Golden DDA Business Meeting - May 18, 2026: New Member, Officer Elections, and Project Updates

The Golden Downtown Development Authority held its regular business meeting on May 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM at 911 Tenth Street. The board welcomed new member Terry Weber, elected new officers, received public comments on the Peak to Plains Trail, and discussed several project updates and funding proposals.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 20, 2026 Business Meeting minutes unanimously.
• Approved the May 18, 2026 agenda unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Melissa Anderson (Millstone resident): Raised safety concerns about the Peak to Plains Trail extension, noting the plan would widen the south creek trail and remove green buffer. She highlighted the area is a FEMA floodplain and asked for alternatives along 10th Street to avoid a bottleneck between Ford and Washington for cyclists, e-bikes, and pedestrians.
• John Mullins (Millstone resident): Opposed the project, questioning its origins (Russian olive removal) and urging a traffic study. He asked that vegetation be preserved, no fence installed where the path meets the creek, and speed bumps considered. He requested the DDA use its influence to slow the project.
• Additional residents (unidentified): Expressed similar concerns, noting they learned of plans only recently.

Discussion Items

• Welcome New Member & Oath: Terry Weber (owner of Faith Tattoo Gallery, a 23-year-old downtown business) was appointed by City Council. He took the oath of office administered by the board.
• Election of Officers and Committee Liaisons:
  • Chair: Jeff Merenkov nominated and elected unanimously (replaces Chris Ball).
  • Vice Chair: Tim Gerhold nominated and elected unanimously.
  • Committees assigned: Development Subcommittee – Chris Ball, Brad Miller, Tim Gerhold (alternate); Grants Subcommittee – Terry Weber, Jeff Merenkov, Tamara Munroe (alternate); Special Events Review Committee Liaison – Tamara Munroe (with Terry Weber continuing as downtown business representative); 12th Street Plaza Ad Hoc Committee – Brad Miller and Jeff Merenkov (continuing).
• Stakeholder and Land Owner Communications Update: Staff (Tim Dwyer, Baxter Richardson) reported continued outreach to key landowners. Mentioned the May 9th Coffee with Councilors event where urban renewal and DDA were explained. Announced a Business Power Resiliency event on June 3rd at Gnarly’s Theater from 10am-1pm, citywide, with panelists including Woody’s owner John Bortles. The event will showcase solutions for power outages (PSPS). Board member Jeff Merenkov suggested inviting Xcel for rebate info, but staff chose to focus on solutions.
• Grant Subcommittee Report: No new grants to review. However, a late-summer midweek evening activation proposal was floated by community marketing partners (Visit Golden). The idea would involve micro-grants ( $100-200 per business) for balloon artists, face painters, musicians to draw residents. Board discussion was mixed: Chris Ball and Brad Miller were receptive; Terry Weber opposed, citing negative experiences with Santa Fe Art Walk (drinking, security issues). Tim Gerhold was open. No formal vote; staff will gather more input.
• 12th Street Plaza Ad Hoc Committee: Brad Miller reported they are finalizing an action plan to present at the next meeting.
• Development Subcommittee: No meeting since last report.
• Special Events Review Committee: Terry Weber reported increased use of the online event application system, earlier submissions, and better coordination with Parks and Rec for grass/tree protection. Shuttle usage at Goldzigold was strong.
• Staff Report – Budget Tracker: Steve Glueck presented the 2026 Budget Tracker (as of 5/14/2026). Year-to-date revenues: $573,454 (mostly property tax increment at $307,402 and 5-mil levy at $229,811). Expenditures YTD: $256,212, including holiday lights ($26,081), grants ($221,864 – mainly PSPS-related), and operating costs ($7,252). Development reserve net of liabilities is $2,876,562.
• Project Updates:
  • 817 14th Street affordable housing (Habitat for Humanity): Demolition underway; 40-44 for-sale deed-restricted units. Event June 3rd.
  • Golden Hotel patio renovation nearly complete; grand opening June 1st at 5pm.
  • Clayworks: Tenant finish in Building 1; demo/exterior work on second building. Gateway improvements discussed with Clayworks.
  • Undergrounding overhead utilities on Ford Street: Xcel willing to scope but requires location for a switchbox; cost unknown.
  • East Zone construction plans: Proposals received; council award expected June 9th. Includes landscaping and preliminary engineering for Archer Street to Ford Street.
  • Prospector Alley: City requested 50% DDA contribution ($60,000-70,000 of $120,000-140,000 estimate). To be on next month’s agenda.
  • Trail underpass (north trail): City management not supportive in 2026 due to liability issues with retaining wall. Board expressed interest in pushing forward; staff will investigate.
  • Crosswalk markings: Pilot at 13th & Washington approved; city engineer will implement this summer.
  • Sustainability: Grant received for electric truck; walkabouts planned in June.
• Commissioners’ Comments: Sandra Knecht commended the Coffee with Councilors event. Brad Miller reported a damaged curb at 11th & Washington (near Golden Hotel) – already reported via Fix It, awaiting repair. Tim Gerhold promoted the Golden Hotel patio grand opening.

Key Outcomes

• Elected Jeff Merenkov as Chair and Tim Gerhold as Vice Chair, effective immediately.
• Assigned committee liaisons as noted.
• Directed staff to bring a formal proposal for the Prospector Alley funding (50% cost share) to the June meeting.
• Asked staff to create a revolving calendar of annual DDA activities (budget season, elections) and schedule a visioning session for the board.
• Requested staff investigate the Peak to Plains Trail issue and report status; board will monitor and may engage with Parks and Rec (meeting Thursday May 21 at 6pm).
• Encouraged staff to continue discussions on the trail underpass despite city management’s current reluctance.
• Agreed to explore the midweek evening activation idea further, with staff gathering more stakeholder feedback.