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Home My WebLink About2026-06-22 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 11 MINUTES CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Monday, June 22, 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 22, 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; Kathleen Martell (attended remotely); Scott Ohm; Mike Okada; Patrick Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood Absent: Dan Larson 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; Director of Parks and Recreation Karen O’Donnell; Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney; Deputy City Clerk Lucy Spalenka; and other staff members as needed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Study Session Notes June 1, 2026; City Council Meeting Minutes, June 8, 2026; Special Study Session Notes, June 8, 2026. Minutes and study notes were approved as presented. APPROVAL OF AGENDA No changes to the agenda were proposed. Page 2 of 11 PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES 1.Citizen Police Academy Graduation Oﬃcer Mark Fischer and Oﬃcer Kylee Fischer recognized the 2026 Citizens Police Academy graduates and thanked them for their participation. The following graduates were recognized: April Bodendorfer; Tony Carpenter; Kathleen Fischer; Aspen Jacoby; Miette Jandreau; Arlan Nimrod; Lynn Nimrod; Mahri Reed; Daneen Rock. 2.Police Recruit Graduation Chief Murtha introduced the City's eight new police recruits, noting they had completed academy training and would continue ﬁeld training before serving independently. Each recruit introduced themselves and shared brief remarks regarding their backgrounds and reasons for joining the Wheat Ridge Police Department. Council congratulated the recruits: Oﬃcer Jack Bryant; Oﬃcer Justin Hamroun; Oﬃcer Greg Kipp; Oﬃcer Alex Sailor; Oﬃcer Brendan Roy; Oﬃcer Dakota LaRoche; Oﬃcer Addison Southwick; Oﬃcer Grace Taylor. 3.Community Champion Award Presentation Mayor Stites announced the passing of Dominick Breton, who had been selected earlier in the month as the inaugural recipient of the Mayor's Community Champion Award. He noted that Mr. Breton passed away before the award could be presented and recognized his longstanding service and contributions to the Wheat Ridge community through his leadership of the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, service with the Kiwanis Club, and support of local businesses and community events. Mayor Stites announced that the Community Champion Award and commemorative challenge coin would be presented to Mr. Breton's family at a future Council meeting. He further announced that the award would be permanently renamed the Dominick Breton Community Champion Award in recognition of Mr. Breton's enduring legacy of community service. Mayor Stites concluded the presentation by leading those in attendance in a moment of silent reflection. PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK In person Maureen Daley expressed concern about the impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant families, referenced the Council's February human dignity and civil rights resolution, and urged the Council to adopt an ordinance implementing its principles. Page 3 of 11 Mary Drobnik urged the Council to adopt ordinances limiting local cooperation with ICE, requiring judicial warrants for immigration enforcement, requiring law enforcement identiﬁcation, and restricting ICE access to City property. She cited actions taken by other Colorado municipalities as examples. Don Slavin discussed public safety, city liability, and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. He referenced Colorado law, Section 287(g) agreements, and the Wheat Ridge Police Department's policy regarding assistance to federal agencies. Devin Green described his experience during an ICE operation in Lakewood, expressed concern about the role of local law enforcement during the incident, and urged the Council to take action to help prevent similar events in Wheat Ridge. Megan Crow stated that immigration enforcement is affecting Wheat Ridge residents and urged the Council to take action. She expressed conﬁdence that the community has the resources to support additional local protections. Steven Blette requested that the Council direct staff to prepare ordinances addressing local cooperation with ICE, judicial warrant requirements, law enforcement identiﬁcation, and restrictions on the use of City property for federal immigration enforcement activities. Lauren Andraski expressed appreciation for the City's transparency and the Council's previously adopted human dignity and civil rights resolution. She encouraged the Council to adopt additional measures to implement the resolution's principles and protect community members. Meg Reed discussed the economic contributions of immigrants and expressed concerns regarding current immigration enforcement practices. She cited information and personal observations in support of her request for additional local protections. Mariann Stork encouraged the Council to strengthen the February human dignity and civil rights resolution by adopting enforceable ordinances. She urged the Council to act promptly. Shannon Sturtevant expressed concern about immigration enforcement practices and encouraged the Council to develop local policies and protocols addressing potential ICE activity within the community. Robin MacKinnon discussed her observations of an ICE operation in Lakewood, expressed concerns about community impacts and representation, and encouraged the Council to consider additional local protections. She also invited Council members to attend a community training event. Page 4 of 11 Valerie Beck expressed support for previous speakers regarding immigration issues and thanked the Wheat Ridge Police Department for its service. She also honored the memory of Dominick Breton and encouraged the community to carry forward his welcoming spirit. Via Zoom No speakers signed up Wheat Ridge Speaks Kyle Edewaard Comment received on Jun 19, 2026 ∙ 4:10pm Item No. 2 - MEMO - RFI Wilmore Davis update I live in the neighborhood and fully support the city staff’s selection of Spectra. ABA centers like Spectra serve a vital need in our community and their services are in high demand. I believe the organization would be a great ﬁt for our neighborhood and would welcome them with open arms. 1.CONSENT AGENDA Item Number 1a Resolution Number 29-2026 Title: A resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reﬂect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $9,000 for the purpose of accepting and utilizing grant funds from the Jefferson County Open Space Foundation Nature’s Next Stewards program. Issue: The City of Wheat Ridge was awarded $9,000 from the Jefferson County Open Space Foundation’s Nature’s Next Stewards Program. The funding will support additional ﬁeld trips for summer Sun Camp participants during 2026; focusing on visiting natural spaces in the county and paired with environmental education. To increase the Sun Camp 2026 budget to spend the funding appropriately, the City must amend the Sun Camp 2026 operating supplies budget by passing this supplemental budget appropriation. Councilmember Martell read the title and issue into the record Motion: Councilmember Martell moved to approve Resolution No. 29-2026, a resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reﬂect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $9,000 for the purpose of accepting and utilizing grant funds from the Jefferson County Open Space Foundation’s Nature’s Next Stewards program. Second: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. Page 5 of 11 PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Item Number 2 Council Bill Number 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 Mayor Stites opened the public hearing City Attorney Dahl addressed Council explaining that the Charter requires the judge's compensation to be set by ordinance and that Judge Lucero had requested a modest increase in compensation. The ordinance accordingly attaches the current presiding municipal judge services agreement reﬂecting the new compensation rate. Judge Lucero reported on court operations since his previous appearance, including the retirement of the longtime prosecutor, the hiring of a replacement prosecutor, and recent trends in expired registration and photo radar cases. No members of the public signed up to speak. No questions were raised from Council. Mayor Stites closed the public hearing. Motion: Councilmember Snell moved 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 second reading, and that it takes effect upon adoption. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. Item Number 3 Council Bill Number 13-2026 Title: An ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning disposition of lost, abandoned, and 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. Mayor Stites opened the public hearing Page 6 of 11 Attorney Dahl presented the staff report, explaining that the ordinance updates the City's unclaimed property procedures to comply with changes in state law requiring unclaimed intangible property to be remitted to the State Treasurer, while streamlining the disposition process for tangible personal property. Attorney Dahl also identiﬁed an error in Section 3 of the ordinance, explaining that it inadvertently included code sections that had already been repealed. He requested that the maker of the motion include the phrase "with the exception of Section 3" to exclude those provisions from the ordinance. No members of the public signed up to speak. No questions were raised from Council. Mayor Stites closed the public hearing Motion: Councilmember Okada moved 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 second reading, and that it takes effect ﬁfteen days after ﬁnal publication as provided by the Charter, with the exception of Section 3. Second: Councilmember Quinn Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Item Number 4 Council Bill Number 14-2026 Title: An ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning recreational vehicle parking in parks and open space areas. Issue: Proposed amendments to Sections 17-1 and 17-52 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning the parking and use of recreational vehicles (RVs) and other oversized vehicles within City parks, trails, open spaces, the Recreation Center, and other recreation areas. The proposed changes are intended to ensure these public spaces remain available for their intended recreational purposes and are not used for extended stays, residential occupancy, or activities that interfere with public access and enjoyment. Councilmember Ohm read the title and issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Ohm moved to approve Council Bill No. 14-2026, an ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning recreational vehicle parking in parks and open space areas, 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, 7500 West 29th Avenue, and that it takes effect 15 days after ﬁnal publication. Second: Councilmember Okada Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. Page 7 of 11 DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS Item Number 5 MOTION Title: Motion approving a contract with GameTime in the amount of $530,000 for Fruitdale Park and Prospect Park Playgrounds Issue: Fruitdale Park and the eastern playground at Prospect Park in 2026. Three vendors provided options for each playground. Following a public survey, student engagement at two charter schools in the area, and staff evaluation, the options provided by GameTime are being recommended by staff. This Motion would approve a $530,000 contract to order the two playgrounds from GameTime and for GameTime’s local installer, Altitude Recreation, to install the playgrounds and related surfacing. Councilmember Wood read the title and issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Wood moved to approve a contract with GameTime in the amount of $530,000 for Fruitdale Park and Prospect Park playgrounds. Second: Councilmember Snell Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. Item Number 6 Resolution Number 30-2026 Title: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the Clear Creek Trail collaborative. Issue: This proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) would formally establish the Clear Creek Trail Collaborative. The City of Wheat Ridge manages approximately 7 miles of the regional, 65-mile Clear Creek Trail and 14 other government agencies either directly manage, or indirectly assist with managing, other trail segments. The IGA establishes clear governance, decision-making, and voting structures; establishes quarterly meetings and annual strategic planning and makes a formal commitment to the Clear Creek Trail name and branding. The IGA further ensures that Member Agencies maintain a continued commitment to the branding, construction, maintenance, and management of the trail, without committing any Agency to ﬁnancial contributions. Councilmember Quinn read the title and issue into the record. Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to approve Resolution No. 30-2026, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the Clear Creek Trail collaborative. Second: Councilmember Wood Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. Item Number 7 Motion Title: Motion to approve appointments to Board, Commission, and Committees Page 8 of 11 Issue: Over the last quarter, resignations were received from members of several Boards, Commissions, and Committees. There are currently sixteen existing vacancies. 2025 Boards, Commissions, & Committees Annual Appointments Mayor Pro Tem Hultin introduced the motion to approve appointments to boards, commissions, and committees, noting that resignations received over the prior quarter had created 16 existing vacancies. Mayor’s appointments: Mayor Stites presented the following appointments: Bill Powell to the At-Large Building Code Advisory Board (term to expire March 2, 2029); Amanda Weaver to the Election Commission (term to expire December 11, 2027); Aspen Jacoby to the Election Commission (term to expire December 11, 2027); Kia Ruiz to the At-Large IDEA Committee (term to expire March 2, 2028); Valerie Beck to the At-Large IDEA Committee (term to expire March 2, 2028); Ryan Zeman to the At-Large IDEA Committee (term to expire March 2, 2029); and Laura Singer to the At-Large Sustainable Wheat Ridge Committee (term to expire March 2, 2029). Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to ratify the Mayor’s recommendations as presented by the Mayor. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. District II Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to appoint Kelsey Robb to the District II Community Partners Grant Program Committee (term to expire March 2, 2027); Krystal Knutson to the District II Community Partners Grant Program Committee (term to expire March 2, 2028); Kelsey Robb to the District II Parks and Recreation Commission (term to expire March 2, 2029); and Karen Stanley to the District II IDEA Committee (term to expire March 2, 2027). Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried District III Motion: Councilmember Quinn moved to appoint Aspen Jacoby to the District III Community Partners Grant Program Committee (term to expire March 2, 2028). Second: Councilmember Wood Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. District IV Prior to the District IV appointment, City Attorney Dahl addressed a potential conﬂict of interest involving Councilmember Okada. He explained that Charter Section 4-10 prohibits Councilmembers from participating only when a ﬁnancial conﬂict of interest exists. Because the appointment of Councilmember Okada's spouse did not present a Page 9 of 11 ﬁnancial conﬂict, Attorney Dahl advised that Councilmember Okada was permitted to vote and, unless excused by Council, was required to do so. He further advised that Councilmember Okada could make the motion. Motion: Councilmember Okada moved to appoint Darla Okada to the District IV Cultural Commission, term to expire March 2, 2027. Second: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried. CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS City Manager Goff announced that the City's homeless navigation program had placed its 200th individual into housing and recognized staff members involved in the program. CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS City Attorney Dahl had no matters to report. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS Councilmember Okada expressed condolences on the passing of Dominick Breton and encouraged the community to remember him. He also recognized a resident who assisted with keeping two dogs safe after they were seen running loose near Youngﬁeld Street and West 44th Avenue and thanked animal control for responding to the incident. Councilmember Wood expressed condolences on the passing of Dominick Breton and reported attending the Colorado Municipal League Annual Conference. She noted the passage of the Road to Housing Act in the Senate and recognized the Pride Month Zumba event held at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. Councilmember Quinn thanked Mayor Stites for honoring Dominick Breton He reported attending the Goat Parade and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. He thanked residents who provided public comment and those volunteering on boards and commissions, acknowledged the City's milestone of housing its 200th individual through the homeless navigation program, and invited District 3 residents to a community outreach event on July 8, 2026. Councilmember Martell, participating remotely, thanked the City for providing remote participation technology. She acknowledged residents who spoke during public comment, reported on the Sustainable Wheat Ridge Committee's meeting with the EX5 team regarding sustainability planning, and expressed condolences to the family of Dominick Breton. Page 10 of 11 Councilmember Snell reported attending the City's Safety Soiree and recognized staff for quickly adapting when the scheduled food vendor became unavailable. She reminded residents of the upcoming Cultural Commission grant application deadline, acknowledged residents who spoke during public comment, and expressed condolences on the passing of Dominick Breton. Councilmember Ohm thanked residents for the respectful manner in which they participated in public comment. He welcomed the City's new police recruits, recognized Chief Murtha's leadership, and shared his support for the approved playground replacements after observing the active use of Prospect Park by families. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin reﬂected on the life and community contributions of Dominick Breton. She announced upcoming Bike to Work Day and Engage Wheat Ridge events, encouraged residents to keep dogs leashed following a recent dog attack, and requested Council consensus to schedule a study session regarding potential local regulations related to protections for immigrant neighbors. Council consensus was expressed, and City Manager Goff agreed to schedule the topic for a future study session. Mayor Stites thanked the public speakers for addressing diﬃcult topics and recognized the Citizens Police Academy graduates and new police oﬃcers, noting that the reasons oﬃcers choose Wheat Ridge reﬂect the qualities that make the community a place residents are proud to call home. He also reported attending the Safety Soiree, the goat parade, and visiting local businesses along 38th Avenue in memory of Dominick Breton. The Mayor reﬂected on Dominick Breton’s longstanding commitment to the community, shared personal memories of his friendship, and encouraged residents to honor his example by caring for one another and continuing to strengthen the community. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the June 22, 2026, Regular Council Meeting at 8:25 p.m. _________________________________________________ Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem __________________________________________________ Page 11 of 11 Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk