Brighton City Council Study Session - October 22, 2024

The Brighton City Council held a study session on October 22, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered an executed contract listing, a district attorney update on a Family Justice Center, a discussion of Adams County Ballot Item 1A, a proposed renaming of Memorial Parkway, a policy update for legacy pathway plaques, and a detailed public works department update. No votes were taken during this study session; decisions were directional.

Discussion Items

• Executed Contract Listing (August–September 2024): Finance Director Katrina Asher presented a list of contracts executed by the city over the prior two months. Councilmember Peter Padilla commented positively on the tangible connection to community work. No action taken.

• District Attorney Update – Family Justice Center (FJC): District Attorney Brian Mason and Chief Deputy Stephanie Fritz presented plans for a Family Justice Center to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. They highlighted that Adams and Broomfield counties had 17 domestic violence homicides in 2022 and 5 in 2023. A victim currently travels an average of 171 miles (250 minutes by car, 22 hours by bus) to access services. The FJC would co-locate all services under one roof. A temporary center is planned within nine months, with a permanent facility as a long-term goal. The DA’s office will oversee the FJC as a government-run model. Council asked about costs (estimated $50–100 million for a permanent facility), transportation to the FJC (hub-and-spoke model proposed), and funding needs (initial ask of $25,000–$30,000 per municipality for an executive director in 2025). Council expressed strong support but noted concerns about equitable access for Brighton residents.

• Adams County Ballot Item 1A: County Commissioner Ava Henry presented the ballot measure, which would add a 0.15% sales tax (15 cents per $100) on most purchases (excluding food, diapers, and feminine hygiene) to generate $22 million annually for 20 years for affordable housing. The funds would be administered by the Adams County Housing Authority (Maker). Discussion focused on concerns about regional distribution of funds, lack of Brighton input in decision-making, and the need for collaboration. Councilmembers noted the indirect benefit to Brighton and the challenge of selling a tax increase after voters rejected a similar measure in 2023. Commissioner Henry emphasized regional affordability and the need to break down silos. No formal position was taken by council.

• Memorial Parkway Renaming: Parks and Recreation Director Travis Haynes presented a proposal to rename Brighton Memorial Parkway to Brighton Legacy Pathway, following a petition with sufficient signatures. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended the change to avoid confusion (the current name implies only deceased honorees, but many honorees are still living). The only cost is approximately $20,000 to update sign faces at three locations. Council expressed unanimous support; the item will be placed on the consent agenda for the November meeting.

• Legacy Pathway Plaque Policy Update: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board requested a policy change that would allow them to approve plaques on the future Legacy Pathway without City Council approval. Council discussion revealed mixed views: some members felt the board should have more autonomy, while others saw no need to change a process that has never been problematic. Concerns were raised about potential politicization and “packing” the board. The consensus was that if the policy returns to council, it should not be placed on the consent agenda. No formal decision was made.

• Public Works Department Update: Public Works Director Greg and his team presented an extensive update. Key statistics: 370 miles of roadway, 41 traffic signals, 16 employees, over $30 million in active projects, and $2.5 million in new grants. The department received two American Public Works Association awards: Joseph Leon (Outstanding Manager of the Year) and Joseph Huerta (Outstanding Public Works Employee of the Year); the LED light conversion project also won a sustainability award. Street Operations Manager Bob Younger highlighted the success of the “Potzilla” pothole patching truck, which outperformed manual crews 2:1. Traffic Supervisor Joseph Huerta detailed the ongoing LED conversion (funded by United Power with zero city cost), the Derek Digger truck (paid for in two years via savings), and future V2X (vehicle-to-everything) connectivity. Council commended the department for responsiveness and community engagement (e.g., Trash Bash collected about 175 roll-off containers of trash).

Key Outcomes

• Memorial Parkway Renaming – Directed to be placed on the consent agenda for the November 4 (Monday) regular meeting.
• Legacy Pathway Plaque Policy – No change approved; council indicated any future proposal should not be on consent.
• Public Works Awards – Formal recognition of Joseph Leon and Joseph Huerta will be scheduled for the December 3 meeting.
• Family Justice Center – Council expressed support; the DA’s office will follow up with a formal funding request for the executive director position in 2025.
• Adams County Ballot Item 1A – Council took no official position but noted concerns; Commissioner Henry acknowledged the need for continued dialogue.
• Next Meetings – The joint meeting with School District 27J scheduled for October 29 was canceled. The next regular council meeting is moved to Monday, November 4 (instead of Tuesday, November 5) to avoid Election Day.