Brighton City Council Meeting – June 3, 2025

The Brighton City Council met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a public prayer, a resolution amending an affordable housing agreement, a discussion on updating council rules, and various reports from the mayor, police chief, and department directors. All votes were unanimous (8-0) on items requiring a vote.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (ID-132-25): The council approved the May 6, 2025 City Council meeting minutes by a vote of 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Lampo delivered an opening prayer, asking for blessings on the city, its workers, and those affected by global conflicts. He did not address any agenda item.

Discussion Items

Resolution 9A – First Amendment to Affordable Housing Duplex Rental Assistance Demonstration Conversion

• Deputy City Manager Falkenberg and Affordable Housing Coordinator Sean Wyman presented the resolution, which would remove 13 units at North Fifth Avenue and South 18th Avenue from a 2017 fee-reduction agreement, leaving 6 units on Jessup Street under the agreement. The original plan to add 16 units (10 on Fifth/18th, 6 on Jessup) was altered due to asbestos abatement and cost increases: only 3 units were added on Fifth/18th instead of 10 (total 13 units at those locations). Staff noted that no fee reductions were taken on the 3 added units and that all Fifth/18th units remain under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program, with additional state and county restrictions ensuring affordability.
• Councilmember Padilla questioned the impact on affordable housing availability and deed restrictions. Deborah Bristol, Executive Director of the Brighton Housing Authority, explained that the properties have federal, state, and county affordability covenants and that the amendment only removes the city’s fee-reduction agreement, not any other affordability requirements. The project added three 5-bedroom units, bringing the average AMI to 59% (above the original 50% target but within the 60-80% range needed for housing needs). Councilmember Fiedler noted the units count toward Proposition 123 goals, and Councilmember Green expressed satisfaction that the units are preserved. The resolution passed 8-0.

Item 11A – Discussion of City Council Rules

• City Attorney Calderon led a discussion on potential updates to council rules. Key topics:
  • Proclamation Policy: Consensus to maintain a list of recurring proclamations and require two council members to add a new proclamation (submitted 21 days in advance).
  • Agenda Items: Clarification that three council members are needed to add items to a regular agenda, while two can add items to a study session agenda. The rule for special meetings (two members) remains unchanged per charter.
  • Remote Participation: Council members expressed mixed views on allowing remote participation for excusable reasons (e.g., illness). Mayor Mills and Councilmember Fiedler argued for retaining limited remote participation under ADA requirements. No consensus to change current rule (study sessions only, for valid reasons).
  • Disrupted Meetings: Discussion on whether to allow switching to virtual format if a meeting is disrupted. Concerns raised by Councilmember Green about public access and notification. No action taken; will be revisited.
  • 10-Minute Speaking Limit: Councilmember Green and others felt no need to codify Robert’s Rules limit; no change adopted.
• The city attorney will bring back draft rule updates in approximately three weeks.

Reports

• Mayor Mills: Reported on Highway 7 Coalition meeting (paving progress, B2B Brighton-Boulder transit naming, TIP process), Arbor Day tree planting at Pennock School, and Sister City picnic (30th anniversary, Polish student visit). Encouraged attendance at Summerfest on June 7.
• Police Chief (Guest): Introduced the Blue Envelope Program, a voluntary initiative to improve law enforcement encounters with individuals with invisible disabilities (e.g., autism, deafness). Envelopes and vehicle stickers are available at the police department; no database is kept. Councilmember Taddeo praised the program and the department’s culture.
• City Attorney Calderon: Announced summer law clerk intern Dragosh Burlia.
• City Manager: Reported openings on Parks & Rec and District Planning Commission; Olive Garden set a state sales record (over $500,000 in first week, 9,843 guests); Benedict Park re-grand opening on June 17 at 1:30 PM.
• Councilmember Reports:
  • Councilmember Snyder – nothing.
  • Councilmember Fiedler – noted Rocky Vista High School pep rally and condolences for Boulder Pearl Street Mall tragedy.
  • Councilmember Padilla – highlighted Summerfest, Adams County Pride (June 14), and surprise retirement of Sue Corbett (35-year employee) with renaming of Eagleville Adult Center.
  • Councilmember Taddeo – promoted Flicks & Kicks movie schedule, ride-along experience, Led Zeppelin tribute band at Armory (June 14), and her 19th wedding anniversary.
  • Councilmember Green – attended five high school graduations, announced Bromley Park/Pheasant Ridge garage sales (June 6-7).
  • Councilmember Worth – shared ride-along observations praising officer professionalism.
  • Councilmember Pawlowski – attended Sister City event, upcoming Parks & Rec board meeting, and E-470 Foundation check distribution.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved 8-0.
• Resolution ID-134-25 (Affordable Housing Amendment) approved 8-0.
• Council Rules Discussion: No formal vote; staff to return with refined proposal in ~3 weeks.
• Reports and announcements received without action.