The PDF packet for the session is available here. The video replay is available here. Click on the agenda item in the menu to the right of the video to go to that part of the playback.
While this summary is intended to be fair, it may contain errors and is ultimately one person’s interpretation. All interested parties are encouraged to view the relevant portions of the meeting recording to come to their own conclusions.
Session Highlights
Council members absent: David Acunto (Ward 3, term expires 2027)
The session began with a resolution and recognition of the city staff teams and employees of the year.
Three other resolutions were approved, recognizing the following in Thornton:
- March 3, 2025 as World Hearing Day
- March 2025 as Women’s History Month
- March 8 as International Women’s Day
Public comment included a returning resident who had voiced concerns about disruptive neighbors and lack of code enforcement as the previous meeting. He indicated that the city had not been responsive to his previous comments.
One speaker, who works at a gas station on 120th Ave., spoke of the need for the city to do more to assist the homeless, explaining that businesses cannot serve as warming centers during cold weather.
Another speaker reminded everyone of the Ward 1 special election with ballots going out on 3/3. He encouraged voters to do their research on the candidates. This previous post has election resources.
During the council members comments, Council Member Martinez (Ward 1) again spoke in support of the resident who had voiced concerns about neighbors.
Martinez also spoke of his work with the National League of Cities and serving on its Hispanic committee as well as plans to host another workshop for mobile home residents and the Colorado Poverty Law Project in March.
Council Member Ayala (Ward 2) spoke of addressing homelessness in terms of band-aid solutions vs. real long-term solutions, such as permanent housing. She argued that we can’t place responsibility for this complex problem solely on the police.
Instead of blaming individuals, Ayala explained, the city must address systemic root causes that include low wages and high rents. She also noted that there is room for much more community aid as well.
Council Member Sandgren (Ward 2) reported on her attending the Thornton Fire Department Survivor’s event and of a Chamber of Commerce event at Satire Brewing.
Sandgren explained her opposition to using the Margaret Carpenter Rec Center as a warming center for the homeless during cold weather, expressing concerns that the building would be left a mess for staff who work the following morning, but she shared no reports or evidence of that concern being accurate.
Sandgren indicated addressing homelessness in Thornton was the responsibility of Adams County, not the city.
Sandgren also noted that it was National Clam Chowder Day.
Council Member Russell discussed attending a Black History Month event at the governor’s mansion. He echoed Sandgren’s appreciation of the business networking event (1:26).
Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow talked about the consent calendar, which often doesn’t get discussed. She highlighted the order of business change to move the public hearing portion of meetings to earlier in the meeting before audience participation.
Bigelow also emphasized the city’s work for non-profits in or contributing to our city. She reads the list of the organizations the city will be supporting (see the 2/18 planning session replay post).
Mayor Kulmann apologized for attending remotely while ill.
Kulmann commented that the Environmental Sustainability Task Force is accepting applications for Ward 3 with a March 6 deadline and named regular city employment positions that were also currently open.
Two reports were given at the meeting: the Business of Thornton Advisory Commission (BTAC) Annual report and the monthly budget update.
Council Member Martinez asked for clarification on the differences in roles between the BTAC and the Chamber of Commerce. The speakers are not consistently in front of the microphone for this portion, so their responses are only partially audible.
Martinez said that the growth in the Chamber of Commerce is good and might be better supported by BTAC in the future if there are distinct plans for how the BTAC can help the Chamber.
The city Finance Director Kim Newhart gave the monthly budget update (1:44). License and permit revenue did not decrease as much as projected due in large part to the roofing permits after the hail storm. Sales tax revenue was $3 million less than projections but a 3.7% growth compared to 2023.
The consent calendar was passed unanimously.
There were no public hearings for this meeting.
The final item was the financial incentive agreement with Kentro Group (KRF 470, LLC) for the development at Quebec and 144th south of E-470 (Ward 3).
The incentive from the city is $15 million dollars with an anticipated sales tax revenue of $60 million in sales and use tax to the city over 10 years. The city’s priority is to keep businesses within the city borders.
The council unanimously voted to approve the incentive agreement.
Thornton Civic Observatory 