Denver City Council Meeting - June 24, 2024: Proclamations, Ballpark GID, Collective Bargaining, and Zoning Changes
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Denver City Council Meeting - June 24, 2024
The Denver City Council convened on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 4:30 PM MDT with 13 members present. The meeting included proclamations honoring the Washington Park Lawn Bowling Green's 100th anniversary and Coach Sydney Price, introduction of several bills, and required public hearings on sidewalk program delays, campaign finance amendments, and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rezoning. Key discussions centered on a bike/micromobility contract, creation of a Ballpark General Improvement District, and a charter amendment to establish collective bargaining for city employees.
Consent Calendar
- Resolutions and Bills on Final Consideration (Block Vote): The council approved a block of 13 items (24-0760, 24-0761, 24-0762, 24-0763, 24-0248, 24-0692, 24-0693, 24-0755, 24-0756, 24-0757, 24-0759, 24-0765, 24-0729, 24-073) unanimously (13-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Sidewalk Program Delay (Bill 24-0747): Robert Bailey, a Denver resident, opposed using debt for sidewalk repairs, arguing that pay-as-you-go financing yields 2-3 times more productivity per tax dollar. Jessica Paris, representing several community organizations, expressed support for the program but criticized the slow timeline and inadequate infrastructure for wheelchair users, particularly in Five Points.
- Campaign Finance Amendments (Bill 24-0718): Jessica Paris and Brandy Majors both called for an independent investigation of the Fair Elections Fund, alleging mismanagement and lack of transparency in the 2023 election cycle.
- ADU Rezoning (Bill 24-0557): Jessica Paris spoke in support of the rezoning but voiced concerns that it could accelerate gentrification in northwest Denver.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 24-0757 – Bicycle and Micro-Mobility Contract: Sam Piper (DOTI) presented an on-call contract for planning and design of bike/micro-mobility improvements in Globeville, Swansea, and downtown. Councilmember Watson questioned community outreach and language access; Councilmember Heinz expressed concerns about overreliance on on-call contracts and transparency. The resolution was advanced for adoption (no separate vote noted).
- Bill 24-0766 – Ballpark Denver General Improvement District (GID): Jamie Gillis, consultant, described the complex formation process, citing over 200 petition signatures and support from the Colorado Rockies, social service providers, and neighborhood groups. Councilmember Lewis voted no, stating her specific questions (e.g., representation, property breakdown) were not answered despite a 50-page packet. Passed 11-2.
- Bill 24-0716 – Collective Bargaining Charter Amendment: Councilmember Flynn opposed the current version due to a provision creating a single bargaining unit for all council aides, which he called a "poison pill." Councilmember Parady responded that charter limits prevent addressing that concern without single-subject issues. Councilmember Watson questioned financial impacts, with budget director Justin Sykes noting potential risks to the city's 15% reserve target. Councilmember Sawyer argued the amendment is about referring to voters, not approving collective bargaining. Passed for publication 12-1.
- Bill 24-0747 – Sidewalk Program Delay: Councilmembers Sandoval, Cashman, and Flynn sponsored a six-month delay (to January 1, 2025) for implementing the voter-approved sidewalk fee, citing the need to finalize a more equitable fee structure compliant with TABOR. Councilmember Alvidrez reluctantly supported but expressed frustration. Passed 11-0.
- Bill 24-0718 – Campaign Finance Technical Amendments: Andy Sicaris (Clerk and Recorder's Office) summarized changes including increased enforcement authority, new fines for non-compliance, and a $50 threshold for donor information reporting. Passed 11-0.
- Bill 24-0557 – ADU Rezoning in Berkeley, Sunnyside, and Sloan's Lake: Staff presentation by Libby Glick highlighted nearly 1,700 properties rezoned to allow ADUs, consistent with Blueprint Denver and the Near Northwest Area Plan. Councilwoman Sandoval noted this completes ADU rezoning for all but about 400 homes in District 1. Passed 11-0.
Key Outcomes
- Adopted proclamations for Washington Park Lawn Bowling Green (24-0848) and Coach Sydney Price Day (24-0855) unanimously.
- Ordered publication of bills 24-0766 (Ballpark GID) and 24-0716 (Collective Bargaining) with vote tallies of 11-2 and 12-1 respectively.
- Passed bills 24-0747 (Sidewalk delay), 24-0718 (Campaign finance), and 24-0557 (ADU rezoning) each with 11-0 votes.
- Received a staff report and discussion on Resolution 24-0757; moved forward as part of consent block.
- Scheduled a required public hearing for the Ballpark GID on July 8, 2024.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to your Denver City Council. Please stand by. Full coverage of your Denver City Council begins now, the cloud, good afternoon, everyone. Uh, today's meetings being interpreted into Spanish. Sam or Alejandro, would you please introduce yourself and let our viewers know how to enable translation on their devices? Yes, certainly. Thank you for having us. Hello, everyone. My name is Sam Guzmán with the CLC. And along with my colleague Alejandro, we will be interpreting today's meeting into Spanish. I'll now give the instructions on how to access interpretation through Zoom. Simplemente vaya al Icono de Globo en su pantalla. Kenny say interpretacion o prima se boton IDI selecciones preferido. Muchas gracias, and thank you very much. Thank you so much, Sam. Welcome to the Denver City Council meeting of Monday, June 24th, 2024. Um Council members, please rise as you're able and join Councilman Heinz in the Pledge of Allegiance. And three other stands on one case. Undergone justice for all. Thank you very much. Indivisible. Council members, please join Councilman Hines as he leads us in the Denver City Council land acknowledgement. The Denver City Council honors and acknowledges that the land on which we reside is the traditional territory, the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado. We honor elders past, present, and future, and those who have stewarded this land throughout generations. We also recognize that government, academic, and cultural institutions were founded upon and continue to enact exclusions and erasures of indigenous peoples. May this acknowledgment demonstrate a commitment to working to dismantle ongoing legacies of oppression and inequities, and recognize the current and future contributions of indigenous communities in Denver. Thank you very much. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. Here Gilmour. Here Gonzalez Gutierrez. Here. Alvidas. Here. Heinz. Here. Cashman. Here. Lewis. President. Romero Campbell. Here. Sanibal. Sawyer. Here. Watson. Here. Madam President. Here. Thirteen members present.
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