- PDF packet for the update session – 156 pages
- Planning session replay – 2:30:23
Click on the agenda item in the menu to the right of the video to go to that part of the playback.
While the summary below 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.
The summary is not comprehensive but notes highlights from the session.
2025 Water Efficiency Plan Update
Staff reported on the draft 2025 Water Efficiency Plan.
Community Volunteer Recognition Program
Staff reported on proposals to create an event to recognize non-city employees who volunteer in Thornton.
Council Member Martinez supported the ideas proposed and also asked if there could be a non-award recognition, such as volunteer spotlights published in the City Voice newspaper.
Activity Guide ”Going Green” on-line campaign with opt-in direct mail recommendation
Staff reported on a proposal the transition the quarterly city recreation activities guide print publication to an electronic version, allowing residents to opt-in to receiving a print version.
Council raised concerns that without a universal print mailing, recreation sign-ups would plummet.
2025 Financial Update
Staff reported that the budget shortfall reported in the May update has been eliminated, largely due to one-time cost savings.
Sales tax revenue projections remain down, and the city budget office has concerns about long-term sustainability that council will need to address in the 2026 budget process.
Ken Freiberg Fire Museum Budget Update
Staff reported on the Ken Freiberg Fire Museum project, which has now exceeded its budget due to construction cost increases (tariff-related) and unpredicted asbestos mitigation of the project site.
Council members supported the project continuing, and staff will investigate funding options, including reallocation from other budget items and possible grant funding.
Police Department’s Policies Related to Immigration Enforcement
In response to council questions, the police department provided an update on policies related to federal immigration enforcement.
After recently appointed Chief Baird stated that the department wantted to “provide reassurance” to council and the community and reminded everyone that “immigration is a federal issue,” Deputy Chief Reeves spoke for most of the presentation. An assistant city attorney was also present.
Police policy is published online and information about policy has been shared through information campaigned, including hospitals. The department does not want people to avoid seeking medical treatment for fear of arrest.
He reported that the department does not detain individuals based on civil violations of immigration law; TPD will arrest on criminal warrants.
Reeves reported that the department does not inform the federal government of immigration status of people who are arrested; those people are transferred to Adams County for holding; the county may report.
Reeves mentioned the combined ICE/DEA criminal raid in Thornton, which he described as targeting drugs and weapons. That was the only time TPD has rendered assistance to ICE.
Reeves indicated that during the raid, the department allowed for 1st amendment rights to be exercised. Reeves claimed most of the protesters were not Thornton residents; claims residents complained about protesters.
Reeves emphasized the safety of the community, the safety of police department personnel, and the safety of federal agents, noting that it was the department’s duty to stop people from crimes such as obstruction of justice.
Reeves did not comment on reports of illegal actions of federal agents.
Reeves did express concern for federal agents “who are just doing their job” getting doxxed.
Reeves indicated that outside of exceptions for health and safety and under cover operations, the police department does not allow for masking of officers.
Either the city manager or attorney reminded the police representatives that there was a question from council about potential ordinances prohibiting any law enforcement office operating in the city from wearing masks but that more detailed research would be needed to provide information. She also reminded that the city can’t set federal policy.
Council Member Ayala asked if a woman and child were arrested in the ICE/DEA raid; police indicated that that was not the case.
Council Member Martinez requested more outreach and interaction with the Spanish-speaking community.
Thornton Civic Observatory 