Northglenn City Council approves Monarch Pledge and appoints new Municipal Judge

In a pivotal Northglenn City Council meeting on March 11, 2025, significant strides were made in local governance with the unanimous passage of several key resolutions.

The council kicked off the evening with the first reading of CB 20 27, which proposes amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. Planning Manager Becky Smith highlighted that this marks the eighth round of modifications since the code's adoption in 2019, driven by recent state legislation and staff recommendations. The council swiftly approved the measure, indicating strong support for ongoing improvements to local regulations.

Next on the agenda was a resolution to submit the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors Monarch Pledge, aimed at developing a Monarch flyway. Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Amanda Peterson outlined eight actionable items that the city plans to implement throughout the year, reinforcing the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The resolution passed unanimously, showcasing the council's dedication to ecological initiatives.

The meeting also addressed the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Pilot Project, with a resolution approving additional consulting services from Leonard Rice Consulting Engineers. Director of Public Works Sarah Borgers explained that the project aims to enhance the city’s water supply resilience, particularly in drought conditions. This resolution also received unanimous approval.

In a notable appointment, the council confirmed Brian Bowen as the new Municipal Judge for a two-year term. City Attorney Corey Hoffman emphasized the thorough selection process that ensured the judge's independence from council influence. Bowen's appointment was met with warm welcomes from council members, who praised his qualifications and demeanor.

These decisions reflect Northglenn's proactive approach to governance, environmental responsibility, and judicial integrity, setting a positive tone for the city's future initiatives.