Brighton City Council Regular Meeting - December 16, 2025

The Brighton City Council met on December 16, 2025, for a regular meeting. All eight council members were present. The council approved the consent agenda, several annexation and code-related items, and a memorandum of understanding for youth services. Two reappointments to the Brighton Housing Authority failed due to lack of majority support. The meeting also included a proclamation honoring local optometrists and a donation from the annual Turkey Trot to the senior center.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the November 18, 2025, City Council minutes.
• Approved a resolution amending a master equity lease agreement with Enterprise FM Trust for vehicles (contract amount $658,231).
• Approved a resolution acknowledging the certified abstract of votes for the November 4, 2025, coordinated election.
• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District for North Outfall Phase 3 improvements.
• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District for Sable Boulevard Outfall Channel Improvements.
• Approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement regarding reimbursement of park impact fees for Venture Park.
• All consent items approved 8-0.

Ceremonies & Recognitions

• Proclamation Honoring Dr. Ron G. Fair and Dr. Rodney D. Fair: Recognized for 67 years of optometry service in Brighton. Dr. Ron Fair began practicing in 1959; Dr. Rod Fair joined in 1983. The proclamation noted their legacy and dedication to the community.
• Turkey Trot Donation: The 41st annual Turkey Trot 5K on November 22, 2025, set a participation record of 1,360 registered runners and walkers, with approximately 70 volunteers. Proceeds of $21,000.85 were donated to the Brighton Senior Center (Sioux Corbett Active Adult Center).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak.

Discussion Items

• James Property Annexation (Items 7A & 7B): Final reading and annexation agreement for approximately 5.83 acres located north of East Bridge Street, south of Garcia Street, east of Chapel Hill Drive, and west of North 40th Avenue. The property is currently unplatted and zoned A1 agriculture in Adams County. The annexation agreement outlines responsibilities for transportation, utility service, stormwater, zoning (future C2, restricted retail services), and addressing. City staff recommended approval. Both items passed 8-0.
• Historic Landmark Designation Withdrawn (Item 9A): The applicant withdrew the request to designate 319 South Main Street as a historic landmark. Councilmember Fiddler expressed regret for not speaking in support earlier, and the city manager noted ongoing efforts to assist the applicant with alternative funding sources through the Economic Development Corporation and Urban Renewal Authority. Councilmember Snyder confirmed the Urban Renewal Authority's interest in providing grants.
• Municipal Code Amendments (Item 9B): Ordinance amending sections related to right-of-way, restitution, and contempt of court. Councilmember Green questioned whether the contempt provision aligned with state law, specifically regarding charging individuals for failure to appear. The city attorney clarified that the city is removing failure to appear as a separate criminal charge but can still issue warrants. Councilmember Green expressed satisfaction with the accountability measures. The ordinance passed 7-1.
• Youth Resource Assessment Center (YRAC) MOU (Item 10A): Resolution approving a memorandum of understanding between the city and the YRAC, a nonprofit multi-jurisdictional effort to provide assessment, intervention, and resource services for youth in Adams County. The city will serve as fiscal agent (employer of record) and receive in-kind benefits. Estimated annual savings of $78,000 in avoided fees. The resolution passed 8-0.
• Assignment of Right of First Refusal/Offer to Brighton Housing Authority (Item 10B): Resolution assigning the city's statutory rights under HB 24-1175 to the Brighton Housing Authority (BHA) to purchase qualifying multifamily housing for affordable housing preservation or creation. Councilmember Green questioned obligations and potential for property sellers to set high prices; the affordable housing coordinator confirmed no price restrictions. The resolution passed 7-1, with one councilmember dissenting.
• Reappointment of Michelle Miller to Brighton Housing Authority (Item 10C): Councilmember Green and Mayor Pro Tem expressed concern about the housing authority's lack of progress in creating affordable housing, citing a needs assessment requiring 120 units per year. They argued for new board members to prioritize development. Councilmember Pulowski and Councilmember Wirth supported reappointment, citing general challenges. The motion failed (3-5).
• Reappointment of Dave Rose to Brighton Housing Authority (Item 10D): Similar debate as with Michelle Miller. Councilmember Snyder noted the lack of other applicants and urged realism; Councilmember Fiddler emphasized a need for urgency. The motion failed on a 4-4 tie.

Council Reports & Comments

• Mayor Mills reported on the annual Light Parade (30th annual) and tree lighting event, noting large turnout despite cold weather.
• City Manager Martinez highlighted staff efforts in organizing the parade and the YRAC agreement, praising interdepartmental cooperation.
• Several councilmembers expressed holiday wishes and thanked outgoing Councilmember Jan Pulowski for her service, citing her mentorship and dedication to the community.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 8-0.
• James Property Annexation (final reading) approved 8-0.
• Annexation agreement for James Property approved 8-0.
• Historic landmark designation for 319 South Main Street withdrawn by applicant.
• Municipal code amendments (Item 9B) approved 7-1.
• YRAC MOU (Item 10A) approved 8-0.
• Assignment of right of first refusal/offer to BHA (Item 10B) approved 7-1.
• Reappointment of Michelle Miller to BHA failed (3-5).
• Reappointment of Dave Rose to BHA failed (4-4 tie).
• The next regular meeting is scheduled in three weeks (January 2026), which will include a ceremonial meeting.