The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2026-05-04 Study Session NotesPage 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. Page 2 of 4 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