Brighton City Council

Tuesday, April 28, 2009, Brighton City Hall.
STUDY SESSION.

Announcements.
Councilwoman Wilma Rose expressed concern regarding the status of local swine flu epidemic preparedness in Brighton and explained that local hospital personnel briefed her on issues surrounding facilities, confinement, and filtering capabilities. Wilma was pleased regarding the feedback she had received.

Updates.
Police Chief, Clint Blackhurst, offered a presentation regarding Brighton's emergency preparedness regarding the swine flu. The Chief outlined a few important points including: swine flu Mexican origin, now 50 million doses currently exist for dispatch withing the United States. Effective masks are available through the Dept. of Health
Brighton's goal is to keep the public assessed. Preventative measures will be accessible on the city website (Brightonco.gov).

The City of Brighton is currently working with School District 27J regarding contingency plans surrounding a possible swine flu epidemic. "Normal" annual flu compliations generally produce 32,000 deaths; therefore, it is difficult to conclude that the swine flu is necessarily more virulent at this stage than our annual flu.

Brighton P.D. was mandated by City Manager, Manuel Esquibel, to educate its employees on how to deal with the public regarding face-to-face exposure and the possibility of up to 50% of PD employees being sick.

"Ready Colorado" (800) 639 7323 [www.readycolorado.com] offers two relevant flyers entitled, "Pack a Kit Checklist" which allows citizens a simple method of preparing for a community disaster; and "Pandemic Flu / Get Ready" which offers specific advice regarding a potential flu epidemic.

Mayor Jan Pawlowski offered congratulations to council members and Finance Director, Bernadette Kimmey for $33 Million of bonds being signed. "This is a great day for Brighton."

Sue Corbett / "Brighton Help for Homes Project". Sue outlined a 4th-year program that offers help for Seniors whose homes need repair. The project is co-sponsored through Brothers Redevelopment and is partially funded by the Brighton Legacy Foundation. 32 applications were received and processed by Brother's Redevelopment regarding needs of safety and request.

Sharon Williams / Capital Improvement Projects. Sharon reviewed the ongoing status of capital improvement projects from each of the years 2007 and 2008, with their particular impact on departments of Park & Rec, Streets & Fleet, Facilities, and Utilties. Likewise, Sharon reviewed the status of expenditures and variances in equipment purchases in departments of Police, Facilities, Streets & Fleet, and IT.

Chief Clint Blackhurst / Reverse 911. Reverse 911 is the ability to inform the public of an impending issue. Brighton contracts with Adcom to do this. The problem of citizens having to be home to receive such messages now may have a remedy as Brighton is considering allowing people with cell phones to register with the city and thereby allowing themselves to receive reverse 911 calls on their cell phones. The 2010 year is being targeted to make this service available.

Joe Smith / CDOT Pilot Project. CDOT is piloting a project that would allow Brighton to reassume ownership of certain streets. At issue is Brighton's application to CDOT to reassume Highways 2 & 7, and in the process receive dollar stipends. Brighton has applied and expects to hear the results of the application process in June.
For Discussion.

Front Range Community College Golf Tournament. Council discussed the merits of supporting the tournament and formed a general concensus for a $2,000 donation.

Karen Crawford / Brighton Chamber Golf Tournament. Brighton Chamber of Commerce Director, Karen Crawford, discussed plans for their largest fundraiser, the Chamber golf tournament. City council's preliminary decision was to provide $1500 in support.

North Metro Center Children's Advocacy Center Dinner. Police Chief Clint Blackhurst provided support for Brighton donating to the North Metro Children's Advocacy Center, which the Brighton Police Department works closely with. The Center helps lessen the trauma of physically and sexually assaulted children. Supporting the activities of this group is of interest to the council although the level of donation wasn't certain.