Council approves $1.27 million funding for Dry Gulch/2 Creeks Park work, Mile High Flood District IGA and several property actions

The Lakewood City Council on July 28 approved a series of measures tied to stormwater, drainage and park improvements, including a supplemental appropriation and intergovernmental agreements with the Mile High Flood District and several property acquisition actions.

The council adopted ordinance O‑2025‑22 on second reading, authorizing a $1,270,000 supplemental appropriation to the 2025 revised annual budget. Of that total, the council record shows $870,000 to come from the city’s open‑space fund and $400,000 from the stormwater enterprise fund; the appropriation supports improvements identified in a 2023 intergovernmental agreement with the Mile High Flood District related to Dry Gulch and 2 Creeks Park.

Councilors also approved resolution R‑2025‑23 adopting an amended intergovernmental agreement with the Mile High Flood District for design and construction of drainage, channel and park improvements in Dry Gulch and 2 Creeks Park. The clerk’s record shows both measures passed on second and final reading with 11 yes votes and 0 no votes.

Separately, council approved an ordinance (O‑2025‑23) declaring the intent of the city to acquire property interests for construction of storm sewer facilities on West Colfax Avenue (to Dover Street, west of Wadsworth) and to begin negotiations, accept conveyances and, if necessary, pursue condemnation subject to further council approval.

The council also authorized acceptance of a deed from the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (doing business as Mile High Flood District) for 170 Yukon Street in Lakewood (O‑2025‑24). City staff clarified during discussion that Mile High Flood District ownership and transfer of the parcel would allow the city to maintain the property under the same inspection/maintenance cycles the city uses on other city parcels; Ray Hill, city engineer for capital projects and utilities, told council the property would be inspected at least annually and maintained as needed until potential future capital improvements are programmed.

Council discussion emphasized the long‑running planning and partnership required to assemble parcels for drainage and park projects. Councilor Isabel Cruz said the Dry Gulch/2 Creeks investment would bring a new park to a part of town with limited green space after “about 14 years of planning” and thanked staff for advancing the project.

Ending: All of the stormwater and acquisition measures were adopted unanimously (11‑0). Staff said future capital improvements on the properties would return to council for design and construction authorization and that property maintenance would follow standard city procedures until any project moved forward.