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Hosts: Obi Ezeadi and special guest Councilor Jack Johnson.
The purpose of this Town Hall was to create an open forum for residents to directly share their concerns, ideas, and questions with their city council representatives. 65% of Westminster is comprised of HOAs yet we do not have a strong relationship between the city government and our HOAs. But I believe that direct engagement is crucial for effective governance, especially when addressing the unique needs of different neighborhoods.
I've pulled this meeting summary together to ensure that everyone, including those who couldn't make it, is fully informed about what was discussed and the actions we are taking.Councilor Jack Johnson, a newly elected city councilor was a special guest and he provided an excellent explanation of the city's budgeting process. He detailed how the city plans its calendar year budget, from setting strategic goals in February to passing the final budget in October. He highlighted that this process is a key opportunity for residents to submit project requests and influence city investments, especially for critical infrastructure needs.
You can submit budget requests to us as your City Council directly. Email me: oezeadi@westminsterco.gov
Weclarified that while city staff handle technical work and project prioritization, residents should directly contact City Council with their needs. Council members can then advocate to staff on behalf of the community, ensuring that resident concerns are elevated and addressed. Councilor Johnson added that resident complaints are vital because city staff cannot be present in all neighborhoods and might miss issues that don't immediately result in accidents.
Traffic Calming and Road Design: We explained that the primary factor influencing how fast people drive is the road's design, not just speed limits or enforcement. We shared an example of how repainting lanes to make them thinner on 112th Avenue significantly reduced speeding and racing complaints, demonstrating that physical design changes can be highly effective in slowing traffic.
New Water Rate Setting Process: We detailed the new Water Task Force, a community-based group of about ten residents. This task force is actively learning about the city's water system and will develop a set of recommended water rates for City Council, aiming for a more transparent and community-driven process than in the past.
Urban Renewal Areas (URAs) and Development: We explained that Westminster has two main Urban Renewal Areas: Downtown Westminster and North Huron (north of 136th). We clarified that while Downtown Westminster often receives more public attention because the city owns the land, significant effort is also being invested in developing the North Huron URA into a commercial corridor to serve northern residents, even if this work is less publicly advertised due to private land ownership.
Homelessness Response - "Continuum of Compassion": We outlined Westminster's approach to homelessness, which prioritizes connecting unhoused individuals with resources like housing. And we explained Westminster’s new $375,000 investment in rental/mortgage assistance to help people achieve self-sustainability. We explained that this preventative approach is more cost-effective and sustainable than simply displacing people, with enforcement being an escalation only if initial supportive efforts are refused. And also mentioned the role of park rangers and homeless navigators in these efforts.
Childcare "By Right" Zoning: We shared that a recent landmark amendment to the city's comprehensive plan now treats childcare as essential infrastructure. This change allows childcare providers to open centers "by right" in any zoning district, removing a significant barrier that previously hindered the establishment of new childcare facilities.
Regional Fire Training Center: We clarified that the new fire training center being built is designed for regional collaboration. Other fire districts, such as North Metro Fire, will be able to pay to use the facility, which is expected to reduce recruitment times for firefighters across the region.
Challenges in Cross-City Recreation Partnerships: We elaborated on the complexities of forming regional recreation agreements with neighboring cities like Broomfield. And explained that these partnerships involve navigating the different debt obligations and mill rates of various recreation districts to ensure equitable agreements for all residents, making the process detailed and time-consuming
ACTION ITEMS
Finally, below is the exact email I just sent to the City Manager and City Council, detailing all of the action items derived from our discussion tonight to help the Home Farm community:
City Manager & Council,
Councilor Johnson and I just had the Home Farm Town Hall tonight and we discussed a wide range of issues. This email summarizes several critical concerns and action items identified. We believe some of the issues raised require immediate and serious attention from staff (and if necessary also include relevant items below as community budget requests).Note: If staff needs a Council poll to prioritize more immediate action here please let us know so it can be requested.
1. 128th Avenue / Home Farm Lane Intersection Safety:
The safety situation at the 128th Avenue and Home Farm Lane intersection is a critical and immediate concern that warrants urgent attention beyond the planned Fall warrant analysis. While staff's previous analysis in December 2024 did not warrant a signal, new context from the community highlights severe and ongoing dangers:Residents report observed speeds of 50-60 mph, significantly higher than the posted 45 mph limit, exacerbated by drivers racing to merge lanes.
The presence of students (from the new high school there) further compounds the risk, making it extremely difficult and dangerous to pull out from Home Farm Lane, particularly for westbound traffic cresting the hill at high speeds.
The previous installation and subsequent removal of a flashing crosswalk, despite community need, has also caused significant frustration. It’s not clear why those items were removed, but this is a significant public safety concern that needs creative safety interventions, including potential road design changes like thinner lanes, lowering the speed limit, and installing pedestrian crosswalks, rather than waiting for the Fall study. This issue requires a re-evaluation much sooner than currently planned.
2. Discrepancy in Home Farm Water Rates
There is a serious concern regarding the water rates applied to Home Farm residents. They said they have individual meters and pay directly to the City, but despite that some residents report paying significantly higher rates (potentially triple) compared to neighbors outside their specific area of Westminster. I have requesr them to send me a copy of the water bill and if there is a disparity I can bring this specific use case to the Water Task Force for discussion.3. Deteriorating Streetlight Infrastructure
The deteriorating condition of fiberglass streetlight poles in the Home Farm neighborhood, which have been in disrepair for many years, presents a significant safety and aesthetic concern. Despite previous reports, these poles remain unfixed. We need to determine ownership for these specific lights and ensure a clear plan for their urgent repair or replacement. I have asked them to send us specific locations so that staff can help determine ownership and take action if it is our responsibility.
4. Unmanaged Park Entrance Landscaping
A critical aesthetic and safety concern exists at the park entrance at the end of the Keystone cul-de-sac, where landscaping on city property is unmanaged and includes a tree that is nearly down. A request was previously submitted to staff, but no action has been taken. Please attend to this issue.5. Dangerous Sidewalk Gaps on 128th Avenue
The absence of sidewalks between Huron and Zuni on the north side of 128th Avenue, particularly near a school entrance, is a dangerous gap in pedestrian infrastructure. This area is a known hotspot for accidents involving pedestrians and must be prioritized within the city's mobility plan to ensure safer passage for residents, especially students.
6. Other Community Feedback:Google Fiber Project Hold: Residents are concerned about the temporary hold on Google Fiber installation in Home Farm due to design changes, noting initial activity followed by a lack of progress.
North Westminster Inclusion: There is a strong sentiment among the 397 homes in Home Farm that North Westminster often feels overlooked in city planning and receives services last, compared to downtown Westminster
Improved communication regarding city-wide investments, including the North Huron URA, is requested
Cross-City Recreation Partnerships: Residents expressed interest in our current efforts to explore formal agreements with neighboring cities like Broomfield (e.g., Paul Derda Rec Center) to provide more affordable and convenient access to recreation facilities for North Westminster residents. Councilor Johnson explained that this should also consider equitable debt obligations.
Childcare Crisis & Affordability: Strong interest expressed in our current efforts to
prioritize ways to make chilcare affordable.
Homelessness & Open Space: We discussed the city's compassionate approach to homelessness, focusing on connecting individuals with housing and resources rather than immediate removal. Residents appreciated the approach and assurance that rangers and homeless navigators are actively monitoring open spaces, especially given past incidents, is important.
Overall, everyone appreciated the outreach and they are hopeful some needed action may come out of this event. The running theme across traffic, water, and streetlight issues is a perceived accountability gap and their opinion that direct reports go nowhere. This is an opportunity for us to rebuild trust with the residents of this HOA and take action about these important issues in our jurisdiction.
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Hosts: Obi Ezeadi and special guest Councilor Adam Barajas.
The purpose of this Town Hall was to create an open forum for residents to directly share their concerns, ideas, and questions with their city council representatives. 65% of Westminster is comprised of HOAs yet we do not have a strong relationship between the city government and our HOAs. But I believe that direct engagement is crucial for effective governance, especially when addressing the unique needs of different neighborhoods.
I've pulled this meeting summary together to ensure that everyone, including those who couldn't make it, is fully informed about what was discussed and the actions we are taking.
Meeting summary:
We covered the challenges faced by HOAs, including rules against boats and furniture storage and limited visitor parking, which are common issues in communities like Silo with 203 houses.
We discussed the city's relationship with HOAs and the importance of communication, noting that 65% of Westminster is HOA-governed, yet historical engagement has been lacking.
We explained that the city is currently in a drought watch and approaching mandatory restrictions, as voluntary conservation efforts have not seen enough uptake.
We highlighted city programs available to HOAs for water conservation, such as lawn remodels, irrigation audits, and tree programs, many of which the Silo HOA has already utilized.
We addressed concerns about water rates and how they are affected by compliance with restrictions, clarifying that rates would only increase for non-compliance, not for general usage.
We discussed the HOA's budgeting for water usage and how conservation efforts impact savings, allowing the HOA to build reserves for future infrastructure needs rather than lowering current bills.
We heard feedback on the neighborhood grant program, noting its complex application process, which residents suggested should be simplified to a single page.
We discussed the issue of underfunded HOAs and state regulations regarding reserve studies, clarifying that while a 70% reserve is recommended, it is not legally required, but still a concern for property maintenance.
We acknowledged the high HOA fees and the city's lack of direct jurisdiction over them, but offered to advocate to state representatives regarding their sustainability.
We addressed the significant challenges HOAs face with insurance, including high premiums due to being in a national wildfire zone and the limitations of HO6 policies for special assessments.
We discussed the "fire alley" designation and the possibility of city assistance with insurance rates through a community-specific fire mitigation plan.
We heard concerns about high-speed e-bikes on the Highline Canal trail and the need for clearer ordinances, as current regulations lack the "teeth" for effective enforcement.
We discussed traffic issues on various roads, including car meets and drag races on 88th and Independence Drive, and emphasized reporting these incidents via the Access Westminster app or non-emergency line.
We clarified the city's police staffing levels, high call volume, and the success of the Co-Responder program, which pairs mental health clinicians with officers to de-escalate situations.
We discussed the future of Moore Middle School and the city council's role in recommending its use, with the school district seeking advice on repurposing the closed property.
We heard about the lack of a mid-size event center in Westminster, which forces local non-profits to seek venues in neighboring cities like Broomfield.
We discussed the challenges of private water systems within HOAs, noting that the city considers them customers, not water systems, making them ineligible for certain state grants.
We addressed specific property issues, including a non-functional sprinkler at 8328 W 90th, a vacant "triangle" parcel, and the lack of sidewalks in the neighborhood.
We discussed the city's down payment assistance program, an initiative aimed at helping young first-time homebuyers overcome affordability hurdles.
We heard concerns about trash accumulation along streets and the need for better enforcement of littering laws, with residents highlighting debris in gutters and storm drains.
ACTION ITEMS:
Finally, below is the exact email I just sent to the City Manager and City Council, detailing all of the action items derived from our discussion tonight to help the Home Farm community:
City Manager & Council,
Councilor Barajas and I just had the Silo Townhomes HOA Town Hall tonight and we discussed a wide range of issues. This email summarizes discussion topics and several critical action items identified. We believe some of the issues raised require immediate and serious attention from staff.
Actions For Councilor Barajas and Ezeadi:
Ezeadi will bring concerns about HOA insurance burden and HO6 reserve assessment loopholes to my upcoming meeting with State Rep Goldstein to pitch as potential state legislative bills/concepts. This action addresses the significant financial strain on HOAs due to skyrocketing insurance premiums and the inability of current HO6 policies to cover special assessments for capital reserve replenishment.
Barajas to set up a walk audit with staff and Silo HOA representatives to identify fixes. This is in response to resident concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly with traffic and the lack of sidewalks in certain areas.
Actions For Staff:
Please develop more grant programs specifically tailored for HOAs, especially for capital projects and to help offset mandated costs, as current programs often do not apply to their unique circumstances.
Explore potential to facilitate a partnership with Silo HOA for large-scale tree planting, potentially utilizing leftover trees from ReLeaf tree sales, to address the eventual loss of mature trees and contribute to city tree canopy goals.
Can PD include the vacant Moore middle school in patrol routes?
Residents noticed that cars do not move for street sweeping. Is there any existing mechanism to ensure at least some street sweeping is able to get to where cars are normally parked?
Please provide a map of reclaimed water mains and a feasibility analysis for extending service to the Silo HOA. This is requested to explore options for water conservation and reduce reliance on potable water for irrigation.
Silo Townhomes is classified as a “fire alley” neighborhood. Please ask the Fire Chief to provide the community-specific fire mitigation plan for Silo Townhomes (or to create one) because the documentation may be able to help them pitch their insurance company for lower insurance rates. The neighborhood is classified as a national wildfire zone, leading to significantly higher insurance premiums.
Please continue to work towards providing the Westminster Down Payment Assistance Program. There is strong need to help young first-time homebuyers overcome the significant hurdle of down payments in the current housing market.
Please clarify and share the current menu of water conservation incentives, specifically those applicable to HOAs and their common areas. Many existing programs are geared towards single-family homes and do not apply to HOA properties, creating a barrier to participation.
Please schedule an irrigation audit refresh for the Silo HOA. The HOA previously conducted an audit years ago which led to significant water savings, and a new audit would help identify further opportunities for efficiency.
Please clarify the specific trigger metrics for moving from a "drought watch" to mandatory drought restrictions. Residents are currently under voluntary restrictions and want to understand the conditions that would lead to stricter rules.
Please investigate traffic light timing (if we control the timing on 88th/Wads) on northbound Wadsworth, particularly during morning rush hour. Residents report significant congestion and believe timing adjustments could improve flow.
Please incorporate specific e-bike regulations and enforcement mechanisms into the new Transportation & Mobility Plan, especially concerning high-speed e-bikes on shared trails like the Farmers Highline Canal. Current ordinances lack the "teeth" needed to address safety concerns from fast-moving e-bikes.
Please research the ownership and use constraints of the "triangle" parcel (see attached picture) located on top of the hill, near the corner where the old canal used to run. This parcel is currently vacant dirt, unbuildable, and its status is unclear.
Please provide a "how to report" one-pager for all residents, detailing the best channels like the Access Westminster app and the non-emergency phone number (303-658-4360). This will help residents effectively report issues and provide valuable data to the city.
Please analyze crime data to adjust patrols for speeding/racing hotspots, such as 88th Avenue where illegal car meets and drag races occur. Data from resident reports can help identify patterns for targeted enforcement.
Please analyze easement and rezoning options for the "orphaned triangle" parcel (the unbuildable triangle of land on the hill). This is to explore potential productive uses for the land, as suggested by residents.
Please prepare a resident-facing explainer on the development review process, clarifying the stages and opportunities for public input. The previous "Concept Plan Reviews" caused significant confusion among residents.
Please streamline the neighborhood grant application process, aiming for a one-page application. The current 152-page application is a significant barrier for volunteer-led HOAs.
Please draft clearer grant eligibility guidelines for HOAs, particularly for programs that currently exclude them due to nuances in code or grant language (e.g., requirements for public street frontage). This would allow more HOAs to access city resources.
Please inventory all city properties with private water systems to size the need for potential support programs. The Silo HOA is not unique in owning its water infrastructure, and understanding the full scope of these systems could inform future policy.
Please establish a clear communication plan for the community regarding the City Council's future recommendation for Moore Middle School's use and the subsequent decisions made by Jeffco Public Schools. This is to ensure residents are informed early and transparently about the repurposing of the closed school property, avoiding past community backlash.
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TBD