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Wheat Ridge council approves contracts, ordinances and property actions, adopts calendar and budget changes
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Summary
On Dec. 9 the Wheat Ridge City Council approved contract amendments, passed two code amendments on second reading, authorized a $425,000 sale of city land for a community gathering business, approved traffic calming projects and accepted a floodplain parcel transfer; council also amended the 2025 meeting calendar and adopted a budget resolution to defease 2017 bonds.
At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Wheat Ridge City Council approved a slate of routine and policy actions, including contract amendments, code changes, a city land sale and a budget resolution.
Consent and contracts: The council approved the consent agenda items including amendments to HDR Inc. contracts for land acquisition and design work, a design contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., construction management services with AECOM Technical Services Inc., and a Paycom HRIS contract. Councilor Hultein introduced the consent items and the clerk recorded the vote as "all ayes, no nays." No dissent was recorded.
Code amendments: On second reading the council adopted council bill 23‑2024 to amend Chapter 21 of the Wheat Ridge Code (work in the public right of way and contractor licensing). Director Maria DeAndrea said the code language was updated to improve contractor registration and clarify responsibilities when contractors excavate and repair city streets; the ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. The council also approved council bill 24‑2024 to simplify contractor license categories and align fees with peer communities; Director Lauren Mikkelak said the fee changes are included in the 2025 budget and will roll out with new permitting software.
Sale of city parcel at W. 38th & Johnson: The council approved council bill 25‑2024 on second reading to authorize a purchase and sale agreement for a roughly 25,000‑square‑foot parcel appraised at $425,000. Applicant Kyle Balew said he and his partner plan a small, low‑impact community gathering business (New Orleans‑style snowballs, soft serve and mini‑donuts) with outdoor activation, paved parking and bike parking. Staff noted the parcel was purchased with open‑space funds and proceeds will go back to the open space fund. The ordinance takes effect 15 days after final publication.
First‑reading items and hearings set: The council set Jan. 13, 2025 as the public hearing date for amendments to Clear Creek Crossing PMUD (council bill 26‑2024), for an ordinance amending Chapter 26 related to 'natural medicine services and healing centers' following the Colorado National Medicine Act (council bill 27‑2024), and for an ODP amendment for Prospect Park (council bill 28‑2024).
Traffic calming and capital budget: Council approved installation of traffic calming devices on 41st Avenue, Nelson Street, Quay Street and Teller Street under the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program; staff said post‑installation data collection will be used to assess effectiveness. Council also approved Resolution 51‑2024 to amend FY2024 (2E) and authorize approximately $9.4 million to defease remaining 2017 bond obligations and transfer remaining funds to the capital improvement program to support the Improved Wadsworth project.
Property transfer from Mile High Flood District: Council accepted transfer of a partial parcel along Clear Creek (4131 Kipling Street) that Mile High Flood District acquired for $375,000 to preserve the floodway and enable trailhead improvements; staff said the existing business on the property remains under a five‑year lease.
Votes and next steps: Nearly all motions were recorded as unanimous ('all ayes, no nays'). Several items will require follow‑up public hearings in January; the city manager and department directors will manage implementation and next steps described in staff presentations.
