In 2023 the city entered into an agreement with WEX Bank to provide fuel cards for each city vehicle which can then be used at any participating gas station in their network. WEX tracks the expenses and provides one invoice to the city monthly for all fuel purchases. The program is currently being utilized by the Police Department for efficiency and as another means of having officers visible in the community. This action will encumber funds in the amount of $167,700 for all WEX purchases in 2025.

The city provides on-site fuel tanks at the Public Works Shop to allow for fueling of city vehicles. Purchase and delivery of fuel is provided on a periodic basis from Senergy Petroleum of Arvada, Colorado. Senergy was selected as the preferred vendor based on a procurement process through the Colorado Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO) in 2022. This action will encumber funds in the amount of $124,900 for fuel purchases, including delivery to the Shop, in 2025.

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 Central Salt to purchase materials for 2025 in an amount not to exceed $135,000.

The City’s various facilities require consistent custodial service. Ensuring clean and hygienic public and workspaces is fundamental to the safe operation of the city organization and community services. Staff is recommending approval of a contract to S&B Confluence d/b/a Jani-King of Colorado in the amount of $419,350 plus a contingency for unforeseen items of $12,000 for the 2025 calendar year.

The City currently contracts annually for mowing, weed prevention and mitigation, and trash pickup in various right-of-way areas. Terracare Associates, LLC was selected in 2023 through a competitive bid process. This amendment accepts a request for a 3% increase in compensation for 2025.

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. A second amendment is requested to allow the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) to become a party to the IGA.

The Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA) provides property and casualty coverage for the City of Wheat Ridge. The total premium payment due for 2025 is $581,329 and is split into quarterly payments.

The City offers employees a number of benefits in order to attract and retain a high-quality workforce. In 2023, the City joined the Colorado Employer Benefit Trust (CEBT) to provide a greater choice than previously offered of medical plans along with dental, vision, employee assistance program (EAP) and life insurance coverage. January through December billing is estimated and budgeted in the amount of $2,517,979. Staff requests approval of the estimated 2025 total expenditure so that monthly payments can be made in a timely manner.

The applicant is requesting to modify the underlying zoning for certain areas of Clear Creek Crossing to refine allowed uses, setbacks, street, plaza, and multi-modal requirements. The intent of these changes is to relocate the main restaurant and entertainment district to the western edge of the site and to create a premiere pedestrian corridor to connect users from W. 40th Avenue.

In 2023, the Colorado General Assembly approved the Colorado Natural Medicine Act, creating a regulatory structure for natural medicines and the operation of licensed healing centers. Under the Act, the City may regulate the time, place and manner of healing centers licensed by the state, but the City may not prohibit the uses entirely. This ordinance allows healing centers in the City’s commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zone districts in a manner similar to medical offices. The ordinance also memorializes the state-enacted separation from schools and daycares.

Applewood RV Resort, LLC is requesting approval of an amendment to the Prospect Park Place ODP at property located at 11600 W. 44th Avenue. The purpose of the request is to amend the existing zoning to expand RV camping uses onto Lot 1, located on the northernmost portion of the site.

This ordinance creates a new Article XIV (14) in Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws that establishes a new zone district, the Mixed-Use Lutheran Legacy Campus (MU-LLC) zone district. The zone district regulations establish development standards for the future redevelopment of the former hospital site based on the adopted Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan and City Council consensus. Approval of this ordinance will allow for the Lutheran Legacy Campus to be rezoned to the new MU-LLC zone district in the future.

This ordinance clarifies that board and commission members who change their personal residence to another council district within the city may continue to be a member representing the district for which they were appointed until the end of the term for which they were appointed.

The City is required to periodically review the Wheat Ridge Municipal Traffic Code to ensure conformance with State of Colorado Traffic Ordinances. The newest version of the Model Traffic Code was adopted by the State of Colorado in 2024. To stay consistent and up to date with the newest Colorado Traffic Codes and to ensure the citizens of Wheat Ridge are best served by the updated Model Traffic Code, adoption of the newest code is recommended.

Per the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, membership in the police pension plan does not currently extend to recruits entering the academy. Recruits are therefore placed in the civilian plan for approximately six months, then enrolled in the sworn plan. This is administratively burdensome for staff and challenging for recruits. This ordinance amends the code to allow recruits to enroll immediately into the police pension plan.

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 January 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.

State statutes require that each municipality annually establish the location for posting public notices, as well as the newspaper in which the notices will be published. Local government entities are also allowed to publish notices on-line for public meetings. These include meetings at which the adoption of any proposed policy, position, resolution, rule, regulation, or formal action occurs or at which a majority or quorum of body is in attendance.

This resolution acknowledges the climate emergency and reaffirms City Council’s commitment towards taking actions to reduce Wheat Ridge’s contribution to climate change and mitigate its impacts on the community.

Staff has developed proposed enhancements to the Community Partners Grant Program for City Council’s consideration.

In late-2023, all Capital Improvement Program (CIP) responsibilities were aligned to be delivered by the Public Works Department from the beginning of a project (planning, design, environmental) through the end (construction and close out). The city has recently hired several new staff to oversee and manage the CIP who will be introduced at the Study Session. Staff will also provide a brief overview of the planned CIP activities for the upcoming year.

The Economic Development Division of the City Manager’s Office and its consultant, Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA), have completed a final draft of an 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. PUMA and City Staff will provide an update primarily on the Plan’s Implementation Matrix, which can be found in Section A of the Appendix (Attachment 2). The final recommended plan will be presented to City Council at a future date for adoption.

Additional services are needed from HDR, Inc., to complete the valuation and acquisition negotiation for various land parcels needed to construct the Ward Station Multi-Modal Improvements project.

On-going design support services are needed from the design engineer, HDR, Inc., through the remainder of the construction phase for the Improve Wadsworth project.

The design plans and associated documents for the Ward Station Multi-Modal Project are approximately 90% complete. Due to on-going coordination issues with various agencies, it is necessary to approve a contract with Short-Elliot-Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) for professional design services to complete the design of this project.

On-going construction management services are needed from AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for the 2025 construction period of the Improve Wadsworth project. A new contract has been established to specify deliverables associated with these efforts.

The calendar of the City Council meetings is adopted by a motion of the City Council annually. Adopting the meeting calendar for the year is more efficient and enables the Mayor, Council, and staff to schedule other events and travel in advance. The Council will be able to amend the calendar by motion throughout the year, if necessary. The following City Council meetings that conflict with observed City holidays or other known events during the year are recommended for cancellation. • Study Session, January 20, 2025 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day • Study Session, February 17, 2025 – President’s Day • Regular City Council Meeting, May 26, 2025 – Memorial Day • Study Session, September 1, 2025 – Labor Day Council may want to also consider the following City Council meetings that conflict with other meetings or community events: • Regular City Council Meeting, March 10, 2025 – National League of Cities Conference • Regular City Council Meeting, March 24, 2025 – Jeffco Schools spring break • Regular City Council Meeting, December 22, 2025 – Christmas holiday

Over the course of the last three years, the City has evaluated its systems and business processes in order to streamline and modernize essential organizational functions. The City has selected five systems to drive efficiency and modernize business practices across the enterprise. The fourth system to be purchased and implemented is Paycom which will modernize employee operations and practices including personnel, payroll, recruiting, onboarding, performance management and training.

Chapter 21 of the city’s municipal code provides for construction and other work activities within or upon the public right-of-way while protecting the integrity of the roadway network and city-owned infrastructure. This ordinance adds or modifies language to the municipal code to address various construction-related provisions and streamlines the licensing provisions.

The City’s Community Development Department manages the licensing of building contractors. Currently there are 14 license categories and over 3400 active licenses. This ordinance simplifies the licensing framework.

The City was approached by Kyle and Erin Ballew for a proposed retail development, DOP’s Sweet Spot, at the southwest corner of 38th Avenue and Johnson Street. The 29,810 square foot parcel is owned by the City of Wheat Ridge and was rezoned to Planned Commercial Development in 2008. Permitted uses on the subject property include any land use allowed in the City’s Restricted Commercial zone district. This proposed retail use would be a permitted use. Only 25,378 square feet of the parcel would be sold and the remaining 4,432 would be retained by the City for regional drainage. Section 16.5 of the City Charter states that “The City shall not sell or dispose of municipally owned buildings or real property for a public purpose, without first obtaining the approval, by ordinance, of three-fourths of the entire council.”

The applicant is requesting to modify the underlying zoning for certain areas of Clear Creek Crossing to refine allowed uses, setbacks, street, plaza, and multi-modal requirements. The intent of these changes is to relocate the main restaurant and entertainment district to the western edge of the site and to create a premiere pedestrian corridor to connect users from W. 40th Avenue.

In 2023, the Colorado General Assembly approved the Colorado Natural Medicine Act, creating a regulatory structure for natural medicines and the operation of licensed healing centers. Under the Act, the city may regulate the time, place and manner of healing centers licensed by the state, but the City may not prohibit the uses entirely. This ordinance allows healing centers in the City’s commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zone districts in a manner similar to medical offices. The ordinance also memorializes the state-enacted separation from schools and daycares.

Applewood RV Resort, LLC is requesting approval of an amendment to the Prospect Park Place ODP at property located at 11600 W. 44th Avenue. The purpose of the request is to amend the existing zoning to expand RV camping uses onto Lot 1, located on the northernmost portion of the site.

During the 2024 Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP), four roadway segments met the criteria to receive traffic calming based on the program’s eligibility requirements. These four projects will be constructed in 2025.

The 2E fund, established to separate and track revenues and expenditures commensurate with the 2017 sales tax bond issuance, has a remaining balance of approximately $12.6 million. In discussions with Council prior to the 2J bond issuance, it was agreed that $7.4 million would be used to pay down the 2017 bonds and approximately $5.2 million would be transferred to the CIP Fund to defray remaining costs of the Improve Wadsworth project. This resolution authorizes the necessary supplemental appropriations to defease the remaining debt service on the 2017 bonds, complete the transfer to the CIP Fund and close the 2E Fund.

“Because of the significant mobility of today’s traffic and the influx of motorists from many areas, every driver has a right to expect the rules governing the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on streets and highways are clearly defined and reasonably uniform throughout the state and the nation. The General Assembly of the State of Colorado has recognized that conflicts between the state’s traffic laws, and municipal traffic ordinances lead to inconsistencies in the movement of traffic and has strengthened the requirements for uniformity of traffic regulations.” (Model Traffic Code for Colorado 2024-Colorado Department of Transportation) The City of Wheat Ridge is bound by the laws and guidance of the State of Colorado and as such, we are required to periodically review the City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Traffic Code to ensure conformance with the state mandate as a subservient or secondary traffic management plan to the State of Colorado Traffic Ordinances. The Wheat Ridge Police Department periodically reviews the City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Code to align with state traffic code changes and ensure consistency across all Colorado roads. The newest version of the Colorado Model Traffic Code was adopted and installed in 2024. The updated Model Traffic Code re-enforces and provides additional guidance and resources to serve more comprehensively those who use the roads in Colorado as well as those who utilize the roads within Wheat Ridge. The newest guidance, changes, and updates along with the addition of new technology and resources will allow Wheat Ridge employees (Police and Courts) to address emerging trends and driving behaviors that have become problematic within Wheat Ridge. The addition of new vehicle technology, cultural attitudes, and intentions was the impetus of many of the changes in the 2024 Model Traffic Code. The ability to address more comprehensively those driving behaviors and trends allows Wheat Ridge employees the opportunity to ensure our community safety and advance the city’s core values with persons using the roads within the Wheat Ridge community.

The Colorado General Assembly has recently enacted Senate Bill 23-290, codified at CRS 44- 50-101, creating a regulatory structure for the operation of licensed facilities for the supervised use of natural medicines by individuals age 21 and over. The Act creates a state agency responsible for licensing and registration of facilities and related businesses that provide for the use, cultivation, manufacture, and testing of these substances. Further, the state licensing authority will not issue licenses for any building which is within 1000 feet of a childcare center, preschool, elementary, middle, junior high school, or residential childcare facility. While the state statute does not require local governments to enact any local regulations of natural medicine businesses, the City has the authority to do so, and several municipalities across the state have chosen to enact various forms of regulation, while other communities have decided not to. Under the Act, the City may regulate the time, place and manner of the operation of healing centers licensed by the state but may not prohibit the uses entirely. The City may not prohibit licensed health care facilities or individuals from providing natural medicine services within the City, nor may it prohibit the transportation of natural medicine on public roads within the City. Finally, according to the Act, the City may not impose regulations that are “unreasonable or in conflict with the [Act].”

Sections 10.7 and 10.9 of the Wheat Ridge City Charter require that a public hearing on the proposed budget be conducted before its final adoption and that the budget be adopted by resolution on or before the final day (December 15, 2024) established by state statute for the certification of the next year’s tax levy to the county. The proposed 2025 budget includes the following: • A General Fund budget in the amount of $48,765,853 • An unrestricted fund balance of $8,312,000 or 17% of expenditures plus 3% emergency reserves ($1,462,976) • Proposed CIP Fund in the amount of $12,443,000 • Proposed Renewal Wheat Ridge Bonds Project Fund in the amount of $13,560,000 • Proposed 2J Fund in the total amount of $12,829,361 • Special Revenue Funds in the amount of $8,027,596 • Proposed budget (all funds) in the amount of $95,625,810 Additionally, this resolution establishes the 2J Next Chapter Bond Fund and authorizes spending in 2024; authorizes the General Fund portion of short-term rental lodgers’ tax to remain in the General Fund to be used for general operating expenditures in 2024 and 2025; and reduces the Renewal Wheat Ridge Bond Fund 2024 budget so that the budgeted ending fund balance is $0.00.

Chapter 21 of the city’s municipal code provides for construction and other work activities within or upon the public right-of-way while protecting the integrity of the roadway network and city-owned infrastructure. This ordinance adds or modifies language to the municipal code to address various construction-related provisions and streamlines the licensing provisions.

The City’s Community Development Department manages the licensing of building contractors. Currently there are 14 license categories and over 3400 active licenses. This ordinance simplifies the licensing framework.

The City was approached by Kyle and Erin Ballew for a proposed retail development, DOP’s Sweet Spot, at the southwest corner of 38th Avenue and Johnson Street. The 29,810 square foot parcel is owned by the City of Wheat Ridge and was rezoned to Planned Commercial Development in 2008. Permitted uses on the subject property include any land use allowed in the City’s Restricted Commercial zone district. This proposed retail use would be a permitted use. Only 25,378 square feet of the parcel would be sold and the remaining 4,432 would be retained by the City for regional drainage. Section 16.5 of the City Charter states that “The City shall not sell or dispose of municipally owned buildings or real property for a public purpose, without first obtaining the approval, by ordinance, of three-fourths of the entire council.”

This resolution authorizes the levying of property taxes for the 2024 fiscal year to help defray the cost of government in 2025.

The 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan was adopted by City Council on April 27, 2015. The Plan designates certain parcels in the City as park land. In 2008, City Council approved an ordinance rezoning the property which is now Discovery Park. The Outline Development Plan included a condition that up to 36,000 square feet of the northern portion of the site may be used for commercial uses. However, the park land designation on this portion of the site was not removed. This resolution will amend the 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan to remove the park land designation from this remanent parcel.

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.

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.

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.