Lafayette City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Lafayette City Council met on March 3, 2026, at 12:30 PM (MDT) for a regular meeting that included public comments, consent agenda items, presentations, proclamations, and regular business. The meeting began at 12:30 PM and concluded with executive sessions at 8:54 PM. Key topics included a request for a historical plaque naming the 200 individuals buried in Potter's Field, the police department's rifle purchase, the municipal court annual update, and an update on the request for proposals for 200 North Public Road.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Archeletta (speaking for the Lafayette Human Rights Commission, Cultural Arts Board, and Historical Society) urged the council to install a historical plaque listing the names of the 200 forgotten individuals buried in Potter's Field, arguing that a QR code is exclusionary and does not provide dignity. He emphasized that the three boards supported a plaque, not a QR code.
• Peter Salas (1710 Zeus Drive, 40-year resident) supported Archeletta's request, stating that a plaque would honor the disappeared and oppose current national efforts to erase history.
• Marsha Robotshaw requested a physical plaque, calling the QR code "tacky" and referencing the community's past efforts to address the swinging pool issue.
• Liz Plato argued that a QR code is not inclusive or dignified, especially for elders and grieving families, and that a plaque is a moral necessity to correct a century of systemic neglect. She estimated the cost at $5,000 to $12,000.
• Louis Avila (55-year resident) supported the plaque, noting his wife's ancestors buried in Potter's Field.
• Carol Sadler (2204 Tamaron Lane, native of Lafayette, 79 years) spoke on behalf of seven family members buried in Potter's Field, including Adele Abeda Martinez and her five children who died in a 1930 fire. She stressed the importance of a permanent plaque over a QR code.
• Tony Munoz (native of Lafayette) requested the names be put in writing, citing security concerns with QR codes and noting that many people do not use smartphones.
• Thomas Glenn thanked the council for work on reducing aircraft noise from Rocky Mountain Airport, but reported helicopters (specifically Mile High Rotors) flying under 200 feet with spotlights. He urged continued action on noise and lead fuel concerns over Lafayette Elementary.
• Roy Johnson (2547 Sweetwater Circle) supported the plaque, noting that the previous council had rejected it but that three current members supported it. He said "the way to atone for past wrongs, including unnamed graves, is not to keep them unnamed."
• Ron Spalding (Vietnam veteran) supported the cemetery plaque and also raised concerns about water supply, citing a need for a three-year reservoir supply and urging caution on annexations until water data is available.
• Jamie Harkins (former mayor) spoke about Flock cameras, raising privacy concerns and noting the new people-lookup tool being developed by Flock Security. She urged the city to stop data sharing, pointing to actions by Longmont and Denver.
• Grant Swift (608 East Geneseo Street) supported the plaque, explaining the importance of primary documents (like a photograph of a gravestone) for genealogists.
• Doug Conor (0513 Elm Street) researched the cemetery and detailed the story of Della Martinez and her children, buried in a single mass grave. He said the city had until 2016 to obtain burial records from the mortuary, but the records were destroyed. He requested a plaque with room for additional names.
• Samantha Brown presented a visual presentation on the Cold Creek Trail, criticizing open space division for semi-permanent fixtures (flag fields, tire tracks, rope bundles) and heavy CT vehicles damaging the trail. She urged the council to reiterate community standards to city management.
• Michael Watson supported the plaque, calling the QR code "preposterous" and also expressed concern about water supply, suggesting voluntary water restrictions and potentially resting the golf course for a year.
• Carolyn Cutler (former mayor) spoke about development, urging a balance between big-box retailers (for sales tax revenue) and local businesses, noting that revenue supports city amenities.
• Rob Glenn (401 West Cannon Street) expressed support for the plaque.
• Callers (from the public phone line):
  • Anita (76-year resident) asked the council to revisit the plaque and QR code issue, stating that a memorial stone with names is needed.
  • David Samano (caller) described his grandfather Salvador's murder and burial. He said the city previously refused his offer of a map showing burial locations and that the city has been hiding information. He urged recognition of the graves with a memorial.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (items A through E) unanimously, including minutes from previous meetings and site plan architectural review extensions for 370 Empire Road and 1430 Overlook Drive.

Discussion Items

• Police Department Rifle Purchase (Item F): Councilor Jensen pulled this item for discussion. Chief of Police explained that current rifles are from the 1960s, lacking modern optics and flashlights, and are needed for active shooter and active aggression situations. The purchase of 52 new rifles (Daniel Defense platform) was approved unanimously.
• Municipal Court Annual Update (Item G): Judge Amanda Baalhash and Court Administrator Genevieve Rotella presented an update. They reported:
  • New case filings increased 20% in 2025.
  • A new in-custody docket with Boulder County Jail resolved 68 cases, reducing repeated failures to appear and warrants.
  • Case clearance rate improved from under 95% in 2024 to 105% in 2025.
  • They secured a $350,000 SIPA grant for a new case management system to enable paperless processing and automated text reminders.
  • Future goals include exploring alternative sentencing, community engagement, and a supervised probation officer. The judge also mentioned plans for a new civic center space for the court.
• 200 North Public Road RFP Process Update (Item H): Economic Development Director Bridget presented a two-phase RFP process for selling the former Chase Bank building (8,000 sq ft) at 200 North Public Road and retaining the adjacent parking lot (108 North Public Road). The city discounted the property from its original purchase price of $2.6 million to a sale price of $1.6 million to attract local businesses. The guiding principles emphasize small business, year-round activity, sustainability, and financial feasibility. Phase one proposals are due by the end of April; a review committee will shortlist candidates for phase two, with community engagement through Lafayette Listens. Final council approval is expected in July 2026.

Proclamations

• Fix a Leak Week (March 16–22, 2026): Councilor Gianola presented the proclamation, highlighting that household leaks waste an average of 10,000 gallons per year. The council encouraged residents to use the city's "Slow the Flow" program for free sprinkler evaluations. Passed unanimously.
• International Women's Day (March 8, 2026) and Women's History Month: Councilor Gallegos presented the proclamation, noting the contributions of women and the importance of continued work on equity. Multiple councilors spoke in support, recognizing the female leadership in city staff. Passed unanimously.

Regular Business

• CDOT Temporary Easement (Item K): First reading of Ordinance No. 5, Series 2026, granting a temporary easement to CDOT for construction of a sidewalk and slope grading at the intersection of Colorado 7 and 95th Street (affecting Forest Park subdivision). The easement is for 18–24 months, with $1,800/year rent and a 5% annual increase. Approved unanimously.
• Boulder County Permanent Easement (Item L): First reading of Ordinance No. 6, Series 2026, granting a permanent access and maintenance easement to Boulder County for the replacement of a bridge on Baseline Road near the city's pump station. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Vote to approve consent agenda (minus Item F) passed unanimously.
• Vote to approve purchase of police rifles (Item F) passed unanimously.
• Vote to approve CDOT temporary easement (first reading) passed unanimously.
• Vote to approve Boulder County permanent easement (first reading) passed unanimously.
• Proclamations for Fix a Leak Week and International Women's Day/Women's History Month were adopted unanimously.
• Council directed staff to bring back a proposal for the cemetery plaque with cost estimates and specifics for a future meeting.
• Council discussed the need to address Flock camera concerns and vacant commercial property at an upcoming workshop, as raised by Councilor Volier and others.
• The meeting concluded with executive sessions on legal matters regarding city facility contracts and public safety equipment, with no return to open session.