Denver City Council Meeting – February 9, 2026

The Denver City Council convened in regular session on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM, with 13 members present. The meeting included council announcements, two proclamations honoring community leaders, a proclamation recognizing Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the adoption of multiple resolutions and bills, and two required public hearings on historic designation and a zoning change.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the February 2, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Block adoption of 16 resolutions and bills on final consideration (resolutions 25‑1944, 26‑0060, 26‑0059, 26‑0064, 26‑0073, 26‑0061, 26‑0063, 26‑0069, 26‑0070, 26‑0071, 26‑0065, 26‑0066, 26‑0068, 26‑0083, 26‑0005, and 26‑0022). Adopted with 13 ayes.

Proclamations

• Proclamation 26‑0131 – Honoring Keith Irfmeyer: Recognized Keith Irfmeyer for more than 30 years of service as Denver Assessor and his upcoming role as State Property Tax Administrator. Unanimously adopted (13 ayes). Acceptance by Mr. Irfmeyer, who praised his staff and expressed pride in working for Denver.
• Proclamation 26‑0130 – Honoring the Late Denver Police Division Chief Hermedia Gordon: Celebrated Chief Gordon’s legacy as a trailblazer (first Black female homicide detective, first Black female division chief). Unanimously adopted (13 ayes). Acceptance by her daughter Deanna Gordon and Division Chief Megan Doach.
• Proclamation 26‑0133 – Recognizing Ramadan 1447 AH and Eid al‑Fitr: Acknowledged the Muslim holy month beginning at sundown on February 17, 2026, and Eid al‑Fitr on March 19–20, 2026. Unanimously adopted (11 ayes). Acceptance by Imam Qalila of Downtown Denver Islamic Center, Imam Ali of Masjid Taqwa, community member Yahya, and Linda Barwan, who invited council to iftar meals.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Hearing on Council Bill 26‑0056 (Historic Designation of 1555 N. Grant Street):

• Jesse Paris (representing multiple community organizations) expressed support for the designation but called for honest acknowledgment of Denver’s racist history, including exclusion of Black residents from certain sites.

Public Hearing on Council Bill 25‑2147 (Rezoning of 3050 Richard Allen Court):

• Bob Schofield (Vice President of Campus Operations, Cross Purpose) explained the rezoning is needed to comply with a state behavioral health licensing requirement; the existing counseling services would not change.
• Jason Jans (CEO/Founder, Cross Purpose) noted 1,650 program graduates and that the building was recently paid off.
• Jesse Paris again voiced support for the rezoning, describing Cross Purpose as an asset to the community.
• Jamie Horsfall (Clinical Director, Cross Purpose) reported that in the past year nearly 300 residents participated in counseling, with 1,400 sessions provided at no cost.
• Jeremy Baumeister (program graduate) shared his personal success story, crediting Cross Purpose with job training and community.

Discussion Items

• Council Resolution 25‑2150 – Salvation Army Shelter Lease: Approved a third amendatory lease for a congregate shelter at 1901 29th Street in Five Points. Councilmember Lewis noted ongoing dissatisfaction with Salvation Army shelter operations but voted aye. Adopted with 10 ayes.
• Council Bill 26‑0056 – Landmark Designation for 1555 N. Grant Street (Knights of Columbus Hall): Staff presented the application, highlighting the property’s significance as a USO site during WWII (hosting over half a million servicemembers), mid‑century modern architecture by John F. Milan, and innovative pre‑stressed concrete construction. The Landmark Preservation Commission recommended approval. Councilmembers Hines, Sandoval, Torres, and Cashman spoke in favor, emphasizing collaborative resolution of concerns about the parking lot. Unanimously adopted (11 ayes).
• Council Bill 25‑2147 – Rezoning of 3050 Richard Allen Court (Cross Purpose): Staff explained the site is currently zoned R2A (former Chapter 59), which does not permit medical office use. The rezoning to EMX2X allows Cross Purpose to maintain its state‑licensed behavioral health counseling. Eight letters of support and a petition with 100 graduate testimonies were submitted. The Skyland Neighborhood Association supported the change. Councilmember Watson sponsored the bill. Unanimously adopted (11 ayes).

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation 26‑0131 adopted honoring Keith Irfmeyer.
• Proclamation 26‑0130 adopted honoring Hermedia Gordon.
• Proclamation 26‑0133 adopted recognizing Ramadan and Eid al‑Fitr.
• Council Resolution 25‑2150 adopted (10 ayes) approving the Salvation Army shelter lease.
• Block adoption of 16 resolutions and bills passed (13 ayes).
• Council Bill 26‑0056 passed (11 ayes), designating 1555 N. Grant Street as a landmark.
• Council Bill 25‑2147 passed (11 ayes), rezoning 3050 Richard Allen Court to EMX2X.