Brighton City Council Study Session - April 28, 2026

This study session covered five main topics: appointments to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, an update on the Downtown Public Realm Study, a proposed Hauler Licensing Ordinance, a contract amendment for the Denver Street Improvement Project, and standardized term limits for boards and commissions. No formal votes were taken; council provided direction for staff to proceed on several items.

Discussion Items

• Appointments to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: City Clerk recommended appointing Jeremy Hammen and Jan Pawloski. Councilmember Green jokingly asked about background checks; Councilmember Snyder questioned Pawloski's qualifications as a relative newcomer. The item was discussed but no action taken in this study session.

• Downtown Public Realm Study Update: Gary Montoya presented progress on low-hanging fruit projects including truck route signs on Main Street, enhanced wayfinding signage, Brighton public transportation stops on Main Street (near railroad tracks), restriping Strong Street (parallel parking on north, back-in on south), a bike trail connection to Veterans Park, safety improvements at Bridge and Main, and a potential green space at Bush Street triangle (removing a little-used diagonal parking segment). A safer crossing at Bridge Street near Cabbage was also discussed as part of quiet zone considerations. Councilmember Padilla supported the incremental approach. Councilmember Worth questioned the link between the quiet zone and safe crossing. Councilmember Green sought clarification on the Bridge Street BRT stop design. Staff was directed to proceed with exploring the presented projects.

• Hauler Licensing Ordinance: Sustainability Coordinator Tracy McLean and consultant Audrey Wheeler presented an overview of a proposed hauler licensing ordinance, including benefits (data collection, accountability, level playing field), best practices (recycling requirement, pay-as-you-throw pricing, data reporting, enforcement), and next steps. Council discussion centered on: whether to require recycling (strong support for making it mandatory), concerns about pay-as-you-throw (Councilmembers Green and Snyder opposed; Mayor Pro Tem Padilla had mixed feelings but leaned against including it), enforcement mechanisms and penalties for unlicensed haulers (supported), and impact on HOAs. Multiple council members emphasized enabling residents who want to recycle but currently lack options. Staff will bring a draft ordinance to the June study session, likely requiring recycling, including penalties, but not mandating pay-as-you-throw.

• Municipal Service Center Denver Street Improvement Project: Director Greg LeBrie presented a contract amendment ($18,000) for completing curb, gutter, sidewalk, and drainage improvements on Denver Street east of the rail spur, bringing the total contract to ~$1.5 million. Councilmember Green asked about the large increase in Amendment 1 (explained as design and construction oversight phase). He also inquired about speed limit increases on Bridge Street (plan to maintain 35 mph near trailer park, then incremental increases). No objections; the amendment will be placed on a future consent agenda.

• Terms and Term Limits for Boards and Commissions: City Attorney Calderon proposed standardizing terms to four years and term limits to two terms for the Brighton Housing Authority (currently 5-year terms, no term limits), Sustainability Advisory Board (currently 3-year terms, three-term limit), Brighton Youth Commission at-large members (currently 2-year terms, no formal limit), and Brighton Urban Renewal Authority (5-year statutory terms, no term limits). Council discussed grandfathering current members (terms restart) and recruitment of new volunteers. The ordinance will come back for first reading on May 19, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Staff was directed to proceed with the Downtown Public Realm Study projects as presented.
• Staff will develop a draft Hauler Licensing Ordinance for the June study session, incorporating mandatory recycling, penalties for unlicensed haulers, and likely excluding pay-as-you-throw.
• The Denver Street Improvement contract amendment will be presented for approval at a future business meeting (likely on consent).
• The term limits ordinance will be introduced for first reading on May 19, 2026.
• Councilmember Taddeo raised a policy item about improving street lighting in Ward 2; informal discussion followed.