The Edgewater City Council met Tuesday, October 24 for the bimonthly work session and business meeting. It was a long one, kicking off at 6:30 and wrapping up around 10:45.
As has been the case recently, the meeting began with the work session. On the agenda for the night’s work session was a presentation from the City Attorney, a Comprehensive Plan update, landscaping code updates, an ADA presentation, and a walkability update.
The City Attorney presentation was largely budget oriented, highlighting that their services consistently come in under the allotted annual budget.
The remaining presentations could each warrant an article in and of itself. Instead, I will point the reader to the city’s website, and the “Full Agenda” for the meeting. In there, you can find the slide decks for each presentation, and I suggest you have a look. Lots of exciting changes and updates coming to Edgewater.
One item of note from the presentations, there was some confusion and objections from the Council and public to the suggested updates in the city code to include certain landscaping requirements on new developments and additions over a certain size. This will play a part in the business meeting.
As always the business meeting began with a roll call. A quorum was present, with Councilperson Reid-Vanas absent. The Pledge was recited. The consent agenda was adopted. During the portion, Councilperson Conklin moved to have the first reading of the ordinance regarding landscaping tabled, in light of earlier confusion and objections. Councilperson Berg seconded. By a 4-2 vote, the first reading was not tabled, and remained on the agenda.
Up next, city staff updates. First, a brief update from Chief Sonstegard, letting the public know that the Police Department will be participating in multiple Trunk or Treat events as Halloween approaches, and that the costume the Department has made for their cruiser is sure to be a hit. City Manager Maples also gave a brief update, informing the council that the city has officially closed on the property at 5440 W 25th Ave.
Next on the agenda was the reading of a proclamation recognizing Conflict Resolution Month. Since it was well past 10 P.M. at this point, Mayor Beltrone opted not to read the proclamation, instead speaking briefly on the importance of conflict resolution.
On to Resolution 2023-14, approving an intergovernmental agreement with Jeffco Housing Authority to run the newly acquired property. The resolution passed unanimously, and with that the city of Edgewater now has 5 new affordable housing units.
Next up was the first reading of 2023-12, and update to the city code to impose water efficient landscaping requirements. These updates would affect new developments, both business and residential, as well as any additions/renovations/etc that would add 500 square feet to the house. They do not impose landscaping requirements on existing homes. The first reading passed 4-2, with Coucilpersons Berg and Conklin voting ‘nay’.
Next was the second reading of Ordinance 2023-11, an ordinance to align the city’s tax code with the states, thereby facilitating the State of Colorado to collect the city’s sales tax. The reasons for this given were it will free up the time of city staff, and make remittance more streamlined for local businesses. The ordinance passed unanimously.
Finally, comments from the Mayor and Council. First to comment was Councilperson Donovan, who let the council and public know that he was moving, and thus would no longer be eligible to serve on Council. Tuesday was Councilperson Donovan’s last meeting. He spoke of how proud he was of his accomplishments while with council, including raising the city minimum wage and bringing more affordable housing. Best of luck to Mr. Donovan. The rest of the council and mayor comments consisted largely of thanks and farewells.
City Council every other Tuesday. The meetings can be attended in person at the Edgewater Civic Center, or virtually through the city’s website
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