Denver City Council Meeting – September 9, 2024

The Denver City Council convened on September 9, 2024, at 3:30 PM in the Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber. All 13 council members were present. The meeting included approval of minutes, council announcements, consideration of resolutions and bills, proclamations, and three public hearings. Key actions included the adoption of a contract with the Downtown Denver Partnership (with a 10-3 vote), postponement of the Haven of Hope contract, passage of an amended auditor subpoena ordinance, and approval of a revamped sidewalk fee structure.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of August 26, 2024 (24-1135) approved.
• Resolutions adopted en bloc (13-0):
  • 24-1066: Ryan Herco Products Corp. – plumbing services at DEN ($1,500,000)
  • 24-1067: Jacobs Engineering Group – condition assessment services at DEN ($6,000,000)
  • 24-1068: TransCore, LP – Ground Transportation System at DEN ($4,830,138)
  • 24-1085: University of Colorado Denver – Tech Up Program amendment (no cost increase)
  • 24-1087: Redline – grant administration for Denver Arts & Venues ($5,000,000)
  • 24-1095: Cintas – branded uniform purchase program at DEN ($2,500,000)
  • 24-1096: Cintas – branded uniform rental program at DEN ($1,500,000)
  • 24-1053: Adam Paul appointment to Winter Park Trust
  • 24-1060: Denver Foundation – Immigrant Legal Services Fund ($750,000 increase)
  • 24-1070: Rocky Mountain Human Services – additional office space ($182,178.68)
  • 24-1071: Una Mano Una Esperanza – lease amendment (no cost change)
  • 24-1097: Genuine Parts Co. (NAPA) – aftermarket auto parts ($1,250,000 increase)
  • 24-1098: Stone Security – IP security camera maintenance ($1,000,000 increase)
  • 24-1099: DHA – temporary revocable license extension (no cost change)
  • 24-1100: Public hearing set for West Globeville Metropolitan Districts (Sept. 30, 2024)
  • 24-1113: Municipal Emergency Services – PPE for Denver Fire Department ($848,300)
  • 24-1035: Concrete Works of Colorado – drainage improvements, Ellsworth Ave ($3,838,248.72)
  • 24-1054 through 24-1059, 24-1064, 24-1065, 24-1080, 24-1081, 24-1134: Various street dedications and claim settlement ($65,000)
  • 24-0821: Sewall Child Development Center – Head Start services ($643,793.46)
  • 24-0822: Volunteers of America – Head Start services ($1,239,946.43)
  • 24-1132: Settlement – Orlin Murphy (DPD) ($255,000)
  • 24-1133: Settlement – Orlin Murphy (DPD) ($210,000)
• Bills on final consideration passed en bloc (13-0):
  • 24-1050: Ordinance updating term “menstrual hygiene products” in tax code
  • 24-0909: Dissolution of Santa Fe Drive Pedestrian Mall C Local Maintenance District

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sidewalk Ordinance (24-1076): Seven speakers testified in favor. Allen Cowgill, Luchia Brown, Jake Cohen, Joel Noble, Jamie Lewis, and Brandy Majors (all members of the stakeholder committee or advocates) urged swift passage, citing the need for safe, accessible sidewalks and the committee’s deliberative process. Thomas Harrington (Belcaro neighborhood) expressed concern about the impact fee on large lots, noting his property would face a $2,400 annual fee due to extensive frontage, and asked for a more reasonable structure. No speakers opposed the bill.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 24-0988 – Downtown Denver Partnership Contract: Council members Parady and Lewis explained their no votes, arguing that remaining ARPA funds should not be used for 16th Street Mall activations and landlord incentives, as the mall’s struggles are now due to construction, not COVID-19. The measure passed 10-3 (nays: Gonzales-Gutierrez, Lewis, Parady).
• Resolution 24-0900 – Haven of Hope Contract (Denver Asylum Seeker Program): Council members raised questions about the shift from direct cash assistance to food/personal item distribution, citing legal concerns about public charge rules and accountability. The item was postponed to September 16, 2024, by a 13-0 vote.
• Liability Claims (24-1132, 24-1133, 24-1134): Council member Lewis noted the $530,000 in settlements (two police, one DOTI) brings the 2024 total to $4,713,411. She called for greater scrutiny of city spending. Items passed as part of consent block.
• Bill 24-0813 – Auditor Subpoena Authority: An amendment was introduced by Council member Gilmore, requiring audit committee approval before the auditor can issue subpoenas. After lively debate, the amendment passed 13-0, and the bill as amended was adopted unanimously. Council members Parity, Sawyer, and Lewis praised the compromise.
• Proclamation 24-1136 – National Service Dog Month: Council member Hinds shared personal stories about his service dog, Porthos, and recognized Canine Companions. Unanimously adopted.
• Proclamation 24-1173 – Celebrating Denver’s Diversity: Co-sponsored by many council members, this proclamation responded to recent hate speech incidents. Council members Gonzalez-Gutierrez and Lewis emphasized unity. Unanimously adopted.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 24-0988 adopted (10-3).
• Resolution 24-0900 postponed to September 16, 2024 (13-0).
• Bill 24-0813 amended and passed (13-0) – auditor subpoenas now require audit committee approval.
• Proclamations adopted unanimously.
• Public hearings resulted in passage of:
  • 24-1015: Service plan for DC Metropolitan District (13-0) – allows financing for infrastructure in District 11.
  • 24-0937: Rezoning of 959 & 971 S. Wolff Street from E-SU-G to E-TU-C (13-0) – permits duplexes in Westwood.
  • 24-1076: Sidewalk ordinance amendments (13-0) – changes fee structure to flat $150/year for most properties, with an impact fee for large frontages; annual inflation adjustments; income-based rebates; and a nine-year completion target. Billing starts January 2025.
• Consent calendar and bills on final consideration approved en bloc (13-0).
• Meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM.