Chapter 14 of Municipal Code further codifies the powers, jurisdiction and workings
of the court and presiding judge.
Presiding Judge Scope of Work
The City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Court has authority over traffic violations and
local ordinances. Court is in session ten to twelve days per month (Tuesday,
Wednesday and two Thursdays) with additional virtual prisoner hearings on
Mondays and Fridays as necessary to meet the state’s regulation that prisoners be seen within 48 hours. It is anticipated the Presiding Judge will work approximately
20 – 25 hours per week.
The Presiding Municipal Judge works with the Court Administrator and Court Staff
in a professional and courteous manner to establish and maintain processes and procedures to ensure efficient and legally defensible courtroom practices. The
Presiding Judge will participate in implementation of various City programs as they relate to Municipal Court. The selected appointee will demonstrate impeccable
character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency.
Judicial functions include, but may not be limited to:
• Preside over court sessions. Interpret and apply the law, make legal rulings,
and ensure that the proceedings are conducted fairly and according to established legal procedures.
• Responsible for making legal decisions based on the facts presented and
applicable laws. Adjudicate cases by listening to evidence, determining the
guilt or innocence of the accused, and in the case of guilt, imposing
appropriate penalties.
• Interpret and apply the law to specific cases.
• Ensure that legal principles are correctly understood and followed.
• Uphold the principles of due process, ensuring that all parties involved in a
case are treated fairly and have the opportunity to present their case.
• Adopt rules and regulations to conduct the business of the Court.
• Appoint referees or administrative hearing officers.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve Council Bill No. 11-2026, an ordinance reappointing Jonathan Lucero as Presiding Municipal Court Judge and approving a Municipal Judge Services
Agreement, on first reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday, June 22,
2026, at 6:30 p.m., as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, 7500 West 29th
Avenue, and that it takes effect upon adoption at second reading.”
Council Action Form – Appointment of Presiding Judge
June 8, 2026
Or,
“I move to postpone indefinitely Council Bill No. 11-2026, an ordinance reappointing
Jonathan Lucero as Presiding Municipal Court Judge and approving a Municipal Services Agreement for the following reason(s).”
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Marianne Schillng, Deputy City Manager
Gerald Dahl, City Attorney Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Council Bill No. 11-2026
2. Municipal Judge Services Agreement
ATTACHMENT 1
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
Council Bill No. 11
Ordinance No. 1844
Series 2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE REAPPOINTING JONATHAN LUCERO AS
PRESIDING MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE AND APPROVING A MUNICIPAL
JUDGE SERVICES AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge is a home rule municipality having all powers
conferred by Article XX of the Colorado Constitution; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule authority and as authorized by the charter
the Council has provided for a municipal court and judge; and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to continue the appointment of Jonathan Lucero
as Presiding Municipal Court Judge and approve a Municipal Judge Services Agreement;
and
WHEREAS, Charter Section 8.5 requires the Council to set the Judge’s
compensation by ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT
RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. Pursuant to Sections 8.3 and 8.5 of the Home Rule Charter, Jonathan Lucero is hereby reappointed as municipal court judge to serve a term of two years,
expiring on July 1, 2028, at which time the Council shall consider reappointment. The Judge’s compensation shall be $135.00 per hour. The terms and conditions of the
Judge’s employment shall be as set forth in the Presiding Municipal Judge Services
Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2026, attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2. Severability: Conflicting Ordinances Repealed. If any section, subsection, or clause of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid, the validity of the remaining sections, subsections and clauses shall
not be affected thereby. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon adoption at second reading, as permitted by the Charter.
ATTACHMENT 1
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of __ to __ on this
8th day of June 2026, ordered published by title in the newspaper and in full on the City’s
website as provided by the Home Rule Charter, and Public Hearing and consideration on final passage set for June 22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 7500 West
29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final reading by a
vote of ___ to ___, this ____ day of ______, 2026.
SIGNED by the Mayor on this _____ day of ____________, 2026
ATTEST:
Janeece Hoppe, City Clerk
Korey Stites, Mayor
Approved as to Form:
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
First Publication: June 9, 2026
Second Publication: June 23, 2026
Effective Date: June 22, 2026
Published:
Jeffco Transcript and www.wheatridge.gov
ATTACHMENT 2
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PRESIDING MUNICIPAL JUDGE SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS PRESIDING MUNICIPAL JUDGE SERVICES AGREEMENT is entered into and
effective as of the 1st day of July 2026 ("Effective Date"), by and between the CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO (the “City”) and JONATHAN M. LUCERO, (“Presiding Judge”), together referred to herein as the "Parties." In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 – SERVICES
The Presiding Municipal Judge works with the Court Administrator and Court Staff in a
professional and courteous manner to establish and maintain processes and procedures to ensure efficient and legally defensible courtroom practices. The Presiding Judge will participate in implementation of various City programs as they relate to Municipal Court. The Presiding Judge will demonstrate impeccable character, integrity,
reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency. Judicial functions include, but may not be limited to:
A. Ensure the presence of a municipal judge at all Court cases, by either presiding over such cases personally or by arranging for relief or associate Judges.
B. Interpret and apply the law, make legal rulings, and ensure that the proceedings
are conducted fairly and according to established legal procedures.
C. Make legal decisions based on the facts presented and applicable laws. Adjudicate cases by listening to evidence, determining the guilt or innocence of the accused, and in case of guilt impose appropriate penalties.
D. Interpret and apply the law to specific cases. Ensure that legal principals are
correctly understood and followed.
E. Uphold the principles of due process, ensuring that all parties involved in a case are treated fairly and have the opportunity to present their case.
F. Adopt rules and regulations to conduct the business of the Court.
G. Appoint referees or administrative hearing officers.
ARTICLE 2 – QUALIFICATIONS
The Presiding Judge shall continuously maintain the following qualifications:
A. Licensed to practice law in all Colorado courts, including the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado; and
B. Resident within 40 miles of the Wheat Ridge Municipal Court.
-2-
ARTICLE 3 - TERM; TERMINATION
Pursuant to Section 8.3 of the Charter, this Agreement shall be for a two (2) year term, ending on July 1, 2028. This Agreement may be terminated during its term for any of the
reasons enumerated in Section 8.3 of the Charter.
ARTICLE 4 – COMPENSATION
The Parties agree that the Presiding Judge shall be compensated at $135.00 per hour for services rendered under this Agreement. This Agreement is specifically subject to the provisions of Section 2-3(c) of the Code of Laws of the City of Wheat Ridge, which
limits the amount for which the City shall be liable to the amount expressly appropriated by the City Council, either through budgeted appropriation, or contract or bid appointment. The Parties further recognize and agree that the City, as a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, is subject to the Constitution and laws of the State of Colorado. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the
obligation of the City to make payment to Presiding Judge is expressly subject to annual appropriations by the City of funds for the next ensuing budget year.
ARTICLE 5 – INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
Pursuant to the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, §§ 24-10-101 et seq., C.R.S., Presiding Judge is an appointed official of the City entitled to any and all benefits of law
pertaining to judicial or sovereign immunity and to coverage by the City's insurance
applicable to persons holding such a position for claims brought against him in his official capacity or arising out of his performance of his official duties as described.
ARTICLE 6 – CHARTER, LAWS, AND ORDINANCES
The Presiding Judge shall at all times during the performance of this Agreement, strictly
adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances
that affect or govern the work as herein contemplated.
ARTICLE 7 – INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
The Presiding Judge shall be and remain at all times an independent contractor. Although the Presiding Judge will be an official of the City, the Presiding Judge shall
make no representation that he is an employee of the City for any reason.
ARTICLE 8 – JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
An independent, fair, and impartial judiciary is indispensable to our system of justice. The United States legal system is based upon the principle that an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary, composed of men and women of integrity will
interpret and apply the law that governs our society. Thus, the judiciary plays a vital role in preserving the principles of justice and the rule of law. Judges, individually and collectively, must respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust and strive to maintain and enhance confidence in the legal system. The Presiding Judge is expected to uphold these principles.
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ARTICLE 9 – JUDICIAL IMPARTIALITY
The Presiding Judge shall uphold and apply the law and shall perform all duties of judicial office impartially. Impartially means absence of bias or prejudice in favor of, or
against, particular parties or classes of parties, as well as maintenance of an open mind in considering issues that may come before the judge. The Presiding Judge shall perform the duties of the judicial office without bias or prejudice. The Presiding Judge shall not be swayed by public clamor or fear of criticism. Presiding Judge shall not permit social, political, financial, or other interests or relationships to influence the
judge’s judicial conduct or judgment. The Presiding Judge shall not convey or permit others to convey the impression that any person is able to influence the judge.
ARTICLE 10 – LAW AND VENUE
The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern as to the interpretation, validity, and effect of this Agreement. The Parties agree that venue and jurisdiction for disputes
regarding any aspect of this Agreement is proper and exclusive with the District Court of
Jefferson County, Colorado.
ARTICLE 11 – NOTICES
Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given for all purposes if sent by certified mail or
registered mail, postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the party to whom such notice
is to be given at the address set forth below. Such notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited in the United States Mail.
If to the City: City Manager 7500 W 29th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Fax: (303) 234-5924
With a copy to: City Attorney 7500 W 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Fax: (303) 234-5924
If to Presiding Judge: Jonathan M. Lucero, Esq. 7500 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Fax (303) 980-1721
Jonathan.Lucero@yahoo.com
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ARTICLE 12 – ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTORS
The duties and obligations of the Presiding Judge may not be assigned, delegated, or subcontracted (other than via the use of associate or relief judges as herein described)
except with the express written consent of the City.
ARTICLE 13 – SEVERABILITY
To the extent that the Agreement may be executed and performance of the obligations of the Parties may be accomplished within the intent of the Agreement, the terms of this Agreement are severable, and should any term or provision hereof be declared invalid
or become inoperative for any reason, such invalidity or failure shall not affect the validity of any other term or provision hereof. The waiver of any breach of a term hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any other term, or the same term upon subsequent breach.
ARTICLE 14 – INTEGRATION OF UNDERSTANDINGS
This Agreement is intended as the complete integration of all understandings between
the Parties. No prior or contemporaneous addition, deletion, or other amendment hereto shall have any force and effect whatsoever, unless embodied herein in writing. No subsequent novation, renewal, addition, deletion, or other amendment hereto shall have any force or effect unless embodied in writing and signed by the Presiding Judge
and an authorized representative of the City.
ARTICLE 15 – AMENDMENTS
The City may from time to time require changes in the scope of services of the Presiding Judge to be performed herein. Such changes, including any increase or decrease in the amount of the Judge’s compensation, must be mutually agreed upon in
writing by the City and the Presiding Judge, as an amendment to this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
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ATTEST: CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
________________________________ By: ____________________________
Janeece Hoppe, City Clerk Korey Stites, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
PRESIDING JUDGE
________________________________
Jonathan M. Lucero
ITEM NUMBER: 4
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
COUNCIL BILL NO. 12-2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE
CODE OF LAWS TO TRANSFER THE DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
☐PUBLIC HEARING ☐BIDS/MOTIONS ☐RESOLUTIONS
☒ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING ☐ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐YES ☒NO
ISSUE:
The item under consideration is to amend Chapter 2 of the Wheat Ridge Code of
Laws to transfer the duties of the Board of Adjustment to the Planning Commission.
PRIOR ACTION:
City Council discussed this topic at its April 20, 2026, study session and directed staff to proceed with preparing an ordinance to effect transferring the duties of the Board of
Adjustment to the Planning Commission. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of this ordinance is not expected to have any financial impact on the city. BACKGROUND:
The Board of Adjustment (BOA) is created in the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws in Section
2-61. The BOA’s primary role is to preside over public hearings related to variances
from certain standards in the city’s zoning and sign code. They also hold public
hearings when an applicant appeals for an interpretation of the zoning code. These
responsibilities are described in Section 26-115 (Variances/temporary permits/interpretations).
The volume of variance applications has dropped over the years. Additionally, as a
result of expanding the use of administrative review for variance requests in 2007, the
number of non-administrative variances has decreased, and the BOA has met less frequently over the past two decades.
Council Action Form – Transfer of BOA Duties June 8, 2026
The BOA is comprised of resident volunteers, including two residents from each district
as well as alternates, who have an interest in serving the community in a quasi-judicial capacity. Because the BOA meets only occasionally, appointed individuals often have
limited opportunities to actively engage in decision-making. This can be a disservice for
volunteers who have committed their time and interest to serving in a public role but are
unable to regularly exercise the duties associated with that appointment.
This transfer of duties would occur following the completion of the BOA members’
current terms through March 2027 to provide an orderly transition of duties. During this
interim period, current members of the BOA shall not be subject to the single-board limit
established by Section 2-53(a) and would be eligible to apply for and begin serving on
one other city board or commission until their BOA term expires in March 2027.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the city attorney recommend approval of the ordinance. First reading in these cases is a procedural action that merely sets the date for the (second
reading) public hearing. No testimony is taken on first reading.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve Council Bill No. 12-2026, an ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to transfer the duties of the Board of Adjustment to the
Planning Commission, on first reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday,
July 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, and that it takes effect immediately after final publication.”
Or,
“I move to postpone indefinitely Council Bill No. 12-2026, an ordinance amending
Chapter 2 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to transfer the duties of the Board of
Adjustment to the Planning Commission, for the following reason(s):
_______________________________________.”
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Jana Easley, Planning Manager Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director
Patrick Goff, City Manager
Gerald Dahl, City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Council Bill No. 12-2026.
ATTACHMENT 1
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
Council Bill No. 12
Ordinance No. 1845
Series of 2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE
CODE OF LAWS TO TRANSFER THE DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge (“City”) is a Colorado home rule municipality operating under a Charter approved by the electorate pursuant to Article XX of the
Colorado Constitution and governed by its elected City Council (“Council”); and
WHEREAS, the Council has authority pursuant to the Home Rule Charter and C.R.S.
§31-16-101, et seq. to adopt and enforce ordinances and to create, modify, or dissolve
boards and commissions; and
WHEREAS, Section 2-61 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws establishes the Board
of Adjustment to hear and decide requests for variances, waivers, and interpretations related to the City’s zoning ordinance, sign code, and subdivision regulations; and
WHEREAS, the volume of variance requests has dropped significantly over the last
20 years resulting in a significant reduction in the number of cases requiring Board of Adjustment review; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Adjustment now meets infrequently, and appointed members have limited opportunities to actively participate in quasi-judicial proceedings
and public service; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission already serves in a quasi-judicial role and currently hears certain variance requests associated with other land use applications; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that consolidating Board of Adjustment duties with the Planning Commission will promote administrative efficiency, provide more
consistent land use decision-making, and create greater opportunities for appointed
officials to participate in public hearings and land use matters; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that maintaining the Board of Adjustment
as a legally distinct body while assigning its duties to the members of the Planning Commission is in the best interests of the City; and
ATTACHMENT 1
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to allow current Board of Adjustment members
to complete their current terms through March 2027 in order to provide an orderly
transition of duties.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. Section 2-61(a) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, regarding the
Board of Adjustment, is hereby amended as follows:
(a) The board of adjustment shall have the authority to hear and decide requests
for variances and waivers of the city zoning ordinance and sign code, and for
interpretation of those ordinances and codes and the subdivision regulations,
subject to those guidelines set forth in section 26-115, and as approved by
the city council in the form of official rules and regulations for the board of adjustment. The members of the board of adjustment shall be those
individuals appointed to serve as the planning commission, as described in Section 2-60(h). Terms of office for the planning commission and board of
adjustment shall run concurrently.
Section 2. Section 2-60 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, regarding the
Planning Commission, is hereby amended by the addition of a new subsection (h) as follows:
(h) The members appointed to serve as the planning commission shall also
serve as and perform the duties of the board of adjustment as described in Section 2-61. Terms of office for the planning commission and board of
adjustment shall run concurrently.
Section 3. Section 2-53(a) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, regarding board
and commission members, is hereby amended as follows:
(a) Members of all boards and commissions shall be residents of the city and
registered voters. Members of all boards and commissions shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment. All board and
commission members shall serve without compensation. No board or
commission member shall hold elective governmental office for the city or be employed by the city during tenure as a member of a board or commission.
Except for members of the election commission, no board or commission member shall simultaneously serve on more than one (1) city board or
commission. No board or commission member shall simultaneously serve
on more than one (1) city board or commission, except as follows: i. Members of the election commission shall be eligible to serve on one
(1) other city board or commission
ATTACHMENT 1
ii. Members of the planning commission shall also serve as the board of
adjustment as described in Sections 2-60 and 2-61.
Section 4. Term of Current BOA Members. Effective immediately, the terms of
all current board of adjustment members shall be modified to expire in March 2027.
Section 5. Transition Period. Effective immediately and in recognition of the
transfer of duties of the board of adjustment, current members of the board shall not be subject to the single-board limit established by Section 2-53(a) and are eligible to apply
for and serve on one (1) other city board or commission until their board of adjustment
term expires in March 2027.
Section 6. Safety Clause. The City of Wheat Ridge hereby finds, determines, and declares that this ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the
City of Wheat Ridge, that it is promulgated for the health, safety, and welfare of the public and that this ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety and
for the protection of public convenience and welfare. The City Council further
determines that the ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative objective sought to be attained.
Section 7. Severability, Conflicting Ordinances Repealed. If any section,
subsection, or clause of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid, the validity of the remaining sections, subsections and clauses shall not be affected thereby. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the
provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after
final publication, as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of __ to __ on this 8th day of June 2026, ordered published by title in the newspaper and in full on the City’s
website as provided by the Home Rule Charter, and Public Hearing and consideration on final passage set for July 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., as a virtual meeting and in the Council
Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final reading by a vote of ___ to ___, this __ day of ____, 2026.
ATTACHMENT 1
SIGNED by the Mayor on this _____ day of ____________, 2026.
_______________________________
Korey Stites, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Janeece Hoppe, City Clerk
Approved as to Form
_______________________________
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
First Publication: June 9, 2026
Second Publication: July 14, 2026 Effective Date: July 13, 2026
Jeffco Transcript and https://www.wheatridge.gov
ITEM NUMBER: 5
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
COUNCIL BILL NO. 13-2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHEAT RIDGE CODE OF LAWS
CONCERNING DISPOSITION OF LOST, ABANDONED, AND
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
☐PUBLIC HEARING ☐BIDS/MOTIONS ☐RESOLUTIONS
☒ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING
☐ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐YES ☒NO
ISSUE:
The Colorado Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (the “Act’) generally requires
holders of unclaimed property, such as the City, to disburse unclaimed cash and cash instruments to the state treasurer. The Act had allowed a local government to exempt
itself from the Act if it adopted a local ordinance concerning unclaimed property, which
the City did in February 2025. However, on June 4, 2025, Governer Polis signed House
Bill 25-1224 which removed this exemption from the Act. This ordinance revises Code
sections to comply with the Act, as amended on June 4, 2025, and simplifies the procedure for the City’s disposition of unclaimed property.
PRIOR ACTION:
City Council approved an ordinance on February 24, 2025 exempting the City from
certain provisions of the Act.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no significant fiscal impact associated with adoption of this ordinance. The
amendments provide administrative clarity and establish updated procedures for the handling and disposition of property held by the City. Any revenue resulting from forfeited
or disposed property is expected to be minimal and consistent with current practice.
BACKGROUND:
The proposed ordinance modernizes the City’s procedures for managing unclaimed
property and aligns municipal practices with applicable provisions of Colorado law.
Council Action Form – Lost, Abandoned, and Unclaimed Property
June 8, 2026
Key amendments include:
• Clarifying the distinction between tangible and intangible unclaimed property.
• Requiring intangible property, such as cash and financial instruments, to be remitted
to the State Treasurer in accordance with Colorado’s Unclaimed Property Act.
• Establishing clear procedures for notice, claims, and disposition of tangible
unclaimed property held by the City.
• Updating Police Department procedures governing lost and abandoned property to
reflect current operational practices and state law requirements.
• Repealing obsolete sections of Chapter 19 and consolidating procedures into a
more streamlined and administratively efficient framework.
• Preserving the rights of finders of lost property under specified circumstances.
The ordinance also authorizes the City Manager to establish administrative procedures
necessary to implement and enforce the updated requirements.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff and City Attorney recommend approval.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve Council Bill No. 13-2026, an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning disposition of lost, abandoned, and unclaimed
property, on first reading, order it published, public hearing set for Monday, June
22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. as a virtual meeting and in City Council Chambers, and that it takes effect fifteen days after final publication as provided by the Charter.”
Or,
“I move to postpone indefinitely Council Bill No. 13-2026, an ordinance amending
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning disposition of lost, abandoned, and
unclaimed property, for the following reason(s) _________________.”
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Gerald Dahl, City Attorney
Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Council Bill No. 13-2026
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
Council Bill No. 13
Ordinance No. 1846
Series 2026
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 205 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE
CODE OF LAWS CONCERNING DISPOSITION OF LOST, ABANDONED, OR
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge is a home rule municipality having all powers conferred by Article XX of the Colorado Constitution; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule authority and C.R.S. § 31-23-101, the City, acting through its City Council (the “Council”), is authorized to adopt ordinances for the protection of the public health, safety or welfare; and
WHEREAS, in the exercise of this authority the Council has previously adopted provisions withing the Code of Laws concerning lost or abandoned property; and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to amend Section 2-5 of the Code on disposition of unclaimed property generally; and
WHEREAS, the Council also wishes to amend Code section 19-80 to render it
consistent with state law, Code section 19-79, and the standard operating procedures of the Police Department.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. Section 2-5 of the Code of Laws is amended to read in its entirety as
follows:
Sec. 2-5. Disposition of unclaimed property.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for the administration and disposition of unclaimed property which is in the possession of or under the control of the municipalityCITY.
(b) Definitions. Unless otherwise required by context or use, words and terms shall be defined as follows:
(1) .Unclaimed property means INTANGIBLE PROPERTY AND TANGIBLE PROPERTY AS DEFINED HEREIN. Any tangible or intangible property, including any income or increment derived
therefrom, less any lawful charges, that is held by or under the control
of the CITYmunicipality and which has not been claimed by its owner AS PROVIDED HEREIN. for a period of more than two (2) years after it became payable or distributable. For purposes of this section,
"unclaimed property" shall not mean lost, abandoned, stolen or
confiscated personal property as provided in article IV, chapter 19 of this Code. The disposition of lost, abandoned, stolen or confiscated personal property shall be governed by the provisions contained in article IV, chapter 19, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.
(2) INTANGIBLE PROPERTY MEANS CASH AND FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS AS DEFINED AT CRS 38-13-102 AND CRS 38-13-205, AND THE CONTENTS OF SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES.
(3) Municipality means the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
(3) Owner means a person or entity, including a corporation,
partnership, association, governmental entity other than the
municipality, or a duly authorized legal representative or successor in interest of same, which owns unclaimed property held by the municipalityCITY.
(4) TANGIBLE PROPERTY MEANS ALL PROPERTY OTHER THAN
INTANGIBLE PROPERTY.
(c) Procedure for disposition of property DISPOSITION PROCEDURE - TANGIBLE PROPERTY:
(1) TANGIBLE PROPERTY MAY BE DISPOSED OF 60 DAYS AFTER IT HAS BEEN HELD BY THE CITY AS UNCLAIMED.
(2) Prior to disposition of any unclaimed property, the city clerk shall
cause a notice to be SENTpublished in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. In addition, the city clerk shall send a written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address, if any, of any owner of THE unclaimed
property. The last known address of the owner shall be the last address of the owner as shown by the records of the municipal department or agency holding the property. Each such notice shall include a description of the property, the amount or estimated value of the property and when available, the purpose for which
the property was deposited or otherwise held. Each suchTHE notice shall state where the owner may make inquiry of or claim the property,. Each such notice AND shall also state that if the owner fails to provide the city clerk with a written claim for the return of the property within sixty (60) days of the date of the notice,
the property shall become the sole property of the CITYmunicipality and any claim of the owner to such property shall be deemed forfeited.
(3) If the city clerk receives no written claim within the above sixty-day claim period, the property shall become the sole property of the CITYmunicipality and any claim of the owner to such property shall
be deemed forfeited.
(4) If the city clerk receives a written claim within the sixty-day claim period, the city manager shall evaluate the claim and DETERMINE WHETHER THE CLAIM IS give written notice to the city clerk and the claimant within ninety (90) days thereof that the claim has been
accepted or denied in whole or in part. The city manager may
request further supporting documentation from the claimant prior to disbursing or refusing to disburse the property.
In the event that there is more than one claimant for the same property, the city manager may, at the city manager's option,
resolve such claims or may resolve such claims by depositing the
disputed property with the registry of the District Court in an interpleader action.
(5) In the event that all THE claims filed are IS denied, the property shall become the sole property of the CITYmunicipality and any
claim of the owner of such property shall be deemed forfeited.
(6) Any legal action filed challenging a decision of the city manager shall be filed pursuant to Rule 106 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure within thirty (30) days of such decision or shall be forever barred. If any legal action is timely filed, the property shall
be disbursed by the city manager pursuant to the order of the court
having jurisdiction over such claim.
(d) DISPOSITION PROCEDURE: INTANTIGLE UNCLAIMED PROPOETY SHALL BE DIRECTED TO THE STATE TREASURER IN COMPLIANCE WITH CRS 38-13-101, ET SEQ.
(e) The City Manager is authorized to establish and administer procedures for the administration and disposition of unclaimed property consistent with this section, including compliance requirements for other municipal officers and employees in the identification and disposition of such property.
Section 2. Code section 19-80 is repealed and reenacted in its entirety to read as follows:
Sec. 19-80. - Disposition if OF unclaimed PROPERTY.
If property held in custody BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE remains unclaimed sixty (60) days after such property is no longer required to be held in
evidence pursuant to section 19-77, or sixty (60) days after such property has come into the possession of the chief of police or thirty (30) days after the mailing of any letter of notice provided for in section 19-79, such
property may be retained by the police department and kept for use by the city for training programs or otherwise, or disposed of from time to time by the chief of police or his designee IN THE MANNER PROVIDED BY CODE
SECTION 2-5, WHEREBY THE CHIEF OF POLICE SHALL HAVE THE
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK WITH RESPECT TO NOTICE TO OWNERS AND DISPOSAL AS DESCRIBED THEREIN as follows:
Section 3. The following sections of Article IV of Chapter 19 of the Code of Laws
are repealed: 19-81, 19-83, 19-84, 19-85, 19-86, 19-87, 19-88, 19-89, 19-90, and 19-92.
Section 4. Present Code sections 19-82 and 19-91 are renumbered as 19-81 and 19-82, respectively. As renumbered, Code section 19-82 is amended to read in its entirety:
Sec 19-82 Rights of Finder.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, whenever any item of lost or abandoned property has been found and delivered to the chief of police or to one (1) of his subordinates for care, custody and control, such item shall be returned to the original finder whenever claim has been made by the finder and the following
conditions have been met:
(1) The claimant is the person who originally found the lost or abandoned property.
(2) The claimant, after surrendering the property to the chief of police, has served written notice of his intention to make a claim on that item within sixty
(60) days of the surrender of the item.
(3) The lost or abandoned property has remained unclaimed by the owner or person having a right to the property for sixty (60) days after surrender of the property to the chief of police.
(4) The lost or abandoned property is not stolen or confiscated property, nor
property held under the exceptions outlined in sections 19-86 to 19-89, nor property held as evidence pursuant to section 19-77.
Section 5. Severability, Conflicting ordinances repealed. If any section, subsection or clause of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the remaining sections, subsections and clauses shall not be affected
thereby. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after final publication, as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of ___ to ___ on this
____ day of ____ 2025, ordered published in full on the City’s website as provided by the
Home Rule Charter, and Public Hearing and consideration on final passage set for
_________ _______, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue,
Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final reading by a
vote of ___ to ___, this _____ day of ______ 2025.
SIGNED by the Mayor on this _____ day of ____________, 2025.
ATTEST:
Janeece Hoppe, City Clerk
Korey Stites, Mayor
Approved as to Form:
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
First Publication: June 9, 2026
Second Publication: June 23, 2026
Effective Date: July 8, 2026
Published:
Jeffco Transcript and www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
ITEM NUMBER: 6
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MOTION
TITLE: A MOTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO ROCKSOL
CONSULTING GROUP, INC IN THE AMOUNT OF $427,536.19
WITH A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $42,753.62 FOR A
TOTAL APPROVED AMOUNT OF $470,289.81 FOR THE
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
SERVICES CONTRACT
☐PUBLIC HEARING
☒BIDS/MOTIONS
☐RESOLUTIONS
☐ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING ☐ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐YES ☒NO
ISSUE:
The City entered into an IGA with CDOT to construct a shared used path along Wadsworth Boulevard between 32nd Avenue and 35th Avenue. The IGA allows for
reimbursement of design, construction, and construction management services.
Staff issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for construction management services
per CDOT guidelines and received two responses. Based on the information provided
and past work experience, staff determined Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc to be the most qualified firm to provide construction management services for the project. It is
recommended that the city enter into a contract with Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc to
provide construction management services for the Wadsworth Path project.
PRIOR ACTION:
On May 29, 2023, the City entered into an IGA with CDOT to construct a shared used
path along Wadsworth Boulevard between 32nd Avenue and 35th Avenue.
On September 9, 2024, the City entered into a contract with Olsson to provide design
services for the Wadsworth Path project.
On March 9, 2026, the City entered into a contract with Jalisco International, Inc to construct the Wadsworth Path project.
Council Action Form – Wadsworth Path CM Services June 8, 2026
Page 2
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
In 2022, the City was awarded a $7.5M grant through the Denver Regional Council of Governments Transportation Improvement Program. Federal funding requires a local
match in the amount of $1,000,000. The original estimated budget for this project is as
follows:
Task Budget Amount
Design, Environmental, and Right-of-way services plus 3% contingency $1,067,000
Right-of-way Acquisition $1,413,500 (estimated)
Construction Management services $528,000 (estimated)
Construction $4,400,000 (estimated)
Additional Contingencies $91,500 (estimated) Total $7,500,000
BACKGROUND:
Closing the gap in the bicycle and pedestrian path along Wadsworth Boulevard between 32nd and 35th Avenues has been a high priority for several years.
The proposed improvements will add a wide, detached, shared use path on the west side of Wadsworth between 32nd and 35th Avenues. An amenity zone will be included varying between 4' and 8' wide that will match the current Wadsworth project to the north. Pedestrian lights and an enhanced bus stop with a bus shelter will also be
included.
Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc will serve as the City’s consultant and provide all
construction management services required for the Wadsworth Path project. These services will be reimbursed at an 86.7 percent rate per the Wadsworth Path CDOT IGA.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommend awarding a contract to Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount
of $427,536.19 for the Wadsworth Path Project, with a contingency amount of 10% or $42,753.62 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $470,289.81.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to award a contract to Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of
$427,536.19 with a contingency amount of $42,753.62 for a total approved amount of $470,289.81 for the Wadsworth Path Project.”
Or,
“I move to deny award of a contract to Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of
$427,536.19 with a contingency amount of $42,753.62 for a total approved amount of
$470,289.81 for the Wadsworth Path Project for the following reason(s).”
Council Action Form – Wadsworth Path CM Services June 8, 2026
Page 3
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Daniel Martinez, CIP Program Manager
Kent Kisselman, Director of Public Works
Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Rocksol Consulting Group, Inc Contract
Wadsworth Path Construction Management
Contract #26-25
THIS AGREEMENT made this 10th day of June, 2026, by and between the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado,
hereinafter referred to as the “City” or “Owner” and RockSol Consulting Group, Inc., 12076 Grant St.,
Thornton, CO 80215, hereinafter referred to as the “Consultant.”
WITNESSETH, that the City of Wheat Ridge and the Consultant agree as follows:
Article 1 – Services
The Consultant will serve as the City’s Consultant and provide at a minimum all the professional services
required as per 26-25-Wadsworth Path Construction Management (Exhibit A), as more fully described in the
Vendor’s response to the RFP (Exhibit B) incorporated herein by reference.
The Consultant agrees to perform the following construction management services:
•Pre-Construction Activities
o Project Coordination
o Baseline Schedule Review
o Document Review
o Permit Review
•Construction Management Services
o Civil Rights Monitoring
o Field Inspections and Material Testing
o Progress Monitoring
o Punch List Repairs
o Construction Completion
•Post-Construction Activities
o Final Documentation
o Final Material Review
o Project Closeout
o Documentation Submitted to City of Wheat Ridge
Article 2 – Term
The work to be performed under this agreement may commence promptly after receipt of a fully-executed copy
of the agreement, to the extent that the Consultant has been authorized to proceed by the City.
This agreement is intended to extend the length of the engagement and is not eligible for renewal. The
agreement may be extended if needed to accommodate construction schedule adjustments.
Article 3 – Payment and Fee Schedule
It is understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that the City shall pay the Consultant for services
provided, and the Consultant will accept a not-to-exceed amount of four-hundred twenty-seven thousand,
five-hundred thirty-six dollars and nineteen cents ($427,536.19) as full payment for the services provided. As
detailed in Exhibit C incorporated herein by reference.
ATTACHMENT 1
The City operates on a calendar year as its fiscal year; as such, all invoices must be received no later than
December 20, in order to be processed in the same calendar year.
A. Invoices by Task
Invoices will be submitted monthly by the Consultant for services performed and expenses incurred,
pursuant to this agreement during the prior month. Payment is then made to the Consultant within thirty
(30) days of receipt via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The City may elect the alternative method of
payment by the Treasurer’s Office through proper accounting procedures.
B. Funding
There is in effect within the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, a provision of the City’s Code of Laws which
limits the amount for which the City shall be liable to the amount expressly appropriated by the City
Council, either through budgeted appropriation, or contract or bid award. The Consultant is specifically
advised of the provisions of this portion of the Code of Laws of the City of Wheat Ridge, which was
enacted pursuant to Ordinance 787, Series of 1989, and expressly incorporated herein. This contract is
specifically subject to the provisions of said Ordinance and adopted Code Section.
Article 4 – No Damages for Delay
Pursuant to Section 2-4 of the Code of Laws, Consultant agrees to waive, release or extinguish its right to
recover costs or damages, or obtain an equitable adjustment, for delays in performing this contract if such
delay is caused in whole or in part by acts or omissions of the City or its agents, provided however an
extension of time is the Consultant’s remedy for such delay.
Article 5 - Escalation
All prices/fees/wages offered in response to this RFP shall be firm against any increase for one (1) year after
acceptance by the City. For subsequent periods, it shall be the Consultant’s responsibility to notify the City in
advance of any anticipated changes in prices and submit a request for a price increase. This City limits price
escalation requests to no more than one (1) rate adjustment per contract term. Increases anticipated to
exceed 10% of the original cost will not be accepted, rather the City will resolicit at that time.
The City reserves the right to accept or reject the request for a price/fee/wage increase prior to the renewal
option period. If the price/fee/wage increase is approved, prices will remain firm for a year from the date of
increase, at a minimum.
Article 6 -Sales and Use Taxes
The City of Wheat Ridge is exempt from City, County, State, and Federal sales and excise taxes. Certificates
will be issued upon request. City of Wheat Ridge Sales Tax Exempt: 98-03515
Article 7 – Independent Contractor
In performing the work under this agreement, the Consultant acts as an independent contractor and is solely
responsible for necessary and adequate worker’s compensation insurance, personal injury and property
damage insurance, as well errors and omissions insurance. The Consultant, as an independent Contractor, is
obligated to pay Federal and State income tax on monies earned. The personnel employed by the Consultant
are not and shall not become employees, agents, or servants of the City because of the performance of any
work by this agreement. The Consultant warrants that it has not employed or retained any company or
person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for it, to solicit or secure this agreement, and that it
has not paid or agreed to pay any company or person—other than bona fide employees working solely for the
Consultant—any commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gifts, or any other consideration, contingent upon or
resulting from the award or making of this agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty the City will
have the right to annul this agreement without liability or in its discretion to deduct from the agreement price
or consideration, or otherwise recover the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee,
gift, or contingent fee.
Article 8 – Insurance
In accordance with Article 7 above, the Consultant shall furnish a certificate of insurance upon notification of
award, and prior to performance. Work shall not commence under this agreement until the Consultant has
submitted to the City and received approval thereof, a certificate of insurance showing compliance with the
following minimum types and coverages of insurance:
Type of Insurance Minimum Limits of Liability
for all employees at work site.
$500,000 per accident
$500,000 each disease
(including Premises-
Operations, Independent Consultant’s Protective,
Broad Form Property Damage, and Contractual
Liability)
• Bodily Injury
• Property Damage
$1 million per occurrence
$2 million aggregate
$1 million per occurrence
$2 million aggregate
(owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles)
• Bodily Injury
• Property Damage
$2 million per occurrence
$2 million per occurrence
An endorsement covering any explosion, collapse, and underground exposures, “XCU,” in the
Commercial General Liability policy is also required. The City of Wheat Ridge shall be named as
additional insured on all liability policies. Insurance shall include provisions preventing cancellation
without 30 days prior notice by certified mail to the City.
Nothing herein shall be deemed or construed as a waiver of any of the protections to, which the agencies may
be entitled pursuant to the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, Sections 24-10-101, CRS, as amended.
Article 9 – Indemnification
The Consultant agrees to indemnify, defend, and to hold the City, CDOT, and its agents, officials, officers and
employees harmless for, from and against any and all claims, suits, expenses, damages, or other liabilities—
including reasonable attorney fees and court costs arising out of damage or injury to persons, entities, or
property causes or sustained by any person or persons to the extent caused by the negligence (acts or
omissions) of the Consultant with regard to this agreement or failure of the Consultant to provide services
pursuant to the terms of this agreement.
Article 10 – Equal Employment Opportunity
The Consultant shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age,
race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Consultant shall adhere to acceptable affirmative action
guidelines in selecting employees and shall ensure that employees are treated equally during employment,
without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Such action shall include—but not be
limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment
advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training—
including apprenticeship. The Consultant agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and
applicants for employment, notices provided by the local public agency setting forth the provisions of this
nondiscrimination clause.
The Consultant will cause the foregoing provisions to be inserted in all subcontracts for any work covered by
this agreement so that such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor—provided that the foregoing
provisions shall not apply to contracts or subcontracts for standard commercial supplies or raw materials.
Article 11 – Charter, Laws, and Ordinances
The Consultant at all times during the performance of this agreement, agrees to strictly adhere to all
applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances that affect or govern the work as
contemplated under this agreement.
Article 12 – Law and Venue
The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern as to the interpretation, validity, and effect of this agreement.
The parties agree that venue and jurisdiction for disputes regarding performance of this contract is with the
District Court of Jefferson County, Colorado.
Article 12 – Termination
The Consultant acknowledges that his failure to accomplish the work as described shall be considered a
material breach of the contract and entitle the City to consequential damages resulting from failures, acts, or
omissions—including, but not limited to re-procurement costs, insufficient or improper work.
The City and the Consultant agree that this agreement may be canceled for cause by either party, with a
fifteen (15) day prior written notice. The cost of completing the portion of the work which remains
unperformed at the time of such termination shall be deducted from the contract price before payment is
made.
The City may terminate the agreement for its convenience, upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event
of such termination the Consultant will be paid for all work and expenses incurred up until the time of such
termination.
All work accomplished by the Consultant prior to the date of such termination shall be recorded, and tangible
work documents shall be transferred to and become the sole property of the City, prior to payment for
services rendered.
Article 14 – Notices
Contact Information City Consultant
Article 15 – Assignment and Subcontractors
The duties and obligations of the Consultant arising hereunder cannot be assigned, delegated, nor
subcontracted except with the express written consent of the City. The subcontractors permitted by the City
shall be subject to the requirements of this agreement, and the Consultant is responsible for all
subcontracting arrangements, as well as the delivery of services as set forth in this agreement. The Consultant
shall be responsible for the performance of any subcontractor.
Article 16 – Severability
To the extent that the agreement may be executed and performance of the obligations of the parties may be
accomplished within the intent of the agreement, the terms of this agreement are severable. Should any term
or provision hereof be declared invalid or become inoperative for any reason, such invalidity or failure shall
not affect the validity of any other term or provision hereof. The waiver of any breach of a term hereof shall
not be construed as a waiver of any other term, or the same term upon subsequent breach.
Article 17 – Integration of Understandings
This agreement is intended as the complete integration of all understanding between the parties. No prior or
contemporaneous addition, deletion, or other amendment hereto shall have any force and effect whatsoever,
unless embodied herein in writing. No subsequent novation, renewal, addition, deletion, or other amendment
hereto shall have any force or effect unless embodied in writing and signed by an authorized representative of
the City and the Consultant.
Article 18 - Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
Disadvantaged business enterprises are afforded full opportunity to submit bids and will not be discriminated
against on the grounds of race, color or national origin in consideration for an award. Consultants shall insert
this provision in all sub-contracts for any work covered by this Agreement, so that it shall be binding upon
each sub-consultant or sub-contractor providing labor or services.
Article 19 – Ownership of Contract Products
All products produced from the awarded contract shall be the sole property of the City.
Article 20 – Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Open Records Act
Contractors, consultants, business partners and vendors that handle, process, or work in areas where
personally identifiable information may reside in hard copy or electronic records must maintain the
confidentiality of all Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Violation may result in contractual penalties
and termination of the business relationship with the City. In extreme cases criminal punishment under
Colorado Law (C.R.S. § 24-73-101) may occur. Consultant acknowledges that the City is subject to the
provisions of the Colorado Open Records Act, CRS 24-72-201, et seq., (“The Act”) and that all documents,
correspondence, email messages and other communications between the Consultant and the City are subject
to public disclosure under the provisions of that Act, with limited exceptions for proprietary information,
business secrets, and similar information. Consultant shall identify all proprietary and confidential information
on the document or communication itself. In the event the City receives a request for disclosure of such
information under the Act, Consultant agrees to indemnify the City against any attorney fees and court costs
incurred by the City in defending its refusal to disclose such information.
Article 21 - Accessibility
Consultant(s) and solutions complies with all applicable provisions of §§24-85-101, et seq., C.R.S., [1] and the
Accessibility Standards for Individuals with a Disability, as established by the Office Of Information Technology
pursuant to Section §24-85-103(2.5). Consultant also complies with the latest version of Level AA of the Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), currently version 2.1, as described in State of Colorado Technical
Standard TS-OEA-002, Technology Accessibility for Web Content and Applications when developing solutions
for the state.
The Consultant agrees to indemnify, save, and hold harmless the state, its employees, agents and assignees
(collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”), against any and all costs, expenses, claims, damages, liabilities,
court awards and other amounts (including attorneys’ fees and related costs) incurred by any of the
Indemnified Parties in relation to the Consultant’s failure to comply with §§24-85-101, et seq., C.R.S., or the
Accessibility Standards for Individuals with a Disability as established by the Office of Information Technology
pursuant to Section §24-85-103(2.5).
Any additional costs to add accessibility features will be the obligation of the Consultant, and any addition or
change to the Price Proposal will be disallowed.
Article 22 - Cooperative Procurement
The City of What Ridge encourages and participates in cooperative procurement endeavors undertaken by or
on behalf of other governmental agencies including the Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO)
and the Cooperative Educational Purchasing Council (CPEC).
Consultants are hereby advised that any member of MAPO/CPEC is permitted to avail itself of this contract at
the prices resulting from the successful award of this contract.
Article 23 – Contractor Performance Feedback
The City of Wheat Ridge has implemented a requirement for Project Managers to assess each Consultant’s
performance and issue a determination as to whether the City should award the Consultant future City
contracts. All contracts will need to be considered as part of the requirement. The following criteria will be
evaluated annually for renewable contracts and at contract closeout for one-time agreements:
a. Work completed on time
b. Work completed within budget
c. Work completed as per the Scope of Work
d. Future Award Recommendation
Article 24 – Internal Team Review
Each party has reviewed the items contained within this contract and recommend executing this contract to
proceed with the agreed upon Statement of Work.
______________________________________ __________
Whitney Mugford-Smith, Procurement Manager Date Signed
______________________________________ __________
Dan Klenjoski, Infrastructure Project Manager Date Signed
______________________________________ __________
Kent Kisselman, Director of Public Works Date Signed
Article 25 – Authorization
Each party represents and warrants that it has the power and ability to enter into this agreement, to grant
the rights granted herein, and to perform the duties and obligations described herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement in two (2) copies, each of which
shall be deemed an original on the day and year first written above.
Attest: Owner
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
7500 W. 29TH AVENUE
Onorina Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk WHEAT RIDGE, CO 80033
303-234-5900
Date
Patrick Goff, City Manager
Consultant
Approved as to Form: RockSol Consulting Group, Inc.
12076 Grant St.
Thornton, CO 80241
Gerald Dahl, City Attorney
Authorized Signature
Attest to Consultant:
Printed Name
Name
Title
Title
Date
Date
EXHIBIT A
WADSWORTH PATH
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES
PROJECT # 26 25 MAY 8, 2026
EXHIBIT B
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COVER LETTER | 1
May 8, 2026
Whitney Mugford-Smith
City of Wheat Ridge
7500 W. 29th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
SUBJECT: WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PROJECT # 26-25
Dear Ms. Mugford-Smith and Selection Committee:
RockSol Consulting Group, Inc. (RockSol) is pleased to submit this proposal to provide construction management, inspection, and testing
services under the subject contract. We are a Colorado firm with a full service testing laboratory in nearby Thornton, and we are dedicated to
providing high quality transportation engineering services to federal, state, and local government agencies. Our guiding work approach is to
provide exceptional attention to the needs of our clients. Thus, we have proposed a construction team with a firm grasp of this project’s
challenges and are prepared to manage the construction of this project as an extension of the City of Wheat Ridge’s staff. The RockSol
team brings a collaborative approach to best meet your needs. We offer:
• Local Agency Knowledge
Our Project Principal, Mark Gosselin, is a former CDOT Program and Resident Engineer who has managed numerous municipal, state,
and federally funded projects, including many in the Denver metropolitan area. He is supported by Project Manager, Alex DeWitt,
who will oversee the field operations of the project and serve as the day-to-day contact for the City. Alex is extremely familiar with
the distinct processes, expectations, and requirements for municipal projects with external funding and CDOT oversight. He will be
supported by our Construction Inspector, Vander Bemelen, who brings 6 years of experience on inspection projects for CDOT and
local agency projects. Our team will ensure that all documentation is thorough, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Local Experience with a Collaborative Team
RockSol has a long history of successfully partnering with agencies in the Denver metropolitan area. Alex, in particular, has provided
oversight on projects for the City of Arvada, the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Boulder, the City of Northglenn, and
many others. He works collaboratively with owner-agencies to ensure the project runs smoothly and that issues are handled at the
project level.
• Commitment to Quality Services
The RockSol team is committed to providing superior performance. Our Quality Management System was designed to provide all
services with care, keeping project needs in mind, thereby meeting and exceeding our client’s expectations. We excel at responding
quickly to client requests, developing the right teams, and executing the scope of services to meet your needs.
Combined, these qualifications demonstrate RockSol’s ability to produce excellent work for the City of Wheat Ridge. We appreciate the
opportunity to provide this proposal and look forward to continuing to build our relationship with the City. Please contact Alex DeWitt at 720.
471.3759 or via e-mail at dewitt@rocksol.com, if we can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Alex DeWitt, PE Mark Gosselin, PE
Project Manager Project Principal
FIRM CAPABILITIES
AND REFERENCES
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM CAPABILITIES AND REFERENCES | 2
FIRM OVERVIEW & CAPABILITIES
RockSol Consulting Group, Inc. (RockSol) provides engineering and
construction management services to government agency clients,
many with similarities to the City of Wheat Ridge. We are a Colorado-
based firm of over 250 employees providing engineering services
for the analysis, design, and construction of roadways, bridges,
structures, retaining walls, pavements, and foundations.
Our full capabilities include construction management,
inspection, and quality assurance materials testing services as
well as geotechnical investigations, pavement design, structural
engineering, roadway design, environmental services, and traffic
engineering. For nearly 30 years, RockSol has built its reputation
on providing top quality services to all our clients. Recently,
RockSol joined the Egis group of companies, providing our team
access to many more resources across the family of companies. We
remain committed to serving our clients with the same attention to
quality and personal service.
Our core values of responsiveness, flexibility, and high quality
work result in superior service to our clients. We look forward
to providing the City of Wheat Ridge with the same high level of
service. We are dedicated to serving as an extension of your staff
for the duration of this contract and will prioritize responsiveness to
Wheat Ridge staff.
Local Presence
RockSol’s staff are located in the Denver metropolitan area. They
understand the local construction market and the area. Alex has
provided oversight on other Wadsworth projects just north for
the City of Arvada. We are ready to serve the City of Wheat Ridge
for this project.
Insurance
RockSol agrees to provide and maintain insurance at the levels
requested in the RFP.
Conflicts of Interest
RockSol and our staff do not have any conflicts of interest for this
project. As an added benefit to the City, RockSol has opted to only
provide services to owner-agencies, never contractors or developers.
This allows us full separation from those we provide oversight of and
maintains are full commitment to our agency clients.
Financial Stability
Neither RockSol nor our parent company, Egis, has filed for
bankruptcy or reorganization under bankruptcy laws.
Input by Alex into all construction
elements and coordination was
invaluable and the high level of
collaboration between me, the
contractor and Alex led to a successful
completion of the project under budget.”
Lindsay Merz, PE, PMP, ENV SP
City of Boulder Project Manager
RockSol Consulting Group, Inc.
Thornton Office (Headquarters):
12076 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80241
303.962.9300
Saeid Saeb, PhD, PE, President
52CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS 5STRUCTURALSTAFF
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING/ITS STAFF
5
7
ENVIRONMENTALSTAFF
14
TRANSPORTATIONDESIGN STAFF
MATERIALSTECHNICIANS
INSPECTORS
93 6
GEOTECHNICALSTAFF
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING STRUCTURAL DESIGN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
44
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM CAPABILITIES AND REFERENCES | 3
PAST PROJECTS WITH SIMILAR FEATURES & REFERENCES
RockSol works efficiently to provide our clients with quality services. Our dedication to this mission is demonstrated by the fact that 90% of
our business is from repeat clientele. Our team puts into practice lessons learned on previous projects to progress and improve our services
on current projects. RockSol has experience providing services with similar scopes of work and project settings to those we anticipate with
this contract. The projects shown below and on the next page are a few examples of Local Agency projects for which RockSol has provided
construction management, inspection, and testing services. These projects and others demonstrate our ability to assist Local Agencies with
state and federally funded project documentation. RockSol specializes in construction management of CDOT and federal managed projects,
and our team members utilize this expertise to help agencies navigate the process. These Local Agency projects typically involve similar
scope of work such as traffic signals, concrete structures, earthwork, concrete trails, and HMA paving. RockSol takes pride in ensuring the
construction of the project is delivered as the Local Agency intends and also satisfies the procedural intricacies of the state and federal
oversight, with the ultimate goal of proper reimbursements from their grant funding.
120TH AVENUE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS
CITY OF NORTHGLENN
Daniel Martinez, former City of Northglenn Engineering Manager, 303.450.8839,
dmartinez@wheatridge.gov
Contract Amount: $422,141
The City of Northglenn completed a roadway widening project along 120th
between Sylvia Drive and the RTD Overpass near Claude Court. This project
included City and Federal funding. Most of the project work involved roadway
widening with HMA along with several storm drains throughout the site. Other pay
items included removal of concrete and HMA, unclassified excavation, sidewalks,
RCP, inlets, overhead signal work, and more. RockSol provided construction
management services for this project with Alex as the lead engineer. Alex wrote
several CMOs for this project and worked with CDOT R1 to close the project
out quickly.
19TH STREET MULTIMODAL
CITY OF BOULDER
Lindsay Merz, Project Engineer, 303.441.1983, merzl@bouldercolorado.gov
Contract Amount: $433,361
The 19th Street Multimodal Improvements Project constructed continuous
sidewalks, curb and gutter, on-street bike lane facilities, upgraded or new
pedestrian curb ramps, bus stop improvements, speed cushions, and landscaping
along both sides of 19th St from the south side of Norwood Avenue to the north
side of Sumac Avenue. The project also installed new storm sewer pipe and
drainage inlets from Sumac Avenue to Wonderland Creek and replaced the
existing Wonderland Creek CMP culvert with a larger concrete box culvert to meet
floodplain development requirements. The existing travel lanes on the roadway
received a 2” asphalt mill and overlay. Alex served as the Project Engineer on this
project ensuring all of the state and federal requirements were met.
As Project Engineer and Assistant Project Engineer, Stephany and Alex helped Arvada meet all CDOT documentation requirements by managing and documenting the weekly construction meetings, tracking contractor’s submittals, negotiating and drafting CMO Form 90s and corresponding “Letters of Explanation”, creating payment documentation (Form #266s for each pay item), creating materials notebooks per CDOT requirements, and completing CDOT’s final documentation process.
Chris Lisberg
City of Arvada Assistant City Engineer
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM CAPABILITIES AND REFERENCES | 4
120TH OVER COAL CREEK
City of Lafayette
Casey Carlson, PE, Senior Civil Engineer, 720.438.0571, Casey.Carlson@
lafayetteco.gov
Contract Amount: $109,986
This project consisted of the rehabilitation of the bridge on 120th Street over
Coal Creek. The project included the replacement of the bridge deck and rail,
asphalt improvements, relocation of the pedestrian crossing signal, signing,
striping, and final stabilization of the area. The project was completed within
60 working days and key aspects of the project included: replacement of the
bridge deck and rail, asphalt improvements leading up to the bridge, and
relocation of the pedestrian crossing signal. RockSol provided construction
management and inspection/materials testing services and design and utility
support services. Alex provided Project Engineering services on this project
assisting with all state/federal requirements.
ROCK CREEK PARKWAY BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
Town of Superior
Christine Katz, Public Works & Utilities Civil Engineer, 720.738.7693,
christinek@superiorcolorado.gov
Contract Amount: $143,116
The Town of Superior received a CDOT Off-System Bridge Grant to perform
bridge rehabilitation on a significant structure for the Town. Rock Creek
Parkway runs over a pedestrian trail and a small water ditch. This project
involved bridge repair and reinforcement, requiring the material covering the
box culvert be removed to allow for patching on the top and bottom surfaces
of the box culvert top slab. A waterproof membrane was applied before the
soil and road surface were reinstalled over the bridge. Additionally, new steel
supports were added to reinforce the midline of the bridge to prevent future
structural deterioration. New helical piles were installed along with steel
columns and a steel support beam. Alex also served as the Project Engineer on
this project.
WADSWORTH BOULEVARD TURN LANES
City of Arvada
Chris Lisberg, PE, Project Manager, 720.898.7645, clisberg@arvada.org
Contract Amount: $62,922
This project consisted of constructing new turn lanes and acceleration lanes
at several locations along Wadsworth Boulevard. Project work also included
minor widening on Wadsworth Boulevard to provide a safer transition
for turning drivers. The project replaced a section of storm sewer pipe,
reconstructed impacted sidewalks and curb ramps, and constructed a soil nail
retaining wall. RockSol provided state and federal documentation support
services for this project. Team members tracked, reviewed and prepared all
documentation for this project working with the City’s ROW inspection team.
SCOPE OF SUBMISSION
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SCOPE OF SUBMISSION | 5
CITY CONTACT
ORGANIZATION CHART
PROJECT PRINCIPAL
Mark Gosselin, PE
Dan Klenjonski
City of Wheat Ridge Project Manager
ADDITIONAL ROCKSOL RESOURCES
(AVAILABLE IF REQUESTED BY THE CITY)
Jeremy Feltner: Laboratory Manager/Head Technician
Tracy Sanders: Documentation Support
Jarren Wiersma, PE, PMP, PSP: Schedule Review
Jim Zufall, PE: Dispute Mitigation and Claims Avoidance
Gloria Hice-Idler: Civil Rights Support
INSPECTION & TESTING
Vander Bemelen
Kaleb Tischler (backup)
Timothy Garcia-Banaga
PROJECT MANAGER
Alex DeWitt, PE
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SCOPE OF SUBMISSION | 6
Mark retired from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) as the Project Director of the $497
million US 36 Phase I and II Express Lanes Design Build Projects. Prior to that, he served as the CDOT
Region 4 South Program Engineer, overseeing a staff of over 50. Mark also served for 19 years at the
CDOT Boulder Residency, the last 9 as the Resident Engineer, providing him with exceptional knowledge
of both design and construction of bike/pedestrian facilities. Since joining RockSol, he has been primarily
involved in our innovative contracting work, including work on the North I 25 Segments 5 & 6 CMGC
project, the SH 7 Lower Permanent Repairs CMGC Project and the North I-25 Segments 7 & 8 Design-Build
project. Mark will bring Lessons Learned from his extensive CMGC experience.
North Broadway Reconstruction | City of Boulder
Consultant Project Manager
The North Broadway Reconstruction Project provided long-term pavement maintenance and improve
safety and comfort for people using all modes of travel through this section of roadway from Violet Avenue
to US 36. This project provided a more durable pavement that does not require as frequent maintenance
and provides a safer and better riding experience for drivers, transit riders, and on-street bicyclists. These
improvements include a CBC underpass, concrete pavement, raised bicycle lane, multi-use path, concrete
curb & gutter, raised median cover, and new traffic signals. RockSol provided inspection and materials
testing services for this project. Mark provided overall Consultant Management throughout the project and
guidance during the dispute process.
Arapahoe Road Multi-Use Path | City of Boulder
Consultant Project Manager
RockSol assisted with inspection and materials testing of the City of Boulder Arapahoe Road Multi-Use Path
project. The project installed widened sidewalk, upgraded pedestrian curb ramps, pedestrian railing, bus
stop improvements, and landscaping along both sides of Arapahoe Road from the south side of Marine Street
to the south side of Old Tale Road. The project also installed a new manhole and inlet at Macarthur Drive and
a new inlet at Conestoga Street. RockSol provided inspection and materials testing services for this project.
37th Street Utility Improvement | City of Evans
Consultant Project Manager
This project involved the construction of utility improvements along 37th Street in Evans. Project work
included waterline improvements from 23rd Avenue to Latham Avenue, sanitary sewer improvements
from 17th Avenue to 11th Avenue and State Street, and storm sewer improvements from Valmont
Avenue and SH 85 to the railroad. RockSol provided construction management and inspection services
for this project.
I-25 North Express Lanes, Segments 5 & 6 | CDOT Region 4
Consultant Project Manager
Mark is responsible for managing the RockSol Team members and ensuring a successful project delivery
for CDOT. This project consists of the design and reconstruction of I-25 from CO 66 to CO 402. This
project included the design and construction of managed lanes, reconstruction of interchanges, center
loading I-25 express bus station, and bridge replacements. RockSol is providing preconstruction support
which includes plan and specification review, assistance with Risk Register development, and assistance
with OPCC and CAP negotiations. RockSol is also providing; geotechnical and pavement design,
documentation, construction management, construction inspection, and quality assurance materials
testing services for this project.
MARK GOSSELIN, PE
RockSol Project Principal
Availability: 10%
37 Years of Experience
11 Years with RockSol
Professional Engineer:
Colorado
BS, Basic Engineering,
Colorado School of
Mines
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SCOPE OF SUBMISSION | 7
Alex is a talented engineer in transportation construction whose broad experience with inspection
and testing services as well as oversight on state and federal documentation for municipalities with
CDOT oversight has given him a unique and broad perspective. In addition, he can communicate well
with contractors and team members. He has experience in the inspection of concrete, asphalt paving,
construction traffic control, erosion control, earthwork, as well as experience with materials testing
including flatwork and structural concrete, asphalt paving, subgrade, and base course construction.
Alex is a skilled inspector and tester with a broad knowledge of project documentation having provided
services to various agencies along the front range. He is an asset to any project team.
19th Street Multimodal CM | City of Boulder
Project Engineer
Alex DeWitt was responsible for inspecting removals, concrete sidewalks, ADA ramps, curb and gutter
installations, and a large box culvert structure. He supervised contractor crews of 25+ employees daily
and assisted the City of Boulder with creating 105’s, CMOs, and weekly meeting agendas. He was also the
main point of contact for residents impacted by construction and ensured daily contract conformance by
reviewing plans and specifications. A key success was identifying plan errors before work commenced,
which prevented costly delays. Through this project, Alex ensured the critical importance of proper
documentation to accurately track the overall budget during construction.
Commerce, Nickel, and Industrial Intersection Improvements | City and County of
Broomfield
Project Engineer
RockSol provided construction management, inspection, and materials testing services for the Commerce
Street, Nickel Street, and Industrial Lane Intersection Improvements project which reduces congestion,
improve safety and circulation, and allow for enhanced pedestrian and cyclist access. Work items included
intersection widening, pavement reconstruction, traffic signal installation, and railroad coordination.
Additional work to be managed will include storm drainage, fire hydrants, adjusting valves and manholes
as needed, curb and gutter, improving local access, and new signage and striping, including pedestrian
crossing improvements. The project occurred at a very busy and complicated intersection with an at grade
railroad crossing.
120th Avenue Corridor Improvements | City of Northglenn
Project Engineer
As Assistant Project Engineer, Alex led weekly, pre-pave, and specialty meetings. Alex oversaw the budget
and pay estimates, certified payrolls, organized and delivered documentation in the proper file structure,
tracked change order and submittals, and performed force account analysis throughout the project’s
life. Alex drafted multiple change orders on this project and worked with Northglenn and CDOT R1 on the
project documentation and closeout process.
Alkire Path, 78th to 80th Avenue | City of Arvada
Project Engineer
The Alkire Street Path Project in Arvada, Colorado, involved constructing a path along Alkire
Street between 78th and 80th Avenues. This project was federally funded and involved CDOT oversight.
RockSol provided construction coordination and documentation assistance.
120th over Coal Creek | City of Louisville
Project Engineer
Project improvements for the 120th St at Coal Creek Culvert included repairs to address condition
deficiencies related to spall damage of curb and longitudinal cracking and efflorescence of the underside
of the top slab. Improvements included the replacement of the entire top slab for the 120th St. at Coal
Creek Culvert.
ALEX DEWITT, PE
Project Engineer
Availability: 50%
12 Years of Experience
10 Years with RockSol
Professional Engineer:
Colorado
BS, Mechanical
Engineering
Technology, Oklahoma
State University
Certifications:
Traffic Control
Supervisor
Certified Flagger
Transportation Erosion
Control Supervisor
WAQTC
ACI Concrete Strength
Technician
ACI Aggregate Testing
Technician
ACI Laboratory Testing
Technician Level I
CAPA I Asphalt
Inspection
OSHA 10 Hour
LIMS/SiteManager
Labor Compliance
Certified Payroll
Checking
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SCOPE OF SUBMISSION | 8
Vander is a Construction Inspector with over 6 years of experience in the transportation and heavy civil
construction industry, including two years with RockSol. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction
Management from Colorado State University and has worked on major projects such as the US 85
Widening project for Douglas County Vander’s experience spans field inspection, environmental
compliance, RFIs and submittal management, and detailed project documentation. His background
includes supervising large-scale infrastructure projects, developing quality control plans, and managing
complex material tracking during his internship with Ames Construction and CDOT. Vander is certified
in concrete pavement inspection, traffic control supervision, erosion control, and multiple materials
testing disciplines, bringing a comprehensive understanding of CDOT standards and best practices to
every project.
US 85 Widening and Reconstruction | Douglas County
Construction Inspector
Vander served as Field Inspector for a two-mile highway widening project, overseeing the inspection
of walls, drainage systems, and a bikeway, while also acting as lead environmental inspector. His
responsibilities included conducting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) interviews, organizing and
distributing RFIs and submittals, and documenting progress through daily reports and detailed 266s for
walls, drainage, environmental, and bikeway features. Vander adapted to changes in project staffing,
inheriting additional responsibilities and supporting the field engineer with submittal and RFI tracking.
This experience taught him the value of consistent documentation and organization, which streamlined
project tracking and coordination. He also learned that building strong relationships with contractors is
essential for effective issue resolution, ultimately enhancing project efficiency.
GO Bond Staff Augmentation | City of Denver
Construction Inspector
This project involves assisting DOTI with construction management services for the West Colfax Transit,
Elevate Bond Hampden Multimodal Project, Elevate Alameda Underpass, Elevate Highline and Yale, Elevate
Washington Street projects. Vander is providing construction inspection services.
Ames Construction
Engineering Intern*
Vander constructed numerous quantity take-offs both in field and through Bluebeam. He created
quality control plans for field use by using owner’s specifications and created multiple AHAs for
craftsmen for any new on-site hazard. Vander also supervised construction of large department of
defense facility during his internship. He tracked and graphed production for 500 cubic yard wall
activity and received and tracked all rebar delivered on site. He developed excel sheet for weekly
and daily production rate tracking and managed tracking and storage of over 2 million pounds of
rebar. Additionally, Vander processed and collected data on all concrete pours on site some pours up
500 cubic yards.
I-25 South Gap | CDOT Region 1
Senior Intern*
During his internship with CDOT, Vander gained extensive hands-on experience supervising the
construction of an 18-mile, $419 million heavy civil highway expansion project. He ensured all
construction activities adhered to CDOT plans and specifications, while also supervising specialized
operations such as night work demolition of a bridge structure and the construction of multiple on-
site bridges. Vander took an active role in project documentation and financial oversight by reviewing
and drafting pay applications for completed structures, assembling accurate quantity takeoffs (QTOs),
and monitoring subcontractor work through force account tracking to ensure proper payment via
SiteManager. To verify the accuracy of completed work, Vander utilized both field measurements
and Bluebeam software, demonstrating his ability to apply technical tools in a professional
construction environment.
VANDER BEMELEN
Inspector/Tester
Availability: 100%
6 Years of Experience
3 Years with RockSol
BS, Construction
Management, Colorado
State University
Certifications:
Design and Operation of
Work Zone Traffic Control
OSHA 10 Hour Road
Construction and
Infrastructure
CAPA LabCAT A
CAPA LabCAT APM
Inspector
Certified Flagger
WAQTC/ Soils inspector
Embankment and Base
Testing Technician
UPRR Worker Protection
Transportation Erosion
Control Supervisor
Traffic Control Supervisor
ACPA Concrete
Pavement Inspector
*Completed at previous employer
EFFECTIVE APPROACH
AND TIMELINE
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE APPROACH & TIMELINE | 9
ID Task Name Duration Start Finish0Construction Project Management and Materials Testing 215 days Mon 3/31/25 Thu 2/5/26
1 Execute Contract (anticipated)0 days Mon 3/31/25 Mon 3/31/25
2 Initial coordination meeting between RockSol and Town of Avon 0 days Thu 4/10/25 Thu 4/10/25
3 Progress reports and billing (Monthly)211 days Mon 3/31/25 Sat 1/31/26
15 50% documentation review (RockSol
Staff)
0 days Fri 9/5/25 Fri 9/5/25
16 90% documentation review (RockSol Staff)0 days Tue 12/2/25 Tue 12/2/25
17 Pre-Construction 25 days Thu 4/24/25 Thu 5/29/25
18 Pre-Construction Meeting 0 days Wed 4/30/25 Wed 4/30/25
19 Set up project documentation folders 5 days Thu 4/24/25 Wed 4/30/25
20 Baseline Schedule Review 10 days Thu 5/1/25 Wed 5/14/25
21 Review submittals, shop drawings, mix designs(initial)20 days Thu 5/1/25 Thu 5/29/25
22 Review sublet permits and EEO bulletinboards10 days Thu 5/1/25 Wed 5/14/25
23 Review MHTs(initial)10 days Thu 5/1/25 Wed 5/14/25
24 Construction 150 days Mon 5/19/25 Tue 12/23/25
25 Construction start (May/June 2025)0 days Mon 5/19/25 Mon 5/19/25
26 Weekly meetings 143 days Wed 5/21/25 Wed 12/17/25
58 Monitor contractor civil rights compliance (Including 280 interviews)150 days Mon 5/19/25 Tue 12/23/25
59 Perform field inspections and materialstesting150 days Mon 5/19/25 Tue 12/23/25
60 Daily and weekly traffic control inspections 150 days Mon 5/19/25 Tue 12/23/25
61 Generate change orders, and respond to RFIs 150 days Mon 5/19/25 Tue 12/23/25
62 Monthly progress payments 147 days Mon 5/19/25 Fri 12/19/25
71 Punch list of repairs 10 days Wed 12/10/25 Tue 12/23/25
72 Construction final completion 0 days Tue 12/23/25 Tue 12/23/25
73 Post-Construction 30 days Wed 12/24/25 Thu 2/5/26
74 Final construction documentation services (final acceptance letter and as-constructed plans)
20 days Wed 12/24/25 Thu 1/22/26
75 Final material documentation review 3 days Fri 1/23/26 Tue 1/27/26
76 Final project documentation review 4 days Wed 1/28/26 Mon 2/2/26
77 Project closeout 3 days Tue 2/3/26 Thu 2/5/26
78 Submit documentation to Town of Avon 0 days Thu 2/5/26 Thu 2/5/26
3/31
4/10
9/5
12/2
4/30
5/19
12/23
2/5
March 2025April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025September 2025October 2025November 2025December 2025January 2026February 2026M
SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT
Managing Workload to Meet Schedules | Meeting project schedule demands is Mark’s main task. He has extensive experience in scaling
staff up and down to meet project workloads based on the Contractor’s schedule. The team’s knowledge of construction processes will allow
our field staff to complete work in a timely manner, without delay. With our depth of resources, we can assign construction services personnel
to meet the Contractor’s schedule of operations and accommodate emerging or urgent needs at any time.
Reviewing & Analyzing the Contractor’s Schedule | RockSol’s PSP certified schedulers, including Jarren Wiersma, have strong abilities in
reviewing contractor schedules. We will review of contractors’ initial, baseline, and monthly update schedules for compliance with contract
requirements including reviewing narratives and evaluating logic changes. Our initial baseline schedule review will include an in-depth
analysis of critical path components, and monthly schedule update reviews will verify accurate reporting of actual progress, evaluation of
logic, and overall compliance with contract requirements.
In addition, RockSol staff understand the typical milestones of a construction project and the associated work required at each stage from
preconstruciton through closeout. The sample schedule below highlights how these tasks are completed.
CURRENT & PROJECTED WORKLOAD
RockSol commits our staff to projects for their duration. We have reviewed the availability of our staff and only propose them for work when
they have capacity to dedicate time to a given project and ensure quality work. Below, we note the projects and commitments for our primary
staff. To the right is a histogram showing commitments against total firm capacity for construction management and inspection services.
Alex DeWitt
Superior Rock Creek Bridge Improvements: 3%
Broomfield Industrial, Nickel, Commerce Intersection: 10%
Boulder HSIP Signal Project: 5%
Wheat Ridge 32nd Ave Bike Lanes at I-70: 25%
Miscellaneous Projects – Closeout: 5%
Vander Bemelen
Available 6/1
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE APPROACH & TIMELINE | 10
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
The City of Wheat Ridge will be constructing a shared-use path
along the west side of Wadsworth Boulevard between 32nd and
35th Avenues. This sidewalk connection allows a safer route for both
pedestrians and bicyclists who currently use a social path in this
gap between paved sidewalk sections. The new pathway creates
improved access for Crown Hill Park and other amenities in the area,
including new business development.
The project will provide significant safety measures along
the corridor for pedestrians and cyclists moving through the
area and has been an increasing concern among residents as
development grows.
This project will involve significant stakeholder coordination,
including with the City staff, CDOT, and others. Additional amenities
included in the project are pedestrian lights and enhanced bus stops
with bust shelters.
The City is requesting construction management and materials
testing services that will follow the CDOT Local Agency process.
RockSol is well-suited for this project, and our team is excited
for the opportunity. The following pages outline our approach to
construction management and testing on Local Agency projects.
PROJECT APPROACH
Approach to Construction Management
RockSol has the ability to take a project through construction
and closeout. This is achieved through coordinating resources to
efficiently and effectively complete projects.
Our team is familiar with working on both State and Federally
funded projects and has managed similar projects effectively in
the past. Our Project Manager, Mark Gosselin, has over 37 years
of experience managing projects on a State and Federal level
and ensuring their success. Alex DeWitt has been working on
local municipality projects with state and federal funding for the
last 8 years. He has great attention to detail and has successfully
completed several projects with CDOT R1 LA over site staff. RockSol
will utilize a core group of personnel to work cohesively with the City
of Wheat Ridge and will also provide specialty resources to the City
on an as-needed basis.
Quality Management
RockSol is a quality-conscious organization, and we will comply
with City of Wheat Ridge standards and requirements, CDOT’s
Construction Manual, CDOT Field Materials Manual, Local Agency
Manual, M&S Standards, CDOT Standard Specifications, Project &
Standard Special Provisions, Project Plans, and standard industry
practices. Our QMS requires the RockSol Project Principal, Mark, to
oversee the performance of each of the project personnel. Head
Technician Jeremy Feltner can use his extensive expertise to review
project materials documents for quality and accuracy.
Local Agency Construction Oversight
RockSol has extensive experience with the CDOT Construction Oversight Checklist for Local Agency Projects. The checklist is used to guide
our construction engineers and managers through the Local Agency documentation process. With this checklist, a portion shown below,
our team will ensure that all Local Agency requirements are satisfied. The RockSol team we have proposed has experience and a great
relationship with CDOT Region 1 Local Agency CM Staff.
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE APPROACH & TIMELINE | 11
Construction Management & Inspection
Contract Administration, Coordination, and Correspondence |
RockSol will provide administrative organization for all project
communication and documentation for this construction project
especially in relation to required CDOT Local Agency paperwork. We
will manage, at a minimum, weekly project meetings with the City,
the Contractor, and CDOT, including preparing agendas and minutes.
The meetings will be used to track the work, address problems,
track action items, and identify coordination and information needs.
RockSol staff members are experienced and can point out potential
risks to the City’s team to ensure appropriate response is taken prior
to the start of construction as well as during construction. RockSol
will maintain project files, including meeting minutes and rosters,
changes made during construction, project related decisions,
communication and memorandums to and from the Contractor and
the City, traffic control items, project financial items, change orders,
shop drawings, etc. We will ensure all construction documentation
for the projects follows all federal-aid requirements, where
applicable, and City project procedures.
Interpretation of Drawings and Specifications | Our Project
Engineer, Alex, will use his years of transportation experience to
assist with project submittal review and provide comments to the
Town’s Project Manager, Dan Klenjonski. This early work ensures
constructability of the project and that all specifications are met. In
addition, we will log receipts of all requests for information (RFIs),
forward the RFI to the appropriate party or provide responses as
appropriate, coordinate with Dan for response and closure, and
document the disposition in a tracking system to assure that all
questions are resolved promptly. Any field revisions to the plans will
be coordinated with the City Project Manager and the Engineer of
Record for potential change orders and distributed to the contractor,
the City, and affected parties.
Tailored Construction Inspection | The majority of our team
members can perform multiple roles, allowing for flexibility of
tasks. These observations and inspections will be performed prior
to and during work on major items, ensuring they are completed
in accordance with project plans, standards, and specifications.
RockSol will prepare for the City a Materials Data Report (MDR)
which meets any applicable City, CDOT, FHWA, or Local Agency
standards. Our team will perform daily checks on active items. We
will prepare interim measurements for each monthly pay estimate
as well as final measurements and documentation for each item as
that item is completed. We will monitor traffic control for compliance
to approved MHTs, ensuring public and worker safety. For smaller
tasks, we can combine the inspection and testing roles to benefit the
City and the project as a whole.
Written Record of the Daily Construction Activities | All project staff
will maintain a project diary and a daily record of the construction
manpower and equipment. These records will be documented on
CDOT’s Form 103a and be used as an accurate and complete record
of the progress of the work on the project. We will provide photo
documentation as execution of the work progresses. Our team is well-
versed in this work and will maintain all inspection documentation for
the project to ensure all work is managed and monitored individually
for compliance. RockSol will prepare and distribute routine
correspondence to the Contractor, the City’s project staff, and other
stakeholders as required throughout the duration of the project.
Review Schedule and Payment Requests | RockSol will review,
compare, and certify the contractor’s monthly payment request
with the field quantity measurements to ensure the payment is
reasonable and justified, and promptly make a recommendation
to the City on the payment request. RockSol will review the
Contractor’s weekly schedule including upcoming inspection and
testing requirements and will work with the project team to ensure
timely notification to the public and businesses in the nearby area.
Monitor Compliance with Project Procedures | RockSol’s staff are
very familiar with standard construction industry practices, and have
been certified to perform all construction project management and
inspection as required by federal statutes. With the years of related
experience and the company focus on quality, RockSol personnel
can be counted on to continuously maintain the highest level of
construction standards. As part of the project documentation, our
staff will provide the contractor with verbal and written notifications
of any work that is non-compliant. We will follow up at weekly
progress meetings and, if necessary, at the final inspection until all
issues are corrected.
Emphasizing Effective Communication | We believe strongly that
communication alleviates most project concerns. Alex will take
the lead role in ensuring effective communications on this project
and be the sole point of contact for daily inspection operations.
The RockSol team prides itself on working with the City every
step of the way; our team will maintain effective communication
with Dan to ensure all work activities performed by the Contractor
are per approved plan and specifications. RockSol management
Alex DeWitt helped to make the project
a success by providing oversight for the
Town, staying within budget and making
sure that CDOT’s requirements for federally
funded projects were carefully followed.”
Alex Gorsevski, PE
Former Town of Superior Project Engineer
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE APPROACH & TIMELINE | 12
will provide frequent project reviews to maintain full cooperation
and understanding with all project participants. Combined, these
approaches will allow the RockSol team to serve as a true extension
of Wheat Ridge’s staff. Throughout the project, RockSol will maintain
excellent communication among all parties and the City.
Quality Assurance Materials Testing
Fully Certified Personnel and Laboratory: Our primary field
materials technicians hold certifications for all field testing they will
be performing on the job. Any testing not performed directly in the
field will be performed at RockSol’s Thornton laboratory, which is
AASHTO-certified and has been inspected by CDOT per CP 10.
Documentation: Alex will assure that all materials documentation is
completed properly, including all materials testing forms, summary
sheets, collect source documentation, and complete worksheets
referenced in the CDOT Field Materials Manual—specifically in
the section detailing requirements for Local Agency projects —for
reporting test results and data related to materials approved and
built into the project. Additionally, we will cross check the City
testing requirements and complete the most stringent testing
requirements. The team will develop electronic materials folders
for each pay item which will include all applicable forms, summary
sheets, source documentation, and worksheets referenced in the
CDOT Field Materials Manual for reporting test results and data
related to materials approved and built into the project. We can also
create a book with paper documents, at the City’s request.
Materials Testing services are listed below:
• Prepare materials electronic folders populated with all
required documentation.
• Complete CDOT Form #250 (Form initiated by CDOT and
then populated by the tester listing all required project
documentation). RockSol will track materials used on the project,
the number of tests performed, and complete the forms used to
record test results. The Form #250 will be updated as tests are
completed with form numbers, as required, and PE stamped by
Alex when completed. If quantities change for any reason, these
changes will be reflected in the Form #250.
• Review concrete and asphalt mix designs and prepare the
necessary forms for CDOT and Wheat Ridge approval and collect
other required materials documentation including truck tare
weights, concrete truck mixer certifications, and
scale certifications.
• Buy America and Build America Documentation: RockSol staff will
review documentation for all products as specified in Revision
of Sections 101 and 106 – Buy America and Build America, which
will be incorporated into the project to ensure that all processes
and manufacturing meets federal requirements and the materials
have proper documentation.
• Perform Project Acceptance Samples and Tests per the CDOT
Field Materials Manual and the City’s standard
testing frequencies.
Local Agency Construction Oversight
On previous CDOT Local Agency projects, RockSol developed a comprehensive spreadsheet utilizing the bid tabulations to track quantities
and cost projections. This spreadsheet included the bid quantities and bid prices, and it established a method to track what was paid month to
month. Each estimate had a subsequent tab in the file for quick reference which would be packaged with a CDOT Form 266 for documenting
compliance of the work with the contract and payment quantity. Utilizing this methodology for quantity tracking improved the efficiency of the
Construction Manager to track the cost of the project and communicate the status of the project with the owners, ultimately saving time and
effort when finalizing the project.
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE APPROACH & TIMELINE | 13
• Materials Out of Compliance: RockSol will report any material
found to be out of compliance with the specifications to the
City and the Contractor within 12 hours of the failing result and
follow up, as needed. Alex has experience with calculating price
reductions or identifying if materials should be rejected due to
out of specification results based on the CDOT specifications. If
needed, the price reductions would be documented and reflected
in the pay applications.
• Collect and File Certificates of Compliance (COCs), Certified Test
Results (CTRs), and Quality Management Lab (QML) verifications
to meet all CDOT requirements and prepare Field Reports, or
CDOT Form #157’s as needed.
• Independent Assurance Testing (IAT) tests are used to check the
project tester’s procedures and are based on project quantities.
CDOT will prepare and issue a Form #379 that lists what IAT tests,
if any, are required. Alex will coordinate this effort as necessary.
If needed, RockSol will work with the City to provide a second
materials testing firm to complete the side by side
testing confirmation.
RockSol has extensive experience with the final materials
testing forms necessary for project completion. Examples
include Explanation of Exceptions – CDOT Form #473/474 and
completion and PE stamp on the Form #250. Alex and his team will
coordinate all final documentation with the City and CDOT for final
audit approval.
Our lab manager, Jeremy Feltner, will be available to support
the project team and to review all documentation for contract
compliance periodically throughout the project and prior to
submitting the final materials documents to the City.
I worked with the Rocksol materials
team on the US 85 Highlands
Ranch Parkway to Dad Clark Gulch
(23474) job and wanted everyone to know
what a pleasure it was. In my 6 years with the
Independent Assurance group I’ve worked
with many different individuals from many
different companies and I can confidently say
that the testing staff on this project performed
at a golden standard. The R1 IA group was
always treated with professionalism, respect,
and kindness when it came to scheduling and
performing the 38 IA comparisons that took
place on this job over the past 2.5 years.”
Lane Robertson
CDOT R1 IA Lab Manager
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE APPROACH & TIMELINE | 14
PROJECT CRITICAL ISSUES
Our team has visited the project site and reviewed the details outlined in the RFQ. From this information, we have noted some
critical issues below.
UNKNOWN CONDITIONS
One narrow access area (shown
below) is bordered by dense
trees and vegetation. Although
this area will be cleared, limited
clearance suggests potential
unknown subsurface conditions
such as roots, buried utilities, or
undocumented structures. The west
side of Wadsworth has utilities such
as several existing fiber optic lines
and a water line.
RESIDENTIAL ACCESS
Key issues include limited driveway
width and potential complaints due
to construction noise. The close
proximity to traffic also raises access
and safety considerations during
construction. According to the Plans
and Specifications, single lane
closures on Wadsworth Boulevard
are only permitted on weekdays from
7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and from 9:00
a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Single lane closures
are also allowed on weekends, from
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
EXISTING VEGETATION
Due to heavy vegetation
encroachment surrounding the
structure, the existing conditions limit
the ability to fully assess potential
deficiencies prior to replacement. Tree
root systems may conflict with the
new proposed culvert and should be
carefully evaluated in the field before
cutting or removing any large roots.
Existing debris accumulation will
be addressed as part of the culvert
replacement, which is expected
to improve hydraulic performance
and help extend the service life of
the new structure.
PLAN EFFECTIVENESS
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN EFFECTIVENESS | 15
CUSTOMER SERVICE PHILOSOPHY
RockSol defines exceptional customer service as providing
consistent, responsive, and high-quality support that builds trust
and delivers value beyond expectations. It’s about being proactive,
communicative, and solution-focused throughout every phase of a
project. We incorporate this into our work by:
• Maintaining clear and timely communication with clients to
ensure transparency and alignment.
• Anticipating challenges and addressing them early to keep
projects on track.
• Delivering accurate, high-quality work that meets specifications
and deadlines.
• Listening to client feedback and adapting our approach to better
meet their needs.
• Collaborating closely with stakeholders to foster strong working
relationships and shared success.
RockSol has a history of providing exceptional customer service as
seen by the fact that 80% of our business is from repeat customers.
COMMUNICATION PLAN
RockSol understands that effective communication between field
personnel, office staff, and the City is essential to the successful
delivery of any construction project. As a construction management
team specializing in inspection and testing services, we prioritize
clarity, timeliness, and thorough documentation in all project
communications. Our proactive approach fosters early issue
identification, efficient coordination of responses, and consistent
progress to keep projects on schedule and within budget. We
recognize that success begins with strong communication and the
establishment of trust—key elements that allow our team to work
collaboratively with all project stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Daily communication between testers, field inspectors, engineers,
and project managers is maintained through a combination of
phone calls, emails, and cloud-based project management software.
Field staff electronically submit daily inspection reports and
testing results to the office, enabling timely review and follow-up.
When issues arise on-site, they are immediately escalated to the
appropriate project engineer or manager for prompt resolution.
Weekly coordination meetings are held between field and office staff
to review inspection findings, material testing updates, schedule
adjustments, and any challenges encountered in the field. These
meetings promote team alignment and help ensure quality and
efficiency are maintained on-site.
We maintain consistent and open communication with the City
throughout the duration of the project. Regular progress meetings
are held with City staff, contractor representatives, the public
information team, and our inspection team to review project
updates, field observations, material approvals, submittals and
Requests for Information (RFIs), and any necessary schedule
coordination. A pre-construction meeting is conducted to establish
communication protocols, define expectations, and clarify team
roles. Additional coordination meetings are scheduled as needed to
address time-sensitive issues or significant design or scope changes.
WADSWORTH PATH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN EFFECTIVENESS | 16
All meeting minutes are thoroughly documented and distributed to
project stakeholders to ensure accountability and clarity regarding
decisions made.
Submittals and RFIs are managed through a centralized
tracking system, including Excel-based logs. Contractors submit
documentation to our team for initial review, during which we
perform a quality check before forwarding them to the appropriate
City personnel for final approval, if required. Each submittal is
recorded with the received date, review period, and return date to
ensure timely processing. The submittal log is updated regularly
and shared with the City to maintain transparency and facilitate
effective coordination.
RFIs are submitted by the contractor to our Project Engineer, who
reviews each request and either provides clarification or forwards
it to the City with recommended input, as needed. Each RFI is
assigned a tracking number and a response deadline. An RFI log is
maintained throughout the project and reviewed during progress
meetings to ensure timely responses, prevent oversights, and keep
all parties informed
Plan revisions during construction are carefully tracked and
managed to prevent field errors. All original plan sets, addenda,
supplemental drawings, and City-approved revisions are organized
in both digital and hard-copy formats. Revised plans are clearly
labeled with the date and version, and distributed to the field team
through formal transmittals. Inspectors and contractors are promptly
notified of all updates, and superseded plans are marked “VOID”
to eliminate confusion. A master record of all plan revisions is
maintained as part of the project documentation, and any changes
made during construction are incorporated into the final as-
built drawings.
This communication plan supports a proactive and transparent
approach to construction management, inspection, and testing.
Through consistent reporting, structured meetings, and detailed
tracking procedures, we ensure alignment across the project team
and help the City make timely, informed decisions.
QUALITY CONTROLS
As a quality-focused organization, RockSol is dedicated to
delivering the highest level of service to all clients. We prioritize
excellence and rigorous quality assurance across all disciplines
provided to the City of Lakewood. Our reputation is built on a
steadfast commitment to exceeding client expectations through
reliability, expertise, and attention to detail.
Quality Management System (QMS) | RockSol employs a
comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure
services meet or exceed client expectations and are done right
the first time. Our integrated QA/QC program prioritizes customer
satisfaction, strategic planning, and efficient workflows. Rigorous
review procedures and multi-level checks ensure all deliverables are
high-quality, cost-effective, and thoroughly documented.
COST CONTROL
Budget Management | RockSol is committed to providing clients
with quality projects—on budget and on schedule—and to keeping
them informed of costs-to-date. Mark has extensive experience
in controlling construction management costs and utilizing Cost
Projection Reports, which track charges and compare the budgeted
amount against actual expenditures. On a weekly basis, he will
review and manage time to ensure efficient and effective use of
resources. Prior to submittal, Mark will review monthly invoices and
progress reports for accuracy.
Controlling Construction Costs | Alex is experienced in tracking
and controlling costs on construction projects, and he will ensure
all construction costs are justified. The Contractor’s billings will
be provided to the Town and evaluated for potential overruns and
underruns monthly.
During construction, we can identify any issues that could lead to
project cost increases and communicate these to the City. Based
on our experience, we can suggest solutions that may be more cost
effective while achieving the expected high quality.
Controlling Consulting Costs through Staffing | Our approach
to this project is to use two exceptional staff members for
construction management, inspection, and testing. Alex’s 11 years
in the industry with a focus specifically on delivering Local Agency
projects should give peace of mind to the City. Alex will ensure
all documentation is complete and accurate so that the Town
receives full reimbursement. As needed, we can supplement our
primary team with specialists for utility coordination, environmental
considerations, or other areas at the request of the City.
Our experience has shown that projects utilizing this approach with
flexible staffing is both more efficient and cost effective for our
clients. Our goal is to ensure the project is appropriately staffed at
the times when the staffing is needed, and we will work with the City
to monitor the Contractor’s production schedule.
INVOICING
RockSol’s accounting group prides itself on prompt and accurate
invoicing to our clients. Mark will match all work to our invoicing and
provide adequate records to the City. Alongside each invoice is a
Monthly Progress Report detailing the work performed for the month
and selected photographs of the project’s progress. Mark will meet
with the City regularly to discuss any upcoming milestones, at the
City’s request.
SUMMARY
RockSol is genuinely excited for this Wadsworth Path project. We
have presented a flexible and experienced team to ensure the
City of Wheat Ridge is able to deliver this project and meet all
federal requirements.
DENVER METRO OFFICE
12076 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80241
T: 303-962-9300 | F: 303-962-9350
PO # / OLA #: 400002692 / 331003010 Routing #: 23-HA1-XC-00071-ZM0002 Additional PO Reference: 400002262
Document Builder Generated Page 1 of 1
IGA OPTION LETTER
Date State Fiscal Year Option Letter No.
Project Code Original Contract # 23-HA1-XC-00071 AQC M361-013 (25614)
Vendor Name: CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
SUBJECT
Option to unilaterally add phasing to include Design, Construction, Environmental, Utilities, ROW incidentals or Miscellaneous and to update encumbrance amount(s).
REQUIRED PROVISIONS
In accordance with the terms of the original Agreement 23-HA1-XC-00071 between the State of Colorado, Department of Transportation and CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, the State hereby exercises the option to add a phase that will include Construction and to encumber funds for the phase based on changes in funding availability and authorization. The total encumbrance is now increased by $6,187,500.00. A new Exhibit C-3 is made part of the original Agreement and replaces Exhibit C-2.
The total encumbrance as a result of this option and all previous options and/or amendments is now $7,187,500.00, as referenced in Exhibit C-3. The total budgeted funds to satisfy services/goods ordered under the Agreement remains the same: $7,500,000.00 as referenced in Exhibit C-3.
The effective date of this option letter is upon approval of the State Controller or delegate.
APPROVALS
State of Colorado: Jared S. Polis, Governor
_____________________________________________ Date: __________________
By: Keith Stefanik, P.E., Chief Engineer
For: Shoshana M. Lew, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Transportation
ALL CONTRACTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE STATE CONTROLLER
CRS §24-30-
performance until such time. If Contractor begin
State Controller Robert Jaros, CPA, MBA, JD
By: __________________________________
Date: _________________________________
Docusign Envelope ID: CDDE4D16-2DB0-4043-AF41-A5EC01E4C25C
11/25/2025
11/25/2025
Exhibit C-3 - Page 1 of 2
EXHIBIT C-3 - FUNDING PROVISIONS
City of Wheat Ridge - AQC M361-013 (25614) A. Cost of Work Estimate The Local Agency has estimated the total cost of the Work to be $7,500,000.00, which is to be funded as follows: 1. FUNDING CMAQ a. Federal Funds (80% of CMAQ Award) $2,750,000.00 b. Local Agency Funds (20% of CMAQ Award) $687,500.00 MMO c. State Funds (50% of MMO Award of $7,500,000.00) $3,750,000.00 d. Local Agency Funds (50% of MMO Award is Total CMAQ Award + Additional Local Agency Funds) $312,500.00 ____________________________________________________________________________________ TOTAL FUNDS ALL SOURCES $7,500,000.00 ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. OMB UNIFORM GUIDANCE a. Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN): 693JJ22530000Y400COM361013
b. Name of Federal Awarding Agency: FHWA
c. Local Agency Unique Entity Identifier TEAYNF4J6VC8
d. Assistance Listing # Highway Planning and Construction ALN 20.205
e. Is the Award for R&D? No
f. Indirect Cost Rate (if applicable) N/A
g. Amount of Federal Funds Obligated by this Action: $2,350,000.00
h. Amount of Federal Funds Obligated to Date (including this Action): $2,750,000.00 ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. ESTIMATED PAYMENT TO LOCAL AGENCY a. Federal Funds Budgeted $2,750,000.00
b. State Funds Budgeted $3,750,000.00
c. Less Estimated Federal Share of CDOT-Incurred Costs $0.00 ____________________________________________________________________________________ TOTAL ESTIMATED PAYMENT TO LOCAL AGENCY 86.7% $6,500,000.00 TOTAL ESTIMATED FUNDING BY LOCAL AGENCY 13.3% $1,000,000.00 TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATED FUNDING 100.0% $7,500,000.00 ________________________________________________________________________________ 4. FOR CDOT ENCUMBRANCE PURPOSES CMAQ Award a. Total Encumbrance Amount (Federal funds + Local Agency funds) $3,437,500.00 b. Less ROW Acquisition 3111 and/or ROW Relocation 3109 $0.00
MMO Award a. Total Encumbrance Amount (Only State funds are encumbered) $3,750,000.00 b. Less ROW Acquisition 3111 and/or ROW Relocation 3109 $0.00
____________________________________________________________________________________ NET TO BE ENCUMBERED BY CDOT IS AS FOLLOWS $7,187,500.00 ____________________________________________________________________________________ CMAQ Award WBS Element 25614.10.30 Performance Period Start*/End Date Design 3020 $500,000.00 05/17/2024-07/31/2026 WBS Element 25614.20.10 Performance Period Start*/End Date Const. 3301 $2,937,500.00 10/29/2025-12/31/2027
Docusign Envelope ID: CDDE4D16-2DB0-4043-AF41-A5EC01E4C25C
Exhibit C-3 - Page 2 of 2
MMO Award WBS Element 25614.10.30 Performance Period Start**/End Date Design 3020 $500,000.00 N/A-N/A WBS Element 25614.20.10 Performance Period Start**/End Date Const. 3301 $3,250,000.00 N/A-N/A ____________________________________________________________________________________ *The Local Agency should not begin work until all three (3) of the following are in place: 1) Phase Performance Period Start Date; 2) the execution of the document encumbering funds for the respective phase; and 3) Local Agency receipt of the official Notice to Proceed. Any work performed before these three (3) milestones are achieved will not be reimbursable.
**The Local Agency should not begin work until both of the following are in place: 1) the execution of the document encumbering funds for the respective phase; and 2) Local Agency receipt of the official Notice to Proceed. Any work performed these two (2) milestones are achieved will not be reimbursable.
B. Funding Ratios
The funding ratio for the federal & State funds for this Work is 86.7% federal & State funds to 13.3% Local Agency funds, and this ratio applies only to the $7,500,000.00 that is eligible for federal & State funding. All other costs are borne by the Local Agency at 100%. If the total cost of performance of the Work exceeds $7,500,000.00, and additional federal & State funds are not available, the Local Agency shall pay all such excess costs. If the total cost of performance of the Work is less than $7,500,000.00, then the amounts of Local Agency and federal & State funds will be decreased in accordance with the funding ratio described in A1. This applies to the entire scope of Work. C. Maximum Amount Payable
The maximum amount payable to the Local Agency under this Agreement shall be $6,500,000.00. For CDOT accounting purposes, the federal funds of $2,750,000.00, the State funds of $3,750,000.00 and the Local Agency funds of $687,500.00 will be encumbered, but the Local Agency funds of $312,500.00 will NOT be encumbered. The total budget of this project is $7,500,000.00, unless this amount is increased by an executed amendment before any increased cost is incurred. The total cost of the Work is the best estimate available, based on the design data as approved at the time of execution of this Agreement, and any cost is subject to revisions agreed to by the parties prior to bid and award. This applies to the entire scope of Work.
D. Single Audit Act Amendment All state and local government and non-profit organizations receiving $1,000,000 or more from all funding sources defined as federal financial assistance for Single Audit Act Amendment purposes shall comply with the audit requirements of 2 CFR part 200, subpart F (Audit Requirements. The Single Audit Act Amendment requirements applicable to the Local Agency receiving federal funds are as follows:
i. Expenditure less than $1,000,000 If the Local Agency expends less than $1,000,000 in Federal funds (all federal sources, not just Highway funds) in its fiscal year then this requirement does not apply.
ii. Expenditure of $1,000,000 or more-Highway Funds Only If the Local Agency expends $1,000,000 or more, in Federal funds, but only received federal Highway funds (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, CFDA 20.205) then a program specific audit shall be performed. This audit will examine the “financial” procedures and processes for this program area.
iii. Expenditure of $1,000,000 or more-Multiple Funding Sources If the Local Agency expends $1,000,000 or more in Federal funds, and the Federal funds are from multiple sources (FTA, HUD, NPS, etc.) then the Single Audit Act applies, which is an audit on the entire organization/entity.
iv. Independent CPA Single Audit shall only be conducted by an independent CPA, not by an auditor on staff. An audit is an allowable direct or indirect cost.
Docusign Envelope ID: CDDE4D16-2DB0-4043-AF41-A5EC01E4C25C
ITEM NUMBER: 7
DATE: June 8, 2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MOTION
TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF WRITTEN FINDINGS AND DECISION
FOR THE LAKESIDE AUTOWASH SPECIAL USE PERMIT
☐PUBLIC HEARING
☒BIDS/MOTIONS
☐RESOLUTIONS
☐ORDINANCES FOR 1st READING ☐ORDINANCES FOR 2nd READING
QUASI-JUDICIAL ☒YES ☐NO
ISSUE:
City Council conducted a public hearing to review the special use permit for Lakeside
Autowash which is located at 5900 W. 44th Avenue. Following the hearing, the Council
voted to add conditions of approval and further directed the City Attorney to prepare written findings and decision.
PRIOR ACTION:
The original Special Use Permit (SUP) was approved administratively by the Community
Development Director in January 2024. On May 18, 2026 City Council conducted a public hearing to review the SUP upon the initiation of proceedings by the Community
Development Director in accordance with Code Section 26-114. At the conclusion of the hearing, a motion was made to modify the SUP with additional conditions. The motion
was made by Councilor Ohm and seconded by Councilor Quinn. The motion further
directed the City Attorney to prepare written findings and decision for Council’s action. The motion passed 7-0.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommend the Council approve the attached written findings and decision.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve the written findings and decision for the Lakeside Autowash Special
Use Permit as prepared by the City Attorney.”
Council Action Form – Lakeside Autowash SUP Findings June 8, 2026
Page 2
REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY:
Jerry Dahl, City Attorney
Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director
Patrick Goff, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Findings and Decision
2. Exhibit 1 – Special Use Permit Approval
3. Exhibit 2 – Second Notice of SUP Noncompliance
1
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
______________________________________________________________________________
IN RE: Review of previously issued special use permit and associated conditions related
to Lakeside Autowash
______________________________________________________________________________
FINDINGS AND DECISION
______________________________________________________________________________
THIS MATTER comes before the Wheat Ridge City Council (the “Council”) upon initiation
by the Community Development Director of proceedings to review a previously issued
special use permit for Lakeside Autowash, located at 5900 W. 44th Avenue in Wheat
Ridge, Colorado. The Council, having conducted the required public hearing and being
fully advised in the matter, enters the following findings and decision:
BACKGROUND, NOTICE, AND PROCEDURE
1.A special use permit (SUP), attached hereto as Exhibit 1, was issued on January
16, 2024 to Lakeside Autowash to develop and operate an automated car wash (the
“facility”) at 5900 W. 44th Avenue (the “subject property”). The purpose of this
proceeding is for the Council to determine, pursuant to Section 26-114.F of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws (the “Code”) whether modification, additional conditions, or
revocation of the SUP is warranted based upon a violation of the stipulations and
conditions of approval of the SUP due to observed operational characteristics and impacts
of the facility.
2.The Council has taken no prior action on this item. The original Special Use
Permit (SUP) issued to Lakeside Autowash (“Autowash”) was approved administratively
by the Community Development Director pursuant to Section 26-114 of the Code of Laws
(the “Code”).
3.Following notice to Autowash and the public as required by Code 24-114.F, the
City Council held a hearing on May 18, 2026 to consider review of the Autowash SUP as
initiated by the Community Development Director. The hearing was originally scheduled
for May 11 but was renoticed for May 18 upon a request by Autowash to accommodate
its witness and attorney schedules.
4.Prior to the hearing, attorneys for Autowash filed requests that Councilmembers
Rachel Hultin and Scott Ohm be recused from participating in the hearing and any action
on the Autowash SUP. Councilmember Hultin recused herself from the proceedings and,
on the advice of the City Attorney, Councilmember Hultin’s recusal was approved by the
unanimous consent of the Council. Councilmember Hultin did not attend or participate in
the hearing. Councilmember Ohm did participate.
ATTACHMENT 1
2
5. At the commencement of the May 18 hearing, Councilmembers and the Mayor
were asked on the record by the City Attorney whether, despite knowing about the case
from statements of the public at Council meetings and from email exchanges with
constituents and Autowash opponents and proponents in the months prior to the hearing,
they were able to make a decision based solely on the evidence taken in the May 18
hearing itself. The Councilmembers and Mayor present answered in the affirmative.
Councilmember Ohm was then separately questioned by the City Attorney, who asked
questions focused on whether he understood that Autowash has a right to impartial and
unbiased decision-makers in this hearing, and whether he could be impartial in the matter.
Councilmember Ohm answered both questions in the affirmative.
HEARING TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE
6. The testimony at the hearing commenced with a presentation by the City's
Community Development Director, Lauren Mikulak, who entered into the record the
application materials, case file, municipal code, comprehensive plan, and the contents of
her digital presentation to the Council. Ms. Mikulak's testimony was followed by testimony
and evidence from representatives of Autowash, who also provided a letter dated May 8,
2026, for inclusion into the Council packet, along with a set of exhibits, many of which
were also duplicated in the case file. The Autowash presentation was then followed by
testimony from members of the public, and finally by questions of Autowash and the staff
by members of the Council. At the conclusion of the testimony Mayor Stites closed the
testimony portion of the hearing and the Council commenced deliberation.
7. Testimony from Community Development staff established the following, which
is a summary of the written staff presentation as elaborated upon in the hearing by
Community Development Director Mikulak:
a. The subject property is located at 5900 W. 44th Avenue, at the southwest
corner of 44th Avenue and Gray Street. The property is zoned Commercial-
One (C-1), and the surrounding area is primarily commercial, with a
residential neighborhood located to the south. The properties immediately
adjacent to the site are commercially zoned and contain commercial land
uses. The low-density residential neighborhood is just beyond, to the south.
b. The site operated as a carwash for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. It previously
consisted of four open self-service bays, one automatic bay, and a series of
vacuums.
c. From 2022 through 2024, Autowash pursued redevelopment of the site,
proposing to replace the prior carwash with a new automatic facility.
Because carwashes are permitted only through a SUP in the C-1 zone
district, the proposal required an application under Code Section 26-114.
d. Autowash made application which was processed as Case No. SUP-23-01.
The application materials included a written narrative, a response to the SUP
review criteria, a site plan, and architectural elevations. The architectural
3
elevations depicted wash bays with doors on both sides, consistently shown
in the closed position. In response to the SUP criteria, Autowash asserted in
its application that the carwash would not have a detrimental effect on the
neighborhood and would be compatible with the area. The SUP process
included a neighborhood meeting, multiple rounds of review, and public
notice. No comments were received during the formal public notice period.
e. On January 16, 2024, the SUP was administratively approved based on the
application materials and findings by the Community Development staff that
the use would not have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area, would
not contribute to blight, would not create impacts greater than those allowed
under the existing zoning, and that it would be compatible with the character
of the area. Conditions included that the carwash shall be consistent with
the representations depicted in the application materials, that a building
permit be obtained, and that the SUP would run with the applicant rather
than the land.
f. Community Development staff supported the SUP for several reasons
related to location, context, design, and prior use. The staff report entered
into the record of this hearing established the basis for the 2024 approval:
• Autowash was replacing and upgrading the same land use that had
been present on the site since 1997, and there was no reason to
believe there would be impacts greater than those previously on site
or greater than allowed under the C-1 zoning.
• The site is located on and oriented to W. 44th Avenue, one of the City’s
minor arterial roadways where such land use is appropriate based on
the existing conditions of the roadway, other auto-oriented land uses
on the corridor, and the road’s designation in the City’s comprehensive
plan.
• The architectural drawings depicted doors on both sides of the new
bays, an upgrade from the previously operating carwash. The
architectural elevations depicted wash bays with doors on both sides,
consistently shown in the closed position.
• The new carwash was not expected to have a detrimental effect on the
general health, welfare, safety, and convenience of persons residing or
working in the neighborhood.
g. There had been no history of code compliance issues with the prior carwash
use. Findings and conditions of approval were included in the approved
2024 SUP (attached as Exhibit 1).
h. The new facility began operations in February 2025. Within weeks, the City
began receiving complaints from nearby residents related to noise, hours of
operation, and operational characteristics. Initial concerns focused on dryer
4
noise, 24-hour operations, and the operation of the facility with bay doors
open.
i. Throughout March and April 2025, code enforcement officers from the
Police Department’s Community Services Team responded to multiple
complaints and conducted sound measurements on several occasions.
j. While code enforcement actions address discrete violations at specific
points in time, they do not resolve broader questions related to how a land
use operates on an ongoing basis. In this case, the pattern of complaints
and observed conditions raised concerns not only about compliance with
noise limits, but also about whether the use, as operated, remained
consistent with the representations in the application materials and with the
approval criteria of the Special Use Permit.
k. In parallel with code enforcement actions, the City initiated a broader
administrative review focused on achieving voluntary compliance and
addressing operational impacts within the framework of the SUP.
l. Beginning in spring 2025, the City initiated a coordinated effort with
Autowash seeking to achieve voluntary compliance and to address
operational impacts. These efforts spanned a period of six months and
included:
• Multiple meetings with Autowash, its legal counsel, and sound
consultants;
• Requests for operational changes and technical analysis;
• Issuance of a Notice of Special Use Permit Noncompliance in June
2025;
• Acceptance of Autowash’s voluntary 90-day closure to allow for
mitigation starting June 30, 2025;
• Review of a sound study and proposed improvements, including a
sound fence/wall;
• Coordination on reopening conditions, including reduced hours and
limited bay operations;
• Ongoing communication, monitoring, and the offer of third-party
mediation; and
• Independent third-party sound analysis commissioned by the City.
m. After closing the facility for four months, Autowash reopened in November
2025 under modified conditions, including reduced hours (7:00 AM to 10:00
PM) and operation of only three wash bays. Despite these efforts, the City
continued to receive complaints, and staff observations indicated that
operational issues persisted, including inconsistent use of bay doors, noise
impacts, and overflowing trash cans.
5
n. Over the course of more than one year, the City pursued voluntary
compliance, operational adjustments, technical study, and facilitated
dialogue. While some mitigation measures have been implemented, impacts
to the surrounding area have not been consistently resolved.
o. During the same period, the City evaluated operations relative to applicable
noise standards, including Section 16-103 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws
and relevant state statute provisions. Sound measurements were conducted
by Community Service Officers and two separate third-party consultants;
Wave Engineering and EDI, described at paragraph 26 below. Sound
measurements varied due to multiple factors (including equipment, doors,
car size, and weather); under some conditions operations were within
applicable limits, while under others they exceeded those limits.
p. Local noise standards in Code Chapter 16 reference both reasonableness
and decibel standards. Applicable state law (C.R.S. §25-12-103) establishes
thresholds based on time of day and type of use of receiving property:
Daytime
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Nighttime
7:00 PM to 7:00 AM
q. In response to initial sound readings in summer 2025, Autowash
implemented several mitigation measures, including installation of a six-foot
sound wall/fence, discontinuation of the fourth bay, and modifications to
vacuum and dryer equipment.
8. The City’s third-party sound study in March 2026 evaluated typical operations
and the effectiveness of these changes. Results of that study indicated that some
operational conditions fell within applicable limits, while others did not, depending on
factors such as wash phase, number of active bays, and whether bay doors are open or
closed. While these studies provided useful technical information, they also demonstrated
that noise levels vary based on how the facility is operated, and that compliance with
applicable standards is not consistently achieved under all conditions.
9. On April 16, 2026, the Community Development Director initiated this
proceeding pursuant to Section 26-114.F of the Code, via a second notice of Special Use
Permit noncompliance. The Notice, attached hereto as Exhibit 2, recited in pertinent part
the determination by the Director that the facility was not incompliance with its 2024 SUP
in that: (a) “The operation of the carwash has resulted in ongoing adverse impacts to the
surrounding area, particularly related to noise and operational impacts,” and (b) “The
facility is not operating in a manner consistent with the representations and assumptions
underlying the SUP approval, including the depiction and expected use of enclosed bays.”
6
10.The City staff testimony also included a timeline of the operational history of the
facility and efforts by City staff and the facility operators to address the operational
impacts.
11.Community Development Director Mikulak concluded her testimony by
detailing the three options available for the Council’s action following the hearing, as
permitted by Code section 26-114: (1) to modify the SUP with additional or changed
conditions of approval, (2) to continue the Autowash SUP in its present form with no
changes, or (3) to revoke the SUP. Director Mikulak testified that the staff's
recommendation was option number one: to modify the SUP with additional corrective
conditions recommended by staff. Director Mikulak testified that in her opinion, the
additional conditions recommended by staff would bring the operation into alignment with
the operational conditions represented by Autowash in the SUP application and
incorporated into the approval criteria of the Special Use Permit. She further stated that
these conditions would help ensure the operation does not create adverse impacts on the
surrounding community, as required for issuance of an SUP.
12.Following the Community Director’s presentation, Autowash made its
presentation:
a.Mr. Dennis Dreeszen, owner of Lakeside Autowash and joined by his wife
Erin, testified that: Lakewood Autowash is not a new use and that the
automatic doors should be open. Mr. Dreeszen testified that as he
went through the City's process for approval of the current SUP,
Lakeside Autowash did everything that was required and approved.
He further testified that sound was not mentioned during the
administrative approval process, and that in fact, in his opinion, the noise
from the motor vehicles on 44th Avenue is louder most times than the
carwash operation itself.
b.Autowash presented the testimony of Troy Kirschman, the architect
who designed the new Autowash building. Mr. Kirschman testified that
during the application process there was no feedback received on noise.
He testified that while the application materials showed the exterior doors
in the down position, this was to show the finishes and colors for the
purpose of architectural review and was not intended to represent
the operating condition. He further testified that there is no reference in
the Code of Laws prohibiting doors from being open.
c.Evan Singleton, attorney with Spencer Fane, representing
Autowash, testified that Autowash’s position is that the 2024 SUP,
containing five conditions, was the exclusive limitation on the authority
of the Council to review the SUP in an enforcement context, and that in
the absence of a documented violation of one of those five conditions,
the Council is not permitted to impose additional conditions, modify, or
revoke the special use permit. Mr. Singleton testified with respect to
noise concerns, stating that
7
the City had not clearly articulated to Autowash what the noise standard
actually was, as applied to Autowash. He testified that City staff had informed
Autowash that the noise was a subjective “detrimental impact standard.” Mr.
Singleton described the sound studies conducted by Wave Engineering
which recommended the installation of a sound wall, and the later study by
the City, which relied on the state statutory standards.
d. Mr. Dreeszen returned to the podium to testify with respect to the mitigation
measures employed by Autowash: building a sound wall, soundproofing the
inside of the bay doors, closing one bay, reducing the dryer power, and
closing the Autowash for a four-month period.
e. Mr. Singleton returned to the podium to describe that following these efforts,
there had been measurable improvement in the opinion of their Wave
Engineer consultants, reducing the sound in various locations from 48 to 60
decibels.
f. John Peckler, attorney with Spencer Fane, representing Autowash,
summarized the Autowash testimony, noting that that the issue before
Council is one of fairness and due process, asserting that the City approved
the car wash through multiple review stages without ever making “bay doors
closed” an explicit condition of the SUP. He testified there has been no
violation of the permit’s written conditions, so Council should leave the SUP
unchanged, continue collaborative noise mitigation efforts, and avoid
imposing conditions that could make the business financially unworkable or
effectively force it to close.
13. Following the Autowash presentation, members of the public testified as follows:
a. Cat Tarnoff testified (via zoom) that the Autowash has detrimental effects on
the adjacent veterinary clinic and homeowners. She stated that the
neighbors and nearby businesses could not have expected to anticipate and
object to noise during the approval process when they were told there would
be no issue.
b. Lisa Hamilton Fieldman testified that noise is impacting the adjacent
veterinary clinic. The Colorado Noise Abatement Act establishes statewide
standards, both for decibel standards, and for periods, episodes, and shrill
sounds.
c. Leslie Baca, client of the adjacent veterinary clinic, testified that the carwash
sounds are disruptive to the testing and treatment of animals at the clinic.
d. Scott Galloway, who lives on Gray Street 714 feet south of the carwash,
testified that the operational characteristics of the carwash are contrary to
the basis for approval and negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood.
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He stated the current noise represents the first negative impact on the
neighborhood in his 33 years of residence. He asked for closing the doors
and limiting hours of operation.
e. Brett Lilly, Wheat Ridge resident and client of the adjacent veterinary clinic,
testified that whether or not Autowash believed the 2024 approval of the
SUP allows the present noise level, the operation is disruptive to nearby
residents and businesses. He testified that sound study data
notwithstanding, in practice it is a different quality of nuisance than
background noise, producing peaks and variations. Mr. Lilly testified that the
operation is inconsistent with the intent and spirit of the SUP approval and
urged the City Council to revoke the permit or impose enforceable mitigation
requirements.
f. Kasi Cooper, a client of the adjacent veterinary clinic, testified that if the
carwash cannot operate within the required limits, it should be required to
implement mitigation.
g. Jan Facinelli, the owner of the adjacent veterinary clinic at 4355 Gray Street,
testified that noise from the carwash has negatively affected her business
operations, quality of life, and ability to conduct veterinary examinations and
treatment. She described the noise as shrill, continuous, periodic, sudden
and impulsive. Dr. Facinelli testified that noise impacts were substantially
reduced when the bay doors were closed during colder months, and
requested additional sound mitigation measures, including construction of
an enhanced sound wall.
h. Mike Josten, who resides at 4360 Gray Street, testified that noise from the
carwash has negatively affected the use and enjoyment of his property,
including requiring windows to remain closed during warmer weather. He
further testified that conditions have improved with mitigation efforts but that
additional improvements are still needed.
i. Sandra Sands, who lives seven houses from the carwash, testified regarding
traffic congestion and safety concerns at Gray Street associated with the
operation. She stated that the car wash noise prevents her from enjoying
her front porch n the evenings.
j. Greg Primavera, a nearby resident, testified regarding representations made
during the approval process relating to traffic and noise impacts and testified
that current operations generate substantially greater noise impacts than
the prior carwash operation.
k. Gretchen Josten, a property owner at 4360 Gray Street adjacent to
Autowash, provided exhibits and testimony relating to the efforts of the other
9
carwashes, including Gleam carwash in Denver, with respect to their
successful efforts to mitigate sound of operations. Ms. Jostin testified that
the sound fence built along the southern boundary of the property was not
an effective sound wall and identified additional mitigation measures that
she believes could reduce operational noise.
l. Chris Nietzold, a nearby resident and small business owner, challenged the
Autowash testimony saying that it ignored what was “actually approved” and
that the special use permit criteria in the Code are broader than the permit
conditions from 2024. He testified that the architectural drawings submitted
with the 2024 SUP Application showing the bay doors closed were not “just
aesthetic,” stating “we believed what we were shown" and that the
neighbors relied on those representations. He testified that the state law for
55 dB in residential areas.
14. In addition to verbal testimony at the public hearing, written comments from the
public were received in response to the public notices, all of which were entered into the
hearing record. They include four categories of comments: from the neighborhood, from
Autowash customers, from Autowash employees, and from vet clinic clients.
The following categories of comments were from residents and property owners in the
surrounding residential neighborhood:
a. Many commentators articulated how the carwash noise had negatively
impacted their lives, including the necessity to rearrange living spaces to
face away from the carwash and changing their schedule for being outdoors.
b. The noise created by the carwash, and in particular during the drying cycle,
was a central theme for the comments from the neighboring community.
c. Other commentators specifically identified the drying cycle of the carwash
as “extremely offensive and bothersome.”
d. Other residents requested that the doors be closed in the front and the back
only while the machines are running the wash and especially the dryers,
commenting that the doors could be opened the rest of the time to help air
out the bays.
e. With respect to hours of operation, some residents asked that operation
should be limited to normal business hours, such as 9 AM to 6 PM.
Another category of written public comment was from customers of Autowash who
praised the quality and efficiency of the carwash and the degree to which it provided a
service to the community. Some of the commentators indicated they were holders of
memberships allowing them to visit the carwash more conveniently. Commentors
articulated that the present condition of the carwash facility was vastly superior to the
prior facility and that the carwash provided “a major role in stabilizing neighborhoods and
encouraging future development.”
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A further category of comments were from employees of Autowash, who wrote to say that
that the business is run with consideration, integrity and compassion, admiring “the length
the company has gone to accommodate the neighbors, spending over half a million dollars
on improvements in sound walls."
Finally, a further category of written comments was received from pet owners who were
customers of Holistic Care for Animals, the veterinary clinic located adjacent to and
immediately south of the Autowash facility. These commentors stated that when visiting
the clinic, the noise from the carwash made their visits very difficult and their pet
examinations and treatment problematic.
15. Following public testimony, the staff and Autowash were given the opportunity
to provide concluding remarks:
a. Community Development Director Mikulak testified that special use permits
are not a one-time look at an operation and that the Autowash facility failed
to comply with the noise limitations under all conditions and has failed to
comply with the depictions in the application materials.
b. Responding to a question from the City Council, Director Mikulak confirmed
that she had relied, as had the staff, on the depiction of the wash doors being
closed in reviewing and acting upon the SUP in 2024.
c. In its concluding remarks, Autowash urged that City Council take no present
action on the SUP and urged that there was opportunity for Autowash, the
City, and the neighborhood to go further in informal dialogue.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND LAW
16. Special Use Permits are regulated generally by Section 26-114 of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws. Subsection A of section 26-114 describes the purpose for special
use permits:
“Special uses are discretionary uses which, if properly designed, developed,
operated and maintained, may be approved for any specific location within a
zone district wherein the special use is enumerated. The primary issues to
be addressed are those related to justification of need and special design
and operational considerations which mitigate potential detrimental impacts
of a special use on surrounding land uses, the street system or public
services or facilities.”
17. Subsection D of section 26-114 lists nine specific criteria for review of special
use permit applications, all of which are designed to further the purpose set forth in
subsection (justifying the need and special design and operational considerations to
mitigate potential detrimental impacts on surrounding land uses):
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26-114.D Criteria for review. The community development director or city
council shall base its decision in consideration of the extent to which the
applicant demonstrates the following criteria have been met:
a. The special use will not have a detrimental effect upon the general
health, welfare, safety and convenience of persons residing or working in
the neighborhood.
b. The special use will not create or contribute to blight in the neighborhood
by virtue of physical or operational characteristics.
c. The special use will not create adverse impacts greater than allowed
under existing zoning for the property.
d. The special use will not result in undue traffic congestion or traffic
hazards, or unsafe parking, loading, service or internal traffic conflicts to
the detriment of persons whether on or off the site.
e. The property is appropriately designed, including setbacks, heights,
parking, bulk, buffering, screening and landscaping, so as to be in
harmony and compatible with the character of the surrounding areas and
neighborhood, especially with adjacent properties.
f. The special use will not overburden the capacities of the existing streets,
utilities, parks, schools and other public facilities and services.
g. There is a history of compliance by the applicant and/or property owner
with Code requirements and prior conditions, if any, regarding the
subject property.
h. The application is in substantial compliance with the applicable standards
set forth in the Architectural and Site Design Manual.
i. The proposed special use promotes goals and outcomes from applicable
portions of the city's comprehensive plan and any subarea plan
applicable to the subject property.
18. Enforcement of a special use permit is governed by Code Section 26-114.F:
F. Enforcement. All conditions and stipulations imposed by the
community development director or city council shall be maintained
during the entire term of the special use. If at any time the stipulations or
conditions are not adhered to or are found to have been materially altered
in scope, application, or design, the director of community development
shall investigate and, if appropriate, initiate revocation proceedings. . . .
19. In its testimony and exhibits, Autowash argued that the Council has no
jurisdiction to revoke or modify the SUP because its jurisdiction to do so is not triggered
unless conditions applied to the permit at its issuance have been violated. Autowash
further argued that the application materials in 2024 submitted with the application, while
12
showing bay doors, did not thereby represent that the bay doors would be closed during
wash operations.
20. The Council finds that this analysis of the City’s (and ultimately the Council’s)
jurisdiction over, and the ongoing supervision of special use permits within the City, is
impermissibly narrow. The Council finds that the findings underlying issuance of special
use permits in Code Section 26-14. D are relevant both at review and approval of a special
use permit but also as the Council exercises its authority given by Code Section 26-114.F
to ensure that the stipulations or conditions are adhered to and that operation of special
uses are not “materially altered in scope, application, or design." The Council finds that to
read the five issued conditions on the 2024 SUP as the ultimate and exclusive lens through
which the Council must view any request by the Community Development Director to
enforce the SUP does not take into account the purpose underlying the SUP process as
articulated in Code Section 26-114.A and the Findings necessary to support an SUP in
Code Section 26-114 D, both of which are required to be used in evaluating the SUP
application as presented by the applicant against how the applicant later operates the
facility.
21. The Community Development Director testified that the operation of the facility
under the SUP has in fact been altered in scope, application or design, in that the facility
is operating with bay doors open rather than closed as depicted in the initial application
and relied upon by staff during the 2024 administrative appeal process. Further, the
Community Development Director testified that the facility is operating at noise levels that
are not consistently below those required by the Code and, necessarily, by applicable
state law at CRS 25-12-103. Council finds this testimony compelling in establishing non-
compliance of the operation.
22. The Council finds that its jurisdiction to entertain consideration of revocation or
modification of the permit clearly emanates from Code Section 26-114.F, in its statement
that these proceedings are appropriate “if at any time the stipulations or conditions are
not adhered to or found to have been materially altered in scope, application, or design.”
23. The Council finds that changes in the manner in which the facility has been
operating, as established by the testimony of the Community Development Director and
the public in the hearing record, are material alterations in the scope, application, or
design of the facility as applied for and as stipulated in the application materials and are
an appropriate basis for the Council to determine whether the SUP should be canceled,
revoked, continued in force, or modified. Accordingly, the Council finds that it has
jurisdiction to consider whether to revoke or impose additional conditions upon the permit.
24. Council further finds that:
• The operation of the facility is resulting in ongoing adverse impacts to the
surrounding area, particularly related to noise and operational
characteristics;
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• The facility is operating at sound levels above those permitted by the Code
and CRS 25-12-103; and
• The facility is not operating in a manner consistent with the stipulations of
the application and resulting SUP approval, including the depiction and
expected use of enclosed bays and the written assertion in the applicant’s
criteria response that there would be no impact on the surrounding the area.
25. The Council finds that these deficiencies in operation under the 2024 permit
are not based on a single incident, but on a documented pattern of operational impacts
and well-meaning but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to achieve sustained compliance
through voluntary measures.
26. Two sound studies were conducted with respect to the facility, and were
introduced as a part of the hearing record:
a. Wave Engineering (Initial Test) – Autowash hired Wave to conduct a sound
study. Noise measurements were taken from nine locations around the
facility, both onsite and within the neighborhood to the south. The findings
indicated decibel levels exceeded the allowable maximums and
recommended a sound wall to be constructed.
b. Wave Engineering (Second Test) – After completion of the sound
wall/fence, measurements were again taken at four of the nine locations,
specifically those off-site. Readings indicated the sound wall achieved
lower decibels, though still not all locations were in compliance with the
state’s maximum allowable. Of note, the engineer used the industrial table
in the City’s Code of Laws as a reference [Section 16-103(c)], which uses
only industrial as the source of noise.
c. EDI – EDI was hired by the City to conduct an independent sound study.
The findings indicated that out of nine locations sampled at two different
times of day during regular wash operations, decibel levels exceeded the
State’s commercial and residential maximum allowable at receptor sites. It
suggested limiting hours of operation, modification to the existing sound
wall/fence, and that all doors remain closed during all wash/dry cycles.
d. The Council finds that these studies show inconsistent compliance by
Autowash with applicable noise standards, and that the same is an
additional basis for its decision herein to impose SUP permit conditions
designed to address this issue.
27. Sound restrictions in Wheat Ridge are a layered system, relying upon the state
statute at CRS 25-12-103, described above, and the Code of Laws at Section 16-103(b),
which contains a “reasonableness standard.” The structure of that Code standard is a
definition of “unreasonable noise,” and use of that defined term to declare that an
unreasonable noise or sound is one “which is audible within a private residence that the
14
person responsible for the sound has no right to occupy…” . The Council finds
persuasive the testimony of numerous residents of the surrounding residential
community that the noise from the Autowash facility was not only audible with in their
private residences, but was of unreasonable volume and nature within the definition of
“unreasonable noise” under Code Section 16-103(a) which reads as follows:
Unreasonable noise shall mean any noise, which because of its loudness and
frequency, while taking into consideration its location and the nature of the typical
urban environment, unreasonably disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort,
repose, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity or
causes damage to any property or business.
28. The Council finds that with respect to the depiction of the carwash doors being
down, despite the Autowash claim that the industry standard is for the doors to be open,
the City had a right to reasonably rely on the plans as presented in Autowash’s application.
The hearing evidence from the neighboring property owners conclusively established that
noise was substantially reduced when the bay doors are closed. The public testimony also
established reliance on the description of the doors in Autowash’s submitted application.
29. The Council finds that operation of the facility with bay doors open and noise
levels in excess of the City standards and the applicable state noise standard at CRS 25-
12-103 and are in fact material alterations in scope, application, or design of the facility,
which alterations are a departure from the characteristics of the facility as represented at
the time of its application for a permit.
30. The Council finds that these material alterations are established by testimony
and evidence in the hearing record, and that it was reasonable for the Community
Development Department and the public to rely upon the submitted application materials
showing the wash bay doors closed and asserting no neighborhood impact. Further, this
reasonable reliance is borne out by the testimony of the staff and the public that the noise
levels were significantly reduced when the doors on both ends of the wash bay are closed.
31. Evidence was presented by Autowash that a different commercial operation in
the City, the “Silver Bullet" shooting range, was treated differently by the City with respect
to noise impacts, and that the City assisted Silver Bullet in facilitating a noise study and
some sound attenuation. The City Manager testified that the Silver Bullet, as a shooting
range and not a carwash, benefits from a specific statute, CRS 25-12-109, which provides
a near-complete immunity from local noise complaint enforcement, specifically for
“shooting ranges." The Council finds that the evidence and argument concerning a
different form of commercial enterprise, one not requiring an SUP, and that is legally
protected under state law, has no bearing on the City's ability to issue, regulate, and modify
special use permits for carwashes, and in particular for Lakeside Autowash at issue in this
case.
15
32. Mr. Dreeszen, on behalf of Autowash and in response to a question from
Councilmember Martel, alleged the City staff approved the sound fence which Autowash
constructed on the southern boundary of the site. However, the Council takes judicial
notice of the fact that fences do not require a permit in the City and need only comply with
Code requirements as to height and materials generally. The Council finds there is
nothing in the record to establish that the City staff evaluated, let alone approved, the
noise attenuating functionality and potential effectiveness of the fence which Autowash
unilaterally erected.
33. The Council finds that the factors set forth in Code Section 26-114 for review
of special use applications at 26-114.A, D, and F, and their enforcement under Code
Section 26-114.F, are each a compelling governmental interest, and that these findings
and the factors set forth in the Code are each a separate and independent basis for its
decision herein.
DECISION
Based upon the foregoing findings and its review of the hearing evidence and
testimony, the Council hereby orders that the special use permit (attached as Exhibit 1)
for Lakewood Autowash at 5900 W 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge, Colorado be modified to
include as additional conditions the following:
1. Bay Doors Closed: All bay doors (north and south) shall remain fully closed
during all wash and dry cycles.
2. Hours of Operation: All carwash operations (including vacuum use, testing,
and maintenance) shall be limited to the hours of 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for each
day of each week.
3. Noise Compliance: The operation shall comply with all applicable noise
standards, including state law (C.R.S. § 25-12-103, as amended) and those set
forth in Section 16-103 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
4. Monitoring: Upon request by the City, made not more than twice each
calendar year, the operator shall conduct and submit sound measurements
prepared by a qualified professional to demonstrate compliance. Such
requests may be made under circumstances that include, but are not limited
to, equipment changes, operational changes, or recommissioning of the
eastern wash bay.
5. Failure to comply with all conditions imposed or a continued pattern of impact
on the neighborhood could result in further enforcement action, including
additional review or revocation of the Special Use Permit pursuant to Section
26-114.F.
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APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Wheat Ridge City Council this ____ day of June 2026.
City of Wheat Ridge
By: _____________________________
Korey Stites, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________________
Onorina Maloney, Sr. Deputy City Clerk
***********************************************************************************************
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
I hereby certify a true and correct of the foregoing Findings and Decision were placed in
the US mail, postage prepaid, this ____ day of __________ 2026 addressed to the following:
Lakeside Autowash
c/o/ John Peckler, Esq
Spencer Fane LLP
1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000
Denver, CO 80203
____________________________________
Onorina Maloney, Sr Deputy City Clerk
Special Use Permit Approval
WHEREAS, an application was filed by Hover Architecture for approval of a Special Use
Permit (SUP) for a carwash use at 5900 W. 44th Avenue and zoned Commercial-One (Case No. SUP-23-01); and
WHEREAS, sign and letter notice was completed as required by Section 26-114 of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws (the “Code”) and no objections were received; and
WHEREAS, the application is eligible for administrative review; and
WHEREAS, staff finds that the application may be approved based on the criteria for
review in Section 26-114 of the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a Special Use Permit is granted for a car wash use at 5900 W. 44th Avenue, based on the following findings of fact:
1.The special use will not have a detrimental effect upon the general health, welfare, safety
and convenience of persons residing or working in the neighborhood.2. The special use will not create or contribute to blight in the neighborhood by virtue ofphysical or operational characteristics.3. The special use will not create adverse impacts greater than allowed under existing zoningfor the property.
4. The special use will not result in undue traffic congestion or traffic hazards, or unsafeparking, loading, service or internal traffic conflicts to the detriment of persons whether onor off the site.5. The property is appropriately designed, including setbacks, heights, parking, bulk,buffering, screening and landscaping, so as to be in harmony and compatible with the
character of the surrounding areas and neighborhood, especially with adjacent properties.6. The special use will not overburden the capacities of the existing streets, utilities, parks,schools and other public facilities and services.7. There is a history of compliance by the applicant and/or property owner with Coderequirements and prior conditions, if any, regarding the subject property.
8.The application is in substantial compliance with the applicable standards set forth in theArchitectural and Site Design Manual.9. The proposed special use promotes goals and outcomes from applicable portions of theCity’s comprehensive plan and any subarea plan applicable to the subject property.
And with the following conditions:
1.The special use shall be consistent with the representations depicted in the applicationmaterials.
2.The architectural upgrades and site plan modifications shall be consistent with the SUP Site
Plan and Elevations.3. A building permit shall be obtained from the Wheat Ridge Building Division to complete allnew construction.
ATTACHMENT 2
4. The approval of this special use is granted to the applicant and may not be inherited by subsequent operators.
5. A Public Improvement Agreement shall be executed prior to issuance of a vertical building
permit.
_________________________________ _______________________________ Lauren Mikulak, AICP Date Community Development Director
January 16, 2024
City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Building 7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 P: 303.235.2846 F: 303.235.2857
www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
April 16, 2026
John Peckler
Spencer Fane LLP
1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000
Denver, CO 80203-4554
Subject: Second Notice of Special Use Permit Noncompliance and Revocation Hearing –
Lakeside Autowash
SENT VIA EMAIL AND CERTIFIED MAIL
Dear Mr. Peckler and Autowash Team,
The purpose of this letter is to provide a second notice of noncompliance related to the approved
Special Use Permit (“SUP”) for Lakeside Autowash, located at 5900 W. 44th Avenue, and to
provide notice of a public revocation hearing before the Wheat Ridge City Council who will hear
evidence concerning the nature and extent of the alleged noncompliance with the conditions of
the SUP.
The first Notice of Special Use Permit Noncompliance was issued on June 24, 2025. This second
notice is given in compliance with Section 26-114.F of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws (“Code”).
A public hearing has been set for Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:30pm before the Wheat Ridge City
Council for the purpose of reviewing the Special Use Permit and associated conditions related to
the Lakeside Autowash at 5900 W. 44th Avenue, and if necessary, taking action with respect to
that SUP.
Background
The subject property, located at 5900 W. 44th Avenue, is zoned Commercial-One (C-1) and has
operated as a carwash since 1997. The prior use consisted of an automatic bay and four open
self-service bays. The surrounding area includes a mix of commercial uses, with a residential
neighborhood located to the south.
From July 2022 to June 2024, Autowash pursued redevelopment of the site, including demolition
of the existing structure and construction of a new automatic carwash. Because carwashes are
permitted only through a Special Use Permit (SUP) in the C-1 zone district, an SUP application
(Case No. SUP-23-01) was submitted and required discretionary review.
The SUP application materials, including architectural elevations, depicted a facility with doors
on both sides of each bay, consistently shown in the closed position. The proposal was reviewed
through multiple rounds of staff review and public notice. A neighborhood meeting was held
prior to the application submittal in August 2022, and a formal notice period occurred prior to
ATTACHMENT 3
2
conclusion of the application review in December 2023. No public comments were received
during the formal notice period.
On January 16, 2024, I approved the SUP administratively following all required public notice
and based on findings that the proposed use would not have a detrimental effect on the
surrounding area and would not create impacts greater than those allowed under existing zoning.
These findings were informed in part by the expectation that the new facility would improve
upon the prior condition, including through enclosed bays.
Construction was completed in early 2025, and a Certificate of Occupancy was issued on
February 2, 2025. The carwash began operations shortly thereafter.
Within weeks of opening, the City began receiving complaints regarding noise, hours of
operation, and the opening of bay doors during operation. Complaints were submitted through
multiple channels, including via emails, phone calls, testimony at City Council meetings, service
requests, and directly to the Police Department.
Commencing in April 2025, City staff-initiated outreach to Autowash with a focus on achieving
voluntary compliance with the SUP and addressing operational impacts. This included:
• Multiple meetings with Autowash, its legal counsel, and technical consultants;
• Requests for sound studies and operational adjustments;
• Documentation of concerns related to open bay doors and neighborhood impacts; and
ultimately
• Issuance of a Notice of Special Use Permit Noncompliance on June 24, 2025.
Following issuance of the June 24, 2025 Notice of Noncompliance, Autowash proposed and
implemented a voluntary 90-day closure to allow for further analysis and mitigation. During and
after this period:
• A sound study was commissioned by Autowash and mitigation measures were explored,
including a proposed sound wall;
• The City and Autowash coordinated on potential design solutions and operational
changes;
• Autowash installed a six-foot tall fence on the southern property line; and
• The facility reopened under modified conditions, including limited hours (7:00am to
10:00pm) and limited operations (only three of the four bays).
Despite these efforts, the City continued to receive complaints and observed that operational
conditions—including inconsistent use of bay doors and ongoing noise impacts—remained
unresolved.
The City undertook independent third-party sound analysis in March 2026 to better understand
existing conditions. While technical data has informed discussions, the core issue remains
whether the use, as operated, satisfies the discretionary criteria of the SUP.
Over the course of more than one year, the City has pursued voluntary compliance, operational
adjustments, technical study, and facilitated dialogue including the offer of professional
3
mediation. These efforts have not resulted in sustained resolution of the identified impacts on the
surrounding area.
Accordingly and consistent with Code Section 26-114.F, I have determined that formal review
by City Council is necessary to evaluate the status of the Special Use Permit and to determine
whether modification, additional conditions, or revocation is warranted to protect the public
health, safety, and welfare of the surrounding area.
Special Use Permit Authority and Findings
Pursuant to Section 26-114.A of the Code, special uses are discretionary and may be approved
only where they are properly designed, developed, operated, and maintained such that potential
adverse impacts are mitigated.
Applicable criteria for review include the following:
• The special use will not have a detrimental effect upon the general health, welfare, safety
and convenience of persons residing or working in the neighborhood; and
• The special use will not create adverse impacts greater than allowed under existing
zoning for the property.
Based on the City’s review of operations since the facility opened in February 2025, including
documented complaints, staff observations, and ongoing compliance efforts, the City has
determined that:
• The operation of the carwash has resulted in ongoing adverse impacts to the surrounding
area, particularly related to noise and operational characteristics; and
• The facility is not operating in a manner consistent with the representations and
assumptions underlying the SUP approval, including the depiction and expected use of
enclosed bays.
These findings are not based on a single incident, but rather on a pattern of operational impacts
and unsuccessful attempts to achieve sustained compliance through voluntary measures. These
findings form the basis of my request for a hearing and Council action.
Public Hearing
A public hearing before the Wheat Ridge City Council has been scheduled as follows:
• Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Location: Wheat Ridge City Council Chambers (7500 W. 29th Avenue)
At this hearing, City Council will consider the status of the Special Use Permit pursuant to Code
Section 26-114.F, including the authority:
• To cancel or revoke the Special Use Permit;
• To require certain corrective measures to be taken; and/or
• To modify the conditions which apply to the SUP.
The order of proceedings at the hearing will be:
• Staff presentation
4
• Autowash (SUP holder) presentation
• Public comment
• Autowash response to public comment
• Questions from Council to staff and Autowash
• Close the public hearing
• Council discussion and action
You may submit materials for City Council’s review in advance of the meeting. Materials must
be received by Friday, May 1 at 11:00am for inclusion in the meeting packet, and should be
emailed directly to me at lmikulak@wheatridge.gov. You may also present testimony and
evidence at the hearing.
Public Notice
In accordance with Section 26-109 of the Code:
• The City will publish notice of the hearing in the official newspaper;
• The City will mail letter notice of the hearing to property owners and occupants within
1,000 feet; and
• Posted notice of the hearing is also required on the property. To accomplish this, the City
will prepare the required posting signs. The signs are ready for pickup at Wheat Ridge
City Hall in the Community Development Department (7500 W. 29th Avenue, Second
Floor). Please arrange to retrieve and post these signs on the property by end of day on
Friday, April 24.
Closing
The City has made extensive efforts to work collaboratively toward a resolution. While your
efforts over the last year are acknowledged, the impacts have persisted, and formal review by
City Council is now necessary. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this
process.
Sincerely,
Lauren Mikulak, AICP
Community Development Director
cc: Evan Singleton, Spencer Fane
Dennis Dreeszen, Autowash
Erin Dreeszen, Autowash
Muth Properties LLC, Property Owner
Derek Dummermuth, Property Owner Registered Agent
City Attorney
City Manager
Planning Manager
SUP case file