The City’s current social club regulations were adopted to address potential impacts associated with private event venues; however, the licensing and operational requirements apply uniformly regardless of a venue’s size, frequency of use, or actual community impact. As a result, the existing framework creates unnecessary barriers for small businesses while providing limited flexibility to address the varying characteristics of modern event venues. This memo contains a summary of the proposed code changes to streamline event venue regulations and ensure proper enforcement mechanisms are available.

The item under consideration is Council Bill No. 18-2026, which would amend Chapter 11 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws through the adoption of a new Article IV to authorize and regulate Communal Outdoor Dining Areas, or CODAs, consistent with state law.

The City imposes an occupation tax on telecommunications telephone service, which also applies to cell phone service. This ordinance amends the relevant definition to restore it to the pre-2023 version, to be consistent with a decision in 2024 by the Colorado Supreme Court.

Adoption of Resolution No. 47 affirms the City’s commitment to protecting civil rights, human dignity, public safety, and community trust, and establishing policy direction regarding local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement and the use of City property and facilities.

Wheat Ridge has a shortfall of eligible affordable housing units needed to meet its Proposition 123 commitment for the 2024–2026 cycle. The proposed Intergovernmental Agreement establishes a regional unit-sharing program that will allow the City to receive surplus eligible units from Jefferson County and other participating municipalities, helping the City satisfy its first-cycle commitment and remain eligible for the next Proposition 123 funding cycle.

Proposition 123 provides funding for affordable housing programs statewide. To remain eligible for state funding during the second cycle (2027-2029), the city must file a commitment with the State of Colorado to increase its supply of affordable housing by November 1, 2026. State legislation enacted in 2026 changed the methodology for determining the required commitment. Under the new methodology, the city’s three-year commitment is 112 affordable housing units.

The County of Jefferson and the cities of Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge are proposing a second-year renewal of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to establish a collaborative, regional approach to addressing cold weather response for those experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County for the 2026-2027 cold weather season and potentially beyond. This initiative aims to address the increasing number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County, which is recognized as a regional issue affecting the health, safety, and welfare of each community.

The County of Jefferson and the cities of Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge propose an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to fund operations of the Navigation Center in Lakewood for calendar year 2027. The Center provides shelter, professional case management, and year-round, 24-hour services to people experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County. Approval of Resolution No. 49-2026 would approve the IGA, which establishes Wheat Ridge’s contribution at $143,200, subject to appropriation. The one-year agreement would sustain operations while the participating jurisdictions negotiate a longer-term funding arrangement.

The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an overview of election integrity and election security measures for the 2026 General Election, including: • The legal protections applicable to voters and election workers; • Prohibited conduct and voter-intimidation laws; • Restrictions concerning firearms and election locations; • The respective roles of Jefferson County Elections and local law enforcement; • Wheat Ridge Police Department's training and operational preparations; and • Protocols for responding to potential election-related incidents, including the potential presence of federal law enforcement. The City of Wheat Ridge does not administer elections. Jefferson County Elections is responsible for administering elections within the County, including voting centers, ballot drop boxes, ballot processing, and election administration. The City's role is primarily to provide public safety and law-enforcement support when requested or when circumstances require a law-enforcement response.

The purpose of this agenda item is to present an update on the city’s housing-related programs, policies, and partnerships. This includes an overview of accomplishments to date, current initiatives, and planned work over the next two to three years. Council is also being asked to provide direction on Proposition 123, assignment of the city’s right of first refusal/offer, and the future role of the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority.

The Community Partners Grant Program (CPGP) Committee is presenting its annual funding recommendations and seeking consensus to consider the requests in the 2027 City Budget.

Staff members from Wheat Ridge High School will be presenting their recommended disbursement of $20,000 in Community Partners Grant Program (CPGP) funding.

The purpose of this action is to request City Council approval of the sale of approximately 4.5 acres of the former Wilmore Davis Elementary School property, including the existing school building, to Spectra Centers. The proposed sale is part of a public-private partnership through which the City intends to acquire the entire school property from Jefferson County Public Schools, retain approximately 2.5 acres for permanent park and recreation use, and convey the building and remaining area to Spectra Centers for reuse as a special education facility school.

Section 10.15 of the Municipal Charter for the City of Wheat Ridge requires that an independent audit be conducted annually of all City accounts. In 2025, the City received more than $1,000,000 in federal funds for Wadsworth Boulevard which also triggered a “single audit” of all federal funds. The CPA firm Haynie & Company (Haynie) performed both the City and federal audits of the City’s financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025. Once again the City received an unmodified opinion indicating that the City’s financial statements are fairly and appropriately presented. A representative from Haynie will be at the September 14, 2026, City Council meeting to present the 2025 Financial Statements to Council for acceptance.

The purpose of this action is to request City Council approval of the purchase of the former Wilmore Davis Elementary School. The proposed acquisition is part of a public-private partnership through which the City intends to acquire the entire 7-acre site from Jefferson County Public Schools, retain approximately 2.5 acres for permanent park and recreation use, and convey the building and remaining 4.5 acres to Spectra Centers for reuse as a special education facility school.

Staff is seeking City Council’s support to submit a grant application to the Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program for the Outdoor Pool Replacement project cost. A Resolution of Support from City Council is required as part of the application. The ORLP is a federal program under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and administered in Colorado by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). ORLP allows for applications of up to 50% of the project cost for public agencies to acquire new parkland and develop outdoor recreation facilities in urban communities.

A Resolution expressing the Wheat Ridge City Council’s support for the November 3, 2026, ballot question proposing a one percent (1.0%) sales and use tax dedicated to community capital investments.

The Jefferson County Parks and Open Space (JCPOS) Trails Partnership Program allows communities within the County to apply for funding in the amount of up to 50% of the cost of projects related to regional trails. A City Council Resolution of Support is required as part of the application. Staff would like to submit a collaborative proposal with the City of Denver to request funding for the design phase of a grade-separated Clear Creek Trail (CCT) segment connecting Creekside Park to the CCT north of W. 52nd Ave. This design phase would build upon a feasibility study previously completed for this project.

The Jefferson County Parks and Open Space (JCPOS) Trails Partnership Program allows communities within the County to apply for funding in the amount of up to 50% of the cost of projects related to regional trails. A City Council Resolution of Support is required as part of the application. Staff would like to submit a proposal to fund the construction of erosion mitigation and safety improvement measures along the Clear Creek Trail (CCT) north of the Clear Creek Crossing retention pond.

City Council is asked to consider an ordinance calling a coordinated election on November 3, 2026, and submitting to the registered electors of the City of Wheat Ridge a ballot question authorizing a one percent (1.0%) sales and use tax dedicated to funding voter-approved capital improvements.

The purpose of this action is to request City Council approval of the sale of approximately 4.5 acres of the former Wilmore Davis Elementary School property, including the existing school building, to Spectra Centers. The proposed sale is part of a public-private partnership through which the City intends to acquire the entire school property from Jefferson County Public Schools, retain approximately 2.5 acres for permanent park and recreation use, and convey the building and remaining area to Spectra Centers for reuse as a special education facility school. Approval of this ordinance will authorize execution of the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City and Spectra Centers and related closing documents.

There are currently four At-Large vacancies to fill on the Sustainable Wheat Ridge Committee. The Mayor recommends At-Large appointments which are ratified by the City Council.

Dominick Breton passed away on June 18, 2026. He was known for bringing people together, strengthening community relationships, and supporting key civic and business organizations such as the Chamber and the Grange. Mayor Korey Stites proposed naming the community pavilion at The Green at 38th the “Dominick Breton Community Pavilion.” Naming the pavilion in his honor reflects the values of the City’s naming policy and acknowledges the lasting legacy he left within Wheat Ridge.

The City of Wheat Ridge has been working with RTD to restore bus service along W. 32nd Avenue, including service to Wheat Ridge High School. To support this effort, several existing bus stops between Wadsworth Boulevard and Youngfield Street must be upgraded to meet current accessibility standards. The most complex of these is the bus stop at the southeast corner of West 32nd Avenue and Kipling Street, adjacent to Crown Hill Park, which straddles the border between Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County. This resolution approves agreements for cost-sharing and allows the City to construct and maintain an accessible path and boarding area for the RTD bus stop.

The Anderson Outdoor Pool is nearing the end of its useful life, with significant foundational and structural issues necessitating a full replacement. This proposed motion would award the design contract for the replacement pool to the Farnsworth Group, who was selected for the recommended contract following a competitive procurement process.

The Anderson Outdoor Pool is nearing the end of its useful life, with significant foundational and structural issues necessitating a full replacement. This proposed motion would award an owner’s representative contract for the replacement pool to Wember Inc., who was selected for the recommended contract following a competitive procurement process.

The City of Wheat Ridge has experienced a noticeable increase in the use of e mobility devices, including e scooters, e bikes, self-balancing devices, and other electric personal transport devices. This rapid growth presents challenges related to public safety, pedestrian/vehicle interaction, regulation of device operation, and enforcement of consistent standards. At present, Wheat Ridge lacks a comprehensive ordinance specifically addressing e mobility device operation, permitted areas, speed restrictions, and responsibilities of both riders and vendors.

The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-Two (A-2) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) with an Outline Development Plan 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 affirmative votes by City Council for approval at second reading.

City Council is asked to consider an ordinance calling a coordinated election on November 3, 2026, and submitting to the registered electors of the City of Wheat Ridge a ballot question authorizing a one percent (1.0%) sales and use tax dedicated to funding voter-approved capital improvements.

The City of Wheat Ridge was awarded $2.64 million from the Colorado Energy Office Local IMPACT Accelerator Grant Program. The funding will support several housing-related code amendments and will provide financial assistance to certain affordable housing projects. The city must approve a grant agreement to receive the funds. A supplemental budget appropriation is also required to appropriate the funds in the 2026 Housing Fund budget.

This resolution authorizes the City of Wheat Ridge to participate in the Jefferson County General Election on November 3, 2026, and authorizes the appropriate City officials to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Jefferson County for election services. The City intends to submit a ballot issue or question to its eligible electors and will comply with applicable state election and TABOR notice requirements. The resolution also designates the Senior Deputy City Clerk as the City’s Election Officer and Designated Election Official.

In 2025, Wheat Ridge joined a multi-jurisdictional project team to create a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan (VZSAP). The effort is spearheaded by Jefferson County and the City of Lakewood, led by a consultant team from Consor Engineers, and includes several participating municipalities and stakeholders. At the August 3 study session, Consor will provide City Council with an overview of Vision Zero, the planning process, and the project’s current status (refer to Attachments 1 and 2 for their memo and draft slides). The purpose of the study session is to familiarize Council with the initiative as development of the Safety Action Plan continues through 2026.

As part of the development of the proposed 2027 Budget, City Council is asked to provide direction on funding requests from five outside organizations. Council's feedback will assist staff in determining appropriate funding levels while balancing these requests with other City priorities and the City's ongoing commitment to supporting community-serving organizations through the annual budget process.

Magellan Strategies conducted a second statistically valid community survey between July 13th and July 21st to better understand resident priorities related to long-term capital infrastructure needs and potential ballot measures. The survey included 672 Wheat Ridge residents, providing a margin of error of approximately ±3.73%. Representatives from Magellan Strategies will present the results of the survey at the July 27th study session.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-Two (A-2) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) with an Outline Development Plan 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.

At the direction of City Council, Staff is requesting approval of a budget supplemental of $96,000 to complete an internal equity audit.

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. Council Member Jenny Snell has requested to step down as the Council Liaison to the IDEA Committee, and Mayor Stites recommends appointing Council Member Mike Okada to serve in that role.

Sonya Wytinck, Polco’s EVP of Data & Insights, will be presenting the 2026 Resident Survey Report to City Council. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight data and findings from the most recent survey. The survey serves as the City’s “consumer report card” and is an information tool for the City to measure its performance. The survey encompasses best practices and is a statistically valid sample of 5,000 households in the City. The Wheat Ridge Resident Survey was last administered in 2023.

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.

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.

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, Governer 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.

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.

The City of Wheat Ridge has funds budgeted to replace the playground at 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.

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.

The 38th Avenue Corridor, between Wadsworth and Sheridan Boulevards, has long been recognized as a priority redevelopment area in Wheat Ridge. In 2011, the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan confirmed the area east of Wadsworth as a redevelopment priority and set forth a vision to transform the corridor into the community’s main street. In November 2023, Wheat Ridge voters approved the 2J sales tax extension, which focuses on funding critical public infrastructure projects including a “refresh” of 38th Avenue to achieve connectivity, safety, and placemaking goals. Before engaging 38th Avenue property owners and the general public, staff is seeking input and direction from the Mayor and City Council on the preliminary conceptual design prepared by RVi Planning and Landscape Architecture.