Lafayette City Council Meeting - February 18, 2025

The meeting began at 5:15 p.m. and covered the consent agenda, public input, a land use code update presentation, public hearings on annexation eligibility for 10538 Arapahoe Road and the Downtown Development Authority Plan of Development, staff reports, and council discussion on the contingency fund. Councilor Tapia Vega was excused.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: February 4, 2025 meeting minutes; second reading of Ordinance No. 03, Series 2025 (judge salary); Resolution No. 2025-12 (surplus equipment disposal); Resolution No. 2025-13 (Thomas Farm lease amendment); contract with The Cutting Edge Landscaping for mowing and weed control; and purchase orders over $100,000.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marla Joy Leonard and Jay Regiery (residents) presented a historical talk on the Marquis de Lafayette as an abolitionist, highlighting his Cayenne Plan and opposition to slavery.
• Vicky Ulit (member of the land use code working group) expressed concern that proposed zoning changes (allowing duplexes/townhomes on corner lots and collector streets, and small retail on residential lots) may come as a surprise to residents. She urged more public input, noting the working group did not recommend a specific approach but emphasized the need for feedback.
• Merle Edder (Stonehenge resident, 48 years) opposed the annexation of 10538 Arapahoe Road, citing worsening traffic, air quality, and quality of life. He urged council to reject development and leave the land as is.
• Anne Marie Jensen (resident) advocated for a local minimum wage increase, presenting numbers on the affordability gap. She urged council to act this summer to give employers six months’ notice, similar to Boulder’s three-year phase-in.
• Giselle Herzfeld (Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center) asked council to pass a resolution opposing the Rocky Flats mountain biking trail development, citing contamination risks. She thanked the Superior Board of Trustees for their opposition.

Presentations

• Land Use Code Update – Planning Director Phil Kleisler and consultant Elizabeth Garvin presented progress on modernizing zoning districts and uses. Key proposals include allowing duplexes/townhomes on corner lots and collector streets, adding small neighborhood-serving retail (up to 2,000 sq ft) in residential districts, and creating civic mixed-use districts. Public engagement will follow. Council discussed alignment with the comprehensive plan and state legislation (e.g., YIGBY Act).

Public Hearings

Annexation Eligibility – 10538 Arapahoe Road (Resolution 2025-11)

• Staff and applicant (Kensington) presented that the 35-acre (39.06 with right-of-way) property meets state criteria for annexation (CRS 31-12-104/105). Public testimony included strong opposition: Preston Patton presented a petition with over 2,000 signatures (752 Lafayette residents) and cited traffic and safety concerns. Ralph Fried advised deferring due to economic uncertainty. Richard Benzel argued the proposed 465-unit, four-story development is out of scale and would destroy iconic mountain views. Rhonda Leinberg described daily traffic impacts and safety issues. Council clarified the vote was only on eligibility, not the development itself. Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0, with one excused).

Downtown Development Authority Plan of Development (Resolution 2025-14)

• Economic Development Director Bridget Keating presented the “Old Town Tomorrow Action Plan,” which outlines goals for small business support, connectivity, public spaces, land use, and culture. The plan was developed with community input and approved by the planning commission. No public testimony. Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-11 (Annexation eligibility for 10538 Arapahoe Road) approved 6-0 (Councilor Tapia Vega excused).
• Resolution 2025-14 (DDA Plan of Development) approved 6-0.
• Council Contingency Fund – Council agreed to allocate $29,000 for travel/education, $2,000 for after-prom events (Centaurus and Peak to Peak), and keep the remaining $19,000 as discretionary contingency. The BVSD internet access grant will be moved to the IT line item moving forward.