This memo provides an overview of the updated Snow and Ice Control Policy and the city’s available resources for responding to this critical function. A brief demonstration of the new web application for tracking city snowplows will also be provided. Staff is also seeking input from the City Council on whether additional resources should be provided to address plowing sidewalks and/or bike lanes. In 2016, the city adopted a modification to the Municipal Code requiring property owners to remove accumulated snow from adjacent public sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a storm event. The modification specifically excludes snow and ice deposited by a plow after the walk has been cleared by the property owner. Community Service staff have not taken a proactive approach to addressing property owners who do not follow this ordinance. This has resulted in numerous complaints from pedestrians who cannot traverse the sidewalk network in a safe manner. Therefore, staff is also seeking direction on whether or not the City Council wishes to consider a stronger response regarding warnings and notices of violation.

Each year City Council Members elect by a majority vote a Mayor Pro Tem who serves until their successor is elected. The election is conducted according to Section III (B) of the City Council Rules of Order and Procedure as follows: B. MAYOR PRO TEM 1. At the first or second Regular meeting in November of each year, the Council shall elect a Mayor Pro Tem who shall serve until their successor is elected. The procedure shall be as follows: a) The Chair will announce that the floor is open for nominations for the position of Mayor Pro Tem. b) Nominations will be taken from City Council members by voice. No second is needed. c) Each nominee will have the opportunity to address the Council. d) A motion and second is then in order to elect one of the nominees to the position of Mayor Pro Tem. If the motion is not carried, additional motions are in order until a Mayor Pro Tem is elected by a majority of Council present.

Christopher Randall has served Wheat Ridge as presiding judge of the city’s municipal court since January 1, 2002. Judge Randall submitted his resignation on October 3, 2023, effective December 31, 2023. Per Sec. 14-6 of the Code of Laws, Mayor Starker has appointed Judge Paul Basso as the substitute municipal judge effective January 1, 2024, until a presiding judge is appointed by Council. Judge Basso serves quite frequently as a relief judge and administrative hearing officer for Wheat Ridge Municipal Court and is very familiar with the City’s court functions. Staff requests direction from Council on the path forward to select and appoint a presiding judge in 2024.

Batt Cave LLC is requesting approval of a zone change from Restricted-Commercial (R-C) and Neighborhood-Commercial (N-C) to Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N) for the properties at 3650 and 3660 Wadsworth Boulevard. The zone change will result in one zoning across both parcels, will provide a continuation of the MU-N zoning from the east, and reflects both the transitional nature of this location and the character of the Wadsworth Corridor.

On November 10, 2022, the Jeffco School Board voted to close sixteen elementary schools, of which, there served Wheat Ridge students. New Classical Academy at Vivian was closed and has consolidated with Stober. Wilmore-Davis has closed and has consolidated with Stevens. Kullerstrand has closed and has consolidated with Prospect Valley. Jeff Gatlin, Chief Operating Officer, and Lisa Relou, Chief of Staff, from the Jefferson County School District, will provide an update to City Council concerning the disposition of the closed schools at the November 6th study session.