Edgewater City Council Recap: August 20, 2024

Edgewater City Council Members
Back Row: John Thomsen, Kali Janda, Steve Conklin, Lilly Steirer, Bill Berg
Front Row: Mercedes Valdez, Joie Iten, Hannah Gay Keao
(Photo By Let The Light In Studio)

The Edgewater City Council convened for a business meeting last Tuesday, August 20th. The meeting kicked off, as it always does, with the usual roll call, pledge of allegiance, and adoption of the consent agenda, and the first of two opportunities for the public to make comments. All current members of City Council and the Mayor were in attendance. There was no public comment.

Next came communications from the City Manager and staff. Chief Sonstegard spoke first. Sonstegard said the Edgewater Police Department will be joining the Jeffco Community Crisis Response one year pilot program. A partnership between multiple agencies, the crisis response team will consist of a Jeffco paramedic and a counselor on call for situations that may be better addressed by medical/mental health professionals. Chief Sonstegard said the program “is as good as it sounds.” City Manager Maples had no news to report, however Councilwoman Gay Keao had a question, saying several residents had reached out to report no longer having access to past city council meeting minutes, recordings, etc. Mr. Maples answered the website is currently undergoing updates to make it ADA compliant, and the missing items will return, but there’s still a fair amount of work to do to return all the missing files, etc. and some decisions to make about how far back to go, etc.

Next up, communications from boards, commissions, and membership organizations. No boards or commissions spoke this time. Mayor Conklin gave updates from various organizations, speaking of the upcoming DRCOG awards ceremony, touring Metro State with Metro Mayors, and an upcoming trip to Detroit with other members of the Jeffco Economic Development Corporation.

Next Wheat Ridge Mayor, Bud Starker, gave a presentation on the Jeffco Housing Blueprint, a collaborative effort to increase affordable housing in Jefferson County. This plan is still in the planning stages, though close to completion with details to be published soon. A resolution in support of the Jeffco Housing Blueprint passed unanimously.

Next came a resolution approving the city’s participation in the Kroger opioid settlement. City Council passed the resolution unanimously.

Next, the first reading of Ordinance 2024-07, appropriating funds from the general fund to the 2023 general fund budget. A routine piece of bookkeeping, the first reading passed unanimously. There will be a 2nd reading at a future meeting.

Next the first reading of 2024-06, adopting the 2023 National Electrical Code as Edgewater’s municipal code. Another routine ordinance passed every 3 years when the National Electrical Code is updated.

Next came a declaration of vacancy. Councilman Berg has resigned. Per the city charter, a simple motion must pass declaring vacancy. From there they can decide whether to appoint a new member or hold a special election. The motion declaring the vacancy passed unanimously. How the vacancy will be filled was not discussed or decided at this meeting.

Again, an opportunity for public comment, but no one from the public spoke.

The meeting wrapped with Mayor and Council comments. The general sentiment across the dais tonight was excitement to have a crisis response team in Edgewater, with welcomes to Edgewater’s own Kevin Meyer who will be the paramedic on the team.