Denver City Council Meeting - June 3, 2024: Proclamations, Zoning Hearings, and Bill Postponement
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Denver City Council Meeting - June 3, 2024
The Denver City Council reconvened for an evening session on June 3, 2024, to consider proclamations, conduct public hearings on zoning changes, and address a postponement due to a citywide internet outage. Two proclamations were adopted unanimously, one zoning bill was postponed, and two others were passed after public hearings and staff presentations.
Proclamations
- 24-0750: Recognizing the Importance of Youth Voice and Civic Engagement – Sponsored by Councilwoman Lewis and others, the proclamation affirms the council's commitment to prioritizing youth voices, empowering young voters, and maintaining a safe space for youth participation. Council members expressed support, with Council President Torres thanking Lewis for the initiative. The proclamation was adopted unanimously (11 ayes). A youth representative, Carol Carter, a 16-year-old student at Denver School of the Arts, accepted and spoke about the power of youth voices.
- 24-0751: Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Denver PRIDE Events – Sponsored by Councilman Watson, Lewis, and Alvidrez, the proclamation designates June 2024 as Pride Month and commends the Center on Colfax, One Colorado, and other LGBTQIA+ organizations. Council members shared personal reflections, including Councilman Watson on the history of Amendment 2, Councilwoman Gilmore on her identity as a queer member, and Councilwoman Sawyer on her daughter's journey. Rex Fuller (CEO, Center on Colfax) and Alexander Limas (One Colorado) accepted and spoke. The proclamation was adopted unanimously (11 ayes).
Public Hearings & Zoning Bills
- 24-0557 (Multiple properties in Berkeley, Sunnyside, and Sloan's Lake) – Council President Pro Tem Sandoval moved to postpone the public hearing to June 24, 2024, due to a citywide internet outage that prevented public sign-up and Zoom access. The motion passed with 8 ayes (no further votes recorded). The hearing was postponed.
- 24-0514 (3358 York Street, Clayton neighborhood) – Senior City Planner Rob Haig presented staff's evaluation of rezoning from U-MS-2 & U-SU-A1 to U-MS-3 (three-story main street). The applicant, Jack Ritchie, stated the property will be used as an event space (already opened). Councilman Flynn questioned citing housing mix as a consistency when no housing is planned; staff explained the evaluation looks at potential, not current plans. Councilman Watson noted community engagement and support. The bill passed 11-0 after the public hearing was closed.
- 24-0515 (2081 South Gilpin Street, University neighborhood) – Rob Haig presented staff's evaluation of rezoning from U-SU-C to U-MS-3. A shadow study showed limited impact on the neighbor to the north. Architect Tom Gallagher described plans for a mixed-use residential building with approximately 15 underground parking spaces and a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Councilman Kashmann supported the project, noting it replaces a long-abandoned gas station. The bill passed 11-0 after the public hearing was closed.
Key Outcomes
- Proclamation 24-0750: Adopted (11 ayes).
- Proclamation 24-0751: Adopted (11 ayes).
- Motion to postpone Bill 24-0557 to June 24, 2024: Adopted (8 ayes).
- Council Bill 24-0514 (3358 York Street rezoning): Passed (11 ayes).
- Council Bill 24-0515 (2081 South Gilpin Street rezoning): Passed (11 ayes).
No other business was discussed, and the meeting adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Council will now reconvene from our earlier session. There is no unfinished business. We do have two proclamations being read this evening. Councilwoman Lewis, will you please read proclamation 24-0750? Thank you, Council President. Um it's not titled, so I'm assuming it's the youth one. Yes, got it. Okay. My apologies. Um thank you so much. Whereas the city and county officially created an opportunity to prioritize youth voices in city council chambers by hearing first from those under 18 during public comment times, and whereas nationwide estimates shows that 8 million youth are aging into the electric in 2024, meaning 41 million members of Gen Z will be eligible to vote in 2024, representing a generational shift. And whereas many young people are preparing to vote in some of their first elections, and they should voice their need for someone who will prioritize their prioritize their clearly communicated needs. And whereas young voters are the most diverse generation in American history, whose identities and experiences shape their political attitudes and engagement. And whereas young voters' diversity across race, gender, class, sexuality, and other identities allows them to speak for their individual experiences to a wide-ranging representative set of issues. And whereas the newest eligible voters, those aged 18 and 19, currently vote at lower rates than those in older age groups. And whereas the city council of Denver firmly believes that the voices of our youth speak to and highlight concerns which may not have been previously considered for their impact. And whereas encouraging leadership and supporting initiative driven by young voters allows them to take ownership of their civic responsibilities. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Council of the City and County of Denver, Section 1, the City Council of Denver will continue to hold a safe and accessible space in this chamber to hear from young residents of Denver about those mat about what matters. Section two, the City Council of Denver will continue to empower youth voters to feel agency and responsibility in the democratic process. Section three, the City Council of Denver will be an environment where youth voices can self-actualize lead and lead and collaborate with previous generations to build a world they are enthusiastic to inherit. Section four, the City Council of Denver pledges its continued support to the importance of youth voice and participation in our legislative process. Thank you very much. Councilwoman Lewis, your motion to adopt. Thank you, kindly. I move that proclamation 240750 be adopted. Thank you. That's been moved. Can I get a second? Uh Councilwoman Sandoval is seconded. Comments by council. We will start with Councilwoman Lewis. Um I don't have any comments right now. Okay. Anyone else in? Okay. I would just like to thank you, Councilwoman Lewis, for putting this together. I know it was uh one of the things that I'll always remember being most shocked by was that incident. And also being most proud of was your and this call, this council body's response uh to the young women and to Monarch Montessori, and really want to thank you uh for giving us an opportunity to um meet the young ladies um again and hopefully give them um a better memory of us and their time coming before this chamber. So thank you. Thank you very much for that. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. Aye, Flynn. Aye, aye. Hi. Cashman. Aye, Lewis. Aye. Romero Campbell. Aye. Sawyer.
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