Denver City Council Meeting – July 11, 2024 (Note: Minutes & Transcript indicate July 8, 2024)

This meeting of the Denver City Council covered a wide range of legislative items, including a major collective bargaining charter amendment, multiple zoning changes, the creation of a new general improvement district, and routine approvals. The meeting was held in two sessions: a 3:30 PM session for initial business and amendments, and a 5:30 PM session for public hearings and final votes. The council debated and voted on several key items, with the collective bargaining bill being the most prominent.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of June 24, 2024 – Approved unanimously.
• Block Vote for Resolutions and Bills on Final Consideration – A block of 20+ resolutions and bills were approved en bloc with a 13-0 vote. Key items included:
  • Resolution 24-0598 (VIVE shelter contract) – Adopted 10-3 (Lewis, Parady, Sawyer opposed).
  • Resolution 24-0876 (Kibler Addition Filing No.2) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0415 (Sukle Advertising climate contract) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0790 (Daifuku lease at DEN) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0791 (Johnson Controls DEN data center) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0792 (Textron lease at DEN) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0816 (Westover library upgrades) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0826 (Mark Anthony Brands sponsorship) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0835 (Aer Lingus incentive) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0836 (Viva Aerobus incentive) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0837 (Tom Richardson utility locating) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0754 (Adam Rice reappointment) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0786 (LP Propane purchase order) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0787 (Alison Abraham appointment) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0789 (Daisy McGowan appointment) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0810 (Nossaman legal counsel) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0825 (ConvergeOne Viper 911 support) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0834 (Verizon wireless fiber) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0575 (AHW Construction fencing) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0785 (OV Consulting neighborhood planning) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0793 (Cutler Repaving) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0794 (Brannan Sand & Gravel street maintenance) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0796 (Central Platte Valley encroachment permit) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0797 (CP VII Wynkoop encroachment) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0071 (HopSkipDrive transportation) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0788 (Resolute Youth Services) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0829 (Colorado Hospitality migrant meals) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0830 (Michael’s of Denver migrant meals) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0831 (Brothers Redevelopment foreclosure assistance) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0832 (HUD Continuum of Care grant) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0838 (Smoke-Free Multiunit Housing grant) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0839 (Combat Vaping grant) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0873 (Benson v. City settlement, $100,000) – Adopted.
  • Resolution 24-0874 (Benson v. Thomas settlement, $30,000) – Adopted.
  • Bills on Final Consideration: 24-0854 (workers’ compensation), 24-0715 (Human Rights charter amendment), 24-0758 (easement vacation), 24-0764 (Denver Health HIV services) – All passed en bloc.

Public Comments & Testimony

General Public Comment (5:00-5:30 PM session):

• Aaron Kopic (Denver Health employee) – Supported a sales tax increase for Denver Health and emphasized the need for collective bargaining rights for all city workers.
• Gilbert Miles (Denver resident) – Expressed frustration over car thefts at DIA and proposed using trailers and fencing for security; also advocated for homeless veterans and immigrants.
• Richard Bischoff (via Zoom, District 1) – Reported speeding on 26th and 29th avenues, averaging 55-70 mph, and requested speed cameras.
• Henry Aguilar (Venezuelan immigrant) – Described discrimination and harassment at a hotel, including refusal to accommodate his service dog, and asked for support for employment and fair treatment.
• Arson Yerlin (via Zoom) – Urged council to pass a ceasefire resolution for Gaza, citing use of Denver residents’ federal taxes for Israel’s military operations.
• Aziz (in person) – Called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and reinstatement of UNRWA funding, citing verified death tolls from Gaza Health Ministry.

Courtesy Public Hearing on Council Bill 24-0716 (Collective Bargaining):

• Peter Simon (Denver Public Library employee, DPL Workers United) – Supported collective bargaining, stating city employees need a voice.
• Molly Shoemaker (Library custodian, DPL Workers United) – Shared experience of low wages ($18.25/hr) and gender pay inequity; argued collective bargaining would improve conditions.
• Wendy Howell (Working Families Party) – Strongly supported the referral, calling collective bargaining a fundamental human right.
• Troy Bettinger (Denver employee, 16 years) – Opposed collective bargaining, arguing it would bring inefficiency, politics, and divisiveness, and cited negative experiences with unions.
• Lauren Siegmiller (Library worker, 11 years) – Supported collective bargaining; noted that workers love their jobs but need better pay and conditions.
• Denise Salter (Denver employee, 12 years, Teamsters Local 17) – Shared experiences of harassment and retaliation; argued unions are needed for protection.
• Dennis McCormick (Denver Water employee) – Opposed the bill, arguing it would allow strikes at Denver Water and County Court, calling it an abdication of leadership.
• Juan Ramirez Anzures (Library shelver) – Supported collective bargaining, emphasizing that Denver voters should decide.
• Jessie Rodriguez (former library worker) – Supported, citing unsafe working conditions and trauma from a stabbing incident; argued collective bargaining would improve safety.

Required Public Hearing on Council Bill 24-0766 (Ballpark Denver GID):

• Anna Schmoll (Block by Block) – Available to answer questions about service provision.
• Candice Pineda (Mexico City Restaurant owner) – Supported, citing needs for lighting, power washing, trash pickup, and safety.
• Chris Payne (business stakeholder) – Supported, noting coalition with Visit Denver, Downtown Partnership, and others; emphasized long-term solution for underinvested area.
• Stevenson Farnsworth (resident, RNO treasurer) – Supported, highlighting years of work and need for collective voice.
• Patrick McMichael (property owner, business owner) – Supported, focusing on safety and security, citing daily conflicts.
• Matthew Van Sistine (resident, RNO board chair) – Supported, recounting neighborhood challenges and collaborative process.
• Lisa Franz (business owner, Frank’s Gentleman’s Salon) – Supported, noting safety concerns affecting recruitment and business.
• Marti Page (property owner, event venue) – Supported, saying losing business due to perception of crime.
• Kevin Kahn (Colorado Rockies) – Supported, calling it the most comprehensive effort to date.
• Meghan Shay (Step Denver executive director) – Supported, emphasizing safety for men in recovery.
• Janelle Jay (resident, worker) – Supported, stressing need for consistent maintenance and safety.
• Jamie Gillis (special district consultant) – Available to answer formation questions.

Required Public Hearings on Zoning Bills (24-0630, 24-0663): No public speakers signed up.

Discussion Items

1. Council Bill 24-0716 – Collective Bargaining Charter Amendment This was the primary focus. The bill proposes submitting to voters a charter amendment to establish collective bargaining for certain city employees (excluding police, sheriffs, firefighters) and allow a qualified right to strike for most, with binding arbitration for Denver Water and County Court employees. In the 3:30 PM session, five amendments were passed:

• Amendment 1 (Lewis): Clarified definitions, excluded Deputy Sheriffs, provided binding arbitration for Denver Water and County Court, and established that collective bargaining agreements prevail over conflicting policies.
• Amendment 2 (Gonzales-Gutierrez): Postponed effective date to Jan 1, 2026; phased in bargaining units for executive branch employees (max 5 units of at least 50 employees before 2030, then 1 per year unless mayor authorizes).
• Amendment 3 (Parady): Removed “imminently” from the strike threat standard, changing to “substantially threaten” public health; established abuse of discretion standard for court review.
• Amendment 4 (Lewis): Allowed alternative methods for selecting bargaining agent if mutually agreed and majority consent.
• Amendment 5 (Gonzales-Gutierrez): Replaced “disciplinary procedures” with “appeals of disciplinary actions” for career service employees; clarified that discipline appeals for less than demotion, suspension, etc., cannot go to Career Service Board; non-career employees can bargain discipline procedures. After amendments, the bill was postponed to the 5:30 PM session for a courtesy public hearing. At the 5:30 session, the bill was ordered republished as amended (13-0) due to a change in the bill title. Final passage will occur at a later meeting.

2. Resolution 24-0598 – VIVE Shelter Contract Contract for $1,212,301 to provide shelter staffing at Denver Community Church for newcomers. Councilmembers Parady and Lewis cited data tracking concerns. Sarah Plastino (newcomer program director) clarified that the city controls data. Councilwoman Alvidrez asked about occupancy. The resolution was adopted 10-3 (Parady, Lewis, Sawyer opposed).

3. Council Bill 24-0813 – Auditor Subpoena Power Bill to authorize the auditor to issue investigatory subpoenas to city contractors for internal audits. Extensive debate: Councilman Watson expressed concerns about expansion of power, citing only two instances in 125 audits where subpoenas were needed. Auditor O’Brien and Matthew Fritzmauer argued that the tool is needed for efficiency and to avoid litigation. Councilwoman Sandoval and others worried about burden on small businesses and partners like Denver Preschool Program. Councilwoman Sawyer and Parady defended the bill as a dispute resolution mechanism. The bill was ordered published on a 9-4 vote (Flynn, Gilmore, Sandoval, Watson opposed).

4. Council Bill 24-0630 – Zoning Change in West Colfax, Villa Park, Barnum Legislative rezoning to allow more affordable housing and mixed-use development. Staff report by Libbie Glick. No public speakers. Council President Torres and Councilwoman Sandoval praised the implementation of the West Area Plan. Passed 13-0.

5. Council Bill 24-0663 – Zoning Change for 1055 Clermont Street Rezone from CMP-H to C-MX-12 to facilitate adaptive reuse of former VA hospital site. Staff report by Jason Morrison. No public speakers. Councilwoman Sawyer noted the downzoning from 200 feet to 12 stories. Passed 13-0.

6. Council Bill 24-0766 – Ballpark Denver General Improvement District Creation of a GID, advisory board, and work plan/budget. Staff report by Dennis Wegienek. 12 speakers all in favor. Councilman Watson, Councilwoman Alvidrez, and Councilwoman Parady spoke in support, with Parady noting concerns about oversight of security services. Passed 12-1 (Lewis opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Council Bill 24-0716 (Collective Bargaining): Amended and ordered republished (13-0). Final vote postponed to a future meeting.
• Resolution 24-0598 (VIVE Shelter): Adopted 10-3.
• Council Bill 24-0813 (Auditor Subpoena): Ordered published 9-4.
• Council Bill 24-0630 (Zoning): Passed 13-0.
• Council Bill 24-0663 (Zoning): Passed 13-0.
• Council Bill 24-0766 (Ballpark GID): Passed 12-1.
• Consent Agenda: All items approved en bloc 13-0.
• Liability Claims: Resolutions 24-0873 and 24-0874 adopted 13-0 (settlements totaling $130,000).
• Next Steps: Council Bill 24-0716 is scheduled for final passage on July 15, 2024. Zoning hearings for Bills 24-0694 and 24-0795 set for August 5, 2024.