During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around domestic violence awareness and proposed increases in development impact fees, highlighting pressing community issues.

The meeting commenced with a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A council member emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence, noting that over 10 million individuals in the U.S. experience abuse from intimate partners annually. The council member urged the community to engage in raising awareness and supporting victims, stressing that domestic violence affects all demographics and has long-lasting impacts, particularly on children who witness such acts.

Following this, Brian Bratcher, a development manager with Doctor Horton Multifamily, addressed the council regarding proposed increases in development impact fees that could adversely affect the DHI Telluride project in Brighton. Bratcher explained that the project, which includes 140 duplex units and a community amenity center, has already faced a $4.6 million increase in fees since its inception. He expressed concern that an additional $319,620 in fees proposed for the 2025 budget would jeopardize the project's feasibility. Bratcher requested that the council consider grandfathering the project under the current fee structure to allow it to proceed without further financial strain.

The public comment section featured various speakers, including Tom Lampo, who led a prayer for the community, and Mike Bowell, who voiced concerns about drug trafficking and the need for innovative thinking in addressing community challenges. Bowell criticized the town's reliance on metro districts and called for a collective effort to combat drug-related issues.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing critical social issues while navigating the complexities of urban development and community welfare.