[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6545820,"mediaKeyId","3396122-cbe0d4a84ae21917c8c122a7167d2601","parentId",3396122,"title","Police brief council on drones, FAA limits and local options; council asks attorney to draft ordinance options","audioSeconds",3415,"startMs",5817000,"endMs",9232000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3396122-cbe0d4a84ae21917c8c122a7167d2601&start=5817&end=9232","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3396122-cbe0d4a84ae21917c8c122a7167d2601/thumbnail_5817000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6545820/Wheat-Ridge-City/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Police-brief-council-on-drones-FAA-limits-and-local-options-council-asks-attorney-to-draft-ordinance-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545820-bdbd64b2fc22c59c643874014840d4fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450769&Signature=ADmS1jL1jzG5hUMFr86uuDi0ezEPzkPLsrz8wrbdJ8X6EhOwPLpU~vqWS51DOiJcS9jXhOeO~6xHTn8gzGAXffkBPOU3PX7zwjeB6wN-5EHVL9KYmfjAgC9hsh2WVKFOWI3cxsneJXyK43wqRdTEA3c2DTK1vcKznLmc0fjT2Atj7gYayhCg49vDwplFfJqr2sQfOIhmMo0GFPKVjZ65d8I5FoF4PMX6lpaq1x3XoeXDR12Fg~~OLpg-Npklq4nBylY-jNDtC~XAXf1ZACN8WS3KZCE4qfemnvf8LghkdvLPXESUUDRnvWOR0c2A84zD0UjrB0a05Zas9WNhrzXThg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wheat Ridge City, CO","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","Wheat Ridge Police on May 19 briefed the council on the department’s drone program, the distinction between FAA Part 107 (commercial/government) pilots and recreational drone users, and the boundaries of local authority to regulate drones. City officials asked for a follow‑up ordinance workshop and directed the city attorney to work with police on draft options.

Why it matters: Drone use raises privacy, safety and livestock‑harassment concerns for residents and can intersect with public‑safety operations. The FAA controls national airspace; the city can enforce local ordinances for conduct (for example, unlawful observation, harassment of animals or trespass) but faces legal limits on imposing some airspace or altitude restrictions.

Sergeant Bowman, who oversees the police drone team, described department training requirements and the practical challenge of distinguishing informal recreational flights from regulated operations. \"Part 107 pilots have to register their aircraft regardless of the weight...They must not fly carelessly or recklessly,\" Bowman said. He summarized training expectations for part‑107 pilots and contrasted them with recreational operators, noting the FAA’s \"trust\" exam completion numbers are far lower than Part 107 certifications.

Bowman gave data to show the scale of regulated versus untrained operations: about 390,000 Part 107 pilots and roughly 785,000 registered drones nationally at the time of his briefing, while fewer people (approximately 23,000) had completed the FAA “trust” recreational exam. He also advised residents to contact law enforcement when they believe a drone is violating local laws or creating a hazard and warned that shooting down a drone is a federal offense.

City Attorney Christopher Dahl (speaking via the meeting) told the council he will work with the police to draft a study‑session ordinance that compiles enforceable local options and provides a legal assessment of likely challenges. \"What I would be happy to do...is work with Sergeant Bowman and the chief to bring to you what is something that is a new study session that's a form of ordinance, but is a little bit of a buffet,\" Dahl said. He told council staff would categorize options and indicate which items are most likely to be defensible against FAA preemption challenges.

Council response and next steps: Councilors generally favored a cautious approach that emphasizes existing local nuisance and privacy statutes (for example, prohibiting unlawful observation, harassment of animals and trespass) while asking the city attorney to evaluate and rate additional ordinance options for likely legal vulnerability. Councilor Hoppe asked for a formal consensus to proceed with Dahl’s approach; council granted unanimous consensus to direct staff and the attorney to prepare a draft for a future study session.

What’s next: Police and the city attorney will return with a draft ordinance packet and an enforceability rating for each proposed regulatory tool. Staff will also pursue public education about responsible drone operation, encourage use of FAA guidance and track federal developments that could affect city authority.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wheat Ridge City Council Study Session 5-19-25","oneSentenceSummary","Wheat Ridge Police described the department's Part 107 drone program, differences with recreational users, and legal limits set by the FAA. Council asked the city attorney to work with police on draft ordinance options and enforcement guidance; staff will return with a proposal and legal assessment.","taxTitle","Wheat Ridge City, Jefferson County, Colorado","taxId",52815,"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},6545825,"Council gives general go‑ahead to refined 2J bond project list and agrees $500,000 set‑aside for school crossings",2650,3087000,5737000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3396122-cbe0d4a84ae21917c8c122a7167d2601&start=3087&end=5737","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3396122-cbe0d4a84ae21917c8c122a7167d2601/thumbnail_3087000.jpg","/articles/6545825/Wheat-Ridge-City/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Council-gives-general-goahead-to-refined-2J-bond-project-list-and-agrees-500000-setaside-for-school-crossings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545825-0aa5cfa87c6c5d305b05d28a4a0ca1bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450769&Signature=A182BezwSRPD1NCWNYCB1xO~EvfzZQ210xerKBlpx8tAy-fIsPSQpjfin62cfilfh3PWsXenYF71E~rGu~q4OXuq87G8BLQG-uqjRD7A1mBWrWfr2JNxKllOk5oZ1zixT5dTmeSvezNo2wVjvJywTO7O-t9PDr6EUE6NxF92AjitYQKqZppG-yyM8qdzRlieABi5nH77fg-4gURboDFRtsZxGJC3daBvQloujYMMPmw5zp4gebdmb6wHXHWl8mqRMFfPECjQ7sIrTvgDBdyxXwVuuFXB9QWgxu9lpPl8axus4D46B7u1VmyqsWLB3Tx3Ekl5OGkgc54xY7zStmsMig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wheat Ridge City Council reviewed a refined project list May 19 for the city’s Next Chapter (2J) bond program and gave staff general direction to proceed with design and public outreach on the prioritized projects, with one addition: a $500,000 set‑aside to fund safe‑routes‑to‑school crossing improvements.

Why it matters: The 2J bond measure provides the primary funding source for major street, sidewalk, bikeway and drainage improvements in the city. Staff said the refined list balances corridor work, pavement maintenance and sidewalk/bikeway gap closure while preserving funds for drainage emergencies.

Public Works Director Maria DeAndrea told council the recommendation follows internal prioritization and outreach: \"As you may recall, this was passed in the fall of 'twenty 3. And in the fall of 2024, we issued the first tranche of bond proceeds, which netted us about $33,300,000,\" she said. Staff emphasized the scale and cost of key corridor projects — notably an estimated $26.4 million for the 38th Avenue West project between Youngfield and Kipling — and described how corridor work often includes sidewalks, bikeways and drainage improvements.

Staff presented a condensed portfolio that seeks to fund a mix of corridor upgrades and network infill within a $75 million cap. In summary staff said the proposed program would deliver roughly 17 miles of improved pavement, about 12.3 miles of new or upgraded sidewalks and just under 9 miles of new bike lanes or bikeways, while preserving approximately $4.4–$4.5 million for drainage projects and emergency repairs.

Council questions highlighted tradeoffs between design studies and construction and how the 2J program interacts with the city’s regular capital improvement program (CIP). Several councilors said they were concerned about dedicating funds to studies without secured construction budgets and urged staff to identify which projects would proceed in the first bond tranche. Councilor Holten asked whether the package aligned with voter expectations for bike‑ped and vibrant corridors; Director DeAndrea said the list attempts to hit corridor, sidewalk and drainage priorities and noted the city had already committed to design for the 38th Avenue West project.

Councils' direction and next steps: Councilor Hoppe asked for consensus to proceed with the proposed list and to direct staff to reserve $500,000 for school crossing improvements; the council recorded consensus to move forward. Staff said it will advance design work on the agreed projects, prepare public materials and return with further details on timing, cost and the first tranche of projects for implementation. No formal roll‑call vote was recorded — council provided direction by consensus.

What’s next: Staff will start design procurement and public outreach for priority corridor projects, continue pavement maintenance on the city’s zone rotation, and prepare a public‑facing schedule so residents can see whether their neighborhood is included in upcoming work.","Public Works presented a narrowed list of projects to spend the city's Next Chapter (2J) bond proceeds. Staff seeks concurrence to begin design and public outreach; councilors generally supported moving forward and agreed to a $500,000 set‑aside for safe‑routes‑to‑school crossing improvements.",{"_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},6545830,"Wheat Ridge staff outline waste engagement steps; dumpster grants, partnerships and accessibility noted",2624,446000,3070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3396122-cbe0d4a84ae21917c8c122a7167d2601&start=446&end=3070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3396122-cbe0d4a84ae21917c8c122a7167d2601/thumbnail_446000.jpg","/articles/6545830/Wheat-Ridge-City/Jefferson-County/Colorado/Wheat-Ridge-staff-outline-waste-engagement-steps-dumpster-grants-partnerships-and-accessibility-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545830-3829fa1537de8d8c871b61e8ee7690e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450769&Signature=iSzlzaFn2kZvFLM5nDj04BMJcAve2xvxOe8sds2VXa8K3MsqeTdgzOD4GG3rX~K083qnOgOR4U-WFsP8Q37eTBn1xStyydC2zGUDm-KxS8ac8L9mrI1sT~nCdKH-HTm90FD62OILBeZ94~iwW~wgevcoolnrZw8hcdx1AzDY7AtNgAUBJtn33sjYiHWISsIxFrAhuQUIz7xora62ddJhX30yJur3o8pXwX5wtDMYs5bx2xMC~HZd8d1BgbfvrkZ1yAprc7nB2c5GvCxAdqG0aExlG8YqCB~TBMKsQZGpBEVe~c~MGJQNk~HxvzQ8sbkIWqXXTtKfGREPysOlegNq-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff updated the Wheat Ridge City Council May 19 on progress from a year-long residential waste engagement project and asked councilors for early input on program priorities and budget tradeoffs for 2026.

The update, led by Mary Hester, the city’s sustainability coordinator, described public outreach from July 2023 to November 2024 that engaged more than 1,000 residents and produced five broad recommendations. Staff outlined options to expand existing “TLC” cleanup events and Local Works dumpster grants, explore partnerships with nearby recycling centers, increase accessibility for residents with mobility or transportation limits, and continue engagement with Colorado’s extended producer responsibility program (EPR).

Why it matters: Staff said the recommended steps focus on using existing community partners to increase access to large-item disposal, hazardous household waste and recyclables without creating a new permanent drop-off site in Wheat Ridge. Councilors debated tradeoffs between targeting limited city funds toward more frequent large-item pickups, boosting neighborhood dumpster grants, or converting funds to other maintenance needs.

Hester summarized the outreach and priorities in her presentation: \"This project took place between July of 2023 and November of 2024. It was led by staff in partnership with our consultant, HDR Engineering. This was a public engagement project focused on better understanding what residents were thinking about the current open market system,\" she said. Hester told council staff had engaged people at events, open houses and surveys and emphasized neutrality during outreach.

Staff said Local Works operated four free TLC cleanup events in 2024 at a cost of roughly $26,000 total last year (about $6,000–$8,000 per event depending on weights collected). Local Works’ budget for the same four events in 2025 is $33,600, mostly to support one event that will accept electronic waste. The city also highlighted Local Works’ dumpster-grant program, which this year had a base budget of about $6,500 to cover approximately 15 neighborhood grants; staff told council those grants are in high demand and only about five remained for the year. Doubling that line to roughly $13,000 was presented as a simple option to double the program’s reach.

Large-item curbside pickup remains a free option administered by Public Works. Hester said the city offered 90 spots for the spring pickup in 2024 and 74 were filled; she said the unit cost to the city is about $25 per item (about $4,300 total in 2024). For 2025 Hester said 95 pickups were registered against 90 slots.

Several councilors urged clearer consolidated public information and continued reliance on partners rather than creating duplicative city programs. Kelly Bland of the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team praised use of 38th Avenue funding for multimodal improvements and urged staff to ensure repaving and resurfacing projects are used to advance bike and pedestrian safety. Bland said: \"We're really excited to see this project move forward on the East End of 38. That's really the city's main street, and a real opportunity to improve the ability to walk and bike...\" (Kelly Bland, Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team).

Resident Stu Stewart spoke during public comment to thank staff for the outreach effort: \"I'm just here tonight to express appreciation for council's recommendations to and support of city staff looking into how to improve services for Wheat Ridge residents,\" he said.

On accessibility, staff described potential partnerships with nonprofits such as A Little Help to assist older or mobility-limited residents with transport and drop-off or to recruit vetted volunteers to help neighbors participate in dumpster events. Hester also outlined outreach options to promote nearby facilities such as Quail Street Recycling (Lakewood) and Rooney Road recycling center, plus pilot ideas such as city-sponsored vouchers to defray drop-off fees and occasional designated pickup days at partner facilities.

Staff flagged a statewide policy development — Colorado’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for paper and packaging — that could require producers to fund end-of-life collection and recycling. Hester said EPR implementation is still being worked out but could begin next year and \"will be the availability of recycling to all residents at no additional cost to them,\" though details remain unsettled.

Council feedback and next steps: Councilors generally expressed support for boosting dumpster grants and preferred staff make administrative prioritization decisions if 2026 is a tighter budget year. Multiple councilors asked staff to create a single, consolidated web resource listing all options, hours and partner contacts. Hester concluded by asking council for feedback to help prioritize spending and to inform the 2026 budget process. No formal vote was taken; staff said they would return with follow-up information, including a compiled list of program costs and partnership options.

What’s next: Staff will continue planning outreach events, explore expanded dumpster grant funding and potential voucher partnerships with nearby recycling centers, and monitor state EPR developments to report back as details become available.","City staff updated the council May 19 on a year-long residential waste engagement process, proposed increases to neighborhood 'dumpster grants,' expanded event options, partnerships with nearby recycling centers and planning for Colorado's extended producer responsibility program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Police brief council on drones, FAA limits and local options; council asks attorney to draft ordinance options

Council gives general go‑ahead to refined 2J bond project list and agrees $500,000 set‑aside for school crossings

Wheat Ridge staff outline waste engagement steps; dumpster grants, partnerships and accessibility noted