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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-13 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 of 13 MINUTES amended Item 5 discussion 2026-07-27 CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Monday, July 13, 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 City Council Regular Meeting to order on July 13, 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 A quorum was established. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE City Manager Patrick Goff; Deputy City Manager Marianne Schilling; City Attorney Gerald Dahl; Manager of People and Culture Carli Seeba; Director of Community Development Lauren Mikulak; Director of Parks and Recreation Karen O’Donnell; Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman; Division Chief Eric Kellogg; Risk Management/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator Kelly McLaughlin; Sustainability Coordinator Mary Hester; Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney; and other staff members, interested citizens, and guests. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Study Session Notes, June 15, 2026; City Council Meeting Minutes, June 22, 2026; and Special Study Session Notes, June 22, 2026. Minutes and study session notes were approved as presented. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Page 2 of 13 No changes to the agenda were proposed. PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES 1. Proclamation – Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Day Mayor Stites read the Mayor's Monarch Pledge Day Proclamation for July 13, 2026. Sustainability Coordinator Mary Hester accepted the proclamation on behalf of the program and thanked the Council for their ongoing commitment to sustainability work. 2. Proclamation – Parks and Recreation Month Mayor Stites read a proclamation declaring July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month. Parks and Recreation Director O'Donnell accepted on behalf of the department, joined by Parks and Recreation Commission members and department staff. Director O'Donnell highlighted department accomplishments over the past year and individually recognized Parks and Recreation Commissioners and staff members present, as well as Booster the Rooster. 3. Proclamation – Disability Pride Month Mayor Stites read a proclamation declaring July 2026 as Disability Pride Month. Risk Management/ADA Coordinator Kelly McLaughlin accepted on behalf of the City's ADA Committee, thanking Council for its support of the ADA Transition Plan and its ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion across City facilities, parks, and rights-of- way. PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO SPEAK In person Dan Kuckes, Wheat Ridge resident, addressed Council regarding park trail signage, stating that signs prohibiting bicycles while allowing mobility devices were unclear and had contributed to confusion and conflicts on the trail. He noted that the City's Parks and Recreation website provided the clearest explanation of the restriction and said he was considering inviting Adaptive Adventures to demonstrate the use of bicycles as mobility devices. No other individuals were signed up to speak in chambers. Via Zoom: Brandon George – Registered to speak via Zoom but was not present when called. Wheat Ridge Speaks (The following comments are reproduced verbatim as submitted through the Wheat Ridge Speaks platform.) Lisa Rucker Comment received on July 13, 2026 at 11:23 a.m. Item No. 5 - RESO - budget supplement Equity Audit Page 3 of 13 Dear Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Staff, as a Wheat Ridge constituent and a program officer with a Colorado private family foundation that has invested in projects benefiting Wheat Ridge residents, I am writing in support of Resolution No. 34-2026 authorizing funding for the City's Equity Audit. The proposed audit is a thoughtful, measured effort to better understand how City policies, practices, communications, programs, and services are experienced by residents and staff and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. In philanthropy, we routinely support organizations that undertake assessments, strategic reviews, and community feedback processes because effective institutions should periodically examine whether their practices align with their goals and values. An equity audit is no different. It is not an indictment of current leadership, staff, or residents. Rather, it is a management tool that provides data, stakeholder input, and an objective assessment to help decision-makers better understand strengths, gaps, and opportunities. The City's proposed scope includes reviewing policies and procedures, organizational structures, communications, demographics, and community engagement practices, while gathering input from both residents and employees. Strong communities are built when local governments are willing to listen, learn, and make decisions based on evidence. Whether the audit confirms existing practices are effective or identifies areas for improvement, Wheat Ridge residents will benefit from having a clearer understanding of how City services are delivered and experienced. The value of the audit is in providing information that can help the City prioritize resources, strengthen community trust, and ensure all residents feel they have meaningful access to City services and opportunities. As someone who helps evaluate investments in communities across Colorado, I have seen that organizations willing to engage in honest assessment are often the ones best positioned to adapt, improve, and respond to the changing needs of their communities. I believe this audit reflects that commitment. I respectfully encourage the City Council to approve Resolution No. 34-2026 and allow this work to move forward. Thank you for your service to the Wheat Ridge community and for your consideration. Sincerely, Lisa Rucker Wheat Ridge Resident Lauren Andraski Comment received on July 13, 2026 at 10:06 a.m. Item No. 5 - RESO - budget supplement Equity Audit Dear City Council, I am writing to express my support of the Equity Audit for the City of Wheat Ridge. I believe we have a unique opportunity in our City which has such incredible history but is also at a turning point as we continue to grow, diversify, and decide what it means to actually live into the values we have so thoughtfully adopted. I think an equity audit - assuming we commit not only to the audit itself but also the budget and time it requires to review and implement the recommendations - can bring useful insight, especially when coming from a third party consultant who does not have a vested interest in the outcomes. There are already places for improvement that I'm sure the City is aware of and I commend the council's commitment to listening to your constituents to make sure our values aren't just lip service, but something we demonstrate with our actions. Page 4 of 13 Stephanie Campigotto Comment received on July 13, 2026 at 9:48 a.m. Item No. 5 - RESO - budget supplement Equity Audit I write in support of Resolution No. 27-2026 and the approval of the $96,000 supplemental appropriation for equity audit services. The most consequential inequities in any organization are rarely the product of deliberate action. They accumulate quietly, in policies written without certain populations in mind, in practices that feel neutral but produce unequal outcomes, in structures that were never designed with inclusion as a requirement. Without a systematic examination of how the City operates, those gaps remain invisible and, by extension, unaddressed. This audit gives Wheat Ridge a credible, evidence-based mechanism to see what it cannot currently see. The scope covering HR practices, organizational structure, communications, community engagement, and staff demographics is appropriately comprehensive. The risk of inaction is not simply that inequities persist. It is that the City continues making decisions in hiring, policy, service delivery, and resource allocation without understanding whether those decisions are producing equitable outcomes for employees and residents. That uncertainty carries real cost, both to the people affected and to the City's credibility as an institution committed to its stated values. At $96,000 for a scoped, time-bound engagement with a clear completion date, this is a responsible investment. I urge Council to approve the resolution. Cindy Chang Comment received on July 10, 2026 at 1:40 p.m. Item No. 5 - RESO - budget supplement Equity Audit As a current member of the IDEA Committee, I am in support of the City moving forward with the Equity Audit. I believe it is in line with the City's needs and goals at this time. The results of this Equity Audit will provide the City with baseline information that will help guide future decisions and help the City become a leader on this issue. Thank you for your consideration. Nick Reeder Comment received on July 10, 2026 at 9:21a.m. Public's Right to Speak As a regular user and lover of the Clear Creek Greenbelt, it is frustrating and embarrassing to see the amount of trash and graffiti, especially near and under the Wadsworth bridge, on the new path leading south up the hill and retaining walls. It seems that sending people over to paint over it every month is unsustainable. We have essentially created a practice space for low-quality graffiti, and it makes the area feel really trashy. Some effort towards preventing people from trashing and living under the bridge are needed. We need more regular monitoring from park rangers, law enforcement, etc. Also consider hiring a mural artist or some local high school art students to create a mural that would cover those large walls and lower the Page 5 of 13 likelihood/impact of people constantly covering the walls over there. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. 1.CONSENT AGENDA Item Number 1a Resolution No. 31-2026 Title: A resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year Open Space Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $16,313 for the purpose of accepting grant funds from the Jefferson County Climate Action Plan Flood Resilience Grant program Issue: The City of Wheat Ridge was awarded $16,313 from the Jefferson County Climate Action Plan Food Resilience Program. The funding will support the Randall Park Neighborhood Farm project. A supplemental budget appropriation is required to allow for the funds to be used for the project. Additionally, the grant agreement must be signed by the mayor to formalize the request Councilmember Wood read the Title and Issue into the record. Item Number 1b Resolution No. 32-2026 Title: A resolution amending the 2026 General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $40,341 to accept a grant from the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services in the total amount of $125,000 Issue: The City was recently awarded a grant by the Department of Justice – Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) for FY25 COPS Hiring Program (CHP) funds in the amount of $125,000 to be used to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. A supplemental budget appropriation is required to appropriate $40,341 of the grant funding for Fiscal Year 2026. Councilmember Wood read the Title and Issue into the record Item Number 1c Resolution No. 33-2026 Title: A resolution amending the 2026 Fiscal Year General Fund budget to reflect the approval of a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $14,020 to accept a grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation Law Enforcement Assistance Funding Issue: The City was recently awarded a grant by the Colorado Department of Transportation Law Enforcement Assistance Funding to purchase LaserTech traffic equipment to be used for High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) and impaired driving activities. The total cost of the award is $14,020 and is a fully reimbursable award provided the approved equipment is purchased between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. A supplemental budget appropriation is required to appropriate the grant funding. Councilmember Wood read the Title and Issue into the record Page 6 of 13 Motion: Councilmember Wood moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 1A through 1C Second: Councilmember Okada Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING Item Number 2 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 (BOA) to the Planning Commission Issue: The proposed ordinance amends 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. Mayor Stites opened the public hearing. Community Development Director Mikulak provided a brief update, noting the Board of Adjustment had experienced significantly decreased case volume — meeting zero times in one recent year and only one or two times in another. She confirmed the Planning Commission had received training in June and was aware of the responsibilities they would inherit. Current BOA member terms will conclude in March of the following year, and all members have been informed of the transition and are being supported in finding placement on other boards and commissions. Council asked clarifying questions regarding the frequency of BOA meetings, whether the Planning Commission had been consulted, whether the number of Planning Commission members would change, and whether any BOA meetings were currently scheduled. Director Mikulak confirmed no meetings were currently scheduled, no membership changes were planned, and the commission had been informed. No members of the public signed up to speak. The public hearing was closed. 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 second reading, order it published, and that it takes effect immediately after final publication. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried Item Number 3 Council Bill No. 14-2026 Title: An ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning recreation 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 Page 7 of 13 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. Mayor Stites opened the public hearing. Division Chief Kellogg presented the item, explaining that the ordinance adds a definition for recreational vehicles, restricts RV parking to designated oversized vehicle areas during open hours, requires occupants to be engaged in recreation-related activities, limits parking to three consecutive days (with movement of the vehicle not resetting the period), and prevents long-term residential occupancy of parks. He noted the ordinance provides enforcement authority for extended stays that had been impacting trail access for the broader community. Council asked about safe parking resources for individuals who may be impacted. Chief Kellogg identified four church-based safe parking programs in the area, including Applewood Community Church, Arvada United Methodist Church, a Baptist church on Ward, and a Unitarian church on Sims Street. City Manager Goff clarified that these are voluntarily provided by community churches and the City facilitates referrals but does not directly operate safe parking spaces. Council also asked whether a grace period would be in place. Chief Kellogg confirmed that the ordinance takes effect 15 days after final publication and that homeless navigators had already been briefed and would proactively outreach to affected individuals. He also clarified that the City's existing 72-hour on-street RV ordinance remained in effect and described the enforcement approach including tire marking and door-knocking before resorting to tagging as an abandoned vehicle. No members of the public signed up to speak. The public hearing was closed. 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 second reading and that it takes effect 15 days after final publication. Second: Councilmember Larson Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING Item Number 4 Council Bill No. 15-2026 Note: The Council Bill was identified during the meeting as Council Bill No. 17-2026. The correct Council Bill number is 15-2026 Title: An ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 5225 Swadley Street from Agricultural-Two (A-2) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) with approval of an outline development plan (Case No. WZ-24-09) Issue: The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-Two (A- 2) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) with an Outline Development Plan Page 8 of 13 to facilitate the development of up to 18 single unit dwellings on the 4.97-acre property located at 5225 Swadley Street. A legal protest has been submitted and verified, so the zone change will require at least six votes by City Council for approval at second reading. Councilmember Okada read the Title and Issue into the record Motion: Councilmember Okada moved to approve Council Bill No. 15-2026, an ordinance approving the rezoning of property located at 5225 Swadley Street from Agricultural-Two (A-2) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) with an Outline Development Plan, on first reading for the sole purpose of ordering it published for a public hearing set for Monday, August 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, and, if adopted, that it take effect 15 days after final publication. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion carried DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND MOTIONS Item Number 5 Resolution No. 34-2026 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. Councilmember Snell read the Title and Issue into the record Deputy City Manager Schilling and Manager of People and Culture Carli Seeba presented the item. They explained that, following Council direction during the 2026 budget process, staff had explored an equity audit to understand Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) related opportunities and gaps within the organization. Following a January presentation and direction to issue a request for proposals, eleven proposals were received. The item was postponed in June to allow the IDEA Committee to review the scope; the committee recommended proceeding as proposed. The audit scope includes City policies, practices, organizational culture, staff demographics compared to peer agencies and census data, communications, and community engagement. The deliverable includes a roadmap for future implementation. The selected firm has 20 years of experience conducting municipal equity work. City Manager Goff confirmed sufficient General Fund revenues, with sales tax running 3% above the prior year. Public Comment Morgan Richards (Wheat Ridge resident and small business owner, founder of Wheat Ridge for Equity and IDEA Committee member) urged Council to approve the budget. She shared that the vote was personally meaningful, having a young adult child with autism and a disability herself, and thanked Mayor Stites and Mayor Pro Tem Hultin for their support since the creation of the Race and Equity Task Force in 2020. Council discussed the scope, cost, timing, and purpose of the proposed equity audit. Page 9 of 13 Council Discussion: Councilmember Quinn expressed support for the equity audit but acknowledged concerns from constituents regarding the nearly $100,000 expenditure outside the regular budget process. He noted the City's upcoming capital needs and suggested deferring the audit to the 2027 budget cycle. Councilmember Ohm referenced the City's recent inclusivity survey, noting equity- related scores ranging from 62% to 77%. He questioned whether comparable audits had been conducted in neighboring communities and requested additional examples of internal issues the audit would address. He stated he did not have sufficient information to justify the expenditure and supported deferring the item to the next budget cycle. Councilmember Martell cited a 2025 incident involving communication between City staff and an Indigenous community member as an example of why additional review was needed. She expressed support for the audit as a means of identifying procedural improvements and strengthening the City's response in similar situations. Councilmember Larson stated he values a diverse workplace but questioned whether the audit was an appropriate use of City funds. He suggested alternatives such as staff- led initiatives or targeted training in place of an external audit. Councilmember Okada supported conducting the audit proactively rather than in response to future issues. He expressed confidence in the selected firm's experience and stated the audit could help identify unconscious biases affecting City operations. Councilmember Wood supported a comprehensive review to identify equity-related issues that may not currently be apparent, stating the effort aligns with the City's long- term values and goals. Councilmember Snell, referencing her work with the Race and Equity Task Force and IDEA Committee, supported engaging outside professionals to conduct the audit. She stated the work requires specialized expertise and expressed confidence the audit would provide meaningful, actionable recommendations. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin stated the audit fulfills commitments previously made by Council. She noted that members of the public had expressed support for the initiative and that the proposed cost was within the budget range discussed earlier in the year. She added that professional expertise would help ensure measurable and meaningful outcomes. Motion: Councilmember Snell moved to approve Resolution No. 34-2026, 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. Second: Councilmember Okada Page 10 of 13 Vote: 5 ayes; 3 nays. Councilmembers Hultin, Martell, Okada, Snell, and Wood voted in favor, and Councilmembers Larson, Ohm, and Quinn voted against. Motion carried Item Number 6 Request for City Council Action MOTION Title: Motion to appoint Councilmember Mike Okada to the IDEA Committee as Council Liaison Issue: The City of Wheat Ridge has eleven Boards, Commissions, and Committees. To facilitate communication between these bodies and the City Council, Council has appointed Council Liaisons to several of them. Councilmember Jenny Snell has requested to step down as the Council Liaison to the IDEA Committee, and Mayor Stites recommends appointing Councilmember Mike Okada to serve in that role. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin read the Title and Issue into the record. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Hultin moved to ratify the recommendation of Mayor Korey Stites to appoint Councilmember Mike Okada to the IDEA Committee as Council Liaison. Second: Councilmember Quinn Vote: 8 ayes; 0 nays Motion Carried Item Number 7 Request for City Council Action MOTION Title: Consideration of Notice of Violation under Regulatory Impairment of Property Rights Statute Issue: The City has received a June 16, 2026 Notice of Violation from the attorneys for the Lakeside Autowash. This Notice is filed under the Regulatory Impairment of Property Rights Statute, CRS § 29-20-201, et seq. Under the statute, the City must respond to the Notice by informing the property owner that the new conditions imposed on the Special Use Permit (SUP) by the Council’s May 18, 2026 motion and June 8, 2026 written findings and decision will either proceed as approved, be modified, or be discontinued. Councilmember Martell read the Title and Issue into the record As a procedural matter, City Attorney Dahl requested that Mayor Pro Tem Hultin be excused from participation, consistent with her recusal during the May 18, 2026 and June 8, 2026, hearings. Council voted by show of hands (7-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Hultin abstaining) to excuse her, and she left the chamber. Attorney Dahl explained the purpose of the Regulatory Impairment of Property Rights Statute, noting that it provides property owners with a process to challenge certain government actions they believe impair property rights. He explained that the statute Page 11 of 13 requires the City to respond within 30 days by indicating whether it will proceed with, modify, or discontinue the challenged action. Attorney Dahl outlined the applicable legal standards, including that the action must have a rational relationship to a legitimate governmental purpose and that any conditions imposed must be proportional to the issue being addressed. He stated that staff believed the additional conditions placed on the Lakeside Autowash Special Use Permit met these standards and recommended sustaining the prior decision. He further explained that, if Council did not sustain the decision, Council could direct staff to prepare modifications to the conditions or reverse the decision. Councilmember Larson asked what would occur if Council did not support the motion. Attorney Dahl explained that Council would need to take alternative action, either directing staff to prepare modifications to the conditions or reversing the prior decision and removing the additional SUP conditions. No members of the public signed up to speak. Motion: Councilmember Martell moved that the decision of the City Council with respect to the Lakeside Autowash special use permit, imposing additional conditions upon said permit, as approved on May 18, 2026 and confirmed by written Findings and Decision of June 8, 2026 be sustained, and that the additional conditions placed on the special use permit be enforced. Second: Councilmember Ohm Vote: 7 ayes; 0 nays (Mayor Pro Tem Hultin recused) Motion carried CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS No matters to report CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS No matters to report ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS Councilmember Wood reported on the District 3 Engage Wheat Ridge community meeting held at the Recreation Center, which was attended by approximately 26 residents. She noted a follow-up event scheduled for July 25, 2026, Kullerstrand Elementary. She also shared information regarding the effective date of the federal 21st Century Road to Housing Act and thanked a resident for raising concerns regarding park trail signage. Councilmember Quinn apologized for missing the District 3 Engage Wheat Ridge meeting due to a personal emergency. He reported attending Dominick Breton’s memorial service, Coffee with the Mayor, and a Clear Creek walk with City leaders. He shared constituent concerns regarding traffic safety on 32nd Avenue near the high Page 12 of 13 school and suggested exploring traffic-calming measures. He also thanked a resident for bringing forward park trail signage concerns. Councilmember Martell reported on Dominick Breton’s memorial service and the District 1 Engage Wheat Ridge event at the Active Adult Center, where approximately 50 hygiene kits were assembled for homeless navigators and police vehicles. She noted that office hours would resume in August following Engage Wheat Ridge events. She also highlighted the Clear Creek Makerspace “Math and Make” summer program for high school students and shared her involvement in the program. Councilmember Snell announced upcoming Engage Wheat Ridge events, including a coffee event at Hayward Park, a creative evening at Wheat Ridge Studios, and a community cookout near Richards Heart Estate. She thanked Councilmember Okada for assuming the IDEA Committee liaison role and recognized the Parks and Recreation Department. She also reminded residents to consider cooler morning hours for dog walking during periods of high temperatures. Councilmember Okada thanked Council for their encouragement as he begins his role as IDEA Committee liaison. He reported on an Engage Wheat Ridge event and shared resident feedback regarding loading zone needs along Ridge Road. He reflected on Dominick Breton’s memorial service and noted the importance of respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives among Councilmembers. Councilmember Larson reported constituent concerns regarding weed maintenance along the Lutheran Legacy Campus fence line and requested staff follow up. He also noted the closure of T-Birds restaurant on 44th Avenue and recognized National Gruntled Workers Day. Councilmember Ohm reported attending Dominick Breton’s memorial service and thanked his family for welcoming the community. He shared observations from a District meeting and thanked Councilmembers for maintaining respectful dialogue despite differing viewpoints. He also expressed appreciation for Councilmember Snell’s service as IDEA Committee liaison and welcomed Councilmember Okada’s transition into the role. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin reported on the first Clear Creek Thursday walk and shared constituent feedback regarding trail experiences. She highlighted a local business partnership with the Police Department and announced upcoming District 2 Engage Wheat Ridge events. She also shared a new process for Council liaisons to provide brief updates from boards and commissions and reported on regional transportation discussions, including the county’s Vision Zero plan and RTD’s operations analysis. Mayor Stites reported on the El Arca Plaza ribbon cutting and encouraged residents to visit the new business. He highlighted the success of the Engage Wheat Ridge kickoff Page 13 of 13 event and noted that traffic speeds continue to be a recurring neighborhood concern. He discussed trail enforcement efforts with the City Manager and announced the upcoming City Council 101 event. He also honored Dominick Breton and thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for its role in hosting the memorial celebration. ADJOURN TO SPECIAL STUDY SESSION There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Stites adjourned the July 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting at 8:57 p.m. _________________________________________ Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem __________________________________________________ Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk