City Council - Regular Meeting

Hey, Denver. It's time for the weekly general session of your Denver City Council. Tonight's coverage of Denver City Council starts now.

Tonight's meeting is being interpreted into Spanish. Sam or Jasmeen, 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, Jasmeen, we will be interpreting today's meeting into Spanish. Please allow me a quick minute while I give instructions in Spanish on how to access interpretation. Thank very

much, Sam. Welcome to the Denver City Council meeting on Monday, 03/16/2026. Council members, please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag

of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for our all.

Councilmembers, please join councilmember Lewis as they lead us in the Denver City Council land acknowledgment.

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. We also recognize that government, academic, and cultural institutions were founded upon and continue to enact exclusions and erasures of of indigenous people. May this acknowledgement demonstrate a commitment to working to dismantle ongoing legacies of oppression and inequities and recognize the current and future contributions of indigenous communities in Denver.

Thank you. Madam secretary, roll call.

Council members, Alita.

Here. Gilmore? Here. Perry?

Torres? Here. Torres? Here. Flynn? Here. Luzardo Aguiras? Here. Hidens? Here. Jonathan? Here. Lewis? Here. Premier Campbell? Here. Sawyer? Here. Watson? Here.

Madam president Sandipal. Here. 13 members present.

There are 13 members present. Council has a quorum. Are there approval of the minutes? Are there corrections to the minutes of March 9? Seeing none. The minutes stand approved. Council announcements. Are there any council announcements this afternoon? Council pro tem Romero Campbell.

Thank you, madam president. I have two announcements. One is this Wednesday, doors open at 05:00 at Thomas Jefferson High School. We are doing an community open house that we have a number of agencies that'll be there to answer questions specific to the district. We have community planning and development. The DOTI team will be there. Parks and Rec, the Department of Economic Development will be there to talk about different projects that are happening and economic development around Hampton. Denver Water will also be there. If you have questions about the library, they will also be there.

We will have a

table about the WellShare one hundred. DPD district three police officers will also be there. And so we just encourage everybody in District 4 to come and join us. We actually have a total of 18 city agencies and nonprofits to be in attendance to answer any questions and to give an update on projects and what's happening throughout Southeast Denver. So we will

also have some pizza. I

hope to see you there. Again, doors open at five, and this is Wednesday, March 18. I didn't think of the date. And then just real quick, we've been asked a lot, but the Wellshire, golf course is celebrating a 100 years, and we have a golf tournament and a community celebration that we will be, holding on June 5, and registration for that is opening at the end of the month on April 1. So if you are interested, we believe that spots are gonna fill up very quickly for the tournament, and this is on it will open on April 1.

Spots are limited. Secure your spot today or become a sponsor, and you can also get a ticket to play in the tournament. That's about it. Thank you.

Thank you. Council of Mamert, member of your list. Thank you.

I have a few announcements. The first one is it's that time again, so we will be hosting our community panels for input from constituents in District 8. This year, we'll have four meetings, which will all be virtual sessions beginning Wednesday, March 25 in the evening. It's free to sign up, and so I encourage you all to attend. You can email JesseCarey@Denvergov.org with the subject line community emails for more information or to sign up. In addition to that, councilwoman Gilmore Sawyer and myself have a town hall tomorrow tomorrow regarding the budget together. It is virtual. It's 03:17 from six 6PM to 7PM. Excuse me. And the information can be found on the social media pages of each one of us, councilwoman Gilmore as well as councilwoman Sawyer.

And then finally, my son's birthday is this he's turning 23. And so I just wanted to tell him, happy birthday, and I'm proud of him. And he

does live with me,

and I love that for him.

That is all.

27. Councilmember

Thank you, madam president. First of all, I'll, just echo what, my friend councilwoman Romero Campbell said to show up at her, open house, this this Wednesday to meet meet a whole bunch of city agencies. And then next month, April 1, District 6 is doing our version pretty much of the same thing. We call it our meet the city academy and the community. Will be April 1, six to 8PM at Cook Park Recreation Center.

We will have 30 different city agencies and partners and be there, and I'll be giving out more details next week. That's Wednesday, April 1, June Cook Park Recreation Center, 7100 East Cherry Creek Drive South. Wanna offer my congratulations to the mighty, mighty University of Denver Pio's men's hockey team. The Pioneers defeated Western Michigan two to one in overtime this past weekend in the semifinals of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference semifinals. DU will play in and host the championship game this coming Saturday, March 21, against Minnesota Duluth.

Now the next day, Sunday the twenty second, we'll find out if the University of Denver team has been selected to play in the regional round of the NCAA national championships, which will be played, the following weekend. I think it's twenty seven, eight, nine in Loveland, Colorado. So stay tuned and go Pios.

Okay. Councilmember Gonzales Gutierrez. Okay.

Thank you, madam president, and I thank my colleagues for letting our letting our office be included and be part of your open houses. So we'll be at both at TJ, and then we'll be at Cook Park with councilman Cashman. I almost said Watson. See, it is it's hard. I don't know if it's it's

It's It's hard. Hard.

We'll be also this Wednesday, our office is coordinating with councilman Heinz office and with the mayor's office as we've done for the last three years for as in celebration of. And that will take place on Wednesday, this Wednesday, March 18, two to 4PM, doors open at 01:30PM right here in Par Weidner in the City And County Building. And we'll have some light bites, food, tea, and cultural traditions. With that said, I am going to switch over to a a different topic. So it's you know, I've promised, and actually my it's been a it's a family promise that my family has made for generations to always commemorate the passing of Luis Junior Martinez, which is actually tomorrow, and that marks that commemoration and memorial.

He left us way too soon on 03/17/1973. He died during an altercation between law enforcement and the Crusade for Justice, a Chicano rights Chicano civil rights organization. Luis was only 20 years old. He was born and raised on the East Side Of Denver. He was described by his siblings as a loving and giving person who was proud of his people, which he demonstrated through his involvement in the crusade for justice as a teacher at Escuela Tlateloco, a member of the Balea Chicano de Azlan, and a leader who fearlessly defended his community.

We know that 1973 was a different time and place than 2026, and remembering Luis, what he stood for stands the test of time, especially as we continue to face attacks as communities of color and truth seekers. His courage in the face of oppression and refusal to accept injustice, his unwavering commitment to his people serves as an example for us all and will provide us strength as we persevere at these times. Thank you, madam president. Thank you,

council member. Thank you for always remembering him and offering him up. I know he's present with us and looking so proud at who you and your family have become. I don't think I've ever celebrated Saint Patrick's Day. I've always celebrated him. So thank you for that. So I just wanna make an announcement on Saturday, March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, a time to celebrate inclusion, dignity, and unique strengths of people with Down syndrome. This day is personally meaningful to me. My cousin Ben, who is one year older than I am, I grew up with my cousin Ben who has Down syndrome, and we graduated. He was b Sandoval.

I was a Sandoval, and I got to be his usher at at graduation, and he was our prom king. And when he was dancing, he got really scared, and so I got to dance with Ben. And he has been one of the highlights of my life. And so if you all ever get a chance to know somebody who has Down syndrome, they have tunnel vision, literally. They can't see peripheral vision, so always just address them from the very front because they get very scared easily.

And I just saw him at my graduation party this Saturday, past Saturday, and he had his 1997 alumni shirt on. And so he has when he was born, he was told he would only live till he's 40, and he is 48 years old. And so he keeps saying, does he have to count on one hand how many more years he'll live? And I said no, that he'll live as long as he can. So he is honestly a treasure to my life.

So this Saturday, everyone who's celebrating will be celebrating with my cousin Ben on National Down Syndrome Day. And then North High School's Black Masquerade Theater is putting on a play called SCSS. SCSS. SCSS. It's the women's suffrage movement, and they got a grant, and so the it's not the young at the gate.

And this production highlights the young activists who fought for women's suffrage and the passage of the nineteenth amendment as well as the challenges within the movement. Showtimes Showtimes are March 19 through the twenty first at 7PM with an additional performance on March 21 at noon. All shows will be held at North High School, so get your ticket online and support your local youth actors. Seeing no other announcements. Back. There are no presentations. There are no communications. There's one proclamation being read this afternoon. Council member Flynn? Is it just Flynn with Alvederis being online?

Yes. I will read it, and councilwoman Alvederis will offer comments.

Council member Flynn, would you please read proclamation zero three three one?

Yes. Thank you, madam president. Proclamation twenty six zero three three one honoring the service of Denver's crime lab director, doctor Gregory Laberge. Whereas on 11/25/1966, Gregory Laberge was born to Eleanor and Edmund Ted Laberge in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada joining his sister Peggy who was 13 years older, and whereas Greg was born into a hardworking, blue family that valued integrity, service, and discipline, which would serve as the foundation for his life and career.

And whereas Greg attended Northern Heights Public School, later attending, you told me how to pronounce it, Bawadding. Thank you. Bawadding Collegiate and Vocational School, it's closed now, so it doesn't matter. Right? Where he played soccer and like any good Canadian, played and and Pio also, played hockey while fostering his interest in cars and using his natural mechanical instincts to repair cars and equipment.

And whereas upon graduation from high school, he worked on a dairy farm and at a meat packing plant so he could attend Lake Superior State University and then the University of Guelph where he studied molecular biology and genetics, graduating with honors in 1991. And whereas upon graduation from college, Greg entertained the thought of joining the Canadian Royal Air Force as a pilot, but was instead encouraged by a professor to pursue a career in science and to seek more education within The United States. And whereas Greg was accepted to graduate school at the University of Colorado and left Canada with $185 in his pocket to pursue a master's degree in statistics and later a doctorate in human medical genetics. And whereas, upon arriving in Denver, he met his future wife, Jennifer Bronk, at a medical conference at the University of Colorado. And whereas, in 1995, Jennifer introduced Greg to Denver police lieutenant Mark Leone, who suggested Greg consider joining the Denver crime lab as a volunteer.

And whereas in 1996, Greg was hired at the Denver Lab as a forensic DNA scientist where he handled more than 3,000 difficult and high profile cases involving serial killers, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. And whereas in July 2005, Greg was named the first non sworn director of the Denver Crime Lab. And whereas, under Greg's leadership, the lab focused on unsolved cold cases, bringing justice to hundreds of victims and their families. And whereas the crime laboratory also developed a forensic crime gun intelligence program that was later adopted by the ATF as a national model. And whereas in 2007, Greg worked with Denver district attorney Mitch Marcy, other city officials, and victims groups successfully pass a bond initiative to build a new state of the art laboratory that was ultimately delivered on time and under budget, and whereas Greg was called upon by the US government to represent our nation at numerous international forensic science committees and conferences around the world, including Central And South America, Europe, and The Middle East, cementing Denver's position as a world leader in forensic science and criminal justice.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Denver City Council section one that the Denver City Council recognizes the leadership of doctor Gregory LeBerge as the director of the Denver Crime Laboratory and the critical role he has played in providing justice and comfort to victims of crime in our community. We also salute his lasting legacy of investigative prowess, forensic excellence, and generational mentorship that will long be a tradition of the Denver Crime Laboratory. Section two, that the clerk and recorder of the city and county of Denver shall affix the seal of the city and county of Denver to this proclamation, and that a copy be transmitted to the LaBerge family, the Denver Crime Laboratory, and the Denver Police Museum.

Thank you. Council member Flynn, you're motion to adopt.

I move that proclamation 26 dash zero three three one be adopted.

It has been moved and seconded. Comments by members of council. Council member Quinn.

Thank you, madam president. I don't know what I can add to that other than was that $185 in your pocket. Was that Canadian?

So so It was American.

It was it was US current US currency. But having toured the crime lab, and I hope that my colleagues have all done, you know, the crime lab, what a remarkable facility is. It was and one of the aspects of it that I love to point out is the ballistics unit where gun crimes are solved, where the the basically, the fingerprints on shell casings can be used to link one crime to one gun crime to another and help to solve more gun crimes in this city. And as we know, gun crime is decreasing. And I think it's in no small measure due to the efforts of the crime lab.

And and thank you again to the taxpayers and the voters of Denver for having built that facility. I know that's kind of Greg's baby, but it belongs to everybody. It belongs to the folks you've mentored and who will follow in your footsteps. And I think the only other thing I would say is remember that wherever you try to hide in your retirement, you've trained the

people who can track you down. So

with that, madam president, I defer to the other other members who wanna comment.

Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Alvidrez?

Thank you so much, council president, and thank you councilman Flynn for reading the proclamation. I am so honored to be able to be a part of this proclamation. Our crime lab is something that we should all be proud of that really leads the entire country. I think about, you know, council member Flynn mentioned gun crime. I think about crimes against women.

I think about rape, and how right now we are helping the state because our processes are so much better and so much more timely that we're helping the state resolve some of their DNA crime. And so I can't speak to mister doctor Labarge enough about the amazing work that I've gotten to learn about since being here for the last few years and look forward to continuing to be friends in your next phases and make and work to make sure that the crime lab is funded and has the resources that it needs to find the right people. This is also about equity and making sure that we're finding the correct person that committed a crime and and using science to do so. So thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this proclamation, and thank you, doctor Labarge, for all the work that you've done.

Thank you. Madam secretary, roll call.

Council members Alvidrez?

Aye. Gilmore?

Aye. Perry?

Aye. Torres?

Aye.

Sawyer. Aye. Watson. Aye.

Madam president Sandoval. Aye. Madam secretary, close the voting and announce the result.

13 ayes.

13 ayes. Proclamation zero three three one has been adopted. We now have time for the proclamation acceptance. Council member, who would you like to be who would you like to invite up to accept the proclamation?

Thank you, madam president. I'd like to invite our former district attorney, Mitch Marcy, and doctor Greg LaBerge to the podium for a few minutes of of comments. Thank you.

Thank you. I learned a long time ago to try to go first, so I didn't have to follow Doctor. LaBerge. But I want to thank the sponsors for this. I want to thank counsel for recognizing this man's career. I had the honor of working with some of the most incredibly committed people in law enforcement. Nobody was more committed than Doctor. LaBerge. When we got that bond issue passed, I thought, okay, our work is done. He managed that project.

He was over there every day and I'm sure those construction guys were happy to see him come Because it was like this is what we need, this is what we design, and this is what you must deliver. And the most amazing thing is it came in on time and over $1,000,000 under budget. That's under budget. And that was incredible when you compare it to some of the other projects that went on at that time like the Justice Center and that type of thing. This is a man that had a job where you can't make a mistake.

On call for twenty years, twenty four hours a day. Had an entire staff that, you know, you can't make a typo when you're doing a forensic report. That's the kind of pressure he lived under. I was lucky to meet him in 1996 in front of a copy machine up at the old University Hospital Library. And he helped me that day and he helped me every day after that.

He made my career better because of his ideas, his commitment. I'm one of the only people probably in the room other than his wife that got to go to his hometown above Michigan. And when you say it's the Sioux, they call it the dirty Sioux for a reason. It's a hardcore steel town. I saw where he grew up. I didn't get the chance to meet his mother and father, but I guarantee you they're proud of this man today of what a job he did. I'm proud to be his friend, his partner, and somebody that's worked with him for years. Thank you.

Thanks, Ben. I always get emotional when I come here with you guys. I appreciate that, Councilman Flynn, Councilwoman Alvedrez. Really, the council has been supportive for thirty years. I go back over five mayors all the way back to Mayor Webb.

There's five because don't forget Bill Vidal was a mayor for about a year there and had a great relationship, really, with all of with all of you and just really trying to remember that the crime lab is the hub of criminal investigations done right. Now I say done right because the timeliness matters. And what you're seeing elsewhere is it's just not timely. And in Denver, we were always able to get it done timely when it when it really mattered. And that will that gets the people off that are not guilty early so we're not focusing resources on the wrong people.

And I think that's key to to keep that keep that going. I really want to thank Mike Hess from the museum for recognizing the importance of the forensic lab in general and keeping it kind of relevant. Mike pushed to have this done today, and Representatives Flynn and Al Vadresa, we I appreciate you you taking this on. One thing I do wanna say, one of you mentioned domestic violence or or violence against women. I really dedicate my career to my sister because several years ago, I was wondering why am I so passionate about about victims.

And, you know, I'm I'm Canadian, and I grew up in a tough town. It took a couple of minutes. I realized my sister, she was a victim of domestic violence young and really brutal domestic violence. Nearly killed her then, and it killed her four years ago from the depression, you know, alcoholism and depression. So it clicked in me about five years ago. This is the reason. So I've always wanted to protect the victims. And I think doing things right does that. And being hard about getting things right really does matter. I also want to thank, you know, certainly Mitch Morrissey and others.

But Sean O'Toole here is the first one of the first two people I hired, and he's a supervisor in the DNA lab. He's up and coming, so keep an eye on this guy. But really, I have to thank my wife, Jen, who's videotaping over here. We met lieutenant the lieutenant at a at a crime scene tape on one of her rental properties back in the nineties. And I was here doing academic research.

I hadn't thought about forensics as a career. And I talked to Mark Leone, and he seemed alright. And I came down to the police department and volunteered, and they were good to me, honestly, as an immigrant. So I've lived in Denver thirty four years, and I still live in Denver, in Councilwoman's Alpadresse District 7. So I am an example of an immigrant that came with little and and worked hard. You know, the American dream, they call it. But without her, it doesn't happen. So appreciate it, and I wish Denver the best in the future. So thank you.

Madam secretary, please be read the bills for introduction.

From the community planning and housing committee, 20 6Dash0206, a bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 3601 North Monaco Street Parkway in Northeast Park Hill. 20 6Dash0207, a bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for February in Cherry Creek. 20 Six-two 08, a bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for multiple properties in Bear Valley, College View South Platte, Harvey Park, Harvey Park South, and Marston. From the South Platte River Committee, 05, a bill for an ordinance relinquishing an easement in its entirety reserved in the permanent nonexclusive easement recorded with a Denver clerk and recorder at reception number (202) 301-7988 located at 2622 West 11th Avenue and from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee twenty six-two zero four, a bill for an ordinance relinquishing an easement in its entirety reserved in ordinance number zero zero eight, series of 2,002, recorded with the Denver clerk and recorder at reception number (200) 203-3206 located at 5000 East Alameda Avenue.

Thank you. Council members, this is your last opportunity to call out an item. Council member Lewis, will you make motions for us this evening?

Yes, council president. You. Now do

a recap. Under resolutions, council resolution zero three three three has been called out for comments by council member Lewis. Under bills for introduction, consideration, no items have been called out. Under pending, no items have been called out. Madam secretary, please put the first item on our screens, council resolution zero three three, a resolution authorizing and improving the expenditure and payment from the appropriation account designated liability claims in the sum of $67,500 and no cents made payable to Matt Matt Matlin injury law in full payment and satisfaction of all claims related to the incident which occurred on 04/10/2025 at or near the intersection of North Gilpin Street and East 1st Avenue in Denver, Colorado claim number 2025027935.

Council member Lewis, please go ahead with your comments on council resolution zero three three three.

Thank you. After consistent feedback from my constituents, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that the public is aware of every tax dollar being approved as an expenditure and payment of the funds for a settlement with the city and county of Denver. My office is tracking every dollar by department and as a running total. With the approval of 260333 tonight, the city will approve settlements in the amount of 67,500 to settle cases brought against the Department of Public Health and Environment. The approval of these items tonight brings the twenty twenty six total for taxpayer dollars in city settlements to $447,500.

The funding is drawn from a liabilities claim pool of money that is refilled when necessary from the city's general budget and does not come out of agency specific budgets. We must therefore pay extra attention in this budget environment that we are watching out for how the city spends our money and that we are making decisions for the future with this knowledge. Thank you. Thank you.

This concludes the items to be called out. Introduction are ordered published. Council council members, remember that this is a consent or block vote, and you will need to vote by. Otherwise, this is your last chance to call out an item for a separate vote. Council member Lewis, will you please put the resolutions for adoption on the floor?

I move that the resolutions be adopted in a block for the following items. Twenty six zero two two one, twenty five nineteen eighty five, twenty six zero three three three, twenty twenty six zero two one seven. Sorry. It's a little funky on this. Twenty six zero two zero nine, twenty six zero two one zero, twenty six zero two one one, twenty six zero two one three, twenty six zero two one four, twenty six zero two one five, twenty six zero two one six. That's good. That's it. Thank

you. It has been moved and seconded. Madam secretary, roll call. Council members, all be advised. Aye.

Gilmore. Aye. Herodin. Aye.

Flores. Voting?

Aye.

Gonzalez Gutierrez? Aye. Heinz?

Aye.

Cashman?

Aye. Lewis? Aye. Romero Campbell? Aye. Sawyer? Aye.

Watson?

Aye.

Madam president Sandoval?

Aye. Madam secretary, close of unannounced results?

12 ayes.

12 ayes. The resolutions have been adopted. Tonight, there will be a required public hearing on council bill twenty six zero zero eight one, changing the zoning classification for 385 South Zunai in Asmar Park. If there are no objections from members of council, we will be set until 05:30 before completing the regular meeting. City council will provide a half hour general public comment session to hear from the public on city matters except for any matter that is scheduled for a legally legally required public hearing. The general public comment session will begin at 5PM.

Hey, Denver. Here's what's happening around the mile high this week. The Diva Awards is an annual celebration of recognizing the outstanding

at 5PM on Thursday, March 19. We look forward to hearing from you again, and thank you for attending. Council will now reconvene from our early session. There's no unfinished business from our the earlier session. There's one proclamation being read this afternoon. I'll just wait a minute for it to transition. Council member? Glyn, will you come back tonight?

We need

to wait.

We're waiting just we'll transition. We're gonna give it a minute so we can transition out. Alright. If we could have quiet in the chambers, please. We're gonna read a proclamation. Thank you. Council member Hines, would you please read proclamation zero three three two?

Yes, madam president. Proclamation 26 dash 0332. A proclamation recognizing Sokka International USA, SGI USA, youth and community dialogue for peace, culture, and education. Whereas Sokka Kakai International USA, SGI USA, is part of a global community based network of more than 11,000,000 people in 192 countries and territories who practice Nichiren Buddhism, whose mission is centered on respect for the dignity of life, dialogue, and nonviolence based on the conviction that individual happiness and the realization of peace are inextricably linked. And whereas, March 16 is observed as by Sokugakai and FGI members worldwide as Kosen Rufu De, commemorating 03/16/1958 when second Sokugakai president Jose Tora entrusted 6,000 youth with the mission of advancing efforts to contribute to the creation of a peaceful world.

And whereas on 03/16/2026, SGI USA will commemorate the sixty eighth anniversary of this historic youth gathering and the enduring commitment to raise a new generation of youthful successors dedicated to peace, culture, education, and the happiness of individuals and communities. And whereas, SGI USA youth in the city and county of Denver will work together with use of youth across The United States and with fellow SGI youth around the world to advance a message of peace through grassroots, one to one engagement in their neighborhoods, including dialogue centered discussion, meetings that foster friendship, mutual understanding, and hope. And whereas under the banner of one youth, infinite hope, SGI USA youth have renewed their focus on inspiring young people to become catalysts for peace through heart to heart interaction and community transformation affirming that one person's inner transformation can become a source of hope for many others. And whereas SGI USA mains maintains a long standing physical preference in Denver City Council District 10 through SGI USA Denver Culture Center located at 1450 North Spear Boulevard, which serves as a community gatherings base, and supporting neighborhood based dialogue and civic minded engagement. And whereas SGI USA members and volunteers in Denver have contributed to environmental stewardship and cultural friendship through a long standing cherry tree planting partnership with the city, spanning more than three decades and resulting in the planting of more than 2,000 cherry trees in different area parks as enduring symbols of peace, friendship, and cultural exchange.

And whereas SGI USA Youth launched the victory over violence movement to promote nonviolence and respect for the dignity of life, including educational exhibitions and dialogue based programs that encourage young people to address the root causes of violence through awareness, introspection, and individual empowerment. And now therefore be proclaimed by the Denver City Council section one that the council of the city and county of Denver hereby recognizes SGI USA and its members in the city and county of Denver for their commitment to peace, culture, and education through dialogue, nonviolence, and respect for the dignity of life. Section two, that the Denver City Council hereby proclaims 03/16/2026 as SGI USA Youth Day of Peace Culture and Education in the City and County of Denver. Section three, that the clerk of the City and County of Denver shall affix the seal of the City and County of Denver to this proclamation and that a copy be transmitted to the SGI USA Denver Culture Center.

Council member Hines, you motion to adopt.

I move that proclamation 26 Dash0332 be

adopted. Has been moved and seconded. Comments by members of council. Council member Haynes.

Thank you,

madam president and colleagues. While the proclamation recognizes the work of SGI USA here in Denver, it is also rooted in a broader philosophy that has guided the Soka Kakai movement around the world. Soka Kakaya International is grounded in the idea that lasting peace begins with the transformation of individuals and communities through dialogue, respect for human dignity, and the belief that everyone has inherent value. That philosophy comes the from the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism and has carried forward has been carried forward by generations of leaders and practitioners committed to building cultures of peace. Jositora, the second president of Sokugakai, once said that the purpose of Buddhism is to enable each person to become happy and through that happiness to contribute to peace in society.

His successor, Taisakado Akeda, you will have to correct me if I screwed up the names, often emphasized the power of ordinary people to create extraordinary change through compassion and courageous conversations. Here in District 10, City County Building and the center at 1450 Spear, the philosophy has a physical home on Spear Boulevard, which serves as a gather gathering community dialogue, cultural exchange, and neighborhood engagement. I also had to honor wanna thank you of offering a brief speech to the ribbon cutting when the center opened. It was inspiring to see so many people come together around the simple idea that community conversation matter. I'll admit that I don't know everything about SGI or about Buddhism.

Know very little. But I do know this. We could always use more happiness and and more peace in our lives and in our communities. Today's recognition honors the youth and members who are working around that goal and reminds us that peace is something we build day by day in our neighborhoods, in our friendships, and in the way we treat one another. Congratulations to SGI USA members and youth leaders here in Denver, and thank you for your continued work in our community. So

thank you council member Hines for bringing this proclamation. Two of my family members have gone to the SGI for years, and I was so impressed. I was driving down the spear, and my husband and I looked and we were like, look. They got a new building. And it used to have it used to feel so closed off.

It didn't have very many windows. It had the parking lot. It didn't feel a place where I've actually been in there in the old former building. My sister goes to Naropa University and has her master's from Naropa University and is a practicing Buddhist. And so I it just didn't ever feel like the grandeur that was inside of that building.

And now my husband and I were driving by not long ago, and he was like, oh my god. That view, it's gorgeous. I just have to say every time I drive by that building, I'm so impressed on a, how fast it went up, b, the architecture, and how it is a sparkling example of the Buddhism culture and how welcoming it is has been. I have several other friends who changed from Catholicism and were welcomed into your community at that at that place and have taught me how to chant. And so many times, I do catch myself, my husband and I, catch ourself chanting from being very young going into that building.

So thank you for making that corner amazing. I'm so proud. One day when I have more time, I would love to go back in and see the new building and see how it looks. And thank you council member Hines for bringing this proclamation because I have been a big fan of yours for longer than you all would ever probably know. So thank you for making Spirit even look more beautiful than it already is. Madam secretary, roll call.

Council members Alvidrez. Gilmore?

Aye. Sorry. Aye. Gilmore?

Parity?

Torres? Aye. Flynn?

Aye.

Gonzales Gutierrez? Aye. Heinz? Aye.

Cashman?

Aye.

Lewis? Aye.

Romero Campbell?

Aye. Sawyer? Aye. Watson? Aye.

Madam president Sandoval?

Aye. Madam secretary, close the voting and announce the results.

11 ayes.

11 ayes. Proclamation zero three three two has been adopted. We now have five minutes for the proclamation acceptance. Council member Hines, who will you be inviting up to accept the proclamation?

May I invite mister Polonihara and whoever else he might coordinate?

We where do we go? Lucky. So, behalf of SGI USA, we just really want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. And, City of and County Of Denver has been a tremendous home for us. We moved into that building in 1989.

Then, really, the partnership that we've been able to build with our annual cherry tree planting since 1989 has been so tremendous for all of us and to be able to work together to beautify the city of Denver. I'm actually a transplant from Los Angeles, but as soon as I moved to Denver in 2010, I really fell in love with the city and county of Denver, especially what it has to offer, but also being able to really cultivate this notion of being able to create such a peaceful community right where we are together with the young people. And we really feel that it is the youth that is going to truly transform our society, our neighborhood, and our community. And the youth that stand here beside you are really committed to doing so and to be able to create such a peaceful network, a peaceful community neighborhood here in the city and county of Denver. So with that, we're truly honored and grateful for today, especially being able to recognize March 16, which in 1958 was a really significant moment for our organization, our Buddhist community of truly being able to give the next successors, our next generation, the platform to be able to truly create such a peaceful society.

So with that, I wanna see if Furi, you wanna share anything or

Sure. Yes. Thank you so much. Actually, thirty years ago, this year, our mentor, Daisako Ekaida, came and visited Denver, and, actually, he received his honorary doctorate at University of Denver. So it feels so significant, you know, how he started this peace movement and really trusted the youth, really to transform the land and the destiny of humankind. So each one of us are really committed to doing that, and you mentioned the one youth infinite hope campaign and really fighting all across the United Nations to create joy and peace with each person in front of us. So thank you so much for joining hands with us in that endeavor, and we're really excited to report back many, many victories of peace. Thank you.

And then just one last note, Apoorvivi who just spoke, so she's one of five representatives from Denver who will be going to a peace training course in Hiroshima, which as you know is the place that experienced atomic bombing. And so five representatives from city of Denver will be represented in this youth initiative of 120 youth from across The United States and being able to create this friendship exchange and dialogue with many, many young people in the neighborhood of Hiroshima to really build that bond of friendship and bring that back so that we could really continue to forge that type of spirit here in the city and county of Denver as well. So, thank you very much.

Thank you. We have one required public hearing tonight. As a reminder, council members need to turn their video on during the vote. For those participating in person when called upon, please come to the podium on the presentation monitor on the wall. You will see your time counting down. For those participating virtually when called upon, please wait until our meeting host promotes you to speaker. When you are promoted, please accept the promotion. Turn on your camera if you have one and your microphone. All speakers should begin their remarks by telling council their names and cities of residence, and if they feel comfortable doing so, their home addresses. If you have signed up to answer questions only, state your name and note that you are available for questions of council.

Speakers will have three minutes. There's no yielding of time. If translation is needed, you will be given an additional three minutes for your comments to be interpreted. Speakers must stay on the topic of the hearing and must direct their comments to counsel as a whole. Please refrain from profane or obscene speech and refrain from individual or personal attacks. Council member Lewis, will you please put council bill twenty six zero zero eight one changing the zoning classification for 385 South Zunite In Park on the floor for final passage.

I move the council bill twenty six zero zero eight one be placed upon final considerations and do pass. Thank you.

It has been moved and seconded. The required public hearing for council bill zero zero eight one is open. May we please have the staff report? Hello,

everyone. My name is Joe Green with community planning and development. And as you noted, we're looking at a rezoning at 385 South Zuni Street. So as usual, I'll walk through the request and then give a little bit more information about the location, go through the process the application has been through thus far, and then get into the review criteria. So the applicant is requesting to go from B1 with waivers, which is a chapter 59 district, so from our old code.

It's a mixed use zone district. It allows retail, commercial, and residential, but it has some waivers that limit some of what can be done. They're requesting to go to EMX3, which is a mixed use district in the urban edge neighborhood context that allows three stories. It also allows retail, residential, and office uses. Specifically, the applicant is hoping to open a medical office, which, as you can see, is one of the things listed under waivers that cannot be used.

So it waives commercial uses like medical office, fine arts gallery, a library, a hearing aid store, and a whole lot of other things that I listed out in the staff report. It also limits the total floor area of the structure to 4,400 square feet and limits the height to 32 feet. So with that, we'll get into the location and context. It's in Council District 7, Councilmember Alvejes' district. It's in the Athmar Park neighborhood.

It's surrounded by mixed use zoning to the north and to the east. There's some two unit zoning just to the west and some single unit zoning just to the south. It says the existing land use is single unit residential. I think it might have been a while since it's been used for that. It does allow office and retail and different uses, as I noted. There is a city owned property just to the north that's been used as a day shelter, I believe, for homeless or a cold weather shelter. Just to the east is a Costco business center.

So you

can see the development pattern changes very drastically when you go east and then a kind of residential neighborhood off to the west. You can see some pictures of the property on the top there. It looks like a single unit house. It was built as a single unit house and sometime in the '80s appears to have been this the zone was zoning was changed to allow these different commercial uses. There's kind of a picture representing what the residential neighborhood looks like, and then you can see kind of the big parking lots off to the east.

Getting into the process, the application was submitted back in November. Every property owner and renter within 200 feet were sent notices. When we received the application and again for the planning board notice, we held a public hearing at Planning Board in late January, went to the Community Planning and Housing Committee in early February, and are here today. Planning Board recommended approval unanimously and we have had no comments from RNOs, members of the public, or other stakeholders submitted to CBD. Getting into the review criteria, as you all know there are three review criteria that you must find to be true in order to pass a rezoning.

We'll start with consistency with adopted plans. There are three plans in this case that are relevant starting with Comp Plan 2040, the big citywide plan. There are a number of strategies that talk about mixed use centers, encouraging quality infill development, promoting infill development where we already have infrastructure services, and making sure that there are places where residents can live, work, play in their own neighborhoods. So allowing more uses in this property would help revitalize that Alameda Square community center and would fulfill the comprehensive plan 2040 policies. Looking at Blueprint Denver, it designates this property as the urban edge neighborhood context, which talks about commercial areas embedded in one and two unit residential areas.

This is a lower scaled mixed use property that can help transition from that big Costco business center. So we think it meets this guidance. It designates the future place as community center, which envisions a mix of office, commercial, and residential uses with heights up to five stories, applicants only seeking three stories, and it would provide those office and commercial uses as envisioned. Further, Blueprint Denver calls for rezoning out of the former chapter 59 zoning code, which this application would also fulfill. And then we're going look at the Southwest Area Plan, which was recently adopted.

This superseded the Athmore Park Perimeter Plan, which was the plan in effect when Planning Board reviewed this back in January. But we did present all of the policies that were relevant and drafts at that point to them as well. So it also calls the area community center and has kind of the same definition of community center as Blueprint Denver does. So this would implement that policy guidance. And then it very specifically calls out the Alameda Square Shopping Center as a focus area, and the boundary is drawn both around the Costco Business Center and the kind of suburban style development and these properties just to the west of them.

So it calls for these areas to it's calling to encourage new infill development in these areas, especially on underused parcels and infill development and calls generally for a mixed use shopping center in that area. So generally it fulfills all of these policies. We do find that it is in the public's interest because it implements these adopted plan guidance allowing for mixed use a mix of uses and amenities. And we do find it to be consistent with the neighborhood context, zone district purpose and intent found in the Denver zoning code because it would allow appropriately scaled mixed use development in the urban edge neighborhood context. And there are predicted district standards that help with that transition.

So with that, we recommend approval, finding that all the review criteria have been met. I'm available for questions. The applicant is here and available for questions. Thanks.

That was easy peasy. We have one individual signed up to speak this evening, Jesse Paris.

Yes. Good evening members of council, those watching at home, those in the council chambers. My name is Jesse LaShawn Paris and I'm representing for Black Star Action Movement for Self Defense, Positive Action Committee for Social Change, as well as the Unity Party of Colorado, the Northeast Denver Residence Council, Frontline Black News, Shabbat's Buck Experience Enhance, the Revolutionary Agenda. And I reside at the roach and bedbug infested legacy loss in Darryl Watson's District 9 in a historically black district of five points. Initially I was against this rezoning and I thought it was going to be more gentrification as usual, but I can see it's not going to be that.

It's going to be actually something that is needed for the community in this area, a medical center that is much needed. People need to have access to health assistance and healthcare. So yeah, I'm in full favor of this. I just had a question. Is this going be similar to the one that I just put up a few years ago on federal and what is that? Louisiana? If someone could answer that question, I'll greatly appreciate it. That's all I have for y'all tonight. I'm gonna take it easy on you tonight. Good job, Flora. You got this.

Thank you. That concludes our speakers. Do you have any questions from members of council on council bill zero zero eight one? Seeing no questions? Producer, do we have anyone online that has their hand raised? Okay. The public hearing is closed. Comments by members of council on council bill zero zero eight one. Council member Alvidrez, do you wanna start us off?

Yes. Thank you so much. I'm excited about this rezoning. Thank you, Jesse, for your support. This is definitely something that we don't understand why there was a waiver to prevent a medical center back in the eighties when this happened, and the community is in full support. And it is not related to Denver Health, which is on Louisiana and federal, but it will be a local clinic. So thank you, and I ask my colleagues to support as well.

Thank you. Council member Flynn.

Thank you, madam president. Thank you, council member, for bringing up the waivers issue. As I read the staff report this weekend, I was struck because I I've always been a critic of our twenty ten form based code as opposed to the chapter 59, which was much more specific and we knew what we were approving. But then I realized, if I may, just bear with me, here are the uses that were waived in the original rezoning here, the b three with waivers, and it just blew my mind. It's it's alphabetical, so you'll know what I'm getting at the end.

You were not allowed to on this site to do an apothecary, a bank, dental or medical clinic, computer data processing center, electric substation, fine arts gallery, fire station, gas regulator station, hearing aid store, industrial bank, dental or medical laboratory, I love this one, landing takeoff area for police rotocraft, library, museum, newspaper distribution stations, though we need those anymore, optician, repair or sale of orthopedics and prosthetics, parking, photographic studio, police station, post office, railway, right of way, savings or loan association, school telephone exchange, terminal for intra city public transit vehicles, utility pumping station, and my personal favorite, water reservoir. That's how specific former chapter 59 was. So I'm glad that we're able to free this site up to be any one of those things. My personal favorite is the water reservoir, but medical clinic is is useful also. Thank you, ma'am.

I I just got a kick at reading reading that over the weekend.

Thank you, council member. I also support this rezoning. Seems like we need more medical, and it seems like a perfect place across the street from there's a Costco warehouse right there, and there's a whole inter industry right there. It just had really good dim sum from right there not long ago. So absolutely support this rezoning. Madam secretary, roll call on council bill zero zero eight one. House members Abekas. Aye.

Flores. Aye. Flynn. Aye.

Gonzalez Callejes. Aye. Heinz?

Aye.

Cashman? Aye. Lewis?

Aye. Romero Campbell? Aye.

Sawyer? Aye.

Watson?

Madam secretary, close the voting and announce the results.

11 ayes.

11 ayes. Council bill twenty six zero zero eight one has passed. On Monday, April 2026, council hold a required public hearing on council bill twenty six zero two zero six, changing the zoning classification for 3601 North Monaco Street Parkway in Northeast Park Hill. It required public hearing on twenty six zero two zero seven, changing the zoning classification for 2625 East 3rd Avenue in Cherry Creek, and a required public hearing on council bill twenty six zero two zero eight, changing the zoning classification for multiple properties in Bear Valley, College View, South Platte, Harvey Park, Harvey Park South, Mark Markson. Any protest against council bills zero two zero six, zero two zero seven, or zero two zero eight must be filed with the council offices no later than noon on 04/06/2026.

There'll be no further business before this body. This meeting is adjourned.