Denver Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - November 19, 2025

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of Denver City Council met on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, chaired by Councilwoman Chantel M. Lewis (District 8). The committee considered three action items: six concession contract amendments for Denver International Airport, a Green Fleet Electric Vehicle Training Initiative contract, and two on-call contract packages from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI). A consent calendar with 13 items was also approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• 13 items were approved without discussion or objection.

Discussion Items

Concession Contract Amendments (DEN – Middle Earth Group)

Kevin Forgett (State and Local Legislative Advisor) and Pamela Deschant (Senior Vice President of Concessions at DEN) presented six amendments to extend the contract terms for concessionaires in the "Middle Earth" group – those awarded between 2019 and December 31, 2023. The amendments right-size contract terms from 7 or 10 years (for food/beverage and retail) to 12 years (food) and 9 years (retail) to align with modern construction costs. Councilmember Cashman asked about the rationale for differing term lengths; Forgett explained that industry practices are being updated to reflect that all food outlets require similar capital investment. Councilmember Flynn noted one amendment (Mission Yogurt) had been delayed due to construction above its space and questioned why only a two-year extension was granted; Forgett clarified that the clock on capital recovery had not started, so the full term applies. Councilmember Gilmore asked about inclusion of Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners; Forgett confirmed they remain locked in as joint ventures and that the airport has programs (Business Development Training Academy and an incubator) to support small businesses. The motion to approve the six amendments was made by Councilmember Gilmore and seconded by Councilmember Flynn, passing by voice vote.

Green Fleet Electric Vehicle Training Initiative

Ken Ariano and Shannon Jan (Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency – CASR) presented a contract to train city fleet technicians on high-voltage safety and electric vehicle maintenance. The initiative aims to upskill existing technicians to handle the growing EV fleet (currently 3,300 vehicles) and avoid sending vehicles to external repair shops, which increases costs and downtime. Councilmember Hines asked about recruitment difficulty; Tom Pacheco (subject matter expert) explained that current technicians can be upskilled and that the training will include a tiered approach based on skill assessments. Councilmember Lewis asked about additional hiring; the team stated they will first assess and train existing staff. The motion was made by Councilman Cashman and seconded by Councilwoman Alvidres, passing unanimously on a roll call vote.

DOTI On-Call Contracts – Professional Services and Large Civil Construction

Elena McWarter (DOTI Legislative Liaison), Mary Keith Floyd (GoodBean Associates), Ryan Crumb, Jennifer Williams, and Aaron Krug (Division of Small Business Opportunity) presented two on-call contract packages: 45 professional services firms (Resolution 25-1643 through 1687) and 8 large civil construction firms (Resolution 1384 through 1389), with a combined capacity of $600 million over three years. The presentation explained the purpose of on-call contracts for seasonal, time-sensitive, or emergency projects; the mini-bid selection process; MWBE goal-setting and monitoring; and examples of projects (e.g., stormwater improvements, bikeways, bridge inspections). Councilmember Hines raised concerns about accountability for MWBE goals, noting some projects are far below their targets; Aaron Krug explained that good-faith efforts are documented and sanctions (retainage holdback, prequalification impacts) are possible. Councilmember Hines also expressed worry about using on-calls for strategic or transformational projects (e.g., 5280 Trail) without council oversight, proposing a bucket system to separate routine from transformative work. He voted no. Councilwoman Alvidres echoed concerns about broken trust and lack of communication on project funding stacks, and asked about bridge inspections and sanction history – Patrick Riley (Finance) noted sanctions occurred in 2010. Councilmember Flynn raised questions about Bear Creek trail bridges. The committee also asked for future presentation materials to be included in legislative items. The motion to approve both contract packages was made by Councilmember Gilmore and seconded by Councilman Cashman. Roll call vote: Alvidres aye, Flynn aye, Gilmore aye, Hines no, Cashman aye, Lewis aye. Motion passed 5-1.

Key Outcomes

• Concession amendments (6 items): Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Green Fleet EV Training contract: Approved unanimously on roll call (all ayes).
• DOTI On-Call Contracts (professional services and large civil construction): Approved 5-1 (Hines voting no) on roll call.
• The consent calendar (13 items) was approved.
• Council requested that DOTI include presentation materials in future legislative items and continue improving communication on project funding and delivery methods.