City Council Meeting, December 15, 2014 Centura ER Approved for 64th and Quaker The Arvada Housing Authority held their regular meeting at 6:00, and the City Council meeting began at 6:15. There are two, related, items of interest for the Arvada Housing Authority: New applications for Section 8 vouchers will soon be accepted, and the application process is shifting to electronic means for most people. Executive Director Ed Talbot said that applications will most likely be taken over a two-day period in January. Because of the congestion resulting from 2,500 people putting in paper applications in just two days, software has been ordered which will allow electronic applications to be sent in from personal computers, including those at the public library. In addition, there will be some options for people to have help with the electronic process, as well as some paper applications being mailed out to disabled persons. Commissioner Marriott wondered if there are any anticipated concerns with respect to peoples having lack of access to computers. Talbot said that, based on what is known of other agencies which made the switch some time ago, such as the Denver Housing Authority, there is no need for undue concern. There were also some changes to the Authoritys administration plan, which were approved on a 6 to 0 vote, with Commissioner Allard absent. In attendance for the City Council meeting were Mayor Marc Williams, Mayor Pro Tem Mark McGoff, and Councilmembers Bob Dyer, Bob Fifer, Jerry Marks, and John Marriott. At 6 p.m., attendance by citizens was 21; at 7 it was about 16. Minutes from the December 1 meeting were approved with no changes. Public Comment: Arvada resident and retired Fire Board member Eddie Lyons presented the Councilmembers with his annual Christmas writing. Judith Denham of the Arvada Festivals Commission spoke about the wine tasting fundraiser last month. It was the eighth year for this fundraiser, and Denham reviewed the growth it has experienced, saying that the first years event was at the Eggshell Restaurant, and attracted about 150 or 200 people, with about 20 volunteers hosting the fundraiser. This year the event was held at the Lamar Center, was attended by more than 400 paying guests, with over 40 volunteers helping out. About half of those volunteers were supplied by the Arvada Food Bank. Eight caterers donated food, seven wineries supplied wine, there was a jam packed photo booth, the Bluebirds band from ARC volunteered time to come and play, and there was a silent auction featuring over 175 items. The proceeds of $22,500 will go to the Arvada Food Bank. Executive Director of the Food Bank, Sandy Martin, thanked all who participated and noted that the numbers of people seeking assistance continues to rise and so the money will definitely be put to good use. Homer Anderson spoke on behalf of the charity, Ginnys Kids, which provides assistance to seriously ill children and their families. He thanked members of City Council for their help at last Augusts golf tournament, which raised money and awareness for Ginnys Kids. Nancy Young pointed out that volunteerism can take many forms, noting that the citizens group Save Arvada Now cares about our city and its people. She thanked Director of Public Works Bob Manwaring for his assistance in clearing up some questions about the work currently awaiting completion on the public portion of Teller Street. However, said Young, Manwarings reply addressed only the final development plan, with no reference being made to a preliminary development plan. The preliminary plan for PPOT addresses only the vacated portion of Teller, not the public portion which remains open. As in a previous meeting, Young noted the hazardous nature of some deep, narrow trenches at the edge of the sidewalk in the area, as well as problems with garbage removal. She said, It is taking an exceedingly long time to complete such a small project...when and by whom was this work...approved, and why was it not approved under the standard procedure? Consent Agenda: Financial management software and support, through Oracle Software: $143,863 through 2015. (R14-165) Water treatment chemicals, not to exceed $852,034. (R14-166) Water testing, through 9 labs, $116,850. (R14-167) Jefferson County Public Safety Fiber Optic Network (J-FON): This high-speed data network is being built alongside the Gold Line and is expected to be completed in mid-to-late 2015. It is intended to connect public safety and government entities. J-FON is mainly being funded through a federal grant, and will be maintained by the city and county entities making up the J-FON partnership. (R14-168) RTD Emergency access easement at the Gold Line Sheridan Station (R14-169) Wanco annexation, 5902 Tennyson Street: City Council earlier approved an intergovernmental agreement between the City, Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District, and Wanco, Inc., for the sale of 5.2 acres of land to Wanco by Hyland Hills, and for the initial phases of design and development for a park to be known as Clear Creek Valley Park, to be located near 60th and Tennyson Streets. Benefits of this agreement include retention of a 215-person employer by giving them room to expand their operations, and the construction of a regional park serving southeast Arvada. Wanco is a manufacturer of variable traffic sign equipment, a rare specialty. A public hearing will be held with regard to annexation on February 2, 2015. (R14-170) Water main replacement: Arvada contractor Diamond Contracting will replace approximately 18,850 linear feet of aging and deteriorating cast iron water line, at a cost to the city of $1,554,477. (R14-171) Sundyne easements: to bring city-owned water and sewer lines into an easement, and to allow the Westwoods Community Station to use the detention pond at Sundyne. (R14-172) Essential Home Repairs Program: Since 1979, the City has provided services and funding for the rehabilitation and improvement of single family, owner-occupied homes for low and moderate income households. Three FirstBank locations will participate in the 0% and 3% loan program. (R14-173) ABC Services Inc., STOR server: This agreement is for $61,381 for backing up and archiving of the Citys data. (R14-174) All items were approved, 6 to 0 Resolutions: 2015 Legislative Agenda: This is to approve positions taken by City Council relating to the activities of the Colorado General Assembly. Examples include maintaining local and home rule; no mandates (federal and state mandates, especially unfunded, should not be imposed on local government); preserve current municipal authority in such areas as land use, zoning, urban renewal, and sales tax; and local problems need local solutions. (R14-175) This item was approved on a 6 to 0 vote. Organizational Development: Council is authorizing a $100,000 agreement with J Ramos Associates for the first year of professional organizational development services. June Ramos is an Evergreen consultant and facilitator. Director of Human Resources Linda Haley said that a third party consultant can provide a fresh perspective on how Arvada can best invest in systems. The $100,000 a year for two years has already been budgeted and approved through the General Fund, and amounts to about $140 per employee per year. (R14-176) This item was also approved on a 6 to 0 vote. Ordinances, First Reading: Public Hearings for these items will be January 5, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. Amendment to Utilities section of the Arvada City Code pertaining to late payments of water bills. This is one part of significant changes being made in the late-payment collection program. It ends the practice of hand-delivery of shutoff notices, replacing those with email or phone notices and instituting a $5 late payment charge and a $15 restoration of service charge. This allows 100% of associated costs to come from the late paying accounts, rather than the current 12% being passed on to all utility customers. (CB14-056) Annual refinancing of 2005 lease purchase agreement (CB14-058) Annexation relating to the Sheridan Gold Strike Transit Station (CB14-059 and -060) Annexation of the Stephen Brandt property at 15902 W. 64th Avenue, which will have allow City water and sewer services to be provided to a single-family home to be built on the property. The Planning Commission approved the request on a 6-0 vote with one member absent. (CB14-061 and -062) Annexation relating to the Olde Town Transit Hub (CB14-063) These items were approved on first reading, 6 to 0. Moved to a future meeting is an item involving Jefferson County Parkway: Approval of an amended and restated intergovernmental agreement. (CB14-057) Public Hearings: Amendments to the Citys personnel rules, to comply with the Affordable Care Act (CB14-049) This item was approved, 6 to 0. Additional appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 (CB14-050) For more information, see arvadarecords.org/councilpacket/current_week/07.B.%20CB14-050,%20An%20Ordinance%20Authorizing%20an%20Additional%20Appropriation%20for%20Fiscal%20Year%202014.pdf Finance Director Bryan Archer gave a brief explanatory presentation. The item was approved, 6 to 0. Amendment to City of Arvadas Retirement Plan (CB14-051) There was no public comment and no discussion. The item was approved on a 6 to 0 vote. Adoption of 2014 National Electrical Code (CB140-052) Councilmember John Marriott asked if the version being adopted is the State Code, or a stricter one, and what are the differences. A staff member said that Arvadas version is generally the same as the State version, with some slightly more restrictive differences, pertaining to outside electrical disconnections for emergency shutoffs, one clarification to inaccurate wording, and a requirement for extra receptacle outlets in kitchens, to accommodate the larger number of appliances in modern kitchens. This item was approved, 6 to 0. Annexation of Sunset Mesa Two, 11701 W. 80th Avenue (R14-177, CB14-053, -054, and Items H and I) This is a development of a five-acre site adjacent to Sunset Mesa One, at 80th and Simms. The applicant is Joe Jehn. Councilmember Bob Dyer asked if the two parcels east and south of the site will be developed as well into little cul-de-sacs. Jehn said that the property owners of those parcels are unwilling to sell and believe they can develop those commercially. Jehn also said that Sunset Mesa One and Two will be merged for HOA purposes. All items were approved, 6 to 0. Partner Credit Union: Approval of Preliminary Development Plan for a 15,884 square foot administration building to be built on a vacant 2.6 acre site west of 6221 Sheridan Boulevard. Approved by the Planning Commission on a 6 to 0 vote, with one absent. (Item J) CEO Sundie Seefried gave a brief rundown on the reasons for the expansion. The Credit Union has been in Arvada since 1974 and has no further ability to expand in its current building. A neighbor, George Frey, expressed concerns about the already-congested traffic situation worsening as the result of the new building. In addition to Mr. Freys concerns, Mayor Marc Williams noted that he had received a letter from Arvada resident Dorothy Arco, who also had fears relating to the traffic congestion and particularly the dangers it might present to the areas children. Seefried said that the credit union anticipates bringing in nine employees from another office; otherwise, the employees already on-site will be given an opportunity to spread out into the new building along with the existing building. Most will arrive in the morning and stay until evening, with some leaving and returning during lunch hours. This item was approved on a 6 to 0 vote. Centura Emergency Medical Building: This 10,300 square foot, one-story building will be placed on the Centuras current site at 16320 W. 64th Avenue. Approved by Planning Commission on a 6 to 0 vote, with one absent. (Item K) Centuras Joseph Robertson said this facility will accept all types of patients for all types of emergencies, although as a Level 4 trauma destination it would not be the place to go with a severed arm, for example. In response to a question from Councilmember Dyer he also stated they will be accepting all types of insurance. Councilmember Bob Fifer specifically requested that Centura coordinate with the Fire District, which operates the ambulances and which has a station very near to the proposed Emergency facility. Councilmembers Fifer and Marriott then explored the potential for serious difficulties arising from what appears to be a poorly-designed initial layout of access to and from the street as well as an apparent intention for ambulances to have to navigate through the entire parking lot to reach the ambulance bay, and for patients to possibly need to drive through two parking lots to reach the front door to the emergency room. Following extended discussion on these matters, it was decided to approve this item with the amendment that access needs to be improved. With the amendment, the item was approved on a 6 to 0 vote. Public Comment: None. Reports from City Council: Councilmember Bob Fifer said that he, Councilmember Jerry Marks, and Councilmember John Marriott had visited all three of the police stations recently, on what was actually Mr. Fifers wedding anniversary. They took food to the officers to thank them for the protection they give our community. Councilmember Marriott said the officers deserve recognition for the job they do, especially those who are on the swing and graveyard shifts. Mayor Marc Williams said this was a good year for the City, and some tremendous things were accomplished. He thanked the City Council and the incredible staff, from the executive team to the poor fellows who had to fix the recent water main break. He promised, or threatened, to show up at the company employee breakfast in an outrageous suit. No reference was made to footwear. Reports from City Manager: City Manager Mark Deven asked for, and received, a motion and approval to cancel the December 22 workshop. Councilmember Mark McGoff asked about an item regarding the West Connect Corridor Coalition. City Manager Mark Deven said this item only recently came to his attention, and that Council would need to decide if Arvada should become a member and if so, which councilmembers would become the voting member and the alternate. Following a brief discussion a vote was taken and approval was given on a vote of 6 to 0, to join the coalition, appoint Mayor Williams the voting member and Councilmember Bob Dyer the alternate, and to approve $60,000 for a preliminary environmental study. Report from City Attorney: Chris Daly wishes everyone Happy Holidays. The meeting adjourned at 7:50.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:50:36 +0000
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