Denver City Council Meeting - December 16, 2024

The Denver City Council met on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 3:30 PM in the Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber. The meeting included a proclamation honoring the Greenway Foundation, approval of numerous resolutions and bills via consent agenda, public hearings on zoning changes and a flavored tobacco ban, and significant debate on the District Attorney's salary. The council adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of December 9, 2024.
• Adopted Proclamation 24-1788 honoring The Greenway Foundation (unanimous, 12-0).
• Adopted a block of resolutions including: contracts with PASSUR Aerospace ($1,541,122 for noise monitoring at DEN), Zayo Group ($14M for telecom at DEN), Hilltop Securities ($200k amendment), Fastenal Company ($2.5M for supplies), appointment of Chyrise Harris to Denver Preschool Program Board, amendments to software contracts, administration of Denver Fire Retiree Health Plan ($13M), and setting 2024 mill levies for special districts, Denver Public Schools, and the city.
• Adopted resolutions for street dedications on South Sheridan Boulevard, Xcel Energy gas relocation for High Line Canal Underpass ($1.75M), and numerous housing and homelessness contracts: Quebec Hospitality navigation center ($11.6M amendment), Brothers Redevelopment TRUA program ($6M), Elevation Community Land Trust amendment, Colorado Affordable Legal Services eviction legal aid ($265k), WellPower co-responder services ($2.1M), Work Options for Women meals for micro-communities ($1.09M), foreclosure assistance ($375k), bridge housing with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless ($1.33M), Denver Rescue Mission family shelter ($481k), eviction legal services with The Community Firm ($800k), foreclosure legal services ($125k), and a $387,000 settlement for a police claim.
• Placed upon final consideration and passed bills: rescissions from General Fund ($4.61M), appropriation for High Line Canal/Yale Ave ($500k), Ryan White Part A grant appropriation, City Council fund transfer, and authorization to purchase 5 trash trucks.
• Approved four pedestrian mall district terminations and dissolution, transferring remaining funds to Ballpark Denver General Improvement District.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Required Public Hearing on 24-1372 (2258 N Perry St zoning): Jesse Parris spoke in opposition, asking about ADU use. No other speakers. Staff recommended approval.
• Combined Public Hearing on 24-1589 & 24-1590 (Zoning Code Amendments): Corey Parker and Dana Reed spoke in favor; Jesse Parris spoke in opposition. Also, Renee Martinez Stone (Denver Housing Authority) supported the bundle but requested an amendment to allow affordable housing providers to build ADUs without owner occupancy.
• Courtesy Public Hearing on 24-1765 (Flavored Tobacco Ban): 34 individuals signed up. Supporters included Janine Browne-Franklin, Elbra Wedgeworth, Dr. Terri Richardson, Eric Heydorn, and others citing health impacts on youth and communities of color. Opponents included store owners, law enforcement veterans, and community members arguing it would hurt small businesses, create black markets, and infringe on adult choice. Key points: youth access is real, but many argued kids get products from other sources.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation Honoring The Greenway Foundation: Councilmembers Watson, Sandoval, Kashmann, Alvidrez, Flynn, and Torres praised the foundation's 50-year work revitalizing the South Platte River. The proclamation noted $18 billion in adjacent property value increase and over 6,000 youth educated annually.
• Resolution 24-1619 (Quebec Hospitality Navigation Center): Councilmember Lewis called it out, thanking administration for splitting the item and noting a future plan for All in Mile High with more specificity in early July.
• Resolution 24-1702 (Elevation Community Land Trust): Lewis asked about ARPA funds; HOST responded that amendments may allow adjustments to per-unit subsidies or larger building conversions.
• Resolution 24-1743 (Colorado Coalition for the Homeless): Lewis highlighted that the contract includes accountability metrics and outcomes, a positive step.
• Resolution 24-1814 (Settlement Payment): Councilmembers Parady and Lewis commented on police accountability. Lewis noted the $387,000 settlement brings 2024 total to $5,577,911.29.
• Council Bill 24-1763 (District Attorney Salary): Debate on ordering publication. Councilmembers Parady, Lewis, and Gonzales-Gutierrez opposed, citing equity with public defenders and unanswered questions. Flynn, Sawyer, and Watson supported, arguing competitiveness. A motion to postpone to December 23 failed 2-10. The bill was ordered published 9-3 (yes: Alvidrez, Flynn, Gilmore, Hinds, Kashmann, Sawyer, Torres, Watson, Sandoval; no: Gonzales-Gutierrez, Lewis, Parady).
• Zoning Code Amendments (24-1589 & 24-1590): Staff explained changes to reduce ambiguity, comply with state law, and streamline procedures. Key changes: elimination of parking requirements in LoDo, removal of occupancy restrictions for carriage lots, simplification of building coverage and accessory structure regulations. Councilmembers Flynn, Torres, Watson, and Hinds discussed. Two amendments were adopted (effective date changes and technical corrections). The bills passed as amended 12-0.
• Flavored Tobacco Ban (24-1765): Extensive debate. Sponsors Watson, Lewis, and Gonzales-Gutierrez emphasized public health, youth addiction, and targeting by tobacco industry. Councilmembers Parady, Hinds, Torres, Gilmore, Alvidrez, and Sandoval expressed support. Flynn was the sole opponent, arguing ban would create black markets, hurt small businesses, and that youth access data shows minor impact from retail bans. He noted only 1 in 50 youth used vapes in past 30 days, and fewer than 1 in 10 got them from retailers. The bill passed 11-1.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Proclamation 24-1788 honoring Greenway Foundation (12-0).
• Passed all consent resolutions and bills en bloc (12-0, except Hinds abstained on two Brothers Redevelopment items due to personal relationship).
• Ordered published Council Bill 24-1763 (DA salary increase) after failed postponement (9-3).
• Passed zoning amendments 24-1589 and 24-1590 as amended (12-0).
• Passed flavored tobacco ban 24-1765 (11-1, Flynn nay).
• Upcoming hearings: January 13, 2025 for zoning changes at 1000 S Logan, 1691 Chestnut Place, and 1090 N Hooker; protest petitions due January 6, 2025.
• Councilmember Lewis tracking: Noted 2024 settlement total to date of $5,577,911.29.