CITY OF THORNTON CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE · CITY OF THORNTON CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE 01/31/2019 A G...

CITY OF THORNTON CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

01/31/2019

A G E N D A Planning Session

Training Room February 05, 2019

5:45 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER AND REVIEW OF AGENDA

II. CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

III. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

IV. STAFF BRIEFINGS

A. Federal Legislative Priorities (Estimated 30 Minutes)

B. Homelessness Presentation (Estimated 30 Minutes)

C. Presentation of Historical and Current Cultural Programming in Community

Services (Estimated 15 Minutes)

D. Discussion Regarding Appointment of Council Representatives to Various Boards and Commissions (Estimated 10 Minutes)

E. Thornton Development Authority – Discussion Regarding an Unsolicited Offer

for 9045 Grant Street (Estimated 10 Minutes)

V. OPEN DISCUSSION

CITY OF THORNTON 2019 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

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Water Quality

Background: The City currently draws the majority of the water to serve its 140,000 drinking water customers from

the South Platte River, which is impacted by upstream discharges from wastewater treatment plants and storm discharges.

Though the City meets all Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements, we have significant concerns about our ability to meet them in the future due to: continuing degradation of the South Platter River from increases in treated wastewater

effluent discharges (also referred to as nutrient loading); reduced dilution of water in the river because of increased upstream withdrawals of clean

water; and increased storm sewer discharges due to expanding populations and development.

Because of all of these factors, Thornton has made and continues to make substantial high‐cost improvements to its treatment systems to address these water quality impacts and to meet the primary and secondary SDWA requirements.

Areas of Specific Concern: The City has tried for many years to bring together other jurisdictions, wastewater treatment

operators, and state officials to develop a coordinated effort to address water quality at a regional level. Unfortunately, we have been unable to generate interest in a regional rather than an individual approach to comply with the SDWA and/or Clean Water Act provisions. While Thornton was able to draft a scope of work concept for a modified Western Rivers Water Quality Study, we were unsuccessful in moving the concept forward with the various entities. The City continues to look to the federal government for leadership on this issue.

Thornton continues to support the rescission of the 2015 Clean Water Act Rule defining what qualifies as Waters of the US and reverting back to the regulatory framework that existed before the 2015 change. Any new attempt to redefine what constitutes a “Waters of The US” needs to be mindful of unintended consequences. The 2015 Waters of the US (WOTUS) definition was overly broad and Thornton was on the record expressing concern for it increasing costs and imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on the City’s ability to provide safe drinking water to its citizens.

Thornton Approach to Address Concerns: Thornton participates in the American Water Works Association Regulatory Affairs Committee to be

a part of a national voice on current and future regulations and actions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Federal Government.

At the state level, Thornton is advocating for support of measures that protect water quality and enable flexibility in the regulatory framework to allow for more cost effective water quality improvements using collaborative local approaches.

At the state and regional level, Thornton participates in the Barr‐Milton Watershed Association, Colorado Water Quality Forum, Standley Lake Water Quality Intergovernmental Agreement (WQIGA), and various other stakeholder activities to coordinate water quality emergency response and mitigation.


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Federal Request: Prevent relaxation of water quality standards that protect human and aquatic health.

Congress and EPA should explore ways to empower regional collaboration and integration of the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts.

Congress and the EPA should support the states (including financially) in implementing its “Drinking Water Plan” released in 2016.

If Congress decreases the EPA’s role and authority to implement and enforce environmental regulation and shift this responsibility to the states, they should also shift sufficient funding to enable states to protect the environment.

Continue to work with state and local governments, before, during, and after adding criteria pollutants to the federal Clean Water Act list.

Water Quality Rocky Flats Site Background: The Rocky Flats Site was cleaned up and closed in 2006 and the Department of Energy (DOE) took

over responsibility for its long‐term care.

There are currently five dams that remain on the Rocky Flats site that were previously operated to help manage surface water runoff to avoid contamination during the period when nuclear weapons components were being manufactured.

Pursuant to a 2010 Environmental Assessment and a 2011 Adaptive Management Plan, some of these dams were breached and others are being operated in a flow‐through condition. Although breaching of the remaining dams has been delayed, the DOE has indicated that it still plans to breach them. These dams are being operated in a flow‐through condition, which means surface water that was previously impounded by the dams is now moving freely past them.

Thornton owns water rights on Big Dry Creek that are used to irrigate the City’s golf course.

Any contaminated water released off Rocky Flats property into Walnut Creek would flow into Big Dry Creek and potentially carry contamination to the City’s golf course and further down Big Dry Creek as it runs through Thornton’s northern growth area.

The City doesn’t believe that sufficient time has passed since regulatory closure in 2006 to adequately evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation that has been put in place on the Rocky Flats site. Prior to a significant storm event in 2013, there was little rainfall and virtually no flows to measure at the sampling points. 2015 saw another round of significant rainfall in the summer period that would reinforce concerns about stormwater runoff from the Rocky Flats Site. In addition, measurements for Uranium in the Walnut Creek Drainage and Trichloroethylene in a monitoring well in the Woman Creek Drainage well above the applicable standards would indicate that the site may need continued cleanup activities at DOE’s expense.

As a member of Rocky Flats Stewardship Council and Woman Creek Reservoir Authority, we support the concerns of the partner communities that are adjacent to the Rocky Flats site.


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In the 1950s and in recent years, the federal government has acquired for fair market value various minerals underlying Rocky Flats. Acquisition does not de facto mean that the federal minerals cannot be developed. Accordingly, as provided for under federal law, the City believes Congress should pass legislation authorizing DOE to retire its minerals, thereby ensuring they can never be developed.

The "Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Act of 2005" authorized DOE to acquire "essential

minerals." The November 2018 filing with the COGCC by Highlands Natural Resource Corporation to develop oil and gas resources under the Central Operable Unit and Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge brings to light that with new technologies not all of the essential minerals were acquired, thereby leaving Rocky Flats susceptible to future development activities. Congress must provide additional funding for acquisition of essential minerals.

Federal Request: Legacy Management Funding: DOE's Office of Legacy Management (LM) must be fully funded. LM is

charged with conducting ongoing monitoring and maintenance, critical steps to ensuring the $7.5 billion cleanup at Rocky Flats remains protective of human health and the environment.

Rocky Flats Stewardship Council Funding: The city strongly supports ongoing DOE funding for RFSC. RFSC provides critical local government and community oversight of Rocky Flats and helps ensure community confidence in the ongoing protectiveness of the cleanup remedies.

Water Quality: The City requests continued support from the Congressional delegation on monitoring and addressing water quality issues that arise at the Rocky Flats site. The potential harm to the public from exposure to/ingestion of plutonium and americium pollutants has not dissipated just because the plant is closed. That is why the protections need to remain in place. The DOE has an obligation to ensure that Rocky Flats doesn’t adversely impact the local communities in the future and must continue to be held responsible and accountable for the site.

Delay breaching until a thorough analysis based on sufficient data from rain events can determine impact.

Rocky Flats Minerals: The City supports Congress passing legislation authorizing DOE to retire its minerals, thereby ensuring they can never be developed. The City also supports Congress providing additional funding for the federal acquisition of essential minerals underlying Rocky Flats.

Stormwater Regulations Background: EPA Proposed National Stormwater Rule:

In early 2014, the EPA indicated that the agency was going to refocus resources in light of continuous delays in proposing the national stormwater rule that would have, among other items, expanded the area subject to federal stormwater regulations focusing on integrating urbanizing areas located beyond the limits of currently regulated areas into existing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) programs.

One of the concerns that was expressed is that there were discrepancies that existed between the EPA’s focus on numeric, measurable targets for stormwater and the Clean Water Act’s call for reducing pollutants to the maximum extent practicable.


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At the beginning of 2014, the EPA announced a new program vision for Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) that focuses on improving how states establish and prioritize impaired waters and is supposed to provide states with more flexibility and allow them to tailor their program to meet specific needs and goals.

The EPA finalized the rule, effective January 1, 2017, which now provides flexibility for cities and the permitting authority to manage stormwater pollution on a location‐by‐location basis, without being mandated by numeric permit requirements. The Procedural Approach allows for the Permitting Authority to incorporate an additional review and public comment on MS4 permitting including TMDLs.

Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposed EPA rule: In November 2014, the comment period closed on the EPA and US Army Corps of

Engineers’ (US Corp) proposed WOTUS rule, which sought to clarify whether various waters and wetlands are subject to their jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.

Prior to closing of the comment period, the City submitted comments on the proposed rule expressing concern that the proposed rule could be interpreted to classify the City’s reservoirs located along the South Platte River as “jurisdictional” and thus under the purview of the EPA and US Corp.

The revised rule was published in June of 2015 but it did not specifically address these types of reservoirs, which are part of a pre‐treatment process and used in a municipal water supply system.

Colorado joined twelve other Western states in a District Court lawsuit to vacate the EPA WOTUS rules in 2015 to which the District Court concurred.

In October 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, issued a nationwide stay against the enforcement of the regulation pending resolution of the challenges in various district courts.

On February 28, 2017, the President of the United States issued an Executive Order directing EPA and Department of the Army to review and rescind or revise the 2015 Rule. EPA, Department of Army, and the Army Corps of Engineers are in the process of reviewing the 2015 rule and considering a revised definition of "waters of the United States" consistent with the Executive Order.

On January 22, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 2015 6th Circuit Court ruling was not appropriate arguing that the challenge to WOTUS should have originated in District Court instead. This ruling places the nationwide stay of WOTUS in question, possibly reverting the stay back to the original 13 states to challenge the rule (to include Colorado).

On December 11, 2018, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new rule defining the phrase “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The rule would likely affect the scope of the EPA’s and Corps’ jurisdiction under Section 404 of the CWA. As proposed, the new rule would likely affect the jurisdictional status of ephemeral tributaries as well as wetlands without a direct surface connection to tributaries or navigable waters during a “typical year.” The new rule proposes to: Eliminate drainages that only flow after rainfall or snowmelt from being considered

waters of the U.S.; and Limit jurisdictional wetlands to only those with a surface connection to

jurisdictional waters in a “typical year.”


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If implemented as proposed, the new rule would clarify the exclusion of municipal reservoirs, allowing cities to manage and treat their reservoirs as necessary in a timely manner.

Federal Request: Support exemption of municipal water reservoirs from WOTUS regulations.

Continue to monitor the finalized stormwater rule as to its application and implementation.

Transit and Transportation Background: Transit:

In December 2013, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) signed the contract with Regional Rail Partners to construct the first phase of the North Metro Rail Line from Denver Union Station (DUS) to the 124th Station. Coordination and design began in 2014 and construction commenced in 2015 with completion slated for some time in 2020.

The Federal Transit Administration rescinded the Record of Decision for the proposed North Metro Corridor project effective with the publication notification in the Federal Register dated October 31, 2014.

RTD indicated in October 2016 that completion of the North Metro Rail Line to 162nd Avenue will not occur until after 2040.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is currently studying a high‐speed rail system and per the request of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) shows an alternative with connection to Denver Union Station (DUS). The original plan had the high speed rail interconnecting with the RTD commuter rail system at Thornton’s 162nd Station, then going around E‐470 to Denver International Airport (DEN), and then down to the Lone Tree Station and south to Colorado Springs. The City is concerned that bringing the high‐speed rail to 162nd Avenue and down to DUS through the North Metro Line would not save time for the traveler nor be cost effective. The City’s preference is to have the high‐speed rail connection at 162nd Avenue, which would allow people to get to DUS via the North Metro Line.

The State Legislature has a commission looking at Front Range rail between Pueblo and Fort Collins.

Interstate I‐25: I‐25 is the major north/south corridor in Colorado and is a designated freight corridor in the

state. Studies completed for the I‐25 Corridor from Denver Union Station to Fort Collins include

the North I‐25 Environmental Impact Statement and the I‐25 Planning, Environmental, and Linkage (PEL) Study that identify significant improvements that are needed now and in the future.

The North I‐25 Coalition, which includes the City, has advocated, requested and applied for grants for constructing the North I‐25 Corridor Project (Denver to Fort Collins) improvements.

Interim improvements to add managed lanes from Denver Union Station to 120th Avenue are complete and the next section of interim improvements from 120th Avenue to E‐470 is under construction; however, the next phase to extend the lanes to State Highway 7 and improving the interchange at State Highway 7 requires additional funding before construction can begin.


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Grants were received for funding I‐25 construction north of Highway 52 to Fort Collins and construction has started north of State Highway 402 to Fort Collins.

CDOT currently has a consultant working on the environmental assessment on I‐25 between US 36 and Highway 7 for the improvements recommended in the I‐25 PEL Study with 30 percent plans being developed between US 36 and Thornton Parkway (general lane up to Thornton Parkway, auxiliary lanes between interchanges, replacement of 88th Avenue bridge, widening of inside shoulder to meet federal highway standards). In addition, CDOT conducted a road safety audit on this section with one of the possible action items to reduce crashes is to implement the plans now under design. CDOT also has a consultant working on final plans for I‐25 from E‐470 to the Weld County Line but there are no funds to build either of these sections of I‐25.

Transportation: Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST), the transportation funding legislation,

became law on December 4, 2015 (Public Law No: 114‐94) providing $305 billion in authority over five years instead of six, which has been the norm.

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is writing regulations to implement the FAST Act.

FAST is funded primarily out of the Highway Trust Fund, which receives its revenues primarily from federal fuel, which rates haven’t changed since 1993, and other taxes on transportation‐related items. FAST is also funded by transfers out of the General Fund ($70 billion) which is significantly higher than previous funding programs.

While the appropriations funding coming from the Highway Trust Fund are fairly predictable, appropriations from the general fund are less certain and thus funding problems could occur in the future.

The overall increase in funding for Colorado totals about $250 million over the five‐year life of the Act and there are other features that could benefit the state such as highway freight improvement projects (I‐25).

Congress will be considering Infrastructure legislation in 2019 that will include all modes of transportation and telecommunications.

Federal Request: Support fully funded FAST appropriations, and find a long‐term funding mechanism that

puts funding for transit and transportation on sound footing and allows Colorado to compete with fund requests from the east and west coasts.

Support funding and financing to build the North I‐25 Corridor Project, which would include a new multi‐modal interchange at I‐25 and State Highway 7 and general purpose lanes between US 36 and Thornton Parkway, and managed lanes from E‐470 to State Highway 7 and improvements north to Fort Collins.

Support regulations that enable Colorado to compete for funds and financing for transportation projects and do not create a burden on state and local governments.

Ensure that any additional infrastructure proposals provide resources to the City’s needs.

Community Development and Housing Background: Redevelopment and Revitalization:


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City Council is committed to redevelopment and revitalization in original Thornton, specifically the residential and commercial neighborhoods along Washington Street and Huron generally south of 104th Avenue.

The South Thornton Revitalization Subarea Plan (STaR Plan) was developed in 2011 and establishes the long‐term goals and strategies to revitalize both residential and commercial neighborhoods in original south Thornton, east and west of I‐25.

Thornton created a new South Thornton Urban Renewal Project Area in late 2012 as one of the steps toward developing a funding mechanism to implement the commercial goals identified in the StaR Plan.

Affordable Housing: In Thornton, roughly 7,300 homeowners and 5,700 renters are cost burdened, spending

more than the recommended 30 percent of their income each month on housing costs. The City works with the County to have HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

funds awarded to building new affordable housing. However, the amount of federal subsidies for affordable housing developments and renovations continues to shrink as the construction costs increase. HOME funds can be used to build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low‐income people.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Thornton has been utilizing CDBG funds since 1986. The City became an entitlement City on

March 1, 2010 and begin receiving CDBG funds directly from the Department of Housing of Urban Development (HUD). The City receives approximately $650,000 annually. Since 2010, The City has been able to impact 31,838 residents through the projects it has funded with CDBG funds.

The City would like to be able to contribute more of its CDBG allocation towards the construction of affordable housing. However, currently, CDBG can only fund site preparation of new affordable housing and cannot fund architectural or engineering design, or the cost to construct new housing.

The federal budget proposals have recently included significant reductions in CDBG funding. As pressure mounts to find off‐sets in discretionary funding to support entitlement programs, the City is concerned CDBG funds will once again be a target.

Federal Request: Assist the City in identifying federal funding opportunities to provide resources for blight

remediation, environmental cleanup, and to redevelop and revitalize developmentally challenged areas such as original Thornton to create jobs and new businesses.

Support funding for the CDBG program and encourage funding for 2019 and 2020 Fiscal Years to stay the same or increase.

Continue to support Low Income Housing Tax Credits and the tax‐advantaged status of Private Activity Bonds.

Support deregulation of Community Development Block Grant funds, so that CDBG can be used to fund architectural or engineering design or construction of affordable housing and not just site preparation.

Oppose federal legislation that would limit the City’s ability to utilize important redevelopment and revitalization tools such as eminent domain.


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Municipal Bond Interest Exemption Background: The City utilizes municipal bonds to finance large capital investments in streets, water and

sanitation systems, public facilities, parks, open space, and other amenities that are provided to citizens.

The interest on municipal bonds is exempt from federal tax and allows the interest rate to be lower than if it were taxable, thus making the entire cost of issuing bonds to pay for capital investments much lower.

There are proposals in Congress to make all or a portion of municipal bond interest subject to taxation.

Over the next decade, the City expects to access the municipal bond market on several occasions to finance major capital investments.

If the City is required to issue bonds on a taxable basis, this could raise the interest cost by 50% and the total repayment cost by 25%.

The choices to address this impact are few: a) reduce the cost and scope of the projects; b) find additional resources to pay the higher costs – which would come from reducing service levels or additional fees; or c) some combination of both.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115‐97) preserved private activity bonds, but did make changes to advanced refunding bonds.

Federal Request Do not support legislation that eliminates or limits the federal income tax exemption for state and

municipal bonds.

Public Safety Background: Department of Justice Grant Programs:

The City has applied for and received Bureau of Justice Assistance Grants annually since 2005.

The City has applied for Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing (COPS) grants numerous times over the past 10 years and recently received a three‐year award in 2017 for four officers.

The Link is a 501C3 nonprofit entity that provides key child evaluation services for Thornton, Adams County, and other communities. Because it is a nonprofit, it is not eligible to receive a JAG grant. Similarly, the Child Advocacy Center, operated by Ralston House, is a nonprofit that provides safe environments to conduct interviews and evaluations of crimes against children.

Homeland Security and FEMA Grant programs: The City has applied for and received several Assistance to Fire Grants (AFG) since 2001.

AFG helps firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the


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public and emergency personnel. The City will continue to apply for these grants when the programs match the City’s needs.

The City applied for and received a 2016 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER), funding 15 firefighters to keep pace with the rapid growth for emergency response in the City. SAFER was created to provide funding directly to fire departments to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities.

The City has applied for and received several Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants since 2005. FP&S Grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards, reducing injuries, and preventing death among high‐risk populations. The City will continue to apply for these grants when the programs match the City’s needs.

The region has received several Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program awards for equipment and training that the City has been able to benefit from. The City will continue to look for ways to utilize this regional resource.

Grant funding programs to assist organizations that provide services to intoxicated individuals brought there by the Police who are uninsured or indigent: The City’s Police Department has relied on a non‐profit organization, the Arapahoe House,

to take individuals for care who are intoxicated and are a danger to themselves or to the community, but not appropriate for jail. This is currently the only available option for the City for these types of services. Arapahoe House has announced that they will no longer provide this service to the many communities throughout the Denver‐metro area that they have been providing service to for many years. Arapahoe House has relied on grant funds and donations to help cover the costs of these services, but those funds have been inadequate to cover the increasing costs of this service. The Community Reach Center is reportedly proceeding to fill many of the services vacated by Arapahoe House to include intoxication treatment and substance abuse treatment. Regardless of the entity providing this vital service, the ability to obtain grant funds to offset the costs is an important factor in attracting organizations to provide this service.

Federal Request: Continue to fund the Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs and consider expansion of the

COPS grants to assist mid‐sized communities such as Thornton.

Encourage the DOJ to consider establishing a grant program to assist entities such as The Link and the Child Advocacy Center, which are key services to local law enforcement agencies.

Encourage federal agencies to develop and provide grant programs for organizations who take in individuals who are intoxicated and are a danger to themselves or to the community, but not appropriate for jail.

Continue to fund AFG grant programs for equipment, staffing, and safety programs in mid‐sized communities such as Thornton.

Continue to fund USAI grant programs to local governments providing resources in planning, equipment, training, and exercise needs.

Airport Noise Related to Implementation of “NextGen”


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Background – Next Generation (NextGen) and the Denver Metroplex Environmental Assessment: In 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided notice that it intended to prepare an

Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider potential impacts of modifying/redesigning existing air routes in the Denver Metroplex area. The Denver Metroplex area includes DIA, Centennial Airport, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Buckley Air Force Base, Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Front Range Airport and Greeley‐Weld County Airport. These changes would support a move to a satellite‐based navigation system for aircraft operating under instrument flight rules while departing from or arriving to the Denver Metroplex area.

The Denver Metroplex Project team hosted twelve public workshops in the greater Denver metro area between April 3, 2017 and May 4, 2017 as part of the community engagement process. The purpose of the workshops was to give the public a better understanding of the FAA’s preliminary Metroplex procedure designs and to obtain public comments.

The Denver Metroplex effort is currently in the Evaluation Phase of the EA. Using data collected in the study and design phases, the Denver Metroplex Program Team redesigned flight paths and updated procedures. Recently, the FAA released thirty (30) proposed new flight paths for the Denver Metroplex area in advance of an expected April 2019 draft EA to the public. As part of this effort, the FAA will hold a series of community meetings in 2019 to collect comments on the draft EA.

As a result of previous NextGen navigation strategy implementations at DIA, certain areas of Thornton have experienced an increase in airplane noise. This is particularly true over the areas from 120th‐136th/Holly to 120th‐136th/Colorado Boulevard that saw more departure tracks concentrated over them.

It is difficult to tell from the proposed new flight paths what the impact will be on Thornton residents.

Federal Request: Reach out to residents who could be impacted by the proposed arrival and departure track changes

to provide opportunities for input.

Adjust the flight patterns/procedures to minimize the noise impacts on neighborhoods that previously did not have this level of aircraft noise.

Marijuana Background: In 2000, voters of the State of Colorado passed Amendment 20 to the state’s constitution allowing

patients and/or primary caregivers to possess, use, and cultivate medical marijuana with some restrictions. Under Amendment 20, local government may choose to allow or not allow medical marijuana establishments within the City.

In November 2012, voters of the State of Colorado passed Amendment 64 to the state’s constitution allowing recreational marijuana for persons 21 years of age and older. Individuals 21 years old and over may possess, use, and cultivate marijuana with some restrictions. Under Amendment 64, local government may choose to allow or not allow retail marijuana establishments within the City.


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In 2015, City Council passed an ordinance to allow the licensing of marijuana testing facilities and four retail marijuana stores or co‐located retail and medical marijuana stores in the City.

In 2016, Thornton voters approved a 5 percent sales tax increase on the sale of recreational and medical marijuana products. The additional revenue is used to help offset any costs associated with the operation and impact of these business on the City. The City’s total marijuana sales tax is 8.75 percent.

There is significant difficulty in collecting accurate sales tax revenues. Since marijuana is still illegal

on the Federal Level, credit card companies will not do business with marijuana business establishments, and most banks will not either. This makes it difficult for the City to verify total sales, and thus real tax obligations. It also means businesses must pay their tax liabilities in cash, often $5,000 to $10,000 at a time.

Federal Request: Support legislation that would allow marijuana establishments operating in compliance with state

laws full banking access, allow for the acceptance of credit cards, and would allow check writing and acceptance.

Support legislation that amends the Controlled Substances Act to reduce the gap between federal and state financial policies regarding marijuana as they pertain to banking and other financial institutions.

Homelessness Presentation

City Council Planning SessionFebruary 5, 2019

Purpose

To provide a brief overview of homelessness and Thornton’s

efforts to address it.

Agenda• Homelessness data• Thornton’s current efforts• Discussion

Data

Point in Time United States Colorado Adams County2018 552,830 10,857 7662017 550,996 10,940 1572016 549,928 10,550 200

Mc Kinney Vento Adams County Thornton2016-2017 school year 3,917 1,881 (Mapleton/

District 12)

Evictions Adams County ThorntonEvictionLab.org by Princeton University(2016 data) most current available

2,722 645

Thornton’s Current Levels of Service

Thornton’s Encampments

Insert 4th photo

Encampment Cleanups

Item Quantity

Encampment postings -city and private property* 110

Contracted cleanups (city property & unresponsive private property owners)

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Cost of contracted cleanups $11,452.19

Syringes at contracted cleanups 238

Cubic yards of waste from contracted cleanups 102 cubic yards

*Code Compliance Officers post a Notice to Vacate

2017 2018

Encampment postings - City and private property*

29 108

Contracted cleanups (City property & unresponsive private property owners)

1 17An additional 10 cleanupswere conducted by Code

Cost of contracted cleanups $980 $9,724.17

Syringes at contracted cleanups Unknown 238

Cubic yards of waste from contracted cleanups

8 102

Community-Based Homeless Services

Thornton’s Participation in Regional Efforts

• Adams County Coalition for the Homeless

• Adams County Municipal Workgroup• Connection with resource providers• Research of practices in other cities

Everyone Counts Magnet

Event (PIT)

Police Interactions

Questions and Discussion

PLANNING SESSION COMMUNICATION PAGE 2

Blues in the Schools - Cultural Roots of the Blues

American Arts & Culture

Cultural Expedition Tent Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Philippines, and Hawaii

Community Connections

Harvest Fest: Mighty Nice Band - Latino Band

Latin America Recreation

Harvest Fest: Richardo Pena - Latino Band


Movies at the Park: Despicable Me @ Stem Launch Adams 12

Hispanic Recreation

Movies at the Park: Coco @ Community Park

Hispanic Recreation

Harvest Fest: Chili Cook-off

USA, Mexico Recreation

2017 Armchair Adventures Alaska, Australia, Argentina, Antarctica, Peru, Canada & Western USA

Active Adult

Adult classes (culinary/dance) India, Mexico, Polynesia Active Adult Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Día de los Muertos Celebration

Hispanic Arts & Culture

Winterfest Tent - Holiday Traditions from Around the World

International Arts & Culture



Cultural Expedition Tent Morocco, Portugal, France, and UK Recreation/ Active Adult

Harvest Fest: Sangre Nueva Band - Latino Band


Movies at the Park: Finding Dory @ Stem Launch Adams 12

Hispanic Recreation

Harvest Fest: Chili Cook-off USA, Mexico Recreation Partnered with a Chili Roaster to roast/sell green chilies on-site


2016 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Cultural Celebration Jewish Active Adult Winterfest Tent - Holiday Traditions from Around the World





Cultural Expedition Tent Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, and Spain Recreation/ Active Adult

Thorntonfest: Conjunto Colores - Latino Band


Harvest Fest: Sangre Nueva Band - Latino Band


Harvest Fest: Sonmoreno Band - Latino Band


Harvest Fest: Chili Cook-off USA, Mexico Recreation Partnered with a Chili Roaster to roast/sell green chilies on-site


2015 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures Switzerland, Singapore, Bali, Central

America, Cozumel, Spain/Portugal, Brazil/Peru/China

Active Adult

Oktoberfest Celebration Germany Active Adult Winterfest Tent - Holiday Traditions from Around the World




Cultural Expedition Tent Mexico, German, Canada, and Costa Rica

Recreation/ Active Adult

Harvest fest: DeLeon Brothers - Latino Band


Harvest Fest: Mighty Nice Band - Latino Band


Harvest Fest: Salsa Tasting Contest

Mexico Recreation

Partnered with a Chili Roaster to roast/sell green chilies on-site


2014 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures Nepal, China, Tibet, Greek Isles,

Yosemite Valley, Canada, Thailand, Philippines

Active Adult





Cultural Expedition Tent Poland, China, Vietnam, Mexico Recreation/ Active Adult


Thorntonfest: The Indulgers – Irish Band

Ireland Recreation

Harvest Fest: Conjunto Colores - Latino Band


Harvest Fest: Quemando Salsa Orquestra - Latino Band



Mexico Recreation

Partnered with a Chili Roaster to roast/sell green chilies on-site


2013 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures Zambia, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, California,

Japan, Vietnam, Kenya, Italy Active Adult





Cultural Expedition Tent Peru, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Mexico Recreation/ Active Adult


Mexico Recreation

2012 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures South America, Africa Active Adult Winterfest Tent - Holiday Traditions from Around the World





Mexico Recreation

2011 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures Niger, Holland, Panama, Japan, Peru,

the Danube, Cameroon, Alaska, India, Indonesia, China, Australia, and New Zealand

Active Adult

Oktoberfest Celebration Germany Active Adult

Winterfest Tent - Holiday International Arts & Culture


Traditions from Around the World Diversity Month Korea, Greece, Italy, Sweden Recreation/

Active Adult Harvest Fest: Salsa Tasting Contest

Mexico Recreation

2010 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures Egypt, Mexico, Cambodia & Bhutan,

Ethiopia, Russia Active Adult

Oktoberfest Celebration Germany Active Adult SCFD Fiesta Honduras Active Adult Winterfest Tent - Holiday Traditions from Around the World


Diversity Month Honduras, Egypt, Russia, Laos Recreation/ Active Adult


Mexico Recreation

2009 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures Japan, Iraq, Tibet, Czech Republic Active Adult Oktoberfest Celebration Germany Active Adult SCFD Fiesta Hispanic Active Adult Winterfest Tent - Holiday Traditions from Around the World


Diversity Month India, Japan, Mexico, Ireland Recreation/ Active Adult

Harvest Fest: The Indulgers – Irish Band

Ireland Recreation


Mexico Recreation

2008 Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexico Active Adult St. Patrick’s Celebration Ireland Active Adult Armchair Adventures Rwanda, China, Colombia Active Adult Oktoberfest Celebration Germany Active Adult SCFD Fiesta Hispanic Active Adult Winterfest Tent - Holiday Traditions from Around the World


Hispanic Heritage Week Latino Recreation/ Active Adult


Mexico Recreation

Community ServicesCultural Programming

Presentation

City Council Planning SessionFebruary 5, 2019

PurposeTo provide an overview of cultural

programming provided by the Community Services department during

the last ten years.

Agenda• Previous programming• Discussion

Arts and Culture Programming - Last 5 Years

• Dia de los Muertos• Holiday Traditions from Around the

World tent at Harvest Fest• Blues in the Schools

Recreation Programming -Last 5 Years

• Concerts at festivals• Movies in the park - Spanish subtitles• Salsa Tasting contest• Chili Cook-off• Chili roaster at Harvest Fest

• Cultural Expedition at Harvest Fest

Community Connections Programming

Active Adult Center Programming- Last 5 Years

• Active Adult Armchair Adventures (presentations)

• Special events such as St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Oktoberfest, and a Jewish cultural celebration

• Culinary classes• Dance classes

10 year History by Country and Culture• Africa• Alaska• Antarctica• Argentina• Australia• Bali• Bhutan• Bolivia• Brazil• Cambodia• Cameroon• Canada• China• Columbia

• Costa Rica• Cozumel• Cuba• Czech

Republic• The Danube• Egypt• Ethiopia• France• Galapagos

Islands• Germany• Greece• Greek Isles• Guatemala

• Hawaii• Holland• Honduras• India• Indonesia• Italy• Iraq• Ireland• Jamaica• Japan• Jewish• Kenya• Korea• Laos

• Mexico• Morocco• Nepal• New

Zealand• Niger• Panama• Peru• Philippines• Poland• Polynesia• Portugal• Puerto Rico• Russia

• Rwanda• Singapore• South

America• Spain• Sweden• Switzerland• Thailand• Tibet• United

Kingdom• Vietnam• Zambia

Questions and Discussion

Attachment A

Current Council Representatives on Outside Boards and Commissions

Board/Commission Appointee Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACED)

Member – Jacque Phillips Alternate – John Cody

Adams County Community Transit Policy Council

Member – Lisa Ranalli, Senior Citizen Program Manager

Airport Coordinating Committee (ACC) Member – Sherry Goodman Member – Alternate – Sam Nizam

Colorado Municipal League Policy Committee (CML)

Member – Member – Jessica Sandgren Alternate – Eric Montoya

Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)

Member – Jessica Sandgren Alternate – Jacque Phillips

E-470 Highway Authority Member – Mayor Heidi Williams Alternate – Councilmember Jessica Sandgren

I-25 Coalition (Weld County) Member – Mayor Pro Tem Jan Kulmann Alternate – Mayor Heidi Williams

I-25 Corridor Mayors Group Member – Mayor Heidi Williams Alternate – Mayor pro tem Jan Kulmann

North Area Transportation Alliance (NATA)

Member – Jessica Sandgren Alternate – Sam Nizam

Rocky Flats Stewardship Council Member – Mayor Pro Tem Jan Kulmann Alternate – Emily Hunt, Water Resources Manager

School District 27-J Capital Facilities Foundation

Member –

Attachment B CITY COUNCIL

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Descriptions

ADAMS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INC. (ACED) - ACED is a private, non-profit corporation that fosters business development in Adams County. It is funded in part, by private sector memberships. The Board of Directors is composed of public and private sector members, and its chair is elected from the private sector membership. The public entities include each of the municipalities in Adams County as well as the County itself. The Board employs a professional staff to carry out its policies and accomplish its goals. ACED’s Vision, Mission, and Primary Goals are as follows: Vision: To attract, retain, and serve the primary businesses in Adams County Mission: Primary businesses thrive on the relationships, information and

resources provided by ACED’s dynamic public/private partnership with the business community, municipalities and Adams County.

Primary Goals: Champion Adams County as a primary business location and advocate for our primary business employers as a convener, connector and catalyst.

The board usually meets on the first Thursday of every other month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The City’s representative is Councilmember Jacque Phillips and Economic Development Director John Cody serves as the staff alternate. Why City should be represented: ACED is a contact point for businesses looking to develop in Adams County and the City needs to ensure that business inquiries are directed to the City as well as the County. ACED negotiates county incentives on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners and in coordination with the City. ADAMS COUNTY COMMUNITY TRANSIT POLICY COUNCIL - The Council was established in 2000 and is renewed annually through an IGA with Adams County. It is comprised of representatives from the cities of Thornton, Westminster, Northglenn, Commerce City, Federal Heights and Adams County. The purpose is to assure adequate transportation services for seniors and the disabled in Adams County. The policy council provides oversight of federal and local City match dollars. The City’s staff representative is Lisa Ranalli, Senior Services Manager. Meetings are held every other month and an annual retreat for developing new goals and objectives is held each November. Why City should be represented: The City should be involved in this program to ensure that the City continues to receive funding for the transit services that are provided to Thornton seniors. This group submits a grant to DRCOG for transportation services for Adams County and provides coordination of this effort. The Thornton Senior Center receives funding through this program to help offset the cost of transportation program.

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AIRPORT COORDINATING COMMITTEE - This Committee was established in 1988 through an IGA among Adams County and the cities of Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights, Westminster, and Thornton. The City of Westminster withdrew in late 2013. The Committee is comprised of the five Adams County Commissioners and two elected officials from each of the cities. The purpose of the Committee is to coordinate the participation of the above parties in, and as they may be affected by, the operation of Denver International Airport (DIA). The two primary areas of coordination are with respect to noise (and enforcement of the noise standards) and planning/development on DIA. The IGA provides for the coordination of the parties in planning and environmental review processes as well as preparation for and to undertake litigation or other actions. The IGA also provides for the sharing of fees, costs, and other expenses among the parties. With Westminster’s withdrawal, the City’s share will be 5.0%. In 2014 and 2015, the ACC and representatives from Denver negotiated an amendment to the land use provisions in the IGA between Adams County and Denver which provided for a one-time payment of $10 million from Denver and sharing of 50% of the revenue from the new development on DIA on Designated Development Parcels as authorized pursuant to the IGA. The amendments to the IGA between Adams County and Denver were approved by the voters in both counties at the November 2015 election. The amendment requires Denver to pay Adams County, on an annual basis by March 31 of each year, 50% of the revenue derived from Denver taxes on the development or use of any Development Parcel. Denver is also required to provide an annual report to the ACC regarding land development and revenue generation. Included in the amendment was a provision providing for the creation of a Regional Planning and Marketing Entity, by separate intergovernmental agreement among the ACC and Denver. The purpose of the new regional entity is to promote and market development opportunities on and around the New Airport and assist in coordinating land use and infrastructure planning efforts by the respective jurisdictions on and around DIA. In December 2015, the ACC also revised the 1988 agreement amongst themselves to address issues pertaining to land use, revenue sharing, and other provisions that were included in the IGA amendments. Discussions in 2017 and 2018 focused on the creation of a Regional Planning and Marketing Entity and development at Aerotropolis. In mid-2018, Adams County Board of Commissioners filed suit against Denver alleging that DA underestimated the noise impact through the use of an outdated, archaic aircraft noise modeling system. The lawsuit is seeking Denver to stop using the outdated modeling program and requesting DIA be ordered to install a new airport noise monitoring system. It is anticipated that discussions in 2019 will focus on the lawsuit as well as the development on and near DIA. Thornton’s elected representative is Councilmember Goodman; Councilmember Nizam is the alternate. Why City should be represented: The City is there to represent the interests of the city particularly with respect to airport noise and enforcement of the noise violation provisions. While the planning aspect is important, with an eye towards directing development within Adams County rather than just Denver, because of the City’s

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distance from DIA, this aspect isn’t as important as airport noise. The actions of the Committee impact the City—financially as well as operationally. Expectation of the representative: In the past, the entities participating in this Committee have wanted to present a united position to Denver as it relates to DIA. The City’s representatives to this Committee need to be able to separate the issues from the emotion since there is a great deal of distrust between Adams County and City/County of Denver. There are also different and competing interests between the Adams County members, particularly as it relates to potential development around DIA. In 2019, the Committee will meet quarterly, unless a special meeting is called. COLORADO MUNICIPAL LEAGUE (CML) POLICY COMMITTEE - CML's primary role is to represent cities' interests in the Colorado legislature. In that role, they act to secure the enactment of legislation that will be beneficial to municipalities and oppose legislation that might injure them. CML is governed by a 19-member Executive Board who is elected by the member cities. The Policy Committee, one of several advisory committees, is responsible for reviewing legislative proposals and recommending to the CML Executive Board positions on a wide variety of legislation affecting municipalities. Issues that will be prevalent in the 2018 sessions include affordable housing; transportation funding; urban renewal; sales and use tax as it relates to internet sales; and public safety. The Policy Committee generally meets shortly before the start of each legislative session in an all day meeting (usually on Friday). Workshops are also held during the session from time to time to review key municipal issues being considered by the legislature. The representative is Councilmember Jessica Sandgren; Councilmember Eric Montoya is the alternate. Why City should be represented: The Policy Committee consists primarily of other elected officials from around the State. Because this is a statewide organization, the interests of the metro area cities need to be represented in a state that is primarily agricultural outside of the front-range. Expectation of the representative: To be familiar with the various legislative issues and proposals that CML is proposing to take a position on and provide timely and influential feedback of the City’s position to the CML Executive Committee, directly, as well as through the Policy Committee. Additionally, the City has become more actively involved in submitting proposed legislation to CML for that entity to carry on behalf of cities. DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (DRCOG) - DRCOG is Denver metro area's regional transportation planning commission. The DRCOG Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the counties and cities within the Denver metro area. Its mission and vision are as follows:

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Mission: The Denver Regional Council of Governments is a planning organization where local governments collaborate to establish guidelines, set policy and allocate funding in the areas of:

Transportation and Personal Mobility Growth and Development Aging and Disability Resources

Vision: Our region is a diverse network of vibrant, connected, lifelong communities with a broad spectrum of housing, transportation and employment, complemented by world-class natural and built environments.

DRCOG regularly meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Thornton's representative is Councilmember Jessica Sandgren and Councilmember Jacque Phillips is the alternate. Why City should be represented: There are three primary areas that DRCOG focuses on: transportation, regional planning, and senior services. With regard to transportation, the primary reason for having City representation on DRCOG is because this agency determines how transportation dollars will be spent in the DRCOG area. In addition to transportation, DRCOG is also a hub for federal monies related to senior services. The three primary programs that are run through DRCOG are nutrition (meals on wheels program), in-home services, and grants to provide transportation for seniors. The City typically accesses the transportation grants through the Adams County Council. The third area that is overseen by DRCOG is regional planning. As part of the Metro Vision planning, DRCOG has established an urban growth boundary/area for the Denver region to promote an orderly, compact and efficient pattern of future development. DRCOG uses this UGB/A to increase the region’s overall density. As a perimeter growth community, DRCOG’s goals to densify are frequently in conflict with the City’s goals to have good planned development but development that is appropriate for a primarily residential, suburban community. Expectation of the representative: To become familiar with the representatives of the DRCOG Board and their positions on issues presented by DRCOG staff and be able to influence policy decisions and present/propose alternative solutions. The three areas the representatives are expected to promote Thornton’s interests are: transportation, regional growth (to ensure DRCOG growth policies don’t prohibit our ability to grow in a manner as planned by Council), and senior services. DRCOG committees - DRCOG standing committees include:

• Advisory Committee on Aging • Executive Committee • Finance and Budget Committee • Performance and Engagement Committee • Regional Transportation Committee (RTD, CDOT, DRCOG)

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• Transportation Advisory Committee (all staff) E-470 AUTHORITY - The E-470 Public Highway Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, formed in 1985 to construct and maintain a 46-mile toll highway running generally to the east of I-25. The highway consists of four segments from 120th to I-25. The eight-member Board of Directors consists of elected officials of the cities of Aurora, Brighton, and Commerce City and Thornton; the Town of Parker; and Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties. Ex-officio members include CDOT, RTD, and DRCOG. Affiliates include Weld County, the cities of Arvada, Greeley and Lone Tree, and the City/County of Broomfield. The Board provides direction and considers recommendations from staff related to the construction and operation of the highway. The Board usually meets on the second Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Thornton's representative is Mayor Heidi Williams. Councilmember Jessica Sandgren is the alternate. Why City should be represented: Thornton is a member of the Authority and will benefit from the construction of the Quebec Street Interchange. Expectation of representative: To be familiar with the issues and decisions the E-470 Authority will be making and how they impact Thornton; to voice Thornton’s issues and work with the other representatives to provide viable solutions. NORTH I-25 COALITION - This group includes: Adams, Larimer and Weld Counties; City/County of Broomfield; CDOT; towns of Berthoud, Evans, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Johnstown, Mead, Milliken, Windsor, and Timnath; and the cities of Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Fort Collins, Longmont, Loveland, Thornton, Westminster, and Wellington. This group was formed to discuss transportation needs for the North I-25 Corridor from Thornton to the Wyoming border. Representatives from the offices of Senator Gardner and Bennet and Representatives Polis, Perlmutter and Buck normally attend. This group meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. Thornton’s representative is Mayor Pro Tem Jan Kulmann and the alternate is Mayor Heidi Williams. Why City should be represented: In order for the plans of this group to integrate with the City’s plans, it is important that Thornton be represented to convey our interests, and to maintain open communication. The North I-25 Coalition also has been very active legislatively to push for transportation funding within this corridor. N I-25 is an important freight corridor for our businesses. I-25 CORRIDOR MAYORS GROUP - This group includes Weld County, Longmont, Erie, and other south Weld County governments. It also includes Broomfield, Northglenn, and Thornton. This group has been working together to take steps to enhance planning and cooperation in the next tier of metropolitan growth, which is outside of the DRCOG planning area.

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This group meets very infrequently as most already attend the North I-25 Corridor monthly meetings. Attendees include representatives from Weld County and the cities of Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, and Thornton. Topics include roadways and transit and other growth-related issues. Thornton’s representative is Councilmember Jessica Sandgren and the alternate is Mayor pro tem Jan Kulmann. Why City should be represented: In order for the plans of this group to integrate with the City’s plans, it is important that Thornton be represented on this group and to maintain open communication. NORTH AREA TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE (NATA) - NATA is a partnership of public and private entities in the North I-25 Corridor working to identify, develop, advocate, and lobby for transportation solutions that will enhance mobility, drive economic development, and reduce traffic congestion in the north metro area. NATA meetings are scheduled for the fourth Thursday of the month and are scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. The following communities are members of NATA: cities of Brighton, Commerce City, Dacono, Erie, Federal Heights, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Northglenn, Thornton and Westminster; City and County of Broomfield; the Metro North Chamber; and Adams County Economic Development (ACED). Each member has a representative and an alternate, one of whom must be an elected official. Why City should be represented: The north I-25 corridor is the major transportation corridor for the City and future improvements in this area will have a significant impact on future economic development and congestion relief for people living and working in Thornton. NATA provides a collective voice to promote and obtain improved transportation within the NATA area in the form of passenger rail, bus service, and highway improvements in the north I-25 Corridor. The NATA area includes communities located north of I-70, east of Highway 287, west of US 85 and south of the Boulder/Larimer County line extended. Expectation of representative: To become familiar with the major transportation needs/issues of Thornton and the north area; provide information to City Council; represent Thornton and NATA’s interests in various arenas. The expectation is that the City’s representative will advocate Thornton’s transportation priorities within NATA. Thornton’s elected representative is Councilmember Jessica Sandgren and alternate is Councilmember Sam Nizam. ROCKY FLATS STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL - The Rocky Flats Stewardship Council was formed in February 2006 and superseded the Rocky Flats Coalition of Local Governments. The Stewardship Council provides ongoing local government and community oversight of the post-closure management of Rocky Flats, the former nuclear weapons plant northwest of Denver. There are ongoing management needs that remain vital to ensuring long-term protection of human health and the environment. The Rocky Flats Stewardship Council includes elected officials from ten municipal

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governments neighboring Rocky Flats, three community organizations, and one individual. In addition to working with DOE, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Stewardship Council also works with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on issues related to the management of the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The City of Thornton became a member of the Rocky Flats Stewardship Council in 2012. The Rocky Flats Stewardship Council Board of Directors meets no less than four times per year. Board meetings are open to the public. Meetings are held at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (formerly the Jefferson County Airport), in the Mount Evans Room. Meetings start at 8:30 a.m. and generally last 3 hours. Expectation of the representative. The expectation is to represent Thornton’s interests in keeping pollution out of Standley Lake. Thornton’s representative is Mayor Pro Tem Jan Kulmann and the staff alternate is Emily Hunt, Water Resources Manager. SCHOOL DISTRICT 27-J CAPITAL FACILITIES FOUNDATION - The purpose of the Capital Facilities Foundation is to promote and assist in the development, financing and acquisition of educational facilities and improvements, which will benefit the residents of Adams County, Weld County, the City of Brighton, the City of Commerce City and the City of Thornton. The primary goal of the Foundation is to address a shortfall between the bonding capacity of the district and the capital construction needs of the district for new schools. The Foundation meets on the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. at the Educational Services Center. Expectation of the representative. The expectation is that Thornton’s representative will advocate for adequate resources to be provided to Thornton residents which includes planning for future expansion of services and areas within which the parties can collaborate on services and facilities. There is not currently a Council representative appointed to this Foundation.

TDA PLANNING SESSION COMMUNICATION PAGE 2

be for this property and others owned by the TDA along both sides of Grant Street just south of Thornton Parkway. Staff is currently bidding out the design criteria and rezoning language for inclusion in the RFP.

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