OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Golden City Council Meeting – Study Session and Regular Business Meeting – June 9, 2026

City Council & Boards — Tuesday, June 9, 2026
BodyGolden, Colorado
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateTuesday, June 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:16:51

Transcript — Verbatim
1:01

So we got a full agenda with three major topics.

1:05

The first one until 5:20 p.m.

1:07

is the junction property metropolitan district.

1:09

Um, so I talked to staff briefly before to get a quick summary, and what they're looking from us today is they want to provide high-level feedback on the junction metropolitan district service plan draft, as well as any questions on the hearing process and timing.

1:21

The council will have the opportunity to receive legal advice and provide negotiating input on the details of the service plan in the executive session scheduled for later tonight.

1:30

So, staff is that correct?

1:31

Good there?

1:32

Awesome.

1:33

All right, we'll take it away.

1:34

Thank you, counselor.

1:35

Uh, this study session is brought forward to update city council on the junction metropolitan district service plan and application.

1:43

Council gave staff initial direction on March 17, 2026, and this study session is intended to uh further uh receive uh direction on the general position of the service plan elements.

1:57

Metropolitan districts in Colorado are independent quasi quasi municipal government entities that are established under the Special District Act, which is Title 32 of Colorado Revised Statutes.

2:09

They are primarily created for developers to finance uh through particular uh specifically through bonds, most commonly to construct and operate essential public infrastructure within uh particular geographic areas that vote on that debt.

2:26

Um there are three primary uh steps for the formation of a metropolitan district.

2:33

The first is city council approves the uh formation of the district with the service plan that is initially scheduled after this meeting in July on July 14th.

2:45

Uh the second step is there's an election by voters who are either district residents or owners and in the metro district to approve the mill levy and the applicable issuance of debt, and that typically occurs in November.

3:00

Uh that will does occur in November.

3:02

Um and that has to be filed for by in-district courts.

3:07

They have to establish the district, and the district goes to district court and establishes um the paperwork for the election.

3:14

And then in November, those elections are held, and after the elections are held, they come back to city council for an intergovernmental agreement uh to uh um with the metro district, so that way there's a relationship between the metro district and the city.

3:32

In order to meet the November 2026 deadline, the applicant must complete legal notifications for those July 14th meeting, which is 20 days in advance.

3:43

So we do need to um have a particular schedule um in order for that meeting to uh for the developer to make that meeting.

3:52

Every metropolitan district must follow a detailed service plan.

3:56

That's really the primary thing that you are all reviewing.

3:59

It dictates what taxes can be collected and what services are provided for those taxes.

4:06

Um the district service plan includes a very detailed financial section that goes through how those bonds, what those bonds are paying for, the cost of the infrastructure, and that is all estimated by an engineer and the the district's uh the district's representation.

4:24

Um so staff has provided a draft service plan.

4:28

This service plan is the second draft that staff has reviewed.

4:32

The first draft was uh already we already um worked with the district to um district proponents for some changes based on initial council direction.

4:44

So within the service plan, there's a number of sections, and I'm just gonna go through them briefly, and then if you have any questions on these detailed sections, we can go back to them.

4:54

The first sections are kind of the setup, the introduction, the definitions, and the boundaries.

5:00

That just establishes the definitions used and the language used throughout the document, the particular geographic area that the service plan is applicable to, and the most importantly, the purpose and intent of a metro district, which is which is something that you have to set up by state statute.

5:17

So it has a particular purpose and intent.

5:27

And that really outlines the expect expected assessed value based on the estimated population and land uses that are proposed for the district based on zoning.

5:36

The assessed value sets up what are the potential property tax revenues and will they be sufficient to discharge the debt that the district is taking on through the bonds.

5:48

One of the more detailed sections is the proposed powers improvement and services sections.

5:53

These sections establish the specific powers and what those specific powers and authorities mean.

5:58

So whether it's to uh to design plans to construct various elements of public infrastructure, maintenance of those public improvements, financing those public improvements, installation and maintenance.

6:15

So there it kind of goes through each step of that public infrastructure life cycle.

6:22

One of the most important sections is of course the financial plan.

6:25

Those the numbers in that section establish the maximum mill levy and the maximum debt levy of debt levy imposition terms.

6:34

So what are the terms of the maximum mill levy?

6:37

What can it be spent on, those kinds of things?

6:40

What are the finance financials behind the numbers?

6:44

The metro district's debt, just be clear, is owned by the district alone.

6:48

It is not the city's debt, it is the debt of the serve of the of the district, and the bonds are taken out to construct only only the bonds are only taken out to construct specific infrastructure and public improvements.

7:01

So it's very clear on what the bonds can pay for.

7:05

And the city is not responsible for that debt, is the metro district.

7:12

Also sets a maximum operations mill levy.

7:16

This is important because it establishes a mill levy that in perpetuity or for as long as the metro district maintains that mill levy that is created to maintain the info public infrastructure.

7:29

In this case, uh the public infrastructure is expected to be roads, utilities, uh streets, maybe some trails and uh lift station, which is a pretty large item for the metro district to maintain, a metro district to maintain.

7:45

Um the final sections are have to do with transparency.

7:51

The first one is annual reporting, which talks about that the metro district has to submit a report to the city clerk each year, and it goes through their activities and financial events.

8:01

So if they if they took out bonds, if they paid back bonds, we get all that information in their annual report.

8:09

It also establishes the section uh how the metro district is dissolved.

8:14

So perhaps one day, once they pay back their bonds, they want to if they want to dissolve the metro district, they the procedures for doing that are outlined in the service plan.

8:25

There's also a draft intergovernmental agreement, and that is is really just a a placeholder.

8:32

We can go back and look at the terms of that in the future and a future date when we're ready to approve that after the elections.

8:40

It also describes the procedures for modification of the service plan, um, amendments to the plan.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Waste Management███████████████████19%
Procedural████████████12%
Parking Management██████████10%
Economic Development████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management████████8%
Zoning Regulations██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Urban Renewal████4%
Budget Equity Analysis████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Golden City Council Meeting – Study Session and Regular Business Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Golden City Council met on June 9, 2026, convening at 5:00 p.m. for a study session and at 6:30 p.m. for the regular business meeting in Council Chambers at 911 10th Street, Golden, Colorado. All seven councilors were present: Knecht, Cameron, Evans, Weinberg, Vitry, Pfau, and Kurzinski. The study session covered the Junction Metropolitan District, economic development structure, and 2027-2028 budget priorities. The business meeting included public comment, a consent calendar, proclamations, a public hearing on Fossil Trace Golf Club financing, three resolutions, and an executive session; the meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

Study Session: Junction Metropolitan District

  • Senior City Planner Lauren Simmons presented an update on the Junction Metropolitan District service plan. Metropolitan districts are quasi-municipal entities created under Colorado's Special District Act to finance public infrastructure through bonds.
  • The formation timeline includes City Council service plan approval on July 14, 2026, a property-owner voter election in November 2026, and a subsequent intergovernmental agreement with the city. Legal notices must be completed 20 days before the July 14 meeting.
  • The draft service plan is the second staff-reviewed draft and covers boundaries, assessed value, proposed powers, financial plan, maximum mill levy, debt limits, operations mill levy, annual reporting, transparency, dissolution, and enforcement. Staff emphasized that district debt is not city debt and the city may enforce the service plan, including through injunctive relief.
  • Council questions addressed dissolution, the decision not to allow a separate fire district because the property is expected to annex into the city's fire protection district, initial voters being property owners, and enforcement if a sole property owner fails to comply. Staff replied that noncompliance remedies are in the service plan and that future property owners will gain voting influence.
  • A closed executive session on the Junction Metropolitan District draft service plan was later authorized.

Study Session: Economic Development in Golden 101

  • Economic Development Manager Tim Dwyer and Community Development Director Rick Muriby described Golden's economic development structure as a three-legged stool: EDCOM, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and the Golden Urban Renewal Authority (GURA). EDCOM has an operating budget of about $70,000 from the general fund and supports citywide grants, sponsorships, Golden Startup Coffee, and the B2B website. DDA and GURA use tax increment financing for projects in their boundaries.
  • Staff highlighted recent projects including Miners Alley, Astor House, the Prosper affordable housing project, and West Colfax Complete Streets. EDCOM's small grant program was expanded from $20,000 to $40,000 per year and remains fully subscribed.
  • Staff previewed future budget asks: a permanent Traction mentorship program for up to 12 businesses per year, continued funding for B2B/Blue Dot tools, and a makerspace feasibility study. A councilor suggested exploring partnerships with Golden's Community Marketing organization, which has a roughly $700,000 budget.
  • Council discussion clarified that economic development focuses on business support rather than tourism or customer attraction. Councilors also asked the makerspace feasibility study to assess user mix and regional options, and staff explained that 'blight' is a statutory term used for urban renewal eligibility.

Study Session: Budget Process Overview

  • Finance Director Joseph Allaire requested council input for the 2027-2028 budget. He described a multi-year effort to empower department directors and managers, train new finance staff, improve projection tools, and make the budget more transparent and publicly understandable.
  • Council priority suggestions included: revisiting street maintenance funding and the street condition index; pedestrian and crosswalk safety enhancements; alley and street maintenance; sound mitigation; open space acquisition; fire mitigation budgeting; expanded transit options; health and human services funding; an additional speed camera vehicle; community protection program funding; and short-term safety improvements near Highways 93 and intersections such as Ohio/Washington.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • The public comment period ran from about 6:31 p.m. to 6:56 p.m. Emailed public comments were acknowledged and added to the public record.
  • Jeff Kendall, CEO of 5280 Waste Solutions, spoke in support of Resolution 3326, describing the family-owned company's local customer service, fair pricing, long-term commitment, and investments in composting and recycling.
  • Noah Caplan, Director of Compost and Sustainability at 5280, expressed support for 5280's ability to help Golden meet its diversion goals, citing dedicated diversion coordinators, education programs, facility tours, and compost offerings.
  • Dan DeWaard, Area Vice President of Republic Services, urged council to weigh the risk of switching providers. He cited Republic's 99.7% collection rate, local operations, completion of an organic transfer station in Golden, EV collection fleets in other cities, and charitable contributions.
  • David Clark, from Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen's office, shared the congresswoman's concerns about the war in Iran, ICE treatment of detainees and protesters, and drought/wildfire risk. He noted $1 million in requested appropriations for Colorado School of Mines wildfire resilience work and $165,000 for Jefferson County Sheriff's Office drone emergency response.
  • Melissa Anderson, Ricardo Buitron, and Lena Cazeaux, residents of the Millstone community, opposed the Peaks to Plains trail widening between Washington and Ford until their concerns are addressed. They questioned the floodplain analysis, cited the November 2023 FEMA Letter of Map Revision, described a lack of resident support, and challenged the project's rationale, vegetation assumptions, and unintended consequences.
  • Mayor Weinberg acknowledged emailed public comments and added them to the record. Councilor Evans noted a meeting at Millstone the next day with staff; Mayor Pro Tem Vitry said she would attend. Councilor Cameron stated the FEMA map includes both 2019 and November 2023 dates. Mayor Weinberg reiterated that no funding has been requested or approved for the Peaks to Plains project.

Council and Staff Updates

  • Councilor Knecht announced Music and Movies in the Park beginning June 12 and the Golden Midweek Farmers Market at Golden High School. Councilor Cameron reported on Pastor Susan Otey's retirement and a proclamation read in her honor. Councilor Kurzinski highlighted the Prosper at Golden affordable homeownership project and a Colorado Municipal League district meeting. Mayor Weinberg announced a Flag Day event on June 13 featuring a historic 38-star flag.
  • Anne Beierle gave a one-month drought update: water use was up about 10% in the first four months of 2026, down about 2.5% in May year-over-year, with 721 Aquahawk alerts, 330 warning letters, and 16 surcharge letters. Reservoir storage is about 95%, and parks irrigation timers are set to water at least 20% less than last year. The city is not yet at its roughly 15% reduction goal.
  • Clare Nowalk presented a childcare affordability update. Satisfaction with affordable, quality childcare fell from 39% to 34% in the 2025 National Community Survey. Golden has nine licensed childcare facilities; Jefferson County ranks third highest in childcare cost among populous Colorado counties, with average Golden costs around $1,487 per child per month and infant care often near $2,000. The city's Rooted Beginnings preschool has capacity for 80 children and is currently staffed for 53.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously, 7-0, by a motion from Mayor Pro Tem Vitry seconded by Councilor Pfau. It included:
    • Approval of the May 26, 2026 meeting minutes.
    • First reading of Ordinance No. 2293 amending Golden Urban Renewal Authority membership and terms.
    • First reading of Ordinance No. 2296 making supplemental 2026 budget appropriations for carryover and additional requests.
    • Resolution No. 3325 approving a contract with Livable Cities Studio for Heart of Golden East Zone construction plans.
    • Resolution No. 3327 approving a first amendment with Kelley Contracting for the Asphalt Crushing Program.
    • Resolution No. 3328 approving a first amendment with Martin Marietta Materials for the 2026 Street Improvement Program.

Proclamations

  • Councilor Kurzinski read the Golden Day Proclamation, recognizing June 16, 2026 as Golden's 167th anniversary.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance No. 2295 (Public Hearing): Finance Director Joseph Allaire presented the second reading authorizing certificates of participation to finance the Fossil Trace Golf Club pump station replacement and irrigation improvements. The public hearing opened and closed at 7:22 p.m. with no public comments. Council discussion addressed the collateral asset list, drought optics versus revenue and maintenance benefits, and the normal use of debt for infrastructure. The ordinance was adopted unanimously, 7-0.
  • Resolution No. 3294: Civil Engineer Sara Aupperle presented the award of a Construction Manager/General Contractor contract to The Weitz Company for the Fossil Trace Golf Course Pump Station Replacement project. The guaranteed maximum price was submitted May 5 and final pricing agreed May 12. The new station includes redundant pumps, easier maintenance access, and a longer design life. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 7-0.
  • Resolution No. 3323: Principal Planner Matt Wempe presented the North Downtown Permit Parking System proposal based on Mobility and Transportation Advisory Board (MTAB) recommendations. MTAB suggested two-hour or city permit parking in a larger area, dedicated spaces for 615 Water Street residents, two-hour parking at Parfet Park, overnight garage parking, and further study. Council concerns included precedent, the downtown-like character of the area, impacts on Golden residents' access to Parfet Park, and safety/mobility issues. Councilor Cameron moved to table the resolution to date uncertain and send it back to MTAB. The motion carried 6-1, with Councilor Evans opposed. Direction to MTAB included considering one-way traffic and safety options, avoiding dedicated residential spaces, and ensuring broader resident access to Parfet Park.
  • Resolution No. 3326: Sustainability Manager Theresa Worsham presented the residential waste collection contract award to 5280 Waste Disposal. The program serves 4,900 Golden households, about 60% of residents. Staff evaluated four bids and recommended 5280 based on net rates, Colorado-based customer service, operational flexibility for alleys and terrain, and diversion/education support. The city passes program costs through to subscriber households and will pass through the state extended producer responsibility recycling reimbursement. Republic Services' rates were competitive but higher; Waste Management's low price was contingent on annual rate increases, which the contract does not allow; Apex submitted pricing only. The Sustainability Advisory Board emphasized electric vehicles, but staff noted the EV premium would be about $300,000 per year and roughly $1.5 million over the contract; staff therefore recommended the lower-cost base proposal. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 7-0. Contract service begins September 1, 2026, and final resident rates are expected to be brought to council in July. During discussion, staff noted 5280's EPR recycling reimbursement proposal is $8.50 per household and the cart maintenance fee is $2.86 per month per household.

Key Outcomes

  • Study session feedback was received on the Junction Metropolitan District, economic development activities, and 2027-2028 budget priorities; no formal study session votes were taken.
  • Consent calendar approved 7-0.
  • Golden Day Proclamation read; a proclamation honoring Pastor Susan Otey was noted and placed into the record.
  • Ordinance No. 2295 adopted 7-0.
  • Resolution No. 3294 adopted 7-0.
  • Resolution No. 3323 tabled 6-1 and referred back to MTAB for further discussion.
  • Resolution No. 3326 adopted 7-0, awarding the residential waste collection contract to 5280 Waste Disposal.
  • Council unanimously authorized an executive session under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(b) and (4)(e) and Golden Municipal Code Section 1.03.050(2) and (5) for legal advice and negotiation strategy regarding the Junction Metropolitan District draft service plan, with the meeting to adjourn afterward. The regular business meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

So we got a full agenda with three major topics. The first one until 5:20 p.m. is the junction property metropolitan district. Um, so I talked to staff briefly before to get a quick summary, and what they're looking from us today is they want to provide high-level feedback on the junction metropolitan district service plan draft, as well as any questions on the hearing process and timing. The council will have the opportunity to receive legal advice and provide negotiating input on the details of the service plan in the executive session scheduled for later tonight. So, staff is that correct? Good there? Awesome. All right, we'll take it away. Thank you, counselor. Uh, this study session is brought forward to update city council on the junction metropolitan district service plan and application. Council gave staff initial direction on March 17, 2026, and this study session is intended to uh further uh receive uh direction on the general position of the service plan elements. Metropolitan districts in Colorado are independent quasi quasi municipal government entities that are established under the Special District Act, which is Title 32 of Colorado Revised Statutes. They are primarily created for developers to finance uh through particular uh specifically through bonds, most commonly to construct and operate essential public infrastructure within uh particular geographic areas that vote on that debt. Um there are three primary uh steps for the formation of a metropolitan district. The first is city council approves the uh formation of the district with the service plan that is initially scheduled after this meeting in July on July 14th. Uh the second step is there's an election by voters who are either district residents or owners and in the metro district to approve the mill levy and the applicable issuance of debt, and that typically occurs in November. Uh that will does occur in November. Um and that has to be filed for by in-district courts. They have to establish the district, and the district goes to district court and establishes um the paperwork for the election. And then in November, those elections are held, and after the elections are held, they come back to city council for an intergovernmental agreement uh to uh um with the metro district, so that way there's a relationship between the metro district and the city. In order to meet the November 2026 deadline, the applicant must complete legal notifications for those July 14th meeting, which is 20 days in advance. So we do need to um have a particular schedule um in order for that meeting to uh for the developer to make that meeting. Every metropolitan district must follow a detailed service plan. That's really the primary thing that you are all reviewing. It dictates what taxes can be collected and what services are provided for those taxes. Um the district service plan includes a very detailed financial section that goes through how those bonds, what those bonds are paying for, the cost of the infrastructure, and that is all estimated by an engineer and the the district's uh the district's representation. Um so staff has provided a draft service plan. This service plan is the second draft that staff has reviewed. The first draft was uh already we already um worked with the district to um district proponents for some changes based on initial council direction. So within the service plan, there's a number of sections, and I'm just gonna go through them briefly, and then if you have any questions on these detailed sections, we can go back to them. The first sections are kind of the setup, the introduction, the definitions, and the boundaries. That just establishes the definitions used and the language used throughout the document, the particular geographic area that the service plan is applicable to, and the most importantly, the purpose and intent of a metro district, which is which is something that you have to set up by state statute. So it has a particular purpose and intent. And that really outlines the expect expected assessed value based on the estimated population and land uses that are proposed for the district based on zoning. The assessed value sets up what are the potential property tax revenues and will they be sufficient to discharge the debt that the district is taking on through the bonds. One of the more detailed sections is the proposed powers improvement and services sections. These sections establish the specific powers and what those specific powers and authorities mean. So whether it's to uh to design plans to construct various elements of public infrastructure, maintenance of those public improvements, financing those public improvements, installation and maintenance. So there it kind of goes through each step of that public infrastructure life cycle. One of the most important sections is of course the financial plan. Those the numbers in that section establish the maximum mill levy and the maximum debt levy of debt levy imposition terms. So what are the terms of the maximum mill levy? What can it be spent on, those kinds of things? What are the finance financials behind the numbers? The metro district's debt, just be clear, is owned by the district alone. It is not the city's debt, it is the debt of the serve of the of the district, and the bonds are taken out to construct only only the bonds are only taken out to construct specific infrastructure and public improvements. So it's very clear on what the bonds can pay for. And the city is not responsible for that debt, is the metro district. Also sets a maximum operations mill levy.

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