Denver City Council Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Denver City Council held its weekly general session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM (recessed from the 10:30 AM session). The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, a land acknowledgement, roll call (12 members present initially, later 13), approval of minutes from January 12, announcements, introduction of bills, and votes on several resolutions and ordinances. Key discussion items included a request to list written testimony in minutes, a contract for police uniforms, a rezoning in East Colfax, and a new Parks maintenance facility. A half‑hour general public comment session was scheduled for 5 PM, but no transcripts of public testimony were provided.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (January 12, 2026): Council Member Gilmore requested that future minutes include the number and names of individuals who submitted written testimony, citing transparency. Legal counsel advised that this is a protocol change requiring discussion at an Operations or Budget and Policy meeting, not a correction. The minutes were approved as presented. Council Member Perry noted that written comments are already publicly attached in Legistar.
• Consent Block Vote: 14 resolutions (25‑2111, 25‑2130, 25‑2155, 25‑1980, 25‑2129, 25‑2131, 25‑2158, 25‑2133, 25‑2145, 25‑2159, 25‑2160, 25‑2161, 25‑2162, and 25‑2165) were adopted by a 13‑0 vote (with Council Member Hines joining).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony transcript was included in the meeting materials. Council Member Lewis invited public comment on the rezoning of 1965 Verbena Street (Bill 25‑2138) via email and sign‑up for the February 17, 2026 public hearing. A general public comment session was scheduled for 5 PM, but its content was not recorded in the transcript.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 25‑2130 – Police Uniforms (Sags Company Inc.): Council Member Parity questioned the contract increase and durability of the new blower uniforms. Department of Safety (Emily Lack), General Services (Elizabeth Hughes), and Police Uniform Commander Michelle explained that a new solicitation in 2025 selected a different vendor, that three vendors responded, and that the blower material offers better durability, safety, and fluid‑wicking. Parity was satisfied and did not postpone.
• Resolution 25‑2166 – Legal Services (Squire Patton Boggs): Council Member Lewis postponed this item to the January 26, 2026 meeting, citing unresolved questions.
• Council Bill 25‑2138 – Rezoning at 1965 Verbena Street, East Colfax: Council Member Lewis introduced the item and encouraged residents to submit comments (for or against) via email and to testify at the February 17, 2026 public hearing. Because this is a quasi‑judicial rezoning, council members did not discuss merits.
• Resolution 25‑2128 – New Parks and Recreation Facility at Cornevaca Park (Far Northeast Maintenance Shed): Council Member Gilmore voted no, arguing that transparency and accountability were lacking. She stated that the Green Valley Ranch Far Northeast Maintenance Facility was the department’s top priority but has received only $2.5 million for a satellite shop (estimated need in 2011 dollars was $1.8 million) and that the study is outdated. Council Member Lewis expressed support but noted that the predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods of Green Valley Ranch and Montbello (18.7% Black, 29.2% Latino, 17.9% mixed race) have been historically underinvested, and she committed to working with Gilmore and Parity to ensure sufficient funding and personnel for the facility. The resolution passed 12‑1 (Gilmore no, 12 ayes).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: January 12, 2026 minutes approved as presented; future changes to written testimony listing to be discussed at Operations/Budget and Policy meeting.
• Resolution 25‑2130 (Police Uniforms): Adopted as part of consent block.
• Resolution 25‑2166 (Legal Services): Postponed to January 26, 2026.
• Bill 25‑2138 (Rezoning): Ordered published; public hearing set for February 17, 2026.
• Resolution 25‑2128 (Parks Maintenance Facility): Adopted 12‑1.
• Consent Block: 13 resolutions and bills adopted by unanimous vote (13‑0).
• Announcements: Blood drive (January at Vitalant), District 5 open house (February 10), District 11 meeting on Far Northeast Maintenance Shed (February 3), Park Hill Park open house (January 22), Sloan’s Lake Boathouse open house (January 29).
• Bills for Introduction: Multiple ordinances from committees, including zoning changes and bond funding (Series 2026A‑B General Obligation Bonds, up to $410,075,000 for Vibrant Denver projects).