The item under consideration is to amend Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to allow as a conditional use freestanding emergency room facilities in the MU-C (Mixed Use – Commercial) zone district.

This ordinance updates residential occupancy limits in the city code to reflect recent voter-approved updates to the City Charter, and updates to state law.

The Wheat Ridge Police Department applied for and was awarded a grant in the amount of $11,269 from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program for police officer laptop computers. A budget supplemental appropriation is required to amend the budget to accept these funds.

A contract was awarded to Colorado Designscapes, Inc. for the Panorama Park Tennis Courts project by City Council on February 10, 2025. This project was budgeted in the Open Space Fund in 2024; however, the funds were mistakenly not carried forward into the 2025 budget. This resolution will amend the 2025 Open Space Fund budget to fund this project as planned.

A contract was awarded to JOC Contracting, LLC for the Tabor Lake Trail project by City Council on February 10, 2025. This project was budgeted in the Open Space Fund in 2024; however, the funds were mistakenly not carried forward into the 2025 budget. This resolution will amend the 2025 Open Space Fund budget to fund this project as planned.

NOTICE: On Thursday, April 10, the city received a protest objecting to the rezoning of the Lutheran Legacy Campus. A zone change protest is a process created in the City Charter and detailed in the zoning code that gives adjacent property owners the right to protest a zone change. This kind of protest can impact the timing of the public hearing and the number of votes required by Council to approve a zone change. In this case, the public hearing date has been changed from Monday, April 14 to Monday, April 28. Per city code, this change occurs automatically based on the timing of when the protest was submitted. This means no public comment, presentation, discussion, or decision will take place on Monday, April 14. Public comment will be accepted on this item when it is reposted for the April 28 meeting. Links to learn more about zone change protests and how to participate in the April 28 hearing are available here: https://whatsupwheatridge.com/lutheran

The West Metro Fire District has initiated a Community Crisis Response Pilot Program to evaluate a regional team approach to address the rising need for mental health assistance in Jefferson County. The Pilot Program would pair a licensed mental health clinician with EMS personnel and only require police response when necessary. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the mission, purpose, and protocols of the Pilot Program.

Staff has completed the second Boards and Commissions Annual Report, highlighting the achievements of each public body through the 2024 calendar year, outlining anticipated activities for 2025, and providing information about current members. Staff liaisons and commission members will attend the April 7, 2025, Study Session to present their updates.

On October 25, 2021, City Council passed ordinance 1723, adding new article XIV to Chapter 11 and updating use schedules in Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to establish a hotel licensing program. Sec. 11-569 of the Code requires the Council to review the implementation of the ordinance every 18 months. This report provides an update about the progress and current status of the hotel licensing program. There are no recommendations for code amendments at this time.

The city purchases and applies deicer materials each year as part of its snow and ice control efforts. The city has participated in a cooperative bidding process through the Colorado Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO) to obtain the best pricing. The city will utilize a City of Fort Collins contract with Independent Salt to purchase materials for 2025 in an amount not to exceed $135,000.

Each year, the city identifies a proposed list of vehicle replacements within the city fleet. In 2025, eight vehicles were identified for replacement. Three of these vehicles were for the Police Department. Staff have researched various options with the Police Department and recommends the purchase of three Chevrolet Tahoes from John Elway Chevrolet at a total price of $173,170. Staff also requests approval to purchase and install auxiliary equipment required for the operation of the new vehicles along with the installation of lighting and markings at a total additional cost of $35,500. Therefore, the total requested amount is $208,670.

In February 2025, the Colorado Gives Foundation awarded the Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation Program $25,000 to be used to support people experiencing homelessness. A supplemental budget appropriation is required to spend these funds.

The city intends to legislatively rezone the Lutheran Legacy Campus to the newly-created Mixed Use – Lutheran Legacy Campus (MU-LLC) zone district.

The Green at 38th project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2025. The Policy and Procedure for Naming Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Facilities, adopted in February of 2009, requires the approval of a 2/3 majority of the City Council to name a new facility. As this project has been commonly known in the community as “The Green at 38th”, staff recommends its formal adoption by City Council.

The Wheat Ridge Legislative Committee recommends that City Council adopt a resolution in support of House Bill 25-1272, Construction Defects and Middle Market Housing.

The Legislative Forum is an opportunity for the City’s elected officials and staff to discuss legislative priorities, current legislation, and Wheat Ridge positions and priorities for the 2025 session. Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Monica Duran will be in attendance, and Colorado Municipal League Legislative Advocacy Manager Heather Stauffer will be available to review legislation and answer questions.