HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-08 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 8
MINUTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Monday, June 08, 2026
6:30 p.m.
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 June 8, 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
Dahl; Police Chief Chris Murtha; Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak;
Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman; Community Services Team Supervisor Philip
Schroeder; Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney, and other staff members as needed.
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. Minutes and study notes were approved as presented.
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin proposed removing Consent Agenda Item 1a — Resolution No.
27-2026 from the evening's agenda to allow the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDEA)
Committee an opportunity to review the scope of work and confirm alignment with the
consensus Council reached in January. Once reviewed, the item would be brought back
under Decisions, Resolutions, and Motions.
No objections were raised, and Item 1a, Resolution No. 27-2026, was removed from
the Consent Agenda.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES
1. Proclamation – National LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Mayor Stites read the proclamation declaring June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. The proclamation affirmed that
LGBTQ+ rights are human rights and recommitted the City to delivering protection,
safety, and equity to LGBTQ+ families. Dr. Alexis Hoffkling accepted the proclamation
and offered remarks regarding the significance of Pride Month and continued
community support for LGBTQ+ residents.
2. Proclamation – Juneteenth
Mayor Stites read the proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, June 19, 2026. The
proclamation called upon residents to acknowledge the history of slavery and recommit
to eradicating systemic racism and inequality. Kia Ruiz and Danny Cobbin accepted the
proclamation on behalf of the community. Kia Ruiz offered remarks regarding the
historical and economic impacts of slavery and related equity considerations.
PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK
In person
Charlie Myers urged Council to amend the Human Dignity and Civil Rights Resolution to
add protections related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and
immigration enforcement practices.
Guy Nahmiach, owner of the Neighborhood Gazette, reported on conversations with
community members at Ridgefest, noting broad satisfaction among attendees. He
expressed disappointment that the IDEA Committee had been silent following a
swastika incident outside the city and commented that the proposed equity audit
should reflect diverse community concerns.
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Morgan Richards thanked the Council for its commitment to inclusion since 2020, citing
her personal stake as a Jewish community member and parent of Black children. She
urged the Council to proceed with the equity audit as agreed upon by consensus in
January, noting that the audit would provide factual information to guide cost-effective
improvements and help the city avoid potential liability.
Via Zoom: Leah Dozeman and Kelechi Ndukwe-Ajala signed up to speak. Leah Dozeman
was not present online, and Kelechi Ndukwe-Ajala did not provide comments.
Wheat Ridge Speaks: No comments were received.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
Item Number 1a
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.
Issue:
At the direction of City Council, Staff is requesting approval of a budget supplemental of
$96,000 to complete an internal equity audit.
Removed from the Consent Agenda. See Approval of Agenda
Item Number 1b
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.
Councilmember Martell read the title and issue into the record.
Motion: Councilmember Martell moved 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.
Seconded: Councilmember Snell
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
Item Number 2
Council Bill No. 07-2026
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Title: An ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Municipal Code concerning animal
welfare and regulations for the same.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the title and issue into the record.
Mayor Stites opened the public hearing.
Deputy City Manager Schilling presented an overview of the proposed ordinance
amending Chapters 2, 4, and 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to update animal
welfare regulations, dangerous animal provisions, animal control requirements, and
related enforcement procedures.
Council sought clarification regarding whether swine could still be eligible for Police
Chief’s exemption. Staff confirmed that pot-bellied pigs would remain eligible and are
the only swine permitted through that process. Council acknowledged the extensive
review process and staff's work on the ordinance. Councilmember Quinn noted his
opposition to removing the domestic cat exemption but did not propose an amendment.
Mayor Stites closed the public hearing.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved 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.
Seconded: Councilmember Okada
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried.
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
Item Number 3
Council Bill No. 11-2026
Title: An ordinance reappointing Jonathan Lucero as presiding Municipal Court Judge
and approving a Municipal Judge services agreement
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.
Councilmember Snell read the title and issue into the record
Councilmember Snell moved to approve Council Bill No. 11-2026, an ordinance
reappointing Jonathan Lucero as Presiding Municipal Court Judge and approving a
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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.
Seconded: Councilmember Quinn
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried.
Item Number 4
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
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.
Councilmember Larson read the title and issue into the record
Motion: Councilmember Larson moved 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.
Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried.
Item Number 5
Council Bill No. 13-2026
Title: An ordinance amending Section 205 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning
disposition of lost, abandoned, or unclaimed property.
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, Governor 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.
Councilmember Okada read the title and issue into the record
Motion: Councilmember Okada moved to approve Council Bill No. 13-2026, an
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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.
Seconded: Councilmember Ohm
Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried
DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS
Item Number 6
Motion:
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
Issue:
The City entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to construct a shared-use 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. Councilmember Wood read the title and issue into the record.
Motion: Councilmember Wood moved 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.
Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays
Motion carried.
Item Number 7
Motion
Title: Consideration of written findings and decision for the Lakeside Autowash Special
Use Permit
Issue:
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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.
Councilmember Ohm read the title and issue into the record
City Attorney Dahl noted that Mayor Pro Tem Hultin had been excused from
participation in this matter by unanimous Council vote at the May 18, 2026, hearing
pursuant to Charter Section 5.9. Council confirmed by consensus that the excusal
extended to this meeting, and Mayor Pro Tem Hultin left Council Chambers for the
duration of the item. City Attorney Dahl explained that Council had conducted a public
hearing on May 18, 2026, received testimony and evidence, deliberated, and directed his
office to prepare written findings and a decision memorializing Council’s vote to modify
the Special Use Permit. The findings and decision were included in the Council packet.
As the hearing had been closed, no additional testimony was permitted. Council
members briefly commented that the evidence presented at the May 18 hearing
demonstrated noncompliance related to noise and operational impacts on neighboring
residents.
Motion: Councilmember Ohm moved to approve the written findings and decision for
the Lakeside Autowash Special Use Permit as prepared by the City Attorney.
Seconded: Councilmember Okada
Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays, with Mayor Pro Tem Hultin excused.
Motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS
No matters were presented.
CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS
City Attorney Dahl expressed appreciation to the Council for accommodating his
absence at the previous meeting and noted that his partner, Thad Renaud, appreciated
the opportunity to work with Council during his absence.
ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS
Councilmember Wood reported on attending Ridgefest for the first time and was
impressed with the organization and turnout. Highlighted the presence of cooling pools
for dogs and praised the efforts of Localworks.
Councilmember Quinn attended the Tabor Lake ribbon cutting and was pleased with the
involvement of local students. Mentioned improvements related to electrical
infrastructure and encouraged visiting Tabor Lake Trail.
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Councilmember Martell seconded praise for Ridgefest and the Tabor Lake event.
Appreciated the proclamations for Pride and Juneteenth, noting ongoing work for
equity. Highlighted Wheat Ridge Pride event.
Councilmember Snell attended the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition
Plan open house and praised its engagement with the community. Shared prepared
remarks on Pride Month and emphasized continued support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Councilmember Okada thanked residents and developers for their involvement in the
Garrison Street neighborhood meeting, fostering positive discussions. Commented on
the value of community engagement at Ridgefest.
Councilmember Larson reported recognizing National Best Friends Day and encouraged
residents to connect with friends and neighbors. Attended Tabor Lake ribbon cutting
and Jefferson County meeting on wildfire mitigation. Praised the Green on 38th for
being a top civic space.
Councilmember Ohm attended the Jefferson County meeting regarding fire and water
issues. Commented on the vibrant and well-organized Ridgefest and the positive
community spirit present.
Mayor Pro Tem Hultin volunteered at Ridgefest and appreciated the community's
turnout. Commented on the success of community gathering spaces within the City.
Highlighted efforts around proclamations and the importance of supporting vulnerable
communities.
Mayor Stites reported on the Mayor's Community Champion Award and ongoing
partnerships between the City and local schools. Praised the success of Ridgefest,
noting the blend of new community members and activities.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned June 8,
2026, Regular Council Meeting at 8:05 p.m. Council reconvened at 8:15 p.m. for the
Special Study Session.
_________________________________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
__________________________________________________
Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk