Denver Mayor and City Council Weekly Session – February 13, 2024
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Denver Mayor and City Council Weekly Session – February 13, 2024
This weekly session of the Denver Mayor and City Council on February 13, 2024, included council member announcements, a lengthy discussion about disruptions and safety concerns from the previous night's council meeting, and an update from the mayor on the first round of budget cuts totaling approximately $5 million. Council members expressed support for public participation while condemning threats and bullying. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss ongoing litigation.
Discussion Items
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Council Member Statements on Previous Night's Meeting: Councilman Darrell Watson (District 9) described the previous night's council meeting as a "takeover" where council members were berated, yelled at, and threatened. He stated that someone yelled "you should die" and that a council member was followed to their car. Council President Jamie Torres acknowledged the national climate of division, noting that all 13 council members have received threats regardless of their votes. Council President Pro Tem Amanda Sandoval shared personal experiences of being targeted and stressed the need for mental health support. Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell distinguished between hard feedback (which elected officials should absorb) and threats (which are unacceptable). Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez emphasized the importance of maintaining a space for civil disagreement and warned that good people will not run for office if such behavior continues. Councilwoman Stacey Gilmore noted that bullying silences not just council members but also constituents who might feel unsafe attending meetings.
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Mayor's Budget Update: Mayor Michael Johnston announced the first round of budget adjustments (approximately $5 million in savings) from the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). He noted that this is only a fraction of the $180 million shortfall, with 30 to 40 times that amount still to be cut from other city agencies. Parks and Recreation Director Jolon Clark explained that the early action was taken to minimize the impact on critical services, but there will be reduced hours at recreation centers and potential loss of seasonal jobs. DMV adjustments involve pausing new hires and shifting existing staff between centers. Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer expressed concern about disproportionate impacts on youth and requested coordination with Denver Public Schools to open school pools. Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval thanked Parks and Rec for its leadership in making the difficult first cuts.
Key Outcomes
- The mayor announced the first round of budget cuts totaling approximately $5 million, with further cuts expected from all 24 city agencies.
- Council members committed to improving safety and decorum at future meetings, including continuing to allow public comment while addressing threats and disruptions.
- A motion to enter executive session pursuant to DRMC 234A3 and 6 for the purpose of discussing settlement of ongoing litigation against the city was approved.
- No formal votes were taken on budget items during this session.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to this meeting of the mayor and Denver City Council. At this weekly session, city agencies brief the mayor and council members on various proposals and projects across the city. This meeting of the mayor and city council members begins now. Thank you, Council President. There you go. Council President does not play. All right, great to see you everyone. Welcome. Thanks so much for being here. We will start with introductions. Thank you, sir. Paul Cash from South Denver District 6. I am a distinguished person, GG. Good morning, Stacey Gilmore, District 11. Flora Alpitres, Lucky District 7. Good morning, Darrell Watson. Fine, District 9. Good morning, Amanda Sawyer, District 5. Chris Hines, Danny, 10. Good morning, Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez, one of the at-large members. And I think that Councilman Cashman purposely sits in that spot so that he can be called the distinguished gentleman. But thank you, sir. There is no doubt. Good morning, Diana Romero Campbell, Southeast Denver in District 4. Good morning, Amanda Sandoval, Northwest Denver District 1. Jamie Torres, District 3. Thank you all so much. Great to see you. Good to see everyone here. If there are announcements any of the council members have that they want to share with the viewing public or the folks in the room, want to open it up for any announcements that people might have on their minds. Yes, Councilman Dallas Gutierrez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just want to for the record um let everyone know that I beat the mayor um in our firecrackers at the Lunar New Year. And so I just want to lay that down for the record. But it was it was really really a lot of fun at the Far East Center celebrating the lunar new year. And this is the first year that the Lunar New Year will be recognized by the state as a an official state holiday, which is really exciting. And so it was lovely to be joined by Councilwoman Alvidres, Council President Torres, the mayor, the governor, um uh Congresswoman De Guet. Is there anybody else I'm missing? Chief Thomas was there? Uh but it was just great, even though the it was snowing and it was kind of wet. Um everyone was still in great spirits. So thank you. Even lighting firecrackers in the in the in the snow. That was impressive. Anyone needs to light something on fire, you should call Councilwoman Gonzalez Gutierrez. She's very good at that. Excuse me. Do we need a legal opinion on lighting firecrackers in the snow? Totally structured safe.
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