City of Brighton
500 S. 4th Avenue
Brighton, CO 80601
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
7:00 PM
Council Chambers
City Council
MAYOR - RICHARD N MCLEAN
MAYOR PRO-TEM - KIRBY WALLIN
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
LYNN BACA, REX BELL, JW EDWARDS
MARK HUMBERT, JOAN KNISS, KEN KREUTZER
CYNTHIA A MARTINEZ
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McLean called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
A. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Mayor McLean led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
B. Roll Call.
Present: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca,
Councilmember Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert,
Councilmember Kniss, Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember
Martinez
2. CONSENT AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF REGULAR AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Humbert, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, to approve the
Regular Agenda. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
4. CEREMONIES
A. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 15 - 23, 2014
Mayor McLean read the Proclamation into the record and presented it to Shelby Oliver, Development
Coordinator with Almost Home. Ms. Oliver thanked the City for approving the Proclamation on behalf of
Almost Home and the food providers in the City of Brighton.
Motion by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Kreutzer, to approve the
Proclamation . Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
B. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Awareness Campaign
Melissa Rippy, Allstate Insurance, 220 Pavilions Place, Brighton. Ms. Rippy explained that she is here
on behalf of Allstate and the Allstate Foundation. The Allstate Foundation supports the Purple Purse
Awareness Campaign supporting victims of domestic violence. Ms. Rippy presented a purple purse
designed by actress Carrie Washington to Councilmember Kniss. Councilmember Kniss thanked Ms.
Rippy and Allstate for calling attention to domestic violence.
C. Introduction of New Employees by Human Resources Director Karen Borkowski Surine
Human Resources Director Karen Borkowski Surine introduced Kaitlin Gault, Communications
Specialist and Eric Bee, Building Inspector II and gave a brief history of their background.
Mayor McLean and City Council welcomed the new employees to the City of Brighton.
5. PUBLIC INVITED TO BE HEARD ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
(Speakers limited to five minutes)
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2015 BUDGET, AND APPROPRIATING
SUMS OF MONEY TO THE VARIOUS FUNDS AND SPENDING AGENCIES IN
THE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED BELOW, FOR THE CITY OF BRIGHTON,
COLORADO, FOR THE 2015 BUDGET YEAR.
Mayor McLean read the title of the Resolution into the record.
Mayor McLean opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. and City Clerk Natalie Hoel verified the required
postings and publications (October 9, 2014 in the Brighton Banner) for this public hearing were
completed.
City Manager Manuel Esquibel explained that the formal budget that was presented includes what staff
would like to accomplish in 2015. City Manager Esquibel thanked staff for their hard work on this
budget and thanked Finance Director Dan Frelund and his staff for helping to put the budget together.
The total of this budget is approximately 84 million dollars. The majority of these funds address
services that the citizens traditionally expect from city government like Police, Utilities, Parks and
Recreation, and Streets. This is a living document that will be evaluated continuously in 2015 with
revenues and expenditures. This budget is based upon development that has taken place in 2014 and
will hopefully continue to take place in 2015. A special attempt was made to focus on sustainability
both in green efforts and financial efforts. Brighton is taking the lead in City government to ensure that
the City is cost efficient and effective in its conservation efforts.
There will also be a new organizational plan for the City and this budget reflects those changes. The
City needs to continue to find ways to provide services that are expected by citizens and also to
address priorities that have been identified by City Council. Staff is developing a financial strategy for
the City at large and each department will develop a strategic plan to better provide services for the
citizens of Brighton. These updates will be presented to City Council over the next year. City Manager
Esquibel presented to City Council notes and comments that were made during the City Council budget session.
City Manager Esquibel introduced Finance Director Dan Frelund.
Finance Director Dan Frelund presented the Resolution adopting the 2015 budget and read the
Resolution into the record. (Attached as Exhibit A)
Mayor McLean asked if anyone in the audience had questions for the applicant, there was none.
Mayor McLean asked if any correspondence had been received, there was none.
Mayor McLean asked if there were questions from City Council.
Councilmember Martinez explained that she hopes staff can communicate with the citizens on the
Utility Funds because it will take a lot of communicating to understand what needs to be done with the
system and it is a huge cost. It is essential to communicate what is being done to benefit the City and
the importance of the water systems to the citizens of Brighton. Councilmember Martinez thanked staff
for their hard work.
Mayor McLean thanked Finance Director Dan Frelund for his work on this budget. Mayor McLean
agreed with Councilmember Martinez that there is a lot of aging infrastructure in the Utilities
Department and it poses a big challenge which will require a lot of hard work by staff to address these
issues.
Mayor McLean closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Councilmember Kreutzer explained that he was impressed by the budget process and it would be
wonderful to have more of the public present.
Motion by Councilmember Baca, seconded by Councilmember Bell, to approve Resolution
2014-96. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca,
Councilmember Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert,
Councilmember Kniss, Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember
Martinez
7. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL CONSIDERATION
A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON,
APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE REQUEST FROM C-2 (RESTRICTED RETAIL
AND SERVICES) TO PUD (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT) FOR THE
APPROXIMATELY 1.4233 ACRE PROPERTY KNOWN AS LOTS 1 & 2, BLOCK 1,
OF THE AMERICAN PRIDE SUBDIVISION, AND MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED AS BEING LOCATED WITHIN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF
SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 66 WEST OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL
MERIDIAN, CITY OF BRIGHTON, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO.
Mayor McLean read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
City Manager Esquibel explained that this is the final reading of the Ordinance and there have not been
any changes since first reading.
Mayor McLean asked if there were any comments from the audience on the second reading of the
Ordinance, there were none.
Motion by Councilmember Humbert, seconded by Councilmember Kniss, to approve Ordinance
2178. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON,
COLORADO, AMENDING ARTICLE 2-8 ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL OF
CHAPTER 2 OF THE BRIGHTON MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING CHANGES TO
THE CITY MANAGER'S ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY; RECOGNIZING
THE NEW POSITIONS OF ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER FOR DEVELOPMENT
AND REDEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER FOR OPERATIONS;
DEFINING THE GENERAL DUTIES AND OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES
THEREOF; AND SETTING FORTH OTHER DETAILS RELATED THERETO.
Mayor McLean read the title of the Ordinance into the record.
City Manager Esquibel explained that this is the final reading of the Ordinance and there have not been
any changes since first reading.
Mayor McLean asked if there were any comments from the audience on the second reading of the
Ordinance, there were none.
City Manager Esquibel answered questions from Council regarding:
• This change creating less direct reports for the City Manager.
• The position of Assistant City Manager of Operations being advertised at this time.
Motion by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, to approve
Ordinance 2179. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
8. RESOLUTIONS
A. A RESOLUTION LEVYING GENERAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2014,
TO HELP DEFRAY THE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE CITY OF
BRIGHTON, COLORADO, FOR THE 2015 BUDGET YEAR.
Mayor McLean read the title of the Resolution into the record.
City Manager Esquibel introduced Finance Director Dan Frelund.
Finance Director Dan Frelund explained that this Resolution is levying general property taxes for the
year 2014 to help defray the costs of government for the City of Brighton. Director Frelund read the
Resolution into the Record. (Attached as Exhibit B) Director Frelund answered questions from Council
regarding:
• This Resolution being in accordance with local government law, TABOR and Statutory limits.
• This mill levy rate not being an increase for the City.
Motion by Councilmember Humbert, seconded by Councilmember Bell, to approve Resolution
2014-97. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON,
COLORADO APPROVING LODGING TAX GRANTS FROM THE LODGING TAX
FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED NINETY-ONE THOUSAND AND
FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($291,500.00) FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015;
DESIGNATING THE RECIPIENTS AND AMOUNTS OF SAID GRANTS;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS WITH
THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2014 ALLOCATION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; AND
SETTING FORTH OTHER DETAILS RELATED THERETO
Mayor McLean read the title of the Resolution into the Record.
City Manager Esquibel explained that the Lodging tax was adopted in 2011 to assess a 3% tax on room rates. The funds collected are to be used to promote the City of Brighton for economic development purposes and for special events in the City. The City Council has appointed a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and they are responsible for advertising for grant applications from non-profit groups in the City.
The funds requested this year was $418,000.00 and the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
acknowledged that there was $389,000.00 available for grants. After reviewing the grant applications
the Lodging Tax Committee recommends that $291,500.00 be allocated to the following organizations:
Brighton Cultural Arts Commission "Live at the Armory 2015" $53,000.00; Brighton Arts & Culture
Office "Arts & Culture Creative Conference" $18,000.00; Brighton Sister Cities "Polish Cultural Day &
Sister Cities 20th Anniversary" $17,500.00; heArt of Brighton (HOB) "Third Annual Brighton Blues"
$15,000.00; Brighton Chamber of Commerce "Visit Brighton" $70,000.00; Brighton Economic
Development Corporation "Brighton Development Environment Comparisons Study" $25,000.00;
Brighton Economic Development Corporation "Retail Attraction Strategy" $60,000.00; and Brighton
Youth Commission "S.P.E.A.K. Week Walk" $33,000.00.
Motion by Councilmember Kniss, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve
Resolution 2014-98. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 8 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
and Councilmember Martinez
Recuse: 1 - Councilmember Kreutzer
C. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON,
COLORADO, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO
HISTORY COLORADO - CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM IN THE
AMOUNT OF SIXTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($16,500.00),
FOR THE 64 BRIGHTON FARMSTEADS - HISTORIC SURVEYS PHASE 2; AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT APPLICATION
Mayor McLean read the title of the Resolution into the record.
City Manager Esquibel introduced Long Range and Historic Preservation Planner Aja Tibbs.
Long Range and Historic Preservation Planner Aja Tibbs explained that she previously presented the
results of the Eleven (11) Properties Survey which was step 1 of the priority areas in the City. The HPC hopes that in Step 2 some of the agriculture properties in the City can be surveyed. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and City staff worked over the summer to canvass thousands of properties around the growth area of Brighton and found sixty-four (64) that are of great interest. The estimated cost to survey these properties is $29,000.00 and staff would like to apply for a grant from History Colorado. This is a CLG grant and about 57% of the cost would be requested which is not to exceed $16,500.00. The remaining cost would come from the HPC budget. This Resolution allows staff to apply for this grant.
Motion by Councilmember Humbert, seconded by Councilmember Baca, to approve Resolution
2014-99. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
D. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON,
COLORADO AUTHORIZING THE NON-MOTORIZED RECREATIONAL TRAILS
LARGE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE GRANT APPLICATION TO
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE - STATE TRAILS PROGRAM IN THE
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED
SEVENTY DOLLARS ($110,470.00) FOR THE "CFRT (COLORADO FRONT
RANGE TRAIL) - ERGER'S POND OPEN SPACE SECTION" PROJECT; AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE GRANT APPLICATION
Mayor McLean read the title of the Resolution into the record.
City Manager Esquibel introduced Parks and Recreation Director Gary Wardle.
Parks and Recreation Director Gary Wardle explained this Resolution will authorize staff to apply for a
State Trails Grant funded through Lottery and State Trails funds. The City applied for a grant last year
to complete a trail from Ken Mitchell Lakes south and this grant will complete a trail from Ken Mitchell north to the Southern Street trailhead. This section will complete the trail portion at Erger's Pond. Staff will apply for an Adams County Open Space Grant to match these funds. The grant is in the amount of
$110,470.00, the total project amount is $184,120.00 so the City will match $73,650.00. This project
will be constructed at the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 when Metro Sewer has completed their work in the area. This work will finish the trail from Veterans Park to E-470. Director Wardle answered questions from Council regarding:
• Work on getting access through the radio tower property.
Motion by Councilmember Kreutzer, seconded by Councilmember Edwards, to approve
Resolution 2014-100. Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
9. UTILITIES BUSINESS ITEMS
10. GENERAL BUSINESS
11. REPORTS
A. By the Mayor.
Mayor McLean received a letter from Front Range Community College president Andy Dorsey and he
has accepted the resignation of Jeff Crow, Executive Director of the Front Range Community College
Foundation and they have appointed Brian McCoy as the Interim Director. Mr. Dorsey thanked the City
for being a supporter of Front Range Community College and its students.
B. By Department Heads.
C. By the City Attorney.
D. By the City Manager.
City Manager Esquibel handed out the results of the customer survey that the Senior Advisory Board
conducted.
Councilmember Edwards reported that 80% of all categories received excellent or above and all the
rest of the categories were at least fair or above. The Eagle View Adult Center is happy to get all of
these comments. There will be some changes made to find other ways to attract different people to the
events.
Parks and Recreation Director Gary Wardle explained that this survey turned out well. The survey was
mailed to approximately 12,000 people that are on the mailing list and there was a high number of
returns. The Eagle View Adult Center staff was commended for their hard work and good programs
and there were some ideas for new programs.
City Manager Esquibel thanked the Senior Advisory Board for their hard work on this survey and their
continued efforts to reach out to the citizens of Brighton.
City Manager Esquibel handed out a video of the International Hispanic Network Regional Conference where Federico Pena was the keynote speaker.
Mayor McLean reported that it was a very well run program and very informative.
Councilmember Martinez reported that it was very educational and was great to see two (2) Brighton
High School graduates on the panel. The event was well attended and inspiring.
12. REPORTS BY COUNCIL ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Councilmember Kniss thanked City staff for all of their hard work helping with the summer events like
EcoFair, Good Clean Fun, Trash Bash and the Medicine Roundup, it takes a lot of time and effort to
put on all of these events. The Legacy Foundation is collecting grant applications from non-profits and
they are due on October 31, 2014, these applications can be found on the Legacy Foundation website.
Councilmember Kniss reported that the Eye for Art program has a lot of items including jewelry,
photographs and paintings that can be purchased for Christmas gifts in the lobby at City Hall. There is
an Eye for Art reception on November 6, 2014. Councilmember Kniss encouraged everyone to turn in
their ballots.
Councilmember Kreutzer commended Streets and Fleet Director Joe Smith and his department for
keeping up with the repair and maintenance on the City streets. Councilmember Kreutzer attended the
Walk to School Day with students from Pennock Elementary and it was a fun event. The Historic
Preservation Commission 50's Gala was a great time and well attended with great music and a lot of
fun. The Evening with Albin Wagner was a great event and it was wonderful to hear about the history
of Brighton. Councilmember Kreutzer attended the Grand Opening of the Hudson Fire District
Firehouse in Lochbuie.
Councilmember Martinez attended the Taste of the Metro North Chamber and it was successful and
well attended. They also hosted a forum for Adams County candidates. The Brighton Chamber of
Commerce hosted a ballot measure forum which was very informative for the citizens and helped them
decide where to place their votes.
Councilmember Edwards reported that he also voted. The Eagle View Adult Center will be hosting their
annual Craft Fair on November 1, 2014 and there are fifty-seven (57) vendors scheduled to be there.
The Senior Advisory Board approved the purchase of 1200 burritos for the Turkey Trot on November
22, 2014. There are opportunities for line dancing classes at the Eagle View Adult Center for citizens
and there is a need for male partners. Councilmember Edwards encouraged City Council to review the
comments in the Senior Advisory Board survey results.
Mayor Pro Tem Wallin attended the HPC 50's Gala, it was a fun event. Several members of the Youth
Commission will be attending a Youth Summit this Saturday and they will be focusing on ways in which
adults and youth can work together on leadership skills. Mayor Pro Tem Wallin attended the E-470
Board Meeting with Mayor McLean and they approved their budget. There were several young people
showing support for the School District 27J Ballot Measure which addresses overcrowding in schools.
Mayor McLean taught classes for DECA this week and also walked to school with students from
Pennock Elementary. Mayor McLean worked the Brighton High School football game. Mayor McLean
met the new principal at Foundations Academy and toured the school. Mayor McLean attended a tour
of the Westin Hotel at Denver International Airport. Mayor McLean attended the ADCOG breakfast in
Federal Heights, it was very informative and also attended the candidates forum. Mayor McLean
attended the E-470 Board Meeting and the 50's Gala which was a great time.
Councilmember Baca attended the International Hispanic Network Conference at the Adams County
Government Center and thanked City Manager Esquibel for participating in that organization and
bringing such a great event to the area. Councilmember Baca thanked Ray Gonzales for helping to put
together this event. Councilmember Baca was inspired by a former Brighton High School graduate Ms.
Mendoza, she is an inspiring young lady with great ambitions and she has a great story to tell.
Councilmember Baca attended the HPC 50's Gala and the Evening with Albin Wagner. This Saturday
is the Cemetery Walk which is part of Brighton's history and they are looking for volunteers. There will
be a Ward 3 Coffee with Council on November 8, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
Councilmember Humbert attended the Evening with Albin Wagner and that event was put together
using a Lodging Tax grant by the heArt of Brighton. It was a good night and very entertaining.
Councilmember Bell reported that it is a privilege to represent the City of Brighton at the Colorado
Municipal League. The first meeting covered pending legislation. CML listens to all involved in forms a
united voice to take to the State. CML is currently welcoming local issues to be presented as
legislation, but there are no pending issues for Brighton.
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION
14. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Kreutzer, to adjourn at 8:28
p.m Motion passed by the following vote:
Aye: 9 - Mayor McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Wallin, Councilmember Baca, Councilmember
Bell, Councilmember Edwards, Councilmember Humbert, Councilmember Kniss,
Councilmember Kreutzer, and Councilmember Martinez
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO
By: __________________________
Richard N. McLean, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Natalie Hoel, City Clerk
____________________________
Approval Date