OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Brighton City Council Study Session – December 9, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 9, 2025
BodyBrighton, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:08:06

Transcript — Verbatim
1:56

Good evening.

1:58

Like to call to order our city council study session for Tuesday, December ninth, twenty twenty five, and I will ask Councilmember Fiddler to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:33

All right.

2:33

Thank you for doing that.

2:35

Before we get started, I would like to offer a moment of silence for Adams County Sheriff's Commander Carl Smalley, who died yesterday in an on-duty um accident, I believe, but he did pass away while on duty yesterday.

2:53

So we'll give a quick moment of silence for that.

3:05

Thank you.

3:08

The first item of business is the executive contract lease or listing for September and October of twenty-five.

3:20

Good evening, Mayor and Council, uh, City Managers out tonight.

3:23

Karen and I will be filling in.

3:25

And our finance director, Katrina Asher will take this first item.

3:30

Thank you, Marv.

3:31

So in your packet is our listing of executed contracts for the months of September and October.

3:36

Not a super long list, but I do want to point out a couple of our new new contracts that were executed.

3:41

One is for the TPIP or the Transportation Preservation and Improvement Program, Asphalt.

3:47

That was one of the larger ones that helps us get those roads repaired.

3:51

And then additionally, there was a large contract for the North Storage Tank roof replacement.

3:55

So those are the two big ones on that list.

3:59

But uh contracts are signed and those programs are moving forward.

4:24

Yes, we always have a good time with the youth when we go out with them.

4:27

So we appreciate you coming back to tell us uh your experiences.

5:03

Lots of laughs and lots of fun and lots of learning.

5:06

Um then I also wanted to give an update for the National League of Cities and our experience of the National League of Cities as a whole.

5:13

Um, as some of you may know, over the years, they've kind of cut the youth out of the adult programming, and it's been a hard transition for us.

5:22

Um, and I think that while there wasn't a large shift and change in that thought, this conference, I think it is leaning towards going back to the old way.

5:32

And so I know a number of council members and the mayor have reached out to National League of Cities and voiced our concerns with that.

5:38

So I would just like to thank you for advocating on our behalf and other youth commissions' behalf, and I'll keep you updated as we move forward.

5:45

But I think that they have heard a lot of voices, and I think that there is we're gonna notice a shift here very soon.

5:52

Um so I will go ahead and have the youth commissioners first introduce themselves and then share their experience.

5:58

Make sure your mics are on, and if you had to pull them, you it's you could just talk into them like regular.

6:03

Talk very direct into the mic.

6:06

Hi, I'm Eleanor Larson, and I am the chair of the Brighton Youth Commission, and I'm a senior at Brighton High School.

6:14

My name is Jane Garcia, and I am the Brighton Youth Commission's public relations, and I'm a junior in high school.

6:20

I'm Amiri.

6:21

I'm the Brighton Youth Commission's historian, and I'm a senior at Riverdale Ridge High School.

6:25

My name is Edna Kesala.

6:27

I'm a senior at Riverdoor Ridge High School.

6:34

Uh first, I would like to say thank you so much again, City Council, for continuously supporting us and also for letting us go.

6:41

We also had a great time and really appreciated the city council dinner.

6:45

Also, I would like to make an apology.

6:46

Sorry that we are all wearing jeans.

6:49

We just came from school, so we didn't have time to change first.

6:53

Um I uh I had meaningful discussions with other youth people from across the country, and we didn't really agree on everything, but we still like made it work, and I still really enjoyed hearing their opinions.

7:10

Um that experience gave me more practice with making the best of difficult situations, and I can use it in the future for when there's future disagreements.

7:19

And my favorite part was going to the aquarium in the Great Salt Lake.

7:23

Everybody told us not to go to the Salt Lake, but we did it anyway, and it was definitely worth it.

7:27

Um, there you can see a picture of me and Amiri.

7:29

We were looking at like a patch of salt crystals on the ground.

7:33

It was so pretty that it was like shining in the sunlight and it looked like broken glass shards.

7:37

It was really cool.

7:38

And the aquarium was just pretty awesome.

7:41

Better than you'd expect.

7:46

Okay.

7:47

During during this year's NLC, I learned just how to get out of my comfort zone with networking and talking to others.

7:55

And doing this, I learned how to just navigate different experiences and different challenges, just with people like in my groups at the conference, not really like giving and receiving information.

8:08

So that was just like a really interesting challenge to navigate.

8:13

And then also at the City Council dinner, I have never really been put in the situation to just go out and talk to adults in that setting.

8:22

So it was, although it was a really enjoyable experience, it was very hard for me to kind of just get out there and say whatever, you know.

8:32

So I do really enjoy that experience though, and I'm excited to see how it will help me grow in the future.

8:39

And my favorite part of going to NLC was the hockey game and the mental health breakout rooms where I learned the difference between stressed and overwhelmed, and just how to recognize my limits and like how I can take that back into my own life.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management███████████████████████████████████35%
Transportation Safety████████████████████████████28%
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Youth Programs█████████9%
Procedural███3%
Engineering And Infrastructure██2%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Procurement██2%
Fiscal Sustainability█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Brighton City Council Study Session – December 9, 2025

The Brighton City Council held a study session on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting included updates on contracts, the Youth Commission's National League of Cities conference experience, a comprehensive Water Master Plan overview, a reimbursement agreement for Venture Park, the Brighton Core City Circulation Plan, and two storm drainage intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) for the North Outfall Phase Three and Sable Outfall projects. Council also discussed upcoming agenda items and a request to review residential outdoor lighting codes.

Consent Calendar

  • Executed Contracts (September–October 2025): Finance Director Katrina Asher presented the list of executed contracts for September and October, highlighting two large contracts: the Transportation Preservation and Improvement Program (TPIP) Asphalt contract for road repairs and the North Storage Tank roof replacement. No objections were raised; the item was accepted as part of the consent calendar.

Discussion Items

  • Youth Commission Report on National League of Cities (NLC): Youth commissioners Eleanor Larson (chair), Jane Garcia (public relations), Amiri (historian), and Edna Kesala (senior) shared their experiences at the NLC conference in Salt Lake City. They discussed learning to network, collaborate, and step out of comfort zones. Council members praised their representation of Brighton and noted efforts to reintegrate youth into adult programming at NLC. Council expressed pride and gratitude for the youth commissioners' growth and advocacy.
  • Water Master Plan Overview: Utilities Director Scott Olson and consultant Nick Worley (Plummer Associates) presented the Water Master Plan focusing on distribution, treatment, and storage (excluding water rights). Key points:
    • Current water demand: 3–4 million gallons per day (MGD) in winter, up to 12–13 MGD in summer (2022 data).
    • Future growth projections: Average growth of 382 homes per year; with average growth, a new water treatment plant would be needed around 2045 without the Lutz Reservoir non-potable system.
    • The Lutz Reservoir (4 MGD capacity) extends the need for a new plant to 2052 at average growth, saving significant potable water for development.
    • Build-out population estimated at 135,000 with a max day demand of 42 MGD. Current treated water capacity is 22 MGD (new plant 20 MGD + Thornton 2 MGD).
    • 22 capital projects identified totaling ~$450 million; the future Southwest Water Treatment Plant (estimated $330 million) would be designed starting ~2045 and operational by ~2052.
    • Council questions addressed lane widths (10–11 feet), future funding via rate studies, and the importance of non-potable systems. Council expressed interest in current data and conservation impacts.
  • Venture Park Reimbursement IGA (First Amendment): Parks Director Travis Haynes presented the amendment to add a 6.437-acre parcel (planning area 8.3) to the existing reimbursement IGA with Brookfield for Venture Park. The 17-acre park includes a full-size artificial turf soccer field and baseball/softball field, costing ~$7 million. Park impact fees collected (~$2 million so far) will reimburse Brookfield; the amendment does not increase the total reimbursement cap. Council had no objections; the item will be on the next meeting's consent agenda.
  • Brighton Core City Circulation Plan: Transportation Planner Annie Rice (Tool Design) presented the study for Bridge Street (from Veterans Park to 22nd Avenue), funded by DRCOG. Key points:
    • Bridge Street has a high crash rate: 600 crashes in 5 years (120/year), with serious injuries increasing since 2019.
    • Public engagement (survey, pop-ups, focus groups) prioritized safety, wider sidewalks, and better crossings.
    • Preferred alternative: Maintain four travel lanes but narrow lanes (to 10–11 feet) to widen sidewalks (to 9 feet on south side) and add a raised median (without landscaping for visibility). The option also improves bus service and includes intersection safety improvements (e.g., restriping roundabouts, new pedestrian crossings at Sheridan and Miller Avenue).
    • Council discussion included concerns about lane widths for trucks, desire for faster implementation, and support for the plan. Council consensus directed staff to incorporate the plan into the Transportation Master Plan and Capital Improvement Plan and seek funding for near-term improvements.
  • North Outfall Phase Three IGA: Scott Olson presented the IGA with Mile High Flood District for the regional stormwater outfall. The project completes a missing section of the outfall (approximately $2 million total cost). Mile High will contribute $75,000 in 2025 and $600,000 in 2026; the city procures the contractor. The project is tied to the Rec Plex project and will include a short lane closure (two weeks). Council agreed to place the IGA on the next meeting's consent agenda.
  • Sable Outfall IGA: Scott Olson presented the IGA for a regional stormwater outfall in southeast Brighton. The open channel portion (adjacent to Sable Boulevard) will be designed by February 2026 and constructed March–November 2026. Mile High Flood District will manage the project; cost split 50/50 (~$2 million each). Council asked about maintenance (Mile High will maintain the open channel) and agreed to place the IGA on the next meeting's consent agenda.

Key Outcomes

  • Youth Commission Report: Council expressed strong support and appreciation; no formal action required.
  • Water Master Plan: No vote; presentation accepted as information. Staff will consider council comments (e.g., current data, conservation impacts) in future updates.
  • Venture Park IGA: Council directed staff to place the first amendment on the December 16, 2025 consent agenda for approval.
  • Brighton Core City Circulation Plan: Council gave consensus to adopt the preferred alternative and associated recommendations. Staff will incorporate the plan into the Transportation Master Plan, seek funding, and begin low-cost improvements (e.g., signal retiming, striping) as soon as possible.
  • North Outfall Phase Three IGA: Council directed staff to place the IGA on the December 16, 2025 consent agenda.
  • Sable Outfall IGA: Council directed staff to place the IGA on the December 16, 2025 consent agenda.
  • Mayor's Request: Mayor asked Community Development to review and update residential outdoor lighting codes to address compliance issues with permanent lighting installations.
  • Next Meeting: December 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM (last meeting of the year). Council encouraged to wear ugly Christmas sweaters.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Like to call to order our city council study session for Tuesday, December ninth, twenty twenty five, and I will ask Councilmember Fiddler to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All right. Thank you for doing that. Before we get started, I would like to offer a moment of silence for Adams County Sheriff's Commander Carl Smalley, who died yesterday in an on-duty um accident, I believe, but he did pass away while on duty yesterday. So we'll give a quick moment of silence for that. Thank you. The first item of business is the executive contract lease or listing for September and October of twenty-five. Good evening, Mayor and Council, uh, City Managers out tonight. Karen and I will be filling in. And our finance director, Katrina Asher will take this first item. Thank you, Marv. So in your packet is our listing of executed contracts for the months of September and October. Not a super long list, but I do want to point out a couple of our new new contracts that were executed. One is for the TPIP or the Transportation Preservation and Improvement Program, Asphalt. That was one of the larger ones that helps us get those roads repaired. And then additionally, there was a large contract for the North Storage Tank roof replacement. So those are the two big ones on that list. But uh contracts are signed and those programs are moving forward. Yes, we always have a good time with the youth when we go out with them. So we appreciate you coming back to tell us uh your experiences. Lots of laughs and lots of fun and lots of learning. Um then I also wanted to give an update for the National League of Cities and our experience of the National League of Cities as a whole. Um, as some of you may know, over the years, they've kind of cut the youth out of the adult programming, and it's been a hard transition for us. Um, and I think that while there wasn't a large shift and change in that thought, this conference, I think it is leaning towards going back to the old way. And so I know a number of council members and the mayor have reached out to National League of Cities and voiced our concerns with that. So I would just like to thank you for advocating on our behalf and other youth commissions' behalf, and I'll keep you updated as we move forward. But I think that they have heard a lot of voices, and I think that there is we're gonna notice a shift here very soon. Um so I will go ahead and have the youth commissioners first introduce themselves and then share their experience. Make sure your mics are on, and if you had to pull them, you it's you could just talk into them like regular. Talk very direct into the mic. Hi, I'm Eleanor Larson, and I am the chair of the Brighton Youth Commission, and I'm a senior at Brighton High School. My name is Jane Garcia, and I am the Brighton Youth Commission's public relations, and I'm a junior in high school. I'm Amiri. I'm the Brighton Youth Commission's historian, and I'm a senior at Riverdale Ridge High School. My name is Edna Kesala. I'm a senior at Riverdoor Ridge High School. Uh first, I would like to say thank you so much again, City Council, for continuously supporting us and also for letting us go. We also had a great time and really appreciated the city council dinner. Also, I would like to make an apology. Sorry that we are all wearing jeans. We just came from school, so we didn't have time to change first. Um I uh I had meaningful discussions with other youth people from across the country, and we didn't really agree on everything, but we still like made it work, and I still really enjoyed hearing their opinions. Um that experience gave me more practice with making the best of difficult situations, and I can use it in the future for when there's future disagreements. And my favorite part was going to the aquarium in the Great Salt Lake. Everybody told us not to go to the Salt Lake, but we did it anyway, and it was definitely worth it. Um, there you can see a picture of me and Amiri. We were looking at like a patch of salt crystals on the ground. It was so pretty that it was like shining in the sunlight and it looked like broken glass shards. It was really cool.

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