Brighton City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

This meeting of the Brighton City Council included ceremonial recognitions of youth interns and entrepreneurs, a Flag Day proclamation, public comment, and consideration of several ordinances and resolutions. The council also received updates on water restrictions, the new water treatment plant, and community events.

Ceremonies & Recognitions

• Growing Grads Summer Interns: 15 interns were introduced from nearly 90 attendees at the summer job launch; 60 applications for 15 positions were received. Interns are placed across city departments, each working up to 150 hours and attending weekly professional development courses.
• Young Entrepreneurs Program: 36 young entrepreneurs were introduced, who will sell products at the City Barbecue and Art in the Park after completing workshops on business skills. The program began in 2020 as a response to the pandemic.
• Graduating Youth Commission Seniors: Recognition of graduating seniors from the Brighton Youth Commission, including Amiri (attending MSU), Hannah (CU Boulder), and others. Several have accumulated over 1,000 community service hours.
• National Flag Day Proclamation: Mayor Mills proclaimed June 14, 2026, as Flag Day in Brighton. Tim Watts from the Elks accepted and thanked the city for its support.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Lampo offered a prayer, lifting up the city and council in prayer, citing scriptures and requesting guidance.

Discussion Items

• Wildfire Resiliency Code Adoption (Item 7A): Staff presented a first reading ordinance to adopt the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, as mandated by state law. Councilmembers expressed procedural concerns about bringing a previously defeated item back without new information. Councilmember Snyder changed his prior vote, citing the Marshall Fire and insurance implications. Councilmember Carbajal questioned transparency around the earlier vote. Several members requested a full presentation before voting. The motion to approve failed 5–4 (5 nay, 4 yay).
• Unauthorized Camping on Private Property Ordinance (Item 8A): Final reading of an ordinance adding Article 8-26 to the municipal code. Chief Domenico noted exemptions for sites where camping is expressly authorized by the city. Discussion focused on safe parking lots: the city attorney clarified that temporary use permits (up to 90 days, renewable) could allow such uses. The city is in discussions with Almost Home about potential sites. Motion passed 8–1.

Resolutions

• Revised 2023–2027 Strategic Plan (Item 9A): Adopted after presentation by staff. No changes since the May 12 study session. Motion passed 8–1.
• Telluride Business Park Development Agreement Amendment (Item 9B): Approved a first amendment to update stormwater infrastructure, maintenance obligations, and reimbursement provisions. The amendment allows reimbursement of up to $57,344 for regional drainage improvements. Motion passed 8–0 (Councilmember Wirth recused).
• 2026 Adams County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Item 9C): Adopted the draft plan to maintain eligibility for federal grants (e.g., BRIC, HMGP). The plan identifies tornadoes, wildfires, flooding, and hazardous materials as top risks. Motion passed 9–0.

Utilities Business Item

• Sable Boulevard Outfall Channel Improvements IGA Amendment (Item 10A): Second amendment to the IGA with Mile High Flood District, adding $600,000 from each party (total now $1.725 million each) to complete construction. Project is on schedule for November 2026. Motion passed 9–0.

Reports & Updates

• Mayor: Attended Riverdale Post Acute flag raising, Flicks & Kicks, Inglenook grand reopening, Ergers Dog Park grand opening, and the Colorado for Energy Access forum. He will attend the Colorado Municipal League conference next week.
• Utilities Director (Scott Olson): Reported on stage one watering restriction enforcement: 315 violations total (296 first, 17 second, 2 third). Breakdown: 24 commercial, 264 residential, 8 metro districts. Also gave a water treatment plant update: testing in October, with the plant expected to be operational in late October (contractual deadline February 2027).
• Councilmember Carbajal: Attended Parks and Rec board meeting; noted 98 riders at Bike Brighton's last event and nearly 20,000 class visits at the rec center.
• Councilmember Wirth: Attended Brighton Summer Fest, 27J Capital Facility Fee Foundation event, E470 board meeting, sustainability board, and BYC meeting.
• Councilmember Green: Highlighted that the Capital Facility Fee Foundation contributed over $21 million to school construction. Also noted E470 bond refinancing saving $30 million in debt service, and promotion of upcoming events (Lilo & Stitch movie night, Selena tribute).
• Councilmember Tadeo: Attended the dog park opening and Brighton Summer Fest; received positive feedback from residents.
• Councilmember Snyder: Noted cancellation of Highway 85 committee meeting, attended dog park and Inglenook grand openings. Also noted that state legislation to force lot splitting was killed this session.

Key Outcomes

• Wildfire Resiliency Code: First reading motion defeated (5–4). The item will not return. Public hearing originally scheduled for July 21 becomes moot.
• Unauthorized Camping Ordinance: Passed on final reading (8–1). Effective upon publication, with exemptions for city-authorized sites.
• Strategic Plan: Adopted (8–1).
• Telluride Business Park Amendment: Approved (8–0, 1 recusal).
• Hazard Mitigation Plan: Approved (9–0).
• Sable Outfall IGA Amendment: Approved (9–0).
• Next meeting: July 7, 2026 (no meeting June 23 due to CML conference).