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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-11 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 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