City Council Meeting Recap

May 18, 2021

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PRESENTATIONS
Congressman Joe Neguse updated Council on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) which includes $3.9 billion in state relief, $1.2 billion in K-12 funding, and up to $1,400 in direct payments to 82% of adults in Colorado. There will be a total of $350 billion in federal stabilization funds offered to local municipalities with Lafayette potentially receiving an approximate infusion of $4.5 million. The next phase of investment will be to support working families through the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. These programs will assist both physical infrastructure and valuable human capital. Mayor Harkins mentioned the fortunate position the City is in, enabling us to infuse the majority of funds coming to Lafayette back into the community for resident and business benefit. 

Congressman Neguse is a Lafayette resident when he isn’t working in DC. He shared his appreciation for the work of City Council and City staff for their efforts and public service during the pandemic. He extended thanks to Mayor Harkins’ advocacy and for regularly meeting with other Mayors in the 2^nd Congressional district throughout the pandemic. We appreciate the Congressman taking the time to connect with Council.  
 
Boulder County is currently experiencing a seven-day positivity rate of 4.5% in the State and 1.5% in Boulder County. A total of 189,853 Boulder County residents have received at least 1 vaccination dose which is 70%. Still seeing disparities in vaccines in underserved populations.
 
From May 16 through Aug.16, Boulder County will be in the 90-day Level Clear observation period. There are no capacity restrictions or mandatory mitigation requirements for businesses or gatherings in this phase. The state is renewing the 500+ limit indoors until June 1.? After this date, Level Clear may not have any capacity restrictions or mandatory mitigation requirements for large businesses or gatherings.
 
There is understandable confusion surrounding masking orders. The State lifted their mask ordinance on May 14. The County has stated they are likely to follow, but an update to the public health order has not been published as of May 18. City Council did rescind Lafayette indoor masking order, which places the current Boulder County as the order the City follows.
 
Until Boulder County Public Health revises the current mask order (which went into effect May 5), masks are required indoors in these situations. Masks may be removed if 1) There are 9 or fewer unvaccinated individuals or individuals of unknown vaccination status present in a space. 2) At least 80% of the individuals in a space have shown proof of vaccination.
 
First Quarter Financial Update
Moving forward, the Finance Department will begin presenting quarterly financial information to City Council. The purpose of these presentations is to provide increased transparency of the City’s financial activities and communicate revenue and expenditure trends on a regular basis. Tonight’s financial information is reflected through March 2021.
 
City revenues are in line with budgeted expectations. General Fund revenues from property, sales/use, and other taxes are ahead of first quarter 2020 by 2.8%. Charges for services trail first quarter 2020 due to shutdowns that occurred due to the pandemic in late March 2020.
 
City expenditures are under budget (actual expenditures in General Fund are 16% of annual budget vs. calendar being 25% complete). Expenditures fluctuate during the year and should align more to budget as capital projects get under way in the summer/fall and programs (recreation, water park) re-open. The latter will also result in improved revenues.

Due to conservative, prudent financial management in 2020, the City finds itself in a solid financial position. The City has not experienced the need to reduce municipal services or lay off staff throughout the pandemic. The City continues to effectively manage funds in accordance with the established Budget and Council priorities.  
 
Public Works Operations and Maintenance Manager Callie Hayden
The City has selected Callie Hayden to serve as the City’s first Public Works Operations and Maintenance Manager following a national search. This new position replaces the former Streets and Utilities Superintendent position and oversees the City’s transportation maintenance, water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater collection, and fleet services functions.
 
LIQUOR AUTHORITY
Approved 7-0: Public Hearing / Resolution No. 2021-39 / Approving a Change of Location Permit for East Simpson Coffee Company LTD d/b/a East Simpson Coffee from 414 E. Simpson Street to 201 E. Simpson Street

PROCLAMATIONS
Motion to honor Interim Fire Chief Dan Garrett passed 7-0
From July 29, 2019, until April 12, 2021, Dan Garrett served as the Interim Fire Chief. This is a proclamation to recognize his outstanding service to the City.
 
Motion to honor the Class of 2021 passed 7-0
City Council honored Lafayette’s 2021 graduating class with this proclamation. As was last year, this year’s seniors have faced unique and challenging situations during the pandemic and have shown resilience, flexibility, and adaptability.
 
LAND USE ITEMS
Approved 7-0 Resolution No. 2021-40 / 201 E. Simpson / Modification of Off-Street Parking Requirement
 
Indian Peaks Filing No. 18

• Approved 5-2 Public Hearing / First Reading / Ordinance No. 09, Series 2021 (as amended) / Zoning Certain Land from Developing Resource (DR) to Community Service Business (B1) - Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zone District; and Approving the Indian Peaks Marketplace Final Planned Unit Development Plan. The amendment made requires the establishment of a business association to help facilitate maintenance and upkeep of the development.
• Approved 6-1 Resolution No. 2021-32 / Approving a Final Plat for Indian Peaks Filing No. 18 and Authorizing a Subdivision Development Agreement Pertaining Thereto
• Approved 5-2 Resolution No. 2021-33 / Approving a Site Plan for Lots 1 And 2, Indian Peaks Filing No. 18 Subdivision

 
REGULAR BUSINESS
Approved 7-0 Resolution No. 2021-43 / Repealing Resolution No. 2020-33 Requiring Persons Operating Places of Public Accommodation Within the City to Require the Wearing of Face Coverings. (See additional discussion in the COVID Recovery and Sustainment section at the beginning of the meeting)
 
CONSENT AGENDA
Approved the balance of the consent agenda 7-0.
Item K pulled from the consent agenda: Approved 7-0 Second Reading / Ordinance No. 10, Series 2021 Extending Moratorium on Land Use Applications for Oil and Gas Operations Until November 30, 2021. Discussed and received advice that if new or unexpected circumstances arise, Council has the option to look at continuing the moratorium.
 
STAFF REPORTS
City Attorney’s Report
City Administrator’s Report
 
COUNCIL REPORTS
Planning Commission Interview Committee Selection – Tentatively to be held the week of June 7. Mayor Pro Tem Walton, Councilor Wong, Councilor Briggs (alternate), and Mayor Harkins expressed interest to help conduct interviews.
 
Council has consensus to take a position to support Senate Bill 260 (Transportation Funding).
 
Mayor Harkins

• House Bill 1162 Management of Plastic - passed the House
• Working with Louisville Mayor Stolzman to get an amendment pushing on the bag fee. This will first exist as a fee, then move to a ban when plastic stock is depleted. Supposed to go into place in September, but  trying to push out to January to coordinate with Louisville. Will need to communicate with businesses.
  
  

Councilor Barnes

• Acknowledged that the land we live and work on is traditional territory for the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Sioux, and Ute. and the Colorado Front Range is a contemporary and traditional site of trade and gathering spot for many indigenous people
• Read an acknowledgement from the Library Advisory Board recognizing the service of Scott Foley who recently served as the interim Library Director
• Applications for the Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission are open until May 20. lafayetteco.gov/JoinLCAC  
• Applications for the Public Art Committee are open until May 20. lafayetteco.gov/JoinPAC

 
Councilor Briggs

• The Waste Reduction Advisory Committee (WRAC) met with new Sustainability Coordinator.

 
Councilor Behanna

• Has set up a Restorative Justice discussion with Chief Bashor and BVSD.
• Extended her appreciation for the Lafayette Police Department.
• Ride Free Lafayette; launched in August. Ridership increased from 435 to 1,175 in February. Can request rides multiple ways; phone, mobile app, website. Runs 7am-8pm. Wheelchair use has also increased. Serving young and old riders. Ride anywhere in Lafayette, pick up anywhere in Lafayette.
• Traditions at Lafayette (a 62+ older living community) is having their grand opening: 2500 S. Public Rd
• The Seniors are developing new walking routes including to the Rec Center and Library. Wayfinding signage will be placed along these new routes.
• Prairie Dog Advisory Group (PDAWG) discussions: proposed barrier along east edge of Rothman Open Space/Boulder County Open Space is a go; all dogs are safe now at the water tank location; the S. Boulder Road construction will result in relocation to Rock Creek; the colony at the wastewater treatment plant expansion site currently has no place to go.

 
Mayor Pro Tem Walton:

• Lafayette Open Space Advisory Committee (LOSAC) will be working with three students over the summer from the CU Masters of the Environment capstone project - a Mayhoffer Farm Management Plan.

Councilor Wong

• The rescheduled Human Rights Commission meeting is set for this Thursday at 6:30. They are working on recommendations for public facility naming procedures and the Mary Miller name to bring to Council.
• The SCL vaccination clinic on S. Public Road has vaccination appointments open Wednesdays and Fridays and are taking ages 12 and older. View local vaccination resources and clinics at lafayetteco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5974
• Residents may use Library public computers to schedule vaccine appointments. Bilingual Library staff are available to help book appointments.