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Home My WebLink About2026-07-13 Special Study Session NotesPage 1 of 4 NOTES CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO SPECIAL STUDY SESSION Monday, July 13, 2026 The Special 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 Stites called the Special Study Session to order on July 13, 2026, noting a single agenda item: the 38th Avenue West Project Update. The Mayor noted that no members of the public were signed up to speak. ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Present: Rachel Hultin; Dan Larson; Kathleen Martell; Scott Ohm; Mike Okada; Patrick Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood. Staff in Attendance: City Manager Patrick Goff; Director of Public Works Kent Kisselman; Senior Deputy City Clerk Onorina Maloney; and other staff members as needed. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS No public comments were received in person or via Zoom. One written comment was received through Wheat Ridge Speaks, as follows: Kelly Blynn Comment received on July 13, 2026 at 10:54 a.m. Item No. 1 - MEMO - 38th Ave West Project Thank you for the opportunity to comment, I live at 4175 Brentwood St, and am part of the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATATs). It's exciting to see the progress on this corridor, so thank you for the update. It's difficult to tell from the slides, so just wanted to confirm that the design still includes buffered bike lanes throughout? This was what we understood was approved at the end of the last project, though there are some places, like approaching the roundabouts, where they appear to just stop, and the buffering is not really clear on the slides. I believe previously, there had been considerations for transitioning bikes to sidewalks at the roundabouts and/or guiding a Page 2 of 4 safe merge into the roundabout itself -- just having bike lanes end is pretty disillusioning for riders who may be younger or less confident. The details matter here, so just want to be sure that current best practices are used for bike lanes / treatments at roundabouts, and that bicyclists of all ages/abilities have a clear and safe option to use through them. Similarly, it looks right now that the bike lanes just end at either end of the corridor -- creating a thoughtful transition to sidewalks on Kipling, etc. will help make this facility more useful for everyone. Thanks for your consideration! Item 1: 38th Avenue West Project Update Director of Public Works Kisselman provided background on the 38th Avenue West Project, noting that it has been a City priority since 2021. Design work began in 2022, with the contract awarded to Ayres and Associates in 2023. Nathan Silberhorn of Ayres and Associates presented the 60% design update, including project elements, the anticipated schedule, and utility undergrounding considerations. Silberhorn explained that the 60% design phase establishes the project's major components, including roadway configuration, right-of-way impacts, utility coordination, lighting, construction phasing, and updated cost estimates. He noted that the design continues to incorporate improvements intended to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall corridor functionality. Discussion focused on proposed corridor improvements, including: • pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements; • single-lane roundabouts at key intersections; • transit stop upgrades; • lighting enhancements; • water quality improvements; and • coordination with adjacent businesses, property owners, and the West Metro Fire Protection District. Silberhorn explained that bicycle facilities are planned throughout the corridor, with transitions at roundabouts designed to provide safer connections for cyclists. Council discussed the importance of ensuring bicycle and pedestrian facilities are intuitive, accessible, and accommodate users of all ages and abilities. Mayor Stites relayed concerns raised by residents regarding pedestrian safety near Prospect Valley Elementary School. Silberhorn discussed the safety benefits of single- lane roundabouts and potential pedestrian crossing enhancements, including Rapid Flashing Beacons. Director Kisselman noted that the City may have equipment from a previous project that could be repurposed. Council also discussed outreach to affected property owners and businesses, as well as coordination with adjacent developments and emergency services. Silberhorn stated that formal outreach regarding right-of-way impacts and construction effects would begin following completion of the 60% design submittal. Project Schedule and Cost Considerations Silberhorn reviewed the anticipated project schedule, including completion of the 60% design phase, development of final construction plans, and anticipated construction to Page 3 of 4 begin in summer 2027. He noted that the schedule is dependent, in part, on decisions regarding utility undergrounding. Council discussed the construction cost estimate, including assumptions related to escalation factors and opportunities to refine costs through future project delivery methods. Xcel Energy Undergrounding Discussion Director Kisselman provided an update regarding potential undergrounding of utilities along the 38th Avenue West corridor. He reported that Xcel Energy received contractor bids for undergrounding utilities from Kipling Street to Youngfield Street, with the lowest bid totaling approximately $9.8 million. Kisselman explained that the City's available Xcel 1% fund balance, together with the ability to borrow against future revenues, could provide approximately $3 million toward the project. The remaining cost would require funding from other sources, potentially including 2J funds. City Manager Goff clarified that under the City's franchise agreement, Xcel Energy is responsible for relocating utilities within the project footprint but is not required to underground existing overhead utilities. Any additional undergrounding requested by the City would require City funding. Council discussed the potential benefits of undergrounding utilities, including improved storm resilience, enhanced aesthetics, and long-term corridor improvements, while also considering the potential impacts on other planned 2J-funded projects and future capital priorities. Council considered the costs and feasibility of partial versus full undergrounding, including whether a phased approach would provide meaningful cost savings given the infrastructure connections required throughout the corridor. Members requested additional information regarding the financial implications of undergrounding options and the potential effects on other planned 2J-funded projects before making future decisions. Council also discussed the City's long-term approach to utility undergrounding and inquired whether a comprehensive undergrounding priority plan exists. City Manager Goff responded that no formal citywide plan is currently in place and noted that developing a broader strategy could help guide future capital investment decisions. Consensus Direction Council reached consensus on the following: 1. Affirmed the proposed 60% design direction. 2. Directed staff to return with a 2J budget analysis identifying the potential impacts on other programmed projects if funding is allocated toward the Xcel Energy undergrounding cost differential. 3. Directed staff to continue evaluating undergrounding options and return to Council prior to a final funding decision. Page 4 of 4 Councilmember Ohm requested a future study session with Jefferson County regarding election administration and voter protections prior to the November 3, 2026 General Election. Council expressed support for the request. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Stites adjourned the July 13, 2026 Special Study Session at 10:26 p.m. _________________________________________________ Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem __________________________________________________ Onorina Z. Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk