OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Brighton City Council Meeting September 1, 2026: Consent, Proclamation, Public Comments, Reports

City CouncilTuesday, September 1, 2026
BodyBrighton, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:09:32

Transcript — Verbatim
1:07

Good evening.

1:08

I'd like to call to order our city council meeting for Tuesday, September first, twenty twenty six.

1:13

I'm going to ask Councilmember Snyder to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:47

All right.

1:49

Madam City Clerk, please call roll.

1:51

Mayor Mills.

1:52

Here.

1:53

Mayor Pro Tempitia.

1:54

Here.

1:55

Councilmember Carvajal.

1:56

I heard she's running late.

1:58

Councilmember Collins.

2:00

Here.

2:00

Councilmember Fiddler.

2:02

Here.

2:03

Councilmember Green.

2:05

I'm here.

2:06

Councilmember Snyder.

2:08

Councilmember Tadeo.

2:09

Present.

2:10

Councilmember Wirth.

2:11

Here.

2:12

We have a quorum, Your Honor.

2:13

Thank you.

2:14

Next, Madam City Clerk, please read the consent agenda into the record.

2:20

Item two A, approval of the August 4th, 2026 City Council minutes.

2:25

Item two B, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, appointing Sophia Imperioli as a professional member of the Brighton Historic Preservation Commission with a term to June twenty twenty-nine.

2:38

Item two C final reading of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, approving a zoning map amendment from Case Farms PUD to the following R2, mixed density residential, R three, multiple family residential, C three, general retail and services, and O open space and parks comprising approximately two hundred and thirty-two point one eight eight three acres, generally located south of Brumley Lane, west of South Twenty-Senth Avenue, north north of East 144th Avenue, and east of the South 19th Avenue alignment.

3:14

More particularly located in the east half of section 17, Township One South, range 66 West of the Sex Principal Meridian, City of Brighton, County of Adams, State of Colorado.

3:26

Item two D, final reading of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, amending sections of Article Two-33 of the Brighton Municipal Code to allow Brighton Youth Commission members to serve as members of the sustainability advisory board.

3:43

Thank you.

5:00

Whereas Alzheimer's disease is the other form of dementia representing a global, a growing global and local health priority, impacting memory, thinking, behavior, and ability to perform daily activities for millions of individuals worldwide and residents within our own community.

5:16

And whereas the World Alzheimer's Month is an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness, challenging the stigma that surrounds dementia and fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment for those affected.

5:34

Whereas early diagnosis and access to acute or uh acute uh information for critical to or are critical to helping individuals and families and understanding the challenges they are experiencing and connect with the essential care guidance and support systems.

5:55

And whereas the city of Brighton recognizes the profound dedication of family members, caregivers, and medical professionals who provide compassionate care and support to neighbors living with dementia.

6:09

And whereas by participating in the global movement, Brighton joins communities around the world in wearing purple, sharing educational resources and advocating for continued research toward effective treatments and the ultimate cure.

6:26

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I Gregory Mills, mayor of the City of Brighton, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as World Alzheimer's Month in the City of Brighton, and I call upon all the residents to learn more about brain health, support local caregivers, and help build a community that embraces and protects the dignity of everyone living with dementia on this first day of September 2026.

6:53

And I'll just say having had my father that had dementia, later diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and later that was revised to some other dementias in Parkinson's.

7:05

I can tell you that this is very important that we all get out there and support our community because almost everybody in this room will, if you if you don't already will likely know somebody that's gone through some sort of a dementia or ultimately Alzheimer's.

7:22

So City Manager Martinez, who is here to receive this?

7:25

Thank you, Mayor.

7:26

Here tonight to receive this is Ashley Wilk, the SUVAC manager.

7:31

Come on over.

7:36

Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Potem, and members of council.

7:40

Thank you for the opportunity to be here this evening as we recognize World Alzheimer's Awareness Month and the importance of supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

7:53

Alzheimer's reaches far beyond a person who receives the diagnosis.

7:56

It impacts spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, caregivers, and entire communities.

8:03

Already in 2026, it's estimated that 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia, while millions of Americans are providing unpaid care for someone living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

8:18

Those numbers remind us that awareness matters because chances are, like Mayor Mills said, we all know someone who's been affected by this disease.

8:26

At Eagleview, our mission is to create more than a place for seniors to participate in activities.

8:32

We strive to create a community where seniors can learn, build relationships, stay active, and most importantly, stay connected.

8:39

This month we are proud to offer several opportunities focused on awareness, education, and connection.

8:45

On September 4th, we will host Building Brain Health, facilitated by the Alzheimer's Association.

8:51

This program will provide information about dementia, building brain healthy habits, and ways to support ourselves and others.

8:58

It will also promote a new support group starting in October.

9:02

Beginning in October, Eagle View will begin hosting an Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group, facilitated again by the Alzheimer's Association.

9:10

This will provide caregivers with a welcoming space to connect, share stories, and find support and practical resources.

9:17

These opportunities are made possible because of the dedication of our program coordinator, Madison Westmorland.

9:23

Madison has built meaningful partnerships with the Alzheimer's Association and works to bring resources and support to a community and support that we haven't had in Brighton before.

9:34

More broadly, the entire team at Eagleview works every single day to create an inclusive environment where every senior has an opportunity to participate, connect, and feel that they belong.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety██████████████████████22%
Public Engagement███████████████████19%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Procedural███████████11%
Sustainability████████8%
Mental Health Awareness███████7%
Emergency Management█████5%
Public Works█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Brighton City Council Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Brighton City Council met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda with four items, a proclamation for World Alzheimer's Month, public comments from four residents, a resolution authorizing bond allocation to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), and departmental reports on transportation projects and emergency preparedness. All votes were unanimous where recorded.

Consent Calendar

  • ID-251-26: Approval of the August 4, 2026 City Council minutes.
  • ID-253-26: Resolution appointing Sophia Imperioli to the Historic Preservation Commission as a professional member (term to June 2029).
  • ID-246-26 (Final Reading): Ordinance approving a zoning map amendment from Case Farms PUD to R-2, R-3, C-3, and O on approximately 232.1883 acres south of Bromley Lane, west of South 27th Avenue, north of East 144th Avenue, east of South 19th Avenue alignment.
  • ID-247-26 (Final Reading): Ordinance amending Article 2-33 of the Municipal Code to allow Brighton Youth Commission members to serve on the Sustainability Advisory Board. Note: The consent agenda was read into the record; no separate vote was recorded in the transcript. It is presumed approved as a block.

Ceremonies

  • World Alzheimer's Month Proclamation: Mayor Gregory Mills read and signed a proclamation declaring September 2026 as World Alzheimer's Month in Brighton. Ashley Wilk, SUVAC Manager, accepted the proclamation and highlighted Eagle View's upcoming programs: a Building Brain Health event on September 4th (with the Alzheimer's Association) and a new Caregivers Support Group starting in October. Councilmember Taddeo and others expressed personal connections to dementia and gratitude for the initiative.

Public Comments & Testimony

Four residents spoke on matters not on the agenda:

  • Pete Fibbs: Expressed concerns about proposed large-scale data centers, arguing they conflict with the city's 2024 Sustainability Plan goals on water conservation, energy use, and air quality. He urged council to review the plan and requested Councilmember Green to recuse himself from related discussions due to his affiliation with United Power.
  • Tom Lampo: Delivered a prayer for the community, bus drivers, and city leadership.
  • Natalie Balderas (MB Towing, family-owned since 1985): Requested reconsideration of the towing contract after 30 years of service, stating the submitted proposal was not an accurate representation of their capabilities. She asked for the opportunity to resubmit.
  • Lori Morris (1733 Wildflower Drive, 23-year resident): Renewed calls for a five-year moratorium on data centers, citing 75% opposition nationally and noting the new draft 2026 comprehensive plan lacks sufficient code restrictions beyond sound. She referenced the 2024 Sustainability Plan and competition for water rights. She warned of returning with larger crowds.

Resolution 9A: Private Activity Bond Allocation Assignment to CHFA

  • Presentation: Finance Director Katrina Asher explained that an earlier resolution (May 5, 2026) assigned the city’s private activity bond allocation to Dominium for a senior affordable housing project. Dominium is not an authorized bond issuer, so the assignment must be redirected to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) for the same project. The new resolution rescinds the prior one.
  • Vote: Motion by Councilmember Taddeo, seconded by Councilmember Wirth. Passed 9-0.

Reports

Director Craig LeBrie (Public Works)

  • Sable Boulevard Intersection Improvements: Provided updates on four intersections:
    • East 132nd Avenue: Completed (widening, restriping).
    • 136th Avenue: Roundabout construction underway; scheduled completion November/December 2026.
    • 144th Avenue: Widening, new signal, turn lanes; experiencing delays due to utility relocation (United Power) and property acquisition; target completion December 2026.
    • Bromley Lane: New signals, ADA ramps, repaving, pedestrian refuge island planned for early 2027.
  • Brighton Bolt (Microtransit): Reported record ridership of 1,750 rides in August 2026, up from previous months. Top destinations: Walmart, King Soopers, other retail. Top origins: Bridge Square and shopping areas. 28% retail, 22% restaurant/dining, 17% groceries, 16% government/education, 8% medical. RTD awarded funding to extend the program to 2029. Free rides to/from Sue Corbett Active Adult Center made permanent. Summer promotion (free rides to family destinations) ends September 2026. Rider satisfaction: 4.8/5 stars (92.3% five-star). Six drivers are Brighton residents. Currently four vans in operation (Toyota Siennas); original vans are still awaiting repairs. Average wait time under 30 minutes; goal met. Planning to extend Friday hours to 10 PM soon and considering Saturday service.

Police Chief (Video/Presentation)

  • Front Range Wildfire Initiated Community Conflagration (WIC) Initiative: Regional effort to improve response to fast-moving grassland wildfires. Brighton has adopted common evacuation terminology (warnings, orders, shelter-in-place), the high-low siren tone for evacuations (with verbal instructions in Spanish and English), and 116 all-hazard evacuation polygons loaded into emergency notification systems. A public interface map is in development. A press release is scheduled for September 8, 2026, followed by a local video explanation from the Chief and Fire Chief Garrison.

City Manager Michael Martinez

  • Board and Commission Vacancies: Reported openings on Brighton Urban Renewal Authority (3), Historic Preservation Commission (3 members, 1 alternate), Housing Authority (2 members, 1 alternate), District Plan Commission (1), and Sustainability Advisory Board (2 youth members). Encouraged applications.
  • Employee Car Show: Noted a successful event honoring Christian Flores, a city employee who passed away earlier in 2026, with car enthusiasts, food, and family.

Council Reports

  • Mayor Mills attended DRCOG meetings (2050 Regional Transportation Plan, micro mobility/transit). Upcoming events: 9/11 ceremony at Fire Station 52, ribbon cutting for I-25/Highway 7 mobility hub, Art in the Park (Sept 12), Festival Latino (Sept 13), Trash Bash and Eco Event (Sept 18-19).
  • Councilmember Green promoted Armory events (Elvis tribute Sept 18) and praised staff.
  • Councilmember Wirth attended DRCOG Awards and Tom Petty tribute.
  • Councilmember Carbajal thanked Councilmember Padilla for attending Lochbuie Sewer Board meeting and noted strong city internship presence at 27J.
  • Councilmember Taddeo noted first DDA meeting and promoted upcoming events.
  • Councilmember Snyder noted Bridge Street/85 project wall construction.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Presumed approved (no separate vote recorded).
  • Proclamation: Declared September 2026 World Alzheimer's Month.
  • Resolution 9A: Passed 9-0, authorizing assignment of private activity bond allocation to CHFA for senior affordable housing.
  • Next Steps: Staff will continue Sable Boulevard construction (roundabout by end of 2026, 144th Avenue pending utility relocation). Brighton Bolt hours may expand Friday to 10 PM and Saturday. WIC evacuation protocols will be publicly communicated starting September 8. Boards and commissions recruitment continues.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call to order our city council meeting for Tuesday, September first, twenty twenty six. I'm going to ask Councilmember Snyder to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. All right. Madam City Clerk, please call roll. Mayor Mills. Here. Mayor Pro Tempitia. Here. Councilmember Carvajal. I heard she's running late. Councilmember Collins. Here. Councilmember Fiddler. Here. Councilmember Green. I'm here. Councilmember Snyder. Councilmember Tadeo. Present. Councilmember Wirth. Here. We have a quorum, Your Honor. Thank you. Next, Madam City Clerk, please read the consent agenda into the record. Item two A, approval of the August 4th, 2026 City Council minutes. Item two B, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, appointing Sophia Imperioli as a professional member of the Brighton Historic Preservation Commission with a term to June twenty twenty-nine. Item two C final reading of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, approving a zoning map amendment from Case Farms PUD to the following R2, mixed density residential, R three, multiple family residential, C three, general retail and services, and O open space and parks comprising approximately two hundred and thirty-two point one eight eight three acres, generally located south of Brumley Lane, west of South Twenty-Senth Avenue, north north of East 144th Avenue, and east of the South 19th Avenue alignment. More particularly located in the east half of section 17, Township One South, range 66 West of the Sex Principal Meridian, City of Brighton, County of Adams, State of Colorado. Item two D, final reading of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, amending sections of Article Two-33 of the Brighton Municipal Code to allow Brighton Youth Commission members to serve as members of the sustainability advisory board. Thank you. Whereas Alzheimer's disease is the other form of dementia representing a global, a growing global and local health priority, impacting memory, thinking, behavior, and ability to perform daily activities for millions of individuals worldwide and residents within our own community. And whereas the World Alzheimer's Month is an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness, challenging the stigma that surrounds dementia and fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment for those affected. Whereas early diagnosis and access to acute or uh acute uh information for critical to or are critical to helping individuals and families and understanding the challenges they are experiencing and connect with the essential care guidance and support systems. And whereas the city of Brighton recognizes the profound dedication of family members, caregivers, and medical professionals who provide compassionate care and support to neighbors living with dementia. And whereas by participating in the global movement, Brighton joins communities around the world in wearing purple, sharing educational resources and advocating for continued research toward effective treatments and the ultimate cure. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I Gregory Mills, mayor of the City of Brighton, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as World Alzheimer's Month in the City of Brighton, and I call upon all the residents to learn more about brain health, support local caregivers, and help build a community that embraces and protects the dignity of everyone living with dementia on this first day of September 2026. And I'll just say having had my father that had dementia, later diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and later that was revised to some other dementias in Parkinson's. I can tell you that this is very important that we all get out there and support our community because almost everybody in this room will, if you if you don't already will likely know somebody that's gone through some sort of a dementia or ultimately Alzheimer's. So City Manager Martinez, who is here to receive this? Thank you, Mayor. Here tonight to receive this is Ashley Wilk, the SUVAC manager. Come on over. Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Potem, and members of council. Thank you for the opportunity to be here this evening as we recognize World Alzheimer's Awareness Month and the importance of supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer's reaches far beyond a person who receives the diagnosis. It impacts spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, caregivers, and entire communities. Already in 2026, it's estimated that 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia, while millions of Americans are providing unpaid care for someone living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Those numbers remind us that awareness matters because chances are, like Mayor Mills said, we all know someone who's been affected by this disease. At Eagleview, our mission is to create more than a place for seniors to participate in activities.

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