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Planning Commission
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Dec 4, 2023 at 6:30pm
3 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Item No. 1 - MEMO - WR 102 Presentation
Wheat Ridge 102 participants have been working on two projects this fall: Green Business and Snow Removal Assistance. Program participants will present their finalized project blueprints to the City Council, with the goal of handing these projects off to staff for implementation.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Community Advisory Group
Staff requests that the City Council revise its classification of the Community Advisory Group as a Hybrid Committee to a Staff-Selected Committee.
Item No. 3 - MEMO - Snow and Ice Policy Overview
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.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 6:30pm
11 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1a - RESO - Year End Budget Supplement
Approved
On occasion, it is necessary to adjust the current year budget at year end in order to support the City Council’s priorities and align with the estimated budget as presented to Council with the next budget year. This year, budget amendments are needed in funds 31 (2E), 12 (Public Art), 12 (Open Space), 30 (CIP) and 40 (Renewal Wheat Ridge Bonds Fund.) It is required that City Council authorize increases and reductions to the City’s budget by resolution.
Item No. 1b - RESO - Budget Supplement for AED Grant
Approved
The Police Department received an Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Award for $14,177 from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. This grant award was not included in the 2023 Budget.
Item No. 1c - RESO - application support for GOCO grant
Approved
The Parks and Recreation Department wishes to apply to the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Community Impact grant program to request $700,000 in funding to support the construction of the Green at 38th project. A City Council Resolution of support is required to apply, which includes supporting the application and, if funded, authorizing the mayor to sign the grant agreement and accept the funding.
Item No. 2 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws re: billboards
Approved
The proposed ordinance updates the City’s billboard regulations to accomplish several main goals: to remove the lottery process for billboard vacancies, to reduce the maximum number of billboards within the City as they are abandoned, to establish a maximum distance between billboards and the highway, and to clarify existing development standards.
Item No. 3 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws for CSO Powers
Approved
In an effort to bring greater compliance to the City’s licensing programs, a new compliance officer position is being created through a vacancy on the Community Services Officers (CSO) team. This position will focus on licensing compliance rather than typical CSO duties. In order to meet the objective of ensuring compliance with licensing programs, the City’s Code of Laws needs to be amended to expand the scope of City employees that are able to issue municipal court summons, including Chapter 11 licensing violations. Furthermore, the Code should also reflect that compliance officers shall be designated as peace officers akin to a CSO.
Item No. 4 - ORD - vacate interest in portion of Clear Creek
Approved
Clear Creek Drive is currently under construction to extend the roadway approximately 500 feet to the northwest. As part of this extension, the existing cul-de-sac bulb was demolished and reconstructed. City staff has determined that the sidewalk easements at the previous cul-de-sac location are no longer necessary, and they will be vacated by this ordinance.
Item No. 5 - ORD - vacate interest in portion of Miller Ct
Approved
A portion of right-of-way near Miller Court and W 37th Place has been deemed to be unnecessary by the Community Development Department. This portion of right-of-way is not built or used as a roadway and is proposed to be vacated.
Item No. 6 - RESO - Police Investigation Fund Budget Supp.
Approved
The Police Investigations Fund, also known as the Seizure Fund 17, consists of money that is forfeited by felony defendants through a civil hearing process. The City has chosen to close Fund 17 in anticipation of changes to asset forfeiture laws and to use the balance of the Fund to purchase law enforcement aircraft drones to be deployed for public safety missions and education.
Item No. 7 - MOTION - appoint DIII member to Cultural Comm.
Approved
On November 1, 2023, Teresa Linder from District III resigned from the Cultural Commission, effective immediately. The vacancy was posted for a term of two weeks on the City of Wheat Ridge website and promoted through various channels from November 6 to November 19. Applications have been compiled for the Council’s review so that the seat may be filled. If, after reasonable advertisement, no applications are received from residents within the relevant council district for a vacancy on any Board or Commission, the council may appoint any otherwise qualified resident.
Item No. 8 - MOTION - Elect Mayor Pro Tem
Approved
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.
City Council – City Council Study Session
Mon, Nov 20, 2023 at 6:30pm
3 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Legal Notice for Public Hearings
The purpose of this study session is to discuss how the public is informed of quasi-judicial public hearings and specifically to revisit the code and process associated with letter notice. This memo summarizes recent code updates, recent procedural changes, and the recent rezoning application that prompted this discussion. To the extent there is interest in revising letter notice, analysis of several options is provided.
1
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Appointment process for Presiding Judge
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.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 6:30pm
9 Agenda Items
Virtual or In-Person
Public's Right To Speak
Item No. 1a - MOTION - purchase E-citation Software
Approved
Staff recommends the purchase of 26 Zebra Printers with batteries and chargers and accompanying Brazos E-Citation/Summons software for the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department. Staff has secured negotiated contract terms and pricing under the Sourcewell Master Agreement with Tyler Technologies.
Item No. 1b - MOTION - purchase from Independent Salt Co.
Approved
The city purchases and applies deicer materials each year as part of its snow and ice control efforts. The city has participated in a cooperative bidding process through the Colorado Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO) to obtain the best pricing. The city will utilize a City of Fort Collins contract with Independent Salt Company to purchase materials for the remainder of 2023 and the 2024 snow season in an amount not to exceed $140,200.
Item No. 1c - RESO - approve grant agreement with CDOT
Approved
The Parks and Recreation Department applied for and was awarded $951,709 from CDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program for improvements along the Clear Creek Trail in 2025-2026. City Council approval of the enclosed grant agreement is required to accept the funds.
Item No. 1d -MOTION - contract update for Rec Center Parking
Approved
A contract for the repair of the Recreation Center parking lot was approved by the City Council in June 2023 in the amount of $485,900.72 plus a staff-managed contingency of $48,500 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $534,400.72. Subsequently, the City Council approved additional contingency amounts of $85,000 for additional items associated with ADA modifications, electrical vehicle striping, and drainage improvements. Calculation of actual quantities for pavement removal and installation as well as the underlying geotextile fabric have resulted in the need for increased contract amount of $190,000. This would increase the total not-to-exceed amount of the contract to $809,400.72.
Item No. 1e - MOTION - cancel 12/18/23 Study Session
Approved
The City Council Study Session of December 18, 2023, currently does not have any scheduled agenda items. To provide time for City Council and Staff to prepare for the holidays with family and friends, and seeing there are no items currently scheduled for this date it is recommended that City Council cancel this meeting.
Item No. 2 - ORD - Zone change for property at 10800 W. 48th
Approved
Wei Lian Fu is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-Two (R-2) for the property at 10800 W. 48th Avenue. The applicant is the current owner of the property. The zone change will result in a zoning that encourages revitalization of the site and will enable the land to become conforming.
Item No. 3 - ORD - amend WR Code of laws re: billboards
Approved
The proposed ordinance updates the City’s billboard regulations to accomplish several main goals: to remove the lottery process for billboard vacancies, to reduce the maximum number of billboards within the City as they are abandoned, to establish a maximum distance between billboards and the highway, and to clarify existing development standards.
Item No. 4 - ORD - rezone property at 3650/3660 Wads Blvd
Approved
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.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Nov 6, 2023 at 6:30pm
1 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Jeffco School Dist. Update
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.
City Council – City Council Meeting Cancelled
Mon, Oct 23, 2023 at 6:30pm
No Agenda Items
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Oct 16, 2023 at 6:30pm
3 Agenda Items
Virtual and In Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Utilities Overview
Installation of drinking water and sanitation/sanitary facilities occurred as development occurred within areas of the city. Many areas were developed prior to incorporation of the city in August 1969. Similarly, storm water management and collection occurred sporadically, typically in response to issues. Pre-dating all of these was the establishment of a series of irrigation ditches and laterals for the purposes of delivering water for domestic purposes, irrigation of agricultural lands, mining and manufacturing, and drainage. This memo provides an overview of the current ownership and management of each of these systems in relation to the City of Wheat Ridge government. This item is intended to be informational only. Therefore, there are no specific recommendations from staff and no specific direction requested of Council.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Sidewalk Maintenance Program
Sidewalks are important for equity, access, mobility, protecting the environment, and promoting health. Safe and accessible sidewalks promote equity because they enable individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those without access to vehicles to get where they need to go, such as school, work, doctor’s appointments, libraries, social events, or shopping for everyday necessities. Well maintained sidewalks also encourage walking, which reduces the city’s carbon footprint. Additionally, walking improves health. Maintenance of the sidewalk network is critical to ensuring a safe network for all users. Staff has developed a Sidewalk Maintenance Program to assist in 1) evaluating sidewalk segments for potential repair and 2) prioritizing segments due to limited funds.
1
City Council – Regular Meeting
Mon, Oct 9, 2023 at 6:30pm
7 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right To Speak
Item No. 1 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws re: Board & Comm
Approved
The City of Wheat Ridge has seen an exceptional increase in the desire to join City Boards and Commissions. Recognizing this, Council studied how to provide greater opportunities for interested residents and make general improvements to the City’s Boards and Commissions.
Item No. 2 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws re Short Term Rent
Approved
City Council enacted legislation concerning the licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals (STRs) in February 2021. Since that time, staff has been working to implement the legislation by licensing STRs, collecting the applicable lodgers’ tax and enforcing the provisions of the original ordinance. It has become apparent that there are some weaknesses in the existing code that make enforcement action against illegal STRs challenging. Staff recommends a code amendment so that Council’s original intent, to ensure that only legally licensed STRs exist in Wheat Ridge, can be realized.
2
Item No. 3 - RESO - Adopt Wheat Ridge 2024 Budge
Approved
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, 2023) established by state statute for the certification of the next year’s tax levy to the county. The proposed 2024 budget includes the following: • A General Fund budget in the amount of $48,634,419 • An unrestricted fund balance of $8,267,851 or 17% of expenditures plus 3% emergency reserves ($1,459,033) • A General Fund transfer of $3,825,000 to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) ($825,000 from ARPA funds) • A General Fund transfer of $100,000 to the Equipment Replacement Fund • Proposed CIP Fund in the amount of $16,582,667 • Proposed Renewal Wheat Ridge Bonds Project Fund in the amount of $10,587,210 • Proposed 2E Fund in the total amount of $3,500,300 • Special Revenue Funds in the amount of $10,756,198 • Proposed budget (all funds) in the amount of $90,060,794
1
Item No. 4 - ORD - rezoning of property at 10800 W. 48th Ave
Approved
Wei Lian Fu is requesting approval of a zone change from Agricultural-One (A-1) to Residential-Two (R-2) for the property at 10800 W. 48th Avenue. The applicant is the current owner of the property. 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. 5 - MOTION - appoint to Plan and Cultural Comm.
Approved
On September 7, 2023, Julianne Stern from District II resigned from the Planning Commission effective immediately, to accept a position on Renewal Wheat Ridge. On September 15, 2023, Stephanie Taylor resigned effective immediately from her District II Cultural Commission seat. The vacancies were posted for a term of two weeks on the City of Wheat Ridge web site and promoted through various channels from September 8 to October 2. Applications have been compiled for Council’s review so that the vacancies may be filled. If, after reasonable advertisement, no applications are received from residents within the relevant council district for a vacancy on any board or commission, the council may appoint any otherwise qualified resident.
Item No. 6 - RESO - amend 2023 budget to accept Gives grant
Approved
In August 2023, the Colorado Gives Foundation, as part of its Responsive Grantmaking Opportunity called Thriving Jeffco, awarded the Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation Program $25,000 to be used for one-year unrestricted operational support.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Oct 2, 2023 at 6:30pm
4 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Homeless Navigation Update
The most recent Homeless Navigation Program update was in October 2022. The purpose of this study session item is for the Housing Navigator to provide a general update to City Council regarding the Homeless Navigation Program.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Regulating Uncodified Special Committees
Staff requests Council direction on the following items: • Creating a policy to govern uncodified special committees. • Applying that policy to existing committees. • Appointing IDEA Committee Members.
Item No. 3 - MEMO - Let's Talk Update - I-70 & Lutheran
The purpose of this study session agenda item is to update City Council on the Let’s Talk Resident Engagement Program and to: 1. Share detailed reports from the recently completed Lutheran/Crown Hill and North I-70 neighborhood resident engagement “blitzes”; and 2. Provide an update on the Let’s Talk Program Work Plan following completion of neighborhoods nine and ten of ten.
City Council – Special Study Session
Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 7:00pm
2 Agenda Items
Virtually and In-Person
September 25, 2023 City Council Meeting Item #1
Item No. 1 - Billboard Regulations and Proposed Amendments
Since 1991, the City Code has allowed up to 16 billboards. In 2007, the definition of a billboard was revised to include that it must be “oriented to the interstate highway.” Based on that code change, a determination was made in 2015 that two signs previously considered billboards were no longer because they were too far from the highway. This resulted in two billboard vacancies. One was filled quickly, but the second has yet to be filled after a series of unsuccessful lottery processes. The most recent lottery process resulted in an appeal from the applicant to the Board of Adjustment, District Court, and Colorado Court of Appeals. The appeal is based on the ambiguity of what it means to be “oriented to the interstate highway.” Based on lessons learned over the last eight years, staff is recommending that the billboard code be amended to reduce the maximum number of billboards allowed in Wheat Ridge from 16 to 15 and to establish a maximum distance allowed between a billboard and the highway.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 6:30pm
7 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - ORD - rezoning of property at 7575 W. 44th Ave
Approved
The City of Wheat Ridge is requesting approval of a zone change from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C) for the property at 7575 W. 44th Avenue. The City currently owns the property and will be transferring the land to Foothills Regional Housing. The zone change will result in a zoning that encourages revitalization and redevelopment of the site. Foothills Regional Housing intends to incorporate the site for a future expansion of the Ives development. This request is solely addressing the potential zone change and the City has not received or reviewed any redevelopment proposals for the site at this time.
4
Item No. 2 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws for Telecom Service
Approved
The City’s code regarding the taxation of basic local telecommunication services requires revision. The current code is based on the false premise that Lumen (formerly US West, Qwest, and Century Link) is still the primary provider of telephone lines in the City. Based on this premise, competitors are charged a per line rate computed from Lumen’s number of lines and the flat occupation tax paid by Lumen per ordinance 1997-1072. Due to the rapid decline of land lines provided by Lumen, the per line charge to other providers has risen substantially. Furthermore, the current code is confusing as to how cellular lines are treated from a taxation perspective. The types and means of delivery of telecommunication services has evolved significantly since the City enacted its telecommunication occupation tax code in 1997. The current code does not reflect the status of the telecommunications industry nor is it consistent with Wheat Ridge’s municipal neighbors. Staff recommends an update to the tax code to ensure equity, simplicity, revenue preservation and ease of administration for both telecommunication providers and City staff.
Item No. 3 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws re: Boards and Comm
Approved
The City of Wheat Ridge has seen an exceptional increase in the desire to join City Boards and Commissions. Recognizing this, Council studied how to provide greater opportunities for interested residents and make general improvements to the City’s Boards and Commissions.
Item No. 4 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws re: Short Term Rent
Approved
City Council enacted legislation concerning the licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals (STRs) in February 2021. Since that time, staff has been working to implement the legislation by licensing STRs, collecting the applicable lodgers’ tax and enforcing the provisions of the original ordinance. It has become apparent that there are some weaknesses in the existing code that make enforcement action against illegal STRs challenging. Staff recommends a code amendment so that Council’s original intent, to ensure that only legally licensed STRs exist in Wheat Ridge, can be realized.
Item No. 5 - RESO - commitment to Prop 123 funds
Approved
Addressing housing affordability is one of the City’s and State’s most pressing issues. Colorado voters enacted Proposition 123 in 2022 that will make several hundred million dollars available for affordable housing statewide starting in late 2023. For a project to be eligible for these funds in Wheat Ridge, the City must file a commitment to increase its supply of affordable housing over the next three years to the State of Colorado, Division of Housing. This commitment is due by November 1, 2023.
Item No. 6 - MOTION - contract amend with Sunland Asphalt
Approved
A contract for the repair of the Recreation Center parking lot was approved by City Council in June 2023 in the amount of $485,900.72 plus a staff-managed contingency of $48,500 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $534,400.72. On August 28, 2023, the City Council approved an additional contingency amount of $55,000 for additional items associated with ADA modifications, electrical vehicle striping, and drainage improvements. The actual cost of the change order exceeds the approved amount, so staff is requesting that the contingency amount be increased by an additional $30,000 to cover all these items fully. This would increase the total not-to-exceed amount of the contract to $619,400.72.
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Sep 18, 2023 at 6:30pm
2 Agenda Items
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - 2024 Proposed Budget
On September 18, 2023, the proposed 2024 City Budget will be presented to City Council for review and discussion. This memorandum includes an outline of the public engagement steps that have occurred to date and the future actions required by City Charter to adopt the budget. In addition, the 2024 Budget Message is included which summarizes the various components of the proposed budget.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Sep 11, 2023 at 6:30pm
9 Agenda Items
Virtual or In-person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1a - MOTION - payment to Insight Public Sector
Approved
The City’s current three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement expires on September 30, 2023. This three-year renewal continues the City’s subscription of Office 365 (including Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams), inclusive of implementation and support. Due to the COVID-19 emergency and the increase in remote workers, staff recommended migrating to Microsoft’s cloud computing solution with Office 365 and Teams with this renewal. During the cyber-incident recovery, staff completed the move from on-premises systems to the Microsoft 365 environment. Office 365 and Teams enables staff to collaborate remotely to a greater degree.
Item No. 1b - MOTION - project award to Reliant Mechanical
Approved
A project to replace the Recreation Center’s heat recovery units (HRUs) was included in the 2023 budget. The scope of the proposed project was developed by the Facilities staff with evaluation by an external mechanical engineer. Six heat recovery units will be replaced with new, energy efficient units through this project. Due to the long lead time to manufacture the units, installation will not occur until the spring of 2024. Staff recommends awarding a contract to Reliant Mechanical Services, LLC of Denver, Colorado in the amount of $1,250,000 plus a staff-managed contingency of $62,500 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,312,500.
Item No, 1c - MOTION - project award to Seven Point Const.
Approved
A project to update the Courts administrative area was budgeted several years ago. The scope of the proposed project was developed by the Facilities staff in consultation with Courts staff. New flooring, painting, and lighting will be installed as well as modification to the two transaction windows where staff assists patrons to make them more functional and ADA accessible. New office furniture will be provided through a separate contract. Staff recommends awarding a contract to Seven Point Construction, Inc. of Centennial, Colorado in the amount of $121,700 plus a staff-managed contingency of $24,340 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $146,040.
Item No. 1d - MOTION - project award to OfficeScapes, Inc.
Approved
A project to update the Courts administrative area was budgeted several years ago. The scope of the proposed project was developed by the Facilities staff in consultation with Courts staff. New flooring, painting, and lighting will be installed as well as modification to the two transaction windows. New office furniture will also be procured and installed for the space, through this contract. The furniture and appurtenances are being purchased through OfficeScapes, Inc. in accordance with the cooperative purchasing contract for Steelcase materials through Sourcewell. Staff recommends awarding a contract to OfficeScapes, Inc. of Denver, Colorado in the amount of $83,772.34 plus a staff-managed contingency of $4,188 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $87,960.34.
Item No. 2 - ORD - Zone Change at 4735 Kipling St (Best Inter...
Approved
The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed Use-Commercial Interstate (MU-C Interstate) for the property at 4735 Kipling Street. The applicant is the property owner. The purpose of the zone change is to enable reinvestment by allowing a wider range of uses, encouraging a better utilization of land, and ensuring high quality urban design. The applicant intends to repurpose the existing buildings for multi-unit apartments.
Item No. 3 - ORD - WR Code of Laws amend re: subdivision req
Approved
The proposed ordinance updates Chapter 2 and Chapter 26 of the Code of Laws to revise the City’s subdivision and development review requirements. The ordinance accomplishes three main goals: 1) to prioritize meaningful public engagement and education intended to inform the public of impactful subdivision applications, 2) to reduce reliance on public hearings when the proposed uses and designs are permitted by the underlying zoning, and 3) to reduce duplication and unnecessary cross-references within the Code to ensure it is easy to understand and administer.
Item No. 4 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws re: Telecom Srvc
Approved
The City’s code regarding the taxation of basic local telecommunication services requires revision. The current code is based on the false premise that Lumen (formerly US West, Qwest, and Century Link) is still the primary provider of telephone lines in the City. Based on this premise, competitors are charged a per line rate computed from Lumen’s number of lines and the flat occupation tax paid by Lumen per ordinance 1997-1072. Due to the rapid decline of land lines provided by Lumen, the per line charge to other providers has risen substantially. Furthermore, the current code is confusing as to how cellular lines are treated from a taxation perspective. The types and means of delivery of telecommunication services has evolved significantly since the City enacted its telecommunication occupation tax code in 1997. The current code does not reflect the status of the telecommunications industry nor is it consistent with Wheat Ridge’s municipal neighbors. Staff recommends an update to the tax code to ensure equity, simplicity, revenue preservation and ease of administration for both telecommunication providers and City staff.
Item No. 5 - MOTION - accept 2022 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 2022, 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 ended December 31, 2022. Once again, this year, the City received an unqualified opinion indicating that the City’s financial statements are fairly and appropriately presented. A representative from CLA will be at the September 11, 2023, City Council meeting to present the 2022 Financial Statements to Council for acceptance.
City Council – Special Study Session
Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 7:00pm
2 Agenda Items
Virtual or In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Pending
Item No. 1 - 38th West street improvement
Pending
“Re-examine and Advance Sidewalks on 38th Avenue” was identified as one of Council’s priorities in the 2021-2022 Strategic Plan. This priority has been divided into two separate geographic areas: 1) 38th West (Kipling Street to Youngfield Street); and 2) 38th East (Wadsworth Boulevard to Harlan Street). The purpose of this memo is to provide Council with an update on the study for 38th West that is currently underway which is focused on adding adequate bicycle and pedestrian (bike/ped) improvements and improving stormwater drainage while still accommodating the vehicular traffic. This memo summarizes the public outreach that has been completed in association with Public Meeting #1 and the work that is being done in response to that outreach. Also included are next steps outlining what is being done to prepare for Public Meeting #2.
City Council – City Council Meeting
Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 6:30pm
13 Agenda Items
Virtual or In-person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1a - Resolution supporting three JCOS apps
Approved
The Parks and Recreation Department wishes to submit three applications to the Jefferson County Open Space Trails Partnership Program to request funding for three trail projects across the city. A City Council resolution of support is required for the applications.
Item No. 1b - Motion for Urban Renewal Appt.
Approved
On July 5, 2023, Kristi Davis from District II resigned from the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority d/b/a Renewal Wheat Ridge, effective immediately. The vacancy was posted for a term of four weeks on the City of Wheat Ridge website and promoted through various channels from July 17-August 11. Appointments to the Authority are made by the Mayor, subject to approval by a majority vote of the entire City Council. There is one applicant from District II, who newly applied, and two applicants from other districts who applied in January during the regularly scheduled reappointment process. If, after reasonable advertisement, no applications are received from residents within the relevant City Council district vacancy on the Authority, any otherwise qualified resident of the City may be appointed.
Item No. 1c - Resolution re: pedest. imp. at 38th & Reed St.
Approved
The City was awarded a Revitalizing Main Streets grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in the amount of $70,000 to reconstruct the sidewalk on the south side of 38th Avenue at Reed Street and install an enhanced crosswalk across 38th Avenue on the east side of Reed Street. The full cost of the project, $85,126, exceeds the grant amount. A supplemental budget appropriation is required to accept and appropriate the grant and supplemental in the 2023 budget.
Item 1d - Resolution re: CDEC Grant
Approved
In 2022, the City was awarded federal funding through the State of Colorado Department of Early Childhood’s Child Care Stabilization and Workforce Sustainability grant program for the Sun Camp and Licensed Preschool childcare program through June 30, 2023. The Department of Early Childhood has offered additional grant funding in the amount of $37,586.79 for these programs through September 30, 2023. A resolution approving a supplemental budget appropriation is required to accept and appropriate this additional grant funding.
Item No. 1e - Resolution re: 32nd Ave. bike lanes
Approved
A contract was previously awarded to David Evans & Associates, Inc. (DEA) for the 32nd Avenue Bike Lanes project. After the contract award, the City received a transportation improvement (TIP) grant providing additional construction funding and the ability to provide better bike/ped facilities for the westbound direction. The TIP grant federalizes the process and increases the environmental clearance process. An amendment to the 32nd Avenue Bike Lanes contract with DEA, in the amount of $132,868, is being presented for consideration to includethe additional design and environmental work associated with the TIP grant.
Item No. 1f - Motion re: asphalt for Rec. Ctr. Repair
Approved
A contract for the repair of the Recreation Center parking lot was approved by City Council in June 2023 in the amount of $485,900.72 plus a staff-managed contingency of $48,500 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $534,400.72. Staff is requesting that the contingency amount be increased by an additional $55,000 to account for additional work on the project that has been identified since contract award. Specifically, the project would install additional ADA-accessible parking stalls, enhanced striping for electrical vehicle parking, and drainage improvements along the rear access road to the facility. This would increase the total not-to-exceed amount of the contract to $589,400.72.
Item No. 2 - Ordinance re: Hotel Licensing
Approved
On October 25, 2021, City Council passed ordinance 1723, adding a new article XIV to Chapter 11 and updating use schedules in Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to establish a hotel licensing program. Sec. 11-569 of the Code requires Council to review the implementation of the ordinance on or before June 30, 2023, and every 18 months thereafter. Council conducted a review of the ordinance on June 12, 2023, and provided consensus for some updates to the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
Item No. 3 - Sales Tax Extension ballot issue
Approved
On July 17, 2023, City Council directed staff to move forward with a ballot question for the November 2023 election to extend the City’s one-half of one cent (0.50%) sales and use tax for 20 years and to issue debt to finance up to $75 million in public infrastructure improvements. These improvements would include sidewalk, bike lane and street improvements along primary street corridors, sidewalk gap construction and other sidewalk maintenance along major pedestrian corridors and routes to schools and drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements at priority locations in the City. To include this question on the 2023 ballot, the City Council must set the final ballot language and submit it to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder by September 8th. Setting the ballot language by ordinance requires a first reading on August 14th and a second reading and public hearing on August 28th to meet this deadline. The attached ordinance accomplishes this.
Item No. 4 - Ordinance rezoning 7575 W. 44th Ave.
Approved
The City owns the former Bank of the West property at 7575 W. 44th Avenue and is proposing a zone change from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed Use-Commercial (MU-C). The zone change will result in a zoning that matches surrounding zoning and enables redevelopment of the site by expanding permitted uses.
Item No. 5 - Ordinance amend. sub. & dev. review req
Approved
The proposed ordinance updates Chapter 2 and Chapter 26 of the Code of Laws to revise the City’s subdivision and development review requirements. The ordinance accomplishes three main goals: 1) to prioritize meaningful public engagement and education intended to inform the public of impactful subdivision applications, 2) to reduce reliance on public hearings when the proposed uses and designs are permitted by the underlying zoning, and 3) to reduce duplication and unnecessary cross-references within the Code to ensure it is easy to understand and administer.
Item No. 6 - Resolution re: IGA with CDOT
Approved
In 2022, the city worked with its respective Senators and House Representative to obtain an additional $4 million in federal funding for the Improve Wadsworth Project. This funding, approved in December 2022, is via congressionally directed spending (CDS) through the Highway Improvement Program within the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus funding bill. An amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is necessary to add these funds to the project budget.
Item No. 7 - Resolution approving ROW Google Fiber
Approved
Google Fiber approached the city in late-2022 to discuss installation of a new 100% fiber optic network internet service in the city’s rights-of-way. The city would grant a non-exclusive license agreement to Google Fiber to use and occupy the public rights-of-way to install, operate, and maintain a fiber optic infrastructure network for the purpose of offering communications services including broadband Internet access service and Voice over Internet Protocol services. City staff have negotiated an agreement that will protect the right-of-way and ensure adequate oversight during the construction process. The term of the agreement is for an initial 20 years.
1
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Aug 21, 2023 at 6:30pm
4 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - Presentation Lutheran Med. Ctr. Fdtn.
Councilmembers Hoppe and Dozeman requested to add to a future study session a presentation from the Lutheran Medical Center Foundation. Kathie Repola, ExecutiveDirector of the Foundation, will be at the August 21 study session to provide suchpresentation.
Item No. 2 - Affordable Housing Update
Addressing housing affordability is one of the City’s and State’s most pressing issues. Colorado voters enacted Proposition 123 in 2022 that will make several hundred million dollars available for affordable housing statewide starting in late 2023. For a project to be eligible for these funds in Wheat Ridge, the City must file a commitment to increase its supply of affordable housing over the next three years to the State of Colorado, Division of Housing. This commitment is due by November 1, 2023.
Item No. 3 - Telecommunications Occupation Tax
The City’s code regarding the taxation of basic local telecommunication services requires revision. The current code is based on the false premise that Lumen (formerly US West, Qwest, and Century Link) is still the primary provider of telephone lines in the City. Based on this premise, competitors are charged a per line rate computed from Lumen’s number of lines and the flat occupation tax paid by Lumen per ordinance 1997-1072. Due to the rapid decline of land lines provided by Lumen, the per line charge to other providers has risen substantially. Furthermore, the current code is confusing as to how cellular lines are treated from a taxation perspective. The types and means of delivery of telecommunication services has evolved significantly since the City enacted its telecommunication occupation tax code in 1997. The current code does not reflect the status of the telecommunications industry nor is it consistent with Wheat Ridge’s municipal neighbors. Staff recommends an update to the tax code to ensure equity, simplicity, revenue preservation and ease of administration for both telecommunications providers and City staff.
City Council – Special Study Session
Mon, Aug 14, 2023 at 7:00pm
2 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Parking and Charging EV Vehicles
The current zoning code has minimal requirements for bicycle parking and has no EV charging or parking requirements. Current requirements are discussed at the end of this section. Likewise, the City’s current adopted building codes and local amendments (2018 International Building Codes or IBC and 2020 National Electric Code or NEC) allow for EV charging, but current building codes do not mandate placement, design, or minimum quantities or percentages. The Sustainability Action Plan, which was presented to Council in 2018, has transportation as one of six focus areas, including goals to install electric vehicle charging stations strategically throughout the community, to promote the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles in local government and the City as a whole, to reduce vehicle parking requirements and incentivize bicycle/EV/shared mobility parking, and to provide for secure bicycle storage in new developments.
City Council – Regular Meeting
Mon, Aug 14, 2023 at 6:30pm
8 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1a - MOTION - contract to Martin Marietta Materials
Approved
MOTION TO AWARD THE 2023 MILL AND OVERLAY PROJECT TO MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS, INC. OF LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, AND APPROVE SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,969,977.80, WITH A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $157,598.20, FOR A TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $2,127,576.00
Item No. 1b - RESO - IGA with Jeffco re: Election duties
Approved
RESOLUTION 39-2023 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF COLORADO, AND THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO, REGARDING THE PRODUCTION OF A MAILED TABOR NOTICE CONCERNING BALLOT ISSUES AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES CONCERNING THE CONDUCT OF THE COORDINATED ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Item No. 2 - ORD - sale of property to Foothills Regional
Approved
COUNCIL BILL NO. 18-2023 - AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY LOCATED AT 7575 W. 44TH AVENUE
Item No. 3 - ORD - rezoning of property at 4735 Kipling St.
Approved
COUNCIL BILL NO. 19-2023 – AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4735 KIPLING STREET FROM COMMERCIAL-ONE (C-1) TO MIXED USE-COMMERCIAL INTERSTATE (MU-C INTERSTATE) (CASE NO. WZ-23-05)
Item No. 4 - ORD - amend WR Code of Laws re: Hotel Licensing
Approved
COUNCILBILL NO. 20-2023 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 11-561, 11-566 AND 26-114 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE CODE OF LAWS, CONCERNING THE HOTEL LICENSING PROGRAM
Item No. 5 - ORD - ballot question re: sales tax extension
Approved
COUNCIL BILL NO. 21-2023 – AN ORDINANCE GIVING NOTICE OF AND CALLING FOR SUBMITTING A BALLOT QUESTION AT THE CITY’S REGULAR NOVEMBER 7, 2023, ELECTION CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF DEBT AND AN EXTENSION OF THE EXPIRING SALES AND USE TAX OF ONE-HALF OF ONE CENT (0.50%) TO PAY SUCH DEBT; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO
Item No. 6 - MOTION - contract with State for WEX fuel card
Approved
MOTION APPROVING A PARTICIPATING ADDENDUM TO THE NASPO VALUPOINT FLEET CARD SERVICES CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF COLORADO FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WEX FUEL CARD SYSTEM
City Council – Study Session
Mon, Aug 7, 2023 at 6:30pm
5 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Public's Right to Speak
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Presentation from the Arc
The Arc Thrift in Wheat Ridge opened in March 2023. Staff from The Arc would like to share more about their organization and how The Arc and the City can work together encourage Wheat Ridge to be a fully inclusive place where people with disabilities are welcome and valued members of the community.
Item No. 2 - MEMO - Boards and Commissions Code Amendments
The City of Wheat Ridge has seen an exceptional increase in the desire to join City Boards and Commissions. Recognizing this, Council requested the City’s Boards and Commissions Code be studied to provide greater opportunities for interested residents, streamline the board application process, and allow residents to serve on multiple boards. Additionally, Staff has included an analysis of several other related changes for the Council to review and consider.
Item No. 3 - MEMO - DEI Advisory Committee
Staff requests consensus from the City Council to determine the scope of work, structure, budget, implementation timeline and title of a diversity, equity, and inclusion focused advisory committee.
Item No. 4 - MEMO - EV and Bicycle Parking
In April 2023, City Council gave staff direction to return to a Study Session to discuss electric vehicle (EV) charging, EV parking and bicycle parking requirements, including the potential for e-bike charging. Since then, staff has completed additional research into the current City code, researched best practices and terminology, and researched requirements from the State and other cities.
City Council – Special Study Session
Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 7:00pm
1 Agenda Items
Virtual and In-Person
Item No. 1 - MEMO - Comprehensive Plan Update
The purpose of this item is to share information with City Council about the upcoming comprehensive plan update. Staff plans to bring a consultant contract award recommendation and comprehensive plan scope of work to council in fall 2023, with a project kickoff by the end of 2023. This memo previews the scope of work and the relationship of the comprehensive plan to other planning efforts.
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