Brighton City Council Meeting - October 1, 2024

The Brighton City Council met on October 1, 2024, to consider a budget amendment, a compensation plan update, and a proposed fire fee increase, among other items. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, council reports, and an executive session for the city manager's evaluation. All votes were 8-0 unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2A: Approval of the September 3, 2024, city council minutes – passed 8-0.
• Item 3A: Approval of the regular agenda – passed 8-0.

Ceremonies

• Committing to Volunteerism Proclamation: Mayor Mills read a proclamation recognizing volunteerism. Dean Banner of Just Serve accepted the proclamation and presented a framed certificate designating Brighton as a Just Serve city, along with gift bags for council members.
• Colorado Applies Month Proclamation: Mayor Pro Tem Padilla read a proclamation declaring October 2024 as Colorado Applies Month. Tanya Russell, manager of youth services, reported that in 2023 over 64,000 applications were submitted during free application days, with 44% from students of color and 34% from first-generation college students. She announced the Growing Grads College and Career Kickoff on October 16 and five FAFSA help nights.
• Introduction of Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization: Tanya Russell introduced a new partnership with Apprentice of Peace. Program coordinator GC (Jan Carla Di Laura) described a two-year program focusing on leadership, arts, wellness, and skilled trades. Parent Cammy Cox praised the program for providing mentors and internships. The program meets in-person at the city building on Mondays from 1-3 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Lampo: Offered a prayer for the city and its leaders.
• Mike Batwell: Expressed frustration with a $152 water bill for 12,000 gallons, criticized the delayed R.O. plant, and requested a longer speaking time (currently 3 minutes). He plans to raise more issues at future meetings.

Discussion Items

• Budget Amendment (Item 6A): Catherine Mortensen presented the third amendment to the 2024 budget, totaling $1,179,172. The amendment covers grants (auto theft prevention, Office of Violence Against Women, police mental health, SMART officer grant extension, Brownfield assessment grant, historic structure assessment), repayment of a cemetery fund loan, and additional project costs (credit card fees at the recreation center, an extra Trash Bash day, community identity sign engineering, and police academy training). Public hearing held with no comments. Motion passed 8-0.
• Compensation Plan Update (Item 9A): Kevin Young proposed a resolution to rescind Resolution 2004-74, adopt new comparison jurisdictions (Commerce City, Thornton, Longmont, Loveland, Westminster, Broomfield, Adams County), and set salary range midpoints at 98% of market rate. Councilmember Johnston opposed, arguing it effectively reduces pay for employees, especially police. City Manager Martinez clarified that total compensation is competitive and many cities (e.g., Thornton, Commerce City) use similar benchmarks. Mayor Pro Tem questioned the impact on hiring and existing staff. Councilmember Fiddler noted the new jurisdictions pay better. Motion passed 7-1 (Johnston dissenting).
• Fire Fee Proposal Discussion (Item 11A): Chief Garrison presented a proposed increase in fire impact fees based on a study by BBC Research. Proposed increases include roughly doubling single-family fees and a 1,000% increase for industrial/warehouse properties (from ~6¢/sq ft to a higher rate). Councilmember Pro Tem expressed concerns about negative impacts on development and affordable housing, and asked staff to prepare a formal response. Councilmember Johnston stressed the need for more data and collaboration. Councilmember Snyder suggested phasing increases. Chief Garrison agreed to request a delay from the Fire Board to allow further discussion. No vote was taken; the item was for discussion only.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda, regular agenda, budget amendment, and property sale ordinance (all 8-0).
• Approved compensation plan resolution 7-1.
• Directed staff to prepare a written comment on the fire fee proposal to submit to the Fire District.
• Entered executive session (7-0) for the city manager's evaluation; afterward, Mayor Pro Tem directed staff to prepare a resolution adjusting the city manager's compensation.

Reports and Updates

• Mayor Mills: Reported on DRCOG meeting (discussion of BRT and Front Range passenger rail, action on RTD TABOR ballot question deferred to special meeting), dedication of a bench for former councilmember Mary Allen Pollock at BJA Park, and a meeting with a delegation of local elected leaders from Kosovo.
• City Manager Martinez: Reported on attending the ICMA conference in Pittsburgh, where key takeaways included recruiting Gen Z employees (emphasis on benefits in job postings) and flexibility. He praised staff Catherine and Pierce for facilitating well-received process mapping workshops.
• Mayor Pro Tem Padilla: Reported on the Airport Coordinating Committee (progress on Aerotropolis marketing) and participating in a state opioid abatement conference, where Adams County was highlighted as a model for distributing settlement funds.
• Councilmember Pulowski: Reported on meeting with E470's Joe Donahue, an upcoming E470 operations committee meeting, and a Parks and Rec board meeting.
• Councilmember Wirth: Reported on attending the Brighton Youth Commission retreat planning, the Eco Recycling event, the Nearly Home concert at the Armory, and switching to Allo fiber. Announced that the Brighton Youth Commission won a Colorado Philanthropic Award.
• Councilmember Fiddler: Reported on the Nearly Home concert (sold-out), a Historic Preservation meeting (discussed the cannery building study), and the Lochbuie sewer board meeting where a motion to increase rates failed 3-1.
• Councilmember Snyder: Reported on Downtown Development Authority efforts to increase business participation, progress on façade grants (now 75% city/25% owner), new businesses including a Hispanic goods store, and upcoming events: Harvest Fest (Oct 26), pub crawl, Dia de los Muertos at the Armory, tree lighting (Dec 7), and Parade of Lights (Dec 14). She also raised concerns that some board and commission members feel their input is not valued, urging council to show appreciation.