OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Denver City Council Meeting – July 15, 2026 (Note: Transcript Indicates July 13, 2026)

City Council — Wednesday, July 15, 2026
BodyDenver, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, July 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:58:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Tonight's coverage of Denver City Council starts now.

0:19

Thank you for taking the time to join us for Denver City Council's meeting.

0:23

Today is Monday, July 13, 2026.

0:27

Tonight's meeting is being interpreted into Spanish.

0:31

Sam or Jasmine, would you please introduce yourself and let our viewers know how to enable translation on their devices?

0:38

Yes, of course.

0:39

Thank you for having us.

0:40

Hello, everyone.

0:41

My name is Sam Guzman with the CLC joining you virtually through Zoom.

0:46

And along with my colleague Jasmine, we will be interpreting today's meeting into Spanish.

1:32

And thank you very much.

1:34

Thank you very much, Sam.

1:39

Welcome to the Denver City Council meeting of Monday, July 13, 2026.

1:45

Council members, please join Councilmember Alvidres in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:08

Council members, please join Councilmember Alvidres as they lead us in the Denver City Council land acknowledgement.

2:20

One second.

2:22

The Denver City Council honors and acknowledges that the land on which we reside is the traditional territory of the Ute Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples.

2:31

We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado.

2:38

We honor elders past, present, and future, and those who have stewarded this land throughout generations.

3:31

Here Heinz.

3:32

Here.

5:00

And this is a time where there's extreme need for food.

5:02

And so please consider dropping off some food items at those locations.

5:06

And then lastly, I just wanted to again acknowledge the wildfires across the state that have hit a lot of people close to home.

5:15

And I'm really proud that the Denver Fire Department has also sent resource out to some of these fires across the mountains and how important our firefighters are in this very challenging time.

5:26

And that we've lost some firefighters, including a pilot just this weekend fighting those wildfires.

5:33

And just want to acknowledge their hard work out there.

5:36

Thank you, Council President.

5:38

Thank you.

5:39

Councilmember Watson.

5:42

Thank you so much, Council President and Councilwoman Vidras.

5:46

I had the opportunity this past week to go down to Lake City and Creed.

5:54

And there was a new fire that popped up near Lake City.

5:59

Many of these really small communities have just volunteer firefighters.

6:04

So I appreciate you continuing to elevate the impacts.

6:07

It's not just the smoke that's coming to Denver, it's people's lives and livelihood and the um the our amazing firefighters across the state.

6:15

So thank you all for the good work that you're doing, and for the communities.

6:29

The Rhino Art District is in collaboration sponsoring uh this year's Underground Music Showcase.

6:37

There are over 200 plus local bands and national and local acts.

6:41

The focus are gonna be on local bands throughout.

6:44

It's gonna be just crazy fun in the um Rhino Art District parts of Five Points.

6:50

We want to encourage everyone to come on out uh to uh five points in Rhino R District.

6:55

If you want more information about the underground music showcase, you can just go to Underground Music Showcase.com.

7:02

Um it can provide you opportunities to purchase tickets, it'll let you know where the venues are gonna be at.

7:07

We're gonna have two or three really great stages, tons of bands, lots of local music, good food, good time.

7:14

So come down to Define District 9 uh from July 24th to July 26th.

7:19

Thank you, Madam President.

7:20

Thank you.

7:21

Councilmember Heinz.

7:23

Thank you, Madam President.

7:24

Um I want to first uh there's an item on consent, and uh I'm happy for it to remain on consent.

7:30

It's 25-0956.

7:32

Uh it is uh an agreement uh for uh the community to take over um the Delgene Bridge as uh those who live near the Delegano Bridge know uh the ownership of the bridge itself is uh still interestingly a question.

7:50

We don't know uh exactly who owns the bridge.

7:53

Uh I know that we've had various vendors over the years uh utilize the bridge, but um but this uh this um 25-0956 will allow us a path to move forward to uh one uh allow for the restoration of the bridge and um uh upon completion uh have the bridge turned over as uh as a um complete and up-to-date asset uh to the city and county of Denver.

8:22

So I want to thank Brenda Roy, who's here in the audience uh for all your hard work and uh being willing to uh to uh put push this through to completion.

8:32

It government does not move nimbly uh in the vast majority of cases, and it is taking a lot longer than I've uh wanted.

8:41

Um but I want to thank you for uh for your hard work.

8:43

I also want to thank uh Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association, Ladona, and uh the uh President David Roberts uh for your help as well in uh in moving this forward.

8:54

One other thing that I wanted to uh bring up.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████22%
Land Use Zoning███████████████████19%
Affordable Housing███████████11%
Public Transportation█████████9%
Worker Protections████████8%
Homelessness██████6%
Racial Equity█████5%
Cannabis Regulation███3%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Denver City Council Meeting – July 15, 2026

Note on Date: The official instruction for this summary uses July 15, 2026 for the meeting date. However, the meeting minutes and transcript clearly indicate that the meeting occurred on Monday, July 13, 2026. The proceedings described below reflect that actual date.

The Denver City Council met on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 3:30 PM (recessed and reconvened, adjourning at 7:13 PM). Eleven members were present (Alvidrez, Gilmore, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Hinds, Kashmann, Parady, Romero Campbell, Sawyer, Torres, Watson, Sandoval); two were absent (Flynn, Lewis). The meeting included a consent agenda, two proclamations, public comment, and two public hearings on rezoning bills. Key actions included adoption of a front-range passenger rail proclamation, recognition of Justice for Janitors Day, approval of multiple contracts and appointments, and passage of two rezoning ordinances.

Consent Calendar

  • Proclamations (adopted en bloc): Honoring Ondrej Sebek (Senior Aide in District 10) and celebrating the life and legacy of Frances Torres.
  • Resolutions (adopted en bloc on a 11-0 vote):
    • 26-0964: Amendatory agreement with The Community Firm (CEDP) for tenancy support services – added $1,044,000 (new total $1,539,000) through 9-30-2026.
    • 26-0965: Eighth amendatory agreement with U.S. Motels Denver North, Inc. for motel vouchers – added $235,000 (new total $6,877,900).
    • 26-0913: Purchase order with Kaiser Premier for a vacuum truck – $523,901.
    • 26-0914/0915: On‑call maintenance contracts with Novus Construction and Catamount Constructors – each $1,000,000 through 6-30-2029.
    • 26-0924: Lease amendment for DMV office at 2223 S Monaco – added $1,119,023.08 (new total $2,293,823).
    • 26-0963: Amendment to purchase order with EP Blazer for light‑duty truck parts – added $1,000,000 (new total $3,500,000).
    • 26-0868 through 26-0878: Mayor’s appointments/reappointments to the Denver American Indian Commission (DAIC) — 11 individuals.
    • 26-0879: Reappointment to Denver African American Commission.
    • 26-0880: Appointment to Denver Health & Hospital Authority Board.
    • 26-0881/0882: Appointments to Broadway General Improvement District.
    • 26-0883: Reappointment of Marlene Burch to Head Start Policy Council.
    • 26-0884 through 26-0891: Reappointments/appointments to Metro Water Recovery.
    • 26-0892/0893: Appointments to Denver Commission for People with Disabilities.
    • 26-0895 through 26-0899: Appointments to Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission.
    • 26-0900 through 26-0908: Appointments/reappointments to Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs.
    • 26-0909/0910: Reappointments to Denver Housing Authority Board.
    • 26-0912: Reappointment to Sun Valley General Improvement District.
    • 26-0935 through 26-0939: Appointments/reappointments to Denver Community Corrections Board.
    • 26-0940: Appointment to DAIC.
    • 26-0941: Third amendatory agreement with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson for legal services – extended term to 8-31-2027.
    • 26-0920: Grant agreement with U.S. DHHS for Head Start FY26-27 – $14,554,975.
    • 26-0959: Fifth amendatory with Cityspan Technologies for DAAconnect platform – added $72,082 (new total $1,141,782).
    • 26-0962: Second amendatory with Denver Food Rescue – added $0.32 (new total $4,669,628.32).
    • 26-0922: Second amendatory with Cliff Garten for blown‑glass sculpture – added $117,957 (new total $1,817,957).
    • 26-0960: Amendatory with RedLine for grant administration – extended to 12-31-2027.
    • 26-0961: Second amendatory with Ace Express Coaches for bus transportation – added $50,000 (new total $500,000).
    • 26-0957/0958: Street dedication resolutions for parcels on Federal Blvd and Brighton Blvd.
    • 26-0916: Contract with Western Plains Construction for ADA ramp replacement – $4,500,000.
    • 26-0917: Lease amendment with Alaska Airlines at DEN.
    • 26-0918: Agreement with Colorado Aggregate Recycling for recycled materials – $550,000.
    • 26-0919: Contract with Garage Door Specialties for door services – $4,171,719.19.
    • 26-0943: First amendment with Clean Energy Fuels for compressed natural gas – added $6,767,755 (new total $17,617,755).
    • 26-0944: Concession agreement with Doc 1 Solutions for Base Camp Gear & Apparel – MAG $461,125.
    • 26-0945: Construction contract with Millstone Weber for DS West Phase 2 – $110,242,888.50.
    • 26-0946: Purchase order with EP Blazer for vehicles – $798,582.
    • 26-0947: Concession agreement with Mission Yogurt for Etai’s Breakfast and Burgers – MAG $472,000.
    • 26-0948: First amendment with Holland & Knight for federal lobbying – added $312,000 (new total $792,000).
    • 26-0950: Concession agreement with Mission Yogurt for KFC – MAG $315,000.
    • 26-0951: Facility lease with Secure Health Partners for drug testing – 246.40 sq ft.
    • 26-0952: Concession agreement with Sky Blue Airport Enterprises for Spruce & Bloom – MAG $601,625.
    • 26-0953: Support facilities lease with TCR Americas.
    • 26-0954: Contract with TK Elevator for conveyance maintenance – $74,000,000.
    • 26-0955: Agreement with HEF-P Denver for six electric solid waste trucks – $5,050,000.
  • Bills for Introduction (ordered published en bloc): 26-0921 (entertainment license modernization), 26-0925 (land acquisition for Smith/Sandown bridges), 26-0926 (ARPA fund transfer), 26-0864 (charter amendment on budget process), 26-0867 (budget community engagement), 26-0923 (Wynkoop Crossing bridge IGA – amended to correct district), 26-0956 (Delgany Bridge restoration), 26-0990 (parking license with Denver Health).
  • Bills for Final Consideration (placed upon final consideration and do pass en bloc): 26-0687 (charter amendment on Auditor’s wage enforcement), 26-0852 (child care code updates), 26-0618 (IGA with CDOT for traffic signal maintenance).

Public Comments & Testimony

General Public Comment (5:30-6:00 PM approximately):

  • Michael Sircone spoke in defense of Mutual Aid Monday, sharing personal hardships with shelter conditions and urging council to continue supporting mutual aid without oversight.
  • Brian Loma supported mutual aid and raised concerns about food waste in shelters and the need for better food options for homeless individuals.
  • Janet Namkung (virtual) did not speak? (Transcript shows her name called but no comment).
  • Donald Ku (virtual) spoke against the proposed cabaret ordinance (26-0921), urging a trial period for the 4 a.m. closing time due to enforcement and noise concerns. He represented Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association and others.
  • Frank Lucantore (District 10 resident) criticized the design of a police district redevelopment on Colfax, arguing it squanders public land and misses housing opportunities near transit. He urged council to oppose variances at the Board of Adjustments.
  • Aonte Anderson (virtual) criticized public comment restrictions, comparing Denver unfavorably to Aurora, and advocated for separate public comment time for youth.
  • Brandy Majors urged council to protect the right of all residents to be heard without being crowded out by organized groups.
  • Roderick Marshall (CEO of Fresh Start of Denver) encouraged city‑sponsored talent shows and story time for youth to build community.
  • Elliot Howe called for divestment from Israel and ending the sister‑city relationship with Carmel, citing the apartheid analogy and recent incidents.
  • Jesse Paris (virtual) criticized council for prioritizing other groups over Black Americans and demanded lineage‑based cash reparations. He also challenged the decorum rules.

Public Hearings (after 6 PM):

  • CB 26-0712 (rezoning 4625 N Milwaukee):
    • Support: Alma Urbano, Nola Miguel (Tierra Collectiva CLT), Dani Slabaugh, Virginia Calderon spoke in favor, noting the project will provide permanently affordable homeownership for families displaced by I‑70 expansion. Jesse Paris spoke against, asking about traffic, environmental, and benefit studies.
  • CB 26-0741 (Southwest rezoning):
    • Support: Renee Martinez Stone (Denver Housing Authority) spoke in favor, explaining that the rezoning implements the Southwest Area Plan and will allow DHA and Habitat for Humanity to add affordable units. She noted no opposition from tenants.
    • Jesse Paris spoke reluctantly in favor, but expressed concern that the rezoning will lead to gentrification and displacement of long‑time residents.

Discussion Items

Resolutions Called Out:

  • 26-0965 (Motel vouchers): Councilmember Alvidrez questioned why more funds were needed despite a mild winter. Polly Kyle (HOST) explained the funds are year‑round for DPD use, moving to host for streamlined budgeting. Councilmember Alvidrez asked for details on the process change; Kyle said she would follow up.
  • 26-0914/0915 (Construction contracts): Councilmember Alvidrez asked about MWBE goals. Roberto Avila (General Services) reported a 16% goal for both contracts; Novus pledged 20% (and is itself a certified MWBE firm). These are new contracts, not extensions.
  • 26-0942/0949 (DIA concessions): Councilmember Kashmann postponed both to July 20, 2026 per Council Rule 3.6 (at request of Councilmember Flynn).

Bills for Introduction:

  • 26-0921 (Entertainment licenses): Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez discussed ongoing stakeholder engagement with DLCP regarding privacy and worker safety. She noted potential amendments on recordkeeping and video surveillance. Councilmember Sawyer announced she would vote no, arguing the changes benefit downtown but harm neighborhoods with cabaret licenses near residences. Councilmember Hinds suggested localizing restrictions.
  • 26-0923 (Wynkoop Crossing bridge): Councilmember Torres successfully amended the bill to correct the council district from 9 to 3 on page 1, line 12. The bill then passed as amended.

Proclamations (after recess):

  • 26-0866 (Front Range Passenger Rail): Councilmember Watson, sponsor, highlighted reduced carbon emissions and traffic relief. Councilmembers Alvidrez and Hinds added support. The proclamation passed 8-0 (5 absent). Sal Pace (General Manager) accepted, noting the proclamation qualifies Denver for an additional 10% local return ($22.5 million on top of $225 million).
  • 26-1028 (Justice for Janitors Day): Councilmembers Gonzales-Gutierrez and Hinds recognized the 40th anniversary of the movement born in Denver. Councilmember Alvidrez shared personal family connections. Stephanie Felix‑Sawyer (SEIU Local 105 president) accepted. The proclamation passed 9-0 (4 absent).

Public Hearings (final consideration):

  • CB 26-0712 (4625 N Milwaukee): Staff report by Fran Peñafiel. The vacant lot (4,605 sq ft) is rezoned from E‑SU‑D to U‑TU‑B to allow a duplex. The Global/Ellyria/Swansea neighborhood plan supports it; Tierra Collectiva CLT will develop two permanently affordable homes (57% AMI). Councilmember Watson sponsored. Passed 9-0.
  • CB 26-0741 (Southwest rezoning): Staff report by Libby Glick. The legislative rezoning covers multiple properties in Athmar Park, Mar Lee, Overland, Ruby Hill, and Westwood to implement the Southwest Area Plan. It removes billboard overlays, applies design overlays on Federal/Mississippi, rezones for housing on DHA/Habitat sites, and adjusts industrial areas. Councilmember Torres (sponsor) and Alvidrez spoke in support, noting the need for anti‑displacement strategies. Councilmember Sawyer asked about food truck allowances; CPD confirmed a text amendment in 2027 will expand allowances. Passed 9-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted Resolutions: 26-0964, 26-0965, 26-0913, 26-0914, 26-0915, 26-0924, 26-0963, 26-0868–26-0878, 26-0879, 26-0880, 26-0881, 26-0882, 26-0883, 26-0884–26-0891, 26-0892, 26-0893, 26-0895–26-0899, 26-0900–26-0908, 26-0909, 26-0910, 26-0912, 26-0935–26-0939, 26-0940, 26-0941, 26-0920, 26-0959, 26-0962, 26-0922, 26-0960, 26-0961, 26-0957, 26-0958, 26-0916, 26-0917, 26-0918, 26-0919, 26-0943, 26-0944, 26-0945, 26-0946, 26-0947, 26-0948, 26-0950, 26-0951, 26-0952, 26-0953, 26-0954, 26-0955. (All passed 11-0.)
  • Bills Ordered Published: 26-0921, 26-0925, 26-0926, 26-0864, 26-0867, 26-0923 (as amended), 26-0956, 26-0990.
  • Bills Placed on Final Consideration (en bloc): 26-0687, 26-0852, 26-0618. (Passed 11-0.)
  • Bills Passed on Final Consideration:
    • 26-0712 (rezoning 4625 N Milwaukee) – 9-0.
    • 26-0741 (Southwest rezoning) – 9-0.
  • Postponements: 26-0942 and 26-0949 postponed to July 20, 2026 per Council Rule 3.6.
  • Proclamations Adopted: 26-1025, 26-1027 (en bloc); 26-0866 (8-0); 26-1028 (9-0).

Meeting Transcript

Tonight's coverage of Denver City Council starts now. Thank you for taking the time to join us for Denver City Council's meeting. Today is Monday, July 13, 2026. Tonight's meeting is being interpreted into Spanish. Sam or Jasmine, would you please introduce yourself and let our viewers know how to enable translation on their devices? Yes, of course. Thank you for having us. Hello, everyone. My name is Sam Guzman with the CLC joining you virtually through Zoom. And along with my colleague Jasmine, we will be interpreting today's meeting into Spanish. And thank you very much. Thank you very much, Sam. Welcome to the Denver City Council meeting of Monday, July 13, 2026. Council members, please join Councilmember Alvidres in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members, please join Councilmember Alvidres as they lead us in the Denver City Council land acknowledgement. One second. The Denver City Council honors and acknowledges that the land on which we reside is the traditional territory of the Ute Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado. We honor elders past, present, and future, and those who have stewarded this land throughout generations. Here Heinz. Here. And this is a time where there's extreme need for food. And so please consider dropping off some food items at those locations. And then lastly, I just wanted to again acknowledge the wildfires across the state that have hit a lot of people close to home. And I'm really proud that the Denver Fire Department has also sent resource out to some of these fires across the mountains and how important our firefighters are in this very challenging time. And that we've lost some firefighters, including a pilot just this weekend fighting those wildfires. And just want to acknowledge their hard work out there. Thank you, Council President. Thank you. Councilmember Watson. Thank you so much, Council President and Councilwoman Vidras. I had the opportunity this past week to go down to Lake City and Creed. And there was a new fire that popped up near Lake City. Many of these really small communities have just volunteer firefighters. So I appreciate you continuing to elevate the impacts. It's not just the smoke that's coming to Denver, it's people's lives and livelihood and the um the our amazing firefighters across the state. So thank you all for the good work that you're doing, and for the communities. The Rhino Art District is in collaboration sponsoring uh this year's Underground Music Showcase. There are over 200 plus local bands and national and local acts. The focus are gonna be on local bands throughout. It's gonna be just crazy fun in the um Rhino Art District parts of Five Points. We want to encourage everyone to come on out uh to uh five points in Rhino R District. If you want more information about the underground music showcase, you can just go to Underground Music Showcase.com. Um it can provide you opportunities to purchase tickets, it'll let you know where the venues are gonna be at. We're gonna have two or three really great stages, tons of bands, lots of local music, good food, good time. So come down to Define District 9 uh from July 24th to July 26th. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Councilmember Heinz. Thank you, Madam President.

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