Public Meetings - Golden, Colorado

On April 14, 2026, the Golden City Council held a study session from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a regular business meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The study session featured discussions on a resident‑initiated managed parking request for Water and Jackson Streets and a Fire Department data analytics update on the impacts of Ballot Question 2K. The regular business meeting included public comment (dominated by bicycle safety concerns), unanimous approval of the consent calendar, four proclamations, and action on resolutions for the 2026 Comprehensive Plan, Council Rules amendments, and a drought enforcement framework. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved (7‑0) the following items as a single consent package: - Minutes of March 17, 2026 - Resolution No. 3299 – IGA for ambulance/medical services with Pleasant View Metropolitan District, Golden Gate Fire Protection District, and Intermountain Health - Resolution No. 3300 – IGA with the Town of Georgetown for water storage in Guanella Reservoir - Resolution No. 3301 – IGA with the City of Black Hawk for water storage in Guanella Reservoir - Resolution No. 3302 – Water storage agreement with Soda Creek Property Owners’ Association - Resolution No. 3305 – IGA with Jefferson County for use of county parking lots during city special events - Resolution No. 3307 – Purchase of three Chevrolet Electric Silverado trucks and four Chevrolet Electric Blazers - Resolution No. 3308 – Upfitting of four police responder vehicles - Ordinance No. 2291 – Supplemental appropriation for the 2026 budget (first reading, public hearing set for April 28) Public Comments & Testimony - Bicycle safety (8 speakers): Residents Payton Gibson, Andrea DeFrates, Beth Bidwell, Pam Logan, Lisa Hudson, Abby Willis, Addonai, Claire McDaniel, Ethan Green, and Paige Annoty urged immediate action to improve biking safety following two recent serious crashes (a 7‑year‑old at 10th and Ford, and an adult cyclist on Johnson Road). Speakers requested lower speed limits, automated enforcement, and a pilot program to collect data on near misses. Many cited their own unsafe experiences on Ford, Jackson, and Johnson Roads. - Affordable housing update: Kory Whitaker (Habitat for Humanity) reported that the project previously known as “Calvary Flats” has been renamed “The Prosper at Golden.” Construction is about to begin (15‑month timeline), a $500,000 match has been raised (including support from Golden Civic Foundation, Stronger Communities grant, and DDA TIF revenue), and a kickoff event is planned for June 3. - Support for Comprehensive Plan: Jen Rudder (Golden Planning Commission) read a letter from the Planning Commission supporting Resolution No. 3303 (2026 Comprehensive Plan), commending the public engagement process and the plan’s connection to Golden Vision 2030 values. Study Session – Managed Parking Request (5:00–5:30 p.m.) - Matt Wempe (Principal Planner) presented a resident‑initiated request for permit parking on Water and Jackson Streets. The area currently has 53 on‑street spaces and about 100 privately managed off‑street spaces. A neighborhood survey (27% response rate) showed residents preferred a full neighborhood permit parking zone, while the Golden Mill preferred a 2‑hour limit only. Staff also identified the need for a loading zone on Water and Ford. - Council discussion highlighted the unique mix of residential, office, and commercial uses (especially the Golden Mill and Clayworks). Some councilors wanted to hear from the Mobility & Transportation Advisory Board (MTAB) before proceeding; others advocated for a broader stakeholder meeting and a potential expansion of the downtown parking district. No formal action was taken; staff was directed to organize stakeholder discussions and return with options. Study Session – Fire Department Data Analytics (5:30–6:00 p.m.) - Fire Chief Kasey Beal and Chief Sean Jones reported on the impacts of Ballot Question 2K (2023). Key outcomes: - Total response time reduced by 1 minute 26 seconds (from 2023 to 2025). - Station reliability improved from 63% to approximately 81% (a 28% increase when calculated correctly). - Call volume has more than doubled over the past 10 years (9% annual increase), attributed to tourism, aging population, and transportation corridors. - The Fire Department is now fully staffing two stations with three‑person crews and maintains a combination career‑volunteer model (27 active volunteers). - Future strategic goals include enhanced EMS (adding paramedic capability, estimated startup cost $300,000, recurring $100,000–$110,000), accreditation, and a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. - Council thanked staff for the presentation and requested making performance data more publicly visible. Discussion Items (Regular Business Meeting) - Resolution 3303 – 2026 Comprehensive Plan: Matt Wempe presented the plan, which replaces the 2011 plan. It emphasizes housing diversity, historic preservation, regional partnerships, and water planning. The plan was adopted by the Planning Commission and recommended to Council. After debate, Council voted 5‑2 to adopt (opposed: Councilors Cameron and Evans, who cited insufficient focus on the full housing spectrum and over‑emphasis on affordable housing). - Resolution 3304 – Council Rules Amendments: Councilor Cameron and Councilor Pfau presented changes clarifying that councilors should not serve on subcommittees of boards they are assigned to (e.g., DDA, GURA) except in rare exceptions, and should avoid chairing those boards. Unanimously approved (7‑0). - Resolution 3311 – Drought Enforcement Framework: Anne Beierle and Brian Tracy explained the administrative enforcement framework for outdoor water use restrictions, including escalating surcharges, warnings, administrative citations, and potential water shutoff after multiple violations (with opportunity for appeal). Council discussed communication strategies (AquaHawk alerts, mailed letters), HOA conflicts, and protection for renters. Unanimously approved (7‑0). - Ordinance 2292 – Water Use Code Clarifications (first reading): Companion ordinance to Resolution 3311, clarifying enforcement provisions. Public hearing set for April 28, 2026. Unanimously approved (7‑0). Proclamations - National Crime Victim’s Rights Week (April 19‑25) – proclaimed by Mayor Pro Tem Vitry. - National Volunteer Week (April 19‑25) – proclaimed by Councilor Cameron. - Earth Day (April 22) – proclaimed by Councilor Kurzinski. - Arbor Day (April 24) – proclaimed by Councilor Pfau; Golden recognized as a Tree City USA for the 37th consecutive year. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 7‑0. - Resolution 3303 (2026 Comprehensive Plan) adopted 5‑2 (opposed: Cameron, Evans). - Resolution 3304 (Council Rules) adopted 7‑0. - Resolution 3311 (Drought enforcement) adopted 7‑0. - Ordinance 2292 (Water use code) approved on first reading 7‑0; public hearing set for April 28 2026. - Study session direction: staff to organize stakeholder meetings on Water Street parking and return with broader options. - Study session outcome: Fire Department performance metrics to be shared more publicly; future updates on EMS and risk assessment to follow. - Council will provide regular updates on drought enforcement; a June study session update was requested.

The Golden Economic Development Commission (EDC) held its regular business meeting on April 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The Commission approved two funding requests: a $4,996 Small Business Support Grant for Slee Off-Road for battery backup power, and up to $2,000 for a Business Power Resilience Event scheduled for June 3, 2026. Staff provided updates on the 2026 budget, business retention activities, and communications from partner agencies including GURA/DDA, the Chamber, and the Community Marketing Committee. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Nick Noppinger, seconded by Tracy Atkins; all in favor. - Approval of March 12, 2026, Meeting Notes: Motion by Lauren Hartman, seconded by Marissa Trout; all in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received from the audience. However, Christo Slee, owner of Slee Off-Road, presented his grant application and answered commissioner questions. Discussion Items - Grant Application – Slee Off-Road: Christo Slee described how the December 2025 Xcel PSPS outage cost his business an estimated $75,000 in lost revenue and wages over three days, affecting 14 employees at his Pine Ridge Road location. He explained that a full generator system would cost over $50,000, so he proposed purchasing EcoFlow battery power stations totaling $9,992. The requested grant of $4,996 (50% of cost, excluding labor) would cover battery units for the server room, workshop, and individual workstations. Slee noted the system could be charged via solar or a small generator and would allow his business to operate for 1–2 days during outages. Commissioners expressed support, noting the application aligns with the expanded eligibility for electrical backup power under the Small Business Support Grant program. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the grant. - Funding Request – Business Power Resilience Event: Staff proposed hosting a free event on June 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gnarly’s Theater to provide Golden businesses with practical backup power and resiliency information, with a focus on sustainable, off-grid solutions. The agenda would include vendor tables, a panel discussion with local businesses and solar/battery vendors, a Chamber policy update, Xcel commercial rebate info, and city PSPS mitigation efforts. Staff requested up to $2,000 for venue rental, light refreshments, and professional recording/broadcasting. Commissioners discussed the event’s scope, noting it should remain focused on off-grid solutions to avoid requiring Xcel’s presence. Some questioned whether the event should be funded solely by EDC versus shared with other entities, but staff noted the budget had headroom and that the event directly addresses economic impacts. The Commission voted unanimously to approve up to $2,000 in sponsorship. - Staff Report: - 2026 Budget: Staff reported minimal spending so far; major upcoming items include a mentorship program with Bud Rock Hill/Traction, a makerspace feasibility study, and renewal of digital resources (B2B, Blue Dot). - Business Retention & Prospects: Staff highlighted that Terra CO2 (an economic incentive agreement recipient) is moving through permitting; a new brewery is coming to Golden (larger than Mountain Toad but smaller than Coors, focused on retail). The junction (52-acre industrial/commercial site) is in early planning stages. - Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Reports: Not yet available; expected to be released by April 13. - Communications: - GURA/DDA: The DDA approved an RFP for 30% plans for public spaces near City Hall and 100% plans for Archer Street. The DDA’s PSPS business relief program has processed about 80 applications, spending $200,000, and a separate resident relief effort provided $125 grants to 72 applicants. GURA is finalizing tax increment negotiations for the Church of the Nazarene affordable housing development (47 units at 80–100% AMI) and is expanding its board to comply with HB 1348. GURA also approved funding to explore electrical hardening/microgrids for business parks. - Golden Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber is preparing for its annual meeting and announced a new Wednesday afternoon farmers market at Golden High School (3–6 PM, through July). - Community Marketing Committee: The committee is undertaking a strategic planning study to realign its mission, and is exploring opportunities to attract visitors from the Sundance Film Festival (moving to Boulder on a 10-year contract), which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of attendees, with 65% from in-state. - Commissioner Comments: Tracy Atkins reported on the Golden Maker Social Club’s kickoff event at Astorhouse, attended by about 75 people. The event featured dot-voting on desired makerspace features and tool donations; two pop-up events are planned for summer. Key Outcomes - Approved a $4,996 Small Business Support Grant to Slee Off-Road for battery backup power (motion by Tracy Atkins, seconded by Cindy Weisrock; unanimous). - Approved up to $2,000 in sponsorship for the Business Power Resilience Event on June 3, 2026 (motion by Nick Noppinger, seconded by Marissa Trout; unanimous). - Staff will continue to develop the event agenda, promote the grant program, and coordinate with GURA/DDA and the Chamber on resilience efforts. - The next EDC meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2026.

The Golden Historic Preservation Board met on April 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 911 10th Street, Golden, Colorado. Vice Chair Chelsea Rooney presided in the absence of Chair Eric Trout and board member Susan Urbanczyk; a quorum was present. The central action was a public hearing on HPB 26-01, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of the locally designated Schall Residence and associated structures at 612 10th Street. The board approved a 126-day stay of demolition and appointed an ad hoc committee to explore preservation alternatives. Note: The minutes packet contains typographical year discrepancies ("April 8, 2025" and "January 14, 2025" in headers), while the agenda and meeting transcript confirm the meeting occurred April 8, 2026, and the prior minutes were for January 14, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approved the April 8, 2026 meeting agenda 5-0 (motion Butler, second Cook). - Approved the January 14, 2026 meeting minutes 5-0 (motion Murphy, second Butler). Public Comments & Testimony - No general public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. - Richard Gardner, who said he sponsored the 2005 historic designation, spoke during the demolition hearing. He strongly opposed demolition, described the building as Golden's oldest duplex and a Territorial-era landmark, and said the original 1868 structure should be preserved. He offered alternatives including relocating or deconstructing/reassembling the building on city-owned Goosetown lots, city acquisition for affordable/workforce housing, and restoration to its 1894 appearance. He urged the board to preserve the building and to keep the stay flexible. - Board member Susan Urbanczyk, absent from the meeting, submitted a written public comment supporting preservation of the Schall Structures and supporting staff's recommendation for a stay of demolition. Discussion Items - Staff Planner Lauren Simmons presented the demolition application. She noted the primary structure is locally designated under Ordinance 1708 (2005), is associated with notable early Golden citizens, and was constructed in 1869 according to city records (the 2018 architectural inventory estimated ca. 1873-78; Richard Gardner stated 1868). The property now sits in a parking lot and is the last remaining structure on its block. - Simmons explained that under revised Chapter 18.58, demolition of a designated historic site presumptively violates preservation standards and the board must impose a stay of up to 190 days. The permit application was accepted March 23, 2026. Staff recommended a 64-day stay (until June 10, 2026) to allow the applicant to market the structure for relocation and plan salvage. The written draft motion in the staff memo contained an inconsistent reference to September 29, 2026. - Applicant representatives Sarah Komppa and Sarah Marvez presented the Clayworks/CoorsTek master plan context. They said the property is part of an approved ODP/PUD, that the 84-foot height in the plan was a nod to the historic industrial buildings, and that they have rehabilitated or committed to rehabilitate multiple historic buildings on the larger site, including Building 1, Building 3, Buildings 13/21, and the historic Golden High School. They stated the location of the Schall Structures mid-block and required parking and setbacks made preservation infeasible within the proposed multifamily redevelopment, and that they had found no feasible preservation solution. - Board members questioned whether the applicant had explored integrating the house into the multifamily design or relocating it to a corner; the applicant said integration would be financially infeasible, and relocation to a corner had not been explored and could create awkward gateway conditions. - One board member said the proposal appeared inconsistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards and that the board had not received documentation of the alternatives explored; another said more evidence of due diligence would be helpful. The board discussed extending the stay beyond staff's recommended 64 days to allow consultation with city agencies and investigation of preservation options. - Discussion covered Actions A, C, D, E, and G under the demolition stay ordinance: civic/public consultation, relocation feasibility, salvage of materials, project modification exploration, and appointment of an ad hoc committee. Staff noted an ad hoc committee would need to work with the City Attorney and City Council if city acquisition were explored. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously (5-0, roll call) approved a motion by Butler, seconded by Cook, to issue a stay of demolition for HPB 26-01 for 126 days, until August 12, 2026, to study alternative means of preserving the Schall Structures from demolition. The stay specifically directed exploration of Actions A, C, D, E, and G: consulting with civic groups/public agencies/interested citizens; exploring relocation; salvaging materials; exploring project modifications; and appointing an ad hoc committee. Action B (recommending acquisition) was not included in the motion. - The board appointed Chelsea Rooney and Beth Cook to the ad hoc committee to pursue the preservation options. - Under Chapter 18.58, if the owner neither withdraws nor modifies the demolition application during the stay, the director will issue the Certificate of Appropriateness with a finding of "inappropriate" when the stay expires. Other Matters - Staff reported that board and commission interviews had occurred and new HPB members are expected to be appointed at the April 28, 2026 City Council meeting; five new members will join. Francine Butler, Linda Murphy, and Susan Urbanczyk were recognized for their service as outgoing members who did not reapply. - Board members shared highlights from the Saving Places Conference held February 4-6; Chelsea Rooney presented there on accessibility and preservation challenges. - Staff provided a Past Forward update: the revised Chapter 18.58 was approved by City Council on a 4-3 vote, and community engagement on revised design guidelines is underway, including a large engagement event on April 21, 2026, 4-6 p.m. at the Golden Community Center. - The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

The Golden Arts & Culture Commission (ACC) held its business meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at 911 10th Street, Golden, CO. The meeting featured a presentation on Native American community outreach, elections for chair and vice chair, a staff report, and review of a white paper draft. Notable statistics included the upcoming second annual Indigenous Connections Summit (April 28-30) with 150 attendees representing 12 tribes, and the identification of 51 federally recognized tribes with ties to Colorado. Consent Calendar - The agenda and minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting were approved after a correction: Commissioner Len Matheo, initially listed as both present and absent, was corrected to absent only. The motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person. Staff reported receiving two emails that morning: one from former Public Art Commission member Julie Bartos inquiring about artwork labels (staff responded that it is on the work plan for later this year), and another from a man seeking a memorial sculpture for his mother (staff are corresponding for clarification and will bring the proposal to the commission once details are clear). Discussion Items 1. Native American Outreach and Programming Initiatives - Steve LaPointe (Sicangu Lakota), founder of First Tribal Consulting and Chair of the Golden Native American Advisory Board, along with staff member Nathan Richie, presented on the city's ongoing efforts to elevate Indigenous representation. Key points included: - The Golden History Museum (founded in 1938 as the Pioneer Museum) had historically excluded Indigenous narratives; recent initiatives aim to tell a more complete story. - The city has identified 51 federally recognized tribes with ties to Colorado, with only two based in the state. - An advisory board of 10 members from multiple tribal backgrounds provides guidance. - Programs include the "Ute Knowledge" STEM outreach, the "We Are Still Here" exhibit (now traveling), and the upcoming "Colorado Native" exhibit. - The second annual Indigenous Connections Summit will take place April 28-30 at the Golden Community Center, with 150 attendees (sold out) and 12 participating tribes. Sessions include working with Indigenous artists, ethical stewardship, and land management. - The city built an arbor space at the history park used for ceremonies and gatherings; Denver city officials visited to model a similar project. - Cultural awareness training for City Council was delivered, and willow harvesting for sweat lodges is now permitted without harassment. - LaPointe emphasized Golden as the "epicenter" of institutional change, noting partnerships with the Smithsonian and Harvard University for repatriation work. A guidebook on tribal consultation is being developed. 2. Elections for Chair and Vice Chair - Commissioner Rick Souders was nominated for Chair (four nominations received) and Commissioner Saoirse Charis-Graves for Vice Chair (two nominations). Both gave brief remarks. Paper ballots were cast and tabulated. The result was a landslide: Rick Souders was elected Chair and Saoirse Charis-Graves Vice Chair, effective from the May 2026 meeting for a one-year term, eligible for re-election. 3. Staff Report - Nathan Richie and Alyssa Williams provided updates: - The city's public art webpage has been updated with images, list of 2026 grantees, and a map. A professional photographer will be hired. - The municipal building art selection is in design refinement, with installation planned for spring 2027. - America 250/Colorado 150 artworks are in negotiation with a sculptor; site locations selected. - A conservation report from Pacific Coast Conservation will be presented in May. - Museum updates: Strategic planning continues, a pilot arts program is being created, and the "Glimpses of Golden" exhibit opened in February. Spring break camp was held for the first time. - The Indigenous Connections Summit is sold out; a free public reception with artist Danielle SeeWalker is on April 29. 4. Review of White Paper Draft - The commission reviewed a one-page draft document summarizing the ACC's role and value, intended for use when meeting with other boards and commissions. Feedback included that the document is informative but dense; some members requested a more concise, graphical version for public events like Golden Beer Talks. Staff will refine the draft and consider creating a shorter version. The current version will serve as a handy reference for commissioners. 5. New Business and Updates - Commissioner Tammy Ahmed noted that a bus stop sign had been placed in the middle of the sculpture at Triangle Park that afternoon; staff will follow up. - Commissioner Kristie Brice shared information about a makers event on Wednesday and distributed posters. - Commissioner Cindy Jaye mentioned interest in the book "Theo in Golden" and potential arts-related programming, possibly through a grant. - The issue of subcommittee reappointments (Art in Public Places and Grantmaking) was discussed. Commissioners were asked to express interest by the end of the week. A possible ad hoc committee for museum support was also mentioned. Key Outcomes - Elections: Rick Souders elected Chair, Saoirse Charis-Graves elected Vice Chair, effective May 2026. - White Paper: The draft will be revised; a shorter version may be created for public-facing events like Golden Beer Talks in June. - Indigenous Connections Summit: Scheduled for April 28-30, sold out; staff will continue to promote and share outcomes. - Subcommittees: Commissioners to indicate their preferred subcommittee by April 10; new chair will make appointments. - Upcoming Meetings: May meeting will feature the conservation report and further white paper discussion. Rick Souders will formally assume chair duties at that time.

The Golden Planning Commission met on April 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to consider a form zone site plan for 817 16th Street and conduct a study session on potential amendments to the Peripheral Overlay zone. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, public comment, and a vote on the site plan. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval (7-0) of the April 1, 2026 agenda. - Unanimous approval (7-0) of the minutes from March 18, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Public comment was opened and closed at 5:31 p.m. with no speakers for items not associated with regular business. - For the 817 16th Street item, public comment was opened at 6:25 p.m. and closed with no members of the public speaking. Discussion Items - PC26-01 – 817 16th Street: Form Zone Site Plan - Staff presented the proposal for a combination of form types on a 7,500 sq ft lot at 817 16th Street, including preserving the existing front building and adding units to the rear. The site plan provides 8 parking spaces, including tandem configurations. - Applicant Ronnie Pelusio (co-owner and architect) described the project: preserving the front structure, adding a micro unit in the rear of the front building, and constructing two units with lofted sleeping areas atop the existing rear garage unit. Unit sizes: rear units 586, 651, and 472 sq ft; front studio-plus-loft unit 590 sq ft. - Discussion focused on the definition of loft and its impact on parking requirements. The director determined that lofted units with unenclosed bedrooms should be classified as studio units for parking, requiring one space each. Some commissioners argued that large lofts (273 and 336 sq ft) should count as one-bedroom units (1.5 spaces). - A motion to approve with conditions was amended to: (A) reclassify units 821A and 821B as one-bedroom with a 1.5 parking space requirement per code, and (B) require unit 817C’s loft to comply with the municipal code definition of loft (which references IRC R315, limiting loft area to 70 sq ft). The amendment passed 7-0. - The final motion to approve the site plan with those conditions passed 4-3, with Commissioners Hilliard, Horan, and Fraser dissenting. Study Session: Peripheral Overlay - Staff led a study session on the Peripheral Overlay zone, exploring whether to allow cottage form types. Key points: - The peripheral zone currently only permits the “house” form type (up to 3,200 sq ft). Adding cottage types could allow smaller lots and smaller dwelling units. - Seven cottage types exist in the code; most require alley access, but only 19% of peripheral parcels have alleys. - Commissioners expressed concerns about proportionality, the risk of lot splits, and the need for public engagement. Several commissioners suggested developing a new “peripheral cottage” form type rather than importing existing ones. No formal action was taken; staff will continue research and bring back more detailed proposals. Key Outcomes - Approved: Form zone site plan for 817 16th Street (Case PC26-01) with conditions: 1. Adjust parking requirements for Units 821A and 821B to one-bedroom (1.5 spaces per unit). 2. Ensure the loft in Unit 817C conforms to the municipal code definition of loft (≤70 sq ft). - Vote on approval: 4-3 (Yoshida, Culbert, Rutter, Webb in favor; Hilliard, Horan, Fraser opposed). - The study session on the Peripheral Overlay concluded with a direction for staff to further explore a new cottage form type tailored to peripheral characteristics and to engage the public before any recommendation to City Council.

The Special Events Review Committee (SERC) held a regular meeting on March 25, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The committee introduced new members, reviewed three grant applications, and discussed upcoming events and committee business. The meeting also included a farewell to outgoing Special Events Coordinator Diane. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present for public comment. Discussion Items - Buffalo Bill Days: Requested $5,000 for portable toilet rentals. The event is a three-day festival in July with a predicted attendance of 25,000. The committee noted the event’s popularity and its 40-year history. A motion to approve the full $5,000 was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Golden Gallop (Golden Schools Foundation): Requested $5,000 for road signage, barricades, cones, and race timing expenses. The 20th annual run/walk supports Golden schools with $60,000 annually. The committee discussed that the city requested road closures, increasing costs. A motion to approve the full $5,000 was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Golden Bike Cruise (Golden Community Commons): The application originally requested $3,300 for live bands. However, the organizer left a voicemail requesting $5,000 to cover increased costs (police presence, stainless steel cups, bike giveaways). The application did not reflect the updated request or safety improvements. Committee members expressed concerns about accuracy and the need to document safety changes. A motion to table the application for resubmission with a more complete request was made, seconded, and approved. - Remaining Budget: After previous approvals ($2,500 for Western on Washington PTA) and the two $5,000 grants, approximately $27,500 remains of the $40,000 total funds. - Member Updates: New members Len and Leah were welcomed. Two additional seats (MTAB and Sustainability Advisory Board) will be filled soon. Diane’s last day is next week; a new special events coordinator will be hired. - Upcoming Events: The committee discussed attending events (Easter Egg Hunt, E-Days, Farmer’s Market, etc.) and completing post-event evaluations. A sign-up genius link will be sent. Key Outcomes - Approved: $5,000 grant to Buffalo Bill Days for portable toilets (unanimous). - Approved: $5,000 grant to Golden Gallop for barricades and timing (unanimous). - Tabled: Golden Bike Cruise grant application; organizer asked to resubmit with corrected request and details on safety improvements. - Remaining SERC Grant Funds: Approximately $27,500. - Next Steps: The committee will begin discussions on refining the grant vision and process for 2027. Diane will be replaced, and new members will be onboarded.

The Community Marketing Board held a special meeting on March 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The meeting featured a presentation from the Sundance Institute about its upcoming move to Boulder, updates on the strategic marketing plan and 2026 budget, a review of 2025 visitation data, and discussions on partnership opportunities. No formal votes were taken. Public Comments & Testimony - Karen Oxman (Friends of the Golden History Museum & Park) encouraged the board to participate in upcoming celebrations for the US 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary. She highlighted a giant flag dedication on May 16, 2026, Colorado Day activities, and a drone show on September 12, 2026, at Ulysses Park. Discussion Items - Sundance Institute Presentation – Jeff Levine, Head of Audience Development & Experience, presented the institute’s history and mission. He confirmed the Sundance Film Festival will be held in Boulder from January 21–31, 2027, under a 10-year agreement. Key stats from the 2025 festival: 85,000 unique visitors (two-thirds in-state), 4,000 feature film submissions, 15 theaters, and over 1,000 volunteers. He noted that 47.23% of traditional visitors (60+ miles) stay overnight, and the average accommodation spend is $409.55. The institute is exploring ways to engage nearby communities, including Golden, through transportation, lodging partnerships, and co-marketing. Board members discussed short-term rental regulations, shuttle logistics, and ticket pricing ($35 for single tickets; passes up to thousands of dollars). No immediate commitments were made. - Strategic Plan Update – The board reviewed progress on the strategic marketing plan. Three digital surveys (tourism stakeholder, resident sentiment, visitor) will launch within the next two weeks. A board retreat is scheduled for May 12, 2026 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) to discuss balanced marketing between residents and tourism, stewardship, seasonality, and group sales. Members emphasized the need for a clear central message and better measurement of economic impact. - Budget Review – The 2026 marketing budget was presented, noting that media buying for the winter campaign ($40,000 typical) has not yet been billed. The special events line item ($39,425) will increase as Goldens in Golden costs are finalized. The Goldens in Golden event (held in February 2026) generated revenue through sponsorships and vendor fees, with net proceeds returning to the community marketing fund. Expenses included $3,500 for vendor internet, security, portable restrooms, stage/tent rental, and shuttles (4,600 riders). Board members raised safety concerns about the splash lot, suggesting added security, doubled shuttles, and an ambassador for the 2027 event (tentatively set for February 6, 2027). The board also discussed trademarking the “Goldens in Golden” name and establishing a licensing framework for its use. - 2025 Visitation Review – Derek presented data from DataFi, splitting visitors into two groups: close drive (7–60 miles, 14.98 million visits) and traditional (60+ miles, 3.94 million visits). Only 1.53% of close-drive visitors stayed overnight versus 47.23% of traditional visitors. Average daily spend (excluding lodging) was $87.79 for close drive and $162.02 for traditional. Top markets for close drive: Denver (29.6%), Littleton (15.57%), Arvada (8.83%). For traditional visitors: Texas (13.24%), Colorado (9.20%), California (6.93%). The board discussed how to target these distinct markets and encouraged more granular strategies. - Partnership Opportunities – The board briefly considered sponsoring Outside Days Festival (reduced price from $12,000 to $8,000) and Yoga on the Rocks at Red Rocks. Most members expressed no interest, seeing limited value or preferring to wait for the strategic plan. No motion was made. - Contractor Report – The SEO/AdWords contract is expiring. The creative agency RFP is in review, with a decision expected within 1–2 weeks. Key Outcomes - Strategic plan surveys will be distributed digitally within two weeks to stakeholders, residents, and visitors. - Board retreat confirmed for May 12, 2026, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, to refine the strategic marketing plan. - Goldens in Golden 2027 will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027 (official announcement pending). Improvements will include additional security, shuttle capacity, and an ambassador at the splash lot. - Trademark/merchandise licensing for Goldens in Golden will be researched and a proposal brought back to the board by summer 2026. - No partnership commitments were made for Outside Days Festival or Yoga on the Rocks. - Creative agency RFP review continues; SEO/AdWords contract expiration to be addressed in upcoming meetings.

The Mobility and Transportation Advisory Board (MTAB) held a rescheduled regular meeting on March 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. UTC. Staff presented the draft Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan, led a discussion on the docked bike share feasibility study, reviewed the standards manual and micro-mobility policy drafts, and provided project updates. Note: The supplied agenda and transcript are dated March 16, 2026; the date March 21, 2026 is used here as specified. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as presented. - Approved the minutes from the February meeting (agenda item lists 2/26/2025; transcript refers to the February meeting). Public Comments & Testimony - A concern was raised about a drainage outlet on the sidewalk next to the Coors building on Ford Street, between 9th and future 8th Street, where water continually spills onto the sidewalk and creates a trip/slip hazard, especially after snowmelt. - A new neighborhood stop sign was reported as placed too far back from the intersection and squeezed toward a tree. Staff acknowledged there is no published minimum/maximum distance, but agreed the sign needs to be where drivers expect to see it. No resolution was reached. Discussion Items TDM Plan - Matt Wempe and Grace Fleming presented the draft Golden TDM Plan. The program is largely voluntary, but mandatory elements are tied to Ordinance 2270, which allows developers to reduce parking requirements by submitting a TDM plan. MTAB feedback will be incorporated before a formal adoption recommendation at the April meeting, with City Council consideration scheduled for May 12, 2026. - Key statistics cited: about 90% of trips involving Golden originate outside city limits; 60% to 80% of vehicle trips are through-trips or regional commutes; roughly 30% of arterial streets are high-stress for pedestrians and cyclists; and only about 25% of the city is within a 10-minute walk of transit. The Golden Mobility Assessment shows up to 90% of residents commute out of the city and about 95% of the local workforce commutes in; nearly 17% of residents are under 18 and nearly 11% are over 65, with 34% of Jefferson County projected to be 60 or older by 2040. - Public engagement included 100 survey responses through Guiding Golden and 64 additional responses through an alternate no-registration platform. Themes included distance and topography, safety and comfort concerns, parking shortages, desire for safer bike lanes, insufficient bike parking, interest in e-bikes, and limited Ore Cart reach. - Staff outlined five TDM goals: increase sustainable transportation use; build collaborative partnerships; empower businesses, developers, property owners, and the community with resources; establish a transparent and effective program; and improve understanding of how single-occupancy vehicle trips can be replaced. The plan contains 35 strategies phased across Program Launch (Year 1), Short-Term (Years 2-3), Medium-Term (Years 4-5), and Long-Term (Years 6+). - Staff reported approximately $100,000 is allocated in the 2026 budget to launch the program, and Grace Fleming will serve as TDM Coordinator. The program will work with the West Corridor Transportation Management Association and partners such as Colorado School of Mines and Clayworks. Staff also noted Ore Cart ridership grew roughly 56% year over year and exceeded 20,000 trips per month last fall. - Board questions focused on parking management language in the plan. Staff clarified the plan does not prescribe specific parking prices, but decisions such as free two-hour on-street parking versus garage pricing can be used to align parking with mobility goals. A board member requested Ore Cart service extension to Normandy Park or a nearby turnaround; staff said North Golden had not shown high predicted demand, but placed the request on the route-review list. Board members also discussed high school TDM needs caused by reduced school busing and parking overflow. Docked Bike Share Feasibility Study - Grace Fleming and Matt Wempe presented the DRCOG-funded electric docked bike share feasibility study. The study is fully funded through DRCOG's Innovative Mobility Set-Aside program and will continue through December 2026. It evaluates operational models, infrastructure, management structures, station siting, pricing, data sharing, and a phased implementation plan. - The study was prompted by Golden's sustainability and active transportation goals. Data cited: 47% of respondents (210 individuals) to the 2022 Downtown Employee Transportation Survey commute five miles or less to work, while 69% of respondents to the 2020 Transportation Master Plan survey drove alone and only 2% commuted by bicycle. - Public engagement includes a Guiding Golden survey open January 28 through April 3, 2026; pop-ups at the Colorado Environmental Film Festival (February 20-22), Golden Community Center (March 9), and Colorado School of Mines Student Center (March 11); plus yard signs and social media. Staff reported more than 400 social media responses, initially mixed to highly negative, with more balanced feedback from in-person pop-ups. - The docked model is intended to avoid problems from the 2018 Ofo dockless pilot, which left bikes in public rights-of-way and ended when the operator went bankrupt. Electric bicycles are viewed as necessary due to Golden's topography. - Board discussion raised several positions: consider local bike rental shops as partners rather than competitors; question whether a city of Golden's size can support enough stations to be convenient; support geofencing and speed-governor technology to manage behavior; and account for the high capital cost of owning bikes and infrastructure. Staff noted solar power alone may be insufficient for e-bike charging, and electrified hubs could support broader city electrification goals. Standards Manual Discussion - Staff reported minor changes to the standards manual and said standard details are beginning to be uploaded. Board members were encouraged to review the shared file and submit comments or edits. Micro-mobility Policy Discussion - Staff presented a revised micro-mobility policy draft that is primarily behavior-based but still contains some equipment-type language. It is adapted from a Menifee, California model with California-specific references removed. - Board members discussed Oregon's recent e-bike laws, including age restrictions, helmet requirements, parental liability for violations by minors, penalties for selling noncompliant e-bikes, and provisions that treat noncompliant powered devices as motor vehicles requiring license and registration. They debated the appropriate age breakpoint, with options including 14, 15, 16, or middle school versus high school, and discussed whether to set helmet requirements for riders under 18 across all e-bike classes. Colorado currently requires helmets for riders under 18 only on class 3 e-bikes and does not have a statewide all-minor bicycle helmet law. - The board also discussed behavior expectations such as path speed limits, passing at safe speeds, staying to the right, sidewalk riding at walking speed, and avoiding wheelies. Members emphasized framing these as positive best-practice guidance. Police coordination was discussed as important, but enforcement is difficult because young riders often have no ID and are not chased. Project Updates - Staff provided status updates: a U.S. 93 public meeting is scheduled for Thursday at the Golden Community Center; construction easements for the early utility package were signed; Tucker Gulch design is continuing; Colfax complete street work is progressing slowly; a roundabout at Heritage Road and U.S. 40 is advancing toward a FOR process with CDOT; Parfet Park parking lot improvements are beginning and will include drainage and water quality work; and the Clayworks development agreement may be revisited for parking changes. - An additional rectangular rapid flashing beacon set is planned for the 19th Street crossing due to poor sight lines, and coordination with Colorado School of Mines on the 19th Street crossing continues. Concerns were raised about sight distance and construction vehicles blocking views at the Corporate Circle/CDOT highway work site; staff said they discussed the issue with the contractor. New Business & Referrals - A board member noted upcoming board member appointments and encouraged interest in the Special Events Committee vacancy, which meets on the third Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Key Outcomes - Agenda and February meeting minutes were approved. - TDM Plan: MTAB feedback will be incorporated; staff will return at the April meeting (referenced as April 23) for a formal adoption recommendation, and City Council will consider the plan on May 12, 2026. - Docked Bike Share: MTAB input will be incorporated into the feasibility analysis; further MTAB updates are expected in 2026 as the study continues through December. - Standards Manual: Board members were asked to submit edits and comments before the next meeting. - Micro-mobility Policy: The policy remains in draft; the board will continue discussion, including possible age and helmet provisions and coordination with police. - Project updates were received; no formal action was taken on project updates.

On March 18, 2026, the Golden Planning Commission held a regular meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. at 911 10th Street. The primary action was a unanimous 5-0 recommendation to rezone the Golden Terrace Mobile Home Park from commercial to PUD with an Official Development Plan (ODP). The meeting also included approval of prior meeting minutes and updates on upcoming cases. Consent Calendar - Agenda for March 18, 2026 was approved 5-0 via voice vote. - Minutes from March 4, 2026 were approved 5-0 via voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Roberta Walton – Vice President of the Golden Terrace Community Council. She expressed gratitude to city staff and Equity Lifestyle for organizing a neighborhood meeting and explaining the ODP. She stated that residents initially feared losing their homes but left the meeting reassured and supportive of the ODP. She recommended approval and noted the nearly four-year journey to reach this point. - Casey Brown – North Golden resident and representative of Golden United. He commended staff and Equity Lifestyle for preserving affordable housing and confirmed that the ODP met the standards in Section 18.48 of the Municipal Code. He recommended approval and described the case as a “slam dunk.” - One written comment was received from a resident in support of preservation. Discussion Items - PC26-13 – Rezoning of Golden Terrace Mobile Home Park (17601 W. Colfax Ave) - Staff (Rick Muriby, Community Development Director) presented the rezoning proposal. The 85.5-acre property currently has 654 mobile home sites and 86 RV sites. It is primarily zoned C-1 Commercial, making the mobile home use legal non-conforming. The city initiated a rezoning to PUD with an ODP to establish specific rules and preserve affordable housing as directed by the South Neighborhoods Plan. - The ODP defines two land use areas: Mobile Home (MH) and RV. Accessory uses such as convenience store and daycare were initially included for the MH area but were removed after resident feedback. Prohibited uses include sanitary waste stations, urban farms, and livestock. - Density: up to 690 mobile home sites (current 654); maximum 1 mobile home per site; 86 RV sites maximum. - Building standards: setbacks (5 ft from internal drives, 10 ft separation between units), height limits (30 ft for two-story mobile homes, 25 ft for other structures), parking (1 space per site). Existing conditions are allowed to continue; compliance is required only when units are replaced. - The definition of “mobile home park” in the ODP uses a land-use based definition (not the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act definition, which focuses on tenant-landlord relationships). A note was added stating compliance with the Colorado Act. - The neighborhood meeting on February 12, 2026 was well attended (70 people); 573 postcards were sent; Spanish translation was provided. - Staff found that the rezoning met all criteria in Section 18.48.060 and the ODP standards in Section 18.28.050. Key Outcomes - Motion by Webb, seconded by Rutter to recommend that City Council approve Resolution PC26-13 to rezone Golden Terrace to PUD and adopt the associated ODP, based on the findings in the March 18, 2026 Staff Report and evidence presented at the hearing. - The motion passed 5-0 via roll call vote (Commissioners Hilliard, Fraser, Webb, Rutter, Horan all voting yes; Yoshida and Culbert absent). - The rezoning will next go to City Council for a public hearing and final decision (tentatively scheduled for April 28 and May 12, 2026). - The public survey and email feedback will remain open through the council process. Other Matters & Potential New Business - Staff (Karl Onsager) provided updates on upcoming cases: - April 1, 2026: Continued discussion on the Form-Based Code site plan for 817 16th Street. - Future study session on the Housing Needs Assessment with Affordable Housing Coordinator Lauren McKinney. - Upcoming neighborhood meetings for pending cases (Clayworks, 1870 West Fourth Avenue special use permit). - Staff is updating the planning application website and noted that ex parte communication rules for quasi-judicial cases may be clarified in upcoming code changes. - Commissioner Fraser clarified that the Highway 93 discussion is a legislative policy item, not a quasi-judicial case, so commissioners may attend.