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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-03 Study Session NotesNOTES CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO STUDY SESSION Monday, August 3, 2026 The Study Session was held in a hybrid format, with Councilmembers, City staff, and members of the public participating either in person in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, or virtually. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Korey Stites called the City Council Study Session of August 3, 2026, to order at 6:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Present: Dan Larson; Rachel Hultin; Scott Ohm; Mike Okada; Patrick Quinn; Jenny Snell; and Susan Wood. Absent: Kathleen Martell. Staff in Attendance: Patrick Goff, City Manager; Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager; Chris Molison, Director of Administrative Services; Rocky Macsalka, Civil Engineer II; Onorina Maloney, Senior Deputy City Clerk; Lucy Spalenka, Deputy City Clerk. Public Comment on Agenda Items The Mayor opened public comment, noting that speakers must address one of the three agenda items, with a three-minute time limit. In Person Nikki Larsen (resident, Active Transportation Advisory Team member) spoke in support of Vision Zero. She shared postcards collected at community events, reading messages from residents calling for more sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and multimodal trails. She expressed concern that a recent Council Corner article by Councilmember Larson might invoke "Wadsworth-style fatigue" and urged that safety not be buried under construction concerns. She thanked Council for taking up Vision Zero. Cheryl Garcia (resident, Wheat Ridge) spoke in support of Local Works' budget request, praising the organization's growth, Live Local events, and dumpster grant programs, noting that friends from outside Wheat Ridge expressed envy at the City's community programming. Kimberly Cross (resident, Wheat Ridge) spoke in support of the upcoming tax measure, urging Council to support the %1.00 tax increase to fund a new City Hall and Police Headquarters, emphasizing that the community must "answer the call" for its police department. Betty Jo Page (resident, Wheat Ridge Historical Society Board) spoke on behalf of the Historical Society, noting broad external support for local history and museums from organizations including History Colorado. She emphasized that peer communities outperform Wheat Ridge and that the board needs professional guidance. Alan Bucknam (resident, District 1, Active Transportation Advisory Team) spoke in support of Vision Zero, describing unsafe conditions for walkers and cyclists on 38th Avenue and Harlan Street and expressing confidence that a Vision Zero plan could maintain Wheat Ridge's character while protecting people. Charlie Myers (resident, District 1, Active Transportation Advisory Team and BikeJeffco) spoke in support of Vision Zero, sharing that he is organizing a memorial ride for fallen cyclists that will pass through Wheat Ridge, and expressing hope that Vision Zero will make such events unnecessary in the future. Krista Holub (resident, District 1, Active Transportation Advisory Team) spoke in support of Vision Zero, sharing postcards from residents expressing why they love to bike and walk in Wheat Ridge, and noting that safe transportation infrastructure was a reason she moved to the community three years ago. Nicole Kostelecky (resident, Local Works Board President) spoke in support of Local Works' budget request, highlighting the organization's growth, diverse programming, and careful stewardship of City funds. Tricia Riffle (Executive Director, Ralston House) introduced Ralston House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing forensic interviews, medical exams, and victim advocacy to child crime victims in partnership with the Wheat Ridge Police Department for over ten years. She noted the organization is requesting a one-time contribution of $44,420 toward a capital campaign to renovate a new 10,000-square-foot- facility in Arvada, with costs proportioned by population across all Jefferson County municipalities. Via Zoom: None Wheat Ridge Speaks Item No. 1 – Vision Zero Safety Action Plan Kelly Blynn Comment received on Aug 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. The Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT) is a citizen-led, volunteer-run organization that envisions a physically and economically vibrant community where people of all ages and abilities can maintain safe, healthy and connected lives through easy and equitable access to active transportation options. The ATATs focus on outreach and education, advocacy, and connecting community members through walking and biking, and since its founding in 2012 has provided community input on City and regional projects affecting bike, pedestrian, and transit access and safety. Vision Zero is a broadly embraced global movement to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. It recognizes that people make mistakes and are vulnerable to the consequences. It also recognizes that everyone shares a responsibility to create safer environments for getting around, that safety measures can and should be proactive, and that redundancy in safety measures saves lives. Since 2010, we’ve had over 300 people seriously injured or killed in crashes on Wheat Ridge streets, about 70 of which were bicyclists or pedestrians. Most of these happen on our major roadways like Wadsworth, and particularly at intersections. A Vision Zero framework enables us to see every crash as preventable, and can help our community avoid crashes that forever change people’s lives. In nearly every What’s Up Wheat Ridge survey, major plan like the City Plan or Economic Development Plan, and polling, our community again and again is demonstrating that improving how safe it is to get around outside a car is a top priority for them. The ATATs have been working to advance the goal of Vision Zero for the last few years because we think it’s time to respond to this call from our community, and really make progress toward making it safe for all ages to get where they need to go. So we’re excited that the City is participating in this county plan and to hear updates about it tonight, and are eager to work with Council toward a resolution establishing a goal of Vision Zero for our community. Whether you’re a kid getting to school in our community or a senior navigating our streets in a mobility device, everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely. Many thanks for your consideration, The Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATATs) 1. Update on Regional Vision Zero Safety Action Plan (VZSAP) Rocky Macsalka, Engineering Manager and the City's representative on the Vision Zero stakeholder committee, introduced Krystian Boreyko from Consor, the consulting firm leading the plan on behalf of Jefferson County. Krystian Boreyko provided an overview of the regional Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, a federally funded effort through the Federal Highway Administration's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The plan aims to eliminate fatal and severe injury crashes with a focus on vulnerable roadway users — bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists — using the Safe System approach encompassing Safer People, Safer Roads, Safer Speeds, Safer Vehicles, and Post-Crash Care. Boreyko reported that the first phase of community outreach yielded 524 survey responses and over 1,300 interactive map pins countywide, including approximately 140 pins within Wheat Ridge. Crash history was analyzed for the period 2020–2024, with I-70 excluded. Severe crashes remained relatively stable throughout the study period, underscoring the need for action. A High Injury Network was developed using Wheat Ridge-specific thresholds rather than countywide data to avoid skewing results. Supporting initiatives include a policy review, a non-discriminatory plan, and a best economic and environmental practices review. A second phase of community outreach is planned for September, including an online open house, a companion survey, three pop-up events, and virtual office hours. Stakeholder review of the draft plan is anticipated in November, with public review in January 2027 and plan adoption to follow. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin asked what the plan would deliver to local governments. Boreyko and Macsalka confirmed that each member jurisdiction will receive a dedicated chapter with its High Injury Network, High Risk Network, and targeted engineering and programmatic recommendations, as well as eligibility to apply for federal implementation grant funding. Councilmember Wood commended the regional approach, noting that roadways do not stop at City boundaries. Councilmember Snell asked about outcomes experienced by communities after adopting Vision Zero. Boreyko cited increased transparency through public crash dashboards, adoption of automated speed enforcement where permitted, and infrastructure investment in bicycle and pedestrian networks, using Denver as a local example. Councilmember Larson acknowledged the value of the effort but raised concerns about potential trade-offs, including increased travel times, delays to emergency response vehicles, high implementation costs, and the impact of speed enforcement tools. He stated he would reserve judgment on specific projects until proposals are presented. Councilmember Okada noted increased crash density in District 4, particularly around the Tabor Bridge and 44th Avenue, reflecting concerns heard from constituents. Macsalka confirmed that Public Works is designing improvements for the 44th and Tabor area to connect to Clear Creek. Councilmember Quinn drew a parallel to systems-based workplace safety programs, noting results take years to materialize but are meaningful over time. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin observed that the heat map's highest-concentration crash locations are centered on intersections and expressed interest in intersection-specific recommendations, noting the recent deployment of red-light enforcement cameras at 44th and Kipling. 2. 2027 Outside Agency Budget Requests City Manager Patrick Goff introduced the item, noting that Council was being asked for direction on funding requests from five outside organizations to inform the 2027 budget. No consensus on dollar amounts was sought at this meeting; the full discussion was deferred to a future study session. Current 2026 funding levels include: $45,000 for the Wheat Ridge Business District; $100,000 for the Carnation Festival Committee; $326,200 for Localworks (plus $75,000 for the Wadsworth Business Recovery Grant Program). The Wheat Ridge Chamber's 2025 request was not approved. Ralston House submitted a new request for one-time capital construction support. Carnation Festival Committee — $125,000 requested Joe DeMott (Committee Chair) reported that fireworks for the upcoming festival had been canceled due to drought conditions, with the $25,000 budgeted amount to be rolled over or held for next year. He noted the festival draws approximately 35,000 guests, benefits 18 nonprofits, and has operated under his leadership for 16 years. The committee previously received $125,000 annually prior to COVID-19 reductions and has exhausted its reserve funds. Councilmember Larson suggested exploring drone shows as a fireworks alternative; Mr. DeMott noted they are three to five times more expensive. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin raised concerns about fireworks' noise impact on neighbors and pets and inquired about budget transparency, including the absence of carnival revenue and in-kind contributions. Councilmember Ohm suggested a middle-ground option of one fireworks night rather than two. Councilmember Snell praised the festival's unique character. Localworks — $377,200 requested ($327,200 general operations + $50,000 business grant program) Executive Director Paige Piper presented Local Works' 2026 accomplishments and 2027 request. Highlights included: Ridge Fest at The Green with 2,900 attendees; 10 Live Local events impacting approximately 1,500 residents; the Business Block Party at Gold's Marketplace with over 2,000 attendees; 15 block party grants; a new universal 20% coupon program on 38th Avenue; new flagpoles and a website relaunch for Ridge at 38; completion of Explore 44 Phase 2 with a permanent sign structure at Hopper Hollow Park; and over $117,000 distributed to 19 Wadsworth corridor businesses through the Business Recovery Grant. The Clear Creek Makerspace has welcomed 64,000 visitors since opening, with 7 businesses launched and 5 licenses filed in Wheat Ridge. Piper also reported that Local Works has reduced its reliance on City funding from 99% to 39% of total revenue, spent down $625,000 in reserves as directed by Council in 2022, and received over $450,000 in private grants and $135,000 in individual donations. The Creative Commons expansion — 13 retrofitted shipping container studio spaces — is projected to open in Q3 2027. The $50,000 business grant program would be open to all Wheat Ridge businesses for flexible project types, including non-traditional needs such as marketing contractors, with a board-appointed review committee and Council representation through the Mayor. Applications would open January 1, 2027. Council members broadly praised Local Works' return on investment and revenue diversification. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin suggested exploring shared vendor contracts for common needs like communications, rather than small individual grants. Councilmember Larson asked about sustainability given shifts in private grant landscapes; Piper confirmed a succession and sustainability plan is in place. Mayor Stites noted that Local Works was previously receiving $90,000 through the Business District funding and is requesting only $50,000 for the grant program. Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce — $60,000 requested Robert Hamm, Chief Development Officer of Family Tree and Chamber Board Member, presented the request. The Chamber, incorporated 57 years ago, is approaching 200 members. The request would fund marketing, events, contractor compensation, membership outreach, and space rental. The request also includes funding to investigate a potential merger with the Wheat Ridge Business Association, which the Chamber documented in a report titled Building a Stronger Wheat Ridge. Councilmember Larson expressed encouragement about the potential merger, noting it had long been discussed without progress. Hamm acknowledged the Chamber is speaking only for itself and not the Business Association. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin recommended professional facilitation for any merger discussions and supported funding for that effort. Councilmember Snell commended the Chamber's programming breadth and the board's resilience following the passing of former president Dominic Breton. Mayor Stites recommended that the Chamber review the City's Economic Prosperity Plan to ensure alignment before seeking City funding. Ralston House — $44,240 requested (one-time) Executive Director Tricia Riffle presented Ralston House's services and capital campaign request. Ralston House provides forensic interviews, medical exams, and victim advocacy to child crime victims in the First Judicial District, having conducted approximately 420 interviews for the Wheat Ridge Police Department over the past ten years. The organization is renovating a new 10,000 square foot facility — the former Community Table in Arvada — with a total renovation cost of approximately $1.3 million. The $44,240 request reflects Wheat Ridge's proportional share based on population and catchment area. The facility will include four interview pods, a medical pod, expanded office space, and a 100-person training room. Funding is also being sought from the Gates Foundation, In-N-Out Burger, and other capital campaign contributors. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin thanked Ralston House for its important and often invisible work on behalf of vulnerable community members. Wheat Ridge Historical Society — $100,780 requested (includes new FTE) Martha Hetty, Publications Director, presented the Historical Society's request for the City to hire a trained museum professional. She noted the all-volunteer board is aging, with three members lost in the past two years. The Society has 8,000–10,000 items in its collection, of which only approximately 5% have been accessioned. A peer survey of six comparable suburban museums found that all others have at least one paid, full-time museum professional, enabling greater open hours, programming, and grant eligibility. Karen O'Donnell, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained that staff recommend structuring the proposed position to also encompass public art coordination and cultural events and programs — roles currently handled through a contractor — making it a viable, full-time City employee position supervised by staff liaison Brandon Altenberg. Bonnie Botham presented the Society's current annual operating budget of approximately $10,000.00, noting they are on track to fully spend 2026 funds on a display cabinet repair and outreach upgrades. The 2027 request is a slight increase of approximately $200 for ink costs. Council members expressed broad support. Councilmember Okada asked whether the backlog was historical or ongoing; the board confirmed it is a mix, with significant progress made during the "Century Long Story" project. Goff noted that a full-time person would coordinate rather than resolve the backlog alone, and that a consultant team could be brought in later. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin supported the FTE concept and emphasized the need to address record-keeping gaps that are currently blocking grant eligibility. Councilmember Snell inquired whether the position could eventually serve as staff liaison to the Cultural Commission, which Goff confirmed was the intent. Councilmember Larson expressed strong support, noting the proposal had evolved meaningfully from earlier discussions about the Society's sustainability. 3. Follow-Up Discussion – Community Polling Results and Potential 2026 Sales Tax Ballot Measure City Manager Goff summarized the follow-up from the prior week's study session, noting that staff and Piper Sandler refined the financing analysis to reflect a phased approach to debt issuance — in 2027, 2031, and 2036 — rather than a single issuance. Under a 1% sales tax scenario using Certificates of Participation (COPs), this approach would generate approximately $236 million in total capital funding, compared to approximately $210 million using traditional sales tax revenue bonds. Andrew from Piper Sandler presented two key strategies: phased issuances to capture revenue extending to 2066, and use of excess revenue (approximately $35 million over 10 years, or $3.5 million annually) for pay-as-you-go capital spending on preventive street maintenance and bike/pedestrian network improvements. The first issuance of $127 million would fund the Civic Center, outdoor pool, and school property acquisitions. Parks and Public Works facilities would be addressed in subsequent tranches. Only the 1% and 0.85% COP scenarios generate sufficient cash flow to support the full $127 million first issuance; assuming an additional 100-basis-point cushion in the assumed interest rate, only the 1% scenario remains viable. Council engaged in discussion on the appropriate tax rate. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin favored 0.85%, citing competing fire district ballot measures — Arvada Fire at 1% and West Metro at approximately 0.75% and the psychological impact on voters of a combined tax burden potentially reaching 2% in parts of the City. Councilmember Okada initially expressed support for 0.85% but deferred to the emerging consensus. Councilmember Ohm, Councilmember Quinn, Councilmember Wood, and Councilmember Larson all expressed a preference for 1%, noting that the polling showed no meaningful difference in support between 1% and lower rates, and that community outreach participants encouraged going to the full amount. Council reached consensus to proceed with 1% dedicated sales and use tax and to bring back a draft ordinance and ballot question language for first reading on August 10. 4. Staff Report(s) No staff reports were presented. 5. Elected Officials' Report(s) Councilmember Snell announced District 1 office hours the following morning at Anne's Pie Cafe on West 29th Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Councilmember Wood noted that the recent pool party was great and well done. Councilmember Larson reported that a ribbon cutting was held the prior week at Family Tree for GFiber, with fiber installation underway in Wheat Ridge neighborhoods. He also shared that he attended the Central City Opera on Saturday, where the featured production was Ballad of Baby Doe, drawing a connection to the historical context discussed earlier in the evening regarding Wheat Ridge farmers who fed miners. Mayor Pro Tem Hultin thanked staff and Councilmember Ohm for a productive meeting with Dover Street residents, noting the group reached an overwhelmingly strong consensus on each option presented and that residents left the meeting thanking the City for listening. Mayor Stites thanked participants in Engage Wheat Ridge month, praised the pool party and the disco ball, noted a ribbon cutting for the two-year anniversary of Lakeside Spine Injury Center, and encouraged residents to visit PROS, which held its soft opening the prior evening. Councilmembers Okada and Quinn did not provide a report. ADJOURN Mayor Stites adjourned August 03, 2026, Study Session at 10:18 p.m. _________________________________________ Rachel Hultin, Mayor Pro Tem _________________________________________ Lucy Spalenka, Deputy City Clerk