Commerce City council adopts ordinance converting EPAC to EPIC

Commerce City Council on second and final reading approved Ordinance 2676 to establish the Environmental Policy and Innovation Commission, converting the existing Environmental Policy Advisory Committee into a formally recognized commission.

The ordinance passed 6–1 with two members excused. Mayor Pro Tem Noble moved to approve the ordinance and Councilmember Dukes seconded the motion; the clerk then took a roll call vote.

The measure was discussed at length earlier in the meeting during public comment, where Renata Trisalawati, an Adams County Health Department employee and member of the outgoing EPAC, told council she supported the change. "I am here today as a Commerce City resident to express my enthusiasm about ordinance number 2676, which will convert the Environmental Policy Advisory Committee or EPAC to the Environmental Policy and Innovation Commission or EPIC," Trisalawati said. She described EPIC as "an opportunity that can accommodate our aspirations" and said the commission could better advise council on sustainability and economic growth.

Supporters said the change formalizes the body’s advisory role and could expand capacity and influence. The ordinance amends the city code to add the commission and specifies duties and membership. Council discussion before the vote focused on statutory language and implementation steps; the vote record shows one dissenting vote and two excused absences.

Councilmembers and staff did not report additional ordinance-specific amendments at the meeting; implementing details such as commission bylaws and appointment timing will follow the code changes and appear in administrative materials.

The ordinance is effective immediately as adopted on second reading; staff will present implementation steps and timelines in subsequent communications to council and in administrative reports.