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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.01.25 City Council Agenda M ayor Aaron Brockett Council M e mbe rs Taishya Adams Matt Benjamin Lauren Folkerts Tina Marquis Ryan Schuchard Nicole Speer Mark Wallach Tara Winer Council Chambers 1777 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302 May 1, 2025 7:00 PM City M anage r Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde City Attorne y Teresa Taylor Tate City Cle rk Elesha Johnson AGE NDA FOR T HE REGULAR MEET ING OF T HE BOULDER CIT Y COUNCIL 1.Call to Order and Roll C all 2.O pen C omment 3.Consent Agenda A.Consideration of a motion to a call a special meeting of the City Council on M ay 22, 2025 for the purpose of holding joint work session with the Planning B oard regarding the 2025 major update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive P lan B.Consideration of a motion to accept the M arch 6, 2025 Regular City Council M eeting M inutes C.Consideration of a motion to accept the M arch 20, 2025 Regular C ity Council M eeting M inutes D.Consideration of a motion to accept the M arch 13, 2025 S tudy S ession Summary regarding the Xcel E nergy Partnership Update E .Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 S tudy S ession S ummary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study F.Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, Study Session S ummary regarding the Core Artenial Network Initiative Update G .Consideration of a motion to ratify the L ibrary District B oard of T rustees Selection Committee’s appointment of one trustee to the Boulder P ublic Library D istrict B oard of T rustees H.S econd reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8694, amending S ections 4-20-43, “D evelopment Application F ees,” 8-6-6.5, “Small C ell F acilities in the P ublic Right-of-Way P ermits,” 9-6- 4, “S pecific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses,” and 9- 16-1, “D efinitions,” B .R.C. 1981, to align city code with federal law Packet Page 1 of 287 regarding local government permitting of wireless telecommunications facilities; and setting forth related details 4.Call-Up C heck-In 5.P ublic Hearings A.Site Review for the redevelopment of 1855 S . F latiron; and Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8685 granting authority to the approving authority under Title 9, “L and Use Code,” B.R.C . 1981 to grant a 9-year vesting period for the approved site-specific development plan. Reviewed under case no. L UR2024-00036 90 min – 20 min presentation / 70 min public hearing & council discussion 6.M atters from the City M anager A.Agenda M anagement and Boards and Commissions Program Actions 90 min – 20 min presentation / 75 min council discussion 7.M atters from the City Attorney 8.M atters from the M ayor and M embers of C ouncil 9.Discussion Items 10.Debrief 11.Adjournment 4:00 hrs Additional M aterials P resentations Item Updates Information Items A.Information Item A: Update on M arch 18th C hat with Council Boards and C ommissions A.03.10.25 TAB M inutes Declarations Packet Page 2 of 287 A.F rontline Worker Appreciation M onth D eclaration B.DomeF est West Week Declaration C.Declaration in Honor of the Boulder Strong Resource Center D.P ublic Service Recognition Week Declaration E .Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage M onth Declaration Heads Up! E mail This meeting can be viewed at www.bouldercolorado.gov/city-council. Meetings are aired live o n Municipal Channel 8 and the city's we bsite and are re-cablecast at 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. Fridays in the two we eks following a regular counc il meeting. Boulder 8 TV (Comc ast channels 8 and 880) is now providing c losed c aptioning for all live meetings that are aired on the channels. The c losed captioning service operates in the same manner as similar services offered by broadc ast channels, allowing viewers to turn the closed c aptioning on or off with the television remote c ontrol. Closed captioning also is available on the live HD stream on Boulder Channel8.com. To ac tivate the captioning service for the live stream, the "C C" button (whic h is located at the bottom of the video player) will be illuminated and available whenever the channel is providing captioning servic es. The council chambers is equipped with a T-Coil assisted listening loop and portable assisted listening devic es. I ndividuals with hearing or speec h loss may contact us using Relay Colorado at 711 or 1-800-659-3656. Anyone requiring spec ial pac ket preparation such as Braille, large print, or tape recorded versions may contac t the City C lerk's Office at 303-441-4222, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please request special packet preparation no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting. I f you need Spanish interpretation or other language-related assistance for this meeting, please call (303) 441-1905 at least three business days prior to the meeting. Si usted necesita interpretacion o cualquier otra ay uda c on relacion al idioma para esta junta, por favor c omuniquese al (303) 441-1905 por lo menos 3 negocios dias antes de la junta. Send elec tronic presentations to email address: CityClerkS taff@bouldercolorado.gov no later than 2 p.m. the day of the meeting. Packet Page 3 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M C onsideration of a motion to a call a special meeting of the C ity Council on May 22, 2025 for the purpose of holding joint work session with the Planning Board regarding the 2025 major update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Elesha J ohnson, City C lerk RE Q U E ST E D AC T I ON O R MOT I ON L AN GU AG E Motion to a call a special meeting of the City C ouncil on May 22nd, 2025 for the purpose of holding joint work session with the Planning Board regarding the 2025 major update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan AT TAC H ME N T S: Description No Attachments Available Packet Page 4 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M C onsideration of a motion to accept the March 6, 2025 Regular City C ouncil Meeting Minutes P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Elesha J ohnson, City C lerk RE Q U E ST E D AC T I ON O R MOT I ON L AN GU AG E Motion to accept the March 6, 2025 Regular C ity Council Meeting Minutes AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 3B - D RAF T March 6, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Packet Page 5 of 287 Item 3B – DRAFT March 6, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers Thursday, March 6, 2025 MINUTES 1.Call to Order and Roll Call: Mayor Brockett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council Members present: Adams, Benjamin, Brockett, Folkerts (arrived at 6:20), Marquis, Schuchard, Speer, Wallach Virtual: Winer 2.Open Comment: (Public comments are a summary of actual testimony. Full testimony is available on the council web page at: https://bouldercolorado.gov/city-council > Watch Live or Archived Meetings.) Open Comment opened at 6:04 p.m. In-Person 1.Trish Emser spoke on Bike BOLDER Advocacy 2.Karen Hollweg spoke on $66 million bond issue 3.Mike Clark spoke on traffic and city policing 4.Lauren Clark spoke on pedestrian safety 5.Mike Lotte spoke on supporting CO HB 1096 6.Sam Weaver spoke on mgmt. of the revenue bond - moved to virtual 7.Shelley Russell spoke on illegal campers 8. Rob Smoke spoke on the functions of local government 9. Dr. Padi Fuster Aguilera spoke on anti Muslim resolution - moved to virtual Packet Page 6 of 287 Item 3B – DRAFT March 6, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 10.Eric Cornell spoke on the advantages of proportional representation 11.Susan Hall spoke on informed citizens 12.Margaret LeCompte spoke on proposed bond issue 13.Elliot Fladen spoke on treatment of family Virtual 14.Elliot Fladen spoke on treatment of family – moved to in-person 15. RJ Boyle spoke on support HB 25-1096 16. Emily Reynolds spoke on 66 million bond for CU South 17.Rachel Friend spoke on Ordinance 8690 18.Micah Parkin spoke on technology and HB 25-1096 19. Lynn Segal spoke on homeless 20.Jim Hayes spoke on various issues – did not show 21.Eric Gross spoke on antisemitism silencing of speech 22.Sam Weaver spoke on flood mitigation and management of the revenue bond 23. Dr. Padi Fuster Aguilera spoke on anti-Muslim resolution Open Comment closed at 6:46 p.m. 3.Consent Agenda A.Consideration of a motion to accept the January 9, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes B.Consideration of a motion to accept the January 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes C.Consideration of a motion to accept the February 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding City of Boulder Homelessness Programs Evaluation and High Utilizer Initiative Update D.Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8688 granting a Franchise by the City of Boulder, Colorado, to ALLO Communications LLC, its successors and assigns, pursuant to Chapter 6, “Boulder Cable Code,” B.R.C.1981, and ALLO Communications LLC’s franchise application, to furnish cable television services within the identified franchise areas of the city and to all persons, businesses, and industries within the franchise areas and the right to acquire, construct, install, locate, maintain, Packet Page 7 of 287 Item 3B – DRAFT March 6, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 operate and extend into, within and through said franchise areas of the city all facilities reasonably necessary to furnish cable television services within the franchise areas of the city and the right to make reasonable use of all streets and other public places and public easements as herein defined as may be necessary for the benefit of the city of Boulder; and fixing the terms and conditions thereof; and setting forth related details E.Introduction, first reading, consideration of a motion to order published by title only and adopt by emergency measure Ordinance 8690 authorizing the issuance by the City of Boulder, Colorado, acting through its Stormwater and Flood Management Utility Enterprise, of its Stormwater and Flood Management Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 for the purpose of providing funds to acquire, construct, improve and equip various stormwater and flood mitigation improvements for the first phase of the South Boulder Creek flood mitigation project, including the acquisition of ownership and easement interests in land necessary for such improvements; establishing a reserve fund; prescribing the form of the Series 2025 Bonds; setting forth parameters and restrictions with respect to the Series 2025 Bonds; authorizing a competitive sale of the 2025 Bonds in an aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $66,000,000; providing for the payment and redemption of the Series 2025 Bonds from and out of the stormwater and flood management fee; providing other details and approving other documents in connection with the Series 2025 Bonds; authorizing city officials to take all action necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby; ratifying actions previously taken; and declaring an emergency and providing the effective date hereof; and setting forth related details Joe Taddeucci, Utilities Department Director, provided information about the project related to this item and answered questions from Council. F.Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only and adopt by emergency measure Ordinance 8689 relating to the financial affairs of the City of Boulder, Colorado, making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; and setting forth related details Motion Made By/Seconded Vote Motion to PASS the consent agenda items A-F Benjamin / Wallach Carried 8:0 4.Call-Up Check-In A.Consideration of Left Hand Water District’s request for comment regarding a water tap for a property in Area III of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (4473 N.51st Street) NO ACTION Packet Page 8 of 287 Item 3B – DRAFT March 6, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 5.Public Hearings A.Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8651, amending Title 1, “General Administration,” Title 4, “Licenses and Permits,” Title 5, “General Offices,” Title 9, “Land Use Code,” and Title 10, “Structures,” B.R.C. 1981, to update residential occupancy standards to ensure conformance with Colorado House Bill 24-1007, “Concerning Residential Occupancy Limits,” and setting forth related details Karl Guiler, Senior Policy Advisor, provided a presentation and answered questions from Council. Jenn Ross, Code Compliance Manager, answered questions from Council. The public hearing opened at 7:27 p.m. and the following spoke: In-Person (Council Chambers): 1. Eric Budd Virtual: 2. Lynn Segal did not show The public hearing closed at 7:30 p.m. Motion Made By/Seconded Vote Motion to adopt Ordinance 8651, amending Title 1, “General Administration,” Title 4, “Licenses and Permits,” Title 5, “General Offices,” Title 9, “Land Use Code,” and Title 10, “Structures,” B.R.C. 1981, to update residential occupancy standards to ensure conformance with Colorado House Bill 24- 1007, “Concerning Residential Occupancy Limits,” and setting forth related details Speer / Folkerts Adopted 8:0 6.Matters from the City Manager 7.Matters from the City Attorney 8.Matters from the Mayor and Members of Council A.“Nod of three” to proceed with additional research regarding incentives/programs for Housing partnership Packet Page 9 of 287 Item 3B – DRAFT March 6, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 Council unanimously agreed to have staff proceed with the additional research on incentive/programs for housing ownership. 9.Discussion Items 10.Debrief 11.Adjournment There being no further business to come before Council at this time, by motion regularly adopted, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Brockett at 8:03 p.m. Approved this 1st day of May 2025. APPROVED BY: ______________________________ Aaron Brockett, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ Elesha Johnson, City Clerk Packet Page 10 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M C onsideration of a motion to accept the March 20, 2025 Regular C ity Council Meeting Minutes P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Elesha J ohnson, City C lerk RE Q U E ST E D AC T I ON O R MOT I ON L AN GU AG E Motion to accept the March 20, 2025 Regular City C ouncil Meeting Minutes AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 3C - D RAF T March 20, 2025 City Council Meeintg Minutes Packet Page 11 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers Thursday, March 20, 2025 MINUTES 1.Call to Order and Roll Call: Mayor Brockett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council Members present: Adams, Benjamin, Brockett, Folkerts, Marquis, Schuchard, Speer, Wallach, Winer Motion Made By/Seconded Vote Motion to AMEND the agenda to ADD: • Item 3J - Consideration of a motion to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations of Special Counsel, Stefanie Boster, Deputy City Attorney, City of Fort Collins, finding that no violations occurred concerning the Code of Conduct complaint and amended complaint filed against Council Member Taishya Adams Wallach / Marquis Carried 9:0 A.Boulder Day of Remembrance (King Soopers Shooting) Declaration presented by Council Member Winer 2.Open Comment: (Public comments are a summary of actual testimony. Full testimony is available on the council web page at: https://bouldercolorado.gov/city-council > Watch Live or Archived Meetings.) Packet Page 12 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 Open Comment opened at 6:07 p.m. In-Person 1. Stephen Hennessy spoke on City of Boulder Housing Advisory Board 2. Sharon Flynn spoke on Study Session for proportional representation - withdrew 3. Rob Smoke spoke on a response to critical issues of concern 4. Padi Fuster Aguilera spoke on City of Boulder investing in and profiting of genocide Mayor Brockett called at recess at 6:14 p.m. due to violations of the rules of decorum in Council Chambers. Council reconvened at 6:20 p.m. 5. Evan Ravitz spoke on Gaza Mayor Brockett called at recess at 6:22. p.m. due to violations of the rules of decorum in Council Chambers. Chambers was cleared and Council reconvened at 6:37 p.m. 6. Jude Landsman spoke on community relations 7.Andrew Faulkner spoke on call-up consideration of 1855 S. Flatirons Ct. Site Review 8. Eric Gross spoke on protecting students 9.Laura Gonzalez spoke on City Council is violating domestic and international law Mayor Brockett called a recess due to violations of the rules of decorum in Council Chambers at 6:48 p.m. Council reconvened at 6:52 p.m. Virtual 10. Lynn Segal spoke on Gaza 11. Eric Gross spoke on protecting students – moved to in-person 12.Laura Gonzalez spoke on City Council is violating domestic and international law - moved to in-person Open Comment closed at 6:57 p.m. 3.Consent Agenda A.Consideration of the following motions related to authorizing issuance of Certificates of Participation: Packet Page 13 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 Motion to adjourn as the Boulder City Council and convene as the Board of Directors for The Boulder Municipal Property Authority; 1.Motion to adopt Resolution 161 authorizing the issuance of the Boulder Municipal Property Authority Certificates of Participation; authorizing the method of sale with respect to said Certificates; authorizing the execution and delivery of one or more conveyance documents, a lease, and an indenture; authorizing the use of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary and Final Official Statements; authorizing the execution and delivery of miscellaneous documents in connection therewith; delegating certain details to certain authorized officers of the corporation and others; and providing the effective date of this resolution; and setting forth related details; and 2. Motion to adopt Resolution 162 approving the City of Boulder, Boulder Municipal Property Authority making supplemental appropriations to the 2025 fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; and setting forth related details; and Motion to adjourn as The Board of Directors for the Boulder Municipal Property Authority and reconvene as the Boulder City Council Joel Wagner, Interim Chief Financial Officer, provided comments and answered questions from Council regarding item 3A, 3E and 3F. Michelle Crane, Facilities and Fleet Deputy Director, answered questions from Council on 3A, 3E and 3F. B.Consideration of a motion to authorize the City Manager to approve the following located at the Hotel Boulderado at 2115 13th Street, 1230 Pine Street, and 2190 Broadway 1.A 20-year right-of-way lease for encroachments located within City right-of- way (REV-01002168); and 2.A 20-year revocable permit for encroachments located within City easements (REV-01002822). C.Introduction, first reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8686 designating the property at 658 Pleasant St., City of Boulder, Colorado, to be known as the Tiara House, as an individual landmark under Chapter 9-11, “Historic Preservation,” B.R.C. 1981; and setting forth related details D.Introduction, first reading, consideration of a motion to order published by title only, and adopt by emergency measure Ordinance 8691 authorizing the financing of certain expenditures relating to the renovation and expansion of, and associated site work at the city’s Pavilion Building, and in connection therewith authorizing the sale and subsequent leasing of the Pavilion Building and the execution and delivery by the city of a deed, a Lease Purchase Agreement, a Packet Page 14 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 Mortgage and Indenture of Trust, a Preliminary and Final Official Statement, and other financing documents; setting forth parameters and restrictions with respect to the financing; authorizing a competitive sale of one or more series of Certificates of Participation in an aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $100,000,000 and approving the form of Notice of Sale; authorizing city officials to take all action necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby; ratifying actions previously taken; and setting forth related details E.Introduction, first reading, consideration of a motion to order published by title only, and adopt by emergency measure Ordinance 8692 relating to the financial affairs of the City of Boulder, Colorado, making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; and setting forth related details F.Introduction, first reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, and adopt by emergency measure Ordinance 8693 adopting Supplement 162 which codifies previously adopted Ordinances and Appendix Council Procedures as amendments to the Boulder Revised Code, 1981; and setting forth related details G.Third reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8669 amending Title 9, "Land Use Code," B.R.C. 1981, by adopting form-based code standards for parts of East Boulder, moving the form-based code from Appendix M to Chapter 9-14, "Form-Based Code," B.R.C. 1981, revising rezoning and trip reduction standards for East Boulder; and setting forth related details H.Third reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8684 amending Title 10, "Structures," B.R.C. 1981 and adopting by reference the 2024 international codes regarding property maintenance, building, electrical, fire, mechanical, fuel, gas, and plumbing; and setting forth related details I.Consideration of a motion authorizing the city attorney to appoint the Fort Collins City Attorney’s Office as special counsel to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute complaint #2025-002 and any other subsequent complaints related to a code of conduct violation filed pursuant to § 2-7-10(c) B.R.C. 1981 J.ADDED: Consideration of a motion to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations of Special Counsel, Stefanie Boster, Deputy City Attorney, City of Fort Collins, finding that no violations occurred concerning the Code of Conduct complaint and amended complaint filed against Council Member Taishya Adams Motion Made By/Seconded Vote Motion to MOVE the consent agenda items A-J Wallach / Benjamin Approved 9:0 4.Call-Up Check-In Packet Page 15 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 A.Consideration of a Site Review for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. with three Research and Development buildings totaling 208,818 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50’ in height and one three-story building up to 45’ in height, a request for a 25% parking reduction, and a modification to site access control to allow for two access points. The applicant has requested Vested Rights. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024-00036. A motion to call this item up was made by CM Marquis and seconded by CM Wallach. The motioned carried 9:0. CALLED UP – Item to be scheduled for a public hearing. 5.Public Hearings A.Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8688 granting a franchise by the City of Boulder, Colorado, to ALLO Communications LLC, its successors and assigns, pursuant to Chapter 6, “Boulder Cable Code,” B.R.C. 1981, and ALLO Communications LLC’s franchise application, to furnish cable television services within the identified franchise areas of the city and to all persons, businesses, and industries within the franchise areas and the right to acquire, construct, install, locate, maintain, operate and extend into, within and through said franchise areas of the city all facilities reasonably necessary to furnish cable television services within the franchise areas of the city and the right to make reasonable use of all streets and other public places and public easements as herein defined as may be necessary for the benefit of the city of Boulder; and fixing the terms and conditions thereof; and setting forth related details Carl Castillo, Chief Policy Advisor, and Andy Frohardt, Assistant City Attorney II, provided a presentation and answered questions from Council. Representatives from ALLO Communications LLC provided a presentation and also answered questions from Council. Don Mulvey, Innovation and Technology Deputy Director, provided input and answered questions from Council. The public hearing opened at 7:34 p.m. and the following spoke: Virtual: 1. Lynn Segal - did not show The public hearing closed at 7:34 p.m. Packet Page 16 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 Motion Made By/Seconded Vote Motion to adopt Ordinance 8688 granting a franchise by the City of Boulder, Colorado, to ALLO Communications LLC, its successors and assigns, pursuant to Chapter 6, “Boulder Cable Code,” B.R.C. 1981, and ALLO Communications LLC’s franchise application, to furnish cable television services within the identified franchise areas of the city and to all persons, businesses, and industries within the franchise areas and the right to acquire, construct, install, locate, maintain, operate and extend into, within and through said franchise areas of the city all facilities reasonably necessary to furnish cable television services within the franchise areas of the city and the right to make reasonable use of all streets and other public places and public easements as herein defined as may be necessary for the benefit of the city of Boulder; and fixing the terms and conditions thereof; and setting forth related details Benjamin / Wallach Adopted 9:0 B.Consideration of a motion to approve the 2025 Boards and Commissions appointments Elesha Johnson, City Clerk, outlined the appointment process of nominating and appointing Board and Commissions candidates to fill vacancies. John Morse, Elections Administrator, provided a presentation with the current boards and commission numbers and assisted the City Clerk in the nomination process. The public hearing opened at 7:42 p.m. and the following spoke: Virtual: 1. Lynn Segal - did not show 2. Aidan Cook 3.Daniela Withaar The public hearing closed at 7:45 p.m. Elesha Johnson, City Clerk, reviewed the formal candidate nomination process. Packet Page 17 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 Council performed the nomination process and the appointments below were made. Motion Made By/Seconded Vote Consideration of a motion to approve the 2025 Boards and Commissions appointments as noted Adams / Marquis Approved 9:0 Packet Page 18 of 287 Item 3C – DRAFT March 20, 2025 Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 6. Matters from the City Manager 7.Matters from the City Attorney 8.Matters from the Mayor and Members of Council 9.Discussion Items 10.Debrief 11.Adjournment There being no further business to come before Council at this time, by motion regularly adopted, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Brockett at 9:23 p.m. Approved this 1st day of May 2025. APPROVED BY: ______________________________ Aaron Brockett, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ Elesha Johnson, City Clerk Packet Page 19 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M C onsideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T C arolyn Elam, Sustainability Senior Manager RE Q U E ST E D AC T I ON O R MOT I ON L AN GU AG E Motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 3D - SS Summary for the Mar. 13 Xcel E nergy P artnership Update Packet Page 20 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update. PRESENTERS Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Pam Davis, Assistant City Manager Jonathan Koehn, Director of Climate Initiatives Carolyn Elam, Sustainability Senior Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This agenda item provides a summary of the March 13, 2025 study session on the Xcel Energy Partnership Update. The overall discussion centered on the evolution of the partnership, where there has been progress and where there are opportunities for improvement. Council emphasized the need to ensure that the future state of the franchise and partnership are aligned with Boulder’s energy goals and community priorities. Key topics included system reliability, wildfire risk reduction, equitable energy access and Boulder’s long-term role in energy planning. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 1 Packet Page 21 of 287 STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL Study session questions were: •Are there areas of focus that council would like to see receive greater priority within the Xcel partnership work plan for the next five years? •Given 2025 marks the first five-year anniversary term, is there any additional information or analysis council needs from staff or Xcel to inform an affirmative decision to continue with the franchise? BOARD AND COMMISSION FEEDBACK None PUBLIC FEEDBACK None ATTACHMENTS Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025, Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership Suggested Motion Language: Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following motion: Motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 2 Packet Page 22 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership March 13, 2025, Study Session Summary Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership PRESENT City Council: Mayor Aaron Brockett, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Folkerts, Taishya Adams, Tina Marquis, Ryan Schuchard, Nicole Speer, Mark Wallach, Tara Winer Staff: Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager; Pam Davis, Assistant City Manager; Jonathan Koehn, Director of Climate Initiatives; Carolyn Elan, Sustainability Senior Manager Xcel Energy: Robert Kenney, President, Xcel Energy Colorado; Andrew Holder, Director, Community Relations; Nick Cole, Boulder Area Manager Community Advisory Panel: George Craft and Wayne Seltzer STAFF QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL Staff requested council’s feedback on the following: 1)Are there areas of focus that council would like to see receive greater priority within the Xcel partnership work plan for the next five years? 2)Given 2025 marks the first five-year anniversary term, is there any additional information or analysis council needs from staff or Xcel to inform an affirmative decision to continue with the franchise? SUMMARY The overall discussion centered on the evolution of the partnership, where there has been progress and where there are opportunities for improvement. City Council members emphasized the need to ensure that the future state of the franchise and partnership are aligned with Boulder’s energy goals and community priorities. Key topics included system reliability, wildfire risk reduction, equitable energy access and Boulder’s long- term role in energy planning. Below is a summary of the key partnership areas of interest and priorities identified by City Council: Strengthening the Partnership & Future Agreement •Refine how the city and Xcel work together to address emerging challenges. •Ensure the franchise agreement aligns with Boulder’s long-term priorities. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 3 Packet Page 23 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership •Evaluate options available if Boulder decides to opt out of the partnership in the next year or two. System Reliability & Wildfire Resilience •Advocate for improved notification systems and response times for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). •Identify opportunities for microgrids and resilience hubs to protect critical infrastructure. •Ensure a streamlined process for community members to navigate wildfire mitigation programs. Clean Energy Transition & Decarbonization •Ensure Boulder’s energy planning includes local solar generation and clean heat strategies. •Advocate for equitable energy transition policies and financial assistance for residents. •Seek greater transparency on coal ash remediation and air quality monitoring. Energy Equity & Community Benefits •Ensure community members directly benefit from energy investments, including lower costs and improved services. •Advocate for stronger environmental justice regulations to mitigate disproportionate pollution impacts. •Push for expanded bill credits, debt forgiveness and energy assistance programs. Transparency & Accountability •Establish clear expectations for how Xcel will meet its energy goals. •Push for greater transparency around coal plant air quality monitoring and pollution reduction efforts. •Ensure better coordination with local and state liaisons for regulatory decisions. •Boulder to review progress on emissions goals to determine alignment with city priorities. Xcel committed to the following actions in response to Council’s requests for additional information and follow-up: •Wildfire Mitigation & System Reliability: Provide a detailed outline of planned projects, including a list of wildfire resilience efforts and a timeline for improvements to PSPS communication and response. •Energy Goals & Decarbonization: Share an updated plan for achieving 2027 and 2030 energy targets and continue to provide updates on progress toward full energy system decarbonization. •Cost Transparency & Community Benefits: Deliver additional details on projected community cost savings, including the role of tax credits in reducing project costs. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 4 Packet Page 24 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership •Program Communication & Engagement: Improve communication processes around programs, service reliability, and community engagement. •PSPS Transparency & Restoration: Increase transparency in PSPS decision-making and restoration procedures, and expand crew and contractor readiness to speed up power restoration after storms. •Outage Information: Enhance outage maps to provide more real-time visibility during power disruptions. •Resilience & Microgrids: Collaborate with Boulder to assess the feasibility of local microgrids and continue coordination on priorities for resilience centers. •Natural Gas Transition: Offer rebates and incentives for electrification and clarify long-term strategy around natural gas investments and potential stranded asset risks. •Environmental Monitoring: Follow up with information on coal ash cleanup, including whether air quality monitoring is in place, and share related data in the coming months. •Clean Heat Program: Work with the City to track participation in the Clean Heat Program and improve community outreach efforts. COUNCIL DISCUSSION COUNCIL QUESTIONS Council members asked whether Xcel has assessed risks stemming from changes in the federal government, and what vulnerabilities have been identified that might impact future costs. Xcel responded that it is working with the Edison Electric Institute, trade organizations, and utilities nationwide to advocate for preserving the investment and production tax credits. Since these projects benefit both red and blue states, there is optimism that the credits will remain in place. Xcel is continuing to study the potential cost impacts of tariffs, but so far those impacts appear manageable and are not expected to result in the cancellation of projects. Concerns were raised about the rising cost of living and how community members can better understand the cost savings that are returning to customers from Xcel’s investments. Xcel noted that it could follow up with more detailed information, but highlighted that between 2017 and 2022, wind projects helped avoid approximately $700 million in natural gas and coal fuel costs. There may be opportunities to quantify how tax credits have reduced overall project costs, which could be explored further. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 5 Packet Page 25 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership Questions were raised about emissions targets outlined in the franchise agreement and the failure to meet the 2022 and 2024 milestones. Council sought insight into future milestones and the confidence in achieving them. Xcel cited the retirement of coal plants, addition of new renewable energy, and reliance on experienced forecasters and modelers as reasons for confidence in meeting the remaining milestones. It was noted that forecasts aim for 90% carbon-free electricity by 2030, which would surpass the 2030 franchise milestone. With the one-year anniversary of the April 2024 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) approaching, questions were asked about what has changed and whether the process of restoring power still takes up to three days. Xcel reiterated the need to inspect lines after wind events before re-energizing and acknowledged this takes time. It highlighted improvements such as reducing the number of impacted customers, prestaging crews, and improving communication. The topic of undergrounding was raised, with concerns about its limited impact given the high cost of $4–6 million per mile. Xcel acknowledged the high cost of undergrounding but noted some will be done for wildfire mitigation and system resiliency. Opportunities also exist for communities to accumulate 1% funds or seek alternative funding sources. Questions were asked about natural gas investments and how Xcel is addressing the risk of stranded assets as buildings electrify. Xcel stated that it expects to invest about $500 million in the gas system, with 60–70% for asset health and reliability. Retiring the gas system will take decades, and investments are necessary to maintain safety. Xcel must continue to serve customers who request gas service. Concerns were expressed about the frequency of recent power outages and whether these were related to PSPS events. Xcel confirmed that only one PSPS event has occurred in Colorado, in April 2024. However, it has made changes to increase the system’s sensitivity, meaning power may shut off more quickly when faults are detected. Clarification was requested about the communications timeline for PSPS events. Xcel stated that emergency management offices and critical facility customers would receive 48–72 hours of advance notice, while all other anticipated impacted customers would be notified 24–48 hours in advance. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 6 Packet Page 26 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership Additional clarification was requested regarding who qualifies as a critical customer. Xcel explained that hospitals, water treatment plants, and pharmacies qualify due to their life safety functions. Restaurants, for example, would not be considered critical customers. There was interest in exploring the potential for self-sufficient geographic zones (e.g., microgrids) that could remain powered during grid outages. Xcel acknowledged this as a topic worth further discussion. Council inquired about the standards Xcel uses to design its system to withstand wind speeds in Boulder. Xcel stated that it uses the most current national standards, which are not specific to local conditions. Frequent outages in areas with underground lines, such as the Shanahan Ridge Neighborhood, were questioned. Xcel explained that lines may be underground in one segment but overhead in others; a fault in an overhead section can still impact downstream underground customers. It also noted that underground equipment is not immune to failure. There were questions about the status of improved outage mapping to better inform residents about both anticipated PSPS and real-time outages. Xcel indicated that mapping improvements are underway and noted a PSPS implementation in Texas using enhanced maps. Each PSPS event is unique, so maps would be event-specific. Questions were raised about delays in interconnecting solar systems. Xcel acknowledged that while each situation is different, there had been a substantial backlog two years ago due to a surge in applications tied to changes in federal tax credits. System improvements have since been made to reduce delays. Council also inquired about the Valmont coal ash cleanup and any plans for air monitoring. Xcel indicated that it would follow up via the hotline with additional information. Concerns were expressed about habitat and wildlife disruption due to utility infrastructure. Xcel responded that it complies with extensive regulations, especially concerning sensitive species. Restoration of land to pre-construction conditions is standard practice, Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 7 Packet Page 27 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership and additional information would be provided after consulting with subject matter experts. Questions were raised about how Xcel tracks cumulative effects on disproportionately impacted populations from the environmental and socioeconomic effects of energy generation. Xcel pointed to various programs that support low-income and disproportionately impacted customers. Council asked how much of the recently approved Clean Heat Plan’s investments would be directed to Boulder. Xcel said a significant portion of the funds would go to rebate programs benefiting residents and businesses, including those in Boulder. Finally, concerns were raised about federal funding for the virtual power plant project and whether it might be at risk. Xcel expressed confidence that the funding is secure and noted ongoing work with the Department of Energy to begin utilizing those funds. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council offered the following comments in response to the staff questions: Are there areas of focus that council would like to see receive greater priority within the Xcel partnership work plan for the next five years? Given 2025 marks the first five-year anniversary term, is there any additional information or analysis council needs from staff or Xcel to inform an affirmative decision to continue with the franchise? 1) Areas of Focus for the Next Five Years of the Xcel Partnership Work Plan Council members expressed strong interest in the following priorities: •Wildfire Resilience and Mitigation: Identified as a top priority, with specific emphasis on targeted undergrounding, reducing power outage durations after wind events, and improving PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) communications and restoration processes. •System Reliability and Resilience: Calls for enhanced infrastructure design to withstand Boulder’s wind conditions, better outage communications, and investment in system upgrades. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 8 Packet Page 28 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership •Microgrids, Local Storage, and Resilience Hubs: Widespread support for developing local energy solutions, including virtual power plants and resilience centers, to support energy reliability during emergencies. •Beneficial Electrification and Transition from Natural Gas: Interest in a clear plan to transition away from natural gas toward more affordable, renewable electricity, with an emphasis on affordability and long-term cost savings for customers. •Equity and Community Assistance: Requests for expanding energy assistance programs, including direct compensation such as bill credits or debt forgiveness for health impacts from pollution, and ensuring disproportionately impacted communities are supported. •Environmental Monitoring and Remediation: Strong interest in air and water quality monitoring, particularly around the coal ash cleanup project, with calls for transparency and going beyond regulatory requirements to assure public health and environmental safety. •Transparency and Tangible Progress: Council seeks clearer metrics, timelines, and reporting that demonstrate measurable progress toward emissions reductions and other goals in the partnership. •Improved Customer Service and Communication: Emphasis on delivering promised improvements to customer service and ensuring timely and transparent communication around outages and major projects. 2) Additional Information or Analysis Needed to Inform Continuation of the Franchise Council members requested the following to support an informed decision on continuing the franchise: •Assurance on Emissions Milestones: Greater confidence is needed in Xcel’s ability to meet future emissions targets. •Cost Transparency and Public Benefit: Better data on how Xcel’s investments are delivering cost savings to customers, as well as transparency around all partnership- related investments and costs. •Environmental and Public Health Monitoring: More accessible public information on coal ash cleanup activities and broader environmental impacts, including potential effects of new energy sources like nuclear. •Options and Offramps: Interest in understanding legal and practical options if the city were to exit the franchise, including a cost-benefit analysis and exploration of alternatives such as municipalizing the gas system. •SMART Goals and a Clear Working Agreement: Desire for transparent, measurable goals that are accessible to the public, and a clearly defined framework for how the city and Xcel will continue to collaborate moving forward. The two Community Advisory Panel members present shared the following feedback: •Emphasized the importance of continuing the partnership, noting that collaboration requires mutual flexibility and commitment from both the city and Xcel. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 9 Packet Page 29 of 287 Attachment A – Summary of the March 13, 2025 Study Session regarding Update on the Xcel Energy Partnership •Acknowledged that progress has been made, and stressed the value of ongoing cooperation to achieve shared goals. •Suggested the creation of a dashboard as a centralized, transparent resource to track the status of projects and their contribution to the 2030 renewable electricity goal. •Reinforced the importance of maintaining focus on the city's 100% renewable electricity target. NEXT STEPS The City and Xcel Energy will continue collaborating to enhance wildfire resilience, energy equity and system reliability. Xcel will provide detailed information on upcoming wildfire mitigation and resilience projects, communication improvements for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and updates on coal ash remediation and air quality monitoring. Staff will continue to explore alternative partnership options, define priorities for resilience centers and microgrid development, and track progress toward emissions goals. Both parties are discussing the creation of a public-facing dashboard to monitor energy equity efforts and program participation. Boulder will also evaluate the effectiveness of Xcel’s clean heat and decarbonization programs and assess overall alignment with the city’s long-term climate and renewable energy commitments. A formal review of the franchise agreement is planned, including consideration of the potential 2025 offramp, to evaluate whether the partnership continues to align with Boulder’s climate and community goals. City staff will coordinate with council to determine the timing and method by which to share analysis on the impacts of opting out of the franchise and the options that would be available to the city in such event. Item 3D - Consideration of a motion to accept the March 13, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Xcel Energy Partnership Update Page 10 Packet Page 30 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M C onsideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Sloane Walbert/Inclusionary Housing Manager RE Q U E ST E D AC T I ON O R MOT I ON L AN GU AG E Motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 3E - Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study Packet Page 31 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE: Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study. PRESENTER/S: Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Mark Woulf, Assistant City Manager Kurt Firnhaber, Director of Housing & Human Services Jay Sugnet, Housing Senior Manager Sloane Walbert, Inclusionary Housing Program Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This agenda item provides a summary of the Apr. 10 study session on the findings of a completed nexus study on the impact of demolitions and replacements of single-family homes and/or significant additions on affordable housing in the city. The purpose of this item was for City Council to review the findings of the nexus study and provide feedback on the implementation of a possible impact fee on these types of redevelopments. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following motion: Motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study. ATTACHMENT A.Summary of the April 10, 2025 Study Session on the Affordable Housing Nexus Study Item 3E - Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study Page 1 Packet Page 32 of 287 ATTACHMENT A April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary Affordable Housing Nexus Study PRESENT City Council: Tara Winer, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Folkerts, Taishya Adams, Tina Marquis, Ryan Schuchard, Nicole Speer. Staff: Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager; Mark Woulf, Assistant City Manager; Pam Davis Assistant City Manager; Teresa Taylor Tate, City Attorney; Kurt Firnhaber, Director for HHS; Brad Mueller, Director for P&DS; Jay Sugnet, Senior Manager HHS; Sloane Walbert, Inclusionary Housing Program Manager HHS. OVERVIEW The study session provided council members with the opportunity to review the findings of a completed nexus study on the impact of demolitions and replacements of single-family homes and/or significant additions on affordable housing in the city and provide feedback on the implementation of a possible impact fee on these types of redevelopments. SUMMARY OF PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION Sloane Walbert presented the history of this item, background information on the city’s current programs related to affordable housing, and an introduction to the nexus study. Andrew Ratchford with Gruen Gruen + Associates presented the methodology and findings of the nexus study. Sloane Walbert, Andrew Rachford, and Kurt Firnhaber responded to questions about the nexus study and the city’s affordable housing programs. Response to Questions: 1.Does City Council have any questions on the Gruen Gruen + Associates Nexus Study and Recommendations? Council members shared appreciation for the work of the consultant and staff. While most of council understood and agreed on the approach, the following items were raised for further consideration in the development of an ordinance to impose an impact fee: •There was general confusion regarding what can be accomplished through Inclusionary Housing (IH) versus a Development Impact Fee. Staff explained that IH only applies to new residential development. As part of the 2022 update to IH, City Council expressed a desire to make scrapes and large additions contribute to the city’s affordable housing. Since this can’t be accomplished through IH, a nexus study was added to the housing workplan. Several council members expressed a desire for the impact fee to influence the behavior of developers and use it to Item 3E - Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study Page 2 Attachment A: Summary of the April 10, 2025 Study Session on the Affordable Housing Nexus Study Packet Page 33 of 287 discourage scrapes and large additions (or induce developers to build smaller, more modest homes). While outside the scope of this effort, they requested staff explore options to address this issue. •There was agreement that the impact fee should not apply to small additions in an effort to retain middle-income households. The consultant recommendation of applying the fee to ONLY additions adding 500 square feet of net new residential area concerned some as too low and others too high. Some council members felt that a 500 square foot “credit” should be given to each home rather than utilizing a threshold. Defining an appropriate threshold or credit will be important and the potential implications of going in either direction. •The majority of council members believe that single-family households can afford the fee and that it would not disincentivize someone from considering an addition or a scrape and a rebuild. This is particularly true for larger homes. •Council members expressed interest in exploring a graduated or progressive fee but recognized there may be legal challenges associated with this approach. Staff are concerned that this approach will add significant complexity and may not be worth the minimal amount of additional revenue it would generate in addition to the legal concern. •There was support to exempt Accessory Dwelling Units since that is a housing type the city is actively encouraging. •Several members of council were interested in better understanding how an impact fee would affect recently adopted regulations allowing for the creation of duplexes. Staff clarified that any new housing units created would be addressed through Inclusionary Housing and that the impact fee would only apply to net new square footage added to a home. •Overall, council members were supportive of this effort and noted that it is an opportunity to generate additional funding for affordable housing. 2.Does Council have any feedback on the staff’s proposed schedule and approach to community engagement? Council members were generally supportive of the staff proposed schedule and approach to community engagement. Additional groups to engage were mentioned, including older adults, homeowners in relatively small homes that may be considering an addition, families, and parents with children in the Boulder Valley School District. NEXT STEPS May 2025 Initial engagement begins Sep. 2025 Development of policy and code Item 3E - Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study Page 3 Attachment A: Summary of the April 10, 2025 Study Session on the Affordable Housing Nexus Study Packet Page 34 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M C onsideration of a motion to accept the April 10, Study Session Summary regarding the Core Artenial Network Initiative Update P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Melanie Sloan, Transportation Principal Project Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network I nitiativ e Update Packet Page 35 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE Consideration of a motion to accept the April 10, 2025 Study Session Summary regarding the Core Arterial Network (CAN) Update. PRESENTER(S) Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Pam Davis, Assistant City Manager Valerie Watson, Interim Director of Transportation and Mobility Stephen Rijo, Transportation Planning Manager Gerrit Slatter, Civil Engineering Senior Manager Devin Joslin, Civil Engineering Senior Manager Melanie Sloan, Transportation Principal Project Manager Brian Wiltshire, Civil Engineering Manager Daniel Sheeter, Transportation Principal Planner Michael Koslow, Civil Engineering Senior Project Manager Ericka Amador, Transportation Senior Planner John McFarlane, Transportation Senior Planner Lucy O’Sullivan, Transportation Planner EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This agenda item provides a summary of the Core Arterial Network (CAN) Update presented at the April 10, 2025 Study Session. The study session served as a progress update on the overall CAN initiative and work to date on CAN Priority Corridors, the CAN work plan schedule, a review of progress on the North 30th Street CAN corridor, discussion on the Community and Environmental Item 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network Initiative Update Page 1 Packet Page 36 of 287 Assessment Process to prepare decision-makers for decisions before them in 2025, and a review of the CAN funding strategy. Staff requested City Council’s input on the following topics: 1. Do you have any questions on the progress of the Core Arterial Network (CAN) and its three priority corridors? 2. Do you have any questions about the funding strategy for the CAN? 3. Do you have any questions or requests for additional information to prepare for upcoming Community and Environmental Assessment Processes (CEAP): a.For the North 30th Street Preliminary Design project? b.For the Folsom Street Safety Improvements Project? The staff memorandum and presentation at the April 10, 2025 city council study session included progress and status reports on the following key topics, summarized here as presented by staff: CAN Initiative Work Plan and Schedule Update Staff presented on the status of active CAN Work Plan projects, provided an updated detailed schedule, and celebrated the milestone of accomplishing the city council priority commitment to initiate community engagement and conceptual design by 2025 for the three priority corridors: Baseline Road, Iris Avenue, and Folsom Street. Staff shared information on four recently completed projects and the 15 active projects in various stages of design, engagement and construction. Completed projects include safer street crossings, the second protected intersection in the city, near term safety improvements with paving on Colorado Avenue near CU’s main campus, and rapid steps towards realizing the East Arapahoe Avenue Transportation Plan vision. CAN Initiative Priority Corridor Updates Staff presented the status of the three CAN Priority Corridors: Baseline Road, Iris Avenue, and Folsom Street. Baseline Road Priority Corridor – Phase 2 Update Staff provided an update on ongoing efforts on this first CAN Priority Corridor: Baseline Road from 30th Street to Foothills Parkway. Staff presented that the Baseline priority corridor is being completed in two phases. Phase 1 was completed in 2023 as part of the Pavement Management Program (PMP). Phase 2 builds on lessons learned in Phase 1 and will make permanent the interim protected intersections installed with paving in 2023, including at Baseline Road and Mohawk Avenue, complete transit speed and reliability improvements, and add a new protected intersection at Baseline Road & 30th Street. Phase 2 construction will begin later this year and take about 15 months to complete.  Iris Avenue Priority Corridor Update Staff provided an update on the second priority corridor, Iris Avenue from Broadway to 28th Street. Final design of the TAB recommended and City Council approved Community and Environmental Assessment Process (CEAP) recommended conceptual Item 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network Initiative Update Page 2 Packet Page 37 of 287 design began in January 2025, and will be completed in 2026. Construction will begin once funding is secured. Folsom Street Priority Corridor Update Staff presented that the city began work in December 2024 on the third priority corridor, Folsom Street from Pine Street to Colorado Avenue, accomplishing the goal of initiating community engagement and conceptual design by 2025 for the three priority corridors. Community and Environmental Assessment Process (CEAP) Staff presented detailed updates on the community and environmental assessment process, or CEAP. The CEAP is the city’s formal review process that assesses the potential impacts of capital improvement projects to help select the best conceptual design alternative. The CEAP uses project specific evaluation criteria, the CEAP checklist and community input to identify a recommended alternative. Both the Folsom Street Safety Improvements Project and the North 30th Street Preliminary Design Project use the CEAP to evaluate their conceptual designs and to identify recommended alternatives. Any recommended alternative will need to balance community and business priorities of safety and comfort with travel time and reliability, impacts to the environment, and emergency response. Day-to-day emergency response is especially important for the North 30th project because both the city’s police and fire departments have stations located directly on or near to the corridor. For the Folsom project, the importance of urban design is key to the street’s vitality. For the North 30th project, implementation feasibility is key because of the awarded Safe Streets for All funds to implement changes to the street from Pearl Street to the Diagonal Highway and at the 30th Street and Arapahoe Avenue intersection. The priority of safety is about both providing space and time for people to navigate conflict points and reducing conflicts before they occur. Repurposing vehicle lanes can provide the space needed to ensure everyone can travel comfortably and safely, and reduces the number of conflict points for people driving, makes it easier to move on and off the corridor, and shortens the crossing distances for people walking, biking and rolling. Removing right turn bypass lanes reduces the potential for conflict at intersections. Both projects include alternatives that repurpose lanes, but only the North 30th project includes designs that remove right turn bypass lanes. Providing dedicated signal phases at intersections and the time needed for people walking, biking, and rolling to cross the street adds time for everyone’s travel, whether or not any other safety improvements are made on the street. These increases to travel time impact transit service, too. The Folsom project alternatives are similar in their travel time changes. The North 30th project has significant differences in travel time between alternatives. Item 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network Initiative Update Page 3 Packet Page 38 of 287 Providing space for organizing and beautifying a constrained corridor like Folsom Street is only possible through strategic lane repurposing. The Folsom project has two alternatives that seek to provide space for Urban Design. Realizing the CAN initiative in the next four to five years depends on designs that are implementable using available funding. The North 30th project alternatives are evaluated for whether they can be implemented with awarded Safe Streets for All funds by 2029, the construction completion due date of that grant for portions of the corridor. The Folsom project alternatives are evaluated for the relative time and cost to build. The simplest indicator for time and cost is whether or not an alternative relocates existing curbs. Each project includes alternatives that relocate curbs. Emergency response is important for both corridors but especially so for the North 30th project because both the city’s police and fire departments have stations located directly on or near to the corridor. Repurposing lanes could reduce the space available for emergency response. Each project’s alternatives include lane widths, bike lane separations and medians designed to ensure emergency response is supported to the maximum extent feasible. The community prioritizes the environment, and so air quality, street tree impacts, greenhouse gas and other environmental impacts are evaluated for each project’s alternatives. The draft CEAP evaluation for the Folsom project shows the three alternatives balancing the key priorities of safety, travel time, and urban design. The project team will be collecting community input on the three alternatives in April 2025 and will consider that when finalizing the CEAP and identifying a recommended alternative in May 2025. The CEAP evaluation and recommendation will balance all criteria with an eye towards these key priorities, but the recommended design may not achieve all desired benefits. The draft CEAP evaluation for the North 30th project determined more work is needed because no alternative adequately balances the three key factors of safety, travel time and implementation feasibility. Community input received in April 2025 will inform the further design work. The final CEAP evaluation and recommendation will be challenged to pragmatically balance all criteria and specifically the key criteria of safety, travel time, and budget, and the optimal solution may not achieve all desired benefits. CEAP actions by the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and City Council will take place in June for the North 30th project and in July and August, respectively, for the Folsom project. CAN Initiative Funding Update Staff presented on the status of federal grant funds, including the $23 million in federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding awarded in late 2023. This federal grant, including other grants like Safe Routes to School, Transportation Alternatives Program, Item 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network Initiative Update Page 4 Packet Page 39 of 287 Revitalizing Main Streets, and Highway Safety Improvements Program, are a central focus to helping fund the planning, design and implementation of CAN projects and to fund specific actions from the 2023-2027 Vision Zero Action Plan and to further the city’s Vision Zero goals and objectives. As of the April 10, 2025, study session, the city had not received notice that any previously awarded external grant funds, including SS4A, are impacted or delayed by changing legislation or policies, and staff are continuing forward with project development activities. Staff will continue to monitor the grant landscape and adjust efforts accordingly. Staff will also continue to look for ways to advance CAN goals through internal programmatic activities like the Pavement Management Program and the Vision Zero Action Plan. Transportation Advisory Board Feedback Staff presented the CAN initiative update to the TAB at their April 14, 2025 meeting. The TAB expressed appreciation for the progress on the CAN. Some members advocated for the impacts to the environment, including public street trees, to be clearer in the CEAP evaluation. Others asked for more detail on each project’s impacts to travel time and wanted more information on design details like bike lane separation and median designs. Some members asked for more detail on the CEAP draft evaluation scoring methodology and suggested that staff explore if final evaluation scores should be provided as a weighted average. CITY COUNCIL FEEDBACK Following the staff presentation, City Council members asked several questions, with a few common themes emerging: general support for the CAN, desire for more information on responding to potential federal funding changes, interest in post-implementation data on travel choices and crashes, and the desire to elevate environmental impacts and potential maintenance costs in the CEAP evaluation. City council members asked the following clarifying questions and provided the following specific feedback: •Tina Marquis o Council member Marquis asked about post implementation crash data on CAN corridors. Staff shared that when the city implements safety improvements at intersections there is a substantial reduction in crashes. Fortunately, corridors with completed projects have no recorded fatalities since being implemented. o Council member Marquis asked that the maintenance costs of alternatives be more clearly shown in the CEAP evaluation. Staff acknowledged these costs are inherent in the evaluation but could be made clearer. Staff shared that about 70% of city transportation funds support capital maintenance. o Council member Marquis asked about the mix of city and grant funds for transportation projects and programs and asked if city transportation funds Item 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network Initiative Update Page 5 Packet Page 40 of 287 could be reallocated for other means. The City Manager shared that through its Citywide Long-term Financial Strategy work, the city is focusing on understanding what funds in the budget are dedicated and what are discretionary and could be made available for other purposes. o Council member Marquis asked if the Iris project funding has changed. Staff clarified that $1 million has been allocated to complete final design and funding to advance construction of the project has not yet been identified. •Taishya Adams o Council member Adams asked about the department’s approach to potential federal funding changes and requested staff prioritize the work plan in anticipation of significant changes in federal funds. Staff shared that they are confident their record of successful grant awards from the past two decades will continue but are prepared to pivot to advancing work through existing programs, like the Pavement Management Program, and leveraging others’ work within the city, like Colorado Department of Transportation pavement maintenance, to make incremental progress. o Council member Adams asked that habitat and environmental criteria be more prominent in the CEAP evaluation, including the potential for renewable energy and energy generation. •Lauren Folkerts o Council member Folkerts requested the CEAP evaluation more clearly demonstrate the environmental impacts of alternatives, like heat island effect, and shared concern that projects with more concrete or asphalt are scoring positively. •Nicole Speer o Council member Speer asked about the future potential to revisit any approved CEAP and recommended alternative should the funding landscape change. Staff shared that it is not uncommon for approved conceptual designs to be refined through final design to reflect current best practices and priorities. •Ryan Schuchard o Council member Schuchard shared his support for the CAN and its ability to center climate and equity through creating a safe and accessible multimodal street network. o Council member Schuchard asked what has worked well in TAB and City Council participation in engagement. Staff shared that TAB and City Council presence at public open houses helps the community understand why the CAN is a priority and to better understand why each project is being advanced. •Tara Winer o Council member Winer expressed support for making environmental impacts in the CEAP evaluation clearer. •Matthew Benjamin o Council member Benjamin was not able to attend the study session but shared support for staff to continue their work in advancing the CAN Item 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network Initiative Update Page 6 Packet Page 41 of 287 initiative prior to the meeting and asked for staff’s approach to potential changes in federal funding (addressed above under Council member Adams). •Mark Wallach o Council member Wallach was not able to attend the study session but shared support for staff to continue their work in advancing the CAN initiative prior to the meeting and asked for more information on post implementation crash data, post implementation use data, more information on the scoring methodology used for the draft CEAP evaluation, and for clarification of the costs for the Iris Avenue priority corridor (addressed above under Council members Marquis and Adams). •Mayor Aaron Brockett o Mayor Brocket was not able to attend the study session but shared support for staff to continue their work in advancing the CAN initiative prior to the meeting and shared his interest in advancing implementation of currently active CAN projects before initiating work on new corridors or advancing their preliminary designs. NEXT STEPS Staff will continue to advance the CAN and CEAP work for both the North 30th and Folsom projects. Staff will return to the TAB and City Council in June, July and August 2025 for their actions on the North 30th and Folsom street project CEAPs. Item 3F - Study Session Summary - Core Arterial Network Initiative Update Page 7 Packet Page 42 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M C onsideration of a motion to ratify the Library District Board of Trustees Selection C ommittee’s appointment of one trustee to the Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T C hris Meschuk AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 3G - Consideration of a motion to ratify the Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee’s appointment of one trustee to the B oulder P ublic L ibrary District B oard of Trustees Packet Page 43 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE Consideration of a motion to ratify the Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee’s appointment of two trustees to the Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees PRESENTERS Library District Board of Trustee Selection Committee Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this agenda item is for City Council to consider ratifying the appointment of one trustee to the Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees. Pursuant to Colorado Library Law and the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City, County, and Library District, the City Council appointed two of its members to the selection committee (Councilmembers Adams and Marquis) along with two members of the Board of County Commissioners (Commissioners Levy & Stoltzman). The committee also includes two ex-officio members from the Library District Board of Trustees (Trustees Duran and Wirba). The committee solicited applications, received 37 applications, interviewed 4 candidates, and selected one candidate to fill the one expiring seat. The committee selected Nadine Struzziero for a 5-year term. Trustees selected by the Selection Committee must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote of City Council and a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of County Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 1 Packet Page 44 of 287 Commissioners. The bodies must act on the Selection Committee’s recommendation within 60 days, or the selected trustees are automatically ratified. The BOCC is considering the Selection Committee’s recommendations on April 22, 2025. STAFF RECOMMENDATION ANALYSIS The Selection Committee met on April 3, 2025 and April 17, 2025 In these three meetings, the committee conducted the candidate application review, held interviews and voted to select one trustee. The application collected demographic information that included address, age, race and ethnicity as well as questions for an applicant to answer. The questions posed were meant to collect information on a candidates desire to serve on the board, experience with serving on a nonprofit or governmental board, what skills they believe are needed to serve, personal characteristics that would make them a good candidate for the board, related decision making skills, equity work, and whether they or a family member have worked or served for the City of Boulder or Boulder County. Applicants were also required to acknowledge and pledge to support and promote the principals set forth in the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Trustee Statement of Ethics. The application process was coordinated by the Boulder Public Library District staff, supported by city and county staff. 37 eligible applications were submitted. 28 applicants reside in the city of Boulder, Nine applicants reside in the unincorporated county. The Selection Committee held 15-minute virtual interviews with 4 candidates on April 17.The committee selected Nadine Struzziero for a 5-year term. Colorado law and the intergovernmental agreement with the city, county, and library district states that trustees selected by the Selection Committee must be ratified by a two- thirds majority vote of City Council and a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners. City Council and the Commissioners must act on the Selection Suggested Motion Language: Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following motion: Motion to ratify the Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee’s appointment of two trustees to the Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees as specified in the Analysis section of this Agenda Memorandum. Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 2 Packet Page 45 of 287 Committee’s recommendation within 60 days, or the recommended trustees are automatically ratified. If a trustee is not ratified, the committee would reconvene to consider additional candidates for the trustee(s) that are not ratified. All applications can be found in Attachment A to this memorandum. OPTIONS The City Council can ratify the appointment, or not ratify the appointment. If not ratified, the Selection Committee will reconvene to review existing applications or begin the search process again to recommend another nominee for ratification. ATTACHMENT A – Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 3 Packet Page 46 of 287 Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees 2025 Application Packet Appoint member to expired 5-year term to replace Trustee Fuqua, ending in 2030 List of Candidates Stephanie Bachman Rebecca Boyle Nadine Struzziero Al Vincent Lori Lucas Jadzia-Dax Aurelius von Beres Pamela Payne Arthur Lieb Shari Leach Elise Edson Lawrence Wojcik Sepideh Miller Jason Burton Ellen Mitchell Justin Rufa Diana Sadighi William Aspray Brian Kearney Christina Godbout Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 4 Packet Page 47 of 287 Cassidy Ragle Alan O'Hashi Aspen Everett Barbara Stern Elizabeth Carmichael Adrian Caponera Lisa Feria David Boonin Thomas Bogdan Frances Dahlberg Jamie Donahoe Benjamin Bayer Gary Bardsley Lauren Alweis Mary Steiner Erin Foley Georg Apitz David Martus Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 5 Packet Page 48 of 287 Applicant Demographics Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 6 Packet Page 49 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 7 Packet Page 50 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. At Quadient I worked with the HR team to implement a HR information systems solution to monitor the company's achievement of its equity goals while also working with our talent acquisition team to make sure that our roles were visible and appealing to potential employees from all different kinds of backgrounds. I would employ the same strategy at the library, determining the potential audience of library users and addressing outreach and content to each such audience. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   While I understand that individuals can have different views on what constitutes a "suitable" book, program, or item, I would discourage removal of items from the library. Because the library is designed to be knowledge source for the entire community, removing materials risks limiting the knowledge available at the library and should therefore be avoided. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No known conflicts 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I would see the top priorities for the board of trustees to be (1) safeguarding prudent spending of library funds to ensure that the libraries continue operating to serve the community, (2) encouraging library access by all community members, especially those who are not current library users, and (3) adjusting to changing information requirements of the community, whether in the technology or the collections available at the library. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 8 Packet Page 51 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 9 Packet Page 52 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  As seen in my work and volunteer experiences, I have excellent organizational and administrative skills. Most of my career has been spent in a leadership position developing strategy and executing project goal, and I hold executive positions in volunteer roles now, in both the City of Boulder Tenant Advisory Committee and in the Sierra Club Indian Peaks Group. I value my ability to identify what an organization is aiming for or needs, and finding ways to achieve those goals and needs. I take excellent notes and track action items and schedules well, and I find those to be the key to this skill. i think another great skill that I have is my ability to build and foster relationships. My job and volunteering both turn on making connections with others, communicating with them constantly, and negotiating many perspectives in order to achieve a common goal. In areas like this, where no one policy is perfect and not all are perfectly aligned, being an excellent relationship builder is critical. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. My greatest example of this comes from my work experience, where I support the federal government's obligations to consult with Tribes when the government is taking certain actions in the environment. I have learned over the years how to most effectively speak to Tribes about their concerns and values, and how to advise and guide the government in better acknowledging and addressing Tribal concerns and values in their consultation processes. The history of the Tribes and the Federal government is a fraught one, and the government's track record is terrible. I am a single person but have tried hard to understand my role and responsibility in making it better. In my work on the City of Boulder tenant advisory committee, I have also become more sensitive to the fact that Boulder's English as Second Language (ESL) tenants are the most affected by unfair rental practices and that often policymaking leaves them out due to language barriers. I want to commit better outreach to these communities, and I even see the library has a key opportunity for that. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 10 Packet Page 53 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   This is an interesting and tough question that would require many factors to come into play. I find book bans to historically represent a leveraging of power to silence marginalized groups and control discourse, so that a certain hegemony remains in power. Censorship and control of this nature are responsible for the erosion of a free and fair democracy. These days in particular, book bans have little to do with controlling legitimate harm and more to do with this sort of censorship and control. The library is the last place that should be considering abiding by book bans or removals of materials. On the other hand, we now live in an age of extreme mis- and dis- information, where uncontrolled circulation of certain narratives can also destroy productive social dialogue and free expression. I struggle to develop a specific, iron-clad scenario where removal of a book, program, or item would be appropriate, but I do think it would turn on its contribution to the circulation of mis- and dis-information. However, before making such a decision, the library would have to give serious consideration to who is requesting removal and why, and what harms or benefits are the outcome of such a removal. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I retain relationships in the local conservation community via Sierra Club, and certain city relationships through the Tenant Advisory Committee. I am not sure if these generate any conflict of interest, but I will be sure to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts by noting them as they arise to the Board and recusing myself if needed when it comes to critical decisions to protect the best interests of the organization. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I think the obvious top priority is to continue to uphold and protect the principles found in the library bill of rights, where all individuals have equal, free, fair, and safe access to the library and ideas contained therein. A major issue for Boulder at large seems to be the rising cost of living. Accordingly, I find a top priority of the board to be, on top of the previously stated, ensuring that the library is a place of free or low-cost access to information, programs, services, and opportunities for all people. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 11 Packet Page 54 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 12 Packet Page 55 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I am passionate about serving on the Library District Board of Trustees because reading has been my lifelong passion, and I want to share that love with our community. From a young age, books transported me to new worlds and broadened my understanding of different experiences. Growing up in central Pennsylvania, some of my fondest memories were weekly library visits with my mom-moments that nurtured my deep appreciation for literature. Now, as a mother of two, I am passing this love of reading to my children. Our family visits the Boulder library often, where my kids delight in choosing books to bring home. My son, Colton, proudly won the library card art contest last year, and this summer, he received his first library card featuring his own artwork-an experience that deepened his connection to the library. While I am committed to fostering my own children's love of reading, I want to extend that dedication to all children in our community. I believe the library should be a welcoming cornerstone for everyone-a safe, inspiring place where every child knows they belong and can discover the joy of books. Serving on the board would allow me to contribute to that mission and ensure that our library remains a vital resource for generations to come. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 13 Packet Page 56 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I am both a business woman and a mother, and while these characteristics may not be unique independently, together they are a perfection combination that will be an asset to our public libraries. I am a Marketer with over 15 years of experience at both large corporation and small start-ups (including a tech start up in Boulder). As a Marketer, I would be a valuable addition to the board because I bring a deep understanding of customer needs, market trends / perception, and communication strategies, which can be crucial for guiding an organization's outreach, fundraising efforts, and overall public image - especially when making strategic decisions and positioning and messaging. As a marketer passionate about the future of AI, I believe it has the power to democratize access to information and enhance learning opportunities. I see a meaningful role for AI in shaping the library of the future, integrating it thoughtfully to expand accessibility, engagement, and innovation in how we discover and share knowledge. I am also a Mother, and I bring valuable insight by advocating for family-friendly programming, early literacy, and community engagement. I have first hand experience using library resources with my children, and I understand the importance of accessibility, inclusivity, and digital literacy. I have a vested interest in ensuring the library remains a welcoming, enriching space for all children and families fostering a lifelong love of reading for future generations. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 14 Packet Page 57 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. I lead the Revenue and Performance Marketing team at Publicis Sapient, a global group of 30 talented individuals. Among them, five were the first in their families to graduate college. As a senior leader, I am deeply committed to fostering young, diverse, and underrepresented marketing talent. These five individuals joined my team after completing a company internship program, drawn by the opportunities, leadership, and inclusive culture I strive to cultivate. They represent the future of our workforce, and I am honored to play a role in their growth, helping to build a team where diverse perspectives thrive and talent is nurtured. I will bring this same commitment to equity, access, and opportunity to the Library District. Just as I have built an inclusive team, I will work to ensure the library remains a welcoming and accessible space for all, particularly for underrepresented communities. By championing initiatives that expand access to books, technology, and educational programs, I will help shape a library system that serves the diverse needs of our community. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I believe in the power of the individual and / or the parent to determine what is right or not right for an individual to read. I believe the public library should not censor books, and it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? N/A Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 15 Packet Page 58 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? One of the top priorities for the Library District Board of Trustees should be ensuring that the library remains a safe, welcoming space for families and children. Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books-they are vital community hubs where people of all backgrounds can come together to learn, grow, and connect. Every child should feel a sense of belonging when they walk through the doors, knowing they have a place to explore new ideas, develop a love for reading, and engage in enriching programs. Beyond fostering literacy, the library should serve as a cornerstone of the community, offering resources and opportunities that support families, promote inclusivity, and bridge gaps in access to education and technology. As a trustee, I would advocate for programs and policies that ensure every family, regardless of background or circumstance, can benefit from the library's offerings, reinforcing its role as a trusted space for lifelong learning and community connection. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 16 Packet Page 59 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 17 Packet Page 60 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  Based on my current, and past, government experience, I believe a have a number of applicable skills that will assist in supporting the Library "mission". Specifically, I have handled sizable budgets which include responsibilities for property management, operations funding, and personnel. I have also been involved in the creation and support of organizational policies, in the public interest, and coordinating with staff to support those. Finally, I am aware of various reporting and regulatory burdens that the existence of a district adds to a Board of Trustees' "plate". I have been dealing with such requirements through a number of administration changes. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. Equitable has several meanings in my mind. One is that patrons and residents find what they need to find regardless of their background and the needs that they specifically bring to the library. Another is that the library is known to be a welcoming environment for all. My personal diversity experiences revolve around the government's DEI and diversity hiring policies (still in effect for me). I actively supported a number of special interest periods (such as black history month) so as to bring all of the agency's staff into awareness of a group's contributions throughout history. This also focuses on our need to make sure various underserved groups get the opportunities that they deserve. As a manager, I also had to support employees with special needs and make sure they were not further disadvantaged. This included a trans employee who needed to reintegrate into the work force, and a handicapped employee who needed special physical access to the facility as well as emergency egress in the case of an emergency. In the case of the library, this includes a supportive environment, and the tools needed for all to avail themselves of the library resources. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I know of none. Throughout my life, whenever I had a question that people could not or would not answer, the public library was where I went to get answers. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 18 Packet Page 61 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I know of none. BTW, this application has no relationship to my current government posting. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? As I am not on the Board, these are early perceptions. The board always needs to be on top of both long- and short-term financial planning w/r/t the facilities, property, library collection acquisitions, and staff. It also needs to manage the regulatory processes of a taxing district. As far as my observations are concerned, I always believe in simple surveys of the users as to what works, what doesn't and "suggestions". This is backed up by usage metrics as to what facilities and services are actually used. These measurements aid in ongoing resource allocations by the board. Finally the board's policies and priorities need to be shared with the community at large. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 19 Packet Page 62 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 20 Packet Page 63 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. Both my personal and professional communities encompass fairness and equitability. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   None! 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? None. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? To create an open and comfortable environment. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 21 Packet Page 64 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 22 Packet Page 65 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  My experience in AmeriCorps, where I promoted childhood literacy and supported students struggling to read at grade level, has equipped me with strong program development and community engagement skills. Additionally, my dedication to protecting access to knowledge for all, demonstrated through advocacy for inclusive library policies and resources, aligns with the board's mission. These experiences, combined with my collaborative mindset and commitment to equity, will help guide the library district in serving our diverse community effectively. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. In my work with local schools, I promoted STEM education for low-income, minority, special needs, and Spanish-speaking children, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities. I also advocated for inclusive policies and resources during my time in AmeriCorps, focusing on childhood literacy for underserved populations. These experiences have honed my ability to identify and address barriers to access. On the board, I would prioritize expanding inclusive programs, enhancing multilingual resources, and fostering partnerships to ensure the library system serves all residents equitably, aligning with the BPLD's vision. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I firmly oppose any government or local action to ban books, as it contradicts the First Amendment and undermines equity, education, and access for marginalized communities. Libraries must remain spaces of intellectual freedom, offering diverse perspectives and resources for all. I believe in empowering individuals to make their own choices about what to read and explore, ensuring the library remains inclusive and equitable. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? Not applicable Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 23 Packet Page 66 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? The top priorities for the board of trustees should include expanding access to books in languages spoken within our community to ensure inclusivity and representation. Additionally, providing resources that promote civic understanding empowers individuals to know their rights and engage meaningfully in society. Finally, prioritizing STEM materials and programs will equip underserved populations with the tools and knowledge needed for future opportunities. By addressing these needs, the library can better serve as a hub for equity, education, and empowerment for all residents. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 24 Packet Page 67 of 287 Form Name: Board of Trustee Application Submission Time: February 24, 2025 2:00 pm Browser: Mobile Safari 18.1.1 / iOS IP Address: 70.190.121.176 Unique ID: 1317882977 Location: 33.4656, -111.9956 Application Information Applicant Contact Information Name Pamela Payne Email Address Boulder, CO 80304 Phone Demographic Questions What is your age range? 65 or older Which race or ethnicity do you identify with most? White Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? Think it would be interesting & I have the time 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I'm a college graduate in education. I have been a volunteer naturalist with Boulder County Parks & Open Space for 22 years. I give programs on many topics, mainly to school age children. I retired from jewelry design & manufacturing after a 30 year career 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. While I may not have experience in some of these areas, the school groups that I teach are often mixed races. I try to treat everyone the same & include everyone in our discussion. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 25 Packet Page 68 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   Not sure I would as long as the more adult type books were kept in a separate place 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I have no conflicts 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Not sure what the unmet needs might be but would like to be part of a team to help solve these Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 26 Packet Page 69 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 27 Packet Page 70 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   Books MUST NOT be removed from the Library's shelves because of pressure groups. Parents have the responsibility of monitoring what their children read. Since my undergraduate years I have have studied the Soviets' censorship of literature, music and the fine arts. My conclusion to this is that it bad and harmful. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I have none. I wish to serve my community. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I am very happy with our Library and I would not approach my service just to change things. Improve things, yes. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 28 Packet Page 71 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 29 Packet Page 72 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have a lot of work and personal experience in learning and teaching leadership skills. I think I can provide help with making difficult decisions as a group, coaching staff in areas like leadership, feedback, and strategic planning. I bring a lot of experience as a professional meeting facilitator who knows how to bring a group together. Additionally, as a person who has experience living and working in other countries (Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile...) I bring an openness to seeing the world through multiple lenses and from different perspectives. I appreciate that when we are new to a community we might have different wants and needs from a library versus if we know our community well already. And that depending on the resources available to a person, computer access might have different value than a printed book. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. As the Executive Director of Women's Wilderness, an organization serving girls from a variety of income levels and family backgrounds, I met with families from many different walks of life. Each place (like a library), each experience (Citizenship Class, a day rock climbing...) can hold a different meaning and place for each person. So it's important that the board pay attention to who is using the library and how, as well as what needs exist in the community that no place is currently meeting. I'd like to think that I'm good at asking questions, at seeing things from a variety of different perspectives, and of recognizing that I have much to learn about my community even to this day. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 30 Packet Page 73 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   That is such an interesting question! I have made it a point to read a number of books on banned books lists in the past. It's hard not to be hypocritical at times though. Additionally I think that forbidden fruit has its open special appeal to many people. But I think the more we can try to provide context for people and then let them make their own choices the better off we all are. The mission statement of the library is "connecting people, ideas, and information to transform lives and strengthen our community." So I could see myself supporting getting/keeping something out of the library that went against this mission - that weakened rather than strengthened our community. But it's definitely a question I would want to solicit a lot of information, past experience and wisdom on from library staff, other/former trustees, and community members before making the decision to remove something from the library simply because it made me personally uncomfortable in some way. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I don't think I have an potential conflicts of interest. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 31 Packet Page 74 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? From the outside, I'd say two things. First is meeting the goals set out in the 2023 / 2024 annual reports including • Address the facilities maintenance backlog. • Restore library hours to pre-COVID 19 pandemic levels. • Restore Carnegie Library for Local History staff positions and resume open hours. • Restore staff positions for BLDG61 makerspace. • Increase staff to support programs and rental of the Canyon Theater. • Expand the BoulderReads family literacy program. • Open a Gunbarrel Corner Library. • Expand early literacy and outreach programs to Latinx community members I love that the One Book One Boulder was available in Spanish in 2023 - it's a great example of movement towards these goals. One area I don't see specifically addressed in the goals above is our incoming "Silver Tsunami". I'd encourage the library to look at how we can continue to evolve so we are serving our older community members as well as our young new ones. Good luck in your selection process - I hope you get a lot of great candidates and that you are able to put together an amazing team! Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 32 Packet Page 75 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 33 Packet Page 76 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I bring over 15 years of experience as a human factors engineer and manager, where I developed strong analytical, strategic planning, and leadership skills. My professional background includes creating inclusive and user-friendly designs, a perspective I would bring to ensuring the library remains accessible and welcoming to all. Example 1: As a human factors engineer at Outset Medical, I helped design a medical device that prioritized ease of use and accessibility for diverse user groups, including those with varying levels of technology literacy. Example 2: I am an active member of the Boulder community, organizing events such as the Boulder County Seed Swap and teaching yoga classes that promote wellness and community connection. These experiences have strengthened my ability to engage with diverse groups and foster a sense of belonging. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. I am committed to promoting equity and inclusivity in every aspect of my work and community involvement. As a yoga instructor, I strive to create a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. Additionally, my work in human factors engineering involves designing systems that accommodate users with diverse needs, ensuring fair and inclusive access to critical resources. I would bring this same focus on equity to my role as a trustee, advocating for initiatives that remove barriers to library access and enhance the library's role as a community hub. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I would never support the removal of books, programs, or items based on ideological or political grounds. However, if an item were found to pose a legitimate legal or safety risk or violated established library policies, I would support a transparent, thoughtful review process to address the concern while upholding the library's commitment to free expression and inclusivity. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 34 Packet Page 77 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I have no current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that would create a conflict of interest. Should any potential conflicts arise, I am fully committed to transparency and recusal from related decisions to ensure my actions align with the best interests of the Boulder Public Library District. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I see opportunities to expand access to library resources, particularly for underserved populations, and to enhance community outreach programs. The Board of Trustees should prioritize initiatives that reduce barriers to library services, support early literacy and lifelong learning, and create inclusive spaces where all community members feel represented and valued. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 35 Packet Page 78 of 287 Form Name: Board of Trustee Application Submission Time: February 24, 2025 7:06 pm Browser: Chrome Mobile 133.0.6943.120 / iOS IP Address: 12.184.115.130 Unique ID: 1317977387 Location: 32.8131, -96.8141 Application Information Applicant Contact Information Name Lawrence Wojcik Email Address Boulder, CO 80304-3110 Phone Demographic Questions What is your age range? 65 or older Which race or ethnicity do you identify with most? White Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I believe that strong and effective libraries are the cornerstone of any community of democratic values. I spent 46 years practicing trial and regulatory law on a national basis. Through this experience I learned that the fundamental rights of communities to information is critical to the education of our community members and is essential to the democratic process in allowing citizens to make informed decisions in casting their votes in the local, statewide and national elections, and serving as jurors. In the last couple of years libraries have become under attack in the efforts by certain groups of individuals to censor folks access to information. These censorship and book banning efforts are diametrically opposed to the First Amendment and all individuals right to access fully all information. 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  Apart from my legal experience and life long support of the First Amendment, and my love of literature, I am also a CPA with a strong financial eduction, experience and knowledge that has been helpful in my effort to help the non profit organizations with which I have been associated apply and secure private and governmental funding. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 36 Packet Page 79 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. In my pro bono efforts as a lawyer, I have been involved in advocating for the rights of juveniles entangled in our criminal justice system, as well as adult prisoners. These efforts have included advocating for the right to libraries and information. As such, I am a fervent believer in that all people should have access to books and information. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I concede that this is a difficult inquiry. Hate speech unfettered can be very harmful to a community. That said, I believe that if community members have access to all information, that they will ultimately make sound decisions. So, as long as all ideas are represented by a library's collection, we need to trust the community to make the right decisions. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? Both my wife and I support the Library's Foundations, but I do not view that as a conflict. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? To increase the access of our community members to all information in different languages and different media. To facilitate the library's ability to conduct educational programs and community outreach to all individuals, from multiple locations and other information delivery systems. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 37 Packet Page 80 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 38 Packet Page 81 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I believe that my experiences in K-12 education activism (speaking at school board meetings and participating in PTO meetings) will help assure that we maintain a collection of materials that will serve a diverse population and that we continue serving community organizations working in the K-12 education space. I believe that my experience maintaining the newsletter for the NAACP can help in communicating the many programs available in the library. I think that there are many programs that the community may not be aware of. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. During my time in the NAACP education committee, we worked on recommending age-appropriate diverse books to be considered in the BVSD curriculum. We felt that non-profits like https://www.diversifyournarrative.com/ that encouraged student leadership in advocating for diverse books in the school district were very important. Speaking to local school librarians, it was clear that the diverse books that students preferred were not always the books that won the most awards. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   Books should be removed from the library if they have experienced excessive wear and tear and if the material in question has not been used by patrons in a long time and the shelf space is needed for newer materials. Those 1960s aspic recipes may not be as relevant to the interests of our patrons as much as they once were. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Are we seeing reduced library use by underserved populations that are concerned about ICE? If so, is there a way that we can promote home delivery to assure that our patrons have reading materials? Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 39 Packet Page 82 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 40 Packet Page 83 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. I know without a doubt that all people should have the same chance in life but they do not. As someone who can make a difference I do that very thing. See I give without judgement and see the soul of people and not the perception upon someone. Example: Going to the bathroom is not a privilege... clean showers in not a privilege. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   Hate speech.... Nazi Propaganda ... a public domain needs to be aware of the idea that this is a public space... American Religious Ideology should not be the basis of all policies in America and our public institutions 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? no 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Safety Fairness Inclusion Membership Resources Money Side of things Future 5-10-15-20 years and more Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 41 Packet Page 84 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 42 Packet Page 85 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I am interested in becoming a Trustee because I have a toddler granddaughter who loves the library branches, plus we grownups often check out our own materials. We have attended some lovely music programs, too. I have a strong personal incentive to do all I can to keep the Library System thriving. I am such a library fan that I served on two library Boards at once when we lived in New York state. Serving was a way to thank our local library for helping us introduce the love of reading to our kids. Also important, I wanted to help one of the most important local institutions be successful in meeting community needs. It's critical that Trustees provide facilities, policies, budgets and support for staff hiring and retention. As a library Trustee, I enjoyed being involved in all these aspects. I am thoroughly impressed by the Boulder Library District and would like to assist in maintaining its high quality with an even more positive community impact in the future. 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I was a Trustee on two library Boards and would bring deep experience in issues having to do with maintaining facilities; staff hiring and retention; annual budgeting; updating policies; and much more. I served during Covid closures, flooded basements, several director searches and other challenging times. I was a professional communicator during my 40-year career. I have strong writing skills that would be an asset to the Library District Board and I am a confident public speaker. I often was a leader in my jobs and received awards for motivating employee teams to do their best work. I have a strong work ethic and would be a responsive, dedicated Trustee. I value integrity and kindness, am a good listener, and I have a sense of humor. In my career, I worked with factory employees and rocket scientists. As a volunteer, I served with people from all walks of life. I had congenial relationships with all of them. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 43 Packet Page 86 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. The New York community in which I recently lived has a large Latino population and a somewhat smaller African American population. Its school district has a white minority. A sizeable portion of the population lives below the poverty level. As a result, library Trustees supported bi-lingual staff hires and those who provided after-school support. We endorsed a pantry where patrons could pick up free hygiene items and a farm stand for fresh food. The Board provided input, when asked, to the Library Director when he outlined plans to address youth discipline issues. As a community center, libraries, including the Boulder Library District, have a wide range of patrons, some very vulnerable. As a Board Trustee in a small urban library, I dealt with some challenging circumstances that mirror many of the issues the Boulder Library District no doubt addresses on a larger scale. Because my former home was in such a diverse community, I belonged to, and still attend via Zoom, the monthly Anti-Racist Book Club, which has made me more "woke" in the very best sense of the word. Now I enjoy attending the Anti-Diversity Book Club at the Meadows Library. I am impressed with the Boulder Library District’s highly inclusive environment. The District bends over backwards to accommodate the widest possible audience. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   There are no circumstances in which I would support removing a book, program or item from the libraries. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I have no conflict of interest in any of these areas. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 44 Packet Page 87 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I am impressed by what the Board already is doing to address community needs, especially in supporting staff and their many creative programming initiatives. A top priority of the Board should be to compensate the talented staff fairly and help them do their best work in well-maintained, safe, accessible facilities. Boulder needs affordable housing and more childcare facilities, though I am not suggesting that these be part of the Trustee mandate. Still, I have noted the Library District hosts meetings that discuss these types of issues and Trustee support for this programming hopefully, results in positive outcomes. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 45 Packet Page 88 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 46 Packet Page 89 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  The biggest skill I can bring to his board is the power of perspective. I have lived in eight states across four time zones and have raised a child with both ADHD and Autism diagnoses throughout this journey. My wife and I have fought to ensure he has every opportunity to learn and be successful in life that is afforded to any of his neurotypical peers. It would be an honor to take that one step further and advocate for system level opportunities for all children and adults who access the Boulder Library System. As my career has evolved, I have been fortunate to have opportunities as an engineer, program manager, HR leader, faculty member, athletics academic mentor, client liaison, STEM director, researcher, high school teacher, academic/executive function coach, and tutor. This breadth of experience has positioned me well to serve on a board that hires, creates budgets, submits reports, and conducts other governance business on behalf of the library. This type of appointment will allow me to utilize different parts of each of these experiences, especially the ones that required a strategic mindset that focused on the long-term vision for the organization. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 47 Packet Page 90 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. Fairness and inclusivity are minimum requirements for a society that takes care its own. I have been tasked on multiple occasions to make staffing decisions in many of my jobs. When given this opportunity, I have always tried to select the people who have worked hard to earn the chance to be role models. This included selecting a group of female faculty members at a service academy to lead difficult math courses so that they would get the same valuable experience I had in the past as well as serve as models of success for the increasing number of female cadets. Also, when serving as a high school teacher, I took upon myself to learn more about my students so that I could advocate for them. This allowed those with learning differences to have the same experience as their peers and feel (sometimes for the first time) that they were being seen and heard. I left that job with a deep appreciation for those students and families who allowed me to advocate for their inclusion. My role on the board of trustees would drawn on these types of experiences to ensure we are considering all who call Boulder home in the importance decisions of the library. I would ensure that we are listening to members from all demographics in the community and most importantly, considering their input equally. The library is everyone's space to be their authentic selves and every decision the board makes must reflect that. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I would not ever advocate for the removal any book, program, or item from the library, ever. We all go to the library to learn and explore our curiosities and therefore the available resources must reflect this for all of our community members. I would be open to discussing ways to ensure access to certain materials requires more discretion as well as parental consent, unless parents waive this choice. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I do not have any conflicts of interest with this opportunity. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 48 Packet Page 91 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I want to acknowledge that the Boulder Library System already does an effective job serving the needs of the community. With that level of influence in the community already, I would like to see the Library take more of a leadership position in educating the community on wildfires, wildlife, water, and weather. Many local entities are already working these issues in a piecemeal manner. However, they are all interrelated and all effect every member of the community. In the same vein as the One Book, One Boulder program, we could do a lot of good for the future of our city by having a similar initiative that focuses on these environmental areas that effect us all. Thank you for considering my application for the Library Board of Trustees. I am grateful to call this community home...and that means a lot to my family after two decades of being asked to move every 2-3 year. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 49 Packet Page 92 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 50 Packet Page 93 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have spent forty years as a trusted advisor to private, public, and nonprofit organizations in Human Resources, Strategic Planning, and Governance, both as an employee and as a volunteer. I have been a Gunbarrel resident for 34 years, and the mother of two daughters who attended BVSD through high school, and one graduate of the University of Colorado. I love to read, averaging 50 books a year, and have participated in 1-2 book clubs for 20+ years. I'm a lifelong learner and am currently exploring the genealogy resources available through Ancestry and BPL. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. As a Human Resources professional, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion was part of my job, as well as ensuring compliance with discrimination regulations. While working at Hunter Douglas, we recognized that 20% of our workforce were non-native English speakers and developed programs to provide equity to opportunities, such as partnering with Front Range Community College to provide ESL classes in the workplace. While the Library provides Conversations in English and some online ESL classes, I wonder if opportunities exist to partner with organizations like Intercambio or Front Range Community College. At Employers Council, I co-developed and delivered a new DEI training to employers across Colorado. I served on a task force to develop written guidance on LGTBQ+ practices, authored DEI blog posts, and spoke at various professional conferences for the Employers Council, the Colorado Government Finance Officers Association, and the Colorado Municipal League. I am particularly outraged by the current federal attempts to terminate DEI programs. I would love to help BPL continue its work acting as a pacesetter in equity, as you did with the gender-neutral bathrooms and other programs. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 51 Packet Page 94 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   No. I believe a library provides educational resources which are essential in a democracy. As a parent, I have a right and a responsibility to guide my child's reading and have a (difficult) conversation around a topic. Restricting access to materials deprives me of that right. As a DEI ally, I believe everyone should see themselves in the media, whether in books, movies, or other cultural events. As an HR professional, I find book banning discriminatory. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I'm not aware of any conflicts of interest. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Strategic Planning: Guide the library system to continue to thrive and adapt to change, e.g. demographics, culture, move to digital resources, community center. Meet the needs of a larger district (such as NoBo and Gunbarrel branches, aging population) Employee recognition and retention Financial viability Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 52 Packet Page 95 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 53 Packet Page 96 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  20 years of senior management experience in non-profits. Experience as a faculty member in library and information science, where many of my masters students were training to be public, academic, or special librarians. Experience as both a heavy user and as a provider of reference and archival services at the college level. Expertise in oral history methods that are useful to documenting an event, a community, or an institution. Expertise is everyday information behavior, an academic field that studies the use of libraries, the Internet, and other information sources to answer an individual's information needs. Expertise in misinformation and what can be done to address it. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. I have been actively involved as a researcher on broadening participation in the computing disciplines. The Sloan Foundation commissioned me to write two books about women and minorities in computing. For a while I served as the co-chair of the social science research advisory body for the National Center for Women & IT, which is headquartered in Boulder. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I do not have well-developed views on this issue and am interested to learn more. My first reaction is that the library should be a place to educate children and adults, not cut them off from resources or artistic expressions. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? no conflicts of interest Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 54 Packet Page 97 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I don't know the needs well enough to fully answer this question. I would like to see the local branches of the library have more active programs and serve as an important space in the local community. I have edited a book on information for older Americans, and perhaps building up programs within the library for older members of Boulder County would be a way to put my experience to use. I am happy to help out wherever there is need. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 55 Packet Page 98 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 56 Packet Page 99 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have a background in foodservice and sales so I really enjoy meeting new people and learning what they need to thrive. My work experience has developed a diligent work ethic with a focus on teamwork and community. Being a chef requires me to be highly organized and able to adapt quickly. I have been a host of weekly pub trivia nights at different restaurants (Twisted Pine Brewery, Bluff Street Bar, Ironwood Grille, Rock and Hops Brewing, The Rusty Melon) in town for the past 6 years and really bond with folks interested in learning and having a good time doing so. I am a HUGE history nerd and value the wealth of knowledge that the library provides. I also run a catering/dj business and have worked with many different residents and venues in town, including the JCC, Rembrandt Yards, Chautauqua, and Etown Hall. There is a great sense of pride I take in connecting people and helping them enjoy themselves. This would be a useful addition to the Board to help develop new community events. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. Running kitchens at CU Boulder and other restaurants around town put me in a position to work with folks from all over the world and at various age ranges. I speak Spanish and totally empathize with the diverse views that different voices bring, in fact I thrive in that setting. Homogeny is boring and does not create resiliency or creativity. While working at CU I encouraged our employees to create recipes that were from their native country and help them develop these so they can be used by other dining halls. It really created a sense of pride and understanding throughout our teams. Plus the customers loved it!! 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I am not one to judge others as I understand that everyone comes from different experiences and finds value in things that I may not. However there is strength in numbers and if there is a defined standard operating procedure that the board takes in reviewing content I would assume it would be a fair and just practice. If that procedure is not developed, then that would be a priority. The library needs to reflect the values of the city of Boulder and therefore should have policies in place to protect these values. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 57 Packet Page 100 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No. I am a member of the Flatiron Young Farmers Coalition, Naturally Colorado, Boulder Rec Center, and Easton Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai gym. None of these would conflict with the library or my potential role on the board. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Understanding the challenge our city faces with homelessness and developing a safe space at our libraries - finding the balance to help others while maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere for members. Developing more programming for the 25-40 demographic. Allowing more connection between educators, entrepreneurs, and community members. Ensuring financial stability in an ever changing economic landscape. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 58 Packet Page 101 of 287 Form Name: Board of Trustee Application Submission Time: February 27, 2025 1:07 pm Browser: Chrome 133.0.0.0 / OS X IP Address: 73.100.172.72 Unique ID: 1319088857 Location: 41.289, -72.6818 Application Information Applicant Contact Information Name Christina Godbout Email Address Boulder , CO 80304 Phone Demographic Questions What is your age range? 35 to 54 Which race or ethnicity do you identify with most? White Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? The Main branch of the Boulder library was one of the first places I felt community as a new resident in 2011. An AmeriCorps VISTA member, my role and living stipend intentionally positioned me into seeing our community members living at the poverty level and accessing services of the city and county. The library was a place I could print, read, learn about services, and host community meetings. Fast forward 14 years and I am a mother of two who use the library like some use a dishwasher, cycling through favorite Children's books, fiction and non-fiction, but lacking the capacity when inside to really contribute back to the amazing resource for our community. The North Boulder branch was a plan on a website until recently and I supported its expansion into my neighborhood. I followed along with the structural and financial transition of the Library District and now am eager to serve in a capacity to help develop and steward its governance. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 59 Packet Page 102 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I care deeply about the role assets and institutions play in community-building. I've modeled that throughout my time in Boulder through nonprofit volunteerism, neighborhood community-building, and my career in the philanthropic sector. My hard skills would be in Operations and Strategic Planning. For the last six years I have been employed as a philanthropic advisor to the Walton family office, working across households on strategy design, planning, resource deployment, reporting, budgeting, evaluation, and internal/external communications. I have set up several entities that required establishing governance, legal guidelines, processes, staffing and boards. I have experience in reviewing and revising annual budgets up to $50M/annually, employing teams, purchasing land, acquiring new projects, entering into contracts, and submitting annual reports to internal and external stakeholders. Another example of experience is my work in nonprofit management. I served for 4+ years in development roles at Cultivate, formerly Boulder County CareConnect, a 50+ year old nonprofit serving the independence needs of older adults in Boulder County. In that capacity I developed a network of local nonprofits, community members, and policymakers. While that network is a bit rusty, I do believe I can re-activate important relationships necessary to the success of the Library District Board of Trustees. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 60 Packet Page 103 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. The income inequity Boulder faces is complex- from housing to workforce to resources, and I faced this in my work with older adults while at Boulder County CareConnect. Many of the community members that helped establish the unique gem that is Boulder County can no longer afford to live here. I believe we need to face these realities in unpacking access for our library patrons and preserve the library's role in building community for all. In my work as a program officer, I see my role as an advocate for community groups that know the solutions to their challenges best. In practice this means listening, conducting surveys, providing flexibility, making connections, and providing capacity and resources beyond writing a check. I respect my partners time and respond in a client-services attitude. I would do the same in the capacity of building an equitable library system, balancing the systemic with the personal, and building bridges toward shared goals. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   The topic of book banning is a topic to which we should be thoughtful, look to history and look to our vision for the future before making broad stroke decisions. It may be unpopular, but no, I do not believe in banned books. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 61 Packet Page 104 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? 1. Navigating the establishment and oversight of the early years of governance for the Library District. This will require a board of trustees that has experienced and balances that with flexibility and a mindset to learn and collaborate. 2. Public perception and buy-in is important to navigate with intention as we are the stewards of a precious resource and new or increased taxes of hard working community members. 3. Employing the Library Director and giving direction and support is essential for success. Leadership can be isolating and it should be the responsibility of the board to affirm and celebrate this individual. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 62 Packet Page 105 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 63 Packet Page 106 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have a genuine desire to serve the community and ensure that access to information, resources, and books is available to all. In my current role as the product manager for the Learning Management System and training team, I work tirelessly to ensure the health of our systems and lead the governance for both platforms to ensure the end-user has an easy time finding help when they need it. Additionally, I have strong communication and interpersonal skills that allow me to serve as an advocate for inclusivity and lifelong learning. I was a high school history teacher in Texas during the COVID-19 crisis and my experiences led me to pursue a master's degree in learning design & technology because I wanted to be the best teacher I could be for my students. Personal development is a key part of who I am and being able to assist others in learning and growing is my passion. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. In my current role, I work with all of the instructional designers for professional development at Denver Public Schools. One of our biggest initiatives for the past few years has been to make everything we offer accessible for our learners. I have spent an extensive amount of time learning about digital accessibility to assist DPS in its alignment with House Bill 21-1110, as well as designing multilingual training programs for various internal roles. As a former high school teacher, my classroom was a safe space. It was important to me that my students felt seen, heard, and valued when they stepped into my classroom, no matter what was going on in the world. We live in an interesting political time and I wanted my students to leave the classroom knowing how to politely disagree with others. We will never all see things the same way, but our experiences shape our worldview. Therefore, someone isn't wrong just because they see things a little differently. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 64 Packet Page 107 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   Absolutely none. Access is essential. Censorship stems from the need for control and those in power seldom have our best interests in mind. As I mentioned above, we will never all agree, but we need to provide the access and support to allow others to make up their own minds. I taught U.S. History for three years and this has always been one of them: "Books and ideas are the most effective weapons against intolerance and ignorance." ― Lyndon B Johnson There are so many incredible books that have been put on banned lists for one thing or another, but all that does is show where fear lies in our country. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I do not believe so. I have only been in Boulder for about 2.5 years now, but I love the Boulder Public Library system. The library has always been one of my first stops whenever I moved and here is no different! 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Library programs and services are the heart of any community. I have read through the 2018 BPL Master Plan and see that it has been set as a top priority. However, I would be interested in seeing data on how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed since then. I am an avid fan of educational technology and saw the change COVID brought to the classroom firsthand, so I am sure there have been similar effects at the library. I would want to see where the gaps are in programs offered and even look ahead to how education is changing to design engaging learning opportunities for students, parents, and teachers alike. Public support and engagement is critical to the library's success. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 65 Packet Page 108 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 66 Packet Page 109 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  As I mentioned, I'm a writer and have experience with event planning - particularly with programming for filmmakers and authors. I think libraries are a valuable resource and offer a safe space for writers to discuss their work and ideas with the community. I mentioned that I'm a fundraiser. I've been at it since the Carter administration and think I can provide knowledge and experience particularly during these times of federal government funding cutbacks. I'm a seasoned diversity and cultural competency trainer. I can assist the BPLD board, staff, and Boulder citizens in becoming more aware of themselves and better relating to people who are different from themselves. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. As mentioned above, I'm a seasoned diversity and cultural competency trainer. My resume lists the people and organizations I've assisted over the years. I also think the library's availability of books, music, and movies by diverse content creators adds to equity. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that generally, books cannot be banned because the leaders of a school or library disagree with a book's ideas. In my book, If a story advocates unlawful acts, is lewd or violates a community's purient standards, then those books stand a greater chance of being banned. Public libraries have a broader First Amendment standard, and have more latitude, since libraries serve readers of all ages. All books are different and my view on each will vary. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No conflicts of interest. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 67 Packet Page 110 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I think the top priority is to implement the library master plan in ways that reflect the current cultural climate. Building upon and maintaining what exists is essential instead of adding too many new programs. I want the library to remain committed to inclusive access for the entire community. I think it's necessary to promote lifelong learning and literacy skills to citizens of all ages, and do what we can to empower individuals to learn skills to thrive in our dynamic world and community. I mentioned the importance of local people offering face-to-face information and resources to engage the local citizenry. I know that there is a Library Foundation that nurtures partnerships with local organizations, and volunteers. I think the Library Board by definition should support those efforts to enhance financial stability. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 68 Packet Page 111 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 69 Packet Page 112 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I am recently an instructor with Lighthouse Writers and have experience with classroom and workshop management. Managing students and board members are not much different. I also currently work at Trident Bookstore and Cafe, where I have a direct link to the Boulder community on a daily and what they're reading. I also managed Blue Owl Books in Nederland for 5 years and opened my own bookstore in Longmont in 2012. Though the bookstore is no more, I believe my experience as a small business owner at age 20 would lend itself well to a position with the Board of Trustees. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. As mentioned, I am a writing workshop instructor. Everyone has access to writing, no matter their background, and it's amazing what people can create when given a platform. All voices matter, and sometimes it's the often-underrepresented voices that can offer the most unique solutions. In 2021, I worked with Mulberry Art Gallery, a Black-Owned Art Gallery in Wichita, KS to create a regular open mic event for at-risk youth. The event was a huge success and continues to this day. As a queer person, I also work directly with many local spaces and artists to maintain safe queer spaces and opportunities. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I do not believe in censorship. I feel like it is important to make this statement. However, I can understand removing material that is hateful for harmful. Hate for the sake of hate has no place. That said, I do not agree with removing material that just makes some people uncomfortable, especially when said material is about the lived-in experience of marginalized peoples. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I will be working with Lighthouse Writers for their Hard times workshops that are offered through The Boulder Public Libraries Main Branch. I do not foresee this being a conflict, but it is a current connection I have with the Library. I also work with Beyond Academia Free Skool that meets in the libraries Arapaho Room every second Sunday. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 70 Packet Page 113 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Exposure and opportunities for up-and-coming local artist is an important priority for me. While I feel that the library already offers many opportunities for artists, I would be interested in any opportunity in which we can expand what the library can offer. I also believe that community engagement is more important than ever and creating more and more opportunities for the community to come together is important for me. Many people are struggling to meet their ends, and the library should continue to be a resource to ensure people have access to the services they need. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 71 Packet Page 114 of 287 Form Name: Board of Trustee Application Submission Time: February 28, 2025 8:19 pm Browser: Safari 18.3 / OS X IP Address: 111.69.40.139 Unique ID: 1319686723 Location: -41.2883, 174.7102 Application Information Applicant Contact Information Name Barbara Stern Email Address Boulder, CO 80301 Phone Demographic Questions What is your age range? 65 or older Which race or ethnicity do you identify with most? White Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I've used libraries my entire life beginning as a young child onto today. Libraries provide a safe place for learning all sorts of things, from novels to scientific and factual information. I spent many hours in my college library and believe libraries are essential to our society. As a resident of Gunbarrel, in unincorporated Boulder County, I want to help make positive contributions to the area I call home. The Library District excites me as more library branches are opening up throughout the County and allowing all Boulder County residents easier access for learning opportunities. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 72 Packet Page 115 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  Over the past 50 years I have been an active Board member for arts organizations, specifically in Eugene, Oregon. Initial Board member for The Oregon Country Fair (6 years), a 3 day arts, crafts and music event that promotes local crafters, musicians and non-profits. Also in Eugene, I was on the Board of the Community Center for the Performing Arts/WOW Hall which is celebrating 50 years in the community. I was a member of the YWCA in Eugene as well. My time in Boulder, I have been a member of the North Boulder Little League, The Flatirons Building Council and KGNU Community Radio. Each of these organizations involved making decisions on the behalf of its members and the local community. Board members must be able to listen and respond to multiple points of view and work towards consensus. Most of my career was working in the Broadcast industry in various roles, on-air DJ of various formats, broadcast sales for radio and television, plus owning an advertising and marketing company for 13 years. Additionally, I started a custom closet company called Affordable Closet, and sold it in 2013. In each position I needed to understand what the consumer/listener was looking to accomplish and help them get there. I am also a trained Life Coach beginning my training in the mid 1990's. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. As a volunteer at KGNU Community Radio, our Board and Staff had extensive training in DEI. Using this new skill set has helped me lead meetings. Using these skills and listening skills from Coaching has allowed me to assist others to speak up and share their thoughts. As a member of the Oregon Country Fairs' Operational Management Team, I made sure that all sides of issues were freely discussed and that we could make decisions that would benefit all members/volunteers. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   All books should be made available. When I visited Berlin, I stood at the place where books were burned and cried. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 73 Packet Page 116 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No. I have always voted for libraries and schools. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I'm really thankful that Boulder County has made creating satellite libraries a priority. Providing programs that enhance opportunities for growth and education is key to the growth of our local, national and international communities. I celebrate bringing learning both for pleasure and education is essential. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 74 Packet Page 117 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 75 Packet Page 118 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I bring a collaborative, positive, and solutions-focused approach to guiding the library district, shaped by my experience as a teacher librarian and literacy advocate. I am deeply engaged in library services and acutely aware of the challenges surrounding access and inclusion. My work serving a diverse school community has reinforced my belief in the importance of thoughtfully considering multiple perspectives when solving problems. For example, in my role as a teacher librarian at a Title 1 school, I navigate the varying needs of students, families, and educators to ensure equitable access to resources and learning opportunities. This requires balancing different priorities while fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. Additionally, my leadership experience on district-wide committees has strengthened my ability to collaborate across teams with different professional priorities and perspectives. Whether working on library policy, technology initiatives, or curriculum integration, I focus on building consensus and finding practical, forward-thinking solutions that benefit the entire community. I would bring this same mindset to the board, helping guide the library district with a thoughtful, inclusive, and strategic approach. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 76 Packet Page 119 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. My work has been dedicated to making libraries inclusive spaces that provide equitable access to information, resources, and opportunities. I promote fairness through collection analysis and development, ensuring materials reflect diverse identities, experiences, and needs. I follow the principle that libraries should offer books as mirrors, windows, and doorways-allowing patrons to see themselves, understand others, and explore new perspectives. I also focus on programming evaluation, assessing whether library initiatives effectively serve all patrons. In schools, this means ensuring programming supports skill transfer and meaningful learning. Evaluating effectiveness requires gathering feedback, analyzing participation trends, and making data-informed adjustments. This happens continually during the school day with library instructions and lessons. This also happens outside of school. For example, when a parent night on digital wellness had low attendance, we investigated barriers-schedule conflicts, lack of childcare, language accessibility, and communication methods. By adapting outreach and program design based on these insights, we increased engagement and better met community needs. At the core of my approach is a commitment to understanding who we serve and what they need. Libraries are for everyone, but equitable service requires thoughtful, data-driven, and mission-aligned decisions. As a board member, I would ensure policies, collections, and programming reflect the library district's vision, providing meaningful access and opportunities for all patrons. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 77 Packet Page 120 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I strongly support the American Library Association's (ALA) Library Bill of Rights and the Colorado Association of Libraries' (CAL) commitment to intellectual freedom, both of which affirm that libraries should provide diverse materials representing a wide range of perspectives. The role of a public library is to offer access to information, not to censor it. That said, there are established, professional guidelines for reconsidering materials, and I believe in following a clear, transparent, and policy-based process when evaluating concerns. Removals should only occur if an item is outdated, factually inaccurate in a way that undermines its purpose (such as obsolete medical or legal information), or fails to meet the library's collection development criteria. Programs and materials should align with the library's mission, serving the needs of the entire community while upholding principles of inclusion and intellectual freedom. As a board member, I would ensure that any challenges to books, programs, or materials are handled thoughtfully, fairly, and in accordance with professional best practices, resisting censorship while maintaining a strong, diverse, and relevant library collection for all patrons. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I do not have any known current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that would create a conflict of interest in serving on the board. If any potential conflicts were to arise, I would address them with full transparency, recusing myself from decisions where necessary to ensure that my service remains focused on the best interests of the library district and its patrons. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 78 Packet Page 121 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? While I don't yet know the full scope of unmet community needs, I would rely on the current board and library leadership to provide insight. That said, I am particularly curious about: Increasing Use and Participation in Programming - Understanding what drives engagement and how the library can better connect with the community. Identifying Barriers to Access - Examining logistical, cultural, and economic factors that may prevent people from fully utilizing library resources. Assessing Community Needs - Ensuring the library is responsive to evolving interests and priorities through outreach and data-driven decision-making. Prioritizing Patron Safety - Maintaining a welcoming and secure environment for all library users. I would approach these issues with an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to ensuring the library continues to serve as an essential resource for the entire community. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 79 Packet Page 122 of 287 Form Name: Board of Trustee Application Submission Time: March 1, 2025 2:35 pm Browser: Chrome 133.0.0.0 / Windows IP Address: 83.136.182.58 Unique ID: 1319842784 Location: 39.7391, -104.9866 Application Information Applicant Contact Information Name Adrian Caponera Email Address Boulder, CO 80301 Phone Demographic Questions What is your age range? 35 to 54 Which race or ethnicity do you identify with most? I prefer not to say Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I have loved libraries my entire life. I believe they are the most valuable publicly funded resource in this country. Libraries provide those that want to increase their knowledge and better themselves access to the resources to do so. 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have a 20 year career in business as an entrepreneur running my own e-commerce agency, selling my own products and building teams at startups selling consumer goods. I also manage rental properties. In all of these environments there are countless decisions to be made, challenges to overcome, funding and revenue issues that inevitably arise. Overall, I have proven to make good and fair decisions and navigate these challenges calmly. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 80 Packet Page 123 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. Equal access to the library system is very important. I was brought up in a military family in which I moved around the country every 4 years. This has given me somewhat unique perspective on many of the different cultures and socio-economic realities across the United States. Libraries were the hub of local culture and community in many of these areas I lived and traveled. People from all backgrounds and levels of income deserve access to libraries. Continuing to foster welcoming environments and provide media content and knowledge/skill building in numerous languages would be a goal of mine. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I could see the logic in wanting to ban books that promote illegal activity (E.G. how to make a bomb) or the law dictates access only for certain ages (Pornography). 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? no 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? In my recent experience, the Boulder library system is doing a good job meeting the community needs of a library. The system provides a consistently updated and diverse range of media in many languages. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 81 Packet Page 124 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 82 Packet Page 125 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I am eager to serve on the Library District Board of Trustees because I deeply believe in libraries' vital role in our communities. Libraries are one of the last remaining true third spaces-safe, welcoming, and dynamic environments where people can learn, grow, and access the resources they need to navigate challenges or seize new opportunities. They are more than just buildings with books; they are hubs of knowledge, equity, and connection. As a lifelong, avid reader-consuming between 30 to 65 books a year-I understand firsthand the power of access to information and education. My love for Boulder and its community drives me to give back meaningfully, using my time, talents, and resources to help others lead more fulfilling and enriched lives. Serving on this board would allow me to champion the library's mission, ensuring it continues to evolve, thrive, and remain an invaluable resource for all. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 83 Packet Page 126 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I bring a wealth of experience in finance, governance, and strategic planning, coupled with a deep commitment to service. As one of fewer than ten Latinas in the U.S. managing a fund of my size, I understand firsthand the transformative power of knowledge, information, and access to resources. I didn't start out where I am today-I intentionally leveraged education, networks, and opportunities to shape my career and develop the expertise I now use to guide organizations toward financial strength and long-term success. I have served on over a dozen boards across both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, where I am often brought in for my expertise in budgeting, financial oversight, and strategic planning. For example, I currently serve on the board of the largest animal protection organization in the world, Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States), where I sit on both the Finance and Audit Committees. This role, along with my extensive experience reviewing financial plans and organizational budgets, has given me a strong grasp of best practices in financial stewardship. I've seen organizations on the brink of financial instability and have helped craft long-term strategies to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Beyond technical expertise, I am known for my engagement and hands-on approach. When I commit to something, I give it my all. I roll up my sleeves, dig into the details, and work relentlessly to help organizations succeed. Boulder's library is one of the most important institutions in this community, and serving on this board would allow me to use my skills and experience to help it thrive for everyone. If there was ever a time for us to come together, to help each other - it is definitely now. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 84 Packet Page 127 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. My commitment to fairness and inclusivity is woven into everything I do, from my career choices to my personal values. I graduated with a bachelor's in Chemical Engineering and have always been deeply interested in how systems operate-especially the food system. I began my career at General Mills and later Procter & Gamble, where I learned how large organizations manage operations, balance budgets, and scale sustainably. But at some point in my safe, stable corporate career, I realized I wanted to do more. I wanted to help fix a broken food system-one that was making people sick, was too expensive, inhumane, and out of reach for many. That realization led me to venture capital, where I have spent my career funding and supporting startups that are working to create a healthier, more equitable food system. I deliberately chose to invest in a space that isn't traditionally seen as "cool" (it's not AI or crypto) because I believe that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and I have dedicated my professional life to making that a reality. This same belief in fair access drives my passion for libraries. Libraries are one of the most powerful equalizers in our society-offering knowledge, resources, and opportunities to anyone who walks through their doors, regardless of background or circumstance. As a trustee, I would work to ensure that our library system remains a welcoming, inclusive space for all. I believe in treating every patron with kindness and respect, embracing rather than excluding, and making sure that when someone leaves the library, they feel empowered, enriched, and valued. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 85 Packet Page 128 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I firmly believe that libraries should be spaces of intellectual freedom, open dialogue, and access to diverse perspectives. The role of a library is to provide information, not to restrict it. I do not support the banning or removing of books, programs, or materials based on ideological, political, or personal objections. Libraries exist to serve the entire community, and that means offering a wide range of viewpoints, experiences, and resources so that individuals can explore, learn, and make their own informed decisions. The only circumstances under which I would consider removing an item would be if it no longer serves the library's mission-for example, if a book is factually inaccurate in a way that misleads (such as an outdated medical guide) or if a program poses a direct safety risk. However, these decisions should always be made through a transparent, well-defined process that includes input from library professionals, trustees, and the community. At its core, a library is about access, inclusion, and the right to read. As a trustee, I would strongly advocate for protecting those principles and ensuring that Boulder's library system remains a place where everyone-regardless of background or belief-can find the books and resources they need. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? None. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 86 Packet Page 129 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Some considerations to ensure the Library remains a vital and inclusive member of the community: 1. Mental Health and Support. Boulder's 2023-2025 Community Health Assessment highlighted mental and behavioral health as critical areas requiring attention. The library can play a pivotal role by offering resources, workshops, and partnerships that promote mental well-being and provide information on support services. 2. Health Care Ensuring equitable access to health information is essential. The library can bridge gaps by providing resources on preventive health, chronic disease management, and wellness programs, especially targeting underserved populations. 3. Inclusivity The library should strive to be a welcoming space for diverse populations, offering programs and materials that reflect various cultures and experiences. 4. Fiscal Responsibility and Growth The library has a wonderful opportunity, with the recent library district tax, to evaluate how to leverage the capital for the long-term financial sustainability of the library and also to maximize opportunities to serve the community. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 87 Packet Page 130 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 88 Packet Page 131 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? When I was in kindergarten, I asked my parents if I could turn our basement into a library. My mother gave me a stack of index cards and a file box. I made a little pocket to tape inside the cover of each of my books and a card to insert in each pocket. When my friends came over, I'd ask if they wanted to check out a book, and when they did I'd remove the card from the book and keep it in the file box until they returned it. I was already in love with libraries and have been ever since. I have fond memories from growing up in Boulder of going to the main library when it was still all on the north side of Boulder Creek, browsing the newspapers and magazines and learning how to use the microfiche reader. When I went off to Yale, the library there became one of my favorite places to hang out. When my wife or I suggest going on a "double date" these days, we mean hitting two branches of the Boulder Public Library on the same day. Our favorite indoor spot in town is on the bridge over the creek in the main branch. If we're passing through a town that has a Carnegie Library, we try to find time to check it out. If we stay someplace for more than a few weeks, we try to get a temporary card for the local library. We made sure our kids grew up taking advantage of children's library programs. When we spent one of my sabbaticals in New Zealand, we chose the house that was the shortest walk to a public library from those that were available and one of the few souvenirs I still have from that trip is my library card from that library. In the early days of Covid, the library closures hit me harder than any other closure and made me realize that I'd almost certainly spent more time there than anywhere else in Boulder besides my office and home over the years. When we walked into the new North Boulder branch shortly after it opened, we knew we'd be excited, but we were still surprised by how powerful the burst of almost childlike glee felt. We walked around talking about which books we would have wanted to pick by our favorite authors if we were starting a new library branch from scratch. So one reason I'm interested in serving on the Board of Trustees is that I feel a tremendous debt to libraries in general and to the Boulder Public Library in particular and I think serving on the Board would be a fitting way for me to give back to an institution that has meant so much to me and to my family. In addition, as I note below, I think some of my background and experience makes me particularly well positioned to make positive contributions to the Board and I think I would find it particularly rewarding to put my skills and experience from other parts of my life to that use given that I think doing so would be productive. And I can't deny that a significant part of the appeal is simply the opportunity to learn more about the library and its operations. Part of what I really enjoyed about working with the CU Art Museum and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival when I was the Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities at CU (see part of my Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 89 Packet Page 132 of 287 response to question 2 below) was getting to look, literally and metaphorically, behind the curtains. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 90 Packet Page 133 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  1. I was the Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities at CU for five years. The arts and humanities units reported to me and I reported to the Dean. The units reporting to me included not only the academic departments in the arts and humanities division, but also the CU Art Museum and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. From my experience working with CUAM and CSF in particular, I learned a lot about how to help support the director of an institution in carrying out their mission when I myself had no directly relevant expertise in their areas. I'd been going to Shakespeare Festival shows since I'd been a teenager, for example, but knew nothing about what goes on behind the scenes until the day I started in as Associate Dean. But I learned how I could help the Director without getting in their way by becoming clear about CSF's mission and focusing on those parts of the decisions the Festival confronted where I could provide useful feedback based on things I understood about the academic and administrative side of CU without presuming to know more than they knew about their own areas of expertise and experience. During my tenure as Associate Dean I worked under two different Deans who had two fundamentally different management styles and the stark contrast between the results of micromanaging and a more hands off approach made clear to me that in cases like this, it's much more appropriate and productive for the non-experts who find themselves in a supervisory role to be constantly mindful of the limitations of their area-specific knowledge relative to that of the people with a background in that area whom they find themselves supervising. 2. In addition to five years as Associate Dean, I have eight years of experience as Chair of the Philosophy Department and four years of experience as a Center Director (of the Center for Values and Social Policy). From those 17 years of administrative work, I gained a lot of experience working with bylaws - seeing how things could go badly wrong in a unit with insufficiently clear or detailed bylaws, learning ways to revise bylaws to improve them, and recognizing the overriding importance of complying with bylaws even when doing so can seem time consuming or cumbersome. As Associate Dean, I saw firsthand how the units reporting to me that had clear, specific guidelines regarding, for example, the conducting of annual merit review for faculty, functioned much better than those whose guidelines left such questions underdetermined or at the discretion of the department chair. As Chair of the Philosophy Departmnt, I had our department frequently review our bylaws for places they could be improved. And as someone who took over as the Director of a Center that had been functioning without any explicit bylaws at all, I gained valuable experience in comparing bylaws of other comparable institutions and drafting an initial set of bylaws from scratch. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 91 Packet Page 134 of 287 3. Over those same 17 years, I also gained a lot of experience working with - and staying within! - budgets. As Associate Dean, for example, I oversaw the budget for all the adjunct faculty the units in my division wanted to hire in any given semester. As Department Chair, it was my responsibility to ensure that our department kept spending within its budget. As Center Director, I found ways to expand our offerings while keeping things within the Center's modest budget. In addition to all this, over the last nine years I have also been the founding Director of Colorado High School Ethics bowl. In that capacity I run the annual statewide tournament and have been in charge of keeping our costs below the modest amount we can raise each year through registration fees and donations. 4. Over those 17 years of administrative work, plus the ten years directing Colorado High School Ethics Bowl, I've also gained some valuable experience with fundraising. 5. I am the author of eight books, all published by either Oxford or Cambridge University Press, and many of them are on controversial subjects including issues surrounding race, the criminal justice system, and abortion. I am probably best known within the field for my two books arguing in defense of abortion rights, and that work has also drawn a good deal of attention from pro-life people beyond academia. Most of my interactions with the pro-life people who reach out to me have been rewarding and encouragingly respectful, but I also have some experience getting hate mail because of a book I've written. When my more recent abortion book, Beyond Roe, was published in 2019, I got an angry email from a CU alum who had read about it and who said the university should be ashamed of itself for having hired me and that he was going to do everything in his power to get me fired. As it turns out, this person had few resources and few connections, so the harm to me was limited to a string of argumentative emails that petered out after a month or so. But this, along with some other relevantly similar experiences, has given me a small taste of what it's like to be an author who gets in trouble because of a book they've written. I don't know if there are already published authors on the Board, but I think that perspective is one worth having represented in a group that provides oversight to a library district. 6. Finally, in terms of personal characteristics, I guess I'll just mention I think a sense of humor, a sense of perspective, and a moderate disposition have served me well in my various administrative positions. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 92 Packet Page 135 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. I don't feel I know enough about the library system at this point to offer specific comments about what I could most helpfully do for it in these respects, but I hope some examples from my past experiences provide some useful information and evidence that I would be enthusiastic about doing what I can do to help in these respects. 1. Most of the classes I teach in the Philosophy Department at CU focus on contemporary social issues. I was at a department meeting about twenty years ago when someone pointed out that we weren't offering any courses dealing specifically with philosophy and race. Everyone seemed to agree that it would be a good idea for us to start offering such a course, but no one seemed interested in volunteering to take the time to develop and start teaching it. The meeting moved on to other topics, but I found myself increasingly distracted by the thought that it seemed like an important idea and that it looked like no one was going to do it. By the end of the meeting, I decided that I was going to give it a go, not because I had previously been interested in teaching in that area but because it seemed like an important way to make our curriculum more inclusive and because I thought I was reasonably well positioned to do it. I had no previous experience teaching or writing on topics relating to race, so it was quite a bit of work, but eventually I got a course ready to go and started teaching it on a regular basis. In those first few years, we had about 30 or 40 students a year taking that course, but I helped establish it as a regular part of our course offerings and while I've mostly moved on to teaching other things in the years since then, the course has continued to grow into one of our most popular classes. In the last few years, over 300 students have taken it each year. 2. During one of my tenures as Department Chair, I became aware of what at the time was a relatively new national organization called Minorities and Philosophy, whose goal is to help diversify academic philosophy in various ways. I had a long discussion about it with a faculty member at another university that had already established a chapter and, after doing so, I took the initiative of putting together a proposal to add a chapter to our department, a proposal that was enthusiastically supported by the department. Our department hosts a major international ethics conference each year, and once we established our MAP chapter, I arranged to have to have it sponsor a prize each year for the best paper presented at the conference on a topic related to MAP's mission. My goal here was to encourage more philosophers to write papers on such topics. I've served as the chair of the committee that awards the prize each year since then, and over time we have seen an increase in the quantity and quality of submissions. I've been involved in a variety of other Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 93 Packet Page 136 of 287 DEI-related work over the years, but I would say that my role in introducing our Philosophy and Race course to the department's curriculum and in establishing our department's Minorities and Philosophy chapter and the associated paper prize are probably my most significant contributions to making things more inclusive in our department. 3. A number of years ago, I served for a while as a volunteer in the restorative justice program that's run by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office. I was part of a panel that would meet to consider cases involving an offender in a relatively low-level crime and their victim or victims. Many of the cases involved fairly minor forms of property crime or noise ordinance violations, though I do remember a fairly significant embezzlement case, and even cases that from the outside can seem relatively minor can often be quite traumatic from the victim's point of view. Our role was to try to come up with a proposal for a way the offender might do something to make amends to their victim(s) and through all that work our focus was primarily on doing what we could to ensure fairness and equity in the process and in the outcome. 4. As a teacher, I have made efforts to reduce the effects of implicit bias in my grading. For example, whenever feasible I now insist on having assignments submitted anonymously. That way, when I'm grading an exam or paper, I don't know the identity of the student and so any biases I might have one way or the other with respect, say, to race or gender or physical appearance, can't influence the grade I assign. It's a bit more cumbersome to grade this way because students have to provide some kind of key that I can later turn to so I know whose work is whose when it's time to record the grades, but the value in terms of increased fairness certainly justifies the extra effort. 5. I'm currently serving on our department's climate committee and in that capacity have been advocating for increased training for faculty to help mitigate relevantly similar forms of bias in the classroom. 6. Several years ago, my wife and I were trained and certified to serve as foster respite care providers. When foster parents want to do something that involves being away from their foster children for more than a few hours, they can't just leave them with a neighbor or babysitter. They must leave the children with people who have been trained to provide such respite care. My wife and I did this for a few years, taking children for full days and sometimes for full weekends. We were motivated by the fact that at that point we had largely finished raising our two children and felt keenly aware of how fortunate our parenting circumstances had been and how unfair it remains that some children get off to Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 94 Packet Page 137 of 287 so much more challenging starts in life. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 95 Packet Page 138 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I'm a philosopher who is trained in dealing with, among other things, extreme hypothetical cases. So by disposition I'm not inclined to say something like "no matter what, under no circumstances, could I ever imagine thinking it's appropriate to remove anything from a library". I can imagine, for example, a hypothetical document that turns out to contain highly classified national security secrets that somehow ended up in a donated archive. But in terms of real-life cases, I can't really think of anything the library would have, or would want to have, that I would want to see removed or would support being removed (though in the interest of full disclosure, I guess I'll add that I wouldn't mind seeing the library remove just a few of its many, many copies of the latest James Patterson novel and replacing them with one copy each of some of the Anita Brookner novels it doesn't seem to have any copies of). 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? N/A 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I don't think I know enough at this point to have informed opinions about what the board's priorities should be but if I am appointed to the board I would look forward to learning more and developing such opinions. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 96 Packet Page 139 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 97 Packet Page 140 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  As the director of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and the president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric (UCAR) research I was responsible for guiding large diverse staffs, meeting mission goals and objectives, and managing large budgets. My leadership team and I often faced difficult fiscal choices in distributing insufficient resources. Clear, honest and open communication is the key to leading staff, customers and stakeholders through trying times and rapid social and political changes. At the National Center for Atmospheric Research (operated by UCAR for the NSF), for example, we successfully transitioned our IT environment from a conglomeration of home-grown products to Google for Government. At SWPC I built trust and developed a profitable partnership with the steward of the National Weather Service Employee's Organization to provide a supportive, safe, and respectful environment for our researchers, forecasters and administrative personnel. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. One has to first understand where and when prejudices, unfairness and inequities are occurring in large, complex, service-oriented organizations. This requires setting up and monitoring a diverse array of anonymous feedback channels from the staff, customers and stakeholders to the management team. I always maintained a well-staffed and independent ombudsperson office, for example. At SWPC, we focused on understanding the evolving needs of our customers before we planned for new products and services. It is easy to get out of touch with constituents or to see only one facet of a complex set of community needs and desires. An equitable library system must make a concerted effort to hear from those who are often reticent to speak out. The unknown unknowns were always what kept me awake at night. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 98 Packet Page 141 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I am reminded of a remark made by the University of Colorado's president Ward F Darley when questioned during the 1950s by the state legislators during the height of the red scare. When asked if communism was taught on the Boulder campus, Darley replied that yes, it was, and that venereal disease was also taught at Denver by the medical school and that the university faculty and administration advocated neither. I find censorship -- book banning, burning, etc -- deplorable. Our citizens should have the freedom to choose what they wish to read, watch, or listen to. Our libraries should remain a bastion of knowledge, information and yes, even misinformation. Like Darley and his staff, there is no role for the library in advocacy --- and book banning is a form of advocacy. It is up to the individual to be discerning. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I have been retired for almost a decade now and have very few connections or affiliations that could pose conflicts of interest. My volunteer position with the National Solar Observatory involves mentoring graduate students and investigating the history of how science came to Boulder after the conclusion of World War II. I think none of this has any potential to prevent my participation from always being in what I perceive to be the best interests of the library. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? The world is changing so rapidly around us. The challenge for any organization, and especially our libraries, is to keep pace with these changes and to ensure that our products and services remain timely. Boulder County's changing demographics and the growing importance of the internet for the distribution of information content pose serious challenges for libraries which must continue to find their niche in this milieu. The library staff is the first line in this ongoing conflict. I believe the board needs to listen to their inputs and empower and enable them to implement and lead the change necessary to keep libraries relevant to their evolving communities. Few people are truly comfortable with change. The board should also work to create a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where staff and patrons can explore change on their own terms and level of comfort. It is not easy, but it can be done! In my opinion a board does not have the answers to the difficult questions. Rather it should help those experts who do have the answers and experience to get the job done by removing impediments and streamlining process. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 99 Packet Page 142 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 100 Packet Page 143 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have lots of research skills demonstrated by my various publications in anthropology. Although I have always kept my residence in Boulder all of my adult life, I have spent various years in other places -Hawaii (1.5 hrs). Australia (1 year), Uganda (1 year) and enjoyed and heavily used their libraries. Hence, I have experienced different approaches to libraries. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. I have been a property manager for almost 50 years and have rented to all categories of people - straight, gay, white, hispanic, black, rich, poor, young ,old. The library seems to be making efforts in making a equitable system already by opening branches in new areas. As I do not know the plans of the library district and have not thought a lot about equity, I cannot answer this right now. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I cannot think of any circumstance in which I would wish to remove a book, program or item from the library. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I can see no conflicts of interest to any role as a member of the board. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? My needs are being met well by the library. I would have to do a little exploring to find out what needs of other categories are not being met. Already, I see a wide variety of people in the two libraries I frequent - main and Meadows. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 101 Packet Page 144 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 102 Packet Page 145 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  - I have served on a number of boards and committees and understand organization finances, funding, and budgeting. - I have a can-do attitude and willingly pitch in to do whatever needs to be done. - I am a life-long supporter of reading, literacy, and public libraries and have a solid understanding of the way they function. - I volunteer with the Paper & Spine Bookstore weekly and volunteer with other library programs such as the Library Foundation Gala, the Family Play Festival. I also volunteered for the 2024 Summer of Discovery program and intend to do so again this year. - I volunteered with the Helena May library (Hong Kong) for three years, working at the circulation desk and recommending books for purchase. - I helped develop the World of Words literacy celebration program at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, which coordinated events such as book swaps and Books to Eat contests in addition to supporting author visits and the school's D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) program. - My college work-study job was in the Burke library (Hamilton College), where I worked the circulation desk, processed inter-library loan requests, and devoted time each shift to shelf reading. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 103 Packet Page 146 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. I would help build an equitable library system by learning about the District's plans and policies, ensuring that they are meeting those goals and working to help implement them. In addition, I would research what other libraries are doing and see if anything could be added to what the District is currently doing. When I travel, I often stop in to the local library to see how they are organized, what they offer, and try to get a sense of their general vibe. I would parlay that "research" into potential suggestions for the BPLD. In addition, I have lived in three countries in which English was not the primary language so I understand (and have lived) the need to welcome people of all backgrounds. Specific examples of promoting fairness and inclusivity include: - Being a member of the global #kidlit writing community and supporter of the #FReadom movement - Serving as steward of a Little Free Library that is signed in both English and Spanish and stocked with books in both languages - Working for climate justice by attending rallies and contacting my representatives - Fighting as an LGBQ+ ally - Addressing food security by volunteering with Boulder Food Rescue 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I can think of very few instances where a book, program or item might be considered for removal. In general, I trust the librarians responsible for collections to use their professional training and experience to select materials according to accepted best practices. I can, however, imagine a situation arising that would, out of sensitivity and compassion, require a change in the timing of programs or displays. A fictitious example would be postponing a pending exhibit about the Wizard of Oz if a tornado has just destroyed a major portion of the library district. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 104 Packet Page 147 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? To my knowledge, I have no conflicts of interest with serving as a member of the board. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I view top priorities for the Board of Trustees as: - Completing the vision laid out in the creation of the BPLD - Supporting BPLD staff as they work to identify and address additional unmet needs - Ensuring the libraries are clean, safe, well-maintained spaces that are open and welcoming to all - Working to meet other district goals, such as addressing climate change by making it easy for patrons to use alternate transportation to get to the libraries - Making sure residents are fully aware of all the resources the libraries do in fact offer Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 105 Packet Page 148 of 287 Form Name: Board of Trustee Application Submission Time: March 6, 2025 10:55 am Browser: Chrome 133.0.0.0 / Windows IP Address: 23.173.208.246 Unique ID: 1321638676 Location: 40.0142, -105.2853 Application Information Applicant Contact Information Name Benjamin Bayer Email Address Boulder, CO 80302 Phone Demographic Questions What is your age range? 35 to 54 Which race or ethnicity do you identify with most? White Application Questions Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 106 Packet Page 149 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? My namesake, Benjamin Franklin, believed that having an educated and literate populace was paramount to the success of our nation. I believe that, in the age of (mis)information, this principle is even more important but also under greater threat. It is becoming more difficult to ascertain what is true and both sides of the political extreme wish to censor and ban content to preserve their "truth" and to protect their values. I believe strongly that access to information--both the good and the bad--must be preserved for our population to create and embrace the potential of the future while learning how to avoid the mistakes of the past. However, libraries have become so much more than books and stories. In addition to the traditional function, libraries have evolved into community centers, institutes of continuing education, theaters, fabrication spaces, and so much more. As someone whose interests run the gamut from Classics (my college major) to quantum physics to woodworking to computer science and everything in between, I love what a modern library does as much as what it represents and I relish the opportunity to serve the public by shaping the library district and ensuring that access to knowledge, skills, and community is protected and encouraged. 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have dedicated my life to service and personal growth and am proud to use the skills and time I have in the service of the library. Currently I sit on the Board of Directors of Resource Central, a local environmental non-profit, and have been fortunate to be a part of the organization's tremendous growth. I've been a member of the Board for 9 years and the chair of the finance committee for three years. In my former life, I was a 10-year veteran of Google and held a few administrative roles both with its research team and overseeing the Boulder office. What drew me to Google initially--and why I want to be a part of the Library's Board of Trustees--was its commitment to making knowledge available to everyone. While Google may have strayed from its original mission, I have not and still believe that bringing knowledge and skills to our community is a powerful gift. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 107 Packet Page 150 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. One of the hats I used to wear was planning large events for the engineering side of Google. The challenge was to create something that appealed to a diverse population with incredibly varied interests and preferences. I learned a lot of lessons during my tenure, not the least of which is that the diversity that gets written about most--that is to say racial diversity--barely scratches the surface of the cornucopia of humanity. Diversity of income, of experience, of cognition is equally, if not more important than skin color or gender. Further, making everyone feel welcome is not the endpoint or goal of diversity, it is the beginning and the premise. The events that I planned would both help foster and embrace subcommunities, allowing those who were introverts to enjoy activities that didn't force them to engage while allowing extroverts to run wild. The events gave everyone the space to express their own unique selves. Maybe an example would help. One of the events I planned was a holiday party for the thousands of Google engineers in the New York office. The theme I came up with was '80s, but not your traditional '80s party; rather, each room represented a different '80s: 80 A.D., 1780, 1880, 1980, and 2380. As such, we had people dress in everything from Starfleet uniforms to French Revolution, to Wild West wear, and of course, the good old 1980's neon. With every attendee encouraged to express their own self, the result was transcendental and produced an environment where everyone was embraced and no one felt out of place. The entertainment was equally representative of the population: those who wanted to dance found a club, those who wanted quiet conversation found a French drawing room, those who wanted games could head to the Wild West. Without belaboring the point, the event made everyone feel comfortable by embracing all the differences and individuality, not just the superficial ones, and giving an opportunity for free expression to every guest. This is the atmosphere that I would want to preserve in the library by making it a place where everyone's interests are catered to and appreciated. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 108 Packet Page 151 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I love this question because the issue of censorship is something that has been on my mind a lot. Much ink has been spilled on this topic and I could easily fill a book with all my thoughts but in an attempt to be brief, I will share three competing experiences and how I felt about them. First, several years ago I visited the Alamo Museum in San Antonio. I was reading the interpretive plaque on its history and scarcely made it a few words in before I recognized that something was off. The history of the Alamo began with the white settlers and the portrayal was one-sided to the point of being polemical. It was not an attempt to teach history so much as rewrite it. The rest of the museum followed suit. I was disturbed by the experience. On the opposite extreme was my visit to the Brooklyn Museum. The museum had a painting of George Washington in his military attire. I read the description card and observed that it said nothing about the painting itself, nothing about the artist, nothing about the style, or dress, or anything that I would want to know. Instead, it just commented on how George Washington is now a controversial figure because he owned slaves (the painting had nothing to do with slavery nor depicted slaves). While I suppose this was a better alternative than removing the painting entirely, it felt like the museum was also trying to make a point where there was no reason to do so and I felt frustrated by the experience. Though on the political opposite of the Alamo, it felt like both museums were trying to make a point at the expense of education and fact. Around the same time I also visited the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. In the entrance way of the museum they had a mural from the 1950s depicting the history of Vermont, as it was envisioned by the 1950s painter. That is to say, all the characters in it were white and it showed the colonists with no mention of the indigenous population nor other races. It was, in a word, whitewashed. The curator's treatment of this mural was a stark contrast from the others. The description didn't attempt to hide the history like the Alamo Museum, nor did it attempt to make a point like the Brooklyn Museum. Instead, it both presented factual information about the scene, what was depicted, and the artist and then approached the controversial side of the mural with curiosity. It presented the question "who don't you see in the mural and why do you think they're missing?" It allowed the visitor room to think and come to their own conclusions without having a message forced down their throat. It is this latter approach that resonates most with me. I believe, as Socrates taught, that minds are changed through questions not Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 109 Packet Page 152 of 287 statements. I believe that nothing should be banned but everything should be taught with context and counterpoint and, most importantly, curiosity and empathy. This is the vision I have for the library. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 110 Packet Page 153 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I am not a member of any organizations that would present any conflict of interest but I would recuse myself from any decision or vote where there might be one. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I am a big fan of and advocate for the library's expansion as a place where skills are learned in addition to knowledge acquired. I am an ardent supporter and user of the MakerSpace at Bldg 61 and I would be supportive of a further expansion of this principle with more hands-on classes available to the public, not just in the MakerSpace but expanding into other areas as well. I would also be interested in ruminating on ways to better serve the vulnerable populations that make up a significant presence. While I'm sure there are many views on the issue, like it or not the library has become a place where those who are unhoused and/or have mental or physical issues gather. I appreciate this inclusivity and I also think it's important for the well-heeled of Boulder to confront this reality but I also believe there's probably more opportunities to help these populations. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 111 Packet Page 154 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 112 Packet Page 155 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I have loved and appreciated libraries my entire life, currently holding library cards from 8 libraries/library districts. Throughout my professional and academic careers I have used and supported libraries by serving on library committees, coordinating with librarians, and supporting the transformation from exclusively physical formats to the widest possible accessibility of digital means, Now that I have largely retired, I seek to offer my time, diverse experience, and ability to plan and implement diverse challenges through innovative and effective solutions for the Boulder Library Disrict. I have significant experience working with and within Board environments, understanding the required spirit of collaboration, evaluation, understanding of diverse parameters and coming to an acceptable majority opinion or action 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  My entire life has been focused on planning, data gathering, understanding needs, and testing/adjustment of alternative solutions. The wide range of disciplines of my academic degrees and breadth of my employments allow me to integrate technology, personal needs, budget constraints, policy, and other factors so as to develop alternative scenarios to share with clients, fellow board members, and decision makers. I delight and welcome opportunities to tackle tough, multi-faceted problems that require non-traditional yet widely acceptable solutions. Innovative approaches to seemingly limited situations are a personal characteristic of my involvement, whether it be tough technical issues or the more complex circumstances of individual needs and society as a whole.As I understand that technology is a powerful tool, but only if it can be responsive to legal, policy, financial and especially the needs of the diverse audience that libraries must serve. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 113 Packet Page 156 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. As a supervisor and faculty member, fairness and equity were absolutely inviolate cornerstones, There is no place for privilege or exclusion. My work with CARL and the Shibboleth library development committees as well in the highly regulated and privacy environments of medical care are examples of working within systems that by their very nature require fairness, equity, and inclusivity, In addition, my work with USAID and volunteer projects exposed me to the widest possible range of individuals and societal norms, requiring me to provide solutions that were fair and inclusive of all populations and individuals, I would strive to ensure the development and deployment of library systems available to all members of the library district, while simultaneously protecting it from theft, attacks, or corruption from external forces or individuals. In my experience, in order to promote fairness and inclusivity, training and development resources will need to be available to library staff and clients in order to ensure they are knowledgeable of the means of access and assistance. In many cases, exclusion can result from a lack of knowledge. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   In general, I believe libraries should be a source of all knowledge and access for all members, However, one must be conscious of limiting access to materials that provide or could cause physical harm, In most cases, I would not be in favor of materials that would allow one to build devices or materials that could cause harm to others, This would include materials that would instruct the building of explosives, weapons, poisons, or other means of physical harm. I do not feel it is appropriate for libraries to ban books that focus on religious, political, sexuality, or gender issues, but they shouild have available materials that cover both (or more than two) sides of such cultural issues. One cannot be truly informed unless all aspects of an issue are understood. It may be appropriate to limit access to certain materials, especially of a sexual or language nature to certain ages, but the appropriate age restrictions would be outside my experience and knowledge, I would defer to others better suited to make such determinations. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 114 Packet Page 157 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I know of no current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that could create a conflict of interest. I believe that understanding the perspectives and priorities of any potential antagonist or other individual with a conflicting opinion is essential to achieving a win-win outcome. This understanding has served me well as an effective negotiator with vendors, clients, or others to achieve the outcomes I desired. To seek a win at the loss for others provides a short term benefit or reward whereas a win-win outcome ensures a basis for future cooperation. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? It is vital that the Board of Trustees be seen as a positive force and resource for all members of the Boulder community district. This would include physical resources such as books, library buildings and increasingly electronic and digital access and materials. Prior to the election establishing the district, opponents expressed concerns over the loss of building and physical resources paid for by taxpayer monies and that a board would have less accountability to residents than by taxpayers. It should be a top priority for the Board to achieve and communicate benefits achieved to all residents, This should include partnership with newspapers, internet information forums, emails, texts, signage in the libraries, etc. In my opinion, I notice a smaller selection of new fiction and non-fiction books at my local (Meadows) branch, which the librarians agree seems to be the case. This perspective should be verified and addressed by communications that show where funds previously allocated for materials are being used for other worthwhile purposes. District patrons should be seen as a top priority and treated as such. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 115 Packet Page 158 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 116 Packet Page 159 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? As a Boulder resident with over 20 years of marketing leadership experience and a deep commitment to community service, I am (more than) passionate about contributing to the success of the library. My interest stems from my love for libraries as essential forums for information, ideas, and community connection. Throughout my career, I've demonstrated a commitment to education and knowledge-sharing-from teaching English with the Peace Corps in Bangladesh to scaling an educational technology company. Libraries represent the intersection of my professional expertise in strategic growth and my personal values of accessible education and community enrichment. Having served in various community-oriented roles, including with Boulder County CareConnect and Colorado Campus Compact, I understand the transformative impact of well-managed public institutions. I would bring my experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, and community engagement to help establish a library district that serves all residents equitably and effectively. 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  As VP of Marketing at PlatCore LMS, I helped bootstrap the company from inception to successful business, requiring careful resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and long-term planning. I co-founded the Leadership Team and supported Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) implementation, developing Go-to-Market strategies that increased brand recognition while aligning with business objectives. This experience directly translates to helping guide the library district through its critical formative stage, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and strategically to meet community needs. My roles with nonprofit organizations such as Colorado Campus Compact and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska required building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, I doubled the size of the regional youth mentor program by creating meaningful partnerships with community organizations. Similarly, my Peace Corps service taught me to bridge cultural differences while creating valuable community resources, including building a playground that earned the Global Youth Service Day Award. These experiences demonstrate my ability to bring diverse perspectives together to achieve common goals-a crucial skill for a board member tasked with representing the entire community. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 117 Packet Page 160 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. My commitment to equity and inclusivity is evident throughout my career. While serving with the Peace Corps in Bangladesh, I developed an ESL curriculum designed to be accessible to students from various socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring educational opportunities weren't limited by financial resources. The playground project I spearheaded was specifically designed to be accessible to children of all abilities. At Colorado Campus Compact, I wrote and executed grants focused on civic engagement and experiential education, prioritizing programs that served underrepresented student populations. This required developing metrics to track participation across demographic groups and adjusting outreach strategies to ensure equitable access. For the library district, I would advocate for: Data-driven decision making to understand and address usage patterns across different communities Multilingual materials and programming Accessible physical and digital spaces for patrons of all abilities Diverse collections that represent our community's varied backgrounds and perspectives Outreach programs targeting underserved neighborhoods and populations My background in marketing would also be valuable in ensuring communication about library services reaches all community members through appropriate channels and messaging. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 118 Packet Page 161 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I firmly believe in upholding the principles outlined in the Library Bill of Rights, which states that "materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation" and "materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval." Libraries should be forums for information and ideas that represent diverse perspectives. As a trustee, I would advocate for collections that include materials presenting all points of view on current and historical issues, even when those viewpoints may be controversial or unpopular. The only circumstances under which I might consider removal would be if: Material was acquired outside established collection development policies Legal issues arise regarding copyright infringement or other legitimately unlawful content Material is damaged beyond repair or obsolete in format (and would be replaced with accessible versions) Even in these cases, I would insist on following established review procedures and professional librarians' expertise rather than responding to pressure campaigns or personal preferences. I would actively work to resist censorship and support the library's responsibility to provide information and enlightenment for all community members. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 119 Packet Page 162 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I do not have any current relationships, affiliations, or business interests that would create conflicts of interest with serving on the Library District Board. My professional work in the educational technology sector (PlatCore LMS) does not compete with or provide services to public libraries. If appointed to the board, I would commit to: Fully disclosing any potential conflicts that might arise Recusing myself from discussions and votes on matters where even the appearance of a conflict might exist Following all board governance policies regarding conflict of interest Maintaining transparent communication with fellow trustees and the public My past experience as part of Leadership Teams implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has taught me the importance of transparent decision-making processes and organizational health. I would bring this same commitment to integrity and transparency to my service on the Library District Board. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 120 Packet Page 163 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Based on my understanding of our community and the evolving role of libraries, I see several key priorities: Digital equity and access - Ensuring all community members have access to technology, high-speed internet, and digital literacy training. This is increasingly critical as more educational and governmental services move online. Services for vulnerable populations - Expanding programs for seniors, non-English speakers, economically disadvantaged residents, and those experiencing homelessness. Libraries can serve as connection points to social services and community resources. Early childhood literacy and education - Strengthening programs that support early brain development and school readiness, particularly in underserved communities. Sustainable funding model - Establishing transparent budgeting processes and diverse revenue streams to ensure long-term financial stability for the district. Environmental sustainability - Incorporating green building practices and technologies into library facilities to reduce environmental impact and operating costs. With my background in strategic planning, marketing, and community service, I would work collaboratively with fellow trustees to address these priorities through thoughtful resource allocation, community partnerships, and innovative service models. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 121 Packet Page 164 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 122 Packet Page 165 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  I have an M.L.S. degree from Rutgers University and was employed as a librarian for 12 years, so I have an educational background and insider knowledge of working within library systems. Through my role and experience as an administrator in the CU Boulder College of Engineering & Applied Science, I can bring several skills: Strategic visioning/planning/execution - I've contributed to several college-level strategic plans over the years, along with a strategic plan released last year for the college's BOLD Center. My top 5 Clifton Strengths are: Context, Input, Learner, Developer, and Maximizer. The first three of these fall into the "Strategic Thinking" theme. I have utilized the latter two in supporting people in their personal growth along with implementing processes and systems to gain workplace efficiencies. Budgeting and personnel management - In my current portfolio, I have oversight for approximately 50 student services staff and over $5M total in personnel and operational budgets. Interpersonal relations - I am skilled in working with students, faculty, and staff from a variety of backgrounds. I employ servant leadership, am a good listener, and am recognized as a trusted and collaborative thought partner. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. Drawing on my experience as Associate Dean for Students, my influence has manifested in efforts to increase equitable student success. Over time we have identified issues differentially impacting student groups and worked to address those issues-my role has been to lift up these issues, amplify the voices of others, and advocate for them to influence change. Some examples where systemic changes were made include revising the world language requirement, minimum grade for pre-requisite courses, and academic standing policies. A current effort I have been working on with others is identifying academic performance gaps in certain foundational courses among student populations and piloting interventions the reduce those performance gaps. I would bring these sensibilities and sensitivities to my work on behalf of the Boulder Library District, learning more deeply about the issues differentially impacting community members and determining what actions the library system should take to mitigate those impacts. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 123 Packet Page 166 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   I'm having a hard time thinking of such a circumstance. I believe that access to information along with critical thinking skills are essential for a society to flourish. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I can't think of any conflicts of interest. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? I have reviewed some of the Trustee materials on the web site (e.g., meeting minutes, Aug. 2024 retreat, trustee responsibilities, etc.), but I would like to learn more before firming up what I would consider to be top priorities. For example, a rollout of the new Gunbarrel location is imminent so ensuring that is done successfully may be an imminent priority. The ten-year 2018 Library Master Plan is in place so I'd want to learn more about what has been achieved and what is yet to be done (or what snags have been encountered and why); I wasn't able to find progress against the master plan on the web site. As this Plan is nearing the ten-year mark further strategic planning soon may be a priority-perhaps with a focus to fully illuminate and address unmet community needs. I believe doing a survey(s) was mentioned and I definitely endorse getting stakeholder feedback and involving people in discussions about unmet community needs. (As an aside, I've appreciated the communications and invitations for stakeholder feedback conducted recently by Boulder Parks & Recreation regarding improvements to the various Recreation Centers-perhaps that's a model to consider.) Financial resources to sustain all the library facilities, programs, services, and personnel are likely a perennial top priority. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 124 Packet Page 167 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 125 Packet Page 168 of 287 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? Prior to moving to Colorado, I had the privilege to work for Oak Lawn Public Library (OLPL) in Illinois for eight years. It's the library I grew up visiting as a kid, and I am so proud of the efforts that me and my team led, along with the work I had a hand in across cross departmental projects. I love my current job in healthcare at Boulder Community Health (BCH), but I miss being involved in libraries. I want to pay forward my experience to my community, and the library is the perfect gathering place. Serving as a trustee would allow me to collaborate with a great team and shape the future of BPL through policy and financial decision-making. I've cultivated relationships with cardiology physicians, surgeons, managers and directors to best promote the world class heart care available at Boulder Heart. Working for BCH - an independent, community-focused health system - provides many opportunities to see first-hand how patient-centered care directly impacts the lives of our community members and makes a positive difference. I see a similar opportunity at the library to impact the lives of community members and that is the best, most rewarding gift of all. 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  Eight years working in a library as a manager and overseeing a team of four is my best experience. As a support services manager, I experienced everything at the library - YS, Adult Services, Tech, Local History, Admin, the Library Board - these were all my clients. I'm passionate about cultivating relationships, hearing both sides of a situation, and then working with others to find a solution. The library community is our client, and I would truly appreciate the chance to see what our patrons want, where our policy should be directed, and where our dollars should be spent. I'm known for my ability to see a project through from start to finish. I'm detail-oriented because of my vast experience executing communication plans. I used to see it as a flaw, but it really is my superpower, and I've learned to embrace it. I would directly apply this attention to detail to my trustee position. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 126 Packet Page 169 of 287 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. When I worked at OLPL, we designed our own library cards and printed them on site (like the process at BPL), and to this day, I still have our first draft/demo card dedicated to the theme "Libraries are for everyone" that I keep on my bulletin board at my BCH office. It's a perfect physical reminder to me of my responsibility to always apply fairness and inclusivity in all that I do. My heart breaks for the ways inclusion have been thought of as weak in our country. But when I need a little shot of joy, I think back to August 21, 2017 - the first total solar eclipse since 1918. I spent the day at my library, handing out as many pairs of glasses as we could find. But when the eclipse started, it was pure inclusivity. All of us sharing the same experience - a memory forever, that the library spearheaded. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   In my previous library role, I was a strong proponent of celebrating Banned Books Week - through library displays, programming and marketing avenues. I don't believe in censorship of materials or programs. Libraries are for everyone and that means offering education opportunities for all - whether it be BPL's current Drag Story Hour or the program we offered at Oak Lawn Public Library about a former white supremacist turned activist disavowing the hate he used to spew. His book regarding his journey to redemption was just as needed as any other author talk. Everything has something to teach us, and these offerings are all important to our patrons - for the ones who choose to engage. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? I don't believe any current or past relationships, affiliations or business interests would be a conflict of interest as a member of the board. On the flip side, I believe my work in health care would be an asset to future programming, outreach, and lifelong learning initiatives related to healthy living and prevention. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 127 Packet Page 170 of 287 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? As a new resident of Gunbarrel (after five years of living in central Boulder), I am very excited to see a new Gunbarrel library location opening this summer. It's incredible to see the unique offerings already available to our community: BLDG 61; Studio 24; One Book, One Boulder; culture and literacy groups; genealogy and local history; lifelong learning options; and much more. I would love to see more options for the often forgotten and hard to reach Gen Z'ers and millennials, not pertaining to kids & family programming. I realize library workers the world over have chased this issue for years and years with a butterfly net, but I believe we can close the gaps to ensure library use from those in the middle years of life. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 128 Packet Page 171 of 287 Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 129 Packet Page 172 of 287 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  Starting in high school I've served as student representative and helped organize concerts to raise awareness around racism. Ever since university I've volunteered and helped organize conferences as well as review papers. I've been on the board of the International Coaching Federation Colorado chapter for 3 years as Director of Technology, advised tens of companies, taught internationally with diverse audiences and coached hundreds of people. My diverse background from my upbringing to my education allows me to see nuances and aspects in arguments that often go unnoticed and I can mediate and moderate seeing an issue from different perspectives. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. Going back to my high school engagement to raise awareness around racism with music concerts, throughput my life, as somebody who grew up in a system of oppression, it's been near and dear to my heart to educate as much as possible about it without judging or shaming people. My approach is rooted in dialogue and fostering understanding and love. A key aspect is raising the awareness of what is available, from the books on the shelves in the libraries, to digital options, plus all the volunteer driven offerings, so that they can be used. 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   For me this is an issue that needs to be treated case by case, in general I'd argue that the bottom line needs to be that no books are removed unless there is a very strong case made for the book to be removed and there is a majority of people in a decision faculty on board to move ahead with a removal. This holds true for any book, item or program, trusting that the process to add them to the offering is diligent and ensuring they should be there in the first place. I have no appetite for supporting removal of books based on the political wind and liking of the leadership of our country. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 130 Packet Page 173 of 287 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No. 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? Making books, programs and items available to a wide range of people in the community and investing in education and outreach to help more people find the offerings and have easy access to them. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 131 Packet Page 174 of 287 Form Name: Board of Trustee Application Submission Time: March 7, 2025 11:59 am Browser: Chrome 133.0.0.0 / Windows IP Address: 98.245.1.60 Unique ID: 1322082920 Location: 39.9947, -105.2366 Application Information Applicant Contact Information Name David Martus Email Address Boulder, CO 80305 Phone Demographic Questions What is your age range? 55 to 64 Which race or ethnicity do you identify with most? I prefer not to say Application Questions 1. Why are you interested in serving on the Library District Board of Trustees? I have lived in Boulder for almost 40 years since attending CU and love the library and would enjoy giving back so that the entire community can benefit from a great resource. 2. What skills, experience, or personal characteristics do you have that will help the board of trustees guide the library district?  Please provide at least two examples.  Pragmatic life skills and the ability to respectfully understand many viewpoints. I am a long-time library user/patron as well as a 40-year Boulder resident. These life skills would be valuable to have on the board. 3. The BPLD envisions building and maintaining an equitable library system for all patrons and residents. Please provide examples of your past experiences in promoting fairness and inclusivity and how you would help build an equitable library system to serve the plans of the library district. The current library offers a highly equitable system and I would work towards maintaining the current operating excellence and look to understand what offerings/programs would best benefit the community. Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 132 Packet Page 175 of 287 4. In light of the current environment where some books are being banned from some libraries, please explain whether there are any circumstances under which you would want to remove a book, program, or item from the libraries?   None, not appropriate in our city/district. 5. Are there any current or past relationships, affiliations, or business interests that you believe might create a conflict of interest in your role as a member of the board? If so, how do you plan to manage or mitigate these potential conflicts to ensure your decisions align with the best interests of the organization? No 6. Regarding unmet community needs, what do you see as the top priorities for the board of trustees? 1) Providing helpful stewardship to an excellent team, without overstepping (looking over their shoulder) 2) Prioritizing highest-value projects for what looks to be an annual surplus of funds Attachment A - Applications received for the Library District Board of Trustees Item 3G - Library District Board of Trustees Selection Committee 133 Packet Page 176 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8694, amending Sections 4- 20-43, “Development Application Fees,” 8-6-6.5, “Small C ell Facilities in the Public Right- of-Way Permits,” 9-6-4, “Specific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses,” and 9-16- 1, “Definitions,” B.R.C . 1981, to align city code with federal law regarding local government permitting of wireless telecommunications facilities; and setting forth related details P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Geoff Solomonson, City Planner RE Q U E ST E D AC T I ON O R MOT I ON L AN GU AG E Motion to adopt Ordinance 8694, amending Sections 4-20-43, “Development Application Fees,” 8-6-6.5, “Small C ell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” 9-6-4, “Specific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses,” and 9-16-1, “Definitions,” B.R.C . 1981, to align city code with federal law regarding local government permitting of wireless telecommunications facilities; and setting forth related details AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Packet Page 177 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8694, amending Sections 4-20-43, “Development Application Fees,” 8-6-6.5, “Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” 9-6-4, “Specific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses,” and 9-16-1, “Definitions,” B.R.C. 1981, to align city code with federal law regarding local government permitting of wireless telecommunications facilities; and setting forth related details. PRESENTERS Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Mark Woulf, Assistant City Manager Teresa Taylor Tate, City Attorney Brad Mueller, Director of Planning & Development Services Charles Ferro, Senior Planning Manager Karl Guiler, Senior Policy Advisor Geoff Solomonson, City Planner EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This ordinance has been drafted in response to rulings and interpretations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in regards to wireless communications facilities and small cell facilities. In addition to the descriptions and analysis provided in this memo, the proposed ordinance is provided in Attachment A. Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 1 Packet Page 178 of 287 Staff is requesting a motion by City Council to adopt the proposed code changes as required by the Land Use Code. If passed, changes typically go into effect 30 days after adoption by City Council. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Suggested Motion Language: Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following motion: Motion to adopt Ordinance 8694, amending Sections 4-20-43, “Development Application Fees,” 8-6-6.5, “Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” 9-6-4, “Specific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses,” and 9-16-1, “Definitions,” B.R.C. 1981, to align city code with federal law regarding local government permitting of wireless telecommunications facilities; and setting forth related details. BOARD AND COMMISSION FEEDBACK Planning Board – Ordinances changing the Land Use Code require Planning Board recommendation to City Council. On April 1, 2025, Planning Board reviewed Ordinance 8650 and unanimously recommended approval of the ordinance to City Council with the following motion: L. Kaplan made a motion seconded by M. Roberts to recommend that City Council adopt the proposed ordinance, amending Title 4, Chapter 20, “Fees,” Title 8, Chapter 6, “Public Right-of-way and Easement Encroachments, Revocable Permits, Leases and Vacations, Title 9, Chapter 6 “Use Standards,” and Title 9, Chapter 16, “Definitions,” B.R.C. 1981, to amend the standards for wireless communications facilities and small cell facilities, and setting forth related details. The planning board voted 6-0. Motion passed. J. Boone absent. Planning Board also had questions about design, separation, and height requirements, which is established in existing code and is not proposed to change with this ordinance. The board also had questions about the definitions of Telecommunications provider, Telecommunications services, and Small cell facility and whether any updates are necessary. Staff has looked at these existing definitions further and determined they fit the intention of the code requirements and are consistent with federal and state ordinances. A minor clarification was made to the definition of Small cell facility for determining criteria. COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY ASSESMENTS AND IMPACT AND OTHER IMPACTS None. COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 2 Packet Page 179 of 287 Since these changes are in response to federal rulemaking, engagement has been limited. Notification of the current changes has been announced in the Planning and Development Services monthly newsletter, which reaches over 5,000 people. As part of the newsletter, staff has provided a link to the webpage that includes a description of all the project. There has not been any public comments or feedback. BACKGROUND The FCC introduced significant changes to the size, implementation, and processing of wireless communication facilities and small cell wireless facilities in 2018 (FCC 18- 133A1), which the city of Boulder addressed mainly with changes to Section 9-6-4(f), “Specific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses,” B.R.C. 1981, and the creation of Section 8-6-6.5, “Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” B.R.C. 1981. Small cell facilities are a wireless communication facility that is mounted on structures 55 feet or less and has an antenna enclosure of no more than three cubic feet and equipment of no more than 28 cubic feet and is otherwise referred to as a micro wireless facility. Since the 2019 ruling, the FCC has released subsequent rulings and interpretations (DA 19-277A1, FCC 20-75A, & FCC 20-153A1), which further changes implementation and processing of small cell facilities as well as clarifying language in the 2018 ruling. The State of Colorado released a house bill (HB 17-1193) in response to the 2018 FCC ruling and has a forthcoming house bill (HB 25-1056) (not yet adopted) that aims to further change review procedures. Wireless communication facilities, which include small cell facilities, are an antenna or series of antennas used for transmitting personal wireless services. Wireless communication facilities that are larger or taller than small cell facilities are sometimes referred to as a macrocell. These can include large lattice towers, and any number of small installations. When transmission equipment is mounted on an existing eligible support structure the equipment is “collocated.” Instances where transmission equipment is modified, including collocation, removal or replacement, without changing the physical dimensions of the equipment, is referred to as an “eligible facilities request.” A more detailed description of the FCC rulings and State of Colorado House Bill is provided below: FCC 18-133, In the Matter of Accelerating Wireless Broadband Development by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment This ruling, which was released on September 27, 2018, was intended to provide service in new areas, prohibit restrictions of a new carrier, improve existing services, and provide fair access to services and providers by: Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 3 Packet Page 180 of 287 • Adjusting a maximum application fee, new infrastructure fee, and yearly recurring fees. • Providing clarity on reasonable aesthetic requirements. • Requiring a local jurisdictional review shot clock for collocation applications and new structure applications. • Defined that applications that are not approved within the designated shot clock timeframe are deemed approved. DA 19-277, Small Entity Compliance Guide This guide, which was released on April 11, 2019, clarifies the language of FCC 18-133 in regards to the shot clock review time for a siting application for collocation for small cell wireless and other wireless facilities on new or existing structures. The guide also clarifies the tolling period of the shot clock in the event of an incomplete application or application missing documentation when the clock shall restart, resume and run during the review process. Failure to act upon an application is further clarified. FCC 20-75A, In the Matter of Implementation of State and Local Governments’ Obligation to Approve Certain Wireless Facility Modification Requests Under Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act of 2012 This ruling, which was released on June 10, 2020, further clarifies when the shot-clock period begins and when the application can be tolled (paused) or delayed. This ruling also interprets a previous provision regarding a substantial increase to the height of an existing or proposed antenna. This ruling also interprets a previous provision regarding a substantial increase to the height of an existing or proposed antenna. Concealment is also addressed in this ruling at the time of original approval of the application. FCC 20-153, In the Matter of Implementation of State and Local Governments’ Obligations to Approve Certain Wireless Facility Modification Requests Under Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act of 2012 This ruling, which was released on November 3, 2020, determines a substantial change in the excavation or deployment of a wireless facilities, revises the definition of “site”, and clarifies treatment of a facility site in the event of a zoning change from the local jurisdictions initial review of the application. CO HB 17-1193 This bill, which was released on April 18, 2017, in preemption to the FCC 18-133 ruling contains similar language to align the State of Colorado regarding wireless communications facilities and small cell facilities. This bill also included applicable legal definitions for the process and descriptions of facilities that align with FCC rulings and interpretations. Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 4 Packet Page 181 of 287 CO HB 25-1056 This bill, which was passed by the Colorado Legislature on March 18, 2025, defines state legislated shot clocks for eligible facilities requests and macrocells. The bill also prevents local jurisdictions from implementing permits for removal and equipment changes. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES IN ORDINANCE 8694 Ordinance 8694 incorporates several changes from the FCC rulings and interpretations and has also been reviewed by an outside consultant, Wilson Williams Fellman Dittman, to verify and ensure Boulder meets federal code regulations, FCC designations and interpretations, and aligns with definitions with CO HB 17-1193. The following sections provide background and summarize major topics related to this proposed ordinance. Proposed Ordinance 8694: Amendment Summary Section 4-20-43 (15), “Development Application Fees.” • Clarifies the fee for a wireless communication facility, eligible facility request, small cell facility in the public right-of-way, multiple applications, new vertical infrastructure in the public right-of-way, additional facilities fees, and yearly fees for small cell in the public right-of-way based upon the FCC 18-133 ruling. Section 8-6-6.5 ,“Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits.” • Adds existing definitions from Section 9-16 of technical terms, which apply to this section. • Clarifies the definition of wireless communication facility to include small cell facilities as an umbrella term and changes small cell facility definition to clarify connectivity to wireless communication facility. • Clarifies height allowance and enclosure maximum size in the definition of small cell facility based off of federal definitions in 47 CFR 1.6002 • Removes vague application process language to direct to full review procedures for all wireless communication facility types in Section 9-6-4(f)(4). Section 9-6-4(f), “Specific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses.” • Clarifies the standards for the type of wireless communication facilities in Section 9-6-4 (f)(1). • Updates the excavation and deployment for transmission equipment and screening based upon FCC 20-153. • Adds language directing to required application fees for wireless communication facilities similar to existing language in Section 8-6-6.5 • Clarifies the review procedure for new wireless communication facilities, collocation or modification (other than eligible facility requests), eligible facility requests, small cell facilities, and equipment changes. Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 5 Packet Page 182 of 287 • Adds language in the small cell facility review procedure to clarify application completeness, shot clock regulations per type of review, notification requirements for application completeness, and standards for review for small cell facilities in the right-of-way under Section 8-6-6.5. Section 9-16, “Definitions” • Adds definitions applicable to Section 9-6-4(f) including, “Act”, “Base Station”, “Deployment”, “Tower”, from CO HB 17-1193 and 47 CFR 1.6100 • Modifies definitions applicable to Section 9-6-4(f) for “Substantial Change” and “Wireless Communication Facility” based upon interpretations and definitions in FCC 20-153 & 47 CFR 1.6100 Attachment A contains the proposed ordinance for adoption. ANALYSIS The following analysis is provided to demonstrate how the project objective to update the Boulder Revised Code is met through the proposed ordinance. What is the reason for the ordinance and what public purpose will be served? This ordinance has been drafted in response to the FCC rulings and interpretations with information taken from the State of Colorado house bill regarding wireless communication facilities and small cell facilities as well as federal codified definitions. The ninth circuit court had been reviewing and released interpretations of the FCC rulings in September, 2024 and is partly the reason for the city delaying an ordinance to update the city’s regulations to comply with the federal law. These changes impact how the city reviews wireless communication facilities and small cell facilities and are intended to keep Boulder up to date with the latest wireless communication facility direction. New state legislation has recently been passed and is awaiting Governor Polis’ signature, CO HB 25-1056, that may also impact local regulations, but staff intends to evaluate before proposing additional updates. How is the ordinance consistent with the purpose of the zoning districts or code chapters being amended? This ordinance will amend chapters of the land use code to clarify the review procedures for wireless communication facilities and small cell facilities and make sure the code is consistent with federal code, rulings, and interpretations and current state law. Are there consequences in denying this ordinance? The changes in the ordinance are intended to address the federal legislation. The consequence of denying this ordinance is that the city would fall into noncompliance with FCC rulings such as size, review procedures, and applicable fees which could potentially leave the city up to legal challenges from businesses, community members, and/or the federal government. Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 6 Packet Page 183 of 287 What adverse effects may result with the adoption of this ordinance? Staff does not anticipate that adverse effects may result with the adoption of this ordinance. Currently, Boulder has ordinances in effect that capture the majority of the intent of the FCC 18-133 ruling; however, this ordinance is intended to clarify the review procedures, add definitions of applicable legal definitions for clarity, and to amend the applicable fees in line with the subsequent FCC rulings and interpretations. Both Section 9-6-4(f) and Section 8-6-6.5 address concealment techniques and spacing requirements for new and collocation of small cell wireless and wireless communication facilities in the event of an increase in small cell applications. What factors are influencing the timing of the proposed ordinance? Why? As stated, there are ordinances in effect in the Boulder Revised Code that capture the majority of the intent of the FCC 18-133 ruling. Until recently, the City has received a limited amount of applications for small cell facilities in the right-of-way; however, with the recent transfer of streetlights from Xcel Energy to the City of Boulder, increased interest in small cell applications from providers has prompted a review of current code policies and their compatibility with recent rulings and interpretations. How does the ordinance compare to practices in other cities? This ordinance will align Boulder’s requirements with federal and state legislation, and create uniformity of our code policies with other nearby communities along the front range, which have also updated their regulations to comply with the legislation. Examples include Greeley, CO and Fort Collins, CO. How will this ordinance implement the comprehensive plan? This project implements several relevant policies noted below. Procedurally, the changes will clarify the fees, application, and review process for wireless communication facilities and small cell facilities in Boulder. As stated above, the changes are intended to align Boulder’s requirements with federal rulings, interpretations, legislation, state legislation, and uniformity with other front range communities. Intergovernmental Cooperation Policy 1.02 Policy Assessment The city and county will assess and be responsive to the external effects of their policies on other entities and jurisdictions. Consequences and tradeoffs will be considered before making decisions on them. Intergovernmental Cooperation Policy 1.04: Compliance with Land Use Regulations With regard to public facilities owned and operated in the other’s jurisdiction, the city and county will respect and abide by existing land use regulations insofar as being reasonably practicable. Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 7 Packet Page 184 of 287 Intergovernmental Cooperation Policy 1.19: Provision of Urban Services in the Boulder Valley The city is an adequate provider of facilities and services. These facilities and services will continue to be supplied to Area I. The city will make them available to Area II within the planning period pursuant to the city’s annexation policies and Capital Improvements Program. The city and county intend that new urban development not occur until adequate urban facilities and services are available to serve the development. The county’s experience indicates that the provision of the full range of urban facilities and services by a municipality is preferable to provision of urban facilities and services by special districts and private groups in part because municipalities have politically accountable leadership, general police power and the ability to coordinate provision of adequate urban facilities and services. Therefore, it is hereby presumed that adequate facilities and services can be provided only by the City of Boulder. The city will extend, furnish or provide such services at such time as it can provide them all as provided under paragraph 1.19(a) on the following page and the Urban Service Criteria and Standards in Chapter VII of this plan. However, it is not the intent to preclude the development and use of alternative facilities and service systems for new urban development so long as they are adequate as provided under paragraph 1.19(b) and the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this plan. Natural Environment Policy 3.11: Urban Environmental Quality To the extent possible, the city and county will seek to protect the environmental quality of areas under significant human and urban influence and will balance human needs and public safety with environmental protection. The city will develop and apply community-wide programs and standards for new development and redevelopment so that negative environmental impacts will be mitigated and overall environmental quality of the urban environment will be maintained and improved. Economy Policy 5.08: Funding City Services & Urban Infrastructure The city will encourage a strong sustainable economy to generate revenue to fund quality city services and recognizes that urban infrastructure, facilities, services and amenities are important to the quality of life of residents, employees and visitors to the community. A strong and complete local and regional multimodal transportation system and transportation demand management programs are essential to a thriving economy, as they offer options for commuters, help attract and retain key businesses, employers and visitors and provide regional access to global markets. The city will continue to plan for and invest in urban amenities and infrastructure (e.g., bike paths, parks, shared and managed parking, public spaces, quality gathering places, cultural destinations and public art) as well as community services (e.g., open space and mountain parks, high speed internet, fire-rescue, public safety and senior services). Economy Policy 5.11: Communications Infrastructure The city will promote opportunities to enable Boulder residents, businesses, visitors and public or private institutions to connect affordably, easily and securely. The city and county will support and facilitate the development of technologically advanced Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 8 Packet Page 185 of 287 communications infrastructure (e.g., broadband) and other improvements that serve the community, help businesses thrive and grow, foster the growth of emerging telecommunications industries and support emergency systems. Local Governance & Community Engagement Policy 10.01: High-Performing Government The city and county strive for continuous improvement in stewardship and sustainability of financial, human, information and physical assets. In all business, the city and county seek to enhance and facilitate transparency, accuracy, efficiency, effectiveness and quality customer service. The city and county support strategic decision-making with timely, reliable and accurate data and analysis. ATTACHMENT A - Ordinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 9 Packet Page 186 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ORDINANCE 8694 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 4-20-43, “DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FEES,” 8-6-6.5, “SMALL CELL FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMTS,” 9-6-4, “SPECIFIC USE STANDARDS – PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USES,” AND 9-16-1, “DEFINITIONS,” B.R.C. 1981, TO ALIGN CITY CODE WITH FEDERAL LAW REGARDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERMITTING OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES; AND SETTING FORTH RELATED DETAILS BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO: Section 1. Section 4-20-43, “Development Application Fees,” B.R.C. 1981, is amended to read as follows: . . . (b)Land use regulation fees:….. . . . (15)An applicant for a wireless communications facility, including small cell facilities in the public right-of-way, shall pay the following fees:….. New, modification to, or collocation of wireless communications facility, and eligible facilities request, for each facility that is part of the application …..$2,440 Small cell facility in public right-of-way, up to two five facilities as part of the application …..$2,440500 New vertical infrastructure in the public right-of-way intending to support one or more small cell facility …..$1,000 Wireless communications facilities, including sSmall cell facilitiesy in the public right-of- way, applications with more than two facilities shall pay $2,440 plus shall pay $100 each for any additional facilities that are part of the application. Small cell facilities in the public right-of-way are subject to a yearly fee of $270 per facility. . . . Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 10 Packet Page 187 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Section 2. Section 8-6-6.5, “Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” B.R.C. 1981, is amended to read as follows: (b) Definitions. The following words and phrases used in this section shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: Antenna shall mean any device used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves such as, but not limited to panel antennas, reflecting discs, microwave dishes, whip antennas, directional and non-directional antennas consisting of one or more elements, multiple antenna configurations, or other similar devices. Collocation means the mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communication purposes. Eligible facilities request means any request for modification of an existing eligible support structure that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such facility involving: (1) collocation of new transmission equipment; (2) removal of transmission equipment; or (3) replacement of transmission equipment. . . . Small cell facility means any of the following: A personal wireless service communications facility as defined by the federal “Telecommunications Act of 1996” as amended as of August 6, 2014; or A wireless service communications facility that meets both of the following qualifications: The facilities are mounted on structures fifty feet or less in height including their antennas; are mounted on structures no more than ten percent taller than other adjacent structures; or, do not extend existing structures on which they are located to a height of more than fifty feet or by more than ten percent, whichever is greater; Each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than three cubic feet in volume or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of its exposed elements could fit within an imaginary enclosure of no more than three cubic feet; and Primary equipment enclosures are no larger than seventeentwenty-eight cubic feet in volume as measured on the exterior surface of the enclosure. The following associated equipment may be located outside of the primary equipment enclosure and, if so located, is not included in the calculation of equipment volume: Electric meter, concealment, telecommunications demarcation box, ground-based enclosures, back-up power systems, grounding equipment, power transfer switch and cut-off switch; or A micro wireless facility. . . . Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 11 Packet Page 188 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Wireless communications facility means a facility used to provide personal wireless services as defined in U.S.C. Section 332(c)(7)(C); or wireless information services provided to the public to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public via licensed or unlicensed frequencies; or wireless utility monitoring and control services. A wireless communications facility does not include a facility that is an accessory use. A wireless communications facility includes an antenna or antennas, including without limitation, directional, omni-directional and parabolic antennas, small cell facilities, support equipment and their permitted supporting structure, but does not include the support structure for the wireless communications facility or its attached components if the use of such structure for the wireless communications facility is not the primary use. This term does not include mobile transmitting devices used by wireless service subscribers, such as vehicle hand held radios/telephones and their transmitting antennas. . . . (k) Application and review. Applications for wireless facilities in the public right-of-way shall be processed and reviewed using the review procedures and requirements described in Section 9-6-4(f)(5), “Wireless Communications Facility,” B.R.C. 1981, for the review of initial applications and for eligible facilities requests. The city manager shall be the final approval authority for all eligible facilities requests. Applications for small cell facilities within a right-of-way will be reviewed by the city manager to determine that the requirements of this section have been met. If the review determines that one or more of the conditions required by this section have not been met, the city will notify the applicant in writing describing the reasons therefor or the conditions that have not been satisfied. . . . Section 3. Section 9-6-4, “Specific Use Standards – Public and Institutional Uses,” B.R.C. 1981, is amended to read as follows: COMMUNITY, CULTURAL, AND EDUCATIONAL . . . INFRASTRUCTURE (f) Wireless Communications Facility: (1) Applicability: This subsection (f) sets forth standards for wireless communication facilities in the public right-of-way as outlined in subsection (2) or not located in the public right-of-way as specified in subsection (3) as well as the applicable review processes and required review timeframes. (2) Standards for wireless communication facilities located in the public right-of-way: Small cell facilities in the public right-of-way shall follow the standards located in Section 8-6-6.5, “Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” B.R.C. 1981. Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 12 Packet Page 189 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 (A) Review Criteria: The city manager shall approve the request if the request: (i) is an eligible facilities request for an eligible support structure with no substantial change, new stand-alone small cell facility, or collocation of a non-eligible facility request and small cell facility; (ii) complies with the originally approved design elements and other conditions of approval, including but not limited to colors, textures, surfaces, scale, character, mounting, projection and siting, or any approved amendments thereto, except where noncompliance with those elements or conditions is solely limited to the thresholds of increase in height, increase in width, addition of cabinets or new excavation or deployment area identified in the definition of substantial change; (iii) does not defeat the concealment elements of the eligible support structure. Any design element that places the wireless communications facility out of view, hides it from being noticed, blends it with its surroundings or otherwise minimizes the visual or aesthetic impact of the facility is a concealment element of the eligible support structure; and (iv) complies with the standards pursuant to Section 8-6-6.5, “Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” B.R.C. 1981, if the request is a small cell facility in the right-of-way. (13) Standards for wireless communication facilities not located in the public right-of-way: A wireless communications facility may be approved as a conditional use and principal use on a lot if the following standards are met: . . . (G) Transmission Equipment and Screening: Transmission equipment other than antennas shall not be mounted to a building wall, penthouse or mechanical equipment enclosure and shall be designed and located to minimize any adverse aesthetic impact. Such equipment shall be invisible from view whenever possible, for example, by locating within the principal building, on the roof so as to be invisible from adjacent street and properties or behind parapet walls. When it is not possible to locate such equipment out of sight, it must be located to minimize its visibility and be designed to be screened from view by materials that are consistent and compatible with the building design, color and materials without increasing the apparent height of the building. Where it is not possible to locate such equipment within or on the roof of the building, it may be located in ground mounted cabinets. Such ground mounted equipment shall, to the extent possible, be screened from view through undergrounding, design that is architecturally consistent with that of the building, or other design options, approved by the manager, that will blend the equipment with the surrounding setting and built environment, including but not limited to materials, colors, textures, and landscaping. When determining whether a certain location that minimizes adverse aesthetic impacts is possible, functionality of the equipment may be considered. All buildings, shelters, cabinets, and other accessory components shall be grouped as closely as possible. Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 13 Packet Page 190 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Excavation or deployment of transmission equipment up to thirty feet in any direction outside a tower’s site does not constitute a substantial change in the physical dimensions of a tower or base station. Deployments outside the site boundary, including the thirty feet of the boundary for towers is limited to transmission equipment and not new towers. The expansion of up to thirty feet is subject to all other applicable requirements of the B.R.C. 1981. . . . (4) Application Fees: An applicant shall pay the fees described in Section 4-20-43, “Development Application Fees,” B.R.C. 1981, for wireless communication facilities. (25) Review Processes: Wireless communication facilities subject to this section shall be reviewed as follows: A new wireless communications facility and any collocation or modification to such use shall be reviewed in accordance with the procedures established in Section 9-2-2, "Administrative Review Procedures," B.R.C. 1981, and the requirements of this Subsection (f) except that eligible facilities requests shall be reviewed pursuant to the following procedures and standards: (A) New wireless communication facilities: New wireless communication facilities, collocation or modification to such use, other than those listed in subsection (B) shall be reviewed in accordance with the procedures established in Section 9-2-2, “Administrative Review Procedures,” B.R.C. 1981, and the requirements of this subsection. (i) Timeframes for review: The review timeframes for applications in this subsection are summarized in Table 6-6. (B) Eligible facilities and small cell requests: Eligible facilities requests, including small cell facilities and equipment changes with no substantial change, new small cell facilities, and collocation for non-eligible facility request small cell facilities shall be reviewed pursuant to the following procedures and standards: (Ai) Application Requirements: The applicant shall submit an eligible facilities request, for the facilities subject to this section, on an application form provided by the city manager and shall include allny information necessary for the manager to consider the type of request, including, whether the application is an eligible facilities request or small cell facility and also demonstrates compliance with the review criteria established by this subsection. If the application is for a small cell facility, the application must additionally demonstrate that the application and meets the review criteria established in this Subsection (2)standards in Section 8-6-6.5, “Small Cell Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way Permits,” B.R.C. 1981, if the request is a small cell facility in the right-of-way. The city manager shall determine the application to be complete when all required documentation and information is submitted pursuant to the review and timeframe for review provided for by this subsection. The application may not require the applicant to demonstrate a need or business case for the proposed modification or collocation. Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 14 Packet Page 191 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 (Bii)Review: (i)a. Type of Review: Upon receipt of an application for an eligible facilities request subject to this subsection, the city manager shall review administratively such application toand determine whether the such application submittal so qualifies.. begin review for completeness. (ii)b. Timeframe for Review: Within sixty days ofthe review timeframe as shown in Table 6-6 from the date on which an applicant submits an application seeking approval of an eligible facilitiesthe request, the manager shall approve an application unless the manager determines that the application is not an eligible facilities request, new small cell facility, or collocation for non-eligible facility request small cell facility. (iii)c. Tolling of Timeframe for Review: The sixty-day review period timeframe as shown in Table 6-6 begins to run when the complete application is filedsubmitted. The city manager and the applicant may mutually agree to toll the review period. The sixty-day review period timeframe shall also be tolled where the manager determines that the application is incomplete. The review period is tolled for incompleteness pursuant to the following standards: a1. Within thirty days of receipt of the application, the manager must notify the applicant in writing, clearly and specifically delineating all missing documents or information required for determination of an eligible facilities request; b2. The written incompleteness notice tolls the timeframe for review; c3. The timeframe for review begins running again when the applicant makes a supplemental submission in response to the manager’s notice of incompleteness; d4. Within ten days of the supplemental submission, the city manager shall notify the applicant in writing that the supplemental submission did not provide the information identified in the original incompleteness notice; and e5. The timeframe is tolled in the case of a second or subsequent incompleteness notice pursuant to the procedures for the first incompleteness notice. Second or subsequent incompleteness notices may not specify missing documents or information that were not delineated in the original incompleteness notice. (iv)d. Failure to Act: In the event that the city manager fails to act on a request seeking approval for an eligible facilities request within the timeframe for review, accounting for any tolling, the request shall be deemed granted. The effective date of any deemed-granted approval, regardless of the facility type, shall be the day the city receives written notice from the applicant, after the review period, accounting for any tolling, has expired, that the application has been deemed granted. If the application requires a traffic control plan or other permit related to public safety, the applicant shall not commence construction or substantially change the Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 15 Packet Page 192 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 wireless communication facility until a traffic control plan or other permit is obtained. (C) Review Criteria: The city manager shall approve an eligible facilities request if the request: (i) Is an eligible facilities request for an eligible support structure; (ii) Does not result in a substantial change; (iii) Complies with the originally approved design elements and other conditions of approval, including but not limited to colors, textures, surfaces, scale, character, mounting, projection and siting, or any approved amendments thereto, except where noncompliance with those elements or conditions is solely limited to the thresholds of increase in height, increase in width, addition of cabinets or new excavation or deployment area identified in the definition of substantial change; and (iv) Does not defeat the concealment elements of the eligible support structure. Any design element that places the wireless communications facility out of view, hides it from being noticed, blends it with its surroundings or otherwise minimizes the visual or aesthetic impact of the facility is a concealment element of the eligible support structure. (Diii) Decision: If the city manager finds the review criteria of Subparagraph (2)(AC) are met, the manager shall approve the eligible facilities request. If the manager finds that the applicant’s request does not meet the criteria of Subparagraph (2)(AC), the manager may approve with written conditions or deny the eligible facilities request and provide a written disposition with the reasons for conditional approval or denial, as well as any conditions required at the time of approval, to the applicant. The manager’s decision shall be supported by substantial evidence in the written record. Upon issuance of the denial decision, the manager shall review the application pursuant to the procedures established in Section 9-2-2, “Administrative Review Procedures,” B.R.C. 1981, and the requirements of this Ssubsection (f) and may request additional information and documents from the applicant to permit appropriate review. (Eiv) Compliance with Other Laws: Notwithstanding the approval of an applicationfor an eligible facilities request, all work done pursuant to the application must be completed in accordance with all generally applicable laws, regulations or other rules reasonably related to public health and safety, including but not limited to, building and safety codes. (Fv) Remedies: The applicants and the city may bring a claim related to § 6409 of the Spectrum Act (codified at 47 U.S.C. 1455) to any court of competent jurisdiction. (C) Timeframes for Review: Table 6-6 summarizes the review timeframes from the date of submittal for wireless communication facilities. Any of the timeframes identified in Table 6-6 may be extended by mutual agreement of the applicant and the city. Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 16 Packet Page 193 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 TABLE 6-6: TIMEFRAME FOR REVIEW Type of Wireless Communication Facility Timeframe for review from date of submittal New, non small cell, wireless facilities. 150 Days Collocation or modification wireless communication facilities which are not eligible facilities requests, new small cell facilities, and collocation of non-eligible facility request small cell facilities. 60 days New stand-alone small cell facilities. 90 days Eligible facility requests. 60 days Collocation of non-eligible facility request small cell facilities. 60 days (i) The sixty-day timeframe for non-eligible facility request collocations may be tolled if it is determined by the city manager, based on available resources, that it cannot reasonably and adequately review the collocation application or siting application due to another pending application for affordable housing, renewable energy, project of a government entity, or any other project for which law establishes a timeline to review permits. The city shall advise the applicant in writing of the duration of the tolling and the reason for its determination. (36) Abandonment and Removal: No property owner or applicant shall fail to remove a wireless communications facility that is abandoned or is unused for a period of six months. Section 4. Section 9-16-1, “Definitions,” B.R.C. 1981, is amended to read as follows: A—E . . . Act means the city manager’s grant of a siting application or issuance of a written decision denying a siting application. (Wireless Communications Facility) . . . Base station means a structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables Federal Communications Commission-licensed or authorized wireless communication between user equipment and a communications network. The term does not encompass a tower as defined below or any equipment associated with a tower. (1) The term includes, but is not limited to, equipment associated with wireless Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 17 Packet Page 194 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 communication services such as private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul. (2) The term includes, but is not limited to, radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration (including Distributed Antenna Systems and small cell networks). (3) The term includes any structure other than a tower that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the state or local government under this section, supports or houses equipment described in paragraphs (1) through (2) of this definition that has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, or under another state or local regulatory review process, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing such support. (4) The term does not include any structure that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the state or local government under this section, does not support or house equipment described in paragraphs (1) through (2) of this definition. . . . Deployment means placement, construction, or modification of a wireless communications facility. (Wireless Communications Facility) P—T . . . Substantial change means a modification to the physical dimensions of an eligible support structure (that is not a legal nonconforming tower structure located on a lot or parcel and not in the public right-of-way and was built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting Federal Communications Commission-licensed or authorized antennas and their associated facilities) that results or includes any of the following: (1) An increase in the height of the eligible support structure by more than ten percent or more than twentyen feet, whichever is greater. Changes in height shall be measured from the original support structure in cases where deployments are or will be separated horizontally, such as on buildings’ rooftops; in other circumstances, changes in height shall be measured from the dimensions of the eligible support structure, inclusive of originally approved appurtenances and inclusive of any modifications that were approved prior to the passage of the Spectrum Act on February 22, 2012; (2) Addition of an appurtenance to the body of the structure that would protrude more than six feet from the edge of the structure; (3) Installation of more than the standard number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed four cabinets; or, installation of any new equipment cabinets on the ground if there are no pre-existing ground cabinets associated with the eligible support structure, or else installation of ground cabinets Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 18 Packet Page 195 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 that are more than ten percent larger in height or overall volume than any other ground cabinets associated with the eligible support structure; or (4) Excavation or deployment outside the area in proximity to the eligible support structure and other transmission equipment already deployed on the ground, or excavation or deployment outside of the boundaries of the leased or owned property surrounding the eligible support structure or utility easements related to area in proximity by more than thirty feet in any direction, excluding any access or utility easements; or. (5) Does not defeat the concealment element of the eligible support structure. If the eligible support structure is a legal nonconforming tower structure that is located on a lot or parcel and not in the public right-of-way and was built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting Federal Communications Commission-licensed or authorized antennas and their associated facilities, substantial change means a modification to the physical dimensions of the tower that results in or includes any of the following: A. An increase in height of the tower by more than ten percent or by the height of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed twenty feet, whichever is greater;, where separation refers to the distance from the top of the existing antenna to the bottom of the proposed antenna and does not include the height of the new antenna; B. Addition of an appurtenance to the body of the tower that would protrude from the edge of the tower more than twenty feet, or more than the width of the tower structure at the level of the appurtenance, whichever is greater; C. Installation of more than the standard number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed four cabinets; or D. Excavation or deployment outside the current boundaries of the leased or owned property surrounding the tower and any access or utility easements currently related to the site. . . . Tower means any structure built for the sole purpose or primary purpose of supporting Federal Commission-licensed or authorized antennas, including the on-site fencing, equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or cabinets associated with that tower but not installed as part of an antenna as defined herein. (Wireless Communications Facility) . . . U—Z Wireless communications facility means a facility used to provide personal wireless services as defined at 47 U.S.C. Section 332(c)(7)(C); or wireless information services provided to the public or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public via licensed or unlicensed frequencies; or wireless utility monitoring and control services. A wireless communications facility does not include a facility that is an accessory use. A wireless communications facility includes an antenna or antennas, including without limitation, Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 19 Packet Page 196 of 287 K:\ITAD\o-8694 2nd Rdg-.docx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 directional, omni-directional and parabolic antennas, small cell facilities, support equipment and their permitted supporting structure, but does not include the support structure to which the wireless communications facility or its components are attached if the use of such structure for the wireless communications facility is not the primary use. The term does not include mobile transmitting devices used by wireless service subscribers, such as vehicle or hand held radios/telephones and their associated transmitting antennas. Section 5. This Ordinance is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city, and covers matters of local concern. Section 6. The City Council deems it appropriate that this Ordinance be published by title only and orders that copies of this Ordinance be made available in the office of the city clerk for public inspection and acquisition. INTRODUCED, READ ON FIRST READING, AND ORDERED PUBLISHED BY TITLE ONLY this 17th day of April 2025. ____________________________________ Aaron Brockett, Mayor Attest: __________________________________ City Clerk READ ON SECOND READING, PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of May 2025. ____________________________________ Aaron Brockett, Mayor Attest: __________________________________ City Clerk Attachment A - Orinance 8694 Item 3H - 2nd Rdg Ord 8694 Small Cell Wireless Regulations Update Page 20 Packet Page 197 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Site Review for the redevelopment of 1855 S. Flatiron; and Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8685 granting authority to the approving authority under Title 9, “Land Use C ode,” B.R.C. 1981 to grant a 9-year vesting period for the approved site-specific development plan. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024-00036 P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Alison Blaine RE Q U E ST E D AC T I ON O R MOT I ON L AN GU AG E Motion to adopt Ordinance 8685 granting authority to the approving authority under Title 9, “Land Use C ode,” B.R.C. 1981 to grant a 9-year vesting period for the approved site specific development plan. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024-00036. AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I tem 5A - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. F latiron Ct. Site Rev iew AN D Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Packet Page 198 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE: Public hearing and consideration of a Site Review for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. with three Research and Development buildings totaling 207,011 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50’ in height, a request for a 23% parking reduction, and a modification to site access control to allow for two access points. The applicant has requested Vested Rights for a period of nine years. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024-00036. Applicant: Andrew Faulkner, BioMed Realty Owners: BRE-BMR 1855 FLATIRON LLC BRE-BMR FLATIRON VIII LLC REQUESTING DEPARTMENT / PRESENTERS Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Brad Mueller, Planning & Development Services Director Charles Ferro, Senior Planning Manager Alison Blaine, Senior Planner EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is for City Council to review and take action on the Site Review application proposing redevelopment of 1855 S Flatiron Court with three new Research and Development buildings totaling 207,011 sq. ft. Because the project requested a height modification and includes a request to establish vested rights, the Site Review application required a decision by the Planning Board at a public hearing, subject to call-up by City Council. This item was called up by City Council, after the Planning Board Hearings, at the March 20, 2025 meeting. The companion vested rights application was introduced on April 17, 2025 and is being heard for second reading on May 1, 2025 in conjunction with the Site Review public hearing. Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 1 Packet Page 199 of 287 As shown in Figure 1, the site is located at the terminus of S. Flatiron Ct. within the Flatirons Industrial Park. The site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. was developed in the early 1970s and currently contains the offices for Lumen, a telecommunications company. Much of the site is covered by surface parking lots and lacks significant vegetation or mature trees. The South Boulder Creek Multi-Use Path runs north-south and crosses the eastern edge of the property. The entire site is roughly 9.87 acres and includes two outlots totaling 0.92 acres. The developable lot at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. is comprised of Lot 3 and Lot 4, per the original plat (Flatiron Industrial Park Filing No. 2) but is mapped as one lot. The outlots will remain as originally intended and will not be developed as they are covered by flood and drainage easements. Figure 1. Existing Site On February 18, 2025, the Planning Board held a public hearing and voted 3-3 (M. Roberts absent) to deny the application and adopt denial findings. The motion did not pass because there were not four affirmative votes for denial. In the case of a tie vote, the Planning Board Procedural Board Rules state that a failure to receive an affirmative vote of four members on a second motion results in a defeat of the item. Therefore, the application was denied, and denial findings were not formally adopted. The staff memorandum to Planning Board and the applicant’s submittal materials along with other related background materials are available on the Records Archive for the Planning Board. The recorded video from the hearings can be found below: •January 21, 2025 (item begins 3 hours 48 minutes into the video). •February 4, 2025 (item begins 10 minutes into the video). •February 18, 2025 (item begins 20 minutes into the video). Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 2 Packet Page 200 of 287 On March 20, 2025, on a motion by councilmember Marquis and seconded by council member Wallach, the City Council voted 9-0 to call-up the Site Review for a public hearing to review and take action on the Site Review application. City Council is scheduled to review and take action on this application at its meeting on May 1, 2025. Pursuant to Section 9-4-4(c), B.R.C. 1981, On any application that it calls up, council will hold a public hearing under the procedures prescribed by Chapter 1-3, "Quasi-Judicial Hearings," B.R.C. 1981, after publishing notice as specified by Subsection 9-4-3(d), B.R.C. 1981. Together with the evidence presented at such public hearing, council may consider the record of the hearing, or any portion thereof. Within thirty days of the public hearing or within such other time as the council and the applicant mutually agree, the council will either grant the application in whole or in part, with or without modifications and conditions, or deny it. The decision will specifically set forth in what respects the development review application meets or fails to meet the standards and criteria required by Sections 9-2-14, "Site Review," B.R.C. 1981. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff finds that the proposed project meets Site Review criteria of Section 9-2-14, B.R.C. 1981, including the height modification requirements, and is recommending that City Council approve the application in the form of the following motion: Suggested Motion Language: Motion to approve Site Review application under # LUR2024-00036, adopting the staff memorandum as findings of fact, including the attached analysis of review criteria, and subject to the conditions of approval recommended in the staff memorandum. BOARD AND COMMISSION FEEDBACK At the public hearing on January 21, 2025, the Planning Board held a quasi-judicial hearing to review the proposed Site Review application described above. Following staff and applicant presentations and public comment, M. McIntyre made a motion seconded by ml Robles to continue LUR2024-00036 to the February 4, 2025 Planning Board due to the late hour and anticipated length of deliberations. Planning Board voted 7-0. The motion passed. At the continued public hearing on February 4, 2025, the Planning Board deliberated on the key issues identified in staff’s memo. After discussing whether the application met the applicable review criteria, M. McIntyre made a motion seconded by K. Nordback to continue the item for preparation of denial findings. Planning Board directed staff to return with draft finding of denial for the board’s consideration on Feb. 18, 2025. Planning Board voted 6-0 (J. Boone absent). The motion passed. At the continued public hearing on February 18, 2025, an initial motion was made by M. McIntyre and seconded by C. Hanson Thiem to approve the project with additional Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 3 Packet Page 201 of 287 conditions. The Planning Board voted 3-3 (M. Roberts absent). The motion did not receive an affirmative vote of four, and the motion failed. L. Kaplan then made a motion, seconded by ml Robles, to deny the application and adopt the denial findings of fact prepared for the Planning Board’s consideration. Two amendments to the denial motion were proposed. The first amendment was to modify the language in the denial findings to more clearly state that the applicant did make an attempt to provide roofline variation per Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(b)(i). The amendment failed by a vote of 3-3. A second amendment was proposed to update the denial findings to state that the proposed commercial space is 600 square feet (less than 1/3 of a percent of the total proposed building area) as it relates to consistency with Section 9-2-14(h)(1)(B). The second amendment passed 5-1. The Planning Board then voted on the amended motion, which read: Motion to deny Site Review application #LUR2024-00036, finding that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the applications meet the review criteria and adopting the denial findings of fact prepared for the Planning Board’s consideration of these applications as revised by the Board during the Feb. 18, 2025 meeting. The Planning Board voted 3-3 (M. Roberts absent). The motion did not receive an affirmative vote of four, and the motion failed. Therefore, the proposal is denied as described in the Procedural Rules of the Planning Board, without the adoption of denial findings. The Planning Board also voted 3-3 (M. Roberts absent) on the following motion: Motion to recommend denial of Ordinance 8685 granting a nine year vested property right for the approved site-specific development plan for a property located at 1855 S. Flatiron Ct., and setting forth related details. Therefore, a recommendation for nine-year vested rights was neither approved nor denied relating to this application. The draft Meeting Minutes from the January 18, 2025, February 4, 2025, and February 18, 2025 meetings can be found in Attachment B. The Planning Board disposition and the draft denial findings that were not adopted can be found in Attachment C. City Council: Call Up Consideration Questions and Comments. On March 20, 2025, on a motion by council member Marquis and seconded by council member Wallach, City Council voted 9-0 to call-up the Site Review for a public hearing to review and take action on the Site Review application. There was a brief discussion regarding the project, focused on the application of area plans. PUBLIC FEEDBACK Consistent with Section 9-4-3, “Public Notice Requirements,” B.R.C. 1981, staff Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 4 Packet Page 202 of 287 provided notification to all property owners within 600 feet of the subject location of the application, and signs have been posted by the applicant. Staff did not receive comments from neighboring property owners as part of the Site Review application. One member spoke about the project during the public hearing on January 21, 2025. BACKGROUND & PROJECT DESCRIPTION For the background and information on the proposed project, refer to the Staff Memorandum to the Planning Board and Project Plans contained within Attachment A as well as the March 20, 2025 City Council agenda and call-up memo. In addition, council may access the Planning Board discussions via the recorded videos found below: •January 21, 2025 (item begins 3 hours 48 minutes into the video). •February 4, 2025 (item begins 10 minutes into the video). •February 18, 2025 (item begins 20 minutes into the video). 1.Is the proposed project consistent with the Site Review Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-2-14(h), B.R.C. 1981, including the Additional Criteria for Buildings Requiring Height Modification? Staff finds that the proposed project is consistent with the Site Review criteria found in Section 9-2-14(h), B.R.C. 1981, including the Additional Criteria for Buildings Requiring Height Modification and with the goals and policies of the BVCP. In terms of consistency with the Site Review criteria, staff finds that the project promotes alternatives to the automobile by incorporating site design techniques, land use patterns, and infrastructure that support and encourage walking, biking, and other alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle, provides common open space areas that is available for use by tenants, occupants, customers, and visitors of buildings, and incorporates landscaping design that includes a variety of plants providing a variety of colors and contrasts in terms of texture and seasonality. In addition, staff finds the proposed building and siting design to be compatible with the character of the surrounding area and that the building design successfully creates visual interest and a vibrant pedestrian experience while remaining simple, human-scaled and high quality. Refer to the full analysis of the Site Review criteria provided in Attachment A. 2.Is the proposed project consistent with the Site Review Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-2-14(h)(3)(B)(i), B.R.C. 1981 for larger floor plate buildings and projects with multiple buildings? Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(B)(i) states that “Larger floor plate buildings and projects with multiple buildings have a variety of forms and heights.” This criterion was introduced as part of Ordinance 8515, which updated the Site Review criteria in 2022. The introduction of this criterion was a result of growing concerns about the prevalence of large, flat-roofed buildings and was intended to promote more diversity in forms and heights. Staff finds that the Applicant has taken some measures to add roofline Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 5 Packet Page 203 of 287 variation and incorporate varied heights for multiple buildings. Overall, staff appreciates the design decision to create visual interest with the anchor corners using a lantern effect and third floor covered terrace. The terraced corners were designed to be enclosed to provide shelter throughout all seasons. There are small adjustments to the parapet and eroded corners or façade recessions for each building. Staff encouraged the applicant to pursue more expressive measures throughout the review process that would add more variation to the heights and roofline of all three buildings. Overall, the three buildings are mostly uniform at similar heights and with matching form and mass. Building 1 is proposed to be 45 feet in height while Buildings 2 and 3 will be 50 feet in height. Because the proposal was found consistent with the remaining Site Review criteria, staff is recommending approval of the application. However, staff is also recommending a condition of approval requiring the applicant to propose additional design elements that will be reviewed by staff at time of Technical Document application. Such changes may include greater adjustments to parapet heights and uncovering the terraced balconies. 3.Is the proposed vehicular parking reduction consistent with Parking Reduction Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-9-6(f), B.R.C. 1981, as well as applicable Site Review criteria? Staff finds the requested 23% parking reduction to be consistent with the criteria for parking reductions as set forth in Section 9-2-14(h) and 9-9-6(f), B.R.C. 1981. Staff’s detailed analysis of the Parking Reduction Criteria can be found in Attachment A. 4.Is the proposal consistent with the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan? Staff finds that overall the project is consistent with the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan. The provision of high-quality industrial and office spaces aligns with the vision for the Flatirons Business Park, as identified in the area plan. The proposal includes a ground floor commercial space, which is most likely to be used as a café amenity space serving the entire business park and aligns with the goal to create opportunities for commercial uses and create an active area for area workers. The proposed multi-use path connection to the north is in keeping with the area plan’s Destination Workplace place type, which calls for strengthened access and mobility connections for all users. The site design of the proposed project encourages pedestrian circulation with interior walkways buffered from the exterior vehicle circulation patterns. Parking is consolidated as much as possible, with close access to each building and located within the structure where possible. There are no large parking lots. STAFF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 6 Packet Page 204 of 287 Staff finds that the proposed project meets Site Review criteria of Section 9-2-14, B.R.C. 1981, including the height modification requirements, and is recommending that City Council approve the application in the form of the following motion: Suggested Motion Language: Motion to approve Site Review application under # LUR2024-00036, adopting the staff memorandum as findings of fact, including the attached analysis of review criteria, and subject to the conditions of approval recommended in the staff memorandum. RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1.The Applicant shall ensure that the development shall be in compliance with all plans prepared by the Applicant on _____________ and the Transportation Demand Management (“TDM”) Plan dated ______, all on file in the City of Boulder Planning Department, except to the extent that the development may be modified by the conditions of this approval. 2.Prior to a building permit application, the Applicant shall submit, and obtain City Manager approval of, a Technical Document Review application for the following items: a.Final architectural plans, including material samples and colors, to ensure compliance with the intent of this approval and compatibility with the surrounding area. The architectural intent shown on the plans prepared by the Applicant on ______________ is acceptable; however, the Applicant shall revise the building plans to incorporate additional design elements that provide roofline and height variation to the three buildings. Such elements may include adjustments to parapet heights or uncovered terraces. b.A final site plan which includes detailed floor plans and section drawings. c.A final utility plan meeting the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards. d.A final storm water report and plan meeting the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards. e.Final transportation plans meeting the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards, for all transportation improvements. These plans must include, but are not limited to: street plan and profile drawings, street cross-sectional drawings, signage and striping plans in conformance with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards, transportation detail drawings, geotechnical soils report, and pavement analysis. f.A detailed landscape plan, consistent with the Boulder Revised Code including size, quantity, and type of plants existing and proposed; type and Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 7 Packet Page 205 of 287 quality of non-living landscaping materials; any site grading proposed; and any irrigation system proposed consistent with the Boulder Revised Code, to ensure compliance with this approval and the City's landscaping requirements. Removal of trees must receive prior approval of the Planning Department. Removal of any tree in City right of way must also receive prior approval of the City Forester. g.A detailed outdoor lighting plan showing location, size, and intensity of illumination units, indicating compliance with section 9-9-16, B.R.C.1981. h.A detailed shadow analysis to ensure compliance with the City's solar access requirements of section 9-9-17, B.R.C. 1981. i.An address plat following the city’s addressing policy to create a new address. 3. Prior a building permit application, the Applicant shall dedicate to the City, at no cost, the easements necessary to serve the development, including but not limited to the following easements as shown on the plans prepared by the Applicant on ________________, meeting the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards, as part of Technical Document Review applications, the form and final location of which shall be subject to the approval of the City Manager: a.A 15-foot-wide Emergency Access Easement located in the center of the site. b.A 20-foot-wide Emergency Access Easement connected to the above- referenced 15-foot wide Emergency Access easement. c.A Drainage Easement (Variable width) located off of S. Flatiron Ct. d.A 25-foot-wide Utility Easement located off of S. Flatiron Ct. e.A 25-foot-wide Utility Easement across the north portion of Outlot B f.A 25-foot-wide Utility and Emergency Access Easement along the perimeter of the site. g.Variable width Drainage Easements for Bioretention Facilities between Buildings 2 and 3. h. 14-foot-wide Public Access Easement along the northern edge of the site, east of S. Flatiron Ct. i.A one-foot-wide Public Access Easement along S. Flatiron Ct. j. Variable width Drainage Easement for the Permeable Paver system along the northern edge of the property, east of S. Flatiron Ct. k.Variable width Drainage Easement for the Permeable Paver system along the northern edge of the property, west of S. Flatiron Ct. l. Variable width Drainage Easements for the Bioretention systems adjacent to Building 1 and between Building 1 and Building 2. m.Updates to the existing variable width Drainage Easement to the south and west of the property. n.Variable width Utility Easements along the perimeter road. Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 8 Packet Page 206 of 287 4. Prior to a Building Permit, the Applicant shall submit to the City, and obtain approval of, the following lot line elimination or the equivalent meeting the requirements of Chapter 9-12, “Subdivision,” B.R.C. 1981, as part of Technical Document Review application: a. A lot line elimination between Lot 4 and Lot 3 of the Flatiron Industrial Park Filing No. 2. 5. Prior to issuance of any building permit, the Applicant shall submit a financial guarantee, in a form acceptable to the Director of Public Works, in an amount equal to the cost of providing eco-passes to the employees of the development for three years after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy as proposed in the Applicant’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan. 6. Prior to issuance of any building permit, the Applicant shall submit a financial guarantee, in a form acceptable to the Director of Public Works, in an amount equal to $100,000 for the Alternative Transportation Subsidy Fund as proposed in the TDM Plan. 7. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any structure or building permit issuance for phases 2 or 3, whichever occurs first, the Applicant shall construct and complete, subject to acceptance by the City, the water main through the site including the connection and upsizing through 57th Ct. in conformance with the approved engineering plans and with the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards. 8. Pursuant to Subsection 9-2-12(a), “Three Year Rule,” B.R.C. 1981, the following development/phasing plan is approved: a. Phase I includes the construction of Building #3 as shown on the final approved site plan for Site Review Case No. LUR2024-00036 (the “Site Plan Approval”) including the improvements and infrastructure as shown on the approved Phasing Plan for Phase 1. Pursuant to 9-2-12(a), B.R.C. 1981, for Phase 1 the three-year period in which applicant shall obtain applicable building permit approvals and start construction shall commence on the date of final approval of the Site Review, unless modified by the Development Agreement. b. Phase 2 includes the construction of Building #2 as shown on the Site Plan Approval including the improvements and infrastructure as shown on the approved Phasing Plan for Phase 2. Pursuant to 9-2-12(a), B.R.C. 1981, for Phase 2, the three-year period in which applicant shall obtain applicable building permit approvals and start construction shall commence on the date that is three (3) years after the date of final approval of the Site Review, unless modified by the Development Agreement. Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 9 Packet Page 207 of 287 c.Phase 3 includes the construction of Building #1 as shown on the Site Plan Approval including the including the improvements and infrastructure as shown on the approved Phasing Plan for Phase 3. Pursuant to 9-2-12(a), B.R.C. 1981, for Phase 3 the three-year period in which applicant shall obtain applicable building permit approvals and start construction shall commence on the date that is six (6) years after the date of final approval of the Site Review, unless modified by the Development Agreement. d. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, for Phase 2 and Phase 3, Developer may, at its option, obtain building permits and commence construction prior to the deadlines for the start date of the three-year periods provided above and may elect to combine and build any of the phases concurrently.” 9. Concurrent with the Technical Document Review application, the Applicant shall submit an application for, and obtain City Manager approval of, a Wetland Permit. 10.The Applicant shall be responsible for maintaining all stormwater quality improvements and stormwater detention improvements, including but not limited to permeable parking lot paving. 11. Prior to building permit issuance for any new commercial building or addition greater than 30,000 square feet in floor area, the Applicant shall demonstrate that the building will either have a net site energy usage index (EUI) of zero or is designed to achieve a net site EUI that is 10 percent lower than required under the City of Boulder Energy Conservation Code, consistent with Subparagraph 9-2-14(h)(1)(C), B.R.C. 1981. For the purpose of this requirement, “commercial building” shall have the meaning defined in the City of Boulder Energy Conservation Code. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: LINK: January 21, 2025 Planning Board Packet Attachment B: Draft January 21, 2025, February 4, 2025, and February 18, 2025 Planning Board meeting minutes Attachment C: Planning Board Denial Disposition and Denial Findings (not adopted) Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 10 Packet Page 208 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER PLANNING BOARD ACTION MINUTES January 21, 2025 Hybrid Meeting A permanent set of these minutes and an audio recording (maintained for a period of seven years) are retained in Central Records (telephone: 303-441-3043). Minutes and streaming audio are also available on the web at: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/ PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Kaplan Kurt Nordback Claudia Hason Thiem Jorge Boone, Chair Mark McIntyre, Vice Chair Mason Roberts (virtual) ml Robles (virtual) PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: 1.CALL TO ORDER J. Boone called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and the following business was conducted. 2.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Nobody spoke during the open comment period. 3.DISCUSSION OF DISPOSITIONS, PLANNING BOARD CALL-UPS / CONTINUATIONS 4.PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS A.AGENDA TITLE: Concept Plan Review and Comment Request for a proposal to redevelop the Mountain View United Methodist Church property at 355 Ponca Pl. with a new, 170,000 square foot addition to the Frasier retirement community at 350 Ponca Pl. The new four- story, 55-foot addition would contain 98 independent living apartments with two levels of underground parking. The proposal includes demolition of a portion of the existing church building, removal of existing surface parking lots on both 350 and 355 Ponca Pl., and vacation of the existing Ponca Place right-of-way. Staff Presentation: Chandler Van Schaack presented the item to the board. Board Questions: Chandler Van Schaack answered questions from the board. Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 11 Packet Page 209 of 287 Applicant Presentation: Stephanie Kidwell, Christy Henricks, and Juan Ramos presented the item to the board. Board Questions: Stephanie Kidwell, Christy Henricks, and Juan Ramos answered questions from the board. Public Hearing: In Person: Brian Du Fresne Mark Johnson JV De Sousa Ann Zelnio Marsha McClanahan David Chernikoff David Foster Eve Dreher Susan Connelly Leslie Durgin Sara Hughes (presentation) Laurie Duncan Lynne Pierce Jason Strauss Philip Ogren Virtual: Eric Nelson Megan Thomas Lynn Segal Gary Schmitz Michelle Bargo Jim Williams Board Comments: Key Issue #1: Is the proposed concept plan consistent with the BVCP land use map, and, on balance, with the goals and policies of the BVCP, particularly those that address the built environment? Key Issue #2: Does Planning Board have feedback for the applicant on the conceptual site plan and building design? Key Issue #3: Does the Board have feedback on the proposed building height of 55 feet, taking into consideration the “Additional Criteria for Buildings Requiring Height Modification” found in Section 9-2-14(h)(4), B.R.C. 1981? Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 12 Packet Page 210 of 287 Key Issue #4: Other Key Issues identified by the Board? L. Kaplan thanked city staff, the applicant, and the concerned neighbors for their work and engagement with this project. She believes the proposed concept plan is generally consistent with BVCP criteria, with a few concerns. She noted that the parcel is zoned for high density residential land use, making it an appropriate area for this type of senior housing. She supported the concerns of city staff that were included in the packet. She highlighted staff’s concerns about the open space being shaded by the unbroken building that will cast a shadow to the north, noting concerns for the senior population. She encouraged bringing down some of the height and breaking up the massing of the building to remedy this concern, as well as the potential of installing heating underneath the pavement. She also highlighted the suggestion of relocating the garage entrance to the North as much as possible from Sioux. She encouraged the applicant to be very thoughtful about the design of the intersection of Ponca Place with Pawnee as well as Sioux. She believes the 55 ft height maximum is justifiable based on the zoning of the area but encouraged stepping down portions of the building. She discussed a potential concern with the vacation of Ponca Place if the redesign drives traffic away from that street, since the vacation criteria require that it remain as serviceable to the neighborhood, though she appreciated the potential addition of features to make Ponca a better pedestrian and biking amenity. She cited criteria Section 9-2- 14(h)(1)(f) regarding variety of housing types and does not believe this criterion is currently met. She encouraged efficiency units as a potential additional housing type. She made suggestions related to parking that the applicant should consider implementing in their TDM plan including unbundling the first parking spot from unit ownership, and horizontal long-term bike parking amenities. K. Nordback agreed with many of the comments made by L. Kaplan. He believes the proposed concept plan is generally consistent with BVCP criteria. He noted that there is a great need for additional senior housing in Boulder. He agreed with Laura’s concerns about scaling down the massing of the building. He raised concerns about site access points and encouraged the applicant to consider several factors when choosing an appropriate vehicular access point. His opinion on the housing type diversity requirement differed from Laura’s, citing considerations given for serving particular needs, and he feels that it meets the requirement due to serving the needs of seniors. He is concerned that the proposal does not meet the criteria for the right-of-way vacation of Ponca Pl. M. Roberts thanked staff and the applicant for the detailed presentation and concept plan. He noted that the senior housing proposed in this project is greatly needed in Boulder and referenced projections about the aging population of the area. He pointed out that creating additional options for aging seniors to downsize will free up existing housing stock in the city. He believes the proposed concept plan is generally consistent with BVCP criteria. He is not as concerned about the shading of the green space in the center of the development, as Frasier Meadows has staff that ensures the pathways are clear and safe. He made suggestions related to parking and alternative transit support that the applicant should consider when developing their TDM plan. He supported relocating the entrance of the parking garage onto Ponca Place. M. McIntyre assured the members of the public that offered their feedback that their comments were heard and that they were helpful to the board and the applicant. He believes the proposed concept plan is generally consistent with BVCP criteria. He noted the balance between setbacks and useable open space. Mark suggested moving the buildings further north and creating the park on the south side, which could address both shading and setback issues. He supports the 55 foot height allowance with additional Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 13 Packet Page 211 of 287 design considerations including reducing the overall mass. He also urged the applicant to make the vacated Ponca Place a pedestrian friendly design and suggested a Dutch Woonerf street design where all modes would share a street and pedestrians and bikes feel like the dominant mode. C. Hanson Thiem appreciated the feedback offered by the public and noted that it was helpful for understanding the opportunities and constraints on a project like this. She agrees that there is an urgent and growing need for this type of housing in the region. She questioned the range of the size of the proposed units and encouraged diversifying the offerings to make them available to a broader socioeconomic group. She encouraged the applicant to work with city staff to explore street safety improvements along Sioux Drive. She expressed disappointment that the city classifies this as a bike route, yet there are no design standards or improvements being planned for this street as part of a major redevelopment. She encouraged the applicant to explore ways to increase the permeability of the site in terms of both pedestrian traffic and visibility. ml Robles agreed with the comments made by C. Hanson Thiem. She encouraged the applicant to provide contextual information that shows compatible and enhancing relationships between the residential area across the street and the proposed new construction. She appreciated the concerns about the ability of the open space to be used in all seasons. J. Boone believes the proposed concept plan is generally consistent with BVCP goals and policies. He suggested that it is important to examine how the design interfaces with the surrounding community. He sees a possibility to create permeability and drop down the connection to at least the second floor where the bridge is proposed. He also pointed to an opportunity to reduce unit size. He agreed with Kurt’s comments on the vacation of the easement. B. AGENDA TITLE: Public hearing and consideration of a Site Review for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. with three Research and Development buildings totaling 207,011 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50’ in height, a request for a 23% parking reduction, and a modification to site access control to allow for two access points. The applicant has requested Vested Rights for a period of nine years. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024- 00036. Staff Presentation: Alison Blaine presented the item to the board. Board Questions: Alison Blaine answered questions from the board. Applicant Presentation: Salil Payappilly, Ryan Bussard, and Luke Murphree presented the item to the board. Board Questions: Salil Payappilly, Ryan Bussard, and Luke Murphree, Kevin White, and Jeff Cottrell Public Hearing: Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 14 Packet Page 212 of 287 In Person: Nobody spoke. Virtual: 1) Lynn Segal Board Comments: M. McIntyre made a motion seconded by ml Robles to continue LUR2024-00036 to the February 4, 2025 Planning Board due to the late hour and anticipated length of deliberations. Planning Board voted 7-0. Motion passed. 5. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD, PLANNING DIRECTOR, AND CITY ATTORNEY 6. DEBRIEF MEETING/CALENDAR CHECK 7. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Board adjourned the meeting at 11:42 PM. APPROVED BY ___________________ Board Chair ___________________ DATE Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 15 Packet Page 213 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER PLANNING BOARD ACTION MINUTES February 4, 2025 Hybrid Meeting A permanent set of these minutes and an audio recording (maintained for a period of seven years) are retained in Central Records (telephone: 303-441-3043). Minutes and streaming audio are also available on the web at: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/ PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mark McIntyre, Vice Chair (virtual) Laura Kaplan Kurt Nordback ml Robles Claudia Hason Thiem Mason Roberts PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Jorge Boone, Chair (virtual) STAFF PRESENT: Brad Mueller, Director of Planning & Development Services Charles Ferro, Development Review Senior Manager Alison Blaine, City Planner Senior Christy Fitch, Assistant City Attorney Thomas Remke, Board Specialist 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair, J. Boone, declared a quorum at 6:00 p.m. and the following business was conducted. 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Virtual: Lynn Segal 3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 4. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS A. AGENDA TITLE: PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED FROM JANUARY 21, 2025 PLANNING BOARD MEETING. The opportunity for public comment for this item has closed and will not be reopened. Public hearing and consideration of a Site Review for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. with three Research and Development buildings totaling 207,011 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50’ in height, a request for a 23% parking reduction, and a modification to site access control to allow for two access points. The applicant has requested Vested Rights for a period of nine years. Reviewed Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 16 Packet Page 214 of 287 under case no. LUR2024- 00036. Board Comments: Key Issue #1: Is the proposed project consistent with the Site Review Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-2-14(h), B.R.C. 1981, including the Additional Criteria for Buildings Requiring Height Modification? Item 4A - Continued Public Hearing: 1855 S Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 2 of 308 Key Issue #2: Is the proposed project consistent with the Site Review Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-2-14(h)(3)(B)(i), B.R.C. 1981 for larger floor plate buildings and projects with multiple buildings? Key Issue #3: Is the proposed vehicular parking reduction consistent with Parking Reduction Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-9-6(f), B.R.C. 1981, as well as applicable Site Review criteria? Key Issue #4: Is the proposal consistent with the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan (EBSP)? The Planning Board debated the project and its alignment with Site Review Criteria subcommunity plans. K. Nordback feels the project is not consistent with the BVCP including the land use map. L. Kaplan does not believe this is consistent with the EBSP’s Destination Workplace definition, noting, among other concerns, a lack of transparency along streets and pedestrian pathways that fail to create an active ground floor environment. Ml cited several other criteria in the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan that she does not believe are consistent, including the parking design and lack of permeability in the building design. K. Nordback agreed with L. Kaplan’s comments and noted that the project is presented as more of a “suburban office” design, does not engage with the public realm, and is lacking street-level activation. Members of the board also debated whether the proposed building meets the criteria for a height modification. MOTION: M. McIntyre made a motion seconded by K. Nordback to continue LUR2024-00036 to February 18, 2025 for the purpose of allowing staff to draft denial findings. Planning Board voted 6-0. Motion passed. 6. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD, PLANNING DIRECTOR, AND CITY ATTORNEY 7. DEBRIEF MEETING/CALENDAR CHECK 8. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Board adjourned the meeting at 8:18 PM. APPROVED BY ___________________ Board Chair Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 17 Packet Page 215 of 287 ___________________ DATE Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 18 Packet Page 216 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER PLANNING BOARD ACTION MINUTES February 18, 2025 Hybrid Meeting A permanent set of these minutes and an audio recording (maintained for a period of seven years) are retained in Central Records (telephone: 303-441-3043). Minutes and streaming audio are also available on the web at: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/ PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jorge Boone, Chair (virtual) Mark McIntyre, Vice Chair Laura Kaplan Kurt Nordback ml Robles Claudia Hason Thiem PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mason Roberts STAFF PRESENT: Brad Mueller, Director of Planning & Development Services Charles Ferro, Development Review Senior Manager Alison Blaine, City Planner Senior Laurel Witt, Assistant City Attorney II Thomas Remke, Board Specialist 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair, J. Boone, declared a quorum at 6:30 p.m. and the following business was conducted. 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION In Person: Britt Worth Virtual: Lynn Segal 3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 4. DISCUSSION OF DISPOSITIONS, PLANNING BOARD CALL-UPS / CONTINUATIONS A. Call Up Item: Use review for a Specialized Instruction Facility to operate in an RH-2 zone at 2111 Arapahoe Ave. The proposal includes the redevelopment of the existing site with one new building for the Nalandabodhi organization. The call-up period expires on Feb 21, 2025. This item was not called up by the board. Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 19 Packet Page 217 of 287 B. Call Up Item: FINAL PLAT to subdivide Lot 18, Shining Mountain Subdivision Filing No. 2, into 20 lots for detached single unit residential development. The plat also includes dedications of drainage and public access easements. This application is subject to potential call-up on or before February 20, 2025. Reviewed under case number TEC2024-00046. This item was not called up by the board. 5. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS A. AGENDA TITLE: Continuation of consideration of a Site Review application for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. with three Research and Development buildings totaling 207,011 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50’ in height, a request for a 23% parking reduction, and a modification to site access control to allow for two access points. The applicant has requested Vested Rights for a period of nine years. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024-00036. The opportunity for public comment on this item has closed and will not be reopened. Board Comments: MOTION: M. McIntyre made a motion seconded by C. Hanson Thiem to approve Site Review application #LUR2024-00036, adopting the staff memorandum as findings of fact, including the attached analysis of review criteria, and subject to the following conditions of approval: 1. Café and amenity space in building three (first building to be built) will be enlarged with a focus towards amenities that reduce trips to/from the site. Examples could include and are not limited to: more café seating and a greater variety of offerings, bike maintenance and repair area, a small store for sundry items, workout area, child care center. Retail amenities shall be open to the public during normal operating hours. Amenity space will be pushed toward the entrances of the building so that all visitors to the site know of their presence. 2. Prior to permit approval or technical documentation review, applicant shall resubmit a TDM plan that will focus on substantial trip reduction by car. Examples could include but are not limited to: better and more convenient horizontal long-term bike parking beyond the city requirements that accommodates longer wheelbase and heavier e-bikes as well as e-bike charging at a majority of bike parking spaces. Applicant shall enumerate proactive TDM policies that will inure to and be binding upon any tenant for a 10-year period from certification of occupancy. Possible policies are: parking cashout program, company sponsored transportation to/from the site, more car shares than what is in the current application, subsidization of and coordination with micromobility providers. These conditions are subject to staff approval. 3. Site design will be refined at the cul-de-sac to create a larger and more welcoming entrance for pedestrians and cyclists to the central open space of the site and access to the multi-use path connection. Applicant shall create a pedestrian connection from the path between buildings 3 and Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 20 Packet Page 218 of 287 2 and between buildings 2 and 1. These pedestrian connections will require removal of some parking spaces to create clear and landscaped connections. Multi-use path connections will be open to the public at all times unless closure is needed for repair or maintenance. The city will have sole authority to close the path. 4. To accommodate the site review conditions above, an additional parking reduction will be allowed. This approval includes an increase in the allowed parking reduction from 23% to 32%. Planning Board voted 1-5. Motion failed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MOTION: L Kaplan made a motion seconded by ml Robles to deny site review application LUR2024- 00036, finding that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the application meets the review criteria, and adopting the denial findings of fact as prepared for the Planning Board’s consideration of these applications, as revised by the Board during the February 18, 2025 meeting. Planning Board voted 3-3. (C. Hanson Thiem, J. Boone, and M. McIntyre dissenting). MOTION: K. Nordback made a motion seconded by C. Hanson Thiem to amend the denial findings of fact (section 3e). Planning Board voted 3-3 (J. Boone, ml Robles, M. McIntyre dissenting). Motion failed. MOTION: L. Kaplan made a motion seconded by ml Robles to amend the denial findings of fact (section 1a) to add after “one small commercial space”, “(600 square feet), a café in one of the buildings with a single commercial space amounting to less than 1/3 of 1% of the project square footage,”. Planning Board voted 5-1 (J. Boone dissenting). Motion passed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MOTION: M. McIntyre made a motion seconded by K. Nordback to recommend the denial of Ordinance 8685, granting a 9-year vested property right for the site-specific development plan for a property located at 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. and setting forth related details. Planning Board voted (C. Hanson Thiem, M. McIntyre dissenting, J. Boone abstaining). Planning Board voted 3-3. Motion failed. B. AGENDA TITLE: Public hearing and consideration of a Site and Use Review for the redevelopment of 2555 30th St. with residential uses and a ground floor commercial space. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing car dealership and proposes 142 units including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units totaling 111,495 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for 55’ in height, a request for a 6% parking reduction, modification to setbacks, number of stories, and building size in the BMS zone. The proposal also includes an administrative amendment to the Transit Village Area Plan. The applicant has requested Vested Rights. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024-00047 and LUR2024-00065. Staff Presentation: Alison Blaine presented the item to the board. Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 21 Packet Page 219 of 287 Board Questions: Alison Blaine and Charles Ferro answered questions from the board. Applicant Presentation: Scott Holton and Bill Hollicky presented the item to the board. Board Questions: Scott Holton and Bill Hollicky answered questions from the board. Public Hearing: In Person: 1) Britt Worth Virtual: 1) Virginia Winter (powerpoint) 2) Lynn Segal Board Comments: 03:53:21 Key Issue #1: Is the proposed project consistent with the Site Review Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-2-14(h), B.R.C. 1981, including the Additional Criteria for Buildings Requiring Height Modification? Key Issue #2: Is the proposed vehicular parking reduction consistent with Parking Reduction Criteria of the Land Use Code section 9-9-6(f), B.R.C. 1981, as well as applicable Site Review criteria? Key Issue #3: Is the proposal consistent with the vision for the area as shown in the Transit Village Area Plan? C. Hanson Thiem agrees with the staff analysis and believes the project is consistent with the BVCP, and noted that it supports core policies that encourage infill and compact development, the jobs/housing balance, and walkable, connected neighborhoods. She believes it satisfies Site Review Criteria. She also believes it meets requirements for height modification, noting that she believes it preserves mountain views from public spaces. She believes the application is consistent with the Parking Reduction Criteria. She is unsure about full consistency with the TVAP plan, but noted that it contributes to the vision for the neighborhood by adding housing units and variety, and continuing to build out grid of mobility connections. L. Kaplan noted that there is a lot to like about this project, but noted that the board needs to be careful when considering making exemptions to city code and plans. She is wary about setting a precedent that a resident-serving commercial amenity is the same thing as having an active commercial space that serves the neighborhood. She believes this is an important component of achieving the TVAP’s vision of 30th Street as a main street business area. She believes the application generally meets the site review criteria, but is concerned about consistency with the subcommunity plan. For the height modification, she does not believe that it meets the criterion relating to form and massing being consistent with the character established in adopted plans and guidelines. She had other concerns about the visibility of entrances from the public realm and the lack of a ground level courtyard. Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 22 Packet Page 220 of 287 J. Boone agreed with the views expressed by L. Kaplan. He agrees that the building is too massive and needs some additional permeability. He doesn’t believe the board should be giving any leniency for this application on commercial space requirements. K. Nordback agreed with comments from C. Hanson Thiem. He supported the general architectural design and appreciated the relative simplicity. He appreciated that the entry grade at 30th Street was lowered. He believes the reduced setback on 30th Street is appropriate to make it feel more connected to the street and active. He understands Laura’s concerns relating to height and consistency with the TVAP, but believes the TVAP is intended more as a guiding document for determining consistency with the site review criteria. He feels the parking reduction is appropriate. He is concerned about the proposed location of the path to the west, and would like to see a bridge, which he understands may not be feasible. Ml Robles agreed with L. Kaplan’s concerns related to TVAP consistency. M. McIntyre noted that it seems unrealistic to mandate that an applicant put ground-level retail space in an area surrounded by vacant ground-level retail. He finds that it is consistent with the height modification criteria and the parking reduction criteria. He finds it generally consistent with the TVAP plan, with the acknowledgement that the plan has allowances for variance. He has concerns with the architecture and the extruded roof form. MOTION: K Nordback made motion seconded by C. Hanson Thiem to approve Site Review application LUR2024-00047 and Use Review application LUR2024-00065, adopting the staff memorandum as findings of fact, including the attached analysis of review criteria and subject to the recommended conditions of approval, as amended by the Planning Board on February 18, 2025. Planning Board voted 3-3 (L. Kaplan, ml Robles, J. Boone dissenting). Motion failed. MOTION: L. Kaplan made a motion seconded by ml Robles to amend the site review approval to remove the approval for the height modification. Planning Board voted 3-3 (C Hanson Thiem, K. Nordback, M. McIntyre dissenting). Motion failed. MOTION: L. Kaplan made a motion seconded by J. Boone to amend the approval to require that at least 50% of the ground floor uses along the 30th St. frontage be commercial neighborhood- serving uses. Planning Board voted 3-3 (C Hanson Thiem, K. Nordback, M. McIntyre dissenting). Motion failed. MOTION: L. Kaplan made a motion seconded by K. Nordback to amend the approval to require architectural emphasis and identification of all entrances along 30th street, to the satisfaction of staff. (5:03.) Planning Board voted 6-0. Motion passed. MOTION: L. Kaplan made a motion to amend the application to reflect that SUMP principles are required for all parking and the language “where possible” be stricken from the TDM Plan.. (5:08) Planning Board voted 6-0. Motion passed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 23 Packet Page 221 of 287 MOTION: M. McIntyre made a motion seconded by K. Nordback to continue the item to March 18, 2025. Planning Board voted 6-0. Motion passed. 6. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD, PLANNING DIRECTOR, AND CITY ATTORNEY 7. DEBRIEF MEETING/CALENDAR CHECK 8. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Board adjourned the meeting at 11:37 PM. APPROVED BY ___________________ Board Chair ___________________ DATE Attachment B - Draft Meeting Minutes Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 24 Packet Page 222 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF DISPOSITION You are hereby advised that on February 18, 2025 the following action was taken by the Planning Board based on the standards and criteria of the Land Use Regulations as set forth in Chapter 9-2, B.R.C.1981, as applied to the proposed development. DECISION: DENIED PROJECT NAME: 1855 S FLATIRON CT DESCRIPTION: Site Review for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. with three Research and Development buildings totaling 208,818 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50’ in height and one three-story building up to 45’ in height, a request for a 25% parking reduction, and a modification to site access control to allow for two access points. LOCATION: 1855 S FLATIRON CT LEGAL DESCRIPTION: See Exhibit A APPLICANT: SALIL PAYAPPILLY SHARON PROCOPIO, JVA INC BOULDER KELSEY HUNTER, BRE-BMR FLATIRON III LLC ANDREW FAULKNER, BIOMED REALTY KEVIN WHITE, PERKINS&WILL LIZ HANSON, HANSON BUSINESS STRATEGIES JEFF COTTRELL, PERKINS+WILL OWNERS: BRE-BMR 1855 FLATIRON LLC BRE-BMR FLATIRON VIII LLC APPLICATION: Site Review, LUR2024-00036 ZONING: Industrial - General (IG) CASE MANAGER: Alison Blaine VESTED PROPERTY RIGHT: YES; the owner has requested the opportunity to create such right under Section 9-2-20, B.R.C. 1981. This decision may be called up by the City Council on or before March 20, 2025. If no call-up occurs, the decision is deemed final on March 21, 2025. The Planning Board held public hearings on the application on January 21, 2025, February 4, 2025, and February 18, 2025. On February 4, 2025, the Planning Board voted to continue the consideration of the item and directed staff to return with draft finding of denial for the board’s consideration on February 18, 2025, with the following motion: On a motion by M. McIntyre seconded by K. Nordback the Planning Board voted 6-0 (J. Boone absent) to continue this item for preparation of denial findings on Feb. 18, 2025. On February 18, 2025, the Planning Board failed to adopt denial findings for the application by a 3-3 vote (M. Roberts absent). The item did not receive an affirmative vote of four, which means that the item is denied. By: Brad Mueller, Secretary of the Planning Board Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 25 Packet Page 223 of 287 EXHIBIT A Legal Description LOT 3 & 4 & OUTLOTS A & B, FLATIRON INDUSTRIAL PARKWAY FILING NO. 2, LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 1 NORTH, RANGE 70 WEST OF THE 6TH P.M., CITY OF BOULDER, COUNTY OF BOULDER, STATE OF COLORADO. Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 26 Packet Page 224 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER PLANNING BOARD AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: February 18, 2025 AGENDA TITLE Continuation of consideration of a Site Review application for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site at 1855 S Flatiron Ct. with three Research and Development buildings totaling 207,011 square feet. The proposal includes a request for a height modification to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50’ in height, a request for a 23% parking reduction, and a modification to site access control to allow for two access points. The applicant has requested Vested Rights for a period of nine years. Reviewed under case no. LUR2024-00036. Applicant: Andrew Faulkner, BioMed Realty Owners: BRE-BMR 1855 FLATIRON LLC BRE-BMR FLATIRON VIII LLC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: On Jan. 21, 2025, the Planning Board held a quasi-judicial hearing on a Site Review application for a new Research and Development project at 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. The hearing was continued on Feb. 4, 2025. The staff memorandum for the Jan. 21, 2025 and Feb. 4, 2025 public hearing and Planning Board consideration of this application can be found in Attachment A. After discussing whether the applicant had demonstrated that the application met the applicable review criteria, the Planning Board voted to continue the consideration of the item and directed staff to return with draft finding of denial for the board’s consideration on Feb. 18, 2025 with the following motion: On a motion by M. McIntyre seconded by K. Nordback the Planning Board voted 6-0 (J. Boone absent) to continue this item for preparation of denial findings on Feb. 18, 2025. Based on the board’s discussion and direction, staff has prepared the following Staff recommendation and findings of denial. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Planning Board action in the form of the following motions: Suggested Motion Language: Motion to deny Site Review application #LUR2024-00036, finding that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the applications meet the review criteria and adopting the denial findings of fact prepared for the Planning Board’s consideration of these applications as revised by the Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 27 Packet Page 225 of 287 Board during the Feb. 18, 2025 meeting. Motion to recommend denial of Ordinance 8685 granting a nine year vested property right for the approved site-specific development plan for a property located at 1855 S. Flatiron Ct., and setting forth related details. DENIAL FINDINGS OF FACT Introduction In accordance with the requirements of Chapter 9-2-15, B.R.C. 1981, the City of Boulder Planning Board (the “Planning Board”), on Jan. 21, 2025 and continued on Feb. 4, 2025, held a public hearing after giving notice as required by law on the application for a Site Review application Case No.2024-00036 (the “Project”). BioMed Realty, as the proponent (the “Applicant”) of the application for a Site Review, is seeking approval for the redevelopment of a 9.87-acre site including the properties generally known as 1855 S. Flatiron Ct., 1985 N. 57th St. (Outlot A), 1987 N. 57th St. (Outlot B) with three Research and Development buildings in the Industrial-General (IG) zone. The proposal includes a request for a height modification for two of the three buildings to allow for two three-story buildings up to 50 feet in height. One building is proposed to be 45 feet in height and meets the conditional height requirements of Section 9-7-6. The proposal also includes a request for a 23% parking reduction to allow for 398 parking spaces to be provided where 518 spaces are required and a site access modification to allow for two access points. Per Section 9-2-14, B.R.C. 1981, the project required Concept Plan review and comment prior to Site Review because the site is over 5 acres, the proposal is greater than 100,000 square feet in size (Table 2-2 of Section 9-2-14, B.R.C. 1981). The following modifications under the Land Use Code are requested: •9-7-1, Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards: Height modification for two 50-foot-tall structures, where a maximum of 40 feet is otherwise allowed by-right. One structure will be 45 feet, which is allowed by-right pursuant to Section 9-7-6 (Conditional Building Height) and is not requesting a height modification. •9-9-5, Site Access Control: Site Access modification to allow for two access points off of S. Flatiron Ct. •9-9-6, Parking Standards: Parking modification to allow for a 23% parking reduction. Per Section 9-2-14(g), B.R.C 1981, an application for any principal or accessory building above the permitted height for principal buildings set forth in Section 9-7-1, "Schedule of Form and Bulk Standards," B.R.C. 1981 requires a staff recommendation and final decision by the Planning Board at a public hearing, subject to call-up by City Council. The applicant has also requested an extension to Vested Rights, which requires the Planning Board to be the decision authority on the application and an ordinance approved by City Council. The Applicant has the burden of proof to demonstrate that the applications meet all applicable requirements of the Boulder Revised Code, Subsection 1-3-5(h), B.R.C. 1981. Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 28 Packet Page 226 of 287 Criteria The applicable review criteria for the application can be found in Section 9-2-14(h), B.R.C. (Site Review). Summary of Findings Based on a consideration of the entire evidentiary record, the Planning Board makes the following findings of fact. The Applicant failed to demonstrate, based upon a preponderance of evidence, that the applications meet the following criteria: 1.Section 9-2-14(h)(1)(A): BVCP Land Use Map and Policies: The proposed project is consistent with the BVCP land use map and, on balance, with the goals and policies of the BVCP particularly those that address the built environment. In applying this, the approving authority shall consistently interpret and apply this criterion and consider whether a particular goal or policy is intended to be applied to individual development projects or is to guide city policy decisions, such as regulatory actions. The BVCP does not prioritize goals and policies, and no project must satisfy one particular goal or policy or all of them. 2.Section 9-2-14(h)(1)(B): Subcommunity and Area Plans or Design Guidelines: If the project is subject to an adopted subcommunity or area plan or adopted design guidelines, the project is consistent with the applicable plan and guidelines. 3.Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(ii): Alternatives to the automobile are promoted by incorporating siting design techniques, land use patterns, and infrastructure that support and encourage walking, biking, and other alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle. 4.Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(iii): A transportation demand management (TDM) plan will be complied with including methods that result in a significant shift away from single- occupant vehicle use to alternate modes. 5.Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(iv): Streets, bikeways, pedestrian ways, trails, open space, buildings, and parking areas are designed and located to optimize safety of all modes and provide connectivity and functional permeability through the site. 6.Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(v): The design of vehicular circulation and parking areas make efficient use of the land and minimize the amount of pavement necessary to meet the circulation and parking needs of the project. 7.Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(A)(i): New buildings and, to the extent practicable, additions to existing buildings are positioned towards the street, respecting the existing conditions or the context anticipated by adopted plans or guidelines. In urban contexts, buildings are positioned close to the property line and sidewalk along a street; whereas, in lower intensity contexts, a greater landscaped setback may be provided to match the surrounding context. 8.Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(A)(ii): Wherever practical considering the scope of the project, parking areas are located behind buildings or set back further from the streetscape than the building façade. 9.Section 9-2–14(h)(3)(A)(iv): Defined entries connect the building to the public realm. Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 29 Packet Page 227 of 287 10. Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(A)(vi): The building's siting and relationship to the public realm is consistent with the character established in any adopted plans or guidelines applicable to the site. 11. Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(B)(i): Larger floor plate buildings and projects with multiple buildings have a variety of forms and heights. 12. Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(B)(iii): On each floor of the building, windows create visual interest, transparency, and a sense of connection to the public realm. In urban, pedestrian main street-built environments, it is a best practice to design at least 60 percent of each ground floor façade facing the street as window area. Otherwise, it is a best practice to design at least 20 percent of the wall on each floor of a building as window area. Blank walls along the most visible portions of the building are avoided. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law In evaluating the credibility and weight to be given to the evidence, the Planning Board considered the entire record, which included materials and testimony provided by the Applicant, Planning staff, and the Public, and weighed a number of specific factors, the collective and corroborative weights of which were considered as follows: The Applicant must demonstrate the proposed project meets the Site Review criteria and all applicable standards: 1. Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) criteria, Section 9-2-14(h)(1): a.Section 9-2-14(h)(1)(A): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the project is consistent with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan land use map and, on balance, with the goals and policies of the BVCP. The future land use is Mixed Use Industrial. The Mixed Use Industrial designation states that new developments should integrate diverse housing, commercial, and retail options into industrial areas to create vibrant, walkable, working neighborhoods. The project does not provide for a new development that adequately integrates housing, commercial or retail. The project only has one small commercial space, a café, in one of the buildings. With the single commercial space, the project does not create a vibrant or walkable neighborhood or provide services and amenities to users of the project. b.Section 9-2-14(h)(1)(B): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the project is consistent with the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan. The project is inconsistent with policies B1, D2 and D5 of the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan. Policy B1 states that commercial redevelopment in East Boulder should strive to incorporate ground-floor spaces suited to small businesses, shared business space, and mixing of business users to cater to customers with a mix of incomes, while retaining existing industrial space. The project has not incorporated ground-floor spaces suited to a mix of business users. This project has one café Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 30 Packet Page 228 of 287 that is set deep inside a lobby and does not provide ground floor spaces suited to a mix of business users. Policy D2 states that future redevelopment will catalyze a more active public environment through the installation of new connections and activated streetscapes to create walkable blocks. The site only provides one connection to the multi-use path and the building orientation closes the project off from the public realm, not providing for a walkable area or an activated streetscape. The site design places the trash and loading docs along the multi-use path, blocking off connectivity to the public realm. Policy D5 requires that redevelopment preserve views to the west from key corridors and the public realm. Designs for future structures should consider impacts to view corridors from public spaces. The design of the building does not provide for any visual interest in the roof line or view corridors from the public spaces. The requirement of a variety of forms and heights allows for preservation of views to the west, and this development only has minimal breaks in a relatively even roof line. The future land use designation for the project is Destination Workplace. The Destination Workplace future land use promotes mixed use developments that are well connected and provide for the use of multi-modal transportation. The site plan calls for a set of commercial buildings surrounded by a ring of parking, not allowing the project to interact with the public realm. The Flatiron Business Park was intended to be an active, lively, mixed use, well-connected, multimodal friendly workplace environment. This project does not provide for mixed use, is not well connected, and does not provide for multi-modal transportation options. Additionally, the project does not create an active ground-floor environment as is encouraged in the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan. The ground floor parking and limited ground floor facilities for the users of the project limit the connection to the public realm. 2.Site Design Criteria, Section 9-2-14(h)(2): a. Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(ii): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the site design encouraged walking, biking, and other alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle. The site was designed with the ease of parking in mind. The limited permeability given for bicycle and pedestrian traffic is through a large parking lot. b.Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(iii): The applicant failed to demonstrate through their transportation demand management plan (TDM), by a preponderance of evidence, that the project will provide for a significant shift away from single- occupant vehicle use to alternative modes of travel. The site is heavily dominated by a ring of parking and parking garages on the ground floor of each building. The site is designed primarily for the ease of car use and does not effectively encourage the use of alternative modes of travel. Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 31 Packet Page 229 of 287 c. Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(iv): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the project optimized safety for all modes of travel, allowed for connectivity for all modes of travel, and provided functional permeability through the site. The design of the parking lot encircling the buildings effectively prevents the applicant from providing connectivity and functional permeability for cyclists and pedestrians. All bike and pedestrian traffic is funneled through a single connection into the site. Additionally, this single connection is at the top of a cul-de-sac where the bikes and pedestrians will have to compete with vehicular traffic at the one entry to the project. The project has not been designed to provide connectivity and functional permeability. d.Section 9-2-14(h)(2)(A)(v): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the design of the vehicular circulation of the project made an efficient use of land and minimized the amount of pavement necessary to meet circulation and parking needs. The site is encircled with a large parking lot and contains parking on the ground floors of the buildings. Each building is surrounded by parking on two to three sides. Creating a ring of parking that fronts the public realm and wraps the buildings is not an efficient use of land for parking. 3. Building Siting and Design Criteria, Section 9-2-14(h)(3): a. Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(A)(i): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the buildings are properly positioned towards the street. All proposed buildings in the project are positioned towards the internal private campus space and not to the public realm. Edge connections to the public realm are all given to asphalt and parking. b.Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(A)(ii): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the parking areas were located behind the buildings or set back further from the streetscape than the building façade. The site design shows parking surrounding the entire project, not located behind the buildings or set back further than the building façade. c. Section 9-2–14(h)(3)(A)(iv): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the defined entries to the proposed buildings connect the building to the public realm. The building entries provide minimal connection to the public realm. All building entries are facing the private interior open space of the project and do not have any connection to the street or multi-use path. The eastern facades of buildings 2 and 3 along the multi-use path do not integrate well with the multi- use path to provide for defined entries from the path. Additionally, the one connection to the multi-use path at the north end of the property does not allow for enough connection to the public realm. Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 32 Packet Page 230 of 287 d.Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(A)(vi): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the buildings siting and relationship to the public realm is consistent with the character established in the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan. The project does not meet the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan as further explained in (1)(b), above. e. Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(B)(i): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the project provided for a variety of forms and heights in the buildings. The roof is consistent throughout the project and does not provide for a variety of forms and heights. f.Section 9-2-14(h)(3)(B)(iii): The applicant failed to demonstrate, by a preponderance of evidence, that the buildings proposed created visual interest, transparency, and a sense of connection to the public realm. The ground floors of the project provide parking garages with concrete walls facing the public realm. This does not provide for visual interest, transparency, or a sense of connection to the public realm. The connectivity and visual interest provided in the project faces the interior space between the buildings, not the public realm. Conclusion For these reasons, the Planning Board finds that the Applicant has failed to establish that the proposal meets the Site Review standards of section 9-2-14, B.R.C. 1981. PLANNING BOARD OPTIONS Planning Board may: (1)Approve the applications and adopt findings of approval, (2)Approve the applications with conditions and adopt findings of approval, or (3)Deny the application and adopt the findings of denial. The Planning Board may adopt as proposed by staff or modify and adopt any findings prepared by staff. Attachment C - Planning Board Notice of Disposition Item 5A - Part 1 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Site Review Page 33 Packet Page 231 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE Second reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8685 granting a nine-year vested property right for the approved site- specific development plan for a property located at 1855 S. Flatiron Court, and setting forth related details. Applicant: Andrew Faulkner, BioMed Realty Owners: BRE-BMR 1855 FLATIRON LLC BRE-BMR FLATIRON VIII LLC REQUESTING DEPARTMENT / PRESENTERS Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Brad Mueller, Planning & Development Services Director Charles Ferro, Senior Planning Manager Alison Blaine, Senior Planner EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The subject application is to redevelop a site located at 1855 S. Flatiron Court, under case no. LUR2024-00036, with three new Research and Development buildings. The Site Review application was initially brought to Planning Board on January 21, 2025 where it was continued on February 4, 2025 and February 18, 2025. The Site Review application and associated ordinance was scheduled for City Council call-up consideration on March 20, 2025. City Council called up the item, and Ordinance 8685 requires City Council approval for consideration of the companion vested rights request. Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 34 Packet Page 232 of 287 On April 17, City Council considered Ordinance 8685 on 1st Reading. The Ordinance is scheduled for 2nd Reading with the public hearing for the Site Review call-up on the same night. The ordinance can be reviewed in Attachment A. STAFF RECOMMENDATION BOARD AND COMMISSION FEEDBACK Planning Board Planning Board reviewed the ordinance as part of a Site Review application on January 21, 2025 where it was continued on February 4, 2025 and February 18, 2025. At the continued hearing on February 18, 2025, Planning Board voted 3-3 (M. Roberts absent) on a motion to recommend the vested rights to City Council. The motion did not receive an affirmative vote of four, and the motion failed. Therefore, the board neither recommended approval nor denial of the vested rights to City Council, as described in the Procedural Rules of the Planning Board. For a full summary of the Planning Board process and feedback on the Site Review application, refer to the March 20, 2025 City Council agenda and call-up memo. PUBLIC FEEDBACK Consistent with Section 9-4-3, “Public Notice Requirements,” B.R.C. 1981, staff provided notification to all property owners within 600 feet of the subject location of the application, and signs have been posted by the applicant. Staff did not receive comments during the application review process. One member of the public spoke during the public comment period at the Planning Board hearing for the Site Review application. BACKGROUND This memorandum is only for City Council to review the request to establish Vested Rights greater than three years for a total of 9 years. A separate memorandum has been prepared for the Site Review call-up, which is scheduled concurrently with this 2nd Reading for the Vested Rights request. Details on the Site Review proposal can be found later in this packet. PROPOSED ORDINANCE 8685 Approval of Ordinance 8685 would permit granting a 9-year vesting period for the approved site-specific development plan. The applicant has proposed a 9-year construction period for the project, which is allowable through the Site Review process. To protect property owners from future zoning or land use actions that would delay, alter, Suggested Motion Language: Motion to adopt Ordinance 8685 granting a nine-year vested property right for the approved site-specific development plan for a property located at 1855 S. Flatiron Court, and setting forth related details. Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 35 Packet Page 233 of 287 diminish or otherwise impact an approved development during that time period, the applicant is seeking vested rights for the approval that last for 9 years. Colorado’s Vested Property Rights Act, C.R.S. 24-68-101, et seq., (the “Act”) allows for the creation of vested property rights the applicant is seeking. The Act defines “vested property right” as the “right to undertake and complete the development and use of property under the terms and conditions of a site-specific development. Approved site review plans are “site specific development plans.” Once a statutory vested right is established, a local government is precluded from taking any zoning or land use action that would alter, impair, diminish, or delay the development of the property consistent with the approved plans. Generally, statutory vested property rights have a duration of three years from the date of approval. Any longer time period has to be included in the development agreement and approved by ordinance of the City Council. Section 9-2-20, “Creation of Vested Rights,” B.R.C. 1981. Approval of a vesting period longer than three years in Council’s legislative discretion. The applicant is seeking vested rights for 9 years to be protected through the anticipated construction period. ANALYSIS The decision of council on the ordinance would be based on the project’s consistency with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (“BVCP”) policies related to Light Industrial Areas (BVCP Policy 1.11) and Revitalizing Commercial & Industrial Areas (BVCP Policy 5.01) among the other relevant BVCP policies as discussed below. Request for Vested Rights greater than three years and extension of demolition permits Staff finds the proposed request for vested rights reasonable and appropriate given the scope of work and considering the BVCP goals achieved by this project and is recommending approval of the vested rights request. CONCLUSION As stated above, staff finds that the proposed ordinance allows a project that accomplishes many objectives of the BVCP and is consistent with these most relevant BVCP policies as summarized below: 2.21 Light Industrial Areas: The proposed ordinance would be consistent the following objective as stated in Policy 2.21: “The city will encourage redevelopment and infill to contribute to placemaking and better achieve sustainable urban form as defined in this chapter” 5.01 Revitalizing Commercial & Industrial Areas: The proposed ordinance would be consistent with the objective to incentivize business retention and revitalization, as stated in Policy 5.01: “The city supports strategies unique to specific places for the redevelopment of commercial and industrial areas. Revitalization should support and enhance these areas, conserve their strengths, minimize displacement of users and reflect their unique characteristics and Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 36 Packet Page 234 of 287 amenities and those of nearby neighborhoods. Examples of commercial and industrial areas for revitalization identified in previous planning efforts are Diagonal Plaza, University Hill commercial district, Gunbarrel and the East Boulder industrial area.” 5.02 Regional Job Center: The proposed ordinance would be consistent the following objective as stated in Policy 5.02: “The city supports strategies that recognize Boulder’s continued role as a regional job center, consistent with economic sustainability goals and projected employment growth.” 5.07 Industry Clusters: The proposed ordinance would be consistent with the objective to incentivize a diverse economic base and incentivize business as stated in Policy 5.07 “The city will support an industry cluster approach to business development. This approach involves a focus on supporting multiple businesses in an industry and considering special financial and technical assistance programs and other tools to retain, expand and attract businesses in those clusters. Boulder’s key industry clusters include aerospace, bioscience, clean tech, data storage, digital media, natural and organic products, recreation, software, tourism and the creative sector.” ATTACHMENT Attachment A: Proposed Ordinance 8685 Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 37 Packet Page 235 of 287 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ORDINANCE 8685 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A NINE-YEAR VESTED PROPERTY RIGHT FOR THE APPROVED SITE-SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1855 S. FLATIRON COURT, AND SETTING FORTH RELATED DETAILS. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO, FINDS: A.This ordinance shall be effective only as to the parcels of land generally known as Flatiron Business Park located at 1855 S. Flatiron Court, which together are approximately 9.59 acres in size, and more particularly described as Lots 3 and 4, Flatiron Industrial Park Filing No. 2, County of Boulder, State of Colorado (the “Property”). B. BRE-BMR 1855 Flatiron LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is the owner of the Property (“Owner”) and has filed Site Review application #LUR2024-00036 for redevelopment of the 1855 S. Flatiron Court site (the “Project”). C.The Owner plans a phased expansion and redevelopment of the Property over a period of approximately nine years. In association therewith, the Owner is seeking a vesting period of nine years for the site-specific development plan. D. On January 21, 2025, February 4, 2025, and February 18, 2025, the planning board held a public hearing and approved with conditions Site Review # LUR2024-00036 and neither recommended approval of nor denied this ordinance. E.In addition, the city council finds that the site review for the Project constitutes a site- specific development plan within the meaning of Subsection 9-2-20(a), B.R.C. 1981, and Section 24-68-102, C.R.S. F.The Boulder Revised Code and Section 24-68-104, C.R.S. require city council approval of any vesting period of a site-specific development plan approval that exceeds three years. Attachment A - Ordinance 8685 Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 38 Packet Page 236 of 287 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 G.The city council having reviewed the Project, finds that a nine year vesting period is appropriate. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO: Section 1. The city council finds that an extended vesting period for the Project is in the interest of the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City of Boulder and consistent with the goals and policies of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. Section 2. The city council hereby grants and approves a nine-year vesting period for a site-specific development plan submitted under Site Review #LUR2024-00036 (“Development Plan”). Such nine-year vesting period supersedes any other vesting period referenced in the Vested Rights Option Form and/or Waiver executed by Owner, or otherwise. The following elements of the Development Plan shall be vested for nine years: The number of buildings, the footprints of such buildings, the location of such building footprints, total square footage for each building, the above grade floor area for each building, below grade floor area for each building, the height of each building, building architecture, number of car and bike parking spaces, and the phasing plan all as approved in the Site Review Case No. LUR2024-00036. Applicant further requests vested rights in accordance with the approved Phasing Plan. The city manager is authorized to enter into a development agreement for the Project including the vesting period granted in this ordinance. Section 3. This ordinance shall only be applicable to BioMed Realty, its subsidiaries, or its successors, or affiliates. Section 4. This ordinance shall not be construed to limit the ability of an approving authority of the site review for the Project to modify other development standards through the Attachment A - Ordinance 8685 Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 39 Packet Page 237 of 287 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 site review process. If the site review application is called up for review by the city council, the city council retains the authority granted by this ordinance to permit the modifications stated herein. This ordinance shall expire immediately if the owner of the Property allows the site plan approval to expire under the requirements of Chapter 9-2, “Review Processes,” B.R.C. 1981. Section 5. The city council adopts the findings and recitals above into this ordinance by this reference. This ordinance shall be considered an amendment to Title 9, “Land Use Code,” B.R.C. 1981. To the extent that this ordinance conflicts with any other ordinance of the city, such other ordinance shall be suspended for the limited purpose of implementing this ordinance. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as a waiver of the city’s police power. Section 6. This ordinance is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city, and covers matters of local concern. Section 7. The city council deems it appropriate that this ordinance be published by title only and orders that copies of this ordinance be made available in the office of the city clerk for public inspection and acquisition. INTRODUCED, READ ON FIRST READING, AND ORDERED PUBLISHED BY TITLE ONLY this 17th day of April 2025. ____________________________________ Aaron Brockett, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Elesha Johnson, City Clerk Attachment A - Ordinance 8685 Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 40 Packet Page 238 of 287 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 READ ON SECOND READING, AMENDED, PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of May 2025. ____________________________________ Aaron Brockett, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Elesha Johnson, City Clerk Attachment A - Ordinance 8685 Item 5A - Part 2 - 2nd Rdg. 1855 S. Flatiron Ct. Ord. 8685 Vested Rights Page 41 Packet Page 239 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Pam Davis, Assistant C ity Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description tem 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions P rogram Actions Packet Page 240 of 287 CITY OF BOULDER CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: May 1, 2025 AGENDA TITLE Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions PRESENTER(S) Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Pam Davis, Assistant City Manager Elesha Johnson, City Clerk EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to provide city council with important updates regarding the city’s transition to a new agenda management system and related process improvements along with updates and discussion regarding ongoing work to improve the boards and commissions program. Agenda Management The city’s agenda management improvement project has two major components: transitioning to a new software platform for producing and digitally sharing agendas and meeting packets and updating memo templates and staff training to enhance the quality of information city council receives. Use of the new software and implementation of the new memo format will take place for the special meeting on July 24, 2025, when city council returns from summer recess. This update is intended to inform council members of the details of these upcoming changes. Boards and Commissions Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 1 Packet Page 241 of 287 Improving boards and commissions has been an ongoing work plan focus since 2021. Recognizing that this body of work spans years and multiple city council terms, this update will refresh council members’ awareness of the policy context, progress to date, long term goals, and raise a few specific items for discussion and feedback. Discussion items include: •Communication between boards and commissions and city council •Board and commission work plan and scope expectations •Approach to seat requirements during recruitment •Meeting minutes and sharing information BACKGROUND Agenda Management •City council provided extensive feedback on improvements they would like to see in agenda management and memo content during their 2024 retreat. •On September 5, 2024, council held a discussion regarding more specific agenda process improvements. At that time, a majority of council supported staff’s process improvement recommendations. Boards and Commissions •Since 2021, a staff team has been working to incrementally improve boards and commissions processes and programming. •In February 2021, the city’s Racial Equity Plan was finalized with multiple goals impacting boards and commissions including: o Goal 1 — Everybody gets it. The city will normalize and operationalize understanding of institutional and structural racism among people who work for or represent the City of Boulder, including city staff, City Council, Boards and Commissions, and ongoing program volunteers; and o Goal 5 — Representation matters. The city will eliminate barriers and create opportunities to build a diverse workforce across the depth and breadth of local government including elected officials, boards, commissions and working groups. •City council held a Study Session on October 27, 2022, to discuss Boards and Commissions Process issues. The Study Session Summary was subsequently approved on December 1, 2022. In follow-up to the discussion, the city launched a third-party comprehensive assessment of our Boards and Commission program and procedures that included significant engagement. Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 2 Packet Page 242 of 287 •City council held a Study Session on November 9, 2023, to discuss the city’s Boards and Commissions Assessment Findings and Initial Recommendations. The Study Session Summary was subsequently approved on December 21, 2023. •In September 2024, city council submitted ballot question 2E to make changes to the city charter regarding boards and commissions. The measure would have provided city council with greater flexibility in setting the number of members, term lengths, selection criteria, and powers and duties of advisory boards and commissions not otherwise dictated in the city charter. The measure failed that November by a narrow margin. City council will once again consider taking up the issue during the May 8, 2025, discussion on ballot questions. ANALYSIS Agenda Management The city’s current agenda management software, NovusAGENDA is being discontinued by its parent company, Granicus, and replaced by a new system, OneMeeting. The transition to a new system provides an opportunity for significant process improvements in how memos and meeting packets are developed and provided to City Council and the public. The chart below shares process changes to meeting packet and informational item distribution that city council agreed to during their September 5, 2024, meeting. Process Component Current State Future State Council Meeting Packet Distribution •Preliminary Packet- distributed Fridays, 13 days before each regular or special meeting •Final Packet- distributed Thursdays, 7 days before each regular or special meeting •One final packet, distributed Thursdays, 7 days before each regular or special council meeting Study Session Packet Distribution •Study Session Packet- distributed Fridays, 13 days before each study session •One study session packet, distributed Thursdays, 7 days before each study session Information Item Distribution •Information items, Heads Up! Emails, and Boards and Commission minutes distributed as attachments to regular meeting packets. •Distributed via email, separate from meeting packets. Benefits of these changes include: Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 3 Packet Page 243 of 287 •Council will receive no more than one full packet of meeting materials per week, with a week’s time for review. Currently, study session and final packets are distributed at the end of the same week, creating an immense volume of information for council members to read and a strain on staff resources twice per month. •Separating information item distribution from meeting packets allows for more timely distribution, not dependent on regular meeting schedules. These items, in addition to being provided in real time as they are produced, will also be archived in city records to be easily accessed on demand. •Reduces total size of meeting packets each week. •Business rhythms for city staff become more consistent and balanced. Considerations for staff based on feedback from city council regarding these changes include: •When an anticipated item coming before council is particularly complex, staff will consider additional opportunities to communicate information to council members further in advance of meeting dates as capacity allows. •While council members were generally supportive of information items and other communications no longer being attached to meeting packets, some expressed a need to be consistently reminded of where they can find that information online. In addition to the necessary transition to OneMeeting, the April 3-4, 2024, council retreat garnered extensive feedback on improvements to memo content, including: standard inclusion of a fiscal note and identified racial equity impacts for items, reducing redundancy of information, better identifying outcomes of potential decisions, clearly defining acronyms, demonstrating connections between items and existing plans and programs, and using attachments and links for related information while keeping the memos as concise as possible. New templates for policy memos, study session memos and summaries, and quasi-judicial items have been developed for use when OneMeeting goes live. Staff have also developed a comprehensive memo writing handbook and internal training series to provide enhanced support for all who write memos. City council members will receive instructions, support guides, and the opportunity for 1:1 training by request to ensure they are comfortable navigating the new system in advance of the July 24, 2025, meeting. Boards and Commissions A wide variety of improvements to the life cycle experience of board and commission membership have been developed, refined, and implemented since 2021. For a complete list of recent improvements considered and their outcome or current status, please see Attachment A. Highlights of successful program improvements include: Recruitment Enhancements Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 4 Packet Page 244 of 287 •In 2025, the city held the first centralized boards and commissions recruitment open house event, providing an in-person opportunity for community members to learn about all board and commission openings in one place. Based on attendance and positive feedback, staff plan to hold a similar event annually with iterative improvements building on the successes of this first year. Application Simplification •The previous boards and commissions applications had a range of 8-13 questions depending on the board. Every applicant was asked a series of 5 standard questions, and then each board or commission added on 3-7 board specific questions. The total length of the application was a barrier for community members to apply in the first place, and the list of questions included redundancies and asked for some information out of scope for board and commission service. •For the 2025 recruitment cycle, the application was standardized across all boards and commissions and reduced to three substantive questions. While it is too soon to draw any definitive conclusions regarding the impact of this change, 2025 experienced a year over year increase in the total number of applicants, and the project team has received positive feedback from staff and applicants. Interview Process •Prior to 2022, interviews were conducted in a group setting with up to 7 applicants for the same board or commission in the room simultaneously answering questions from city council. This format was a challenging experience for both applicants and council members. •For the 2022 selection process, staff and city council piloted a new interview process that provided every applicant with an individual, virtual interview. o Applicants scheduled their own virtual interview time for direct conversation over Zoom with relevant staff members and at least one council member. o Applicants were provided with interview questions in advance to better prepare and be more comfortable during the interview. o Applicants were provided with a chance to ask staff and council members questions at the end of their interviews. o Interviews were recorded and provided to the full council and the public for viewing and assessment. •Since the pilot year, staff have continued to refine the logistical approach to the interviews to support the best possible applicant experience and produce a Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 5 Packet Page 245 of 287 meaningful body of information for city council members to consider when making appointments. Orientation and Onboarding: •Following recommendations from the 2023 consultant assessment of boards and commissions to achieve better attendance, staff expanded the general orientation session options for recent appointees to include virtual and in-person settings, along with weekend and weeknight options. The expectation to attend and options for the orientation sessions were clearly stated in the initial application for service. •Racial equity and bias and microaggression training is now a mandatory component of board and commission member onboarding. Like the orientation session, this expectation is clearly stated in the boards and commissions application along with the anticipated date/time options for the training. The Board and Commission Member Experience •Throughout 2022, board and commission project team members, secretaries, and liaisons worked with iProject LLC, an outside consultant, in a series of workshops to enhance board and commission diversity, equity, and inclusion/belonging. The lead consultant, Angela Davis, in partnership with the staff team, hosted three two-part workshops to develop action plans for individual boards and commissions based on their context and subject matter. The ideas generated through this process have inspired ongoing improvements to the climate and culture of boards and commissions. In addition to the above highlights, city staff remain committed to continuous improvement and reducing barriers to board and commission service for all community members. As a reminder, there are key recommended improvements that require charter changes to pursue, including: •Number of members •Age requirements •Term of appointment •Financial compensation •Meeting frequency •Appointment by council •Clarifying cause for removal of board members City council will once again consider taking up the issue during the May 8, 2025, discussion on ballot questions. Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 6 Packet Page 246 of 287 1. Communication between boards and commissions and city council o Staff recommendation: Standardize a practice of boards and commissions producing a biannual report to council. One report, produced in a December/January timeframe, would focus on forward-looking priorities of the board or commission that align with the city strategic plan and department workplans. In 2026 and subsequent odd-numbered years beginning in 2027, this report would serve as input for the city council priority-setting retreat. The second report, produced in a June/July timeframe, would focus on progress updates of ongoing work. Staff strongly recommends that boards and commissions staff aid in drafting and managing an efficient report writing process contingent on board or commission approval. If supported by council, city staff will work with the council subcommittee to finalize communications to all boards and commissions requesting the new communications cadence, providing format and length parameters, and describing how the information will be considered by council and staff throughout our ongoing work. 2. Board and commission work plan and scope expectations o The city charter and each board or commission’s enabling ordinance specifies the responsibilities of each board. However, certain boards over time have pursued work beyond their designated scope from city council. o Staff recommendation: The central project team will work with board and commission support staff to promote consistent work planning processes. These will include refreshed board and commission alignment to council priorities and the citywide strategic plan and more consistent consideration and discussion of citywide work such as the annual budget process. 3. Approach to meeting representational requirements during recruitment o Staff Recommendation: Make administrative changes to how the city clerk’s office ensures the make up of boards and commissions meet representation requirements as dictated by charter and code. Decouple these requirements from specific seats and terms and instead conduct an annual review of the board or commission’s requirements to ensure that any given recruitment is as open as possible. This is the current method for how the gender diversity requirement is managed and can be extended to other representational qualities, like profession. 4. Meeting minutes and sharing information o In addition to city council’s transition to the OneMeeting agenda management software, in 2026 the city intends to roll out use of the Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 7 Packet Page 247 of 287 software for all boards and commissions, bringing management of those agendas and minutes into one place for the first time. This move will support the improvement goals of enhancing consistency of minutes and ensuring that records are easy to find. o Subcommittee Recommendation: Explore opportunities for creating as needed real time summaries of high-interest board and commission discussions that may impact immediate council discussions. These summaries would be separate from the required minutes that must be formally adopted through board and commission approval processes, and they would serve to provide council with more timely awareness of key issues at board and commission meetings. If supported by the full city council, staff would follow up and work with the subcommittee to further define and establish parameters for this work, balancing support for council members with staff capacity. NEXT STEPS Agenda Management Changes will all coincide with full implementation of the OneMeeting software. The first council meeting these changes take effect will be July 24, the first meeting following city council’s summer recess. Staff will bring back a council procedure revision for city council consideration to update the new study session materials distribution deadlines on a consent agenda in May or June 2025. Boards and Commissions Pending the outcome of the discussion of the four recommended improvement opportunities, staff will move forward with implementation. ATTACHMENT A – Summary List of Boards and Commissions Improvements and Status Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 8 Packet Page 248 of 287 Attachment A- Summary List of Boards and Commissions Improvements and Status The body of ideas to improve boards and commissions is significant and has been an ongoing list for multiple years. Below is a summary of actions and their status since 2022. The items come from several sources including but not limited to staff work, community connector input, third party consultants, community group feedback, current and former board and commissions members, the council boards and commissions subcommittee, and individual council members. •Continue to appoint new board and commission members to vacancies each spring but develop and provide increased year-long board and commission information on recruitment to the public, with a particular focus on outreach to diverse communities. o Status: In progress. The Clerk’s Office has improved online information and expanded outreach through city engagement events. Board and commission support staff has also implemented action plan elements following the 2022 DEI in boards and commissions workshops to develop practices that better recruit and retain diverse participants. •Ensure that materials used for recruitment, applications, training and orientation detail the specific tasks, responsibilities and time commitments of each board or commission. o Status: Complete and continuously improving. Incremental improvements have been made annually since 2021, including offering a specific orientation and training to Board and Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs to understand their roles, an expansion of recruitment strategies and general orientation content, applications that now explicitly state year one training requirements, and enhancements to each individual board’s orientation and training processes by their relevant city departments. •Host an annual pre-application session for any interested residents to ask questions or get more information. o Status: Complete. In January 2025 staff hosted the first boards and commissions open house. This event afforded members of the public a chance to get to speak with both staff and current members for further information about boards and commissions and the chance to apply for a board or commission at the event. The open house was well attended by the public with positive feedback from many. Staff plan to continue this annual event while keeping in mind process improvements for each iteration. •Send an invitation to all existing board and commission members to observe City Council’s annual retreat. o Status: This will be done prior to the next retreat in 2026. Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 9 Attachment A - Summary List of B&C Improvements and Status Packet Page 249 of 287 • Ensure that orientation of new board members details the following: the importance of understanding the ordinance that established each board or commission; the specifics of each board or commission’s bylaws relevant to the new member; and the importance of the careful review of minutes, agenda packets and other information. Inform new members of their board or commission’s role in the overall decision-making process. o Status: Complete. The City Attorney’s Office has included these topics within their portion of the new boards and commissions members’ orientation. Additionally, chairs and vice chairs are provided with more in-depth training by staff, which outlines these topics in greater detail. • Encourage existing board and commission members to attend occasional relevant meetings of other boards or commissions. o Status: Complete. The new member orientation has been updated to encourage sharing of knowledge and information amongst boards and commissions. Staff also demonstrate how to access the online city calendar for information about when other boards and commissions meet. • Produce bi-lingual information to increase the community’s understanding of boards and commissions, the role they play, their work plans, how their decisions impact our community, and how individuals can participate in board and commissions open comment periods. o Status: In Progress. The Human Relations Commission produced an application and information in Spanish for the 2022 recruitment cycle as a pilot initiative. The pilot was very successful in that it led to the appointment of the city’s first primarily Spanish-speaking board member. Since then, the city has updated our recruitment marketing materials and the standard application to always have a Spanish version available. Staff will continue to identify opportunities to increase language access. • Create consistency in how board and commission information is portrayed on city webpages. o Status: Complete. • Work with a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional with experience in creating positive, effective and welcoming boards and commission environments to develop action items for future implementation. o Status: Workshops were completed at the end of 2022, but the impact of the learnings and action plans generated continue to shape boards and commissions each year. Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 10 Attachment A - Summary List of B&C Improvements and Status Packet Page 250 of 287 • Ensure orientation includes strong centralized messaging about council priorities, role clarity, open meeting rules (including email and virtual meeting tools), attendance policies and advocacy. o Status: Complete. The new member orientation has been updated and now covers these points both in the presentation and in the information booklet provided to new members. • Address concerns about treatment of members from underrepresented communities from other B&C members – enforce requirement for Bias & Microaggression training, external support, and clear process for addressing when bias/microaggressions come up. o Status: This is in progress and several trainings with existing board secretaries have occurred. Required BAM training for all board and commission members will continue. • Draw from existing community groups to recruit applicants for boards and commissions. o Status: In Progress. Staff members reach out to their respective community networks during recruitment. Additionally, Communications and Engagement staff has taken a greater role in relaying recruitment information through various methods such as working with Community Connectors and implementing broader methods of public outreach. • Support interview preparation for underrepresented community members, including specific feedback for applicants who were not successful to encourage applying again/elsewhere. o Status: Complete. Staff offers technological support to applicants during the application window and for interviews. Following appointments, applicants are not only encouraged to reapply but also given information on different volunteer opportunities the city and Boulder County offer. • Improve the interview and selection process for board and commission applicants. o Status: Complete, and open to continuous improvement. • Establish a council liaison to each board and commission. o Status: On hold. In late 2022, city council rejected a recommendation to pursue a one-board pilot council liaison role. Council members provided feedback regarding role definition and capacity concerns. • Update purpose statements of each board & commission and redefine authority & scope as needed o Status: Not Started. Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 11 Attachment A - Summary List of B&C Improvements and Status Packet Page 251 of 287 • Work with each board & commission to develop or improve their existing by-laws to govern meetings o Status: Not Started. • Where absent, develop working agreements to support a positive culture, manage conduct and improve meeting efficiency. o Status: In progress as capacity of individual boards and commissions allows. • Develop criteria and a process for City Council review of Boards & Commissions on a periodic basis to determine if Boards or Commissions purposes have been achieved. Consider whether to retire or continue. o Status: Not Started • Develop a process and schedule for developing agendas for boards and commissions. o Status: Not Started, coming soon as boards and commissions are onboarded to the new agenda management platform in 2026. • Reduce term limits and requirements for board and commission member participation (site visits, Council mtg review) where possible o Status: Not Started. Requires charter/code changes. • Consider increasing the number of board and commission representatives that comprise boards and commissions or balance selection process to include opportunities for those to contribute their lived experience/community interest as an equal qualification for appointment. o Status: Not Started. Requires charter/code changes. • Differentiate application requirements for quasi-judicial boards and Advisory Boards o Status: On hold. Instead, staff developed a universal, simplified, and more user-friendly application for all boards and commissions. • Simplify application questions o Status: Complete as of the 2025 recruitment. • Include staff from relevant departments in interviews to assist with answering applicant questions. o Status: Complete. • Shift board and commission member appointment process to City Manager or Department heads to de-politicize member selection Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 12 Attachment A - Summary List of B&C Improvements and Status Packet Page 252 of 287 o Status: Not Started, requires further discussion with city council and charter/code amendments. • Host a community board and commission leadership academy or introductory sessions to educate residents about the board and commission program, cultivate future members and build trust about participating in government. o Status: Not Started • Institute a more proactive board and commission recruitment process to meet the community where they’re at (churches, community organizations, public events, etc.) and provide informational meetings, info booths. o Status: In progress. Boards and commissions recruitment information has been brought to a couple of specific community events by invitation, but current resources have not yet been available to support a more proactive approach. • Offer small monetary stipends and other benefits for those that need it to incentivize volunteer service on boards and commissions o Status: Not started. Stipends have not been explored yet because the city charter currently prohibits financial compensation for board and commission members. • House the Boards & Commissions program within the City Clerk’s Office to support standardization of fundamental program elements and provide resources to support departments. Continue to utilize embedded resources (staff) support for regular program administration across city departments o Status: Initial stages are complete but opportunities for refinement remain. • Review staffing levels needed in the City Clerk’s office and departments to support boards and commissions. o Status: Not started due to budget constraints. • Offer orientation options that are onsite, virtual and recorded video for future use. o Status: Completed. • Enhance Board orientation to include elements related to conduct and meeting effectiveness and use of the racial equity instrument o Status: Completed. • Develop a Staff orientation/training to support staff in managing Boards & Commissions and share best practices & lessons learned o Status: Not started. In workplan for Q3 2025 Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 13 Attachment A - Summary List of B&C Improvements and Status Packet Page 253 of 287 •Develop both a Boards-Commission Handbook and Staff Liaison Handbook including policies, procedures and processes to provide consistent program delivery o Status: In Progress. Item 6A - Agenda Management and Boards and Commissions Program Actions Page 14 Attachment A - Summary List of B&C Improvements and Status Packet Page 254 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Information Item A: Update on March 18th C hat with Council P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Megan Valliere, City C ouncil Program Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description I nformation I tem A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Packet Page 255 of 287 INFORMATION ITEM MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and Members of Council From: Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager Mark Woulf, Assistant City Manager Ryan Hanschen, Community Engagement Manager Megan (Meggs) Valliere, City Council Program Manager Markisha Key-Hagan, Human Services Investment Senior Project Manager Date: May 1st, 2025 Subject: Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council - Food Security EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Focus Audience: Members of the Food Security Network of Boulder & Broomfield Counties team Date and Location: March 18th, 2025 Nobo Library (4500 13th St. Boulder, CO 80304) Council Participants: Mayor Brockett Council Member Adams Council Member Wallach Number of Participants: About 10 participants City Staff in Attendance: Ryan Hanschen, Community Engagement Manager Megan (Meggs) Valliere, City Council Program Manager Markisha Key-Hagan, Human Services Investment Senior Project Manager Lenora Cooper, Community Connector in Residence Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 1 Packet Page 256 of 287 Conversation Themes 1. Shift from Charity to Food Justice 2. Individual and Community Barriers to Food Security 3. Housing and Land Use 4. Economic Development 5. Agricultural Land and Leasing Practices FISCAL IMPACT Nominal costs that fit within the current budget related to providing dinner for participants. COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENTS AND IMPACTS As Chats with Council are designed to advance meaningful and inclusive community engagement, the sustainability impacts of each event are anticipated to be positive and include fostering connection, participating in constructive dialogue with elected officials, and cultivating a deeper trust in city government. BACKGROUND In 2019, Boulder City Council committed to continue trying new approaches to engage community members who do not typically participate in council matters and formal meetings. Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 2 Packet Page 257 of 287 The purpose of Chats with Council is to give a more diverse set of community members a convenient, drop-in opportunity to engage with their elected officials. These engagement opportunities are designed to promote short, two-way conversations about issues that matter most to residents and others in the city. The idea originated from council members, who are often as frustrated as community members by the lack of time to have meaningful conversations during open comment or public hearings. Past sessions have featured one to three participating council members at each event, with no formal agenda or presentation. Community members are welcome to come by anytime during sessions and stay for as long – or as short – as they wish. When everyone participating wants to discuss one topic, the conversations can be more in-depth. If there are a variety of topics participants wish to discuss, a staff coordinator captures the topics and seeks to make time for as many of these as possible. Some experimentation has also occurred around smaller, more focused audiences, especially when there are specific language needs, as well as rotating stations that can be particularly effective when the participant group is large. Some sessions have also featured walks that combine elements of a tour with more casual conversation. Chats are designed to provide a forum for an initial contact between community members and City Council, and council members are then encouraged to share what they heard with their colleagues and continue conversations with community members as desired. While staff facilitate post-event follow-up in the form of a brief questionnaire and shares notes from the event with community members, staff do not possess capacity to create ongoing feedback loops or communication mechanisms for each Chat with Council. ANALYSIS This Chat with Council featured two small group discussions with the three council members in attendance. The themes summarized below have been synthesized from both small group conversations. Importantly, these conversations did not include the voices of community members who wanted to attend but decided not to participate due to their fear and anxiety about being in a room with government officials. As many as seven individuals who registered ultimately decided not to attend due to concerns about visibility and the fear that programs on which they depend will be dismantled if these programs get too much government attention. Themes 1. Shift from Charity to Food Justice 2. Individual and Community Barriers to Food Security 3. Housing and Land Use 4. Economic Development Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 3 Packet Page 258 of 287 5. Agricultural Land and Leasing Practices Notes Theme #1 – Shift from Charity to Food Justice - Participants emphasized that the current model for addressing food insecurity is to rely on charitable causes and organizations to meet community needs. The framework that participants recommended moving toward is a Food Justice model, which sees healthy, culturally appropriate food as a fundamental right and works to eliminate the structural and institutional causes of hunger such as inequity, economic instability, racial injustice, etc. o This approach emphasizes proactively pursuing justice and preventing harm instead of trying to repair relationships after the fact. o Achieving a structural shift like this would require both short and long-term goals from policymakers and community members. - A key component of food justice is enhancing and ensuring human dignity. This includes reframing food as a human right deserved by all people, regardless of background or identity, and ensuring proper compensation for the contributions of community members with expertise and lived experience to policy conversations about food justice. - Participants shared that food security advocates and charitable organizations that are currently trying to meet community needs are burnt out. The system is overwhelmed by need, and these individuals and organizations, rather than structural barriers, are often blamed when there isn’t enough high-quality food to go around. Theme #2 – Individual and Community Experiences of and Barriers to Food Security - Participants shared the following data and experiences about food insecurity in Boulder: o An estimated ¼ children in Boulder are food insecure, and an estimated 1/10 of total residents are food insecure. o A resident of low-income senior housing shared that 77% of their in-building neighbors are food insecure (defined by not having access to culturally-relevant foods that they like) as determined by CO Foodshare study. o Another participant shared that many students in the community are suffering from food insecurity. o One participant shared challenges associated with not having enough food to feed their entire family. Their child is a teen, and their whole fridge is often empty. They shared positive experiences related to the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), as they have access to breakfast and lunch through their school. Moreover, they shared that BVSD food has gotten better and more local. They also appreciate the Trip Tracker program where teens can get coupons for local restaurants. - Participants shared that there are countless barriers (both current and anticipated) to reliable individual and community access to a variety of quality, affordable, and culturally appropriate food options. These included: Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 4 Packet Page 259 of 287 o Food pantries are often far away, have inconvenient hours, and lack a variety of food options. There are also sometimes language barriers for community members at food pantries. o Food prices, and the cost of living in general, continue to increase while the level of support that community members receive from social safety net programs like SNAP is decreasing. o Some community members lack access to cold storage for food. o People who may struggle to prepare their own food, such as older adults and people with disabilities, often struggle to access prepared meals. o People and families with children who have specific dietary needs or preferences related to ingredients (dairy, gluten, sugar, etc.) or sourcing (local foods, foods without pesticides, organic foods, etc.) struggle to get the food that they need. o Efforts to communicate and coordinate needs related to food aren’t currently meeting community needs. One participant suggested that NextDoor could be used as an effective system to communicate and coordinate needs related to food on a deeper level than Boulder Food Rescue is able to. o Many community members lack access to convenient/reliable public transportation options to grocery stores with affordable and nutritious food options.  One person shared that their neighbor spends five hours on public transit to get to and from the EFAA food bank.  One recommendation was made for the city to take over public transportation from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and move to a grid system and/or consider ride-share vouchers for residents as ways to address transportation challenges for people who lack reliable access to quality food. o Mobile food delivery programs often do not meet community members’ needs in terms of food quality and the cultural appropriateness of the food that they deliver. These deliveries can be expensive and are also not as frequent as they were at the height of the pandemic, resulting in an even greater need.  One community member stated that participation in Meals on Wheels may amount to half of a community member's monthly discretionary spending. - Both the 2013 flood and the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated vulnerabilities and systemic barriers to food security. Emergencies like these provide valuable data on community needs and the system’s (in)ability to handle those needs. Participants recommended a proactive partnership with emergency services since food is an essential part of emergency and disaster preparedness and response. - Despite these known needs and vulnerabilities, as a result of both emergencies and perpetual structural barriers, community members shared anxiety that governments at all levels might target food banks, SNAP, and other critical resources for upcoming funding cuts. - Funding challenges to community-wide food security and support for other necessities are exacerbated in Colorado by the constraints imposed by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). Cities and counties have had to be very creative in their attempts to create sustainable funding streams for community priorities. Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 5 Packet Page 260 of 287 Theme #3 – Housing and Land Use - Participants shared many policy recommendations for council members and city staff related to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) Update. Attachments A and B, provided by the Food Security Network, further explore these and other recommendations. o Prioritize funding for farming at the county level (existing landowners currently have an advantage). o Include funding specifically for People of Color and Indigenous farmers. o Preserve agricultural land. o Simplify regulations for food markets. o Integrate food access into long range planning. Specifically, encourage and plan for the following food security infrastructure:  Community gardens  Greenhouses (one participant noted a case of an organization receiving funding to construct a greenhouse which was ultimately revoked due to code restrictions)  Options that promote and enable people to grow food indoors  Roof gardens  Food forests  Small chicken coops o Consider making balconies mandatory in new housing so that people have space to grow their own food. One participant shared that they participated in a city program that enabled them to grow tomatoes on their balcony. They brought the plants indoors in the fall and had access to fresh produce from those plants through February of the following year. - Some participants expressed a desire for additional BVCP engagement with the city beyond the engagements that were conducted in partnership with Motus Theater. They are interested in sharing specific policy recommendations. City Staff Note on Theme #3 City and county staff continue to host a variety of engagement events throughout 2025 and into 2026 as part of the BVCP update. This includes a Community Open House and Roundtable event scheduled for Saturday, April 12, from 12:00-3:00 pm at the East Boulder Community Center. Staff are also available to receive comments and answer questions from community members through multiple means available at the project website (aboulderfuture.org) including email at future@bouldercolorado.gov, online feedback forms, comment forms, and advertised office hours. Additional opportunities for in-person community engagement to discuss policy options and potential outcomes are planned for mid-July and late September of this year. Theme #4 – Economic Development - One major conversational theme was that food insecurity stems from larger economic challenges. Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 6 Packet Page 261 of 287 - Ensuring livable wages for workers is integral to advancing widespread community food security. o One participant mentioned the “benefit cliff effect” of increasing wages, which happens when wage increases bring household income levels above eligibility limitations for human services programs but the wage increase does not meet or exceed the value of lost coverage for those programs. In these cases, people are made worse off by small wage increases, which is a structural economic issue. - Given the importance of equitable economic development for community food security, participants were curious about the role that chambers of commerce and the Community Foundation (through programs like Pledge 1% Colorado) could play in supporting food security. - One participant shared their experiences using grant dollars to connect low-income, low- access food retailers and farmers with bigger markets and provide them with new equipment. Their experience was that these retailers and farmers experienced language and other barriers in applying for these funds but, after receiving application support and funding, are eager to continue to grow this infrastructure. Unfortunately, there is not substantial or widespread investment in these types of programs. - Participants expressed that the solution to deficiencies in the current food system must center local investments in farmers and retailers. Theme #5 – Agricultural Land and Leasing Practices - Some participants expressed frustration over the selection criteria for applications to lease city-owned agricultural land, especially in reference to Fort Chambers. o Many were concerned that farmland leases are not being awarded to Indigenous people and that one aspect of future reparations could include leasing more agricultural land to Indigenous people. o A suggestion was made to evaluate the city’s grant application processes more broadly to ensure that they are equitable for applicants. o A council member and several participants expressed interest in learning more from the city’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department on our agricultural leasing program and practices, including how long current lessees have held their leases for, how lessees have used the land, etc. - The county had a flood buyout property program, and some participants shared that these lands could potentially be used by Indigenous people in various ways, but the rules related to use of the land made this logistically challenging. City Staff Note on Theme #5 In 2017, the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) and city council approved OSMP’s Agricultural Resources Management Plan. This plan describes and provides guidance around the agricultural themes of Agricultural Management, Ecological Integration, and Community and Visitor Integration. A central topic under Agricultural Management is the leasing of agricultural lands. The plan provides a framework for the design and implementation of OSMP’s leasing program. To complement the plan, in 2021 an Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 7 Packet Page 262 of 287 Agricultural Land Use Assignments Guidelines document was developed with feedback from the OSBT. This 31-page document guides the way by which City of Boulder agricultural lands are offered and assigned to local ranchers and farmers. The primary goals of OSMP’s assignment process are to: Use a fair and efficient way to identify qualified ranchers and farmers interested in managing city agricultural lands and ensure that there is fair, competitive access to agricultural opportunities. Maintain and support working agricultural lands, including the preservation of water resources, by keeping city agricultural lands in agricultural use. Help existing agricultural operations be successful and promote stewardship. Integrate agricultural management practices that support priority ecological values or sensitive species where critical or important habitats have been identified. Maintain and support a diversity of agricultural operations and uses on city agricultural lands except for those relying on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Establish opportunities for diversified vegetable and pastured livestock farms and micro-dairies in accordance with city values, community demand, and land availability. Minimize the failure rate of agricultural operations on city lands. Establish an agreed-upon payment amount and other terms for the right to manage the city agricultural land. Proposals are evaluated based on six standard criteria described in the Assignments Guidelines and made available to all interested farmers and ranchers. Two of the criteria, “Historically Underserved Producer and Access to Land” and “Diversity and Inclusion”, are intended to encourage individuals or entities that are historically underserved producers and promote diversity and inclusion across the population of ranchers and farmers using city agricultural lands. NEXT STEPS These themes will be shared with relevant city staff in OSMP and on the BVCP Update team. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A – Summary of Food Security Network (FSN) Recommendations Attachment B – Detailed FSN Recommendations Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 8 Packet Page 263 of 287 FSN’s Recommendations TRANSPORTATION The City of Boulder will support strategies and innovations that improve the flexibility, mobility and affordability of connecting people to nutritious foods. LAND USE The City of Boulder will support development patterns that preserve agricultural land and decrease the distance between households and food retail options. The City of Boulder will assess and simplify regulations of food- and farm-related land uses, to improve variety and availability of nutritious food outlets and a more sustainable local food system HOUSING The City of Boulder will support practices that integrate nutritious, fresh and culturally relevant foods in residential settings. CLIMATE The City of Boulder will support climate efforts that improve food access and decrease the city’s carbon footprint. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The City of Boulder will support activities that both improve nutritious food access and advance economic development. Resource partnerships between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to engage in creative placemaking projects and development. Original scan and research that helped inform some of this group’s recommendations conducted by Boulder County Public Health's Healthy Eating Active Living team member Olivia Ott and support provided by Rachel Arndt and Amelia Hulbert Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 9 Attachment A – Summary of Food Security Network (FSN) Recommendations Packet Page 264 of 287 FSN’s Recommendations FOOD JUSTICE Food access is central to all components of well-being. Food is a universal necessity. As a (city/food access organization) committed to advancing equity in all areas of our work, we recognize that our efforts must be rooted in acknowledging and addressing systemic inequities to ensure community-wide food justice. We acknowledge that many within our community have historically and systematically been excluded and discriminated against because of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, country of origin, language, economics, age, education, political affiliation and/or geography. We recognize that this discrimination deeply influences the accessibility of delicious, nutritious, fresh, locally produced, culturally attuned, preferred, shame-free, affordable, and abundant food, and we commit to actively addressing these barriers within our (city/community/organization). The City of Boulder will ensure access for all to affordable, nutritious and culturally-diverse foods in all neighborhoods. Original scan and research that helped inform some of this group’s recommendations conducted by Boulder County Public Health's Healthy Eating Active Living team member Olivia Ott and support provided by Rachel Arndt and Amelia Hulbert Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 10 Attachment A – Summary of Food Security Network (FSN) Recommendations Packet Page 265 of 287 FSN’s Recommendations **Numbers are policy recommendations followed by suggested strategies** Please Note: Boulder’s largest barriers to accessing foods are: Transportation; Income; Food Quality, Quantity, Type and Variety; Time; and Experiences. 1)Incorporate (expand?) food resiliency plan into City's emergency plan. TRANSPORTATION 2)The City of Boulder will support strategies and innovations that improve the flexibility, mobility and affordability of connecting people to nutritious foods. Suggested Strategies a)Support transit service improvements to better connect people to nutritious food sources (retailers, markets, pantries, restaurants, no-cost grocery programs). b)Pursue opportunities to add specially-equipped, grocer-friendly transit services that operate on weekends and off-peak hours and connects directly to stores/markets selling nutritious, local and culturally relevant foods. c)Encourage car-sharing accommodations in multi-family developments. d)Collaborate with regional economic development agencies on efforts to improve and bolster food distribution infrastructure. e)Support innovative mobile food practices that can bring foods closer and directly to under-resourced communities. f)Adopt site design standards for food retailers and markets that provide safe and convenient pedestrian access to the front door. g)Ensure focused transportation investments—on streets as well as neighborhood trails—in areas with populations more dependent on walking, rolling and transit to access their food resources and markets. LAND USE 3)The City of Boulder will support development patterns that preserve agricultural land and decrease the distance between households and food retail options. Suggested Strategies a)Analyze existing retail patterns b)Employ an approach to planning processes that treats health equity, nutritious food access, and food systems development as primary considerations when making major land use decisions such as zoning, transportation planning, climate action plans, and other policy changes. (create partner pipeline communication channels) c)Support local zoning, licensing, and/or permitting ordinances that enhance a local food system, specifically in lower-income and historically disenfranchised communities. *Original scan and research that helped inform some of this group’s recommendations conducted by Boulder County Public Health's Healthy Eating Active Living team member Olivia Ott and support provided by Rachel Arndt and Amelia Hulbert Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 11 Attachment B – Detailed FSN Recommendations Packet Page 266 of 287 FSN’s Recommendations d)Partner to offer city land and vacant buildings/spaces/lots to expand the capacity to grow, process, distribute, and access local food, particularly for distribution to households in need. (emphasizing BIPOC entrepreneurs and community) 4)The City of Boulder will assess and simplify regulations of food- and farm-related land uses, in order to improve variety and availability of nutritious food outlets and a more sustainable local food system. Suggested Strategies a)Review and update regulations governing agricultural and land use in support of urban agriculture practices. b)Review and update regulations concerning food access (grocers, small retailers, farmers markets, food stands, mobile food sources, farms) to support growth in the types and ways the community seeks best for them. Support community-driven food environments, specifically within low-income and historically disenfranchised communities. c)Support year-round production of fruits and vegetables through targeted recruitment, easy permitting, and incentive programs, such as jobs, new economic ecosystem and increased food access. d)Land reparations (RESEARCH, support from our partners) HOUSING 5)The City of Boulder will support practices that integrate nutritious, fresh and culturally relevant foods in residential settings. Suggested Strategies a)Encourage public and private single-family and multi-family development models that incorporate land use for food. b)Integrate community gardens and farms into public housing developments and create incentives for community gardens in affordable housing developments that receive public assistance. c)Support a diversity of efforts to make fresh food and nutritious meals available at multi-family properties. d)Assess and expand options for keeping animals such as bees and chickens as appropriate for the size and location of the property, along with the accessory structures they require. e)Use a food systems lens when planning housing development to inform site layout, landscape design, residential amenities, and access to retail food sources. CLIMATE 6)The City of Boulder will support climate efforts that improve food access and decrease the city’s carbon footprint. Suggested Strategies *Original scan and research that helped inform some of this group’s recommendations conducted by Boulder County Public Health's Healthy Eating Active Living team member Olivia Ott and support provided by Rachel Arndt and Amelia Hulbert Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 12 Attachment B – Detailed FSN Recommendations Packet Page 267 of 287 FSN’s Recommendations a)Support and promote diverse food donations as a step before submitting to city composting program. (Zero foodprint for language and suggestions) (Denver’s Campaign) b)Promote diverse and environmentally responsible food systems. (CU Permaculture program, HAFN, Jack’s Solar Garden, FFP) c)Encourage climate-smart food production practices. d)Include food access into Emergency Preparedness Plan e)Support and promote restaurant food waste donation systems. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7)The City of Boulder will support activities that both improve nutritious food access and advance economic development. Suggested Strategies a)Review and refine ordinances to allow for local food, beverage, and farm-related enterprises. b)Purchase foods from local food businesses when catering events, meetings, and other gatherings. c)Address the needs of culturally relevant businesses that are most vulnerable to involuntary displacement. d)Support the development of living-wage jobs so that community members can afford to purchase the foods they desire and support our local food system. e)Expand efforts to recruit and retain fresh-food retailers in low-income and underserved areas. f)Identify mechanisms for supporting existing food markets (local) and new, while encouraging upgrades in the prominence and marketing of the nutritious, fresh and local foods they offer, specifically in lower-income low-access areas. g)Contribute to efforts that help people meet their basic needs, maintain their independence as long as possible, and remain in their neighborhoods of choice. h)Increase in per capita spending by neighborhood based on needs as identified through a lens of equity. i)Improve quality of life by providing diverse cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for all members of our community. j)Language Justice – evaluate, identify, create and implement standards for city of Boulder k)Enhance opportunities for people with low-incomes, disabilities, limited English, cultural barriers, time constraints, transportation limitations, and other barriers to gain access to services they need. RANDOM 8)The City of Boulder will resource partnerships between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to engage in creative placemaking projects and development. Suggested Strategies a)Create/Elevate community benefit in collaborative partnerships. b)Always including individuals/groups most impacted in projects. *Original scan and research that helped inform some of this group’s recommendations conducted by Boulder County Public Health's Healthy Eating Active Living team member Olivia Ott and support provided by Rachel Arndt and Amelia Hulbert Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 13 Attachment B – Detailed FSN Recommendations Packet Page 268 of 287 FSN’s Recommendations FOOD JUSTICE Food access is central to all components of well-being. Food is a universal necessity. As a (city/food access organization) committed to advancing equity in all areas of our work, we recognize that our efforts must be rooted in acknowledging and addressing systemic inequities to ensure community-wide food justice. We acknowledge that many within our community have historically and systematically been excluded and discriminated against because of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, country of origin, language, economics, age, education, political affiliation and/or geography. We recognize that this discrimination deeply influences the accessibility of delicious, nutritious, fresh, locally produced, culturally attuned, preferred, shame-free, affordable, and abundant food, and we commit to actively addressing these barriers within our (city/community/organization). 9)The City of Boulder will ensure access for all to affordable, nutritious and culturally-diverse foods in all neighborhoods. Suggested Strategies a)Support local zoning, licensing, and/or permitting ordinances that enhance a local food system, specifically in lower-income and historically disenfranchised communities. ! (Land Use) b)Expand efforts to recruit and retain fresh-food retailers in low-income and underserved areas. ! (Economic Development) c)Encourage public and private efforts that support culturally appropriate food opportunities, including grocery stores, farmers’ markets, pantries, no cost grocery programs and nutrition programs, especially to meet the nutritional needs of infants, children, elders, and other vulnerable populations in their neighborhoods. d)Target investments and small business support to the most underserved or distressed neighborhoods. (Economic Development) e)Address the needs of culturally relevant businesses that are most vulnerable to involuntary displacement. (Economic Development) f)Support community-driven food environments. (Land Use) g)Support community development activities in areas with low access to opportunity and high displacement risk. (Economic Development) *Original scan and research that helped inform some of this group’s recommendations conducted by Boulder County Public Health's Healthy Eating Active Living team member Olivia Ott and support provided by Rachel Arndt and Amelia Hulbert Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 14 Attachment B – Detailed FSN Recommendations Packet Page 269 of 287 FSN’s Recommendations h)Support year-round production of fruits and vegetables through targeted recruitment, easy permitting, and incentive programs, such as jobs, new economic ecosystem and increased food access. (Land Use) i)Support and invest in mobile markets and No Cost Grocery Programs that travel directly into communities to make food more convenient and affordable to access. (Transportation) j)Encourage and incentivize participation in social service programs that provide greater access to locally produced nutritious foods. *Original scan and research that helped inform some of this group’s recommendations conducted by Boulder County Public Health's Healthy Eating Active Living team member Olivia Ott and support provided by Rachel Arndt and Amelia Hulbert Information Item A: Update on March 18th Chat with Council Page 15 Attachment B – Detailed FSN Recommendations Packet Page 270 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M 03.10.25 TA B Minutes P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T 03.10.25 TA B Minutes AT TAC H ME N T S: Description 03.10.25 TAB Minutes Packet Page 271 of 287 Packet Page 272 of 287 Packet Page 273 of 287 Packet Page 274 of 287 Packet Page 275 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Frontline Worker Appreciation Month Declaration P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Megan Valliere, City C ouncil Program Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description F rontline Worker Appreciation Month Declaration Packet Page 276 of 287 May 2025 Packet Page 277 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M DomeFest West Week Declaration P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Megan Valliere, City C ouncil Program Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description DomeF est West Week Declaration Packet Page 278 of 287 May 1-4, 2025 Packet Page 279 of 287 Packet Page 280 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Declaration in Honor of the Boulder Strong Resource Center P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Megan Valliere, City C ouncil Program Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description Declaration in Honor of the B oulder Strong Resource Center Packet Page 281 of 287 Packet Page 282 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Public Service Recognition Week Declaration P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Megan Valliere, City C ouncil Program Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description P ublic Serv ice Recognition Week Declaration Packet Page 283 of 287 Packet Page 284 of 287 C OVE R SH E E T ME E T I N G D AT E May 1, 2025 AG E N D A I T E M Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Declaration P RI MARY STAF F C ON TAC T Megan Valliere, City C ouncil Program Manager AT TAC H ME N T S: Description Asian American, Nativ e Hawaiian, and P acific I slander Heritage Month Declaration Packet Page 285 of 287 May 2025 Packet Page 286 of 287 Packet Page 287 of 287