Brighton City Council Meeting - June 17, 2025

The Brighton City Council met on June 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, a budget amendment, adoption of an accessory dwelling unit ordinance, appointments to boards, a T-Mobile lease agreement, and reports from council members and staff. The council also passed proclamations for LGBTQ+ Pride Month and condemning an anti-Semitic attack in Boulder.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the May 20, 2025 city council minutes.
• Approved final reading of ordinance amending Section 3-5 (Development Impact Fees) for affordable housing.
• Approved final reading of ordinance amending Section 2-4-13 (Nomination Petitions).
• Approved final reading of ordinance amending Section 3-40-50 (Lodging Tax).
• Approved final reading of ordinance amending Article 8-28 (Fireworks Authorized Officers and Penalties).
• Approved resolution appointing Stephanie Ohm to Planning Commission (Ward 2, term to January 2026).
• Approved resolution appointing Edward Autterson to Brighton Urban Renewal Authority (term to August 2029).
• Approved resolution appointing Bonnie Charlesworth to Brighton Urban Renewal Authority (unexpired term to August 2026). All items passed unanimously (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Lampo offered a prayer for the community and city leadership, emphasizing peace and divine guidance.

Ceremonies and Proclamations

• Swearing In of New Board and Commission Members: Stephanie Ohm (Planning Commission), Edward Autterson (BURA), and Bonnie Charlesworth (BURA) were sworn in. Each expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
• Introduction of Growing Grads Interns: Youth Services Coordinator Rachel Keeley introduced 12 summer interns from 27J School District. Interns will work 150 hours each with professional development. They introduced themselves and shared their favorite aspects of their roles, including hands-on experience in departments such as police, engineering, utilities, human resources, and youth services.
• LGBTQ+ Pride Month Proclamation: Read by Councilmember Wirth, declaring June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Councilmember Padilla and Councilmember Taddeo accepted on behalf of the city, speaking to the importance of acceptance and diversity. Josh Zickelbom (Adams County Clerk) also accepted, emphasizing community unity.
• Proclamation Condemning June 1, 2025 Attack in Boulder: Read by Mayor Mills, condemning the anti-Semitic attack at a Run for Life walk. Accepted by Bruce Schaefer and Gabriel Veleska (regular walkers) and Josh Zickelbom, who noted his Jewish heritage. Speakers expressed gratitude and solidarity, stressing the need to stand against hate.

Public Hearings

• Item 6A: Second Budget Amendment to the 2025 Budget. Presented by Budget & Performance Manager Catherine Mortenson. The amendment appropriates $1,306,603 from the General Fund, Lodging Tax Fund, and Water Fund to support awarded grants (DOLA for housing needs plan, $95,000; SCFD grant; CDPHE for emerging contaminants, total ~$373,000), additional small business grants ($100,000 from lodging tax fund balance), and increased water payments to Thornton ($700,000+ due to higher-than-anticipated rate increase). Total city budget increases to $312 million. Councilmember Padilla clarified the small business grants will be distributed through the economic development corporation, not a new city program. Approved 8-0.

Discussion Items

• Item 8A (Final Reading): Ordinance amending Land Use and Development Code and Municipal Code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and manufactured homes. Presented by Affordable Housing Coordinator Sean Wyman. Two corrections were made since first reading: explicitly defining that the definition of affordable housing replaces the current definition of “housing, affordable,” and adding a finding section to meet LUDC criteria. No substantive changes to definitions or criteria. Approved 8-0.
• Item 9A: Resolution appointing representatives to boards and commissions. City Attorney Calderon explained vacancies from the council vacancy and expiring terms. Mayor Pro Tem Padilla was appointed as alternate to the Lochboie Sewer Board and to the Adams County Water Quality Association; former council member Clint Blackhurst was reappointed to the Metro Water Recovery Board. Approved 8-0.
• Item 9B: Resolution approving a site lease agreement with T-Mobile West, LLC for a portion of city-owned property at 19150 E. 160th Avenue (Southwater Tank Storage). Presented by Utilities Director Scott Olson. The new lease replaces a month-to-month agreement that expired in December 2021. Terms: initial 10-year term, options to renew (two 5-year, then two 1-year), rent $2,500/month with 3% annual increases, and provisions for maintenance relocation. Councilmember Green noted the increase from the prior $1,350/month. Approved 8-0.

Reports

• Mayor Mills: Attended DRCOG sub-regional committee, advocating for Highway 7 improvements and bus rapid transit (expected Q1 2026), a traffic signal at Bromley and I-76, and compensation for city-maintained CDOT rights-of-way. Attended EDC board meeting (discussed Downtown Development Authority sunset), AC Rep Game Changers, mayoral roundtable on anti-Semitism, and Brighton Summerfest. Upcoming: DRCOG meeting and CML annual conference.
• Public Works Director LeBrie: Announced installation of new street lights on Main Street from Longs Peak to Bush Street. Christmas decorations purchased and ready for installation; old decorations available for sale.
• City Manager Martinez: Announced the Friday free concert featuring Chicano Heat moved from Founders Plaza to Carmichael Park due to pavement temperatures exceeding 110°F.
• Councilmember Taddeo: Attended Adams County Pride Fest and Brighton Summerfest.
• Councilmember Green: Commented on the band name Chicano Heat.
• Councilmember Wirth: Attended Parks and Rec meeting and Brighton Youth Commission (BYC) recruitment; 13 seniors graduated, interviews upcoming.
• Councilmember Pawlowski: Requested Parks and Rec to address noise from Highway 85 at Elmwood Cemetery graveside services. Attended E470 board meeting (distributed over $20,000 for child car seats and driver’s ed). Attended Adams County meeting on Sable Boulevard expansion (initially anti, became more accepting). Participated in ribbon cutting for renovated Benedict Park, noting new springy playground surface, slides, and frisbee golf course.
• Councilmember Fiedler: Attended first “Licks and Kicks” event featuring Moana 2 and a foam party; praised staff.
• Councilmember Snyder: Praised Brighton PD displays at Summerfest, commended Tanya for creative BYC recruitment, and encouraged attendance at Armory concerts (Led Zeppelin tribute had 200 attendees). Thanked Mayor for Highway 7 repaving advocacy.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items approved unanimously (8-0).
• Public hearing on budget amendment approved 8-0.
• ADU and manufactured homes ordinance adopted on final reading (8-0).
• Appointments to boards and commissions approved (8-0).
• T-Mobile lease agreement approved (8-0).
• Proclamations issued for Pride Month and condemning Boulder attack.
• Executive session held to discuss negotiations (approved 8-0), concluded at 7:45 PM; no improper actions noted. Meeting adjourned.