Westminster council approves climate coalition membership, two HVAC contracts and advances wastewater code update

Westminster City Council on Feb. 10 approved a slate of items including membership in a regional climate advocacy coalition, two contract awards to replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at city recreation centers and first reading of an amendment to the city's industrial pretreatment code.

The council voted 6-1 to join Colorado Communities for Climate Action, adopting resolution No. 3 after a discussion about whether the $15,000 annual membership fee would produce tangible local benefits. Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala moved the resolution; Councilor Haught seconded. Councilor Ireland cast the lone no vote.

Council also authorized two separate contracts to replace pool HVAC systems. The council voted 7-0 to authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Reliant Mechanical Services to renovate the City Park Recreation Center heating and cooling system in the amount of $904,150 plus a 10% contingency ($90,415), for a total authorized expenditure not to exceed $994,565. Council approved a second contract, also 7-0, with Design Mechanical Inc. to renovate the Westview Recreation Center system in the amount of $846,965 plus a 10% contingency ($84,697), for a total not to exceed $931,662. Both items were moved by Councilor DeMott and seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem.

On new business the council passed Councilor's Bill No. 1 on first reading by a 7-0 roll-call vote. The bill approves proposed modifications to Westminster Municipal Code Title 8, Chapter 10, changing provisions related to the city's industrial pretreatment program. Councilor DeMott moved the bill; the Mayor Pro Tem seconded.

Councilors and staff also discussed sustainability and equipment choices during the HVAC debate. Some council members asked whether geothermal or other alternative technologies had been evaluated. Public Works staff said the projects were part of a maintenance schedule and that geothermal would increase upfront costs and require a payback period, and that staff would follow up on whether alternatives had been evaluated.

No council action was taken on multiple public-comment topics heard earlier in the meeting; an executive session on city facility security measures was scheduled after the post-meeting study session.

Votes at a glance - Minutes (Jan. 27, 2025): motion to approve carried (voice vote). - Resolution No. 3 (join Colorado Communities for Climate Action): moved by Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala; seconded by Councilor Haught; passed 6-1 (Councilor Ireland opposed). - Item 8b — Reliant Mechanical Services contract (City Park Rec Center HVAC): moved by Councilor DeMott; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala; authorized $904,150 + 10% contingency = $994,565; roll call 7-0. - Item 8c — Design Mechanical Inc. contract (Westview Rec Center HVAC): moved by Councilor DeMott; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala; authorized $846,965 + 10% contingency = $931,662; roll call 7-0. - Councilor's Bill No. 1 (first reading) — Westminster Municipal Code Title 8, Chapter 10 (industrial pretreatment program): moved by Councilor DeMott; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala; passed first reading by roll call 7-0.

Why it matters: The membership decision positions Westminster with other Front Range municipalities on state and federal climate policy, while the HVAC contracts represent near-term capital and maintenance spending for two busy recreation facilities. The industrial pretreatment code change advances wastewater permitting updates that will affect how certain industrial dischargers are regulated locally.

What’s next: The HVAC projects will move into procurement/contract phases as authorized. Councilor's Bill No. 1 will return for additional readings as required by the city's ordinance process. Staff said they will report back on any additional evaluation of non‑conventional HVAC options.