HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-13 Study Session NotesPage 1 of 5
NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
STUDY SESSION
Monday, June 15, 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 June 15, 2026, to order at
6:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Councilmembers Present: Dan Larson; Kathleen Martell; Scott Ohm; Mike Okada; Patrick
Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood.
Absent: Rachel Hultin
Staff in Attendance: Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling; Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak; Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman; Neighborhood
Engagement Coordinator Ashley Holland (via Zoom); Senior Planner Scott Cutler; Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney; and other staff as needed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
In person
Guy Nahmiach addressed Council regarding the 38th Avenue Refresh project. He stated
that businesses along 38th Avenue were beginning to recover from the impacts of the
Wadsworth Boulevard construction project and expressed concern regarding additional construction-related disruptions.
Via Zoom:
Kelly Blynn was not present online when public comment was called.
Wheat Ridge Speaks
Item No. 1 - 38th Ave Main St Refresh
Nikki Larsen
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Comment received on Jun 15, 2026 at 10:18am
I'm excited about the improvements to 38th Avenue in our downtown area, it has been a
long time coming. Beyond the cosmetic changes, I think we need to focus more on the functionality of the corridor and as part of that, ensuring that sidewalks are up to code
for the entire stretch from Wads to Sheridan is extremely important. Same goes for
adequate and safe bike lanes for that stretch, including connecting to the multi-use
paths on Wads. This is a major corridor for residents, patrons, workers, and RTD riders.
We have folks from the Highland West Apartments, Lakeside Post Acute, and Sandalwood trying to navigate in wheelchairs, with walkers, canes, etc., and they are
often forced to use 38th itself. Families from the surrounding neighborhoods are riding
bikes to Stevens and Highlands Montessori. The plans presented, while pleasing from
an aesthetic standpoint, don't seem to take into consideration the every day needs of
our city and seem more focused on visual aesthetics. We can make the area look beautiful, but if it isn't accessible, practical, and safe, none of that will matter. Thank you
for your time!
1. 38th Avenue Refresh
Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling introduced Director of Community
Development Lauren Mikulak and Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman, who presented the 38th Avenue Main Street Refresh project.
Staff reviewed the history of planning efforts for 38th Avenue, noting the corridor has
long been identified as Wheat Ridge's "Main Street." Following voter approval of the 2-J
sales tax extension in November 2023, approximately $10 million was allocated for
improvements between Wadsworth Boulevard and Sheridan Boulevard. Staff explained that the project is intended as a refresh rather than a full reconstruction, with
improvements focused on streetscape enhancements, pedestrian safety, accessibility,
and connectivity while working within existing physical and financial constraints.
Staff presented two conceptual design alternatives for the corridor. Alternative A
generally maintains the existing roadway configuration, including on-street bicycle lanes and existing sidewalk widths, while Alternative B would reconfigure portions of the
roadway to accommodate a wider shared-use path, expanded landscaping, enhanced
public gathering spaces, and improved pedestrian amenities. Staff noted that the
alternatives are conceptual and that the preferred design may incorporate elements of
both concepts.
Staff also reviewed proposed pedestrian safety improvements near Stevens Elementary
School, including installation of a HAWK signal, enhanced crosswalk markings, and a
pedestrian refuge island at the intersection of Upham Street and 38th Avenue. The eastern portion of the corridor was identified as requiring fewer improvements,
consisting primarily of lighting upgrades and streetscape enhancements.
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Council discussed balancing pedestrian and bicycle safety, accessibility, business
vitality, and preserving the character of the corridor. Discussion included the proposed
shared-use path, on-street bicycle facilities, travel lane widths, parking configuration, landscaping, tree canopy, outdoor dining opportunities, school-zone safety, Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, transit accommodations, snow removal,
construction impacts, whether certain proposed improvements extended beyond the
scope of a corridor refresh, future maintenance responsibilities, the overall project
timeline, and the process for approving potential flow-line changes. Staff explained that any roadway modifications requiring flow-line changes would return to Council for
consideration by ordinance and that underground infrastructure needs would continue
to be evaluated during design.
Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator Ashley Holland reviewed the proposed public engagement strategy, including meetings with directly affected businesses, tenants,
and property owners, together with broader community outreach through Wheat Ridge
Speaks and other engagement opportunities. Staff emphasized that the engagement
process is intended to gather meaningful feedback from those most directly affected
while also providing opportunities for community-wide participation.
Council reached consensus to proceed with the public engagement process and
requested that staff continue refining the project concepts based on community feedback. 2. Events Venue Businesses
Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling introduced Senior Planner Scott Cutler, who
presented proposed revisions to the City's regulations governing event venues and
social clubs.
Staff explained that the current Municipal Code regulates private event venues through a social club licensing framework that includes annual licensing requirements, renewal
fees, police review, separation requirements, and locational restrictions. Staff noted that the regulations were originally developed to address issues associated with a former
operator and may no longer reflect the variety of event venue business models
operating today.
Staff presented a proposed zoning-based approach that would replace the existing licensing framework and regulate event venues as defined land uses within the Zoning
Code. The proposal includes four categories: Indoor Event Venues, Outdoor Event
Venues, Accessory Outdoor Entertainment associated with existing commercial uses,
and Special Events on Agricultural Properties. Staff reviewed the proposed operating
standards, Special Use Permit process, business licensing requirements, and enforcement considerations applicable to each category.
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Council discussed how the proposed regulations would apply to existing event venues,
accessory commercial uses, agricultural properties, special event liquor permits, future
common consumption areas, and the relationship between zoning regulations, liquor licensing, and existing noise ordinances. Discussion also included enforcement
procedures and operational standards intended to address parking, sanitation,
neighborhood compatibility, and site-specific impacts. Staff explained that a retailer in a
commercial zone wishing to serve alcohol at an event could do so through the special
event liquor permit process.
Staff also explained that Sons of Italy would become a legally non-conforming use
because of its current location and existing outdoor event space but could continue
operating without expanding the outdoor event area. Council directed staff to continue
evaluating how the proposed regulations would apply to existing event venues and future community events to ensure a practical transition to the revised code framework.
Council reached consensus on the proposed approach and requested that staff return
with a draft ordinance, implementation materials, and a communication plan for
affected businesses.
3. Staff Reports
No staff reports were presented.
4. Elected Officials' Reports
Councilmember Martell reported attending Coffee with the Mayor at Esther's, the
second annual Wheat Ridge Pride celebration at the Green, and an ice cream social at
Happiness Gardens. She shared information regarding a community fundraiser
supporting local advocate Domenick Breton and thanked those who have contributed.
She also acknowledged the City's recent organ donation proclamation and encouraged residents to consider becoming organ donors.
Councilmember Quinn reported attending Coffee with the Mayor and the concert at the
Green. He shared a story illustrating a recent act of kindness by a community member
and reflected that such moments contribute to the strong sense of community in Wheat Ridge. He also announced plans to host a district outreach event with Councilmember
Snell in lieu of a June district meeting, with additional details to be shared.
Councilmember Snell announced office hours with Councilmember Martell on June 16,
2026 at Anne's Pie Café and encouraged residents to attend. She highlighted July's Engaged Wheat Ridge programming, including the July 9, 2026 event at the Active Adult
Center in partnership with the Homeless Navigation Program. She also recognized
Parks and Recreation staff for their work supporting the Pride celebration and noted the
appreciation expressed by attendees.
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Councilmember Larson observed that June 15 marks the anniversary of Benjamin
Franklin's famous kite experiment before sharing observations from a recent family trip to Estes Park, where he noted the community's downtown streetscape improvements.
He also referenced a recent road rage incident that received statewide attention as a
reminder to exercise patience while traveling. Councilmember Larson requested a
future briefing regarding the City's redistricting history and process in advance of the
2030 federal census.
Councilmember Wood reported participating in the American Planning Association's
online Lobby Day in support of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act. She shared that
the proposed legislation would expand resources available to local governments to
address housing needs and noted that Wheat Ridge's congressional delegation has expressed support for the measure.
Mayor Stites thanked Esther's for hosting Coffee with the Mayor and recognized
Sergeant Gross and Alex Rose of the Wheat Ridge Police Department for their
participation. He announced that Coffee with the Mayor and related activities would be held on July 11, 2026, at the Green with Wheelie Bean, encouraged residents to
participate in July's Engaged Wheat Ridge activities, and reminded Council that the next
regular meeting will include presentation of the inaugural Community Champion Award.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stites adjourned the June 15, 2026, Study Session at 8:14 p.m.
_____________________________
Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem
___________________________________________
Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk