[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6604562,"mediaKeyId","2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520","parentId",2987609,"title","Residents urge Westminster to ban retail sale of puppies, council's post-meeting ordinance discussion postponed","audioSeconds",9168,"startMs",3417000,"endMs",12585000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520&start=3417&end=12585","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520/thumbnail_3417000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6604562/Westminster/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Residents-urge-Westminster-to-ban-retail-sale-of-puppies-councils-post-meeting-ordinance-discussion-postponed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604562-cada75c7cd7ad7b633f8a569532f0e4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188436&Signature=hCSObdaubkBDw3X4QcUIod3lGDfuZwcJ3o10EptgI2KPKgYY~L6N1GOl22~pfIQpiPW2r60OOk24zoJPYaUv8mguGtQcOmr77Jwrx8NYbAVwpuVMtc2E10fGfBJkEwffTPbZsl8QMKYek-Za8Gzhn1JKFITNcpMottLj3ZVlTcax4eRFKXimeQHTfsV-Mr0T0tHmrdlDyUxnBdZd3vm~EsPo87ghgmUOXsv56dwJqVO87u4NjcFuhz0QPFZRz6pNroqBEQTGaEQCagaRBGrX0flvPybIRNnn7YBLxJaQKwO5R5I6lKq1m6zGZC9O6nEhhPvy5U4VgPhwLM~lURgRpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Westminster City, CO","date","2025-04-15T04:23:41.923Z","article","More than a dozen speakers urged the Westminster City Council Monday to draft an ordinance to prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits that originate from large-scale commercial breeding operations, commonly described in testimony as 'puppy mills.' The proposal has been discussed at the end of the council agenda as a possible draft ordinance.

Speakers described personal experiences with sick animals purchased from retail pet stores and asked the city to adopt what several called \"Sammy's Law\" to cut the pipeline between out-of-state commercial breeders and local retail stores. Testimony cited other Colorado municipalities that have adopted similar ordinances and referenced enforcement complaints and a reported parvo/distemper outbreak at a Westminster-area pet store that later closed.

Kara Thorson told the council a woman bought a sick puppy that died after nine days and said, 'This ordinance is about prevention' to keep future pets from suffering.

Brian Sugioka and Canada Sorenson, and other commenters described the breeding conditions the speakers attributed to out-of-state, high-volume breeding operations and stressed the ordinance would not affect reputable local hobby or responsible breeders who sell directly to buyers.

Cordelia Stone and others presented data points, complaint records, and news coverage they said document illness and outbreaks tied to retail-sold animals. Several speakers said 23 Colorado cities already have ordinances and urged Westminster to act.

Post-meeting presentation postponed

The council had scheduled a post-meeting presentation and a council discussion about directing staff to draft a retail-animal ordinance. According to the city manager, that discussion was on the post-meeting agenda under the item described as \"directing staff to draft an ordinance to ban the sale of live animals in pet shops in the city of Westminster.\" During the post-meeting period the city announced the presentation would be moved to the next meeting because Mayor Pro Tem was not feeling well and staff and council wanted the full body present.

No ordinance language was introduced or voted on at the meeting. Staff told the council they are coordinating the timing of the ordinance discussion and would return with a presentation at a future meeting. Council members who spoke during public comments expressed appreciation for the testimony and noted that several other municipalities had enacted retail-sale restrictions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Westminster City Council Meeting | April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of speakers urged Westminster to pass an ordinance banning retail sales of dogs, cats and rabbits sourced from commercial breeding operations. The council had scheduled a post-meeting discussion to direct staff to draft such an ordinance but postponed the presentation to a future meeting.","taxTitle","Westminster, Jefferson County, Colorado","taxId",2385,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604567,"Residents of Cottonwood Villas press Westminster for action on homelessness, drug use and safety",4080,2396000,6476000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520&start=2396&end=6476","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520/thumbnail_2396000.jpg","/articles/6604567/Westminster/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Residents-of-Cottonwood-Villas-press-Westminster-for-action-on-homelessness-drug-use-and-safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604567-44cca96454ca5c1632b151fa04c9f5e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188436&Signature=YfjeIjXX3Gy~bBucLvfGyWseCobKBQvvjvqqssKnL1bSE3Sk-uWxqabj--yAyWpAgPIAy3FYpus3in3Z5dicfWbWbVx9A0cNrrRkiSqotSE1XCHWEdc-oQiQFVzm8Q9RiXC1zwxj8dJvn5jx~NtHC6ovaMuMoT8aUdNHLSNxG2iVmzaVi6JP2KNsdqO8Ji9lRHob3NGG77lV~PjNCst39JLAGMQI8qWszAhvcQctgP7VeG5g6LOnQk2fiyVimD86os891qrWT0gh1Az9ejbrr-Qqy-Ey6s1jK4qvHwvNsGA1H1L5X74bATbzctLXmKYnxSaIlikToDU32Fy21w7rVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents of Cottonwood Villas told the Westminster City Council Monday they are living in fear and urged the city to take stronger steps to address homelessness, drug activity and related public-safety problems near their homes.

Janet Walewski, who said she has lived at Cottonwood Villas for 26 years, described repeated incidents of trespass, drug use and violent threats inside her building, and said the conditions forced her to replace carpeting and remove furniture after bed-bug infestations. 'It has now cost me over $5,000 to renovate,' she told the council, and said the problems have made it unsafe to host family members.

David Paulus, another resident, said the concentration of people recently discharged from the county jail and placement in low-cost motels near Cottonwood Villas has worsened local safety problems. 'We need your help to have an ordinance, a law, or something,' he said. Paulus and other residents said they have been working with the police and appreciated officers' response, but said the situation exceeds what they can handle locally.

Samantha Kurtzieder described several disturbing incidents involving her 14-year-old daughter and said police response sometimes required multiple officers; she asked the council to consider additional measures to make families feel safe.

Residents pressed several themes: concentration of motel vouchers and bus drop-offs near the complex, repeated incursions into private buildings, and personal property loss and health expenses. Some speakers said they support compassionate services for people experiencing homelessness, but argued the city must balance compassion with enforcement and protections for residents.

Council and staff response

City leaders said staff heard the comments and would follow up. Councilor DeMott said staff previously presented city council with a study-session packet on March 3 outlining additional tools and ordinances that city staff would like for addressing homelessness; she suggested residents review that presentation. Mayor Pro Tem and others said they would follow up with police and staff and asked that staff reach out to Cottonwood Villas residents who requested more information and direct assistance.

Councilor Ireland and others described the problem as urgent and called for ordinances and clearer enforcement tools for public and private property. Several councilors said they would work with staff to determine what additional legal or service options are feasible.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; councilors directed staff to follow up with residents and flagged past staff requests for additional ordinance tools. The public comment portion of the meeting included 18 speakers overall; city staff said they would respond directly to individuals requesting follow-up.

","Multiple Cottonwood Villas residents told council the condominium complex is experiencing theft, drug activity, prostitution, trespass and health impacts. Speakers asked the city for ordinances and other actions; councilors said staff will follow up and pointed to prior staff requests for tools to address public-safety issues.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604570,"Votes at a glance: Westminster council approves multiple ordinances, appointments and appropriations",1111,904000,2015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520&start=904&end=2015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520/thumbnail_904000.jpg","/articles/6604570/Westminster/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Votes-at-a-glance-Westminster-council-approves-multiple-ordinances-appointments-and-appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604570-a60d9bd039e62d527b63e0f6aefb79e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188436&Signature=f6kncLiAHu9np1JWPqqQFCW1mOvdh-I9uOnhNalHWlLkWOXKNWw6bxhJCuIf8ZtMWqAODmDEIvhj6qb495WZhrvIC0cgnMnavJnLgnT~HdEY~h~HcFPmYhbYRUcEifv9n7di2y04ry2tyGYAU-9j5Tb~M3usglesf2zcRzncClYV4ZJfWc8relgTbaFquqnrAbJQv1fO3mcO3Z92FOhUJ0gGC7Vj8iL7jtD-565JvU0vkrZ11uM3stVkN-BO11UHdbRSy3aqmywcskrJFp-BhXVAEEJUlLqeeV9DTH8lDfnrk3-bZAim~kEpeqKHsYlNQLQNBGrPTyjpmHcXErZMBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster City Council approved several items Monday evening in votes that included unanimous and 6-1 decisions.

Key outcomes

- Comprehensive-plan cleanup amendments (Councilor Bill 10, first reading): Approved unanimously. The amendments revise interpretive text, update maps for recent annexations, and add clarifications for senior-housing guidance in the city's 02/1940 comprehensive plan.

- Confirmation of Chief Financial Officer: The council adopted Resolution 5, confirming Ezekiel Vasquez as the city's Chief Financial Officer; vote was unanimous (7-0).

- Supplemental appropriation for North Huron urban renewal fire station (Councilor Bill 11): Council approved a supplemental appropriation of $250,000 to the 2025 General Capital Improvement Fund for the North Huron Urban Renewal Area fire station project; vote was unanimous.

- Maker Housing development assistance (Councilor Bill 9, second reading): Council authorized a development assistance agreement to support a 70-unit affordable multifamily development and associated Head Start classroom in Uplands. The package includes permit-fee and tax-rebate components and a HOME program allocation. The motion passed 6-1; Councilor Christine Ireland voted no. The council's action sets a total assistance cap not to exceed $1,627,240, comprised of up to $555,751 in certain rebates and $1,071,489 in HOME funds (per agenda language).

- Westminster Economic Development Authority (WEDA) action: WEDA adopted Resolution 239 to appropriate $250,000 for owner's representative services related to the North Huron Urban Renewal Area fire station; passed 7-0.

- Consent agenda (Items 8A'F): Approved by roll call (7-0). Items on the consent agenda were not discussed in detail during the meeting minutes.

What council and staff said

City Manager and staff summarized the night's agenda during the manager's report and called out the items above. Community Development staff and the city's economic team were present for the Maker Housing discussion; councilors who spoke in favor cited the need for affordable housing and the role of targeted public assistance to make such projects financially viable. Councilors who voted no on the Maker Housing assistance raised concerns about fiscal trade-offs.

Formal motions and vote details (summary)

- Councilor Bill 10 (comp-plan cleanup): Moved by Councilor Dave DeMott; motion and roll call resulted in unanimous approval.

- Resolution 5 (CFO confirmation): Moved by Councilor DeMott; adopted 7-0.

- Councilor Bill 11 (supplemental appropriation, $250,000): Moved by Councilor DeMott; adopted 7-0.

- Councilor Bill 9 (Maker Housing development assistance): Moved by Councilor DeMott; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem; passed 6-1 (Ireland no). Motion text (as read into the record) authorized up to $555,751 in rebates (with specified exclusions) plus $1,071,489 in HOME funds for a total assistance package not to exceed $1,627,240.

- WEDA Resolution 239 (WEDA supplemental appropriation $250,000): Adopted 7-0.

Next steps

Most items approved at first reading will return for additional readings/administrative steps as required by ordinance or contracts. Staff will process the maker housing assistance agreement and the WEDA appropriation per standard contract and budget procedures. The city also confirmed a new CFO and proceeded with capital budget adjustments for the North Huron fire station work.

","At its April 14 meeting the Westminster City Council approved a package of items including plan cleanups, budget appropriations, a developer assistance agreement, and confirmed a new chief financial officer. Several items passed unanimously or by a 6-1 margin.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604576,"Westminster council approves Uplands comp-plan and PDP changes, 6-1",162,1483000,1645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520&start=1483&end=1645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987609-dc44d6d9fb21fc00a8a66c28d940f520/thumbnail_1483000.jpg","/articles/6604576/Westminster/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Westminster-council-approves-Uplands-comp-plan-and-PDP-changes-6-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604576-33dfae0b5bb343bef0da62bd5b9782b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188436&Signature=BApp2MNn41cisvprPkpcM26ebjJ~xIcmpyi1OXD9OQWAR7ctTCJgGdHao-7aUvXhhmuA~wJJZGLN6BREYirgDA3iiecEz2aH23HOnKtuSP1MTl53ixAirvlQmSFA8o3TYcI75HPeUzjKKH-mj~yAFZW4QTSH2r62aMAXFv3fFDEpuqKpeudwmb7oF17H4L0IKm05ec3U9ZS1T0o3CITDyRt7YOnGTCqOwZjhJ9VKx10aM72oxuPt7FB07C-xiO0BlPJLDKx7xhbh38xyJf6FqbTH~P6XBpnVsdIu57YCmbaB5WWdWYjT43XUVVhibnRURsQweuuCab4OqXvLNj395w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westminster City Council voted 6-1 Monday to amend the city's comprehensive plan designation for Uplands Filing 3, blocks C1B and C1C, changing the designation from 'commercial mixed use' to 'urban multifamily' and to approve a matching preliminary development plan amendment that removes the existing commercial-floor-area requirement.

The change, moved by Councilor Dave DeMott and seconded by Councilor Ziauddin, allows the site east of Federal Boulevard to be developed solely with multi-family housing (up to five stories) without the previously required minimum of about 43,780 square feet of commercial space. The vote was 6 in favor, with Councilor Christine Ireland voting no.

Why it matters: Proponents told council that the commercial requirement has deterred developers and left the site vacant, while opponents and some neighbors warned that removing the commercial requirement could limit neighborhood retail and force residents to cross Federal Boulevard to reach services. The council majority said market conditions and nearby town-center plans make multifamily housing a more viable near-term use that could ultimately support surrounding retail.

Marcus Pockner, a land use and community outreach consultant for the Uplands project, said the change would let housing be delivered sooner. 'Supporting retail and neighborhood-scale retail at Summit Square is a requirement and something that we are doing,' Pockner said, adding that the town center north of the intersection will be the primary focus for commercial uses.

Kaylee Gillespie of Norris Design, representing the applicant on the PDP amendment, said the existing comp-plan requirement had been marketed to more than 5,100 developers and investors with minimal interest. 'A total of six multifamily developers showed initial interest but all moved on due to the extensive commercial requirements,' she said during the hearing.

Several residents spoke during public comment. Aaron Varner, a long-time Prospector's Point resident, urged caution and recommended postponing the change until commercial plans for the west side of Federal Boulevard are clearer. 'A yes vote with the understanding that only commercial new commercial is going in on the west side of Federal means people on the east side would have to cross a busy U.S. highway to patronize businesses,' Varner said.

Planning staff and the applicant told the council the change would not alter the number of residential units allowed in the PDP (the PDP still allows 300 residential units across C1B and C1C) and would reduce vehicle trips by the applicant's estimate of roughly 1,300 daily trips versus the current commercial-mixed-use scenario. The applicant also stated the project team has pledged water-conservation measures and cited a combined savings figure of about 108 acre-feet (applicant's estimate) through site and landscaping choices.

Planning Commission considered the applications on Feb. 11 and recommended approval by a unanimous vote. Staff recommended approval in its agenda memo, finding the applications generally meet city plan criteria.

Councilors who supported the measures said vacant commercial space produces no tax revenue and that rooftops are critical to making nearby retail viable. Councilor Ireland said she opposed the change because she wanted to preserve the prospect of more walkable, integrated retail for new residents.

The council's actions included two formal votes: first reading approval of the comprehensive plan amendment and approval of the PDP amendment. Both passed on 6-1 roll calls.

The council also asked staff to continue working on safe pedestrian crossings and intersection improvements at Federal Boulevard and 80th/86th to improve access between the east and west sides of Federal Boulevard.

Moving forward: The amendment allows the applicant and property owner to pursue multifamily development on C1B/C1C without the earlier commercial-floor-area requirement. The city will continue to review subsequent site-plan submittals and infrastructure requirements under standard development review processes.

","The City Council voted 6-1 to amend the 02/1940 comprehensive plan and to approve a corresponding preliminary development plan amendment (PDP) for Uplands Filing 3 (blocks C1B/C1C), removing a required commercial component to allow urban multifamily housing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Westminster to ban retail sale of puppies, council's post-meeting ordinance discussion postponed

Residents of Cottonwood Villas press Westminster for action on homelessness, drug use and safety

Votes at a glance: Westminster council approves multiple ordinances, appointments and appropriations

Westminster council approves Uplands comp-plan and PDP changes, 6-1