City Council Meeting Recap

April 20, 2021

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Presentations
COVID-19 Recovery and Sustainment Update
Boulder County is currently experiencing a seven-day positivity rate of 4.5%. The COVID Dial 3.0 issued by the State expired on April 15, at which time Boulder County Public Health provided a regulation framework that will be in place through May 15. This framework includes increased capacity allowances for indoor events and businesses with 6 foot physical distancing, and masks continue to be required indoors. From May 16 through August 16, we will be in Level Clear which removes capacity restrictions and mitigation. Masks may still be required under state or local order, and if the State continues any orders, those restrictions will apply in Boulder County. No large (500+) community events will occur before August 16, 2021..
 
Individuals aged 16 and over are now eligible to get a vaccine, and 56% of eligible Boulder County residents have received at least one vaccination dose. Information for vaccination sign up is available at bouldercounty.org/families/disease/covid-19/vaccines.
 
Sales Tax Update: General Business License Program
The City is developing a general business license program to allow for a combined sales/use tax and business license to be issued to all Lafayette businesses, effective January 1, 2022, that includes a modest fee to support cost recovery for the expanded and more robust licensure program. Program benefits include improved communication between the City and our business community, improved compliance with use tax remittance, and a database with a complete list of businesses operating in the City.
 
Affordable Housing Tax Credits Program
The purpose of this high-level overview was to illustrate affordable housing tax credits, one of a number of different tools and processes that can be used to promote affordable and attainable housing. The presentation included information on the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program, area median income, set-aside requirements, types of credits, and Lafayette affordable housing case studies.
 
New employee introduction: Fire Chief Pete Bradshaw
Following a nationwide search and comprehensive interview process, Pete Bradshaw has been selected to be Lafayette’s new Fire Chief. Additional information included in the press release may be found at https://www.lafayetteco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6132&ARC=11967. Welcome to new Fire Chief Bradshaw!
 
Older Americans Month proclamation
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The 2021 theme is “Communities of Strength.” According to the ACL, this theme was selected to celebrate the strength of older adults, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities. 
 
Hearings
Overview of Changes to Staff and Applicant Presentations During Land Use Hearings
Staff is proposing to modify the order of presentation during all land use case hearings to place more emphasis on the applicant to provide information and details about their proposals. This will better align presentation of information during public hearings with the applicant’s responsibility to provide facts, evidence, and information on how their proposal meets the City’s development standards and review criteria in a quasi-judicial review rather than solely relying on planning staff to do so. This new process will also help ensure relevant material is presented, providing City Council with the information needed for decision-making.
 
Items Related to Indian Peaks Filing No. 18
Postponed.
 
Items Related to Miners Crossing Subdivision
Blackwood and Associates Inc., on behalf of 130 Miners Drive LLC, has submitted a request for review of a minor subdivision and site plan and architecture for a commercial parcel located at 130 Miners Drive. The subject property has an existing commercial building on it. The subdivision is designed to create a separate parcel which would then be able to have another commercial building built on that lot. 

1. Approved 7-0: Resolution No. 2021-34 / Approving the Minor Subdivision for Miners Crossing Subdivision Replat A
2. Approved 7-0: Resolution No. 2021-35 / Approving the Site Plan and Architectural Review for Lot 1B Miners Crossing Subdivision Replat with a change to reduce parking conditions.  

 
Regular Business
Approved 7-0: Resolution No. 2021-36 / Approving Starkey Building Acquisition and Contract
Resolution No. 2021-36 authorizes the City to acquire the property located at 309 S. Public Road from the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. The property includes the well-known “Starkey Building” just north of Festival Plaza. The resolution approves the contract documents and authorizes a revocable license agreement permitting the Chamber to maintain certain personal property within the Starkey Building for use during Chamber- and City-sponsored events held in the vicinity. The City Administrator and the Chamber recently negotiated an agreement for the City to purchase the Starkey Building for $400,000.
 
Consent Agenda
Approved the consent agenda 7-0
 
Council Reports
Mayor Harkins:
Have been attending State and Federal transportation meetings. Some discussion at the Mayor’s Caucus regarding returning to in-person meetings. Excited about new staff, including our Sustainability Manager – pleased with all the positive energy that’s being brought to the City. Will be representing the City on Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Advisory Board. Today was an emotional day with the verdict and want to make room for others to share experience. Proud to serve on this Council with others who want to support change. Everyone, take care of yourselves. 
 
Councilor Barnes:
Arts in Community Grants were awarded virtually and the Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission was able to hold breakout rooms to get to know the artists. April 22 is Earth Day – it’s time to celebrate, plant something!!
 
Councilor Behanna:
*NW Parkway quarterly report: traffic has declined 40% from 2019 and is currently at 2013 levels. Toll revenue has decreased 29% and accidents have gone down.
The Energy Sustainability Advisory Committee (LESAC) received a presentation from Citizens Climate Committee and may be asking for support to endorse the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

* Senior Advisory Board is celebrating Older American’s Month – 55 is considered a senior, and we need your voices! Apply for an open position on SAB at www.lafayetteco.gov/JoinSAB.

* Spring Clean Up is happening – visit the City’s website for details and dates for your neighborhood lafayetteco.gov/588/Spring-Cleanup
The Communities That Care Board talked about restorative justice and how to bring that approach to the broader community through community policing and our schools. Great opportunity to educate our youth on how to apply their rights. Anti-racist discussions need to start at the preschool level. 

Councilor Mangat:
The Chauvin trial outcome was surprising as nationwide, out of 5-7,000 officer-involved incidents, only 141 officers have been arrested and 7 convicted. Our Police Dept. is doing good with initiatives like body cameras, co-responder program, and public engagement. (Asked for an update from Chief Bashor) Police staff have been attending training for body-worn cameras and a digital analyst has been hired to manage footage. In September, review of policies and procedures will be complete, presentations will be made to the community, and the program will be up and running.
 
Mayor Pro Tem Walton:
* With today’s trial decision, I hope people of color feel seen. Some words that have been shared are “pivotal” and “different trajectory.” We strive to be more aware, more in-tune, inspired to lean in more to the conversation, and be ok in uncomfortable spaces because that’s where transformative things can happen.

*April 24 is the Arbor Day celebration organized by the Open Space Advisory Board.

*In 2019 Lafayette was named the first Bird City in Colorado. We will have a celebration at the Greenlee Wildlife Preserve “Shack” on May 8 in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day.

*DRCOG met on April 2 for a workshop presentation by the sponsors of the upcoming transportation bill. Visit www.drcog.org for additional information.

Councilor Wong:
Good conversation regarding wildfires and  emergency management at the Consortium of Cities meeting. April 24 is the Drug Take Back and Shred event from 10am-2pm at the Lafayette Walmart parking lot. Details available at https://www.lafayetteco.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=8628