On April 7, 2025, the resignation of one Sustainable Wheat Ridge member and one IDEA Committee member were received leaving two open vacancies on the City of Wheat Ridge, Board, Commissions, and Committees.

During the 2022 budget process, City Council asked staff to prepare a Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to assess the current and future needs of City facilities. The City contracted with Stantec to develop a comprehensive FMP for all primary City functions, with the goal of developing a roadmap and living documents for facility decisions over the next decade. City Council consensus was reached at the February 5, 2024, study session to move forward with the recommendations of the FMP and to bring back next steps. One recommendation from the FMP is to co-locate and expand the Public Works and Parks Shops at one site. The recommended direction is to acquire a parcel(s) directly south of the existing Public Works Shop space, off 44th Avenue, to make this expansion possible. The City was contacted by a broker representing the property owner of 11221 W. 44th Avenue to determine if the City would be interested in purchasing the property. Since the purchase of this property would further the goal of co-locating and expanding the Public Works and Parks Shops, staff has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to purchase the property for $2.1 million. The purpose of this study session agenda item is to determine if City Council would like to proceed to an official contract to purchase this property.

The Green at 38th project includes funding for public art. The process for selecting public art is defined in the Public Art Management Plan. Per this process, a public art piece called “Fun, Fun, Fungi” has been commissioned. David Farquharson’s proposal was selected by an appointed committee for recommendation to the Cultural Commission. The Cultural Commission reviewed the proposal and per the defined process would like to make a recommendation to City Council for acceptance and purchase. The purchase price of $60,000 includes design, construction, installation, and documentation.

In response to a request from Swiss Flower and Gifts, Staff proposes changes to the City’s Social Club License to allow low-impact social club activities and to exempt them from the standard application process, associated fees, and various social club regulations.

As drones become more prevalent in society, for both commercial and private use, the adoption of an ordinance to assist in governing the use of drones within the Wheat Ridge City limits may be necessary to ensure those flying drones will honor the city’s values, culture and peace. Currently, the City depends primarily on the FAA rules as it pertains to the appropriate operation of drones. Staff are seeking council guidance regarding the potential adoption of an ordinance governing the use of drones within the City and will present information, options and examples for the discussion.