City Council Meeting Recap

March 16, 2021

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Public Input

Presentations
COVID-19 recovery and sustainment update
The current seven-day average percent positive continues to be low at 3.7% in Boulder County. Governor Polis is considering a COVID-19 Dial 3.0 update. It is anticipated that by May restaurants and events could operate at 60% capacity with social distancing still required.
 
Vaccine distribution update: Phase 1B.3 started March 5 for frontline workers, Coloradans aged 60+ and those 16-59 with two or more high-risk conditions. Phase 1B.4 is expected to begin March 19 for people 50+ and will prioritize workers who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment. Vaccine Equity Clinics (three per week) are scheduled to begin this week at 1755 S. Public Road with support from SCL Health, Boulder County, and Clinica, to make vaccines more readily accessible.
 
Visit the State’s website for vaccine information https://covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine/where-can-i-get-vaccinated
 
Boulder County 5 Star Business Certification Program Update: Six Lafayette businesses have qualified. Businesses can operate in Level Blue; expanded capacity and hours. Learn more at:  https://boulderchamber.com/boco-5-star-launch/
 
Youth Engagement Officer
In November 2020, the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) announced plans to remove School Resource Officers (SROs) from BVSD schools. The Lafayette Police Department has provided SRO services to BVSD at no cost since 1998, fully supports the SRO program, and believes it offers many valuable benefits to students and faculty. The Department has developed a transition plan to move from the SRO program to a Youth Engagement Officer program in order to provide continuity of support, education, and opportunities for youth to connect with police officers. Community partnerships with the Lafayette Public Library, YMCA, Lafayette Youth Advisory Commission, and others, as well as maintaining connections with school administration, will be developed to provide ongoing connections.
 
Multimodal Transportation Plan (MMTP) Kickoff
With influence from the City’s comprehensive plan and other guiding documents, the MMTP will outline the City’s vision for its long-term transportation system, the policies to strategically implement that system, and prioritized capital projects that consider funding constraints and regional project priorities. The plan will include extensive community outreach and input from City Council, City staff and boards, and regional partners. The MMTP process is anticipated to take 18 months. Contracted consultant, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU), introduced the consultant team, the transportation plan context, project process and schedule, the community engagement plan, and next steps.
 
Liquor Authority Public Hearing
Approved 6-0 Resolution No. 2021-24: Approval of a New Vintner’s Restaurant / Stem Ciders LLC d/b/a Acreage and Stem Ciders located at 1380 Horizon Ave. Units A & C.
 
Regular Business
Approved 6-0: First Reading / Ordinance No. 04, Series 2021 / Budget Carryforward
Each year at least two supplemental appropriation ordinances are presented to City Council for review and approval. Adjustments to the budget are a necessary part of governmental business as Colorado law requires an annual budget appropriation end on Dec. 31 each year, but government business necessarily continues year-round. State budget law prohibits a municipality from exceeding appropriated expenditures, even if a new revenue source is identified. The budget carryforward includes changes that have occurred since the budget was approved in fall 2020, project expenses not expended from the previous year, and revenue adjustments.
 
Approved 6-0: Resolution No. 2021-25 / Approval of Site Plan and Architectural Review for Lot 2, Black Diamond Center North Subdivision and authoring a Development Agreement
Site Plan/Architectural Review for the Aspen Dental office at Lot 2, Black Diamond Center North Subdivision. The proposed building is a 3,515 square foot rectangular, one-story building with the front entrance oriented to the east facing Highway 287 at 569 N. Highway 287.  The applicant is not requesting any Code modifications. A Neighborhood Meeting is not required with a Site Plan/Architectural Review application.
 
Approved 6-0: Motion to accept the Sustainability Plan
In 2018, City Council identified the need to develop a sustainability plan to provide guidance for City staff and the general public. The final Plan identifies actionable strategies to advance sustainability throughout the City, with three priority focus areas: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Waste Reduction and Recycling; and Green and Healthy Buildings. Each focus area will be viewed through a lens of equity and inclusion, ensuring that all members of the community can access the benefits from resulting policies and programs. Important considerations in the areas of outreach and education are layered on top of strategies to address the roles of residents, businesses, and community partners in supporting sustainability efforts in Lafayette. 
 
The approved Plan is considered a living document and will be updated in the future with additional sustainability focus areas, such as natural environment and land management, transportation, water, and community. The Plan is intended to evolve as Lafayette evolves, and bring new strategies and actions to the forefront with changing priorities and as progress is made. The full plan is available in the meeting packet and will be available later this week at lafayetteco.gov/GoGreen.
 
Consent Agenda
Approved the balance of the consent agenda 6-0
Approved 6-0: Item J pulled from the consent agenda. Discussion explained this parcel was for traffic intersection purposes and would not impact Open Space properties.
 
Staff Reports
City Administrator: We’ve just experienced the fourth biggest snowstorm on record in the Denver metro area. Administrator Sprague, along with Police Chief Bashor, Public Works Director Arthur, and Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Director Stevenson presented a recap of planning, implementation, and challenges experienced regarding City storm operations.
 
Administrator Sprague announced the topics for the March 29 Council workshop: Legacy Lafayette Comprehensive Plan update, annual water supply update, and results from the City’s facility naming survey.
 
As of March 19, because Council is essential to local government operations, Councilors will be eligible to receive a COVID vaccination.
 
Met with newly appointed Municipal Judge Bailhache to review program augmentations, goals, and Council check-ins.
 
City Council reports

Mayor Harkins:

• Today through Friday, the Mayor and Transportation Engineer Joliette Woodson are participating to virtually lobby legislators to progress transit/transportation issues. After this round of stimulus funding, Feds may be implementing an infrastructure stimulus for “community earmarks/projects.” Local focus will be SH 119, Hwy 7, and rail funding. Timing may be 6-8 weeks for announcements.

• Met with Library Advisory Board – they are excited about getting more visitors at the Library.  Lafayette Cultural Arts Committee is getting ready to distribute grant money. Many will receive more than what was requested. These two boards may meet to collaborate in the future.
  
  

• The Senior Advisory Board is very concerned about affordable housing and is working on a letter to Council outlining those concerns. They are looking at City topics from the lens of older adults.

• There were several shootings this evening at Atlanta spas. As elected officials, we need to be aware of these types of events and our words hold a lot of weight for our constituents. We need to ensure hate crimes are addressed and processed properly.

• Commented about the amazing work accomplished and topics discussed at tonight’s meeting. Took a moment to thank Boards and Commissions for continued work being done online during COVID. We appreciate residents’ participation as well.
• Reminder for everyone to get vaccinated and keep following COVID best practices.
  

• Reminder, because we’re seeing some normalcy returning, the Leprechaun Gold Hunt and Easter Egg Extravaganza are coming up. Both require reservations at lafayetteco.gov/Recreation