Public Meetings - Denver, Colorado

The Community Planning and Housing Committee of the Denver City Council met on July 29, 2025, at 1:30 PM (agenda noted 12:15 PM) to consider two rezoning and development agreement items, plus consent items. The committee approved a rezoning at 2501 South High Street, and a combined rezoning and development agreement for the historic Rock Drill site at 1717 East 39th Avenue. One consent item was approved; another was removed for further discussion. Consent Calendar - 25-1081 – Approved a revenue grant agreement with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for $1,518,000 in Proposition 123 Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP) funds to support construction of 23 affordable for-sale condominiums (1- and 2-bedroom) at 10th & Wolff, serving buyers at or below 80% AMI. End date: 9/30/2027. (Council District 3) - 25-1082 – Originally on consent, this item (Kappa Tower) was removed by Councilmember Lewis due to a possible address error; it will be reconsidered next week. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was given during the meeting. However, for the 2501 South High Street rezoning, staff noted receipt of five public comments in support. For the 1717 East 39th Avenue project, three letters of support from recognized neighborhood organizations (RNOs) and 20 letters from the general public were received, emphasizing historic preservation, affordable housing, and mixed-use amenities. Discussion Items - 25-1070 – Rezoning at 2501 South High Street (Council District 6): Staff presented a request to rezone a 12,500 sq. ft. property from E-SU-Dx to E-TU-C to allow two-unit dwellings. The site consists of two lots (one with a house, one vacant). The applicant (Paul Hoffman) intends to sell the vacant lot for duplex development. No RNO comments; five public letters supported the change. The committee approved the rezoning unanimously (7-0). - 25-1071 & 25-1079 – Rezoning and Development Agreement at 1717 East 39th Avenue (Rock Drill) (Council District 9): This multi-faceted project involves a 6.69-acre former industrial site. The rezoning changes the current I-B, UO-2, and C-MU-10 with waivers to C-MX-12 and C-MX-16. The associated development agreement includes: - High-impact development compliance plan: 10% of residential units at 50% AMI (deeper than standard enhanced EHA), with 15% two-bedroom and 5% three-bedroom minimums. No fee-in-lieu option; units built on site. - Commercial spaces subject to linkage fees. - Historic preservation: approximately 50% of existing buildings/features will be locally designated; applicant must apply for designation before certificate of occupancy for new construction. - Vesting (15 years) for incentive heights and open space standards (10% open space). - Tax increment financing (TIF) from DURA: includes 1% for public art, first source hiring, 23% small business enterprise goal, and prevailing wage requirements. - Continued community benefits agreement (CBA) with Cole neighborhood RNO. Staff noted 3 RNO letters of support and Planning Board unanimous approval on July 16, 2025. The committee approved both items in a block vote (7-0). Key Outcomes - 25-1070 – Approved for filing (7-0): Rezoning to allow duplexes at 2501 South High Street. Public hearing scheduled for September 9, 2025. - 25-1071 & 25-1079 – Approved for filing (7-0): Rezoning and development agreement for Rock Drill site. Tentative City Council hearing on September 15, 2025. - Consent item 25-1081 – Approved. - Consent item 25-1082 – Removed from consent; will be addressed next week. - The committee expressed support for continued community engagement, including a CBA with the Cole RNO, and requested additional studies (shadow study, blight study) be shared with all council members before TIF consideration.

The Denver City Council convened on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 3:30 PM for a regular session that extended past midnight. Key actions included advancing a $950 million general obligation bond package (Vibrant Denver) to the November 4, 2025 ballot, order-of-publication for an Xcel Energy franchise agreement, approval of a zoning change in Elyria Swansea, and numerous consent agenda items. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved for July 21, 2025 (25-1088). - Proclamation 25-1090: Honored the Blackhawks Youth Organization for 25 years of service; adopted unanimously (13-0). - Resolutions en bloc (approved 13-0): Contracts for workforce development with Eckerd Connects ($5.7M), airport cleaning with All Star Staffing ($1M), energy performance with McKinstry Essention ($2.6M), glass repair with EAP Glass ($625K), sidewalk program construction with Milender White ($25M) and SEMA Construction ($50M), Abo Group contract assignment, Dream Center Denver parolee reentry ($549K), Center for African American Health nutrition grant, and Daikin roof-top units for Hall of Education ($796K). - Bills for final consideration en bloc (passed 13-0): Renaming Department of Excise and Licenses to Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (25-1002, 25-1003), establishing state grant fund (25-0971), Boettcher Concert Hall soundboard purchase (25-0972), easement relinquishment at 2833 Welton St (25-0974), donation of 36 refurbished Chromebooks to micro-communities (25-0951), and intergovernmental agreement for competency beds at city jails ($2.5M, 25-0963). Public Comments & Testimony - Required Public Hearing (25-0803): Jesse Parris spoke in opposition, questioning affordable housing guarantees, traffic studies, and parking. No speakers in favor. Sam Leger and Peter Wall were available for questions. - Courtesy Public Hearing on Bond (25-1053–25-1060): 118 individuals signed up; 60 minutes allotted. Speakers included: - Supporters: Elleni Sclarenitis (Sand Creek Massacre Foundation supporting American Indian Cultural Embassy), George Lim (Santa Fe Drive BID), Dustin Baird (tribal embassy), Porter Sturno and Ryder Perry (skate park), Carlos Herrera (Montbello Placita), Christiano Sosa (Santa Fe streetscape), Kurt Weaver (Sloan's Lake). - Opponents: Jeff Helgerson (bike/pedestrian safety), Peter Piccolo (Bicycle Colorado), Stevenson Farnsworth (5280 trail), Alex Yukhananov (affordable housing, police training center), Rebeca Perez, Christina Carlson (Urban Peak), Kevin Doyle (Park Hill Park), Rachel Brennan, Samuel Schooler (bike infrastructure). - Neutral/Other: Katherine Jenkins, Jessica Cordell, Avi Stopper, Katelyn Stenger, Margot Gonzalez. - Courtesy Public Hearing on Xcel Franchise (25-0922, 25-0987): 30 minutes allotted; 19 speakers. Testimony in favor from Nate Bernstein (Climate Jobs Colorado), Jennifer Gremmert (Energy Outreach Colorado), James Gillespie (Servicios de la Raza). Opposition from Jeff Ackerman (former PUC chair), Marilyn Ackerman, Ellen Reath, Kathy Obear (Together Colorado), James Smelley, Sharon Battle, Moshe Kornfeld (Colorado Jewish Climate Action). Discussion Items - Zoning Change 25-0803 (4235 N Columbine St & 2535 E 40th Ave, Elyria Swansea) - Staff report by Robert Haig (CPD): Proposed rezoning from I-A/I-B to I-MX-3, aligning with Elyria Swansea neighborhood plan (three-story height limit). Property is 4.6 acres, vacant former truck driving school. Received support from five RNOs; one public comment in support. - Councilmember Watson noted long community process and need for housing. Affordable housing agreement to follow ERA guidelines (8% at 60% AMI or 12% at blended 70% AMI). Passed 12-1 (Lewis opposed). - Vibrant Denver Bond Package (25-1053 to 25-1060) - Overview by Patrick Riley (Finance): $950M package across five ballot questions (transportation, parks, health/human services, city facilities, housing/shelter). Community outreach included 7,600 contacts, 6,200 surveys, 50 meetings, resulting in 59 named projects. - CFO Nicole Doheny explained that $950M is the maximum without raising taxes, based on debt capacity, triple-A rating, and delivery within six years. - Extensive council questions on capacity, project costs (e.g., 8th Avenue Viaduct estimated at $89M, 6th Avenue Viaduct $50M for pre-positioning), housing allocation ($50M for affordable housing development), and equity considerations. - Amendment 1 (Sawyer): Added $18M for 13th/14th Avenue safety improvements (Colorado to Quebec) offset by reducing housing/shelter funds from $64.3M to $46.3M; increased transportation total to $446.42M. Passed 8-5. - Amendment 2 (Parady): Proposed broader multimodal improvements from Grant to Quebec, funded by reducing cultural institution allocations ($3M each from DCPA, Botanic Gardens, Art Museum, Nature & Science), Echo Lake Lodge ($7M), and 6th Ave Viaduct ($12.6M). Failed 5-8. - Amendment 3 (Alvidrez): Proposed adding $25M for elections facility, increasing city facilities category to $277.43M. Failed 4-9. - Final votes: 25-1060 (companion ordinance) passed 10-3; 25-1053 (transportation) passed 10-3 after amendments; 25-1054 (parks) passed 10-3; 25-1056 (city infrastructure) passed 11-2; 25-1057 (housing/shelter) passed 12-1; 25-1055 (health/human services) passed 13-0. All ordered published as amended. - Xcel Energy Franchise Agreements (25-0922, 25-0987) - Presentation by Shannon Gifford (Mayor's Office) and Cindy Patton (DOTI): 20-year franchise renewal for use of right-of-way; utility relocation benefit saves city an estimated $3B over term. Separate Denver Operating Agreement for airport services. - Opposition from community groups (Together Colorado) argued for binding companion agreement on low-income assistance, climate resilience, and data sharing. City officials noted changed legal landscape and existing programs (PUC-regulated). - Council debate centered on lack of binding commitments in the associated D-DIG MOU (non-binding). President Sandoval expressed distrust of non-binding agreements. Councilmembers Kashmann, Watson, Flynn expressed frustration with Excel's responsiveness. - Voted 8-5 to order published (first reading): Alvidrez, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Hinds, Lewis, Parady opposed. Final passage required by August 11, 2025 for November ballot. Key Outcomes - Approved: Proclamation 25-1090; numerous consent resolutions and final consideration bills; zoning change 25-0803 (12-1). - Referred to Voters (November 4, 2025 bond): Ballot questions 25-1053 (transportation, $446.42M), 25-1054 (parks, $168.75M? Actually $174.75M – check minutes: 25-1054 ordered published as is without amendment, so value remains at $174,750,000? Need to verify from agenda: Parks bucket was $174,750,000; the amendment that passed (Sawyer) only affected 1060, 1053, and 1057. So 1054 unchanged. Similarly 1055, 1056 unchanged. 1057 amended to $46.3M. 1060 amended with added project for transportation and adjusted totals.) - Ordered Published (First Reading): Xcel franchise agreements 25-0922 and 25-0987 (8-5); pending final vote. - Postponed: Resolution 25-0978 (West Publishing database) to August 4, 2025. - Future Public Hearings Set: August 4, 2025: Broadway GID (25-0917) and Modernizing Parking Requirements (25-0684, 25-0685); August 25, 2025: Barnum rezoning (25-0994).

The Health and Safety Committee of the Denver City Council met on July 23, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The meeting included approval of a block of 12 grant agreements for the Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids (HFDK) initiative totaling over $12 million, and a briefing from the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) on a proposed Education-Based Discipline (EBD) policy for the Denver Police Department. The committee also approved one consent item. Consent Calendar - Council Bill 25-1044: Amends a revenue agreement with the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice to add $8,376,054.13 for a new total of $16,588,725.53 and extend the end date to 9-30-2026 for continued funding of Denver Community Corrections. Approved by consent. Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids Grant Approvals - The committee received a presentation from DDPHE staff on the HFDK program, established by voter-approved ballot measure 302 in 2018, funded by a 0.08% sales tax (approx. $11 million/year). The program has distributed $86 million across five cohorts since 2020, serving over 149,000 unique families in 2024, providing over 47 million meals and snacks, creating 670 youth jobs, and distributing 34 million pounds of food. Approximately 15% of Denverites are food insecure, with higher rates among households with children. - Staff presented 13 resolutions (25-1020 through 25-1031) for the sixth cohort (HFDK 06), totaling over $12 million. The resolutions include grants to Clayton Early Learning ($1,000,000), Colorado Food Cluster ($856,891.09), East Colfax Community Collective ($795,323.24), Frontline Farming ($989,374.82), The Hadanou Collective dba Southwest Food Coalition ($999,680.00), Hunger Free Colorado ($983,116.56), Kaizen Food Rescue ($999,999.87), The Consumption Literacy Project ($1,000,000.00), WeeCycle ($999,999.58), Denver Health and Hospital Authority ($1,000,000.00), Denver Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services ($863,500.00), and Denver Public Schools ($574,179.52). One additional resolution (CWEE) was deferred to the next week. Contracts run through 7-31-2028. - Council members expressed strong support for the program. Councilmember Torres noted the program’s effectiveness and asked about contingency funds and administrative allowance (approx. 8-9% of 10% allowed). Councilmember Parady asked about WIC application processing times at Denver Health. Councilmember Flynn questioned why only one grantee serves District 2 and inquired about Kamoon Denver. Staff explained Kamoon is a current grantee with a contract through 2027 and that the Hadanou Collective is a fiscal sponsor for Southwest Food Coalition. Councilmember Sawyer suggested exploring future expansion to serve seniors. - A motion by Councilmember Torres, seconded by Councilmember Sawyer, to approve resolutions 25-1020 through 25-1031 in a block carried 7-0. (Voting aye: Flynn, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Parady, Sandoval, Sawyer, Torres, Watson.) Office of the Independent Monitor Briefing on DPD Discipline Policy - Independent Monitor Elizabeth Perez-Castle briefed the committee on the proposed Education-Based Discipline (EBD) policy for the Denver Police Department. She stated that EBD would replace traditional discipline for certain violations (categories A-C) with training, and argued that it lacks best-practice research, reduces accountability, and undermines community trust. She noted that the policy was developed without sufficient OIM or community input, in violation of the ordinance requiring OIM review of significant policy changes. She cited oversight assessments from Washington D.C. and Los Angeles that criticized EBD. She emphasized that the current discipline matrix was developed with extensive community input over three years in 2005-2008, and that changing it unilaterally would betray that agreement. - Council members expressed concern about the lack of DPD presence at the briefing, the process, and the need for full community input. Councilmember Sawyer requested a future meeting with DPD present for a full conversation. Councilmember Torres noted the importance of understanding charter and ordinance requirements. Councilmember Flynn requested that Chief Thomas present to the committee instead of just at Mayor-Council. Councilmember Gonzalez-Gutierrez conveyed Councilmember Cashman’s opposition to weakening OIM or citizen oversight board roles. The chair acknowledged the concerns and stated that the committee would schedule a full presentation with Chief Thomas. - No vote was taken on the EBD policy. Key Outcomes - Approved: Resolutions 25-1020 through 25-1031 (Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids grants) in a block vote of 7-0. - Approved: Consent item 25-1044 (Denver Community Corrections funding amendment). - Next Steps: The committee agreed to schedule a future meeting with Denver Police Chief Thomas to present and discuss the proposed EBD policy, with opportunity for public comment and full council dialogue.

The Mayor and Denver City Council held their weekly joint meeting on July 22, 2025, beginning with introductions and announcements, followed by a presentation from First Tee Colorado Rocky Mountains about their youth golf programs. The meeting adjourned without any formal votes or decisions. Announcements - Council President Pro Tem announced a family putt-putt golf event at Kennedy Golf Course on Wednesday, June 30th (12:00–4:00 p.m.), free but requiring registration, including hot dogs, chips, and soda. - Councilman Watson announced the annual Brick City picnic at Mestizo Curtis Park on Saturday, July 26th (12:00–7:00 p.m.) in the Five Points neighborhood. Presentation by First Tee Colorado Rocky Mountains - Paula Pierre Foy, Junior Golf Director for the City and County of Denver and CEO of First Tee Colorado Rocky Mountains, presented the program. She described how the organization uses municipal golf courses to serve youth, focusing on life skills and core values (responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, judgment). - Programs include on-course fee-based classes (no one turned away for inability to pay; "golferships" provide coupon codes confidentially) and free in-school/after-school programs (e.g., Read & Swing literacy program, club-building with math and science curriculum). - First Tee hires over 100 high school junior coaches (ages 14–18) through a rigorous application and interview process, with professional development. - Statistics provided: Over 93,000 children served since inception; annually serving over 12,000 participants at golf facilities, recreation centers, My Denver, and 65 schools; second largest chapter worldwide out of 150+ chapters; 71 college scholarships secured (44 funded by First Tee); new vocational education and training scholarship; 9,000 of 12,000 participants are free/reduced fee; 80 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programming. - Partnerships include Sims/Fiola Foundation (young men and boys of color) and Cobbled Streets (children who are homeless or in foster care). Denver Golf provides the Junior ACES Pass (free rounds, range balls, club rental) and participates in the Denver Just Play program. - Future goals under 2030 strategic plan: reach every child in the service area, especially overlooked groups such as children with disabilities, homeless children, and those outside traditional education. Discussion and Comments - Councilman Josh expressed interest in enrolling his grandchildren and praised the program's life skills focus. - Council President Pro Tem noted that a parent or child can find the program through a web search (e.g., "junior golf Denver") or word of mouth at Title I schools. - Councilman Watson shared a personal testimonial: his daughter participated in First Tee at Willis Case Golf Course, later brought girls' golf to North High School, became a First Tee instructor, and received a college scholarship (though the program was canceled due to COVID). He highlighted that 76% of girls' golf scholarships go unused due to lack of awareness. He offered to include First Tee information in his district newsletter reaching 8,000 residents. - Council President Pro Tem shared that she never had access to golf growing up but recently started learning, noting the importance of expanding opportunities and representation. - Councilman Catchment commented on the beauty of golf courses as public spaces and suggested considering Sunday closures (like St. Andrews) for community picnics to increase access. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and discussion. - The Mayor and council members expressed support for helping promote First Tee programs through newsletters and community outreach.

The Denver City Council convened on July 1, 2025, for its weekly general session. The meeting primarily focused on the election of the council president and president pro tem for the 2025-2026 term, with unanimous support for the incumbent leaders. Council members also handled routine legislative business, including the introduction and postponement of several bills, and shared announcements about community events. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals via a block vote included multiple resolutions and bills for final passage, all adopted with 13 ayes. Discussion Items - Election of Council President: Council Member Romero Campbell nominated Amanda P. Sandoval and expressed full support for her leadership, praising her dedication, expertise, and accomplishments. Several other council members, including Torres, Parity, Gilmer, Alvidres, Watson, Cashman, and Gonzalez Gutierrez, voiced their support, highlighting Sandoval's ability to lead and represent the council effectively. - Election of Council President Pro Tem: Council Member Cashman nominated Diana Romero Campbell and expressed strong support for her continued role, commending her advocacy and leadership. Other council members, such as Watson, Gilmer, and Sawyer, endorsed her, noting her commitment and growth in leadership. - Council Announcements: Members shared updates on community events, including the Underground Music Showcase, a new women's soccer league team launch, community garden ribbon-cutting, film screenings, and the Brick City picnic. Personal acknowledgments were made, including condolences for a community member's passing. - Bill Comments: Council Member Gilmar commented on Bill 1002, stating that the renaming of the Department of Excise and Licenses to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection aligns with the agency's functions and is supported by staff work. Key Outcomes - Council President Amanda P. Sandoval was re-elected with 13 votes. - Council President Pro Tem Diana Romero Campbell was re-elected with 12 votes. - Several items were postponed until July 28, 2025: Council Resolution 0949, Council Resolution 0978, Council Bill 0922, and Council Bill 0987. - All consent calendar items were approved via block vote with 13 ayes.

On July 15, 2025, Mayor Mike Johnston and the Denver City Council convened their weekly session. The meeting covered several announcements, a special proclamation declaring July 15, 2025, as "Federation of Gay Games Day" to support Denver's bid to host the 2030 Gay Games, and a detailed update on the proposed General Obligation (GO) Bond. Discussions on the bond encompassed the extensive community engagement process, the current project portfolio totaling approximately $920 million, and a robust question-and-answer session on project priorities, funding timelines, and fiscal impacts. Announcements & Proclamations - Councilman Watson shared information on a new Denver property tax installment payment plan, effective July 1, 2025, for residential and business owners. - Councilman Ides offered a farewell tribute to a departing council member whose last meeting was that week. - Councilman Vidres announced a town hall on the proposed soccer stadium in District 7, hosted by the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), scheduled for July 17, 2025. - Council President highlighted the annual Tennyson Street Festival. Special Presentation: 2030 Gay Games Proclamation - Councilman Watson read a proclamation from Mayor Johnston officially declaring July 15, 2025, as "Federation of Gay Games Day" in Denver, celebrating the city's status as a finalist to host the 2030 Gay Games, competing against Perth, Australia. - Mayor Johnston praised the community's efforts in advancing Denver's bid and noted that one rival city withdrew, leaving Denver and Perth as the final contenders. - A representative from the Gay Games delegation thanked the city for its support, noting the delegation was currently on a site inspection tour. The final selection vote by the Federation of Gay Games voting members is scheduled for October 27, 2025. Discussion Items - General Obligation (GO) Bond Update - Mayor Johnston presented a comprehensive update on the GO Bond process. He stressed the proposal does not raise taxes and aims to address a significant backlog of capital improvement needs. - Engagement & Process: Over 7,600 residents participated in the process, generating over 1,100 project ideas valued at over $6 billion. Five subcommittees and an executive committee refined these, resulting in an initial recommendation of 48 projects worth $970 million. - Current Proposal: Based on council feedback, the draft was revised to approximately $920 million, including more projects. Spending is allocated roughly 43% for connectivity (roads and bridges), 41% for parks, recreation centers, and cultural facilities, and 15% for public health and safety. The Mayor cited a University of Colorado Boulder study projecting that the $900 million bond would generate $1.7 billion in economic investment. - Council Deliberations: - Councilwoman Torres requested clarity on how projects are prioritized between the bond, the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and the Parks Legacy Fund. The Mayor committed to providing individual briefings. - Councilman Watson stressed the long-standing community demand for the "Stout two-way" safety project in District 9 and requested clarity on its funding path, stating the bond is "necessary in this time." - Councilman Hines requested to see the dollar amounts proposed per council district and wanted to compare subcommittee transportation priorities against the proposed list. - Councilman Flynn requested a formal analysis from the Department of Finance on outstanding GO debt and how the mill levy could be maintained at the current level, noting the total cost had increased during the process. - Council President Sandoval referenced a detailed bond capacity presentation from a November committee meeting and requested the "capital stack" for alternate funding mechanisms for projects excluded from the bond. She noted a specific community priority that has failed to receive funding through three previous bond cycles. - Councilman Cashman asked for the specific timeline and the final deadline for approval to guarantee ballot placement. The administration clarified that a waiver might be needed if the vote proceeds past the standard deadline. Key Outcomes & Next Steps - Proclamation Adopted: July 15, 2025, was officially proclaimed "Federation of Gay Games Day" to recognize Denver's bid for the 2030 Gay Games. - Bond Timeline Defined: Council briefings are ongoing. Ordinance language is expected to be submitted on July 17. A courtesy public hearing is scheduled for July 28. The final council vote must occur by August 4 (standard deadline) or August 25 (if a waiver is used) to qualify for the November 2025 ballot. - Directives Issued: The administration was directed to provide council members with detailed written analyses of bond capacity and mill levy impacts, a "capital stack" for alternate funding, and a clear project queue across city funding sources (CIP, bond, Parks Legacy Fund). - Meeting Adjourned: The public session concluded, and the council moved into a closed session.

The Denver City Council convened on July 14, 2025, for a regular session. The meeting included council announcements, memorial tributes, the adoption of proclamations, and the handling of routine legislative matters. A recess featured a community conversation on Black Western history. The council then reconvened to conduct two required public hearings on zoning and landmark designation, both of which passed unanimously. Consent Calendar The council adopted minutes and passed a block vote on multiple items, including resolutions and bills for final consideration, without debate. Key items passed in the block vote included: - A grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. - The establishment of the Denver Downtown Development Authority Fund. - An amendatory agreement for HIV/AIDS care services with the University of Colorado. - An ordinance amending the municipal code regarding neglected and derelict properties (Council Bill 0854). Sponsors expressed that the changes would improve the city's ability to address abandoned buildings and support property owners in need. Public Comments & Testimony - On Council Bill 0665 (Zoning Change): No public comments were made. - On Council Bill 0873 (Landmark Designation): Jesse Paris, representing several community organizations, spoke. He expressed full support for the landmark designation, stating it was "something that the city needs." - Community Conversation: During the recess, public attendees asked questions of the presenters, including about visiting the Deerfield site, the legacy of residents, and the historical narratives of Black cowboys. Discussion Items - Memorial Tributes: Councilmembers Flynn, Alvidrez, and Watson gave tributes to Margaret Atencio, a Southwest Denver advocate, following her recent passing. Councilmember Parody also recognized the passing of Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson. - Proclamations Adopted: - Federation of Gay Games Day: Councilmember Watson read and moved to adopt a proclamation for July 15, 2025. Representatives from the Gay Games Denver 2030 bid committee accepted and provided an update on their site inspection visit. - Smart Irrigation Month: Councilmember Flynn read and moved to adopt a proclamation declaring July as Smart Irrigation Month, emphasizing water conservation. Amber Clark of Hydro Systems accepted the proclamation. - Late Filing Introduction: The council suspended rules to introduce a late-filed resolution (25-1005) approving a contract to acquire property in District 8 for a community service facility. - Community Conversation (During Recess): A discussion was held with artist Micheal Miller, curator Amanda Hunt, and historian Bob Brunswold on the exhibit "Who is a Cowboy?" and the history of Black settlements like Deerfield, Colorado. Topics included making museums accessible, preserving untold histories, and communicating Black humanity. - Public Hearings: - Council Bill 0665 (Zoning Change): Staff from Community Planning and Development presented a request to rezone 1149 South Navajo Street from GMU-5/UO-3 and ERH-2.5 to entirely GMU-5 to allow consistent building form for multi-unit housing. The request was consistent with adopted plans and had no public opposition. - Council Bill 0873 (Landmark Designation): Landmark Preservation staff presented an owner-supported request to designate the McCallan-Coolish House at 510 South Garfield Street. The 1956 house was presented as a significant example of Usonian architecture by noted architect Jerry Dion, illustrating mid-century modern lifestyle. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Proclamation 25-1016 (Gay Games Day): Adopted 13-0. - Proclamation 25-1017 (Smart Irrigation Month): Adopted 13-0. - Motion to suspend rules for late filing (Resolution 25-1005): Approved 12-0. - Block vote on all resolutions and bills for final consideration: Passed 13-0. - Council Bill 0665 (Zoning Change): Passed 12-0. - Council Bill 0873 (Landmark Designation): Passed 11-0. - Decisions and Directives: - All legislative items on the consent calendar were approved. - The two rezoning and landmark designation applications were approved. - The meeting was adjourned with no further business.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Denver City Council and Mayor Mike Johnston held a general session. The primary agenda item was a presentation from the General Services (GS) facilities management team, providing an overview of their portfolio and operations. The session also included council member announcements and a detailed discussion about safety improvements at the Embassy Suites shelter following a recent incident. No votes were taken; it was an informational briefing. Announcements - Councilman Watson announced a fundraiser for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance on August 23, 2025, at the Sheraton, where Mayor Johnston and Councilman Watson will participate in a dancing event. He encouraged attendees to contact his office for tickets. - Councilman Libres announced a community town hall on July 17, 2025, at Town Hall Collaborative regarding the future soccer stadium, hosted by several Registered Organizations and the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation. - Madam President Pro Tem canceled a play date at Bible Park scheduled for July 9 due to extreme heat but reminded about the upcoming Hampton Heights pool and pickleball day the following Wednesday. - Council President announced free yoga at the old Elitches site (38th and Tennyson) on Wednesday, July 9, at 6 p.m. - Council Torres announced the Llama Live concert series at Larma Park Amphitheater on Sunday, July 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring local bands and celebrating the amphitheater's upcoming centennial. Facilities Management Presentation Deputy Mayor Al Gardner, Deputy Executive Director Mike Broughton, and Director of Facilities Matt Van Duzen presented an update on the city's facilities management program. Key facts included: - The portfolio comprises 140 buildings (6.2 million square feet) plus 16 million square feet of lots and parking, totaling 388 acres—comparable to the Pentagon's 6.5 million square feet. - 87 staff across six teams operate on a $22 million annual budget; after contracted services, only $5 million is left for repairs, maintenance, and replacements. - The oldest building managed is the public defender's office (built 1923); the average age of all facilities is 50 years. - In 2024, the team completed 16,500 maintenance work orders and 600 event setups (up from 532 in 2020), averaging nearly two setups per day. - GS consolidated with Denver Fire Department facilities management in 2024, saving money by bringing work in-house. - The GS Works program partners with trade schools (Pickens, Emily Griffith, DPS) to provide tours and advisory council participation. - A new self-guided walking tour of the City and County Building is available via QR codes at entrances. Shelter Safety Discussion Council members asked about recent safety measures at the Embassy Suites shelter, where a child tragically fell from a window after someone broke a lock on a sliding balcony door. The facilities team had earlier installed locks and warning notices in English and Spanish. Last night, they reinforced all room locks with screws and are today installing new non-manipulable bolts that allow the door to open only 4-6 inches—enough for airflow but preventing a person from passing through. Councilman Vidros inquired about air conditioning; the response noted that the building has rooftop HVAC units (unlike the DoubleTree's individual units) and that some residents open doors for additional breeze. The mayor confirmed that the new locks cannot be removed with common tools. Outdoor congregate spaces exist on the east and south sides. Councilwoman Romero Campbell asked about pest control complaints at All In Mile High sites. The team clarified that DDPHE inspects, Salvation Army handles ongoing pest control, and GS repairs structural damage (e.g., patching holes). Council members expressed gratitude for the team's responsiveness and for transforming shelter units to reduce homelessness. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were taken during this briefing. - Immediate action: Installation of permanent, non-manipulable bolts on all sliding doors at Embassy Suites to prevent future incidents. - Ongoing coordination with Salvation Army for pest control at shelter sites. - Continued partnership with trade schools under the GS Works program and expansion of self-guided tour QR codes. - Council members and Mayor Johnston voiced strong appreciation for the facilities team's work, highlighting its role in reducing street homelessness by 45% (nearly 5,000 people housed) through rapid unit turnover.

The Denver City Council convened on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 3:30 PM with 10 members present (Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Hinds, Kashmann, Lewis, Parady, Romero Campbell, Torres, Sandoval) and three absent (Gonzales-Gutierrez, Sawyer, Watson). The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a land acknowledgement, approval of the June 23 minutes, announcements, and a filed communication regarding a $160 million financing transaction for the Denver Downtown Development Authority. The council considered a series of bills for introduction, several resolutions called out for separate votes, and an en bloc consent agenda for remaining items. Consent Calendar - Approved en bloc (10-0): 20 resolutions and 4 bills on final consideration covering a wide range of contracts, appointments, and expenditures. Notable items included: - A $35,000,000 contract with Marsh USA LLC for insurance broker services at Denver International Airport (Resolution 25-0877). - A $535,120.50 purchase order with Optiv Security Inc. for cybersecurity software (Resolution 25-0879). - Revenue contract with Liquidity Services Operations, LLC for an online surplus auction platform (estimated $11,500,000 over five years) (Resolution 25-0875). - Intergovernmental agreements for flood control and drainage projects: $35,130,000 for Irondale Gulch (Bill 25-0836) and $15,088,142.74 for Sanderson Gulch (Bill 25-0845). - Contract amendments for eviction legal services: $335,000 added to Colorado Poverty Law Project (serving 1,300 households) and $50,000 added to Colorado Legal Services (serving 400 households) (Resolutions 25-0882, 25-0883). - Amendments to contracts for opioid epidemic response: $571,726.38 to Advocates for Recovery, rollover of Year 1 funds for The Naloxone Project, and IGA with Denver Health (Resolutions 25-0868, 25-0869, Bill 25-0867). - A $40,000 settlement for a lawsuit against the Denver Police Department (Resolution 25-0943). Councilmember Lewis noted this brings the 2025 total taxpayer-funded settlements to $5,191,500, drawn from a liability claims pool separate from the safety budget. - Appointment of Deserea Richards to the Denver American Indian Commission, Taylor Woodard to the Colfax-Mayfair Business Improvement District, and Chantell Taylor to the Civil Service Commission (Resolutions 25-0864, 25-0870, 25-0888). - Other items: pesticide treatment for emerald ash borer ($1,000,000), collection services for parking violations (postponed separately), database management services, and a public alley dedication. Discussion Items Bills for Introduction – Modernizing Parking Requirements (Bills 25-0684, 25-0685, 25-0686) - Councilmember Kashmann moved to amend each bill to change the effective date from July 21 to August 11, 2025, to reflect the revised legislative timeline. All three amendments passed unanimously (10-0 on 0684 and 0686; 9-0 on 0685 with Flynn absent? Actually transcript shows 9 ayes for amendment on 0685? Wait minutes show 10 ayes for 0684, 9 for 0685? Let's check: Minutes for 0685 amendment: Aye: Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Hinds, Kashmann, Lewis, Parady, Romero Campbell, Torres, Sandoval (10) – actually minutes show 10? The text says "Aye: Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Hinds, Kashmann, Lewis, Parady, Romero Campbell, Torres, Sandoval (10)" for 0685 amendment. But transcript says 9 ayes? There's a discrepancy. The minutes are official; transcript may have miscounted. We'll use minutes as authoritative. So all amendments passed 10-0 or 9-0? Actually minutes show all three amendments had 10 ayes? For 0684 amendment: 10 ayes; for 0685: 10 ayes; for 0686: 10 ayes. Then for publication as amended: 0684: 9 ayes (Flynn nay); 0685: 9 ayes (Flynn nay); 0686: 9 ayes (Flynn nay). So consistent. We'll report the amendments passed unanimously, and then the bills ordered published as amended with votes of 9-1.) - Vote on amendments: All carried 10-0 (all present members in favor). - Vote on publication as amended: Each bill passed 9-1, with Councilmember Flynn voting nay on all three. - The bills will have a public hearing on August 4, 2025. Called-Out Resolutions – Salvation Army Contracts (Resolutions 25-0884, 25-0885, 25-0886) These three contracts with The Salvation Army were considered separately due to concerns raised by council members. - 25-0884: Operations at Stone Creek non-congregate shelter (adult households) – $4,200,000 through 12/31/2025. - 25-0885: Amendatory agreement for Tamarac Family Shelter – add $8,006,556 (new total $16,013,112) and extend 12 months. - 25-0886: Second amendatory for Aspen non-congregate shelter – add $7,000,000 (new total $16,282,903) and extend 9 months. - Debate: Councilmember Lewis stated she has lost confidence in The Salvation Army's ability to serve constituents in District 8 and voted no on all three, along with Councilmembers Hinds and Parady. Councilmember Parady noted that while terminating contracts could be challenging, the city could potentially operate shelters directly if needed. Councilmember Hinds pointed out that the contract for 25-0885 added 12 months, half of which were already in arrears, making oversight difficult. Council President Pro Tem Romero Campbell supported the contracts, emphasizing the critical need for family shelter during summer and noting a recent increase in capacity at Tamarac with few vacancies. - Votes: All three resolutions passed 7-3, with Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Kashmann, Romero Campbell, Torres, and Sandoval voting aye; Hinds, Lewis, and Parady voting nay. Other Called-Out Items - Resolution 25-0874 (collection services for parking violations) was postponed to the July 14 meeting by Councilmember Parady under Rule 3.7 (no vote required). - Resolution 25-0881 (emerald ash borer treatment) and 25-0943 (settlement) were called out for comments but voted en bloc; Councilmember Lewis expressed support for tree preservation and explained the settlement tracking. Key Outcomes - Parking minimums repeal (Bills 25-0684, 25-0685, 25-0686): All three bills amended to change effective date to August 11, then ordered published as amended (9-1 each), with public hearings set for August 4, 2025. - Salvation Army contracts (Resolutions 25-0884, 25-0885, 25-0886): All adopted (7-3), with three council members voting no due to concerns about vendor performance and contract timing. - Consent agenda: 20 resolutions and 4 bills approved en bloc (10-0), including major contracts, appointments, and infrastructure projects. - Settlement tracking: Councilmember Lewis reported that with the $40,000 settlement approved, 2025 total city settlements reached $5,191,500. - Public hearing schedule announced: July 14 (landmark designation at 510 S. Garfield St.), July 28 (zoning change at 4235 N. Columbine St. and 2535 E. 40th Ave.), and August 4 (zoning changes at 2501 E. 48th Ave., 2420 W. 14th Ave., and the citywide parking amendments). Protests for July 28 hearing must be filed by July 21; protests for August 4 hearings by July 28. - The meeting adjourned at 4:11 PM. Note: The agenda was not available; this summary is based on the official minutes and transcript. The date of the meeting is June 30, 2025. All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted.