Brighton City Council Study Session Summary - July 28, 2026

This study session of the Brighton City Council took place on July 28, 2026 (agenda listed start time of 6:00 PM local time; metadata timestamp provided as 13:00 UTC, but the transcript indicates an evening meeting. The summary uses the date from the metadata, as instructed, and notes the discrepancy). The council reviewed several administrative items, discussed proposed changes to temporary sign regulations and code amendments, and received updates on the North 40th Avenue construction project and related intergovernmental agreement with 27J School District. No formal votes were taken; direction was given for further staff work on several items.

Consent Calendar

• Monthly Contract Listing - June 2026 (ID-224-26): Deputy City Manager Falkenberg presented the listing. Councilmember Green asked about the core city waterline replacement, noting it seemed similar to prior work. Staff clarified it was on a different street. No other questions; the listing was accepted as presented.

Discussion Items

• Year End Audit Results (ID-213-26): Assistant Finance Director Haley Miller introduced external auditors Matt Marino and Stephanie Simon from Ruben Brown. They reported a clean audit opinion on the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and a clean single audit on federal expenditures. The city filed on time with GFOA despite transitioning to a new ERP system mid-year. Staff was commended for their efforts. Councilmember Green noted an appendix regarding tenant lease accounting reclassification—staff clarified it was a non-material client-identified adjustment.
• Temporary Sign Regulations Land Use Code Amendment (ID-226-26): Associate Planner Grace Shipman presented proposed changes to address a loophole (no specified time signs must be down before a new 90-day period begins). Staff proposed eliminating the 90-day limit, creating a separate temporary sign allowance, and reducing sizes for some sign types. Council was overwhelmingly opposed. Councilmembers Snyder, Green, Carbajal, and others argued that the current 90-day limit should be retained or tightened, with clearer rules on condition and enforcement. Councilmember Worth suggested distinguishing between sign types (e.g., sandwich boards vs. banners). Police Chief Dominico noted limited enforcement bandwidth and explained the loophole’s origin. Council directed staff to revise the proposal: keep a time limit (e.g., 90 days), require a permit, define a minimum period signs must be down, and focus on condition-based enforcement. Further input will be sought from the Planning Commission and Downtown Development Authority.
• Articles 2 and 3 Code Clean Up (ID-225-26): Deputy City Attorney Yasmina Gibbons presented amendments to election procedures (aligning cure deadlines with state law, clarifying computation of time for coordinated elections), a new section prohibiting re-introduction of denied ordinances for one year (with exception by majority vote), budget carryover for capital projects, removing newspaper publication requirement for construction solicitations (replacing with BidNet Direct), and changing the protest timeline from bid opening to award date. Council supported the changes and directed staff to bring an ordinance for adoption at the next regular meeting, allowing absent members to provide input first.
• North 40th Avenue Construction Project (ID-221-26): Assistant Director of Engineering Mazadur Hussein presented. The project will connect Garcia Avenue to East Bridge Street with a 30 mph roadway, bike lanes, sidewalks, and stormwater improvements. A new regional detention pond will replace an existing pond behind the bus barn. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Mid-City (bidder 9), the most responsive and responsible bidder, subject to council approval next week. Council expressed support and noted the need to coordinate with 27J to maintain bus access and avoid winter paving issues. The item will be considered for approval at the August 4 regular meeting.
• IGA Between City of Brighton and 27J School District (ID-222-26): Greg (public works) presented the intergovernmental agreement for the North 40th Avenue construction. The IGA defines roles, easements, right-of-way acquisitions, and long-term maintenance of the detention pond. The district will convey easements; the city maintains the pond for the first five years (with district mowing), then long-term maintenance of inlets stays with the city. Dredging costs are shared (86% district, 14% city), subject to annual appropriation. Council had no concerns; the IGA will be voted on next week.

Key Outcomes

• Temporary Signs: Council rejected the proposed relaxation of rules and directed staff to return with tighter regulations that include a maximum display period (e.g., 90 days), a minimum down period, a permit requirement, and clear condition standards. Staff will consult Planning Commission and DDA before bringing a revised ordinance.
• Code Amendments: Council supported the proposed changes and will consider an ordinance at the August 4 regular meeting.
• North 40th Avenue Construction: Council indicated support for the bid award; the contract will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
• IGA with 27J: Council will approve the IGA at the next regular meeting.
• Budget Session Scheduling: Council discussed starting the August 25 budget session at 3:00 PM instead of 1:00 PM to accommodate member schedules; the decision will be finalized after checking with absent members.
• Other Policy Items: Councilmember Worth raised safety concerns at Bromley and 27th Avenue intersection (near misses on left turns); public works staff will review mitigation options. Councilmember Taddeo requested a regularized street sweeping schedule; staff will investigate and report back during budget discussions.