Brighton City Council Meeting – August 20, 2024

The Brighton City Council met on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, three unanimous resolutions, public comments, and council reports. All votes were 9–0 in favor.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the July 16, 2024 City Council minutes.
• Appointed Eliza Stowe as an alternate member of the Brighton Housing Authority, term to November 2029.
• Set compensation for City Attorney Alicia Calderón.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jenny Valdivia (resident near Brighton High School) expressed gratitude for the Council’s reinstatement of the residential permitted parking program. She reported improved safety, reduced illegal parking, drug activity, and litter. She praised the police and school resource officers and noted continued community clean-up partnerships with the school.
• Tom Lampo delivered a prayer and spiritual message, citing biblical passages. He did not address any specific city agenda item.

Discussion Items

• 7A – Amending the City Council Policy for Appointment to Boards, Commissions, and Authorities – City Attorney Calderón presented a revised policy that adds a requirement for applicants to be contacted, regardless of whether they are interviewed by the council or a committee. Councilmember Green confirmed that applicants will not be told the reason for rejection. The resolution passed 9–0.
• 7B – Amendment to Contract with D2C Architects, Inc. for Municipal Service Center Design – Facilities and Fleet Director Pat Rome requested approval of a change order for $32,186 related to a stair design for the fleet building. The amendment brings the total contract amount to $1,491,561. Councilmember Padilla noted the amendment required council approval because cumulative changes exceeded a percentage threshold. The resolution passed 9–0.
• 7C – City Council Social Media Policy – City Attorney Calderón presented a simplified policy addressing when private social media accounts may be considered public forums. Key provisions: comments and users may not be blocked except in limited circumstances; council members should avoid discussing city business with three or more colleagues on social media (which could constitute a meeting); and confidential information may not be shared. The policy reflects a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. Councilmember Fiedler moved adoption, seconded by Councilmember Taddeo. Passed 9–0.

Council and Staff Reports

• Mayor Mills reported that no board meetings were held in August; he attended the Chamber luncheon, Eagle Ridge Academy expansion celebration, new teacher luncheon, and a farm-to-table benefit.
• City Manager Martinez reminded council of the budget session on Tuesday, August 27 (starting at noon with lunch, budget session at 1:00 PM). He also recommended canceling the September 24 study session due to staff conference travel, with items moved to the following study session.
• Councilmember Snyder announced that the alley between Cabbage and Main Street downtown has been strung with lights, improving safety and reducing homeless encampments.
• Councilmember Fiedler praised the parking program success and noted attendance at the Almost Home appreciation breakfast and farm-to-table event.
• Councilmember Johnston deferred comment until a future discussion on Adams County water quality.
• Mayor Pro Tem Padilla reported on the Brighton Housing Authority meeting: visible progress at 18th & Bridge and 5th & Longs Peak rehab units; pre-purchase of air conditioning units for Hughes Station to beat EPA rule changes; and the Ravenfield senior housing development (27th & Purcell) moving faster than Adams Point.
• Councilmember Taddeo acknowledged receiving both positive and negative calls about the parking program but supported the decision.
• Councilmember Green highlighted the new educator luncheon (over 200 new teachers), farm-to-table dinner, Almost Home awards, and visible progress on V-Con parking lot.
• Councilmember Pawlowski thanked the public speaker, noted the heat at the farm-to-table event, and attended E470 meetings.
• Councilmember Wirth reported on the Brighton Youth Commission (new members, retreat in October at Estes Park), the Brighton on Broadway fundraiser, the new teacher luncheon (lower turnover this year), and the Almost Home awards breakfast.

Key Outcomes

• All three resolutions (7A, 7B, 7C) passed unanimously, 9–0.
• The Council voted 9–0 to recess into executive session (pursuant to C.R.S. §24-6-402(4)(a) and (e) and Charter §5.4(C)(1) and (2)) for negotiations related to real property acquisition. The executive session began at 6:54 PM and included the entire City Council, City Manager Martinez, City Attorney Calderón, and Deputy City Manager Falkenberg. No improper actions were reported.