Denver City Council Meeting - November 6, 2024

The Denver City Council met on November 6, 2024, to adopt a proclamation honoring former Rocky Mountain News reporters Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, hear public comment on a proposed flavored tobacco ban and the future of the Street Engagement Team (SET), debate and vote on several amendments to the mayor's proposed 2025 budget, and pass a zoning change at 10353 East Mississippi Avenue. Most budget amendments failed due to fiscal concerns and lack of administration support.

Proclamation

• Council adopted Proclamation 24-1584 recognizing Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt for their investigative reporting on white nationalism and the murder of Alan Berg, which inspired the film "The Order." The proclamation passed unanimously with 12 ayes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple speakers opposed a proposed flavored tobacco ban, citing economic harm to local businesses, loss of tax revenue (over $27 million at risk), and increased black market activity. Andrew Krieger, Javier Castanon, Ress Cohen, and Mary Zarmak (Smoker Friendly) voiced opposition.
• Therese Howard and Amy Beck supported moving the SET team from the Department of Safety to the Department of Housing Stability (HOST), arguing it would improve outreach and reduce enforcement-focused responses.
• Art Wei raised concerns about the ban's impact on public health and potential police interactions.
• Nathan Edelson discussed anti-Semitic vandalism at City of Carmel Park and criticized his district councilmember's response.
• Julie Stephens urged full funding for Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School after a student was hit by a driver.

Discussion Items

• SET Team Amendment (CB 1567, Amendment 4): Councilmember Parady proposed moving the SET team to HOST. After debate on enforcement vs. outreach roles, the amendment failed 5-8.
• Police Academy Funding (CB 1573, Amendment 10): Parady proposed cutting $3.2 million for a third police academy in 2025, citing concerns about academy culture and response times. The administration argued it would worsen response times. Failed 3-10.
• STAR Program Expansion (CB 1572, Amendment 5): Parady withdrew her amendment after the mayor's office agreed to fund the expansion once an Urban Institute study is complete.
• Library HVAC Upgrades (CB 1575, Amendment 1): Lewis, Parady, and Gonzalez Gutierrez proposed $3 million from CASR funds for HVAC at four libraries with frequent closures. Opponents noted the funds were already allocated for energy compliance projects. Failed 3-9.
• Safe RV Parking (CB 1577, Amendment 3): Lewis proposed $2.5 million for land acquisition and $250,000 operations for a safe RV parking site. Concerns over lack of identified site and cost. Failed 3-9.
• Behavioral Health at All-In Mile High Sites (CB 1576, Amendment 2): Proposed $500,000 for four FTEs at DDPHE. Questions about duplication with upcoming contracts. Failed 5-7.
• Denver Basic Income Project (CB 1578, Amendment 4): Proposed $2.5 million from reserves. Debate over program effectiveness and fiscal impact. Ended in a 6-6 tie (fails).
• Digital Equity (CB 1587, Amendment 3): Gonzalez Gutierrez proposed $233,000 from Technology Services for devices and a program manager. OSEI director said devices could be obtained through partnerships. Failed 3-7.
• Other amendments were withdrawn or not considered.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation 24-1584 adopted (12 ayes).
• All budget amendments failed except those withdrawn.
• Council Bill 24-1209 (rezoning at 10353 East Mississippi Avenue) passed (10 ayes) after a public hearing, allowing development with use restrictions.
• Meeting adjourned after approximately four hours.