Public Meetings - Denver, Colorado

The Denver City Council met on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 3:30 PM, with 12 members present (Flynn absent). The meeting featured a major debate on Bill 26-0328, which revises municipal criminal penalties, multiple public hearings on zoning and landmark designations, and adoption of two Pride-related proclamations. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes of June 15, 2026 (26-0929) were approved. - Block Vote (Resolutions and Bills): A motion to adopt 48 resolutions and one bill on final consideration en bloc was approved 12-0. Items included: - Loans for affordable housing: $4.75 million to Green Valley Vistas Owner, LLC for 156 income-restricted apartments at 30-80% AMI (26-0743); amendments to loan agreements for Archdiocesan Housing (26-0744) and 18th and Penn Building I, LLC (26-0745). - Multiple on-call maintenance contracts (HVAC, plumbing, fencing, glass, roofing, painting, low-voltage electrical, etc.) each for $750,000 with a 7/31/2029 end date (26-0778 through 26-0802). - Lease agreements: Denver Rescue Mission for men’s shelter at $30/year (26-0803); Urban Alchemy for non-congregate shelter at $30/year (26-0804). - Appointments to Denver Convention Center Hotel Authority: Derek Longwell (26-0772) and Kate Barton (26-0773). - Community correction services amendment with RRK Enterprises (+$1.62M, new total $12.97M) (26-0774). - Amendatory agreement with Second Chance Center Inc. for mental health services (26-0850). - Design services for Richard T. Castro building renovations with OZ Architecture (26-0769). - Dedicating public alleys (26-0760, 26-0771) and correcting a previous alley dedication (26-0851). - Equipment rental: Big Truck Rental, LLC for $4M (26-0775). - Grant from CDOT for pedestrian safety improvements on Quebec St and E 4th Ave ($1,047,556) (26-0805). - Amendments to Denver International Airport purchase orders: plumbing (26-0806), tires (26-0807), passenger bridge components (26-0808). - A bill authorizing $3 million rescission from General Fund Contingency to Liability Claims Fund (26-0758) placed on final consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment: A recess was held from approximately 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM to allow a general public comment session. No details on speakers were provided in the minutes or transcript. - Public Hearing – 26-0392 (Rezone 5101-5115 N Milwaukee St, Elyria Swansea): Brent Luchene (representing the applicant) and Jesse Parris spoke in favor. No opposition speakers. Staff report by Liz Weigel (CPD) recommended approval. - Public Hearing – 26-0742 (Landmark designation for 2100 California St and 2101 Welton St – Federal Garages): Jesse Parris and John Deffenbaugh (Historic Denver) spoke in favor. Staff report by Becca Dierschow (CPD) recommended approval. - Public Hearing – 26-0620 (Landmark designation for 2329 N Gaylord St – Webb House): Jesse Parris and John Deffenbaugh spoke in favor. The property owners, Wellington Webb and Wilma Webb, also addressed council. Staff report by Abigail Christman (CPD) recommended approval. Discussion Items Bill 26-0328 – Municipal Criminal Penalties Update This bill revises chapters 1, 34, and 38 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code to align with the Colorado Supreme Court’s Camp v. Westminster decision and reduce penalties for certain municipal-only offenses. It was introduced by the Health and Safety Committee and had been postponed from June 1, 2026. Sponsor Position: Councilmembers Lewis, Parady, and Gonzales-Gutierrez (co-sponsors) argued the bill is necessary to comply with state law and to avoid excessive penalties for low-level offenses such as off-leash dogs or unvaccinated pets. They noted that the bulk of changes are already being implemented in courts and that a working group will continue studying outstanding issues. Opposition: Councilmembers Watson and Sawyer expressed concerns that the bill goes beyond Camp requirements, potentially weakening accountability for quality-of-life crimes. Councilmember Hinds echoed constituents’ worries about downtown revitalization and public safety. Councilmember Watson highlighted that the bill’s initial version reduced penalties for offenses not covered by Camp (e.g., flourishing weapons, threats), which were later amended back to higher levels. Amendments: Seven amendments were offered by Councilmember Lewis and adopted: 1. Added a “whereas” clause clarifying legislative intent for class five offenses. 2. Corrected drafting errors (striking wrong language, fixing section references, correcting typographical errors). 3. Altered effective dates: sections 1-23 become effective 60 days after publication, section 24 (working group) immediately; working group report due date moved from January 31, 2027 to March 31, 2027. 4. Made “unlawful display or flourishing of weapons” a class 2 offense (300 days, $999 fine) rather than class 4 (10 days, $300 fine). 5. Made “firearms prohibited in city-owned or leased buildings where posted” a class 2 offense. 6. Revised penalties for violation of a protection order: default class 3 (120 days, $750 fine); aggravated circumstances (prior conviction, domestic violence, stalking, intimate relationship) elevate to class 2. Added direction for the working group to assess this section. 7. Made “threats” a class 3 offense and directed the working group to assess threats, including harm to pets. Vote on passage for publication: After amendments, the bill was ordered published as amended by a vote of 10-2 (Sawyer and Watson against). A courtesy public hearing is scheduled for June 29, 2026; final vote will occur later. Proclamations - 26-0932 – Recognizing 52nd Anniversary of Denver PRIDE: Adopted 12-0. Speakers highlighted the importance of LGBTQIA+ rights, the economic impact of Pride ($25 million, 555,000 attendees), and the need to protect transgender Coloradans. Kim Silvaggio (Center on Colfax) and Nadine Bridges (One Colorado) accepted. - 26-0934 – Honoring Black Pride Colorado: Adopted 11-0 (Sawyer absent). Councilmembers Lewis and Watson spoke about the centrality of Black queer leadership. Dr. Tara J (founder) accepted via video. Key Outcomes - Bill 26-0328 was ordered published as amended (10-2). A working group will be created to further study specific provisions. The courtesy public hearing is set for June 29, 2026. - Zoning Change (Elyria Swansea): Council Bill 26-0392 passed final consideration (9-0), allowing a duplex on a currently vacant lot. - Landmark Designations: - Federal Garages (26-0742) passed (9-0), preserving historic bus garages. - Webb House (26-0620) passed (9-0), preserving the home of former Mayor Wellington Webb and Representative Wilma Webb. - Proclamations for Pride Month and Black Pride Colorado were adopted. - All consent agenda items (resolutions and bills on final consideration) were approved en bloc (12-0). - Future meetings announced: June 29 courtesy hearing on 26-0328; July 27 required hearings for zoning changes 26-0776 and 26-0777. This summary is based on official minutes and verbatim transcript. The date of the meeting is confirmed as June 22, 2026.

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the Denver City Council met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The committee approved a 10-year concession agreement with JCDecaux Airport, Inc. for advertising at Denver International Airport and heard a briefing on a proclamation supporting the Front Range Passenger Rail District’s proposed special events stations and rail development. Consent Calendar - 26-0613: Approved a $2,337,485.43 contract with Rodriguez Construction Org, L.L.C. for construction of stamped concrete medians along Federal Boulevard (NTP + 270 days). - 26-0829: Approved a $1,125,000.00 contract with CHATO’S CONCRETE, LLC for the 2026 Citywide Concrete Panel Repair project (NTP + 120 days). - 26-0831: Approved a $12,138,066.51 contract with Flatiron Dragados Constructors, Inc. for CM/GC construction services for the Morrison Road Improvement project (NTP + 424 days). - 26-0851: Approved a correction to Resolution No. 0658, Series of 2026, dedicating two City-owned parcels as Public Right-of-Way at West 8th Avenue and North Utica Street. All consent items were approved without objection. Action Item: JCDecaux Concession Agreement (26-0755) The committee considered a 10-year concession agreement with JCDecaux Airport, Inc. for advertising services at Denver International Airport (Council District 11). Key details presented by DEN staff: - Minimum annual guarantee of $184 million over 10 years, with percent rent of 72.5% on revenue up to $30 million annually and 62.5% on revenue above $30 million. - JCDecaux will invest $16 million in new digital advertising assets and remove legacy assets. - The contract includes a codified commitment to utilize J. Perez & Associates, a small disadvantaged business, for maintenance, cleaning, and repair services (a floor of 2% of contract value, with JCDecaux stating they expect to exceed 50% of goods and services spending with small businesses). - Following contract execution, the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DISBO) will establish MWBE goals for design and construction work. - Discussion addressed the federal interim final rule affecting ACDBE certification; DEN is in the process of recertifying 160 firms, expected by Q3 or Q4 2026. The selection process was completed before the rule change, and the contract was deemed best value. - The committee also discussed plans for the Pena Boulevard welcome sign light sticks. DEN confirmed the art installation will be preserved; the light sticks will be redesigned and prototyped by Panasonic starting October 2026. - Vote: Councilmember Kashmann moved approval, seconded by Vice Chair Hinds. The resolution passed 5-0 (Alvidrez, Flynn, Hinds, Kashmann, Lewis voting aye; Gilmore and Sandoval absent). Briefing: Proclamation Supporting Front Range Passenger Rail (26-0866) Councilmember Darryl Watson introduced a proclamation supporting the Front Range Passenger Rail District’s (FRPRD) proposed special events stations and development of passenger rail service along the Front Range. Key points from the briefing: - The proposed system, Colorado Connector (COCO), would connect Wyoming to New Mexico via existing rail corridors, with Denver Union Station as the hub. - Service could begin as early as 2029, pending voter approval of a district-wide sales tax (currently modeled at one-third of a penny). - FRPRD General Manager Sal Pace stated that Denver would receive over $300 million over 25 years in local return funds for station area improvements, including first/last mile connectivity and infrastructure. - FRPRD has held 20 town halls with over 2,000 attendees and will hold 10 more in August before a potential November ballot measure. - Councilmember Hinds expressed strong support for multimodal transit and noted the importance of the rail system for equity and traffic violence reduction. - Councilmember Alvidrez raised concerns about quiet zones, rail crossings dividing neighborhoods, displacement risk, and the need for updated neighborhood plans. She requested further briefing on these issues. - Councilmember Flynn asked about the choice of sales tax vs. property tax; Pace explained that voters prefer sales tax and it captures revenue from visitors. - The proclamation is not an action item and will be presented to the full council on July 13, 2026. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-0755 (JCDecaux agreement) was approved by a 5-0 vote. - Consent items were all approved. - The committee discussed and forwarded Proclamation 26-0866 to the full council without a vote; no opposition was voiced. - Next steps: JCDecaux contract execution and design work; FRPRD will continue outreach and seek a ballot measure in November 2026.

The Health and Safety Committee of the Denver City Council met on June 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Room 391 of the City & County Building. The primary action item was a proposal to repeal the local business license requirement for child care establishments, aligning Denver with state law and removing duplicative processes. The committee also approved four consent items related to behavioral health and HIV/AIDS services. Consent Calendar - 26-0832: Amends a grant agreement with Colorado Health Network Inc., adding $156,749.00 (new total $595,247.00) and extending the end date to 12-31-2026 for behavioral health, syringe access, overdose prevention, and related services citywide. - 26-0833: Amends a contract with Colorado Health Network, rolling over $173,173.15 of unspent Year 2 funds to Year 3 for substance use treatment services. No change to term or capacity. - 26-0850: Amends a contract with Second Chance Center Inc., extending the end date to 9-30-2026 for a high-intensity care management team serving people with serious mental illness. No change to capacity. - 26-0863: Approves an intergovernmental agreement with Denver Health and Hospital Authority for $4,940,660.00 through 2-28-2031 to provide care, treatment, and supportive services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Denver Transitional Grant Area (TGA). All consent items were approved by consent without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were made. One person signed up to speak but was not present in person or virtually. Discussion Items Action Item 26-0852 – Child Care Licensing Repeal The committee heard a presentation from representatives of the Office of Children's Affairs (OCA), Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, and Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). The proposal removes the Denver business license for child care centers and family child care homes, which is duplicative of state licensing. Key points: - Denver is in a child care crisis: average annual cost for infants/toddlers is $20,000 (18-25% of family income, up to 40% for single parents). Child care inflation (2020-2024) was 29%, outpacing general inflation. - Colorado ranks 7th most expensive for child care; Denver prices are 49% above the national average. - Supply gap: 31,000 children ages 0-3, but only 4,000 licensed slots. - The local license generated only $30,000 in revenue in 2025, and 60% of centers already have fees waived (nonprofits). - The repeal does not change health, fire, or zoning inspections; DDPHE retains authority for health inspections and enforcement (e.g., cease and desist orders). The state continues to handle background checks, staff qualifications, and facility standards. - The last time Denver repealed a license requirement was 2016 (taxi licenses). Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting the need for affordable childcare and the burden on families. Councilmember Cashman (Kashmann) asked about cost comparisons and the supply gap. Councilmember Flynn raised concerns about city oversight after repeal but was assured that DDPHE retains enforcement powers and coordinates with the state. Councilmembers Parady and Sawyer shared personal experiences with childcare costs and summer care challenges, urging continued work beyond this first step. Key Outcomes - Motion on 26-0852: Councilmember Flynn moved to approve the bill for filing, seconded by Councilmember Parady. The motion carried on a voice vote with no opposition. According to the minutes, the vote was 4 ayes (Flynn, Parady, Sawyer, Watson), 0 nays, and 3 absent (Gonzales-Gutierrez, Sandoval, Torres). Note: The transcript shows 5 members present (including Kashmann) but the minutes record only 4 ayes, possibly because Kashmann did not cast a vote. The bill will proceed to the full City Council. - The committee adjourned at approximately 11:15 AM.

The Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Denver City Council met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM to consider two major action items proposing a charter amendment and companion ordinance to overhaul the city’s budget and appropriation process. The committee also approved several consent items and entered executive session. Seven members were present (Flynn, Gilmore, Kashmann, Sawyer, Alvidrez, Lewis, Watson); three were absent (Gonzales‑Gutierrez, Sandoval, Torres). Consent Calendar - 26-0835 through 26-0838 – Approved the Mayor’s appointments of Chris Nguyen, Emily Mowrer, Christina Vu‑Pham, and Ryan Kim to the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission (DAAPIC) for terms 06‑01‑2026 through 06‑01‑2029. - 26-0839 through 26-0842 – Approved the Mayor’s appointments of Glenn Harper, Megan Edge, Riaz Qureshi, and Ashley Woolard to the Denver Commission on Aging for terms 06‑01‑2026 through 06‑01‑2029. - 26-0843 – Approved the Mayor’s appointment of Janice Turner to the Career Service Board for a term 05‑01‑2026 through 05‑01‑2031. - 26-0844 – Approved the Mayor’s appointment of Joe Petrie to the Colfax Ave Business Improvement District for a term 06‑01‑2026 through 06‑01‑2029. - 26-0845 – Approved the Mayor’s appointment of Lizzie Raudenbush to the 14th Street General Improvement District for a term 07‑01‑2026 to 12‑31‑2028. - 26-0853 – Approved a contract with WEX Health Inc. for $500,000 (end date 12‑31‑2030) to provide Affordable Care Act (ACA) tracking and reporting citywide. Public Comments & Testimony - Jesse Paris (online, representing Black Star Action and Unity Party, candidate for House District 8) expressed support for the proposed budget changes, stating they would “chip away at the mayor’s power” and make the process more participatory. Asked about implementation timeline (anticipated 2027–2028) and whether future councils could reverse the changes. Noted the charter change would require voter approval in November 2026. Discussion Items Action Items 26-0864 (Charter Amendment) and 26-0867 (Companion Ordinance) – Budget Process Reform (“Budget Together Denver”) - Presented by Councilmembers Sawyer, Gilmore, and Lewis – The legislation, developed over nearly two years in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, Department of Finance, and City Attorney’s Office, proposes: - Moving to a one‑ or two‑year budget cycle (determined annually by ordinance). - Enhancing public engagement through surveys, community meetings, and hearings, with results presented to council by the third Monday in July. - Adjusting the budget timeline: eliminating the July 1 base budget requirement, moving the proposed budget date to the first Friday of September (from September 15), and moving the final budget delivery to the second Friday of October (from the third Monday). This would give council and the public more than four days to review the budget before hearings. - Creating a tiered process for revenue shortfalls or expenditure overruns: at 2% (approx. $40–50M) above appropriations, the Department of Finance must provide council with a plan; at 5% (approx. $100M), council must reappropriate by ordinance. Trigger levels based on actual discrepancies in 2023–2025 (4%, 5.6%, 2.9%). - Councilmember Kevin Flynn – Expressed general support for the package except the biennial budgeting component, citing research that many jurisdictions have moved away from it, forecast accuracy concerns for up to 32‑month projections, and reduced flexibility. Stated he would vote no on the full package. - Councilmember Flor Alvidrez – Asked about emergency scenarios (e.g., COVID) and the reasoning behind the 2% and 5% triggers. Received clarification that the city’s reserves (contingency, TABOR, unassigned fund balance) would cover emergencies, and triggers were based on recent fiscal trends. Also asked about handling a large surplus; noted that a 2021 charter amendment (2G) already requires council to appropriate unexpected windfalls. - Councilmember Darrell Watson – Initially opposed to biennial budgeting but now supports the package given the structured triggers and community engagement provisions. Emphasized that in current economic uncertainty, annual budgets are likely; the biennial option is for future stability. Urged council to be mindful of its own amendments that could push reserves below 10%. - Councilmember Amanda Sawyer – Acknowledged Flynn’s opposition and noted that only four voting members were present, making it impossible to secure the four votes needed to advance the items out of committee. Moved to postpone both items in a block to a date certain of June 30, 2026, to allow a fuller vote. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gilmore and carried 4‑0 (Flynn, Gilmore, Kashmann, Sawyer voting aye; Alvidrez, Lewis, Watson not recorded as voting on the procedural motion but present; absent members not voting). Key Outcomes - Motion to postpone Council Bills 26-0864 and 26-0867 to June 30, 2026, carried 4‑0. The items will be considered again at a special Governance Committee meeting on that date, coinciding with the Excel franchise agreement vote. - Executive Session – The committee voted 4‑0 to enter executive session under DRMC 2‑34(a)(3) and (7) to discuss ongoing litigation and privileged legal advice. No further action was taken in open session.

The Denver City Council convened its regular meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 3:30 PM, with Acting Council Pro-Tem Gonzales-Gutierrez presiding. Ten council members were present (Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Hinds, Kashmann, Lewis, Parady, Sawyer, Watson), and three were absent (Romero Campbell, Torres, Sandoval). The meeting included the adoption of two proclamations, introduction and passage of several bills and resolutions, and a public hearing on a zoning change for a property in Washington Virginia Vale. The meeting adjourned at 5:49 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 8, 2026 approved without objection. - Proclamation 26-0834 (Celebrating Colfax Mayfair’s Long-Standing Businesses) adopted unanimously (10-0). - Proclamation 26-0846 (Recognizing June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth, Freedom Day) adopted 9-0 (Councilmember Sawyer absent). - Resolution 26-0746 – Loan agreement with Kappa Housing, Inc. ($1,050,000; 60-year covenant for 30 income-restricted senior units at 30-50% AMI) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0748 – Master Purchase Order with Colorado Petroleum Services, LLC ($3,500,000 for automotive grease/lubricants) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0756 – Amendment to Master Purchase Order with Joe Johnson Equipment LLC (additional $4,500,000 for street sweepers) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0757 – Lease agreement with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless ($30 for integrated health services) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0759 – Temporary Construction License with Denver Health and Hospital Authority ($100) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0726 – Appointment of Kane Hamilton to Board of Transportation and Infrastructure adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0727 – Reappointment of Aylene McCallum to Board of Transportation and Infrastructure adopted en bloc. - Resolutions 26-0728 through 26-0735 – Appointments to Old South Gaylord Business Improvement District, Denver Civil Service Commission, and Denver LGBTQ Commission (8 appointments) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0747 – Agreement with High Line Canal Conservancy for improvements to Green Valley Ranch segment adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0749 – Contract with NINE dot ARTS Corp. ($1,000,000 for public art process) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0737 – Revocable permit to Denver Union Station Met District No.1 for encroachments at 1550 Wewatta Street adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0738 – Contract with Keene Concrete, Inc. ($3,424,371 for sidewalk replacement) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0739 – Contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. ($964,000 for Welton Street Corridor assessment) adopted en bloc. - Resolution 26-0740 – Revocable permit to Clifford Lee Beem and Kristi Conway Beem for encroachment at 661 N. Williams Street adopted en bloc. - Bill 26-0686 – Ordinance amending lobbyist regulation (Chapter 2, Article XIII) placed on final consideration and passed en bloc. - Bill 26-0704 – Intergovernmental Agreement with Park Creek Metropolitan District ($50,000 for real estate workflow support) placed on final consideration and passed en bloc. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on Bill 26-0608 (Zoning Change for 831 S. Monaco Pkwy): One speaker, Jesse Paris (representing multiple organizations), spoke in favor of the rezoning. He requested guarantees regarding affordability levels (30-60% AMI), a traffic study, and a community benefits agreement. No opposition speakers. Staff report presented by Fran Peñafiel of Community Planning and Development. Discussion Items - Council Announcements: Councilmember Hinds reported 28 traffic deaths in Denver so far in 2026 (up from 25 two weeks prior), expressing concern about reaching Vision Zero targets. Councilmember Sawyer welcomed colleagues back to the newly renovated chambers, thanking staff. Councilmember Alvidrez announced the launch of the South Broadway General Improvement District. Councilmember Watson introduced an intern and promoted Juneteenth parade. Councilmember Lewis highlighted Pride events and Black Pride. - Proclamation 26-0834 – Colfax Mayfair Businesses: Several council members spoke in support of the long-standing businesses (30-115 years in operation) and their importance to the corridor, particularly during BRT construction. Business owners accepted the proclamation and expressed gratitude. - Proclamation 26-0846 – Juneteenth: Councilmembers Watson and Lewis delivered remarks on the historical significance and ongoing fight for civil rights, including voting rights. Norman Harris of the Denver Juneteenth Committee accepted the proclamation. - Resolution 26-0746 (Kappa Housing loan): Councilmember Lewis commented that the loan reimburses construction costs for senior housing in District 8, noting some property management challenges but emphasizing the need for affordable housing. - Bill 26-0704 (Park Creek Metro District IGA): Councilmember Lewis explained that the agreement will provide staffing support to facilitate transfer of streets from the metro district to the city, enabling needed maintenance in Northfield and Central Park. - Bill 26-0686 (Lobbyist regulation): Councilmember Lewis and Acting Pro-Tem Gonzales-Gutierrez praised the bill for increasing transparency and aligning with state standards, thanking the Clerk and Recorder’s office for their work. - Bill 26-0758 (Liability claims fund transfer): Councilmember Lewis noted that year-to-date settlements total $3,867,000, requiring a $3,000,000 rescission from General Fund Contingency. Councilmember Parady added concerns about the Independent Monitor’s office being excluded from disciplinary process changes, linking that to large settlements. - Bill 26-0741 (Southwest area rezoning): Councilmember Alvidrez introduced an amendment to remove I-A (industrial) zoning from certain properties in District 7, citing community concerns about gas stations near rivers and historical harm from industrial uses in low-income communities. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill was ordered published as amended. - Bill 26-0608 Public Hearing: Staff presented the rezoning request for 831 S. Monaco Pkwy from S-MX-3A to S-MU-3, noting it would enable combining with an adjacent SMU-3 parcel to create a 75-unit affordable housing project (30-60% AMI). The site is 7,050 sq. ft., currently a single-unit house. No written comments were received. Councilmember Kashmann expressed support, noting no community objections. Key Outcomes - Acting President Pro-Tem Elected: Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez elected 10-0. - Proclamations Adopted: 26-0834 (Colfax Mayfair businesses) adopted 10-0; 26-0846 (Juneteenth) adopted 9-0. - Consent Agenda Approved: All resolutions and bills on final consideration (listed above) adopted en bloc 10-0. - Bill 26-0741 Amended and Ordered Published: Amendment to remove I-A zones passed 10-0; bill ordered published as amended 10-0. - Bill 26-0608 Passed: Rezoning of 831 S. Monaco Pkwy approved 8-0 (Councilmembers Gilmore and Parady absent for vote). - Future Meetings Announced: Public hearings on June 22, 2026 (landmark designations for 2100 California/2101 Welton and 2329 N. Gaylord) and July 13, 2026 (rezoning for multiple properties in southwest neighborhoods and for 4625 N. Milwaukee Street). Protests against Bills 26-0741 and 26-0712 must be filed by noon on July 6, 2026.

The South Platte River Committee of the Denver City Council convened on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM MDT (the provided timestamp is 20:30 UTC). The committee received a briefing from the Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) on the city's Water Quality Program and approved one consent item. Three council members were absent: Sarah Parady, Amanda Sandoval, and Chair Jamie Torres. Vice Chair Kevin Flynn presided. Consent Calendar - Item 26-0769: Resolution approving an amendment to a contract with OZ Architecture, Inc. to extend the end date by 18 months to May 14, 2028, for continued design and construction administration services for renovations of the Richard T. Castro building. No change to contract capacity (Council District 3). – Approved by consent. Discussion Items - Department of Public Health and Environment Briefing on the Water Quality Program (26-0813) - John Novick, Senior Environmental Programs Administrator, presented an overview of DDPHE’s water quality monitoring and management. Key points: - The program has collected surface water and sediment samples from Denver’s streams and lakes since the 1960s, originally established after the 1965 South Platte flood. - Stormwater runoff is the primary pollution source; it flows untreated into waterways, picking up pollutants such as pet waste, fertilizers, motor oil, and sediment. - DDPHE uses a water quality index with pie charts to assess safety for different uses. For the South Platte River, the index shows it is unsafe for direct contact due to high levels of human pathogens (E. coli) but safe for fishing based on low metals levels. - A graph of phosphorus levels at Spear Boulevard over 10 years showed higher phosphorus during low flows and lower phosphorus during high flows, indicating potential worsening during drought. - The city is installing continuous monitoring stations at Bear Creek Park, CSU Spur campus, and Confluence Park to provide real-time data. - Common pollutants of concern include E. coli, nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and trash. Most other pollutants are at low levels. - The city collaborates with multiple partners (e.g., DOTI, Parks, Mile High Flood District, nonprofits) to address these pollutants. Efforts have improved water quality compared to 15–20 years ago. - Communication is primarily internal via email to city staff and nonprofits, but a public-facing dashboard is under development. - Council members asked questions: - Councilwoman Alvidrez inquired about mosquito control for West Nile virus; Novick described larvicides (a harmless bacteria) and surveillance. She also asked about testing for PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. Novick stated these are not routinely tested due to cost and potential liability; microplastics are being studied with a doctoral student from School of Mines. - Councilman Watson asked about monitoring of the Platt Park Hill stormwater project and green infrastructure in Five Points. Novick noted his team does not monitor those specific projects but can coordinate. He also discussed collaboration with CSU at the Hydro Building in Globeville. - Chair Torres questioned the location of a monitoring station at the mouth of Bear Creek in Sheridan and regional cooperation. Novick explained the South Platte Coalition for Urban River Evaluation, where multiple jurisdictions coordinate sampling. Torres also asked about drought’s effect on E. coli; Novick explained that lower flows may not improve E. coli because it can persist in sediment and warmer conditions favor its growth. - The briefing was informational; no action was taken. Key Outcomes - Consent Item Approved: Resolution 26-0769 (contract amendment with OZ Architecture) was approved by consent without objection. - Next Steps: The committee adjourned after the briefing. No further action on the briefing.

The Health and Safety Committee of the Denver City Council met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The meeting included a briefing from the Denver Police Department (DPD) on the proposed Education-Based Development (EBD) program, an alternative to traditional discipline for low-level officer violations. The committee also approved one consent item. Consent Calendar - 26-0774: Approved by consent – an amendment to an expenditure agreement with RRK Enterprises Inc. for community correction services, adding $1,620,000 for a new total of $12,970,200 and extending the end date to March 31, 2027. Discussion Items - 26-0814 DPD Education-Based Development Update: Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas and Special Counsel Wendy Shea presented the EBD program, designed for lower-level violations (conduct categories A and B) that currently take six to eight months to resolve. EBD focuses on training and coaching rather than punitive measures, with officers required to accept responsibility and complete individualized training within 90 days. The program is voluntary; officers who decline or fail to complete training return to the standard disciplinary process. Repeat misconduct within 12 months (category A) or 18 months (category B) disqualifies officers from subsequent EBD opportunities, and prior EBD can be used as an aggravating factor in discipline. - Chief Thomas described a hypothetical jurisdictional dispute case to illustrate how EBD could provide officers with clear policy understanding and community impact awareness. - The presenters cited community engagement: surveys conducted at district meetings and an online policy review, with the majority of respondents supportive. However, the survey methodology was questioned – the questionnaire was designed by DPD without professional survey expertise, lacked demographic questions, and did not verify respondents were Denver residents. - Office of Independent Monitor (OIM) Director Elizabeth Bettis Castle raised concerns: the OIM has not received raw survey data or training curricula despite repeated requests under city ordinance. She disputed that the city attorney’s deliberative privilege justifies withholding data from the OIM and noted that EBD as drafted could allow unlimited repeat use (12-month gap for A, 18-month for B), and that EBD cannot legally be used to aggravate discipline under the current handbook because it is not a sustained finding. - Councilmembers expressed concerns about weakening OIM oversight and urged the mayor’s office to fill vacancies on the Citizen Oversight Board before implementing EBD. Councilmember Sawyer noted broader issues with the city attorney’s office regarding privilege claims. - DPD agreed to provide a redlined version of the updated policy (now limited to categories A and B, as opposed to earlier drafts including C) to council members. Key Outcomes - The committee discussed the EBD program but took no formal vote; the briefing was informational. - The consent item (26-0774) was approved unanimously. - DPD committed to working with the city attorney’s office to resolve OIM’s data access concerns. - The committee will continue to monitor the policy development and expects further briefings as the program is finalized.

The Community Planning and Housing Committee of the Denver City Council met on June 9, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The committee considered three rezoning action items and one consent item. All action items were approved for filing by a vote of 5-0, with members Sandoval and Torres absent. The consent item was approved without objection. Consent Calendar - 26-0770: Approved a contract amendment with LCM Architects LLC to extend the end date to December 31, 2026, for citywide ADA consulting services. No change to contract capacity. Public Comments & Testimony - For item 26-0712 (4625 N Milwaukee), one letter of support was received from the Elyria Swansea RNO, and a letter signed by 40 community members supporting the rezoning was noted. - For item 26-0776 (406 S Quitman), no public comments were received. - For item 26-0777 (4901 S Monaco), 29 comments of opposition were received, citing concerns about parking, allowed uses, infrastructure constraints, and safety. No RNO exists for that area. Discussion Items - 26-0712 – Rezone 4625 N Milwaukee Street: Request to change zoning from E-SU-D (urban edge single-unit) to U-TU-B (urban two-unit) to allow two-unit housing on a 4,605 sq ft vacant lot that was part of the I-70 expansion. Fran Penafiel (CPD) presented. The site is in Council District 9 (Councilmember Watson). The Elyria Swansea neighborhood plan supports moderate density. Planning board recommended approval unanimously. Councilmember Watson spoke in support, noting collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and Tierra Colectiva. Danny Swaba of Tierra Colectiva stated the homes will be sold at approximately 57% of area median income to address displacement, and the community outreach included bilingual door-knocking, info sessions, and RNO engagement. The motion to approve the rezoning for filing passed 5-0. - 26-0776 – Rezone 406 S Quitman Street: Request to change zoning from E-SU-Dx to E-SU-B on a 10,400 sq ft vacant lot with a half-story basement house. Will Prince (CPD) presented. Purpose is to allow lot splitting for additional housing. Located in Westwood (Council District 3). The Southwest Area Plan encourages splitting lots over 9,000 sq ft. No public comments received. Planning board recommended approval. Councilmember Alvidrez asked about the basement home (grandfathered) and the need for rezoning; staff explained no plan support for two-unit, so single-unit per lot. Motion to approve passed 5-0. - 26-0777 – Rezone 4901 S Monaco Street: Request to rezone from B-4 with waivers and use overlays to S-MX-5 (suburban mixed-use up to 5 stories). Brandon Shaver (CPD) presented. The site is a 3-acre existing three-story assisted living facility near the city border. The applicant, Guardian Recovery, plans an adaptive reuse addiction recovery facility with up to 170 beds (phased in), 24/7 staffing, and 24-hour supervision. No expansion of the building footprint. Planning board recommended approval. Opposition comments raised concerns about traffic, parking, and safety. The applicant team (Amelia Stefan, Brian Tierney, Austin Kane) explained that the rezoning removes the need for a two-year use permit renewal and enables financing. They described a good neighbor pledge addressing: 24-hour responsiveness, no signage reading "recovery", no methadone clinic, and gradual occupancy ramp-up. Oversight includes state BHA annual licensure and Joint Commission accreditation. Payer mix expected: 40% Medicaid, 50% commercial, 10% private pay. Councilmember Romero Campbell expressed concerns about community trust (due to prior Arapahoe County detox proposal) and the increase in capacity from previous 70 beds to 170, but voted to move forward because the rezoning meets criteria. Motion to approve passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - 26-0712: Approved for filing (5-0). Public hearing scheduled for July 13, 2026. - 26-0776: Approved for filing (5-0). Public hearing scheduled for July 27, 2026. - 26-0777: Approved for filing (5-0). Public hearing tentatively scheduled for late July 2026. - 26-0770: Consent item approved. - All votes were 5-0 with Sandoval and Torres absent.

The Denver City Council Finance and Business Committee met on June 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM (17:30 UTC) to receive a briefing from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and to vote on 27 consent agenda items. Chair Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez presided, with members Paul Kashmann, Diana Romero Campbell, Chris Hines, Darrell Watson, and Amanda Lewis present. Members Stacie Gilmore and Amanda Sandoval were absent. Consent Calendar - 27 contracts and lease agreements were approved by consent (Council Resolutions 26-0778 through 26-0804), including: - Multiple on-call maintenance and repair services (HVAC, plumbing, concrete, low-voltage electrical, fencing, glass, painting, roofing) citywide (excluding Denver International Airport), each for $750,000 through July 31, 2029. - Two one-year lease agreements at $30/year: with Denver Rescue Mission to operate a men’s congregate shelter at 4600 East 48th Avenue, and with Urban Alchemy to operate a non-congregate shelter at 4040 Quebec Street, both in Council District 8. Discussion Items - DMV Briefing (Council Resolution 26-0811): Treasurer Sophia Hassman and DMV Director Ted Trujillo presented an overview of Denver DMV operations, including: - Volume: Approximately 65,000 in-person customers per year (286,000 branch visits in 2025), plus 290,000 e-service transactions and growing kiosk and third-party usage. - Staffing Challenges: Effective staffing rate is 55% due to turnover, leave, and long training periods. A new class of trainees was hired in May 2026. - Wait Times: Increased over three years; average wait exceeded two hours, with some members reporting waits of 3–4 hours. Thirty percent of walk-ins could be served via kiosks, mail, drop-box, or online. - Rolling Closures: One branch closed each week on a rotating basis, causing staff reassignments and customer confusion. The DMV proposes eliminating rolling closures by converting the Tremont location to a commercial-only center and keeping all four quadrant branches open consistently. - Internal Challenges: High turnover, state system upgrades (DRIVES system), and unfunded mandates from third-party dealer processing. - Future Plans: Website upgrades, improved signage, dealer training sessions, and evaluation of appointment pilot programs and pay-by-phone solutions. - Council Q&A: Key questions from members included: - Staffing: Councilmember Kashmann asked why staffing is at 55% and whether more employees are needed. Director Trujillo explained that higher staff levels in 2018-2019 resulted in shorter wait times, and that the rolling closures exacerbate turnover. - Wait Times: Councilmember Romero Campbell shared a personal experience of a 4-hour wait and praised branch staff professionalism. She asked about appointment pilots; the DMV noted that full appointments would create a four-month backlog. - Montbello Location: Councilmember Lewis raised issues about confusing building access and signage. Director Trujillo and Real Estate Director Lisa Lumley stated reconfiguration is expensive and hampered by shared space with state driver’s license services. - Enforcement & Registration Fees: Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez inquired about expired tag enforcement’s impact on volume; the DMV confirmed spikes after enforcement announcements. She also asked about revenue from registration fees – approximately $24 million monthly goes to the county, including Specific Ownership Tax and a $4 processing fee. - Dealer Processing: Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez noted the third-party dealer processing adds workload; the DMV will hold dealer training sessions to improve accuracy. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: All 27 resolutions were approved by consent and will proceed to the full City Council. - DMV Briefing Received: No formal vote was taken, but the committee expressed support for DMV’s proposed improvements (eliminating rolling closures, commercial center at Tremont, and technology pilots). - Next Steps: DMV will continue communicating with the Council and the Mayor’s office on staffing and budget needs, finalize website upgrades, and pilot commercial queuing technology at Tremont. The committee indicated interest in further legislative advocacy regarding unfunded mandates and the $4 processing fee increase.