Public Meetings - Golden, Colorado

The Golden Economic Development Commission (EDC) met on October 8, 2026. The agenda covered the selection of an economic indicator dashboard platform (mySidewalk vs. Lightcast), an update on the Makerspace Feasibility Study, and a thorough review of the proposed 2026–2028 biennial budget. Staff also provided updates on business retention, a major CRM data reconciliation, and June 2026 tax revenue performance. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved by unanimous voice vote. - Minutes of the September 10, 2026, meeting approved by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment in person or via email. Discussion Items Economic Indicator Dashboard: Platform Evaluation & Draft Indicator Review - Staff (Economic Development Manager Tim Dwyer and Specialist Abdullah Saquib) presented findings from a trial of mySidewalk and Lightcast. Lightcast offered superior real-time labor market analytics, while mySidewalk provided equivalent public data coverage, a more intuitive modular interface, lower cost, and better long-term maintainability. Staff formally recommended the adoption of mySidewalk. - Board members expressed support for the staff recommendation and process. Member Jim Weiler emphasized the critical importance of operational longevity for future staff transitions. Staff noted that Jefferson County EDC holds a Lightcast license available for quarterly queries by member municipalities, preserving access to advanced workforce analytics. - The board reviewed a draft framework of 24 indicators across four pillars: Demographics, Workforce & Industry, Housing & Affordability, and Commerce & Fiscal. Member Tracy Atkins raised concerns about relying on stale 5-year ACS data and urged a focus on trend lines and more frequent sources such as Zillow for median home values. Members also discussed the importance of the Innovation Economy indicator (patents per capita), widely described as a unique strength for Golden. - A consensus emerged to explore adding a fifth "Quality of Life" pillar, which could include parkland per capita, trail mileage, crime statistics, and school performance data. Staff will investigate data availability Makerspace Feasibility Study Update - Tim Dwyer reported that the contract with Artspace Consultants is formalized. A kick-off call with the core stakeholder group is scheduled for October 20th. A virtual artist focus group is planned for the week of November 30th, followed by a two-day site visit the week of December 7th. - Board members Tracy Atkins and Jim Weiler are serving on the ad-hoc Makerspace Subcommittee, with Chair Lauren Hartman as alternate. Members of the subcommittee are expected to participate in the kick-off call alongside staff. - Atkins requested that the Golden Startup Network and the Chamber of Commerce be added to the stakeholder group to ensure a strong business-angle perspective. Jim Weiler offered to connect staff with an NREL contact. Staff agreed to pursue these additions. 2026–2028 Proposed Budget Review - Tim Dwyer presented the proposed budget for board discussion, noting that City Council has not yet approved the full municipal budget (expected in November). Key proposed budgetary changes highlighted by staff include: - Training/Travel/Outreach: increased from $5,700 to $10,000/yr for 2027–2028. - Makerspace Support: budgeted at $20,000/yr for 2027–2028. - Economic Dashboard Tool: new line item at $15,000/yr for 2027–2028. - Digital Tools (Bludot/Qwally): proposed to move to IT Department overhead starting in 2027, freeing up approximately $15,000/yr. - Community Sponsorships: increased from $9,800 to $12,000/yr for 2027–2028. - Grant Program: request to increase to $50,000 was declined by finance; remains at $40,000/yr. - Business Mentor Program: a significant $60,000 allocation was approved in the proposed budget for 2028. - Staff noted that the 2026 budget has sufficient remaining capacity in Professional Services to absorb the dashboard tool expenditure this year. A formal vote on the budget is scheduled for the November meeting. Key Outcomes - Dashboard Platform Direction: The board directed staff to proceed with finalizing a contract for mySidewalk. A formal vote on the expenditure is expected at the November meeting following IT and accessibility clearance. - Indicator Framework Expansion: Staff will investigate adding a "Quality of Life" indicators pillar and pursue more frequent data sources for Housing & Affordability metrics (e.g., Zillow, MLS, county assessment data). - Makerspace Stakeholders: The stakeholder group will be expanded to include the Golden Startup Network, Chamber of Commerce, and an NREL contact. - Budget Path Forward: Staff will prepare a final 2026–2028 budget reflecting finance department adjustments for formal board approval in November. The 2026 budget has sufficient flexibility to launch the dashboard tool. - CRM Expansion: The Bludot update added 430 new businesses, 988 direct emails, and 921 phone contacts, raising total outreach coverage from 86.1% to 94.6% of registered entities. Staff will recommend an annual update cycle. - Tax Revenue Monitoring: Sales tax YTD is $12.19 million, 2.98% above 2025 and $79,504 over budget. Marijuana tax continues to outperform, up 16.1% YTD and $101,804 above budget. Use tax collections remain 17.15% behind 2025 despite improvement in June. Lodging tax is 5.5% behind 2025 year-to-date. Staff will continue to monitor geographic sales tax variations and lodging seasonality.

The Golden Planning Commission held a study session to discuss potential amendments to the zoning code regarding how garages are counted toward floor area, and to review the threshold for substantial alteration that triggers additional site plan review. Staff presented definitions and examples, and commissioners provided direction for future code changes. Discussion Items - Garages and Floor Area: Staff explained that garages are currently excluded from floor area calculations, which can allow oversized garages on lots where the house already maxes out floor area. Commissioners agreed that garages above a reasonable size should count toward a site’s allowed floor area to prevent circumventing building size limits. There was consensus to allow a baseline square footage for a two-car garage (e.g., 500 sq ft) before additional garage space would be counted toward floor area. Commissioners favored a square footage limit rather than limiting dimensions, to allow flexibility. - Substantial Alteration Threshold: The current 25% expansion of floor area or parking area triggers a form zone site plan process. Staff raised concerns that this threshold places disproportionate burden on small projects, while commissioners debated whether to adjust the metric (e.g., using a percentage of total allowed floor area). No definitive change was agreed upon; commissioners expressed openness to further staff analysis but were not convinced that the process is broken. - Notification and Public Input: Commissioner Hillier raised a concern that neighbors may not receive early notice of projects that are administratively reviewed, referencing the recent Jackson Street project. The discussion touched on balancing property rights and transparency. Commissioners indicated interest in a future study session dedicated to notification procedures and public involvement timing. Key Outcomes - Direction on Garages: Commissioners supported a proposal to amend the code so that garages exceeding a baseline square footage (staff to determine specific size, likely around 500–600 sq ft) would count toward the site’s maximum floor area. This would discourage oversized garages while still allowing standard two-car garages. - No Change to Substantial Alteration Threshold Yet: The commission did not direct staff to change the 25% trigger, but will entertain further data and options at a later meeting. - Future Study Session Planned: Staff will bring back additional analysis on the substantial alteration threshold and also schedule a separate study session on public notification processes for certain development applications. - Upcoming Meetings: Staff noted that the October 20, 2026 meeting may be canceled due to lack of active business. The Jackson Street appeal will be heard by City Council on the following Tuesday (date not specified).

The Golden Arts & Culture Commission (ACC) held a business meeting on October 5, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in Council Chambers at 911 10th Street. Commissioner Rick Souders presided. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, public comment, discussion and approval of mission and vision statements, a jury recommendation for Lions Park public artwork, planning for a location charrette open house, and a brainstorming session on measuring arts and community impact. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Written comments were received from Brian Quarnstrom regarding artwork on the water tower near Golden Gateway Village, and from Karen Oxman about artwork near Golden Pond. Both comments were noted and included in the meeting packet. Staff directed the public to the upcoming location charrette process for future public art consideration. - An email exchange between Jennifer Thoemke and Nathan Richie was included in the packet. Thoemke sought clarification on funding for a water tower art project. Richie explained that the Arts in Public Places (AIPP) program receives $80k annually in capital disbursements and that projects may require saving over multiple years. He noted that the mapping and prioritization process will guide project selection. - An anonymous written comment raised concerns about AI-generated content in the “Shiny Sphere Search” event. Richie responded, and the commenter expressed disappointment that the City was not alarmed by AI. The comment was acknowledged but not discussed further. Discussion Items - Mission and Vision Statement Discussion: The Strategic Planning Subcommittee presented draft mission (“Cultivating a thriving and inclusive Golden by championing creativity, arts and culture”) and vision (“A vibrant Golden where arts and culture is a defining feature that connects people, inspires creativity, and shapes daily life”) statements. Commissioners discussed the word “culture” as potentially vague but agreed it was suitable given the strategic plan’s broader definition. The word “inclusive” was debated; members felt it encompassed accessibility, belonging, and representation across socioeconomic status, age, ability, and geography. A motion to approve the statements passed unanimously. - Lions Park Public Artwork Jury Recommendation: Commissioner Christy Brice reported on the jury process. The call for entries received 23 submissions. A jury of 9–10 members (including Parks personnel, a Parks board member, five ACC members, citizens, and a child) selected three finalists, who were given stipends to develop detailed proposals. The finalists were Alexander Bond (Pollinators at Play), Shohini Ghosh (Whispers of Nature), and Chris Duh (A Quiet Discovery Within Lions Park). The jury recommended Bond’s proposal, noting its safety, sensory play for neurodivergent children, and alignment with the nature-play theme. The artist was responsive to feedback. Staff confirmed the $34,000 budget (funded from 1% for Art and additional Park and Recreation allocations). A motion to approve the artwork and budget passed unanimously. - Location Charrette Open House: Staff announced an open house on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Golden History Museum. The event will include dedication of the two Colorado 150/America 250 murals, remarks from the Governor, music, food, an art-making activity, and a community mapping exercise to identify potential locations for future public art. The charrette will be facilitated by Kendall Peterson. Commissioners discussed the need for clear communication about the public art process, particularly for community members proposing private-property projects. Staff noted that the AIPP handbook outlines procedures and that the City is moving toward funding only art on city-owned properties. - Arts and Community Impact Brainstorm: Staff presented a memo proposing an impact framework to measure cultural participation, economic vitality, community well-being, connection and civic life, and identity and place. Commissioners discussed the purpose of measurement (advocacy vs. program improvement), audience (taxpayers, businesses, visitors), and data sources. Key themes included the value of economic impact data, the importance of community connection, and the need to inventory existing cultural offerings. Commissioners expressed interest in leveraging existing studies (e.g., Leeds School of Business report, CBCA data) and exploring partnerships. No formal decision was made; staff will compile input and bring prioritization to a future meeting. - Staff Report: Nathan Richie provided updates: a video about Graham Carraway’s artwork was delivered; the Lions Park jury selected the finalist; both 150th anniversary artworks were installed; the museum’s Vietnam veterans exhibit opened with a reception; the Grant Subcommittee will meet October 22 to review applications (15 received so far); and the Art in Public Places Subcommittee will meet October 15 to finalize the AIPP handbook. He also noted that the Strategic Plan Subcommittee developed the mission and vision statements. - New Business: Commissioner Len Matheo highlighted a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) activation event on Saturday, October 3, from 11 AM to 3 PM, involving Foothills Art Center, live music, and art displays. He suggested that the Economic Development Commission be invited to present to the ACC. Key Outcomes - Approved the August 31, 2026 meeting minutes with amendments (typo corrections in agenda and minutes, staff notes date correction). - Approved the mission and vision statements for the ACC. - Approved Alexander Bond’s “Pollinators at Play” for the Lions Park playground public artwork, with a $34,000 budget. - Scheduled the Location Charrette Open House for October 28, 2026, to gather community input on future public art locations. - Directed staff to continue developing the arts and community impact measurement framework and bring prioritization back to the Commission. - Noted that 15 grant applications had been received by the October 10 deadline.

The Mobility and Transportation Advisory Board (MTAB) held its regular meeting on September 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting began with roll call, agenda approval, and approval of the August 27, 2026 minutes, followed by public comment. The board then adjourned to a study session to discuss the Clayworks development (parking/TDM), Colfax Complete Street design, and a micromobility policy update. Staff provided project updates and the board addressed new business. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda by B. Palmintier, seconded by C. Brown, unanimously approved. - Approval of Minutes (8/27/2026): Motion to approve by R. Grubin, seconded by A. Zimmerman, unanimously approved with minor corrections (spelling of a name). Public Comments & Testimony - Alex Phillipson (North Ford neighborhood): Expressed gratitude for the center line striping on Iowa Drive and commented on U-turn issues at US6/Johnson Road. Requested a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Catamunt and Golden Gate Canyon to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. He also inquired about painting parking space lines on Washington Street and nearby side streets to improve parking efficiency. - Katie Macarelli (sp?): Thanked the city for the flexible delineators on Ford Street that make the bike lane more noticeable. - Email from Meg Van Ness (Garden Street area): Read aloud by staff. Opposed any parking exemptions for the Clayworks community, arguing that employees should not be expected to change commuting behavior and that the city should enforce existing traffic and parking codes. Discussion Items - Clayworks Development Follow‑Up (Parking and TDM): The board reviewed a shared parking spreadsheet provided by Clayworks that calculates parking demand based on land‑use mixtures and time‑of‑day curves. Members raised concerns about the spreadsheet’s assumptions, data sources (ULI vs. ITE vs. Golden code), the validity of TDM reductions, and the risk of parking spillover into adjacent neighborhoods. They agreed to: - Verify the spreadsheet against recognized parking generation manuals. - Request from Clayworks the baseline inputs, land‑use scenarios, and examples of similar successful projects. - Discuss further at the next meeting before providing recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. - Colfax Complete Street (US 40): Staff presented preliminary designs for the corridor, including a roundabout at Heritage Road, 11‑foot travel lanes, buffered bike lanes, and multi‑use paths. The board debated whether to keep the Rooney Road intersection as a signalized intersection or convert it to a roundabout. Members expressed mixed views, citing safety for cyclists/pedestrians, truck detour needs, and cost. The consensus leaned toward retaining the signal and focusing design on safe crossings and wide refuge islands. Staff will proceed with 90% plans and public engagement. - Micromobility Policy Discussion: The board revisited its draft micromobility policy (focusing on e‑bikes and e‑motos). Given rapidly changing state laws and enforcement challenges, members suggested pausing to let state rules develop further. Staff will share the current draft and an overview of state e‑bike classifications for review at the next meeting. Project Updates (provided by staff) - Pen Bridge (9th over Tucker Gulch): Delayed due to resource constraints; no start date set. - Colfax Phase 1 Roundabout (Heritage): 90% plans expected mid‑October; FONR meeting with CDOT targeted for mid‑November. - Ford & Jackson Bike Lanes: Construction complete. Staff noted green conflict markings and flexible delineators will be installed soon. Member feedback included concerns about trash collection, snow removal, and potential right‑hook conflicts at cross streets. Staff will investigate manhole/utility cover heights and evaluate ADA ramp needs at trail access points (e.g., near 1st and East). - Tucker Gulch Trail Paving: Members noted a new paved section at 1st and East lacks a ramp to the trail, forcing dismounts. Staff will follow up. - General Construction Fatigue: A member reported constituent frustration with multiple simultaneous road projects. Staff acknowledged the seasonal compression but emphasized the need to address infrastructure degradation. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and August 27 minutes unanimously. - Directed staff to collect more data on Clayworks’ parking spreadsheet and bring developers to a future meeting. - Chose to retain traffic signals at Rooney/Colfax and improve pedestrian/bike crossing details; staff will advance design with public input. - Agreed to table the micromobility policy pending further state rulemaking and share the draft for board review. - Staff will follow up on specific project concerns (manhole heights, trail ramps, trash pickup plans). - The next regular meeting date will be coordinated via email due to scheduling conflicts; potential dates in October, November, and December.

The Special Events Review Committee (SERC) met on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to review recent and upcoming events, evaluate three grant applications, update the committee’s mission statement, and discuss revisions to the grant program. The committee approved funding for the Golden Wine Festival ($2,000), Shiny Sphere Search ($1,000), and Día de los Muertos ($2,000), and adopted an amended mission statement. Public Comments & Testimony - No formal public comment was received. Committee members shared informal observations about a tour of the new Clayworks building, noting its geothermal skylights, bike charging station, and potential costs for small businesses. Discussion Items - Review of Recent Events - Farmers Market: Ending October 3; no issues reported. - Stories in the Sky (drone show, September 12): Held at Ulysses; attendance more than doubled expectations for Movies & Music events. Food truck lines were long (only two trucks and one ice cream vendor). The drone show was funded through the state’s Two Fifty One Fifty Initiative. - Golden Hour Mashup (September 16): Second edition saw good attendance despite rain. Feedback included confusion over the event name (duplicating Foothills Art Center’s “Golden Hour”) and a desire for earlier timing, especially for families. The event is a trial; the name and timing may change next year. - Golden Gallop (September 20): 20th annual race; ran smoothly with minimal road impact. Washington Street reopened quickly after the last runner. - Upcoming Events - Golden High School Homecoming Parade (September 25): Safety improvements noted; no handouts allowed to prevent throwing. Parade route: staging at 18th, turns onto Washington to 12th, then west on 12th. Street closures start at 5 p.m.; parade at 5 p.m. - Denver Century Ride (September 26): 700 riders; passes through Charles and 19th streets early morning (estimated through Golden by 8:30 a.m.). - Golden Wine Festival (October 3): Tony Grampsas Park parking lot renovations completed; shuttles will run from Clear Creek lot due to concurrent Montessori school event. - Autumn Fest (October 4), Golden Hour MashUp (October 14), Golden Beverage Tasting & Chili Cook-Off (October 17), Trick or Treat Street (October 30, 3–5 p.m.), Monster Mash (October 31). - Grant Applications - Golden Wine Festival: Requested $5,000 for additional shuttles, security, and signage. Committee noted the applicant provided only a shuttle estimate ($2,000) and that the event is profitable (net profit $7,660 from 2025 budget). Motion to award $2,000 for shuttle costs only; passed. - Shiny Sphere Search: Requested $750 for hand-blown glass orbs. Committee praised the low-key, local event and noted the applicant has self-funded for years. A motion to award $1,000 (exceeding the request) passed. - Día de los Muertos (Americas for Conservation, Health and the Arts): Requested $2,500 for music, face painting, food, and dance. Committee noted that food is not an eligible expense and that the event lacked marketing. Motion to award $2,000 to cover music and entertainment vendors only; passed. Staff will encourage better promotion. - Updated SERC Mission Statement - Amanda and Kasia presented revisions: removed a paragraph about funding terms and added language on sustainability. A committee member requested reinstating the sentence “Approval of funding in one year does not guarantee funding in future years.” Added as a bullet point. Motion to approve the amended mission statement passed. - Grant Program Revision Discussion - Discussed shifting to two six-month funding periods (deadlines March 31 and October 31) with $20,000 each to ensure equitable distribution. Some members questioned the need for change given $11,342.74 remained at year-end. Concerns raised about potential rush of applications, fairness to new events, and alignment with city budget calendar. No final decision; staff will provide historical data and the topic will continue at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Golden Wine Festival: Approved $2,000 grant for shuttle costs (motion carried). - Shiny Sphere Search: Approved $1,000 grant for glass orbs (motion carried). - Día de los Muertos: Approved $2,000 grant for music and entertainment vendors (motion carried). - SERC Mission Statement: Approved as amended with the added bullet about non-guaranteed future funding (motion carried). - Grant Program Revision: No formal vote; discussion to continue at the next meeting. Staff will share event timing and funding data. - Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

The Community Sustainability Advisory Board (CSAB) held its regular monthly meeting on September 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:31 p.m. at Golden City Hall, 911 10th Street, Golden, Colorado. Four of six board members were present — Carrie Atiyeh, Claybourne Clarke, Todd Collins, and Adrienne Watts — with Jill Engel-Cox and Martha Gerdes absent. Staff present included Sustainability Manager Theresa Worsham and Sustainability Coordinator Samantha Neumeyer. The Board approved its agenda and August minutes, heard public comment on the proposed Clayworks natural gas amendment, reviewed public EV charging station policy and the 2027 sustainability budget, received a Universal Recycling Ordinance update, and finalized direction on its Clayworks response letter. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved as amended at 6:02 p.m. (motion: Atiyeh; second: Clarke). Todd Collins requested adding brief updates on commercial energy benchmarking and construction/demolition waste to the updates section. - Minutes of the August 26, 2026 regular meeting approved at 6:02 p.m. (motion: Atiyeh; second: Watts). Public Comments & Testimony - Julie Smith, a Golden resident and member of Sustainable Golden, stated support for Clayworks maintaining its original sustainability commitments and opposition to additional natural gas use for new construction. She raised concerns about the proposed pool/spa amenities, the project team's cost and emissions analysis, and using already-planned solar generation to justify new natural gas use. Her written comments were submitted as a letter to the Board. Discussion Items Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station Policy Review Staff presented 12 months of public charging data (September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026): - Usage grew 15% over the prior 12-month period (which had grown 20%); 138,151 kWh were consumed across all stations, up from 120,480 kWh - Revenue totaled $44,602 against costs of $17,959 (electricity), $6,552 (ChargePoint cloud licensing), $7,972 (maintenance), $5,800 (September 2025 vandalism), $700 (additional maintenance), and $4,460 (10% ChargePoint fees) — for a net cost to the City of $441 - The City operated 9 stations for most of the year; stations at Splash and Beverly Heights were added in 2026, and a Southridge Park station was recently completed - There were 12,458 sessions (average 35/day), an average session length of 1 hour 50 minutes, and 9,060 unique drivers; 31% of sessions were from Golden residents, 24% from elsewhere in Colorado, and 45% from outside Colorado - An estimated 103 metric tons of GHG were avoided (equivalent to 11,600 gallons of gasoline) - Golden's fee ($0.24/kWh, 3-hour limit, $0.07/minute overstay) is in line with regional municipal Level 2 chargers (e.g., Erie $0.15/kWh, Superior $0.18/kWh, Lafayette $0.25/kWh, Aspen $0.30/kWh) Staff recommended keeping fees unchanged and creating an overnight charging period (7 p.m.–7 a.m.) during which the 3-hour time limit and overstay fee would not apply, improving access for residents in multifamily buildings without home charging. Board discussion covered vandalism and cable-theft prevention (including ChargePoint theft-deterrent cables and lighting improvements), charger uptime, year-over-year usage tracking, grant funding, and placing chargers near multifamily housing. Board members agreed no fee change is needed and supported the overnight charging recommendation; they also agreed to flag future consideration of a multifamily charging policy for existing buildings and to use a future EV charging master plan update to review usage, uptime, and potential new locations. Staff will forward the recommendation to City Council, possibly for its October 27 meeting, and coordinate communications if the overnight charging change is approved. 2027 Budget Request Discussion Staff reported that the City's 2027 budget is expected to hold steady, and new programs without dedicated revenue are unlikely to be approved, partly due to projected declines in property tax revenues. Proposed 2027 sustainability funding includes: $85,000 for rebates; a new $285,000 capital request for bear-resistant waste collection ($100,000 for 40 public BearSaver stations along the creek and parks, $35,000 for 15 stations at Splash, and $150,000 for residential bear-resistant carts); $3,000 for battery education events; and no funding for a previously proposed $10,000 construction & demolition (C&D) waste program. Staff noted a pilot of 10 bear-resistant carts is being deployed through early December at homes with known bear activity. The Board discussed funding priorities within the constrained budget. Members noted the 2026 rebate program distributed roughly $160,000–170,000 — about two-thirds for battery storage and solar — before closing in July. Board members also noted C&D waste represents an estimated 23–40% of landfill waste, and the regional landfill has roughly 10–20 years of remaining capacity. The Board agreed to recommend increasing rebate funding from $85,000 to $160,000 and adding $10,000 for C&D waste planning, without reducing funding for other proposed sustainability programs. Staff and designated board members will prepare a letter of support to City Council during its public budget review process (October–December hearings). Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) Update Staff reported that the state grant agreement (CEO grant) was executed that day, and an RFP for an outreach and education partner will be released the week of September 28. Staff described two regulatory models: the hauler-licensing approach (Brighton's "URO light," which requires licensed haulers to provide recycling service to all customers) and building-owner responsibility models used by communities including Lakewood, Lafayette, Louisville, and Boulder County. Staff recommended exploring the hauler-licensing approach as a practical first step and tying the ordinance's effective date to the availability of state Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling reimbursements through Circular Action Alliance (CAA), rather than setting fixed dates. City Council approved an MOU on August 25, 2026 backdating residential program reimbursements to September 1. The Board supported staff continuing in the hauler-licensing direction and agreed with syncing the ordinance with EPR reimbursement availability. Members discussed the importance of hauler reporting to support recycling reimbursements and City program tracking, and the potential for provisions requiring minimum recycling service sizes (as in Lafayette) to strengthen the program. Clayworks PUD Amendment Response The Board reviewed the draft memo to Mayor Weinberg and City Council responding to the proposed amendment to the Clayworks Official Development Plan (ODP) to expand natural gas use for accessory amenities (pool, spa, fireplaces, grills, outdoor heaters, pizza oven). The Board's prior discussion on August 26 raised concerns that the proposal departs from the project's original net-zero sustainability commitments. At this meeting, members: - Generally favored the position of no additional natural gas use — particularly for outdoor heaters, fireplaces, and a four-season pool/spa - Questioned the applicant's cost analysis, noting no detailed geothermal-versus-gas cost comparison was provided - Agreed the letter should more clearly state that the photovoltaic (PV) generation cited as a 60% emissions offset was already part of the original development plan and is not incremental mitigation for the new gas loads - Discussed that any approved gas use should be conditioned on 100% on-site renewable/zero-emission offsets, operational controls (e.g., timers), electric-ready infrastructure, and itemized annual gas consumption and GHG estimates (therms/year and metric tons CO₂e/year by amenity) - Supported attaching Julie Smith's public comment and a letter from former board member Ken Jacobs for continuity of the record Staff will revise the memo with the strengthened language; selected board members (including Todd Collins) will review it; the final memo will be sent to City Council with Planning Commission copied. December Meeting Dates The Board discussed consolidating the November and December meetings into one. Staff will send a preference poll for either the week of November 16 or the week of December 7; if the November date is selected, no December meeting would be held. Commercial Energy Benchmarking Update Staff reported work on the covered buildings list, refined to buildings over 10,000 square feet, and plans to file a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request with the state for data on buildings over 50,000 square feet. Owner outreach is expected to begin the week after the meeting. Board members emphasized the need for a clear plan to convert reported data into incentives, policy, and action rather than collecting data for its own sake. Commercial energy benchmarking will be an agenda item at the October 28 meeting. Key Outcomes - EV charging: The Board reached consensus to keep the current $0.24/kWh fee and overstay structure; recommend a 7 p.m.–7 a.m. overnight period with no 3-hour time limit or overstay fee; flag future multifamily charging policy; and update the EV charging master plan with year-over-year usage and uptime data. Staff will prepare the recommendation for City Council. - 2027 Budget: The Board agreed to request $160,000 for sustainability rebates (up from the proposed $85,000) and $10,000 for C&D waste planning, without cutting other proposed programs; a letter to City Council will be drafted. - URO: The Board supported the hauler-licensing approach (Brighton model) and agreed the ordinance's effectiveness should be tied to state EPR reimbursement availability through CAA. - Clayworks: Staff directed to revise the memo with strengthened emissions-analysis and offset language — including a 100% on-site renewable/zero-emission offset condition should gas be approved — and to attach public comments; the final memo will go to City Council with Planning Commission copied. - December meeting: Preference poll to be issued for the week of November 16 or December 7. - October 28 agenda set: commercial energy benchmarking; water conservation metrics and drought restrictions; and policy recommendations for existing buildings. - Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.

The meeting was scheduled for September 23, 2026, at 10:00:00 UTC. However, no agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided in the source material, so no substantive summary of the meeting's discussions, public comments, or decisions can be produced. Source Materials - Agenda: Not available - Minutes: Not available - Transcript: Empty (no content provided) Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, directives, or next steps can be reported because the meeting record is unavailable.

The Community Marketing Board convened on September 22, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. The board reviewed a proposed partnership with KOSI 101.1 for the holiday season, discussed feedback on the Mashup program, received updates on the banner program and wayfinding maps, and reviewed visitation data for January through August 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of August 2026 Meeting Minutes: The board approved the minutes with an amendment correcting attendance (Jen Thoemke noted she was not present, though listed). Motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Nolton, Golden Welcome Center: Expressed support for Visit Golden's strategic plan and offered a contracted partnership, noting the Welcome Center has trained volunteers, daily visitor interaction, and community relationships that could help implement the plan. She highlighted opportunities for business outreach, visitor stewardship, and Spanish-language communications. Discussion Items - KOSI Christmas Kick-Off Opportunity: Kathy J (KOSI on-air talent), Nancy Trangmar (Bonneville account representative), and Heather Schneider (Golden Hotel community relations manager) presented a partnership for the 25th annual KOSI Holiday Flip. The event would include a live two-hour broadcast at the Golden Hotel and a two-month holiday marketing campaign. Investment: $7,500 each from the Downtown Development Authority (already approved) and Visit Golden, plus $2,000 from The Golden Hotel. Benefits cited include 753,200+ impressions, regional visibility, and shoulder-season activation. Board members raised no objections and noted the partnership would complement existing holiday events. No formal vote was required; the board indicated support to proceed. - Mashup Program Feedback: Board members and business owners discussed the August and September Mashups. Feedback included mixed customer understanding, confusion over the name, late start time (6 PM) on school nights, and low attendance due to rain. Suggestions included rebranding to “Golden Night Out”, moving start time to 5 PM, shifting focus from grants to simply encouraging businesses to stay open late, and creating a passport/stamp system to incentivize visits. The board agreed to continue the program with these tweaks and to survey downtown merchants. - Golden in Golden 2027 Planning: Staff reported on parking and shuttle plans for next year’s event. Key changes: using Martin Marietta’s lot (600 spaces) instead of Splash/HHS lots due to snow concerns; deploying 4-6 buses and 7 shuttles from satellite lots; extending shuttle hours past event time. No marketing of the event will be done; messaging will focus on “know before you go” visitor guidance. Vendor and sponsor applications are open through October 1. - Banner Program and Maps Update: Staff informed the board that the light-post banner program along Washington Avenue will shift from a nonprofit reservation system to an internal program. New branded banners (seasonal themes) will be designed and managed jointly with the DDA, reducing administrative burden. For wayfinding maps, the city is soliciting bids for redesigned tear-off maps, brochures, and QR-code-linked maps that can be updated dynamically. A joint financial effort with DDA is anticipated. - 2026 Visitation Data Review: Derek presented Datafy geolocation and spending data for January 1 to August 29, 2026, segmented by distance (7–60 miles local, 61+ miles overnight). Key findings: total visitor days and trips were nearly flat year-over-year; average length of stay split roughly 50-50 between day trips and overnight; spending declined despite steady visitation, consistent with statewide trends. The top feeder markets remained unchanged (Denver, Colorado Springs, Houston, Chicago). Board members asked about data methodology (anonymized cell-phone pings and credit card data) and requested more granular local spend data. Staff agreed to explore breaking out local vs. non-local spending. Key Outcomes - August minutes approved with amended attendance. - KOSI Holiday Flip partnership accepted; funds ($7,500 from Visit Golden) to come from media buying budget; DDA already committed $7,500; hotel committed $2,000. - Mashup program will continue with a 5 PM start time, potential rebranding, simplified participation, and a stamp-card incentive; no more grants for this cycle. - Banner program moved to internal city/DDA management; nonprofits will no longer reserve poles. - Wayfinding map redesign to proceed with external bids; DDA co-funding. - Golden in Golden parking plan adopted using Martin Marietta lot; shuttle system extended; no marketing of the event. - Visitation data to be supplemented with local spend analysis; staff to meet with Datafy at the Governor’s Tourism Conference.

The Golden City Council met on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, convening at 5:00 p.m., entering executive session, reconvening at 6:30 p.m., recessing from 7:46 to 7:51 p.m., and adjourning at 9:00 p.m. Councilor Kurzinski was absent; Mayor Weinberg declared a quorum with six members present. The meeting included an executive session on the fire department investigation, public comment, consent items, proclamations, the 2025 audit and revenue outlook, the North Clear Creek parking district resolution, and city manager recruitment direction. Executive Session and Fire Department Investigation Update - Council voted 6-0 to enter executive session at 5:00 p.m. under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(b) and Golden Municipal Code 1.03.050(2) to receive legal advice from Special Counsel on the scope of the third-party investigation into the March 2026 incident at the City of Golden Fire Department. The regular meeting reconvened at 6:30 p.m. - Councilor Knecht said Council had received legal advice and expected to provide the next update at the October 13 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Cody Ard, a downtown Golden resident, described his experiences while unhoused, including difficulty obtaining a driver's license without a residential address, impoundment of his truck by Golden Police, an arrest in a church parking lot, a ticket for skateboarding, and an upcoming jury trial. He said he runs Bronco Bike Repair, works locally, and helps other unhoused residents. He expressed concerns about alleged police harassment and urged city and county officials to protect individual rights and dignity. - Mayor Weinberg noted an active legal case appeared to be involved. Council members thanked Ard for speaking, acknowledged they could not quickly resolve individual incidents, and said his comments would inform future policy discussions. No emailed public comments were received. Council/Staff Comments & Community Updates - Councilor Pfau publicized Golden High School's production of Macbeth on October 22-24. - Mayor Pro Tem Vitry shared Foothills Animal Shelter donation needs and nonprofit meeting space, and reported a proposed Cozy 101 holiday music switch on November 19 with $7,500 in Community Marketing Board support and DDA partnership. - Councilor Evans announced Coffee with a Councilor at Golden Cemetery on October 10 at 10:00 a.m. - Councilor Cameron praised Xcel tree-cutting contractors, noted Google Fiber activity, and encouraged National Public Lands Day volunteer participation. - Mayor Weinberg highlighted homecoming events, National Public Lands Day, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park's Urban Night Sky Place designation. Consent Calendar One motion, adopted 6-0, approved: - Minutes of September 15, 2026. - Resolution No. 3355: Intergovernmental Agreement with the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder's Office for election site use. - Resolution No. 3356: Intergovernmental Agreement with Jefferson County, Arvada, Edgewater, Lakewood, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge for Proposition 123 unit sharing. - Resolution No. 3359: Intergovernmental Agreement with Jefferson County for access to county fueling stations. - Resolution No. 3358: Intergovernmental Agreement for regional cold weather response for people experiencing homelessness. - Resolution No. 3360: Intergovernmental Agreement with Jefferson County concerning the Navigation Center. - Resolution No. 3361: Memorandum of Understanding with Jefferson County for regional homeless navigation efforts. Councilor Evans commended the affordable housing and homeless navigation work in the consent items. Councilor Cameron noted staff advised that no 2026 budget spending would be required for the Navigation Center IGA and that funding would come from the marijuana tax, with possible clarification on payment timing from the budget director. Proclamations - National Public Lands Day was proclaimed for September 26, 2026, read by Councilor Cameron. The city is partnering with Jefferson County Open Space for a volunteer event at Lions Park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Energy Efficiency Day was proclaimed for October 7, 2026, read by Councilor Pfau, and the proclamation noted the October 3 Metro Denver Green Homes Tour and Expo at the Golden Event Center/Masonic Hall. - Indigenous Peoples Day was proclaimed for October 12, 2026, read by Councilor Knecht, acknowledging the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute, and other Indigenous peoples. 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Finance Director Joseph Allaire presented the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. He attributed the delayed report to finance department staffing gaps, said the team is being rebuilt, and expressed confidence that future reports will meet the June 30 deadline. Jim Henkle of Henkle and Company CPAs reported clean unmodified audit opinions on the city's financial statements and single audit, no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and no audit adjustments. The single audit tested the federal highway planning and construction program, which is approximately two-thirds of federal award expenditures, and all required filings were made by applicable deadlines. Council discussion included enterprise fund reserves, fire service demand, and utility connection statistics. Fire responses grew from about 1,500 to 3,500 over ten years, and water connections rose from about 5,300 to 5,500 while wastewater connections remained flat; the finance director agreed to follow up on the utility question. Councilor Cameron asked whether a slimmer report would suffice; Henkle and Allaire recommended keeping the full ACFR because it supports public trust and most of the work is in the audited financial statements. Revenue Trends and Outlook Finance Director Joseph Allaire presented the city's revenue trends and outlook, emphasizing proactive revenue planning rather than an immediate revenue increase. He noted taxes are the largest general fund revenue source and that preliminary estimates show general property tax declining due to changes in assessment rates and property values. He explained that taxes generally require voter approval, while license and permit fees and charges for services give Council more direct control. Council discussed comparisons with neighboring municipalities, the cost of assisting other districts, utility funding needs, financing options, and water rate resilience. Councilor Powell requested metrics and peer comparisons in future presentations. Councilor Cameron asked about recovering fire response costs for out-of-area calls and about long-term water and sewer capital planning. Allaire said the proposed budget is scheduled for presentation on October 13, with a follow-up discussion on November 4, CBAC review, and adoption in December. The minutes refer to the "2017 proposed budget" at this point; the transcript and context indicate that is an apparent typo for the upcoming budget. Discussion Items Resolution No. 3323 - North Clear Creek Parking District Principal Planner Matt Wempe presented the proposed establishment of the North Clear Creek Parking District and changes to the Downtown Special Parking District. The district is roughly bounded by Washington Avenue, Ford Street, Clear Creek, and State Highway 58. Short-term staff recommendations presented for discussion included a loading zone on Water Street in front of Golden Mill, conversion of faded striped spaces at 615 Water Street into 30-minute loading zones, and an employee parking space while preserving the ADA space. The resolution includes two-hour parking limits with city permit registration in some blocks and paid parking with free two hours, then $2.50 per hour up to $10 per day and $50 per week, in other blocks. The downtown resident parking permit would expand into the district, allowing eligible residents to park without time limits in designated areas and in downtown garages. Council discussed potential confusion between paid parking and two-hour-only zones, signage, enforcement, access to downtown garages, the cost of resident permits compared with $75 per month private parking at 615 Water Street, circulation, and future development. Councilor Cameron expressed concern about extending paid parking on Jackson Street and asked for expanded signage; Wempe said staff would conduct outreach and use clear signage. The resolution was adopted 6-0. City Manager Recruitment Process Mayor Weinberg led a discussion of the city manager recruitment process. HR Director Kristen Meier was available to answer questions. Council reviewed four options and discussed costs, search scope, applicant screening, Council and staff responsibilities, and employment contract negotiations. Several members expressed concern about having HR staff conduct the search and negotiate with a future supervisor, and about the appearance of bias. Councilor Cameron said local and state knowledge of Colorado and TABOR is critical and shifted to support outside assistance. Councilor Evans said an outside expert would increase public confidence. Councilor Knecht urged review of the qualifications to broaden a historically narrow applicant pool. Council coalesced around an internal and statewide search using city recruiting platforms, with an outside employment expert to assist with screening, interviews, selection-related steps, and employment contract negotiations, with an approximate cost of $10,000-$12,000 and a discussed not-to-exceed figure of $12,000. Mayor Weinberg proposed working with Mayor Pro Tem Vitry and HR to develop the process and timeline and return to full Council for contract approval. The City Attorney said no formal action was needed that night. Key Outcomes - Executive session and consent calendar were both approved 6-0; Councilor Kurzinski was absent. - Three proclamations were issued for National Public Lands Day, Energy Efficiency Day, and Indigenous Peoples Day. - Resolution No. 3323 establishing the North Clear Creek Parking District and Downtown Special Parking District changes was adopted 6-0. - The 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and revenue outlook were received as informational presentations; no votes were taken. - Council directed the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and HR to develop a city manager recruitment process under the option described above and to return with a proposed contract and timeline for formal approval. - The next scheduled council update on the third-party fire department investigation is October 13; the proposed budget will also be presented on October 13.