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Westminster approves first reading to fund adaptive reuse of Rodeo Building; first-reading transfer passes 6–1
Summary
On June 23 the council passed first reading of Councilor's Bill 20 to transfer $1.2 million for adaptive reuse of 3915 West 70th (Rodeo Building) for use by Bark (Barkantine Brewing); council also authorized a contract amendment contingent on second reading; vote was 6–1.
The Westminster City Council on June 23 approved on first reading Councilor’s Bill 20, a transfer of $1.2 million from general fund carryover to the General Capital Improvement Fund to support adaptive reuse of 3915 West 70th Avenue (the Rodeo Building) for a second Bark taproom and related neighborhood improvements.
Councilor DeMott moved approval of the first reading; the motion was seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem and passed on a roll-call vote of 6–1. Roll call recorded: Councilor DeMott — Yes; Councilor Azadi — Yes; Councilor Hutt — Yes; Mayor McNally — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala Melo — Yes; Councilor Ireland — No; Councilor Carmelia — Yes.
Stephanie Troller, acting community services director, told council $391,000 of the total would be repaid by the tenant and that the appropriation covers property improvements and adjacent-site work, including improvements to the neighboring Grange. Council and public speakers debated the project’s scale and public benefit. Public commenters including Ed Knudson (Barkantine Brewing Company) and Dino Valente urged support of the project and described long-standing investment and interest in revitalizing the historic structure; other public commenters questioned whether public funds should be used for a private operator and raised concerns about parking and fiduciary priorities.
Council discussion noted the city has been the property owner for many years and that historic funding constraints make demolition an imperfect alternative — staff said demolishing the structure would not eliminate all financial obligations because of historic funding and preservation limitations. Several councilors emphasized the project funds are invested in city-owned property, not a direct grant to the business. Councilor Ireland cast the lone no vote, citing parking concerns and the use of public funds for private business support.
Separately, contingent on passage of the ordinance on second reading, council authorized the city manager to execute a contract amendment with WCG Construction Inc.; that authorization passed on a separate roll-call vote, also 6–1 with the same no vote from Councilor Ireland.
The bill passed first reading; staff said additional budget details and contractual approvals will follow the second-reading process.
