Denver Health and Safety Committee Meeting – December 10, 2025

The Health and Safety Committee of the Denver City Council met on December 10, 2025, chaired by Councilmember Daryl Watson. The meeting included one action item (acquisition of Independence House for community corrections) and a briefing from the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) on its semi-annual report. The consent calendar was approved without any items pulled.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals from prior meetings were adopted unanimously with no items removed.

Discussion Items

1. Action Item: Acquisition of Independence House (Bill 252032)

• Presenter: Lisa Lumley (Director of Real Estate) and Greg Morrow (Director of Community Corrections, Department of Safety)
• Background: The city has been transitioning away from for-profit private prison operators (GEO and CoreCivic) since 2019, closing six residential programs and losing 500 beds. Three city-owned facilities (Dahlia, Columbine, Thule Hall) have been purchased, and a lease at 570 West 44th was secured. Current total bed capacity is approximately 270, down from a 2019 peak of 750. The target is 360–450 beds. Independence House, operated by Manny Rodriguez at 4101 North Pecos Street, currently houses 75 men. Mr. Rodriguez plans to exit the state contract, and the city seeks to purchase the site for $8,025,000 (including $25,000 in closing costs) from the Capital Improvement Fund. The acquisition would preserve 75 beds and allow continued operation through late 2026/early 2027 while the Dahlia facility (90 beds) undergoes renovation.
• Key Statistics: Waiting list for community corrections is 120 individuals; 50 are in jail awaiting placement. Average wait time is nearly six months. The purchase price is $8 million for CIP, with an additional $25,000 for closing costs. Estimated life-safety and ADA improvements based on prior acquisitions range from $250,000 to $400,000.
• Council Questions & Comments: Councilmembers expressed strong support and appreciation for Mr. Rodriguez’s work. Councilmember Flynn inquired about the Dahlia renovation schedule and noted the decline from 750 to 270 beds, asking why the target is not higher. Morrow explained that fewer people are being afforded community corrections due to capacity constraints, and DOC referrals have dropped. Councilmember Torres asked about the loss of the ARTS contract (therapeutic community beds operated by CU Denver) and its impact on treatment options. The program provided 125 beds for intensive substance-use treatment; those beds are now closed statewide.

2. Briefing: Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) Semi-Annual Report

• Presenter: Monitor Elizabeth Perez Castle
• Topics Covered:
  • Suspected Overdoses in DSD Jails: Nine deaths in 2025 so far, four confirmed as overdoses. The OIM recommended administrative investigations; on July 25, 2025, Director Saldate ordered such investigations. The OIM is part of a task force to address contraband.
  • Education-Based Development (EBD): The OIM opposes EBD, arguing it undermines accountability. They reviewed draft policies in March, July, and August 2025. A final draft is expected to be sent to OIM for review. A full council briefing is planned for Q1 2026.
  • OIM Audit: The Denver Auditor’s Office completed an audit in September 2025 with four findings and six recommendations. OIM generally disagrees with the findings but will implement recommendations, particularly regarding transparency around deliberative privilege.
  • Aggregate Discipline Data (first half of 2025): DPD closed 216 cases; OIM returned 34.7% for additional work. DSD closed 178 cases; OIM returned 56.2%. Seven DPD officers terminated, six retired/resigned; four suspended. For DSD: 104 community inmate complaints (12% increase from 2024), 219 internal complaints (14% increase from 2023); eight deputies retired/resigned; two suspended.
  • Staffing Needs: OIM requested an additional position (approved for half-year in 2026) but caseloads have doubled since 2022. They may request another analyst.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Parady asked about the distinction between criminal and administrative investigations. Councilmember Sawyer highlighted that increased complaints may not reflect increased misconduct but better reporting; she asked for clearer communication in future reports. Councilmember Flynn defended EBD, stating it can offer corrective paths for low-level violations and that the program has evolved since July. The Chair noted a final document will be presented for full council discussion in Q1 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Action Item Approved: The acquisition of Independence House (Bill 252032) was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously (via thumbs-up vote). The purchase price is $8,025,000 from CIP funds. The closing is expected to align with the end of 2026, contingent on extending the service agreement with Mr. Rodriguez.
• OIM Briefing Received: The committee received the semi-annual report. No formal vote was taken. The Chair committed to scheduling a full council briefing on the final EBD policy in the first quarter of 2026.
• Next Steps: The Department of Finance and Real Estate will proceed with due diligence and facility assessments. The OIM will continue to monitor overdose investigations and provide updates in the annual report (due March 15, 2026).