During a recent council meeting, the Lakewood City Council adopted two significant ordinances, marking a pivotal step in local governance and public safety.

The first ordinance, number 822, was approved unanimously, solidifying its provisions as part of the city code. Council members expressed that while the ordinance is now set in stone, it retains a degree of flexibility for future amendments, akin to \"sandstone\" rather than granite. This suggests that the council is open to revisiting the ordinance before the next review period in 2029.

The second ordinance, number 823, introduces a new chapter to the Lakewood Municipal Code addressing endangerment with a controlled substance. City Attorney Heidi Wachter provided an overview, highlighting the importance of aligning with county regulations while also addressing potential legal vulnerabilities in the proposed language. The county prosecutor indicated that while uniformity is desired, precise alignment is not mandatory. Wachter presented three options for the council: adopting the ordinance as is, amending it to include specific language regarding exposure, or separating the exposure issue into a distinct piece of legislation.

Concerns were raised by Council Member Branstetter regarding the ordinance's scope and its implications for Lakewood. The council ultimately moved to adopt ordinance 823, with discussions reflecting a commitment to public safety while navigating the complexities of legal language and enforcement.

These ordinances represent a proactive approach by the Lakewood City Council to address pressing issues related to public safety and drug-related offenses, while also considering the legal ramifications of their legislative choices.