Staff will present the outcomes and recommendations of the draft Stormwater System Master Plan along with recommendations for implementation of various capital projects focused on system enhancements to prevent flooding, maintenance of the existing system, and various operational needs. A stormwater utility is recommended to be established which would provide a dedicated funding source for the operational and capital needs of the overall program.

Approval of a Specific Development Plan (SDP) for a Primrose School daycare center in the Clear Creek Crossing Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD).

This memo provides an overview of the city’s response to snow events including priorities, storm classifications, public communication, and the city’s available resources for addressing this critical function.

The base of the piers for the Youngfield bridge over Clear Creek have been exposed due to erosion from high water flows. This project will remove some material and then add large boulders to protect the area around the base of the piers from future erosion. Five bids were received and opened on September 25, 2024. Staff recommends the lowest responsive bidder, West Fork Construction, LLC of Colorado Springs, Colorado be awarded the contract in the amount of $149,725, plus a contingency of $14,975, for a total project cost of $164,700.

The City periodically performs asphalt crack sealing as part of the annual preventive maintenance program to help maintain pavement condition and prevent more costly pavement repairs. Zone 1 of the city’s six maintenance zones was inspected by city staff. Various street segments with significant cracking were identified for inclusion in the proposed contract to receive a crack sealing treatment. The 2022 contract with A-1 Chipseal Company is being amended per the terms of the contract for the 2024 crack sealing project. The contract amendment also includes work to be performed in the City of Edgewater. Wheat Ridge will be reimbursed for all work performed within Edgewater.

The Hayward Park walking trail has deteriorated over time, creating an uneven surface with large cracks, resulting in safety concerns for trail users. The City received grant funding from the Jefferson County Open Space Trails Partnership Program to fund a portion of this trail replacement project. Approval of this contract will allow the City to complete this important work.

This ordinance makes several amendments to the City’s Business Licensing Code. These changes are designed to ensure compliance with state legislation, transition to bi-annual business license renewals, introduce an inspection fee, and consolidate certain special licenses with regular business licenses.

Traffic issues, primarily excessive speeds and red-light violations, are a continual complaint from the public. Residents contact various departments, primarily the police department, to request speed and other traffic enforcement on their streets to address the increased hazards these violations tend to create. Wheat Ridge is a smaller community impacted by major roadways and highways often used by community members and non-community members alike. This volume of traffic makes it difficult for an agency, sized to serve the community of residents and businesses, to adequately meet the demands of traffic control and safety. The use of technology in law enforcement continues to be one of the more impactful changes to modern day policing. One of those innovative technologies that is expanding nationwide is the use of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS). Staff is requesting City Council to adopt a new Article VI in Chapter 13 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to allow for the use of AVIS in Wheat Ridge to address these traffic concerns.

The Code prohibits tobacco product retailers from operating within 1000 feet of a youth-oriented facility (such as schools, parks, recreation facilities, etc.). The “grandfathering" clause of Code section 11-534(d) nevertheless exempts those retailers who were in place on the effective date of Ordinance 1710 Series 2021, which created the 1000-foot limit. However, if that retailer sells the business, the buyer of the business is not eligible for the grandfathering protection of that Code section. Councilmember Hoppe, supported by Councilors Dozeman and Hultin, requested that Council consider an ordinance expanding the grandfathering scope of Code 11-534(d) to include purchasers of a protected location. Council provided consensus to proceed with a code amendment on September 9, 2024.

This ordinance makes several amendments to the City’s Business Licensing Code. These changes are designed to ensure compliance with state legislation, transition to bi-annual business license renewals, introduce an inspection fee, and consolidate certain special licenses with regular business licenses.

Traffic issues, primarily excessive speeds and red-light violations, are a continual complaint from the public. Residents contact various departments, primarily the police department, to request speed and other traffic enforcement on their streets to address the increased hazards these violations tend to create. Wheat Ridge is a smaller community impacted by major roadways and highways often used by community members and non-community members alike. This volume of traffic makes it difficult for an agency, sized to serve the community of residents and businesses, to adequately meet the demands of traffic control and safety. The use of technology in law enforcement continues to be one of the more impactful changes to modern day policing. One of those innovative technologies that is expanding nationwide is the use of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS). Staff is requesting City Council to adopt a new Article VI in Chapter 13 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to allow for the use of AVIS in Wheat Ridge to address these traffic concerns.

Sustainability is an important issue within the City of Wheat Ridge, impacting municipal operations, businesses, and residents alike. Staff have been working to update the initial 2018 Sustainability Action Plan, and this resolution would adopt the 2024 Sustainability Action Plan Update: A Five-Year Roadmap as City policy to guide future decisions and actions affecting sustainability efforts throughout the City.

City staff is working with the City of Edgewater to design and construct a roundabout at the intersection of 26th Avenue and Harlan Street. A roundabout would slow speeding vehicles, improve opportunities for pedestrians to cross 26th Avenue and enhance the existing bike lanes along 26th Avenue. It is necessary to acquire portions of private property in order to construct the roundabout. Temporary easements for use during construction are also required. Two of the properties where land is needed are located in Wheat Ridge. Therefore, the needed land must be accepted by the city as permanent and temporary easements.

The City of Wheat Ridge manages contractor licensing through both the Public Works and Community Development Departments. Contractors who complete work in the City’s rights-of-way obtain a municipal contractor license through Public Works. Contractors who complete work on private property obtain a building contractor license through the Building Division. Staff from both departments are working on the implementation of the new OpenGov software which will streamline permitting and licensing. In preparation for these changes, staff has identified a need to simplify the contractor licensing framework. The purpose of the October 7 study session is to seek Council concurrence on related code amendments and fee changes for building and municipal contractors.

On May 13, 2024, City Council passed Resolution 26-2024 in support of initiating a legislative zone change for the Lutheran Legacy Campus. The legislative zone change will be based on the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan, adopted by City Council on October 25, 2021, through creation of a new mixed use zone district specifically for the campus. Staff presented a draft zoning framework to City Council on July 15, 2024, and Council gave consensus to proceed with the zoning framework presented, which will follow the recommendations of the Master Plan. Council also gave additional directions on some topics that were not specified in the Master Plan, such as signage and permitted uses. Staff presented the same zoning framework to Planning Commission on August 15, 2024, with some additional details based on the proposed ballot question language. On September 17, staff presented some details of the proposed zoning rules at the City Plan open house. This meeting also served as the required neighborhood meeting for the legislative zone change. Owners and occupants within 1000 feet of the property were invited; over 1700 postcards were mailed. The public was also invited to comment specifically about the zoning through an online form on What’s Up Wheat Ridge from September 3 to 17.

This is the third of four updates to the Planning Commission for the City Plan. This will include a presentation where the project team provides an overview of the project and a summary of input thus far. This item will also include a presentation and discussion of new content, including a Place Type framework and a Mobility framework.

The Code prohibits tobacco product retailers from operating within 1000 feet of a youth-oriented facility (such as schools, parks, recreation facilities, etc.). The “grandfathering" clause of Code section 11-534(d) nevertheless exempts those retailers who were in place on the effective date of Ordinance 1710 Series 2021, which created the 1000-foot limit. However, if that retailer sells the business, the buyer of the business is not eligible for the grandfathering protection of that Code section. Councilmember Hoppe, supported by Councilors Dozeman and Hultin, requested that Council consider an ordinance expanding the grandfathering scope of Code 11-534(d) to include purchasers of a protected location. Council provided consensus to proceed with a code amendment on September 9, 2024.

In 2023 and 2024 the city developed a Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to assess the city’s space needs for existing and projected facility requirements. Key findings of the FMP include space deficits within most buildings related primarily to recent and projected staff growth and to shortfalls in various functional and operational areas. Due to the potential re-use of the Lutheran medical site, staff felt that it was important to proceed with additional analysis and planning at this time. Two proposals were received from architectural firms in response to a Request for Proposals. site. Staff recommends entering into a contract with Anderson Hallas Architects in the amount of $216,864 with a contingency amount of $3,136 for a total, not-to-exceed amount of $220,000.

As part of the City’s Green at 38th project to create a public gathering space between Stevens Elementary and 38th Avenue, the Jefferson County School District (the District) conveyed a portion of the site including the school parking lot to the City in consideration for the construction of a new parking lot. As a condition of conveying the site, the City and the District agreed to enter into this agreement for the shared use of the District parking lot and to minimize disruption to school operations from activities at the site.

Resolution No. 46-2024 expresses the City of Wheat Ridge's support for Jefferson County Ballot Measure 1A, which aims to permanently eliminate Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) revenue restrictions, allowing the county to retain and spend all collected revenue. If passed, Measure 1A would eliminate the need for Jefferson County to issue TABOR refunds and would enable the county to dedicate these funds toward transportation, infrastructure, and public safety.

The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an update on the City Plan process and to have a discussion with council members regarding the content included in the third phase of City Plan public engagement. In Phase 3, staff is translating what we heard in the first two phases into draft policy direction for land use, mobility, and how the City Plan can facilitate peaceful coexistence between existing neighborhoods and future development. Attachment 1 is a memo provided by the City Plan consultant, czb, which includes more details to support this study session. This is the third of four anticipated Council discussions on this project, with the subsequent study session scheduled for February 3, 2025.

The most recent Homeless Navigation Program update was in October 2023. The purpose of this study session item is for the Navigators to provide a general update to City Council regarding the Homeless Navigation Program.

The City performs pavement striping and pavement marking on a periodic basis throughout the city to maintain their reflective qualities and maintain visibility for drivers. The 2024 Striping and Pavement Marking project includes re-marking existing centerline and lane striping as well as crosswalks, turn arrows, and other pavement markings. One (1) bid was received and opened on August 27, 2024. Staff recommends award of a contract to Colorado Barricade Company of Denver, Colorado for the Base Bid amount of $221,555 and Bid Alternate 1 in the amount of $16,545 for a total bid amount of $238,100, plus a contingency of 5% or $11,900 for unknown or added items.

The City performs concrete rehabilitation on an annual basis and addresses the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements as guided by the City’s ADA Transition Plan. The 2024 Concrete Repairs and ADA Pedestrian Ramps project consists of pedestrian ramp, drainage pan, curb and gutter, and sidewalk replacement at locations that are deficient as determined by city inspectors. The project also includes four speed humps approved in late-2023 as part of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Ten bids were received and opened on August 23, 2024. Staff recommends the lowest responsive bidder, Majestic Concrete Contractors, Inc. of Wheat Ridge, Colorado be awarded the contract for the Base Bid amount of $507,529.60 and Bid Alternate 1 in the amount of $48,975.00 for a total bid amount of $556,504.60, plus a 10% contingency of $55,650.46, totaling $612,155.06.

Staff recommends the purchase of one 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD under the State of Colorado purchasing contract in the amount of $79,030. Staff also requests approval to purchase, install and/or relocate auxiliary equipment required for the operation of the replacement vehicle along with the installation of lighting, markings, auxiliary snow removal equipment, and communication equipment at a total cost of $10,000. The total cost of the vehicle, including preparation for use, is not to exceed the $90,000 approved in the 2024 budget.

Staff solicited proposals to design and install a new electronic messaging sign at the Recreation Center, adjacent to Kipling Street. Six (6) proposals were received. Staff recommends award of a contract to Schlosser Sign, Inc. of Loveland, Colorado for the design and installation of the sign in the amount of $92,303.58, plus a contingency of approximately 7.5% or $6,900 for unknown or added items.

At the regular general election held on November 7, 2023, the electorate of the City approved ballot question 2J, which extended the one-half of one percent sales and use tax levied by the City and authorized the issuance of debt to finance City investment in capital improvement projects. Sales and use tax revenue bonds will be issued to finance the City investments, which requires approval of an ordinance by City Council. A change was made to the bond ordinance following first reading and is reflected in the first attachment. In summary, after additional financial analysis, it was determined it is prudent for the City to “refund” (include) approximately $5 million of the 2017 bond debt in this new issuance, defeasing the remaining 2017 debt with approximately $7.3 million of the 2E fund balance.

A discrepancy exists between Code sections 19-80 and 19-77 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning the disposition of lost or abandoned property. To correct that discrepancy, the Wheat Ridge Police Department is requesting that Code section 19-80 be amended to render it consistent with Code section 19-77 and the standard operating procedures of the police department.

The City Charter calls for a municipal election in every odd year to coincide with the elected terms for the Offices of the Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer and Council. Municipal elections are not held in the City of Wheat Ridge in even-numbered years unless a special election is warranted for a recall, referendum or initiative set forth by the electorate or the Council. In such cases, Charter Section 2.2. gives the Council the authority to call a special election. City Council will refer two ballot questions to the electorate of the City of Wheat Ridge for the November 5, 2024 general election. Therefore, the City of Wheat Ridge is required to formally call a special municipal election for this date.

The City of Wheat Ridge will participate in a coordinated election on November 5, 2024. The attached Resolution and Intergovernmental Agreement must be executed and forwarded to Jefferson County by Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The documents refer to the respective duties of the County and the City of Wheat Ridge regarding the administration of their respective duties concerning the conduct of the Coordinated Election. The duties of the County Clerk include, but are not limited to ballot preparation, voter lists, staff selection and training, providing election supplies, mailing of the ballots, counting of the ballots, and certification of results. The duties of the City of Wheat Ridge include but are not limited to Call and Notice and ballot preparation. The City Clerk shall act as the City of Wheat Ridge’s “Election Officer” and the designated election official. The City Clerk shall act as the primary liaison between the City of Wheat Ridge and the Contact Officer for the County Clerk and Recorder.

The Lutheran Legacy Campus (LLC) Master Plan was adopted in 2021 and implementation of the plan’s vision requires that the City Charter be amended to modify the building height limitations of the campus. This ordinance sets the ballot language for the November 5th election which is due to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder on September 6th.

Amendments to the City Charter to update and modernize the language, including provisions to remove ambiguities, clerical errors, and outdated provisions, provide additional flexibility in City operations, and ensure gender and citizenship neutrality. This ordinance sets the ballot language for the November 5th election which is due to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder on September 6th.

The proposed ordinance makes necessary updates to the City’s zoning and development code to modernize, clarify, and update landscape design requirements. This repeal and re-enactment of the ordinance updates standards to address more water efficient design, and it reorganizes and clarifies code to make requirements easier to understand by all users.

In February 2021, City Council enacted legislation concerning the licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals (STRs). Since that time, staff has worked to implement the legislation by licensing STRs, collecting the applicable lodgers’ tax, and enforcing the codified regulations. Through the implementation of the program, both members of Council and staff identified necessary amendments to the Code to improve the STR program. This ordinance amends the Code based on direction received from City Council on June 3, 2024.

At the regular general election held on November 7, 2023, the electorate of the City approved ballot question 2J, which extended the one-half of one percent sales and use tax levied by the City and authorized the issuance of debt to finance City investment in capital improvement projects. Sales and use tax revenue bonds will be issued to finance the City investments, which requires approval of an ordinance by City Council.

A discrepancy exists between Code sections 19-80 and 19-77 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning the disposition of lost or abandoned property. To correct that discrepancy, the Wheat Ridge Police Department is requesting that Code section 19-80 be amended to render it consistent with Code section 19-77 and the standard operating procedures of the police department.

City Council enacted legislation concerning the licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals (STRs) in February 2021. Through the implementation of the program, both members of Council and staff identified the need for a Short-Term Rental (STR) fine schedule to facilitate code enforcement and compliance. This resolution is based on direction received from City Council on June 3, 2024, when Council asked staff to bring forth a fine schedule that reflected the commercial nature of the STR program. Council is asked to adopt this by Resolution as an amendment to the 2024 fee schedule that was presented as part of the budget.

In 2023, staff submitted applications to Wheat Ridge’s Federal Delegation for $200,000 in Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) for the Localworks Clear Creek Makerspace Phase II Project. This project was recommended by Senator Hickenlooper and approved by Congress for Fiscal Year 2024.

A 2022 Housing Needs Assessment Study commissioned by Colorado Gives Foundation (CGF) recommended convening key stakeholders across Jefferson County to explore strategic actions, develop partnerships, support county-wide housing efforts, and pursue additional state and federal resources. In response, CGF launched the Jeffco Housing Steering Committee in 2022 to create an innovate approach to housing throughout the county, focusing specifically on housing for residents earning 60-120% of the area median income. City Council is asked to endorse the Jeffco Housing Blueprint in support of the housing goals and strategies for Jefferson County.

The overwhelming passage of the 2J sales tax extension, which focuses on funding critical public infrastructure projects, allows the city to re-examine improvements to 38th Avenue, between Wadsworth Blvd and Harlan Street. The focus of this effort would be to refine the latest version of the design as the starting point to effect a final design that could be constructed in the next 2-3 years. Minimal changes, if any, would be made to the street width. Instead, the focus of improvements would be to the areas between the curb line and the private property/right-of-way line. A design consultant team would be engaged to provide a robust traffic analysis, public involvement, and a preliminary design for the corridor. Staff is seeking input and direction from the City Council on this approach.

The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an update on the Sustainability Action Plan Update project including the process to date and stakeholder engagement and culminating in the presentation of the draft Sustainability Action Plan Update: Five-Year Roadmap to ensure alignment with Council priorities.

The proposed ordinance extends the grace period to legalize existing dwellings that may qualify as accessory dwelling units (ADU) from August 15, 2024, to August 15, 2026.

The Lutheran Legacy Campus (LLC) Master Plan was adopted in 2021 and implementation of the plan’s vision requires that the City Charter be amended to modify the building height limitations of the campus. This ordinance sets the ballot language for the November 5th election which is due to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder on September 6th.

Amendments to the City Charter to update and modernize the language, including provisions to remove ambiguities, clerical errors, and outdated provisions, provide additional flexibility in City operations, and ensure gender and citizenship neutrality. This ordinance sets the ballot language for the November 5th election which is due to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder on September 6th.

The proposed ordinance makes necessary updates to the City’s zoning and development code to modernize, clarify, and update landscape design requirements. This repeal and re-enactment of the ordinance updates standards to address more water efficient design, and it reorganizes and clarifies code to make requirements easier to understand by all users.

In February 2021, City Council enacted legislation concerning the licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals (STRs). Since that time, staff has worked to implement the legislation by licensing STRs, collecting the applicable lodgers’ tax, and enforcing the codified regulations. Through the implementation of the program, both members of Council and staff identified necessary amendments to the Code to improve the STR program. This ordinance amends the Code based on direction received from City Council on June 3, 2024, as follows:

The City is eligible to apply for funding from the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Trails Partnership Program for trail-related improvement projects. The 2024 proposal is for funding to supplement the previously awarded CDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to replace concrete along certain segments of the Clear Creek Trail. A resolution of support from City Council is required to submit an application.

The Lutheran Legacy Campus (LLC) Master Plan was adopted in 2021, and implementation of the plan’s vision requires that the City Charter be amended to modify the building height limitations in the interior of the campus. Such amendment requires a ballot measure, and Magellan Strategies has recently obtained input from Wheat Ridge residents to measure support for or against a proposed ballot measure. A first round of polling occurred in early May, and a second round of polling was conducted from July 17 to July 28, 2024. The purpose of the August 5th study session is: • To review and discuss the results of the July polling; and • To review, amend, or approve the proposed ballot question.

The Economic Development Division of the City Manager’s office is actively in the process of creating an updated Economic Development Strategic Plan. This strategic plan is being branded as the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan (the Plan) and is being developed as a stand-alone document to be used by the City Manager’s Economic Development Division (as well as key partners). The City has contracted with Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) to develop the Plan, who will provide an update on findings to-date and discuss the Plan’s emerging goal and objectives framework. A final Plan is anticipated to be delivered in September 2024.

A contract was previously awarded to HDR Engineering, Inc. for design services during construction and to serve as the Engineer of Record for the Improve Wadsworth project. In July 2023, Council authorized an amendment to HDR’s contract due to adding the additional work between 35th and 41st Avenues, (also referred to as Phase II of construction). Due to the amount of ongoing design-related efforts, additional funding is needed, associated with both Phase I and II. Therefore, an amendment to the contract with HDR, in the amount of $120,000, is requested.

Confluent Development, LLC has submitted an application requesting approval of a zone change from Industrial-Employment (I-E) to Mixed Use-Commercial TOD (MU-C TOD) on property located at approximately 11910 W. 52nd Avenue. The MU-C TOD zone district is intended for areas generally within one half mile of light rail stations. The purpose of the rezoning request is to allow for the mix of land uses, densities, and urban form as contemplated in the Northwest Subarea Plan.

The City’s current Code of Laws does not address the use and acceptance of electronic signatures for summonses issued by the Wheat Ridge Police Department (WRPD). However, the WRPD is planning to implement the use of electronic summonses by August 2024. To match those practices of the WRPD, the enclosed ordinance amends current regulations to allow the Municipal Court to accept electronic signatures for all types of summonses issued by the WRPD.

The proposed ordinance extends the grace period to legalize existing dwellings that may qualify as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) from August 15, 2024, to August 15, 2026.

Section 10.15 of the Municipal Charter for the City of Wheat Ridge requires that an independent audit be performed annually of all City accounts. In 2023, the City received more than $750,000 in federal funds for Wadsworth Boulevard which also triggered a “single audit” of all federal funds. The CPA firm CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) performed both the City and federal audits of the City’s financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2023. Once again this year, the City received an unmodified opinion indicating that the City’s financial statements are fairly and appropriately presented. A representative from CLA will be at the July 22, 2024 City Council meeting to present the 2023 Financial Statements to Council for acceptance.

The Foothills Animal Shelter (FAS) Board of Directors has recognized a need to update the Intergovernmental Agreement between Jefferson County and the cities therein to make participation in the Dog Licensing Program optional, remove licensing requirements, set an assessment calculation that is predictable for the Parties, and to authorize the development of an IGA that includes the Shelter as a party to establish operational terms (Operations IGA).