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City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 6:30pm
8 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1a - Motion - HDR Engineering - Wads Project
Approved
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.
Item No. 2 - Rezone 11910 W. 52nd Avenue
Approved
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.
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Item No. 3 - ORD - Amend WR Code of Laws - Elec Signatures
Approved
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.
Item No. 4 - ORD - Amend WR Code of Laws for ADUs
Approved
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.
Item No. 5 - MOTION - accept 2023 Financial Statements
Approved
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.
Item No. 6 - RESO - IGA w Foothills Animal Shelter
Approved
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).
Item No. 7 - MOTION - Appointments to IDEA Committee
Approved
The City Council appoints members to the City's Committees annually and as needed throughout the year to fill vacancies. The newly created Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee is comprised of ten members and one non-voting City Council Liaison. Staff have received nine applications to serve on the Committee. As a Hybrid Committee, the City Council may appoint four district representative positions and ratify staff's nominations. Additionally, the Mayor may appoint a non-voting City Council Liaison.
Planning Commission – Regular Meeting
Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 6:30pm
3 Agenda Items
Virtual and in-person. Click for more information.
Download Packet
Short-Term Rental Code Updates
Pending
The proposed ordinance makes updates to the City's existing Short-Term Rental (STR) requirements in Chapters 11 and 26 of the City Code, including revisions to whole-home licensing requirements for townhomes, adjusting the STR license cap reporting period, and revising definitions related to STRs. The Planning Commission will review modifications to Chapter 26 only. The remaining revisions to Chapter 11 are reviewed by City Council only and include new marketplace facilitator requirements, license enforcement procedures, and updates to the City's fine schedule.
Existing ADU Grace Period Extension
Pending
The proposed ordinance extends the grace period to legalize existing dwellings that may qualify as ADUs from August 15, 2024 to August 15, 2026.
City Plan Update
Staff and czb will be providing an update to the Planning Commission with opportunity for discussion.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:30pm
5 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - 2025 Budget Requests
Representatives from Wheat Ridge Business District, Carnation Festival Committee and Localworks have submitted 2025 budget requests for Council’s consideration. Staff requests feedback on the attached proposals with consensus to proceed so that the appropriate levels of funding are included in the 2025 proposed budget, if funding allows. Representatives from all three organizations will give brief presentations highlighting achievements and impacts of previous funding levels along with justification for their respective 2025 requests.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - CPGP Recommendations
The Community Partners Grant Program Committee is presenting its annual funding recommendations and seeking consensus to consider them in the 2025 City Budget.
Item No. 3 - MEMO - Lutheran Legacy Campus Rezoning
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.
Item No. 4 - City Charter Cleanup
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.
City Council – City Council
Mon, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:30pm
5 Agenda Items
Virtual and In Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - RESO - Bond for Foothills Regional Housing
Approved
The City of Wheat Ridge has received an allocation of $1,963,487 for the purpose of issuing Private Activity Bonds (PABs) in 2024 under the state ceiling imposed by the Tax Reform Act of 1987. Staff recommends assigning the City’s allocation to Foothills Regional Housing which has agreed to issue PABs for The Ives affordable housing project at the corner of 44th and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Item No. 2 - ORD - Amend WR Laws for Electronic Signatures
Approved
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.
Item No. 3 - MOTION - contract amend for Green at 38th
Approved
The Architerra Group was hired by the city in July 2022 to prepare final design documents for The Green at 38th project. Since that time, city staff and members of Architerra Group have worked extensively with the Jefferson County School District and other stakeholders to develop two phases to the project in order to minimize impacts to the adjacent school, Stevens Elementary. Phase I, the parking lot project, is currently underway and Phase II, the park site, is scheduled to begin construction in August 2024. A contract amendment with the Architerra Group, in the amount of $111,855, is being requested to provide coordination, support and assistance during the construction phase.
Item No. 4 - RESO - Amend Housing Fund Budget
Approved
Staff is in the process of procuring a consultant to complete an economic analysis of the impact of an inclusionary housing ordinance. The 2024 Housing Fund Budget currently includes $20,000 for this task. Upon reaching out to four qualified consultants, two have since replied that the budget of $20,000 is not adequate to complete the analysis. Therefore, staff is requesting a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $20,000 from the Housing Fund Budget undesignated reserves to fund these professional services.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 6:30pm
9 Agenda Items
Virtual and In Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1a - RESO - budget supplement - Anderson Pool
Approved
The leisure pool at Anderson Park encountered numerous pipe leaks that required immediate repair to safeguard the facility's integrity and allow for continued outdoor aquatics in the Wheat Ridge community. This project was budgeted and approved by Council in December of 2023 and completed in May of 2024, but the funds were mistakenly not carried over to the 2024 Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) budget.
Item No. 1b - MOTION - cancel July 1 meeting
Approved
The City Council Meeting of July 1, 2024, currently does not have any scheduled agenda items. Due to the Independence Day Holiday and several Council and staff members being on holiday and seeing there are no items currently scheduled for this date it is recommended that City Council cancel this meeting.
Item No. 1c - MOTION - Cultural Commission Appointment
Approved
As of May 8, 2024, the Cultural Commission has one vacancy in District II. This position was advertised for a total of two weeks. The application received from Meggen Rumley was reviewed and distributed to Council District II representatives to review for possible appointment.
Item No. 2 - ORD - Appointment of Municipal Judge
Approved
The City’s Home Rule Charter provides for appointment of the municipal court judge for a term of two years. Judge Randall has resigned from this position, and the City Council wishes to fill this position by appointing Jonathan Lucero as the new Presiding Municipal Court Judge.
Item No. 3 - ORD - rezone of 11910 W. 52nd
Approved
Confluent Development, LLC is requesting approval of a zone change from Industrial-Employment (I-E) to Mixed Use-Commercial TOD (MU-C TOD) at property located at 11910 W. 52nd Avenue. 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.
Item No. 4 - RESO - Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan
Approved
The Clearvale Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) was prepared at the direction of the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR) that ultimately is subject to consideration and approval by the Wheat Ridge City Council (City). This resolution authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Tax Increment Revenue Agreement (the Agreement) providing for RWR to retain 100% of the City TIF generated within the Plan area. Such an agreement with the City, and the other taxing entities that collect a mill levy within the proposed Plan area, is necessary in advance of the City considering approval of the Plan.
Item No. 5 - RESO - Lutheran Legacy Renewal Plan
Approved
The Lutheran Legacy Campus Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) was prepared at the direction of the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority DBA Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR) that ultimately is subject to consideration and approval by the Wheat Ridge City Council (City). This resolution authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Tax Increment Revenue Agreement (the Agreement) providing for RWR to retain 100% of the City TIF generated within the Plan area. Such an agreement with the City and the other taxing entities that collect a mill levy within the proposed Plan area, is necessary in advance of the City considering approval of the Plan.
Item No. 6 - MOTION - Youngfield Beautification
Approved
The city contracted with David Evans and Associates, Inc. in 2022 to provide design services for the Youngfield Beautification project. The design is currently estimated to be at 75% completion, but due to an extended conceptual refinement phase, an amendment in the amount of $160,000.00 will be required to complete the construction documents as well as additional, unanticipated permitting submittals. Staff will provide a brief overview of the proposed design elements at the City Council meeting.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Jun 17, 2024 at 6:30pm
3 Agenda Items
Virtual and In Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Emergency Siren System
The Wheat Ridge Siren Emergency Notification System has reached end of life. The City is no longer able to get replacement parts for the sirens. To remove and install a new replacement siren system has been estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $3 million. Staff’s analysis is that these systems have been replaced by more effective communication methods, such as Lookout Alert, which is the current cellular alerting system being used by Jefferson County and the Jefferson County Communications Center Authority (JeffCom911).
Item No. 2 - MEMO - City Charter Update
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.
Planning Commission – Regular Meeting
Thu, Jun 13, 2024 at 6:30pm
1 Agenda Items
Virtual and in-person. Click for more information.
Download Packet
Zone Change at 11910 W 52nd Ave
Pending
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.
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City Council – Regular Meeting
Mon, Jun 10, 2024 at 6:30pm
7 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Item No. 1a - RESO - Jeffco Regional Crime Lab IGA
Approved
On May 14, 2013, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) was reached between the County of Jefferson, the City of Arvada, the City of Lakewood, and the City of Wheat Ridge establishing the Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory (JCRCL) in an effort to regionalize forensic crime laboratory services. An amendment to that IGA expresses the desire of the participating parties to create a separate fund for planning for future year capital expenses.
Item No. 1b - RESO - Early Childhood Grant Budget Supplement
Approved
The City was awarded $23,046 in federal funding through the State of Colorado Department of Early Childhood’s Child Care Stabilization and Capacity Building grant programs for the Sun Camp and Licensed Preschool childcare programs. A resolution approving a supplemental budget appropriation is required to accept and appropriate this additional grant funding.
Item No. 1c - MOTION - Rec Center Carpet contract w/ Tarkett
Approved
The majority of the modular tile carpeting at the Recreation Center was replaced in 2012. The industry standard for commercial grade carpet replacement is every 10-15 years to maintain aesthetics and reduce health/allergen impacts. This is also one of the final components of the Facility Redesign Project for the Recreation Center. Staff recommends awarding this project to Tarkett USA, Inc. in the amount of $99,561 with a staff-managed 10% contingency of $9,959 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $109,520.
Item No. 2 - ORD - Zone Change at 10840 W 41st Pl
Approved
The owner of the property at 10840 W. 41st Place is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-One B (R-1B). The zone change will result in a zoning that encourages investment in the site and will enable the land use to become more conforming with the zoning.
Item No. 3 - ORD - Zone Change at Parcel ID 39-193-01-010
Approved
The subject property is an isolated parcel at the far northwest corner of the City near 44th Avenue and Holman Street. Cogent Companies, is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Industrial Employment (I-E) to allow the site to be utilized for outdoor storage. The zone change will result in a zoning designation that would allow for use of the property unless and until it is developed as right-of-way.
Item No. 4 - ORD - appointment of presiding Municipal Judge
Approved
The City’s Home Rule Charter provides for appointment of the municipal court judge for a term of two years. Judge Randall has resigned from this position, and the City Council wishes to fill this position by appointing Jonathan Lucero as new Presiding Municipal Court Judge.
Item No. 5 - RESO - Land Acknowledgement Statement
Approved
The Wheat Ridge Land Acknowledgement Committee has dedicated the past two years to extensive research and collaboration with various Tribal leaders. As a result, they have thoughtfully crafted a land acknowledgement statement for the City of Wheat Ridge. This resolution supports the formal adoption of this statement.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 6:30pm
4 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Accessory Dwelling Update
This memo provides an update to City Council with lessons learned now that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have now been allowed for over 1.5 years. The grace period to legalize existing ADUs will expire on August 15, 2024. This memo serves a few purposes: 1. Updates Council on how the new and existing ADU approval process is going, 2. Discusses potential changes and extensions to the grace period for existing ADUs, and 3. Updates Council on how state legislation may impact the City’s current ADU requirements.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Short Term Rental Updates
City Council enacted legislation concerning the licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals (STRs) in February 2021. Since that time, staff has worked to implement the legislation by licensing STRs, collecting the applicable lodgers’ tax, and enforcing the codified regulations. At the regular business meeting on February 12, 2024, Councilor Ohm raised a concern regarding the exemption of townhomes in Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N) zone districts from the whole home licensing cap and, with the support of other members of Council, requested the issue come forward for discussion. Since the STR regulations were put into place about three years ago, staff have additional suggestions for Council’s consideration that might support stronger code enforcement. This report includes suggestions to remedy the townhome cap exclusion in mixed-use zone districts, strengthen regulations for marketplace facilitators and align the annual license-cap reporting period to a calendar year.
Item No. 3 - MEMO - Inclusionary Housing Zoning
The purpose of this memo and the June 3 study session is to discuss the implementation of an Inclusionary Housing Zoning (IHZ) program as recommended by the Affordable Housing Strategy (AHS) and Action Plan adopted by City Council in January 2023.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, May 20, 2024 at 6:30pm
2 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Municipal Judge Interviews
Pursuant to Sec.8.2 of the Municipal Charter, the City Council shall appoint a presiding judge. The top two candidates have been referred to City Council to be interviewed for the position of Presiding Municipal Judge.
Planning Commission – Regular Meeting
Thu, May 16, 2024 at 6:30am
No Agenda Items
Virtual and in-person. Click for more information.
City Council – Special Study Session
Mon, May 13, 2024 at 7:00pm
2 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right To Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Lutheran Campus Height Survey
A survey was conducted between April 30th and May 8th by Magellan Strategies to obtain input from Wheat Ridge residents and to measure support for or against a proposed ballot measure to amend the City Charter to remove the building height limitations for those areas described as mixed use in the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan. Representatives from Magellan Strategies will present the results of the survey at the May 13th study session.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, May 13, 2024 at 6:30pm
9 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - ORD - WR Code of Law amend for Liquor Authority
Approved
The City has an eight-member, Council appointed Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) that is vested with the authority to grant and refuse liquor licenses and other types of applications and permits, and hold show cause hearings for alleged violations, all in the manner provided by law. Over the past few years, the eight-member board has struggled at times to reach a quorum, delaying Wheat Ridge businesses from obtaining licenses and other resolutions in a timely manner.
Item No. 2 - ORD - rezone property at 10840 W 41st Pl
Approved
The owner of the property at 10840 W. 41st Place is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-One B (R-1B). The zone change will result in a zoning that encourages investment in the site and will enable the land use to become more conforming with the zoning.
Item No. 3 - ORD - rezone property at Parcel ID 39-193-01-01
Approved
Cogent Companies is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Industrial Employment (I-E) to allow the site to be utilized for outdoor storage. The zone change will result in a zoning designation that would allow for use of the property unless and until it is developed as right-of-way.
Item No. 4 - agreement with 44th & Wadsworth LLC
Approved
Design and construction of the Improve Wadsworth Project necessitated the installation of a raised median on 44th Avenue which prohibits left turns from westbound 44th Avenue to a private driveway behind the FirstBank building. In response to many requests from the public, staff has coordinated with the property management company to open an existing access point from Vance St. at 43rd Avenue to allow temporary access to the shopping center and the private drive through the shopping center’s parking lot. The temporary license documents the terms of this agreement. The city will enter into a contract to perform the necessary work to open up this access within the next month or so. Funding will come from the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority.
Item No. 5 - MOTION - contrat with CEM for lap pool filters
Approved
The Wheat Ridge Recreation Center Lap Pool filters have sustained severe damage to an internal manifold. While a temporary fix was installed by staff to extend the life of the filters, the temporary fix is failing. The filters require immediate repair to safeguard the integrity of the lap pool and to prevent interruptions in service, possibly including a long-term closure. This motion is to award a contract to CEM Sales and Service to complete this essential work.
Item No. 6 - RESO - reverter on the Green at 38th
Approved
The City purchased property for the Town Center Park in 1982 using Jefferson County Open Space funding. Because Open Space funding was used, a Jefferson County Open Space reverter was placed on the Town Center Park which restricts the use of that property to public park and recreation purposes. The Town Center Park is no longer a viable option for a community park due to a number of factors including commercial redevelopment in the area. In the meantime, the City is currently developing The Green at 38th as a new community plaza and park on 38th Avenue, within a few blocks of the Town Center Park. To decommission the Town Center Park, Jefferson County Open Space has agreed to release the reverter and move it to The Green at 38th. This Resolution provides the Mayor with the authority to sign the associated agreement with Jefferson County to complete the effort of transferring the reverter.
Item No. 7 - RESO - zone change for Lutheran Legacy Campus
Approved
In less than three months, the Lutheran Hospital will move from its current location to Clear Creek Crossing. The City prepared for this move (and for the redevelopment opportunity it creates) by adopting the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan in October 2021. A zone change and an amendment to the City Charter are both required to realize the community vision outlined in the Master Plan. This resolution takes the first step in formally advancing a city-initiated zone change of the Lutheran Legacy Campus.
Item No. 8 - MOTION - payment to Bank of Oklahoma
Approved
On May 2, 2017, the City closed on Series 2017A Sales and Use Tax Revenue Bonds in the par amount of $30,595,000 with a net premium of $2,687,079 for a total of $33,282,079. The City’s first interest payment for 2024 is due June 1 in the amount of $249,900 and the principal and second interest payment is due December 1 in the amount of $3,249,900. Funds to cover the 2024 payments are budgeted in the 2024 2E Bond Fund budget.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, May 6, 2024 at 6:30pm
4 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No 1 - MEMO - UC Denver GIS Presenation
Councilmember Weaver has taught a project-based course in the spring for graduate students from CU Denver to tackle current geographical issues with geospatial tools such as GIS. Over the past few years, the course has partnered with City staff to create and address city-specific projects as part of the curriculum. The students will be presenting the outcomes of this semester’s projects to City Council.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Residential Waste Engagement
The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an update on the Residential Waste Engagement project, including public engagement results to-date and to discuss next steps for the second, final round of public engagement to ensure alignment with Council priorities.
Item No. 3 - MEMO - 2023 B&C Annual Report
Staff has completed the first Boards and Commissions Annual Report. This report details the achievements of each public body included in the report through the 2023 calendar year, anticipated activities in 2024, and provides information regarding the members of each public body. Staff liaisons and commission members from the Election Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Cultural Commission will present an update on each Commission at the May 6th study session.
Planning Commission – Regular Meeting
Thu, May 2, 2024 at 6:30pm
1 Agenda Items
Virtual and in-person. Click for more information.
Download Packet
City Plan Update
Pending
Wheat Ridge is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, called the City Plan. Staff will provide Planning Commission with an update on the City Plan process, including preliminary findings from the first phase of public engagement and the existing conditions analysis completed thus far.
City Council – Special Study Session
Mon, Apr 22, 2024 at 7:00pm
2 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Happiness Gardens Update
Councilmember Hultin requested a special study session on Happiness Gardens. Members of the Parks and Recreation Department will discuss how the garden has fostered community building across generations, honoring the rich history of agriculture in Wheat Ridge. Staff will provide information on how Happiness Gardens has transformed in recent years through grants and partnerships. Additionally, staff will share future plans for Happiness Gardens, as well as the recently acquired Randall Park property.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Apr 22, 2024 at 6:30pm
13 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1a - RESO - budget supplement to re-encumber funds
Pending
On February 26, 2024, Council approved the reappropriation of 105 open purchase orders from the 2023 budget for a total re-encumbrance of $14,676,888.46. Three of those 105 purchase orders incurred payments in 2024 prior to the carryover, but the amount was not reflected in the re-encumbrance amount. As a result, the three purchase orders are now short of funds in the amount of the payment that was made. To continue or close out these projects in 2024, a supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $415,911.71 is necessary to allow transfer of these funds into specific budget line items in the 2024 Budget.
Item No. 1b - RESO - budget supplement for DOLA grant
Pending
In late 2023, the Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation Program was awarded $75,000 by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs through its Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) application, with funds to be released in April 2024. ESG is a federal, HUD-administered program, now supplemented with Proposition 123 funds. The grant award will be used to support the Navigation Program’s outreach and motel vouchering efforts.
Item No. 1c - RESO - IGA with Denver for Study
Pending
The City received a grant from the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Trails Partnership Program for a trail feasibility study. The study will focus on the area between Creekside Park in Wheat Ridge and W. 52nd Avenue that is the border between Denver and Jefferson Counties to determine if an off-street trail connection is possible in this area to link together the existing Clear Creek Trail. Wheat Ridge will be accepting the Trails Partnership funding so an intergovernmental agreement with Denver is required to outline the terms associated with the management of this project.
Item No. 1d - RESO - agreement with Jeffco Open Space
Pending
The City of Wheat Ridge was awarded $45,000 through the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Trails Partnership Program. The $45,000 award is 50% of the estimated cost for a feasibility study of the area between Creekside Park in Wheat Ridge and W. 52nd Avenue that is the border between Denver and Jefferson Counties to determine if an off-street trail connection is possible in this area to link together the existing Clear Creek Trail. To accept the grant and receive the funding, the City Council must direct the Mayor to sign the grant agreement.
Item No. 1e - MOTION - appoint BOA Members
Pending
Section 2.53(e) of the City of Wheat Ridge Code of Laws states “…any board or commission member who shall change their personal residence to an address outside the city or the district they represent shall cease to be a member of the board or commission…” Betty Jo Page was previously appointed to a District I seat on the Board of Adjustment. She has since moved into District II. She was removed from the Board and she has re-applied for a District II seat. Thomas Burney who holds a District II seat is a resident of District IV. Staff is requesting to appoint Betty Jo Page to the District II seat currently occupied by Thomas Burney and to appoint Thomas Burney to the vacant District IV seat. This will place both members in the districts in which they reside. This will leave a vacancy in District I for which staff will recruit.
Item No. 1f - MOTION - contract with OpenGov
Pending
In 2021, City Council determined a priority of the City must be to streamline permitting and licensing to assist the business community in working with Wheat Ridge and provide greater customer service. Following a two-year evaluation period of systems and existing business processes, the City has selected five systems to drive efficiency and modernize business practices. The second system to be purchased and implemented is OpenGov which will facilitate permitting and licensing for our contractors as well as improving code enforcement visibility.
Item No. 2 - ORD - Amend WR Code of Laws re Public Notice
Pending
Prior to the public hearing for a quasi-judicial application, the zoning code currently requires that the City send letter notice of the hearing to owners and occupants within 600 feet of the subject property. The proposed ordinance extends this letter notice to 1000 feet.
Item No. 3 - RESO - agreement with Renewal Wheat Ridge
Pending
U.S. Retail Partners, LLC (the “Developer”) redeveloped the vacant Walmart retail building within the Applewood Village Shopping Center in 2019 which resulted in new retailers such as Hobby Lobby, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, Ulta, Eyeglass World and Chick-fil-A. To assist in the redevelopment, the City and the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority dba Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR) entered into a Cooperation Agreement dated May 13, 2019 which authorized the City to pledge a 1.0 cent sales tax increment to the project for a period of five years up to a maximum amount of $2,000,874. The sales tax pledge will expire in 2024. Due to the emergence of the COVID crisis shortly after the new retailers opened, and other economic factors, the sales tax pledge is estimated to generate only $390,471, well short of the $2,000,874 originally estimated by revenue modeling. The Developer has requested an extension of the sales tax pledge for another ten years, without amending the maximum sales tax pledge of $2,000,874.
Item No. 4 - ORD - Amend WR Code of Laws re Liquor Authority
Pending
The City has an eight-member, Council appointed Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) that is vested with the authority to grant and refuse liquor licenses and other types of applications and permits, and hold show cause hearings for alleged violations, all in the manner provided by law. Over the past few years, the eight-member board has struggled at times to reach a quorum, delaying Wheat Ridge businesses from obtaining licenses and other resolutions in a timely manner.
Item No. 5 - RESO - budget amendment for storm sewer repairs
Pending
In November 2023, Wheat Ridge citizens favorably supported an extension of a ½ cent temporary sales and use tax to be used for constructing sidewalk gaps, sidewalk, bike lane, roadway and drainage improvements. Recent storm sewer pipe failures have resulted in the need to access funds for these repairs. As bonds for these improvements will likely not be issued until the fall of 2024, at the earliest, it is necessary to declare the City’s intent to use bond proceeds for these improvements and, when financing occurs, to be reimbursed with proceeds from the bonds for these expenditures.
Item No. 6 - RESO - IGA with Denver for UASI
Pending
The State of Colorado received an Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant award for approximately $504,588 to purchase a mobile command post vehicle for the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department. Wheat Ridge is responsible to appropriate a 20.1% match of funds and to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City and County of Denver to receive the mobile command post vehicle. The grant award amount may increase or decrease slightly before the vehicle is delivered. To account for this uncertainty, this supplemental budget appropriation will approve matching funds up to an amount not-to-exceed $115,000 to ensure adequate funding is available for the City’s required matching funds.
Item No. 7 - RESO - Jeffco Historical Landmark Designation
Pending
The Wheat Ridge Historical Society and the City of Wheat Ridge were approached by the Jefferson County Historical Commission about applying to the County Landmark Designation Program for the Wheat Ridge Historical Park and the Baugh House. Both properties can be submitted as a single application. As the City owns the buildings and properties, City Council support for the application to the county program is needed and Council would need to direct the Mayor to sign the Owner Consent Form that is part of the application.
Planning Commission – Regular Meeting
Thu, Apr 18, 2024 at 6:30pm
2 Agenda Items
Virtual and in-person. Click for more information.
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Zone Change at 10840 W 41st Pl
Pending
Mark Brannon is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-One B (R-1B) for the property at 10840 W. 41st Place. The zone change would result in a zoning that matches that of the surrounding neighborhood, brings the property into conformance, and encourages revitalization of the site. Should the zone change be approved, the applicant intends to subdivide the current single lot into two lots in order to construct one additional single-unit dwelling.
Zone Change at Parcel ID 39-193-01-010
Cogent Companies is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Industrial-Employment (I-E) on property located at Parcel ID 39-193-01-010. The applicant intends to utilize the property for outdoor storage. This proposed zone change acknowledges the changed conditions on this property, and in the area, and would allow for a better and more productive use of the land. Additionally, the zone change would enable the land to further achieve the city’s current comprehensive plan goals to encourage employment-generating uses in the area by allowing the adjacent property to utilize it for their needs.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Apr 15, 2024 at 6:30pm
4 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - School of Mines Update
This hill along the south and southeast edge of Creekside Park regularly has minor landslides that push debris onto the Clear Creek Trail and into Creekside Park. Drainage from the hill also results in the Trail becoming icy in the winter. Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, a Colorado School of Mines Capstone Project student team has analyzed the current state of the hill and provided recommendations and cost estimates for improving the ongoing stability, drainage, and sliding issues related to the hill. Their final project presentation on April 15th will provide a concise project overview.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - City Plan Update
The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an update on the City Plan planning process, including public engagement and preliminary findings from the existing conditions analysis completed thus far. Attachment 1 is a memo provided by the City Plan consultant, czb, which includes more details to support this study session. This is the first of four anticipated Council meetings on this project, with subsequent study sessions scheduled for June, September, and February 2025.
Item No. 3 - MEMO - 2J Sales Tax Effort Update
In November 2023, Wheat Ridge residents favorably supported an extension of a ½ cent temporary sales and use tax to be used for the following capital infrastructure projects: • Sidewalk, bike lane and street improvements on primary street corridors such as 32nd Ave., 38th Ave., 44th Ave, and Youngfield Street; • Filling sidewalk gaps and other sidewalk repair and replacement with an emphasis on major pedestrian corridors and routes to schools; and • Drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements at priority locations in the city. Feedback from the community over the last several years, the bi-annual citizen survey, as well as the January 2023 City Council retreat formed the basis for these major project themes. Since approval of the tax extension, staff has developed a refined list of projects within each of the three themes. City leadership has considered other funding sources available for these specific projects, state and grant funding opportunities, staff capacity, as well as projects that span multiple council districts. Staff also prioritized projects that residents directly identified as being a top priority in the surveys. The emergency stormwater repairs, together with the estimated costs for the corridor, sidewalks and bikeways projects, exceeds $121 million. It is hoped that grants will provide additional resources to allow for design and construction of some of these improvements. Many projects fall into two or three of the major themes. As many projects have not been designed or fully scoped, the cost estimates for each are conservative. The projects and estimated costs for drainage improvements were developed at a very high level since the Stormwater Master Plan has just begun. Given the anticipated costs of the Stormwater Program, staff is recommending that only emergency stormwater repairs be funded with the sales and use tax revenue. Staff is seeking City Council confirmation on the proposed list of projects as well as the planned approach to implementation.
City Council – Special Study Session
Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 7:00pm
3 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Lutheran Legacy Update
The purpose of this memo and the April 8 study session is to discuss the next two steps associated with future redevelopment at the Lutheran Legacy Campus: a zone change and a charter amendment.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Neighborhood Traffic Issues
Traffic issues, primarily excessive speeds, are a continual complaint from the public. Citizens contact various departments, primarily the police department, to request speed enforcement on their streets. While the police department responds to these requests as time and resources allow, often, it is determined that there is not a speeding problem that is enforceable. In other words, the number of speeding vehicles does not warrant committing resources to enforce a minor number of the overall vehicles on the street. This results in frustration from citizens who often expect that all speeding vehicles should be ticketed to effect change. The city is attempting to address traffic issues throughout the community in a variety of ways that focus on not only enforcement but also education, and engineering. Education can assist in advising drivers, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, of their responsibilities on the road and the rules of the road. Engineering attempts to modify the built environment either through temporary or permanent measures, to effect changes in driver behavior. An example of this is speed humps. Staff will present current efforts underway as well as some additional options for consideration by the City Council for implementation.
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