Thornton Civic Observatory

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  • City Council Replay – April 1 Planning and April 8 Update & Meeting

    PDF packets:

    Video replays:

    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.

    Planning Session 4/1 Highlights

    Staff gave an informational update on the city’s municipal bond process.

    In a previous planning session, council expressed an interest in creating the most restrictive regulations possible for natural medicine (psilocybin) healing centers seeking to operate in the city.

    In the 4/1 session, staff reported on which restrictions were possible and which might face legal challenge (41:00). The latter included restrictions on hours of operation and limits on how many healing centers could operate within a section of the city.

    There are currently no healing centers in operation in the City of Thornton.

    Council Update and Meeting 4/8 Highlights

    Update Meeting

    Council Member Sandgren was not present for the update meeting.

    Code Compliance gave an update on the penalties process, civil penalties issues, parking citations issued, and abandoned shopping carts (7:24).

    Council Member Martinez asked about the performance of the shopping cart recovery vendor, Gliderite, is evaluated by the city (15:46).

    Staff reported that the vendor works 2 days/week for a flat fee from the city. City staff will recovery carts that need immediate attention, such as posing a traffic hazard.

    Staff provided an update on 2025 Fire Union pay budget amendment to address a union contract provision that Firefighter I pay is comparable to pay in other metro area departments (a 0.45% increase for a total of $90,386.).

    Council Meeting

    The new Ward 1 Council Member, Cherish Salazar, was sworn into council.

    The council approved the following resolutions: April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 6-12, 2025 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month, April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month, and April 22, 2025 as Earth Day.

    There was a public hearing concerning accepting changes in five articles of the city’s development code (Chapter 18 of the City Code).

    These updates are the first in 30 years, seeking to modernize development standards.

    The changes include replacing a detailed conceptual site plan for a general preliminary plan. The rationale for the change is that details of a site’s development are not known at the early stages of planning.

    Council Member Martinez expressed concern that the changes removed a formal public hearing from the conceptual site plan process and instead offers informal neighborhood meetings that may not as effectively capture evidence from residents. He explained that the planning commission also opposes the ending of public hearings.

    The council voted 5-3 to approve the resolution despite Martinez’s concerns. Council Members Martinez, Salazar, and Ayala voted no.

    Audience Participation

    Steven Mathias was the first speaker and spoke to his experience as a sexual assault survivor, his continued opposition to the city’s approach to sex offender residency restrictions, and the inappropriate responses from some on council to his advocacy. He called out Mayor Kulmann and Council Members Acunto and Sandgren by name (1:18:00).

    Tom Lampo continued his ongoing complaints about the land acknowledgment.

    State House Representative Jacque Phillips spoke on the Ward 1 special election and recent city history where previously council vacancies were filled by appointments that did not necessarily represent the views of voters.

    Adams County Commission Kathy Henson, and former Ward 1 Council member, voiced congratulations to Council Member Salazar.

    Daruish Namazi, who had not signed up, spoke about the mismatch between the council’s resolutions and their lack of action to address the issues named in those resolutions. He also called out bullies on the council, including Kulmann and Sandgren.

    Council Comments and Updates

    Council Member Salazar moved to place a council code of conduct item in a future meeting agenda.

    Council Member Martinez voiced support as did Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow who noted that the city’s volunteer boards and commissions have a code of conduct.

    Council Member Unrein explained that the oath of office should be enough. Council Member Russell noted that the oath has not stopped unprofessional behavior from council members.

    Mayor Kulmann explained that the code of conduct should be considered through the planning session process. She also noted that consensus has never been reached in planning sessions on a code of conduct.

    Salazar’s motion passed with Acunto, Unrein, and Kulmann voting no.

    Council Member Ayala spoke about what we can do to support democracy and the will of the people in government. She spoke of rising grocery prices and stymied efforts to protect workers.

    Ayala described the role of campaign finance and how elected officials are incentivized to support policies from those groups that fund their campaigns.

    Council Member Acunto emphasized his opposition to sex offenders, selecting as an example “those who dress up in furry costumes” (1:56:00).

    Council Member Russell highlighted that April is National Fair Housing month. He also explained how all council members are engaged in work to improve the community beyond the resolutions passed by council.

    Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow talks about the various boards and commissions that council members participate in across the metro area.

    Staff Reports

    The Thornton Active Adult Advisory Board gave its annual report.

    Staff gave a quarterly update on commercial projects.

  • City Council Meetings Replay for March 18, 2025

    PDF packets:

    Video replays:

    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.

    Update Session

    First Briefing – State Legislative Update

    The first briefing was a state legislative update from Peggi O’Keefe with Clear Strategies. She reported that the state’s economic forecast was negative with an expected $1+ billion shortfall. The state budget is expected to be passed next week.

    The following is a selection of bills discussed.

    The city is in opposition to BD25-1147 Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court, which would restrict municipal court penalties to the maximum penalty set by the state.

    The city has concerns regarding SB25-001 Colorado Voting Rights Act due to the state overriding home rule of the city, including for special elections.

    The city has concerns with HB25-1169 Housing Developments on Faith and Educational Land, which has passed the house but may be amended in the senate.

    The city supports BD25-1272 Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing, which Council Member Bigelow testified in favor.

    O’Keefe reported that the business community is opposed to HB25-1286 Protecting Workers from Extreme Temperatures. She did not share any perspectives from workers.

    The council’s stated concern is that the law would prohibit emergency workers from responding to emergencies in inclement weather and wants an amendment on that point.

    Second Briefing – City Process for Permanent Road Closures

    Under current city code, a permanent road closure requires a public hearing and an ordinance passed by council.

    Permanent closures would conflict with approved land use documents (plats) and with design standards in City Code Section 18-677.

    Staff described a process that would need to be followed to permanently close a road, including a one-year trial period.

    Staff discussed an example from the Glen Eagles Estates neighborhood (128th & Riverdale) that is experiencing high traffic to and from Riverdale High School, which a road closure could potentially address.

    At this point, staff’s recommendation is that the 128th & Riverdale intersection be improved by Adams County to address traffic issues given the challenges of closing a road.

    Council Comments

    Council Member Sandgren requested being able to attend conferences to wrap up work as she is in her last term. Council Member Ayala wanted to let staff know about April events: autism awareness month, Arab-American heritage month, and Earth Day.

    Council Member Martinez requests membership funding for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

    Council Meeting

    All council members were present for this meeting (one Ward 1 seat is still vacant pending the results of the special election).

    Resolutions

    Council Member Martinez added an item to the agenda to declare March 31, 2025 as Transgender Day of Visibility in Thornton.

    The council approved that resolution and a resolution declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Thornton.

    During the council comments on the Transgender Day of Visibility resolution, Council Member Sandgren said that she believes that “fairness should be for everyone but not at the expense of erasing others.”

    Council Member Acunto was the sole vote against that resolution. The child abuse awareness resolution passed unanimously.

    Audience Participation

    Seven people signed up for in-person participation and two signed up online.

    The first speaker discussed an application to build a mobile phone tower, expressing concerns that his community was not given adequate notice of the application.

    The second speaker showed an election flier for Ward 1 candidate Eric Garcia. She said that the flier’s claim that Garcia had been endorsed by Thornton firefighters was a lie.

    She claimed it was hilarious that Council Member Sandgren would say that Garcia “walks the walk” because he walked away from Ward 1 residents asking him what he would do for his ward. The speaker described Garcia as Mayor Kulmann’s “puppet” in his previous term on the council.

    The third speaker also raised concerns about PAC mailers for the campaign, which misleadingly implied a firefighter endorsement. He asked council to condemn this activity and amend election code to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

    The fourth speaker reiterated that the Thornton firefighters union has not endorse Garcia, contrary to the claims in the campaign mailers.

    The fifth speaker, a recurring gadfly, continued his critique of the city’s land acknowledgment.

    The sixth speaker was the return of resident who speaks satirically as a right-wing extremist in order to criticize conservatives on the council. In the past, he was arrested under dubious circumstances with the charges later dropped.

    The seventh speaker is a representative from the CASA advocate organization who thanked council for voicing support in the child abuse resolution and encouraged residents to volunteer.

    The eighth speaker voiced concerns about the cell tower that was mentioned by the first speaker, suggesting it would hurt home values and is not appropriate for a residential area given that other towers are in industrial/commercial areas.

    The ninth speaker was Ward 1 candidate Cherish Salazar. She shared concerns from Ward 1, including about a sewage backup, recommending the Active Adult Center, and sharing condolences for a departed member of the community.

    Council Comment and Communications

    Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow discussed a financial literacy event at a local school, attending a bill signing for an accessibility law, testifying for the new building defects bill, and recognizing Ramadan and Purim celebrations.

    Council Member Russell spoke on his experience traveling to Washington, D.C. for the National League of Cities. He met with Representative Gabe Evans.

    Council Member Unrein also spoke on the National League of Cities events in D.C. The main topic of concern he saw from participants around the nation was housing affordability and availability. He also met with Rep. Evans.

    Council Member Sandgren described advocating for many areas in the D.C. trip.

    Sandgren addressed the campaign issue discussed in audience participation. She offered the “correction” that the mailer did not come from the candidate, although the audience participants seemed to be clear that the mailers were for the candidate, not from the candidate.

    At 48:27, Sandgren uses the transgender resolution to talk about safety in women’s spaces.

    Sandgren explained that her factoids (e.g., national blue-berry pancake day) are her way of protesting the land acknowledgment. She alleges that the land acknowledgment contains falsehoods.

    An audience member applauds Sandgren’s remarks and is not ruled out of order by the mayor.

    Council Member Ayala described speaking with a Cub Scout troop at Cherry Elementary. She described taking a waste water course during the D.C. trip.

    Ayala described how the campaign mailers were issued by an independent expenditure committee (IEC). She encouraged voters to identify the group sponsoring the mailers.

    She described her work supporting municipal election funding reform in Colorado (reducing the individual contribution limit to $400 from unlimited and increase the frequency of campaign funding disclosure reporting dates).

    Ayala encouraged residents to consider what actions are within the scope of the city government to address.

    Council Member Martinez amplified the concern about the mobile home sewage backup and requested staff to get more information.

    Martinez described advocating for the continued existence of tax-free municipal bonds to Representative Evans during the D.C. trip.

    Kulmann closes her comments by thanking those who “respectfully” engaged with council.

    Thornton Shopping Center Quarterly Progress Update

    Demolition is completed at the site. Environmental testing and clean-up is now underway.

    Planning for redevelopment is underway with an estimated issue of a request for proposals set for mid-2025.

    Public Hearing

    The hearing was on a conceptual site plan for an apartment conversion at 2513 E. 104th Ave. (Village at Sunny Acres Ambassador Apartments).

    The plan is to subdivide and convert an existing housing site from assisted living to multi-family units.

    This will require 97 new parking spaces.

    A public meeting was held August 19, 2024. Approximately 560 property owners were notified of the meeting (hybrid online and in-person), and no residents attended the meeting.

    Council voted to approve the conceptual site plan.

    Council/TASCHO Meeting

    TASCHO gave its annual report.

    Council/Thornton Development Authority Meeting

    TDA gave its annual report.

    Thornton Observer Reflection, Commentary, and Questions

    Will the city be as invested in defending home rule against federal government overreach at the hands of the current administration as they are alleged overreach by the state of Colorado?

    For at least two bills, the council and its lobbyist raised concerns about adverse effects on law enforcement and emergency responders as reason to oppose bills or support amendments without acknowledging the needs and concerns of residents that the bills were originally proposed to address.

    The council emphasized the city’s right to home rule in the update meeting.

    In a previous meeting, Council Member Sandgren said that it is the county, not the city, that should be responsible for addressing homelessness. It would seem that some on the council want home rule power while also shirking some of the responsibility that comes with that power.

    In the road closure presentation, Council Member Martinez noted how 30-40 people showing up at a ward meeting made an impact. If there is an issue affecting Thornton residents, showing up and communicating with council can support change for the better.

    The road closure discussion also highlights how the city pursues growth without always being able to address the unintended negative effects of that growth.

  • Thornton Meetings for the Week of March 17, 2025

    Check out the full list of meetings for the week at the city’s calendar page, which includes times, locations, and video meeting links where available.

    The documents page provides agendas where available.

    03/18 City Council Planning Session Agenda

    Review of Formal Council Meeting Agenda

    Briefings

    • State legislative update – with Peggi O’Keefe of Clear Strategies lobbyist firm.
    • Discussion Regarding the Process for Evaluation of a Permanent Road Closure

    Planning Agenda – Notable Items

    The planning session meeting packet is available here.

    The state legislative update includes a 30-page list of bills of interest to the city, including whether the city has taken a position for or against the bills (approximately 108 bills).

    The 30-page list of bills in the packet is formatted so that its text cannot be searched.

    03/18 City Council Meeting Agenda

    A presentation declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Thornton

    Audience Participation

    Council Comments

    Staff Report on the Thornton Shopping Center Quarterly Progress Update.

    Consent Calendar (approval of 2/25 meeting minutes, Jan. 2025 city financial report, an ordinance vacating a city right-of-way at 110th and Holly, an ordinance to amend council rules to move public hearings before audience participation).

    A public hearing concerning a resolution approving a conceptual site plan for The village at Sunny Acres – Ambassador Building (104th and York).

    Meeting Agenda – Notable Items

    The meeting packet is available here.

    Public Hearings are being moved to before Audience Participation because the council felt that the paid professionals speaking at public hearings, such as real estate developers, should not be kept waiting late into the evening to be heard.

  • 03/04/2025 City Council Planning Session Reply

    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.

    The packet for this planning session included a couple of informative documents, which are included in the above-linked PDF:

    • The summary report from the strategic planning conference
    • The 2025 legislative agenda, listing the city’s lobbying priorities

    On paper, the strategic planning summary has good commitments to housing and multi-modal transportation options, including pedestrian safety.

    The Legislative Agenda documents specific asks for state and federal lobbying priorities in 7 areas:

    • Local Control
    • Local Funding
    • Transportation
    • Public Safety
    • Water Security
    • Housing
    • Sustainability

    Session Highlights

    Council Members Absent: Bigelow and Sandgren

    The first item was interviews of two applicants for the Thornton Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Council (TASHCO).

    The second item was an informational update on the Ward 1 special election (election day March 25). The presenter compared municipal elections and elections coordinated with the county.

    While not required for municipal elections, the city is providing an in-person voting center, access to 24-hour ballot drop boxes, and translation of ballot materials in Spanish.

    The new council member will be sworn in April 8, 2025 (assuming no recount is required).

    The third item was a discussion of the city strategic plan framework—the big picture, long-term strategic focus areas that emerged from the conference the council members attended at the end of February:

    1. Connected Communities
    2. Vibrant and Purposeful Development
    3. Organizational Excellence (city administration)
    4. Safe, Supported, and Livable Communities

    The presenter asked for the council’s feedback in terms of phrasing, the definition for each focus area, and any additional priorities that should be considered.

    Council Member Martinez noted the importance of the city’s regional collaborations for support of connected communities (e.g., work with the Colorado Department of Transportation).

    The fourth item was another informational presentation to provide council travel date options for a federal lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. Traditionally, council has met with house and senate offices on one day and federal agency offices on the second day.

    The council discussed which member would be responsible for which of the seven priority topics.

    There was an update on state legislation, starting with a construction defects bill introduced by Representative Shannon Bird (HB25-1272). The presenter noted that many defect bills have been introduced in recent sessions. Other defect bills are also active this session.

    The fifth item was updates from council members at various regional boards, councils, and committees.

    Mayor Kulmann talked about her positive experience at a state of the city event at Brighton that was co-run by their chamber of commerce. Kulmann wants to do something similar in Thornton with our chamber of commerce.

  • 2/25 City Council Meeting Replay

    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 Meetings for the Week of March 3, 2025

    Check the calendar page for the latest updates, locations, and video meeting links where available.

    The documents page provides agendas where available.

    Tuesday, March 4, 2025

    • Council Planning Session, 5:45 – 6:45pm

    Wednesday, March 5, 2025

    • Planning Commission Meeting, 6 – 10pm

    Thursday, March 6, 2025

    • TAF (Thornton Assistance Fund) Meeting, 3:30 – 6:30pm
    • TASHCO Juneteenth Subcommittee Zoom Meeting, 6 – 7pm
    • Community Meeting – Hosted by Ward, 6 – 7:30pm

    Saturday, March 8, 2025

    • NLC (National League of Cities) Congressional City Conference-Executive Education and Pre-Conference Activities, all day

    Sunday, March 9, 2025

    • NLC Congressional City Conference-Executive Education and Pre-Conference Activities, all day

    Note: On March 10 – March 12, Thornton will send a delegation to the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington, DC.

    3/4 Council Planning Session meeting agenda

    HTML Agenda & Full PDF Meeting Packet

    Briefings

    • Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council Board of Directors Interviews
    • Review of the March 25, 2025 Special Election
    • Strategic Planning Conference Follow-up
    • Washington DC Federal Lobbying Meeting Planning

    Other Discussion

    • Legislative Discussion
    • Boards and Committee Reports

    a. DRCOG Board of Directors Meeting

    b. Mile High Flood District Board Meeting

    c. CML Policy Committee Meeting

    d. Smart Commute Board Meeting

    e. NATA Board Meeting

    f. AC-REP Development Council

    Executive Session

    • To discuss fiber optics issues including the agreement between Ting Fiber LLC and Thornton and to provide an update on discussions with Google.

  • Thornton Meetings for the Week of February 24, 2025

    Check the calendar page for the latest updates, locations, and video meeting links where available.

    The documents page provides agendas where available.

    Monday, February 24, 2025

    • iWatch Neighborhood Meeting, 6:30 – 8pm

    Tuesday, February 25, 2025

    • Adams County Public Assistance, 8:30 – 11:30am
    • Council Update, 5:45 – 6:45pm
    • Council Meeting, 7 – 9pm

    Wednesday, February 26, 2025

    • Community Resource Network Meeting
    • Wed, Feb 26 2025, 10am – 12pm

    Thursday, February 27, 2025

    • TAF (Thornton Assistance Fund) Meeting, 3:30 – 6:30pm

    Saturday, March 1, 2024

    • TASHCO Retreat, 8am – 2pm

    City Council 2/25 Agenda Highlights

    Update Session – PDF Packet

    • State legislative update
    • Development Code Update – Review of Draft Article 2 (Development Review Procedures

    Council Meeting – PDF Packet

    • Resolutions: Recognizing City’s 2024 Employees and Teams of the Year, Declaring March 3, 2025 World Hearing Day, and Recognizing March 2025 as Women’s History Month
    • Reports from the Businesses of Thornton Advisory Commission Annual Report and the Monthly Financial Report for Dec. 2024
    • Numerous items on the consent calendar
    • Public Hearing? No details listed in the PDF packet downloaded on 2/20
    • Resolution approving an incentive agreement to developer KRF 470 LLC (owned by the Kentro Group) for planned development at Quebec & 144th mixed use project
      • 50% sales and use tax sharing incentive (excluding Open Space taxes) not to exceed $15 million.
      • “The City shall pay to the Developer an Economic Development Incentive by reimbursement of a portion of Eligible Sales and Use Taxes collected through construction of an operations of the businesses in the Project during the Term of this Agreement.”
        • Initial Term: 10 years. But if $15 million is not given to developer in that time, the term will be extended until that amount is reached or 5 more years.

  • 2/18 Planning Session Replay

    The PDF packet for the session is available here. The video replay is available here. Click on the agenda item in the right-hand menu to go to that part of the video.

    Future Public Hearings Related to 2/18 Session

    • March 18, 2025 Planning Commission public hearing for Articles 1, 2, 8, 10, and 12 of the city’s development code
    • April 8, 2025 City Council public hearing for those same articles.

    Session Summary

    1st Agenda Item: 2025 Non-Profit Event Sponsorship Requests

    In exchange for sponsoring a non-profit entity’s fundraising event (e.g., dinners, galas), the city’s name/logo will be recognized in the event materials and the event host will provide the city with a limited number of gratis tickets to the event to allow council members or other city representatives to attend.

    13 requests have been received as of 2/11/2025.

    The council will decide whether to sponsor events.

    Mayor Pro Tem Bigelow recounts discussion from last year about the city sponsoring only one event for groups that have multiple events and then purchasing tickets for any other events from that group.

    Bigelow notes that the city has not been able to fill tables they’ve been provided as sponsors in the past. She says that purchasing tickets would allow city staff to attend and avoid having Thornton tables sitting with empty chairs. There is no discussion on that point.

    The council selected which event to sponsor among the multiple submissions from single organizations and plans to purchase tickets for the other events.

    2nd Agenda Item: Repealing and Replacing C.D. No. 2022-009 Regarding the City’s Regional and Subregional Transportation Priorities

    CDOT and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) are updating long-term plans, so now is a good time for the city to reconsider its priorities for regional projects in which it is involved.

    Council will vote on the update in the next council meeting.

    3rd Agenda Item: Review of Development Code Update Draft – Articles 10 (Subdivision Standards) and 12 (Noncomforities)

    The purpose of Article 10 includes the promotion of orderly growth.

    Material from current Article 10 is being moved to other articles, such as transportation and accessibility standards.

    Major changes include requiring detached sidewalks on all public and private local streets (currently they are required only on collector and arterial streets).

    Homebuilders expressed concern over costs and maintenance of xeriscape strip between road and sidewalk.

    Council Member Unrein is not in favor of requiring local street sidewalks.

    The street and neighborhood where Unrein lives has attached sidewalks.

    Council Member Ayala notes that maintenance is an issue as is evident in older neighborhoods; however, it is important to have detached sidewalks on streets leading to parks and schools for child safety.

    Council Member Martinez asks who is responsible for maintenance of the strip. Staff answers that it will be HOAs or metro districts (except for rare instances without HOAs/districts).

    Martinez acknowledges costs and maintenance concerns, but there is value in requiring detached sidewalks in parks and school streets. It would be good to encourage families to walk

    Two council members say that the code should require schools to be responsible for the sidewalks and strip maintenance on their property (36:25). (Audio/video quality makes it unclear who is talking on those points.)

    Martinez asks for clarification on city vs. school district enforcement, including what the city can require schools do with their property.

    There is some cross-talk about school responsibility for sidewalks and question about whether the city has asked schools to put in sidewalks (40:30 in the replay video).

    New standards are being proposed for for green court configuration for 1-4 unit dwellings, max number of units either 16 or 24 with limits on the length of the court.

    New standards are also being proposed for motor court: motor courts limited to 25% of a subdivision and a limit of 6 dwellings per motor court, but homebuilders requested 8 units with guest parking. Council agrees to 8 with no discussion.

    Changes to Article 12 Nonconformities are mostly to revise for plain English phrasing.

    Next steps include March 18, 2025 Planning Commission public hearing for Articles 1, 2, 8, 10, and 12 and a City Council public hearing for those same articles on April 8, 2025.

    4th Agenda Item: Natural Medicine Uses (Psilocybin)

    Staff provides a recap on the state’s regulatory framework (Prop 122).

    Current city code can regulate one of the four places where psilocybin use and production is allowed under state law: medical facilities (psilocybin healing centers). The city does not yet have code to regulate cultivation, manufacturing, or testing facilities. Staff recommends ordinance to address these uses.

    Questions from a council member that raise concerns about how medical facilities use (1:01). Staff says that state law does not allow cities to prohibit use as provided under state law. Thornton can do time, place, manner regulations.

    Staff says according to research, effects of psilocybin last 3-5 hours and regulations prohibit the user from leaving before effects have worn off as well as require a plan for safe transportation after the session.

    A council member notes that all marijuana facilities in Thornton have been broken into, some multiple times (1:02:15). Staff reports that state law limits amount of product on premises.

    A council member compares psilocybin dosing to edible marijuana dosing (1:03:40).

    Staff reports that other municipalities are imposing limited hours of operation restrictions, requiring distances between facilities, and forbidding location in residential zones.

    Council is drawing on marijuana comparisons, but it is unclear how comparable the recreational marijuana sector is to the therapeutic psilocybin sector.

    Council wants staff to draft a list of most restrictive options for the ordinance.

    5th Agenda Item: Sex Offender Residency Restrictions

    Staff gives a presentation on options for the city to address sex offender residency ordinance.

    State law does not address residency restrictions. Municipalities can set their own restrictions.

    Residency restrictions have not been shown to reduce recidivism.

    Areas for the council to consider:

    • Which sex offenders to regulate (e.g., age, type of offense)
    • Distance restrictions (e.g., residence distance to schools, parks, etc.)
    • Household groups (number of sex offenders in a single household group)

    There is a question about the different types of sex offenders. The police representative explains that those are described in state law.

    Council Member Martinez asks for citations to support the presentation’s claim that sex offenders have higher recidivism rates than other offenders given that the council received communication from a resident that cites sources to counter that claim.

    City staff representative pushes back on the idea of providing citations given how much information they are communicating to council (1:33:40).

    Council Member Ayala expresses a concern that policies do not concentrate sex offenders into certain neighborhoods.

    A state residential facility planned for Northglenn was canceled due to public pressure. Ayala notes that people in some neighborhoods don’t have the time and resources to mount such a campaign to oppose proposals for their neighborhood.

    Council Member Acunto lists recidivism statistics, but he does not respond directly to questions raised in the citizen communication Martinez referenced.

    Martinez asks the police representative what regulations would be most helpful. Representative describes sexually violent predators as a priority focus. Acunto did not address different types of sex offenders.

    According to the police representative, the majority of reported Thornton sex crimes are committed by those who are known to their victims. From a safety perspective for new regulations, he says that the focus is best on sexually violent predators.

    Several local municipalities have a focus on sexually violent predators for their ordinances.

    Council expresses consensus to draft an ordinance focused on sexually violent offenders within 1000 feet of areas to be determined.

    Council requests a map to show distances showing current vs. proposed restrictions.

    Council expresses consensus to move ahead with a draft and public hearing for a free-standing ordinance.

    Discussion Items

    Council Member Sandgren: Thursday night pickleball at Carpenter is overloaded. Could this be expanded? When will the council be lobbying? June date yet to be set.

    Council Member Ayala: Considering March resolutions (women’s history, child abuse awareness). Could we do World Hearing Day for last Feb. meeting of the council? Could we get an update on the hot team and the work they’ve been doing to assist unhoused along with a breakdown of partnership with the county.

    Staff: April planning session will discuss the unhoused support resources.

    Council Member Martinez: Also asked for reports on usage of Margaret Carpenter Rec Center as warming center. Deputy Fire Chief reports on number of individuals served.

    Martinez also mentions an email from constituent regarding lack of youth sports football practice fields. Could the Carpenter fields be opened for youth sports?

    Sandgren mentions a long, contentious history with that league that should be discussed.

    Bigelow move public hearings up in the council meetings first after comments and before any other agenda items. Bigelow invites input from the council. Sandgren suggests moving it up even before comments. Martinez voices agreement as does Unrein. Consensus reached to put that as an action item for the agenda for the next meeting.

  • Thornton Decides 2025

    In 2025, three council seats are up for regular election on November 4, 2025 (one seat each in Wards 2, 3, and 4).

    Ward 1 is currently having a special election with election day set for March 25, 2025.

    Candidates Cherish Salazar, Eric Garcia, and Thomas Mollendor are running in the special election.

    Financial disclosures for the candidates are available at this site. Salazar has received contributions from current Council Members Bigelow, Russell, and Martinez. Garcia, a former member of the council, has received contributions from Mayor Kulmann and current Council Member Sandgren.

    In the regular election, the following candidates have filed with the city:

    Ward 2

    Ward 3

    • Devin Byrd
    • Sam Nizam

    Ward 4

    These elections will decide whether or not Mayor Kulmann’s alliance will regain control of the council.

  • Thornton Meetings for the Week of February 17, 2025

    Check the calendar page for the latest updates, locations, and video meeting links where available.

    The documents page provides agendas where available.

    Monday, February 17

    • Holiday Closure

    Tuesday, Feburary 18

    • Council Planning Session, 5:45 – 6:45pm

    Wednesday, February 19

    • TASHCO PRIDE Subcommittee meeting, 6 – 7pm
    • Local Licensing Authority Meeting, 6 – 10pm
    • Planning Commission Meeting, 6 – 10pm

    Thursday, February 20

    • TAF (Thornton Assistance Fund) Meeting, 3:30 – 6:30pm

    Friday, February 21

    • CML (Colorado Municipal League) Policy Committee Meeting, 9am – 12pm

    Agenda for 2/18 Council Planning Session

    Briefings

    • Review Non-Profit Funding Requests from A Precious Child, Almost Home, Inc., Bullying Recovery Resource Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County (ECPAC), Food for Hope, Kids First Health Care, Ralston House, Rotary Club of Northglenn-Thornton, and Stout Street foundation Fundraising Events.
    • Repealing and Replacing C.D. No. 2022-009 Regarding the City’s Regional and Subregional Transportation Priorities
    • Development Code Update – Review of Draft Articles 10 (Subdivision Standards) and 12 (Nonconformities)
    • Discussion regarding Natural Medicine uses (creating an ordinance to address psilocybin within the city)
    • Sex Offender Residency Restrictions (informational briefing requested by council)

    Board and Committee Reports

    • a. North I-25 Coalition Meeting
    • b. Airport Coordinating Committee Meeting
    • c. ADCOG Subregional Transportation Forum
    • d. E-470 Authority Board Meeting

    Briefings Continued

    • Executive session pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e)(I) to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, develop strategy for negotiations, and instruct negotiators regarding collective bargaining negotiations between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police, Thornton Police Department Colorado Lodge 16.
    • Thornton Development Authority Special Meeting – An executive session, pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(a),(b), and (c) for the purposes of discussion and providing instruction to negotiators, as well as receiving legal advice from the City Attorney, related to the potential transfer of real property owned by the Thornton Development Authority located on Grant Street, north of Eppinger Boulevard.

    Hearing Agenda for 2/19 Local Licensing Authority

    • A. Consideration of a New Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License Application submitted by Little Pub #33, LLC DBA Billy Birch, 11915 Holly Street. (HR-0087 30687)
    • B. Consideration of a New Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License Application submitted by Feng C