Denver City Council Meeting Summary - April 14, 2025

The Denver City Council met on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 3:30 PM in the Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber. The meeting included two proclamations, several resolutions and bills, and two required public hearings on rezoning applications. Twelve members were present, with Councilmember Parady absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of April 7, 2025 (25-0507).
• Approved Proclamation 25-0516 recognizing Jane Potts and Gertie Grant during National Volunteer Month (12-0).
• Approved Proclamation 25-0517 honoring Deputy Chief Joseph Montoya for his service to the Denver Police Department (12-0).
• A motion to suspend the rules to allow late filing of Resolution 25-0441 (St. Francis Center shelter amendment) passed 11-0 (two absent).
• A block vote approved the following items in a single motion (12-0):
  • Resolutions: 25-0412, 25-0416, 25-0418, 25-0419, 25-0400, 25-0404, 25-0421, 25-0422, 25-0447, 25-0401, 25-0402, 25-0403, 25-0406, 25-0414, 25-0405, 25-0415, 25-0442, 25-0441
  • Bills: 25-0384 (final consideration)
• Bills for introduction: 25-0417 and 25-0411 were ordered published.

Proclamations

• 25-0516: Recognized Jane Potts and Gertie Grant for decades of volunteerism including neighborhood organizing, tree planting (Denver Diggs Trees distributed over 75,000 trees, Trees Across Colorado planted 33,000 shade trees), and historic preservation. Both spoke in acceptance.
• 25-0517: Honored Deputy Chief Joseph Montoya, a Denver native and Lincoln High School graduate, for his 34-year career in law enforcement, including roles at Northglenn PD and Denver PD, where he held numerous command positions and received a Distinguished Service Cross. His wife Joanne and family were present. Council members praised his leadership and service.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 25-0420: Purchase of eight electric shuttle buses for DEN ($3,097,772.88). Councilmember Lewis noted that DEN requested the item be voted down due to incorrect language in the purchase order. The resolution failed 0-12.
• Resolution 25-0327: $15 million on-call contract with HNTB Corporation for sidewalk program administration. Councilmember Hinds raised concerns about lack of specificity and use of on-call contracting. Councilmember Sawyer questioned DOTI staff. DOTI explained the need for flexibility. Councilmember Kashmann expressed support. Passed 11-1 (Hinds nay).
• Resolutions 25-0447 and 25-0441: St. Francis Center non-congregate shelter operations at 4685 Quebec St. Councilmember Lewis commented on the importance of diversifying service providers and praised St. Francis Center's work. These were included in the block vote.
• Resolution 25-0415: Amendatory agreement with Colorado Nonprofit Development Center for health access facility. Councilmember Lewis highlighted support for community-based organizations. Included in block vote.
• Bills for Final Consideration: Bill 25-0384 (rescission and appropriation for electrified mobility maintenance) passed as part of block vote.

Public Hearings

Council Bill 25-0249: Rezoning at 3419 West 5th Avenue, Barnum

• Request: Rezone from E-SU-Dx to E-RH-2.5 to allow rowhouse development.
• Staff Report: Will Prince, CPD, presented. The site is approximately 13,000 sq ft. The application includes an affordable housing plan requiring 12% of units at 70% AMI (or one unit) for rent, or 90% AMI if sold. The West Area Plan memo was considered.
• Public Testimony: No speakers signed up to testify.
• Council Questions: Councilmember Torres asked about the affordable housing agreement. Laya Mitchell (HOST) confirmed a 99-year covenant for one on-site affordable unit. Applicant Eric Grepliz described plans for 10 for-rent units (1,400-1,600 sq ft), all with three bedrooms.
• Vote: Passed 12-0.

Council Bill 24-1312: Rezoning at 500, 501, and 551 Wazee Street, Auraria

• Request: Rezone from C-MX-8 to D-CPV-C (Downtown Central Platte Valley Auraria Center) to allow higher density mixed-use development.
• Staff Report: Tony Lechuga, CPD, presented. The site is approximately 2.5 acres near Ball Arena, currently with a two-story office, soccer fields, and surface parking. The proposed zone district allows up to 150 ft with incentives, with enhanced building design standards. The applicant has entered into a voluntary affordable housing agreement with HOST and an MOU with the Auraria Higher Education Center for a community healing garden.
• Public Testimony: Three speakers in favor:
  • David Olguin (Auraria Higher Education Center) supported the rezoning and noted a significant donation for the Ninth Avenue Peace and Healing Garden.
  • Sean Maley (applicant representative) described the voluntary affordable housing plan (treating the site as high-cost market area) and the agreement with Auraria Foundation.
  • Landon Scott (property owner) expressed gratitude and had no further comments.
• Council Questions: Councilmember Torres asked about timing of the Auraria funding (upon rezoning completion) and the viewplane. Councilmember Flynn asked about transit richness (proximity to two light rail lines). David Olguin clarified community coordination for the healing garden.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Torres appreciated the added benefits and community engagement. Council President Sandoval thanked the Scott family for slowing the process and supporting reconciliation.
• Vote: Passed 12-0.

Key Outcomes

• The electric shuttle bus purchase (25-0420) failed due to administrative error; will be resubmitted.
• The sidewalk program contract (25-0327) passed despite concerns about oversight; quarterly reports to council will be provided.
• All other resolutions and bills on the consent agenda passed unanimously.
• Two rezoning applications (Barnum and Auraria) were approved, each with affordable housing commitments.
• The next required public hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2025, on Council Bill 25-0411 (Washington Park West rezoning). Protests must be filed by May 5, 2025.