Brighton City Council Study Session - December 10, 2024

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the Brighton City Council convened a study session at 6:00 PM in the Study Session Room. Mayor Gregory Mills presided. The session covered a range of administrative and policy items, including appointments, a youth commission report, fire impact fee updates, a trail connection project, recreation center expansion, and lead service line inventory. Several items were scheduled for formal votes at the December 17 regular meeting. No public comments were received.

Administrative Items

• Appointment to Brighton Housing Authority: The Brighton Housing Authority recommended the appointment of Wilton Webb as a board member. Councilmember Tom Green requested more detailed background on applicants, and the City Attorney offered to provide redacted applications in the future. The appointment will be placed on the next regular meeting agenda.
• Executed Contract Listing – October & November 2024: City Manager Martinez presented the listing for informational purposes. No questions were raised.

Discussion Items

• Youth Commission National League of Cities Presentation: Youth commission members and coordinators Rachel Keeley and Abby Martinez presented their experiences from the NLC conference in Tampa, Florida. Youth commissioners David Duran, Diane Kim, Paula Costa, Eleanor Larson, Surrey Ortis, and others shared takeaways including networking, public speaking, and diversity. Eleanor Larson critiqued the NLC youth program as inauthentic and lacking collaboration with elected officials. Councilmembers expressed pride and suggested working with the Colorado Municipal League to improve youth representation at future conferences.
• Brighton Fire Impact Fee Update: Fire Chief Garrison presented a compromise on updated impact fees. Key points:
  • Residential fees (single-family and multifamily) will increase, but a three-year phase-in applies to all non-residential uses (50% in 2025, 75% in 2026, 100% in 2027).
  • The city requested that affordable housing projects be eligible for discretionary waiver of residential impact fees.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Padilla expressed disappointment that industrial and commercial are treated equally, but appreciated the phase-in and affordable housing flexibility. Chief Garrison noted that surrounding fire districts use similar methodologies and will share comparative data.
  • Impact fees are used for new capital items (e.g., medic units, future Station 6) and not for the new training center/museum, which is funded by oil and gas property tax revenues.
• Colorado Front Range Trail Veterans Park Trail Connection: Ryan Smith presented the project to close a 400-foot gap on the east side of Veterans Park. The trail will be 10 feet wide, concrete, ADA accessible, with stormwater infrastructure (including 6'x5' culverts) and a railing to prevent unsafe crossing of Bridge Street. Three bids were received; staff recommended award to the bidder with more experience in such infrastructure (not the lowest). The total bid is $948,214, with the city’s portion $722,099 and an Adams County grant of $226,115. Councilmember Snyder initially balked at the cost but after site visit and explanation of stormwater components, expressed support. The item will be on the December 17 consent agenda unless a councilmember requests a separate vote (Councilmember Green indicated preference for a separate vote).
• Brighton Recreation Center General Contractor: Carlene Watts and Pat Rome presented the recommendation to accept FCI Constructors LLC for the renovation and expansion. The guaranteed maximum price for construction is $11,641,771. The project includes a new auxiliary gym, relocated fitness studio, expanded track, cycling studio, and additional offices. Phasing will keep most of the facility open, with community rooms affected for about 8 months. Parking adequacy was studied and deemed sufficient. Councilmember Green requested cost comparison to the original center. The contract will be voted on December 17.
• Lead Service Line Inventory and Investigation: Director Scott Olsen, Sherry Skajari, and Emily Meek presented an update. There are 1,712 addresses with unknown service line material (built before 1960). The next step is to statistically verify 317 randomly selected addresses using hydro-excavation (non-invasive, small potholes). An ordinance is proposed to facilitate access if homeowners do not respond. The work must be complete by 2027. If no lead is found in the 317, the city is done. If lead is found, all 1,712 must be investigated. The city plans to use a contractor to avoid tying up staff. Councilmember Green expressed concern about disruption similar to Allo fiber installation, but was assured the method is less invasive. The ordinance will return for formal approval.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment: Wilton Webb’s appointment to the Brighton Housing Authority will be on the December 17 consent agenda.
• Fire Impact Fee: The compromise (three-year phase-in, affordable housing waiver) was acknowledged; no formal vote, but council direction accepted.
• Trail Connection: The recommended bid will be on the December 17 agenda (possibly on consent, but Councilmember Green indicated a preference for a separate vote).
• Recreation Center: The guaranteed maximum price will be voted on December 17. The project is expected to break ground in late February/early March 2025.
• Lead Service Line: The ordinance will be brought back for formal approval at a future meeting.

Other Notes

• City Manager Martinez reported issues with the city’s Christmas tree lighting, which failed shortly after the lighting ceremony. Repairs are ongoing, with hopes to have it operational for the weekend festival.
• Councilmember Green requested that future appointment recommendations include more detailed rationale from the appointing board.