Brighton City Council Meeting Summary – May 6, 2025

The Brighton City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, public comments, recognition of scholarship recipients, several resolutions, and council reports. Key decisions included renaming the Eagle View Adult Center, approving two subdivision plans, adopting a sustainability board ordinance, and approving the purchase of a property for museum relocation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 1, 2025 City Council minutes.
• Approved a resolution changing the record keeper for the employee money purchase pension plan.
• Approved a resolution accepting Wagner Construction Incorporated's proposal for the core city phase two waterline replacement for $5,501,898 and authorizing the city manager to execute the contract.
• Approved a resolution appointing Joey Arp as an at-large member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term through January 2027.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nathaniel Miller (small business owner, 4677 Kip Place) expressed strong support for the creation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), noting it is a powerful tool for downtown growth and that Brighton has an authentic main street needing attention.
• Tom Lampo offered a prayer for the city, elected leaders, and peace in the community.
• Leif Southwell (resident one mile south of the Kestrel site) opposed the Kestrel subdivision plan, arguing the density (9.4 units per acre, as he claimed) is inappropriate for the area, that the site is four miles south of Brighton, and that traffic improvements identified in the study are insufficient. He urged the council to vote against it.
• Doug Dameron (founding pastor, Orchard Church) spoke in favor of the Kestrel plan, stating it will meet a housing niche and be a wonderful addition to the community. He noted the church has partnered with the city for nine years and asked for approval.
• Bill Barrow (Orchard Church attendee and Boulder Creek homeowner) supported the Kestrel project, clarifying density is 6.73 units per acre (not 9.4), praised Boulder Creek Homes' quality, and highlighted safety improvements for pedestrians along 120th Avenue.
• Art Labanc and Natalia Finley (neighbors) opposed the Singh property zoning map amendment (final reading). They argued that the city staff previously said commercial zoning was not appropriate, that the comprehensive plan calls for buffers, that the neighborhood meeting notice was inadequate (wrong zip code), and that the public hearing sign was down for a week. They asked the council to change their vote.

Discussion Items

• Item 4B: Recognition of Brighton Employee Charities Scholarship Recipients – Three high school seniors (Angelique, Kimmy Mila, Tyler) each received a $1,000 scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year, based on community service and academics.
• Item 9A: Renaming Eagle View Adult Center – Director Haynes presented a proposal to rename the center the "Sue Corbett Active Adult Center" in honor of Sue Corbett, retiring after 35+ years of service. Councilmember Green suggested a friendly amendment to add "at Eagleview" to preserve the historic name. Sue Corbett herself spoke briefly, expressing gratitude and noting the 20th anniversary of the Help for Homes project. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 6A: Brighton Crossing Filing No. 1 Second Amendment Subdivision Plan – Associate Planner Stephanie Iams presented the plan for 102 single-family attached lots on 10.41 acres. The developer (Brookfield Residential) will construct private roads, connect to utility infrastructure, and build a traffic signal at North Prairie Falcon Parkway and East Bridge Street. Councilmember Snyder raised a concern about visitor parking, but the developer explained ample on-street and off-street parking. Councilmember Pro Tem commended the change from high-density rental to attainable middle housing. The resolution passed 8-0.
• Item 6B: Kestrel Subdivision Plan – Senior Planner Summer McCann presented the plan for 174 cottage homes (detached, alley-loaded) on 25.83 acres, with a trail network, pocket parks, and road improvements including a traffic signal contribution at 120th and Peoria. Councilmember Green asked about traffic impacts on 120th and Highway 85; the applicant's traffic engineer and assistant director Christopher Montoya explained the improvements and noted that the intersection already has delays. Councilmember Wirth asked about maintenance responsibilities: public roads will be city-owned, while parks and alleys will be maintained by a metro district/HOA. Councilmember Pelowski urged regional action on the 120th/85 intersection. The resolution passed 7-0 (Councilmember Snyder recused).
• Item 7A: Sustainability Board Ordinance (First Reading) – Sustainability Coordinator Tracy McLean presented the proposed board, which will include one non-voting council member, seven voting members (two youth), three-year terms, and monthly meetings. The board will advise on sustainability programs, community engagement, and the city's sustainability plan. The motion to approve first reading passed 8-0.
• Item 8A: Singh Property Zoning Map Amendment (Final Reading) – An ordinance approving a zoning map amendment for 10.59 acres near 120th Avenue and Potomac Street. Public comment was taken; opponents argued against commercial zoning. The motion to approve passed 7-1.
• Item 9B: Purchase of Real Property at 151 South Main Street – Management Analyst Pierce Miller presented the resolution to purchase the property for $497,500 to relocate the city museum from historic city hall. The property has been vacant for at least five years. Councilmembers expressed support for the downtown location and parking availability. The resolution passed 8-0.
• Item 11A: Ward 1 Vacancy Discussion – Council discussed the vacancy left by Councilmember Johnston’s resignation. Councilmember Pro Tem recommended leaving the seat vacant until the November election to avoid creating an incumbent advantage. Councilmember Green moved to leave the seat vacant; the motion passed 8-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (8-0).
• Eagle View Adult Center renamed to "Sue Corbett Active Adult Center at Eagleview" (motion passed 8-0).
• Brighton Crossing Filing No. 1 Second Amendment Subdivision Plan approved (8-0).
• Kestrel Subdivision Plan approved (7-0, with one recusal).
• Sustainability Board Ordinance advanced to final adoption (first reading passed 8-0).
• Singh Property Zoning Map Amendment adopted (final reading passed 7-1).
• Purchase of 151 South Main Street approved (8-0) for museum relocation.
• Ward 1 Council seat will remain vacant until the November 2025 general election (motion passed 8-0).