Denver City Council Meeting - July 14, 2025

The Denver City Council convened on July 14, 2025, for a regular session. The meeting included council announcements, memorial tributes, the adoption of proclamations, and the handling of routine legislative matters. A recess featured a community conversation on Black Western history. The council then reconvened to conduct two required public hearings on zoning and landmark designation, both of which passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

The council adopted minutes and passed a block vote on multiple items, including resolutions and bills for final consideration, without debate. Key items passed in the block vote included:

• A grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.
• The establishment of the Denver Downtown Development Authority Fund.
• An amendatory agreement for HIV/AIDS care services with the University of Colorado.
• An ordinance amending the municipal code regarding neglected and derelict properties (Council Bill 0854). Sponsors expressed that the changes would improve the city's ability to address abandoned buildings and support property owners in need.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Council Bill 0665 (Zoning Change): No public comments were made.
• On Council Bill 0873 (Landmark Designation): Jesse Paris, representing several community organizations, spoke. He expressed full support for the landmark designation, stating it was "something that the city needs."
• Community Conversation: During the recess, public attendees asked questions of the presenters, including about visiting the Deerfield site, the legacy of residents, and the historical narratives of Black cowboys.

Discussion Items

• Memorial Tributes: Councilmembers Flynn, Alvidrez, and Watson gave tributes to Margaret Atencio, a Southwest Denver advocate, following her recent passing. Councilmember Parody also recognized the passing of Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson.
• Proclamations Adopted:
  • Federation of Gay Games Day: Councilmember Watson read and moved to adopt a proclamation for July 15, 2025. Representatives from the Gay Games Denver 2030 bid committee accepted and provided an update on their site inspection visit.
  • Smart Irrigation Month: Councilmember Flynn read and moved to adopt a proclamation declaring July as Smart Irrigation Month, emphasizing water conservation. Amber Clark of Hydro Systems accepted the proclamation.
• Late Filing Introduction: The council suspended rules to introduce a late-filed resolution (25-1005) approving a contract to acquire property in District 8 for a community service facility.
• Community Conversation (During Recess): A discussion was held with artist Micheal Miller, curator Amanda Hunt, and historian Bob Brunswold on the exhibit "Who is a Cowboy?" and the history of Black settlements like Deerfield, Colorado. Topics included making museums accessible, preserving untold histories, and communicating Black humanity.
• Public Hearings:
  • Council Bill 0665 (Zoning Change): Staff from Community Planning and Development presented a request to rezone 1149 South Navajo Street from GMU-5/UO-3 and ERH-2.5 to entirely GMU-5 to allow consistent building form for multi-unit housing. The request was consistent with adopted plans and had no public opposition.
  • Council Bill 0873 (Landmark Designation): Landmark Preservation staff presented an owner-supported request to designate the McCallan-Coolish House at 510 South Garfield Street. The 1956 house was presented as a significant example of Usonian architecture by noted architect Jerry Dion, illustrating mid-century modern lifestyle.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Proclamation 25-1016 (Gay Games Day): Adopted 13-0.
  • Proclamation 25-1017 (Smart Irrigation Month): Adopted 13-0.
  • Motion to suspend rules for late filing (Resolution 25-1005): Approved 12-0.
  • Block vote on all resolutions and bills for final consideration: Passed 13-0.
  • Council Bill 0665 (Zoning Change): Passed 12-0.
  • Council Bill 0873 (Landmark Designation): Passed 11-0.
• Decisions and Directives:
  • All legislative items on the consent calendar were approved.
  • The two rezoning and landmark designation applications were approved.
  • The meeting was adjourned with no further business.