- Update Agenda Packet – 17 pages
- Meeting Agenda Packet – 502 pages
- Update Replay – 1:09:46
- Meeting Replay – 2:09:33
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.
Update Meeting Start
The mayor noted that all council members were present.
The city manager requested that council move a planned second reading for the sex offender residency restriction ordinance to the September 23 council meeting to provide time for input from area school districts.
Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing Review
The city attorney gave an informational presentation on the quasi-judicial decision process.
A quasi-judicial decision is where the council makes a decision that would then be appealable to court (4:42). These are decisions that require due process and neutrality.
Decisions must be based on information and testimony given in the quasi-judicial hearing itself. Council members cannot engage in ex-parte communications outside of the hearing.
City Strategic Plan Update and Council Input on Goals
Council was separated into breakout groups by ward, the mayor choosing which group to choose, to discuss the four focus areas of the strategic plan in 10-minute increments: Vibrant and Purposeful Development; Connected Communities; Safe, Supported, and Livable Community; and Organizational Excellence.
The replay video captures some incidental audio from some of the groups.
Executive Sessions
Council met for two executive sessions. The first session considered negotiations for an incentive agreement for a restaurant development at 136th and I-25. The second session provided details on security arrangements for council.
Council Meeting Start
All council members were present in person for the meeting.
Council considered resolutions including for recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month and Women’s Quality Day.
Audience Participation
9 people had signed up to speak in person.
The first speaker was Mark Gormley, Ward 3 council candidate, returning to speak on the genocide in Gaza.
The second speaker continued to voice concerns related to the sex offender registry ordinance being considered by council. He noted that the ordinance would require publishing the locations of school bus stops, potentially endangering students.
The third speaker returned to thank city staff for listening to their planning concerns shared in earlier meetings. She stated that the August 19 Planning Commission meeting recording shows evidence of lack of preparation by the commission, dismissive behavior toward public comments, and lack of impartiality.
She asked again why there is not a time period between hearing and final decisions to allow for deliberation. She noted that council has been critical of low public attendance in past hearings but has not praised increase in public participation in recent hearings (38:38).
The fourth speaker asked whether the entire council votes on issues affecting only one ward or if only that ward’s council members vote.
The fifth speaker continued his ongoing objection to the land acknowledgment statement.
The sixth speaker, who addressed the council in Spanish through an interpreter, asked why residents have to come to meetings to beg council members to do their job.
The seventh speaker, whose comment were also interpreted, asked for assistance with a domestic dispute.
The eight speaker objected to council members wearing campaign material at a city meeting. He thanked the water department for their work. He expressed concern about reports of vermin on public transit and hypodermic needles in public parks.
The ninth speaker talked about the missing middle issue in housing, advocating for more development of housing like duplexes and garden homes. She referred to a housing plan that emphasized medium density housing and encouraged the city to follow through on that plan.
The tenth speaker was Eric Montoya, candidate for Ward 2 city council. He encuoraged all city council members and residents to work together to address issues.
Public Hearing on Thornton’s Participation in Denver Regional Council of Governments Regional Housing Needs Assessment
State law requires local governments to conduct a housing needs assessment unless they participate in a regional assessment that complies with the law’s methodology requirement (1:00:12).
Thornton conducted its own assessment that requires further revision to meet state requirements. The city’s assessment will remain the primary tool for planning in the city.
The city can participate in the regional assessment by reviewing the assessment and providing comments that will be incorporated into the final assessment. This participation would support better data, regional collaboration, and quicker compliance with the state law.
The regional plan would not supersede city needs assessments and will not require new funding beyond staff time to review and provide feedback.
The regional assessment projects about half the amount of housing units as Thornton’s assessment projects. The projections for rental units were closer between the two assessments.
There was no public comment on the hearing.
Council Member Martinez spoke to the number of Thornton community members who struggle with affordable housing.
Council Member Sandgren blamed the lack of housing on state regulations regarding housing defect liability (1:18:24).
Council unanimously voted to participate in the regional assessment.
Council Comments
Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow urged the city to improve the communication process regarding development planning. She encouraged residents to provide feedback to the council on city charter updates that are needed.
Council Member Ayala spoke to the systemic causes of and solutions to homelessness.
Mayor Kulmann reported meeting with Congressman Gabe Evans.
Monthly Financial Report for June 2025
As of the June 2025 report, the city has a $2.1 million income variance over budget (1:55:10).
Building permit revenue has slowed as the year has gone on.
Operating expenditures were slightly under budget across all reported categories.
The 2026 budget review is scheduled for September 4. The review agenda packet is available.
Consent Calendar
Council unanimously passed the items on the consent calendar.
Action Items
Council unanimously passed an ordinance amending the 2025 budget (first reading). The amendment would fund traffic enforcement, homelessness and housing services, police body cameras, Thornton Water Treatment Plant solar improvement, traffic signal installation 104th and Washington Plaza, and the Big Dry Creek Trail project from 136th Ave. to 144th Ave.
Thornton Civic Observatory 