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 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 Alejandro, 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. Buenas tardes a todos. Mi nombre es Samuel Guzmán con la CLC. Y juntamente con mi colega Alejandro estaremos interpretando la reunión de hoy al español. Si se une con nosotros virtualmente a través de Zoom, por favor busquen su pantalla un icono de globo que dice interpretación. Oprime ese botón y de ahí seleccione la opción de escuchar en español. Si se une con nosotros presencialmente y está ahorita en la cámara, por favor busque un asistente que le podrá dar audífonos para poder escuchar en español. Muchas gracias and thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Sam. Welcome to the Denver City Council meeting of Monday, July 20, 2026. Council members, please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation,

Council Members, please join Council Member Gonzales Gutierrez as they lead us in the Denver City Council Land Acknowledgement.

Thank you, Council President. 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 indigenous peoples. 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, Parity. Alvidrez. Here. Flynn.

Here.

Gilmore. Here. Gonzalez-Cutierrez. Here. Hines. Cashman?

Here.

Lewis? Present. Romero-Campbell? Here. Sawyer? Here. Torres? Here. Watson? Here. Madam President Sandoval? Here. 11 members present. Can you repeat that? 11 members present.

There are 11 members present. Council has a quorum. The first order of business is to elect a council president. The floor is open for nominations. I would like to nominate Councilmember and current Council President Pro Tem, Romero Campbell, to be elected as Council President. Hold on. I'm having a hard time. My computer is totally messing up, so be patient with me. Okay, colleagues, it is my pleasure to nominate Councilwoman Diana Romero-Campbell to serve as the next President of Denver City Council. Serving as Council President is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility. It requires a commitment to this institution, to our colleagues, and to the people of Denver. As we begin a new chapter, I know Councilwoman Romero-Campbell understands the importance of that responsibility. I hope she will continue to bring the same dedication to serving this body that she has brought to serving her district. For those reasons, it is my privilege to place the name of Councilwoman Diana Romero-Campbell into the nomination for President of Denver City Council.

Are there any further nominations to Council President?

Seeing none, nominations are now closed for Council President. Council Member Gonzales Gutierrez, will you make the motions for us this evening? Yes, Council President. Thank you. Council Member Gonzales Gutierrez, your motion to elect Council President?

I move that Council Member and current Council President Pro Tem Romero-Campbell be elected to serve as Council President for the 2026-2027 term.

The nomination of Council Pro Tem Romero-Campbell has been placed on the floor. Madam Pro Tem Romero-Campbell, do you have any comments?

Okay. Yes. I think I can turn on my mic. Thank you. And thank you, Council President Sandoval, for the nomination. I would just like to express a thank you to all of my council member colleagues and hope that I can earn your support tonight and take some time to really express how truly humbled and grateful I am for this moment. I would first like to thank my fellow council members. Again, As we move forward this evening, it is a privilege to work alongside each of you. I have so much respect for your dedication, your passion, your commitment that you bring to this council. It is one of the most diverse city councils in Denver, and we talk about this often. But we are multi-generational, and we represent communities that reflect diversity. who we are, our intersectionalities, and just the different identities that we hold. I think our diversity and lived experiences strengthen our conversations, it broadens our perspective, and it helps us better serve the people who call Denver home. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that we have created together and continue to work collaboratively to address the challenges and opportunities ahead. I also want to acknowledge Council President Sandoval. Your leadership has meant so much and it has been an honor to learn from your wisdom, from your years of service to the city, through your kindness. your clarity and to the service of this council and to the people of this city. I would also like to thank my family who is here in the audience today. You have been with me throughout my journey. To my husband, John. Sorry. You know, for your encouragement, you've been with me throughout this journey. Thank you for being my rock and standing beside me every step of the way. To my kids, who aren't kids, they're young adults, but I always call them my kids. To Sophia and Geronimo, and now my new daughter-in-law, Aspen, to thank you for your endless love and support. You inspire me to build a better Denver for generations to come. And also to my sisters who are here, Carla and Rosanna and Julie. We've been through a lot, and I couldn't have done this without you these past three years. I thank you for always being there. I thank you for being the best sisters and sister-in-law that anyone could ever have. I think we've been through a lot of challenges. We've been through a lot of milestones. We've buried our parents in the last three and a half years and over the years. And through every season of life, we've always shown up for one another. The strength that comes from our example that our parents gave us, they were teachers who dedicated their lives to educating and empowering others. Although they are no longer here with us today, they are in our hearts, they are in the stars, and they are in the values that have been instilled in us. service, compassion, and perseverance and they continue to guide me every day. I wouldn't have made it to where I am right now without them and none of us would have. I also want to acknowledge dear friends who are in the room as well. It means a lot to have you here today. I know that there are others that aren't here but also watching and so a big shout out and thank you for being here. I also want to recognize I have an incredible team. Macy, Kathy, Erica, your knowledge and tireless effort has been the backbone of District 4. Thank you for much of everything that you do for the residents of Southeast Denver as well. I'm honored to be the sixth council person and the first Latina to represent Southeast Denver. To be part of such a small group of leaders who have served District 4 is so meaningful, and I'm especially proud to follow a long line of strong Latina leaders representing this council as council president. Throughout my career, whether serving in the Peace Corps or working in local nonprofit sector, working across the state, working in the surrounding area, or representing District 4, my approach to leadership has remained the same. Listen first, build relationships, and bring people together. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that the best leadership is rooted in community and ensuring that every voice can be heard. As I take on the role of city council president, I do so with humility, with gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to this council, the residents of District 4, and all of the people of Denver. I look forward to the work ahead in building a stronger and more connected city together.

Thank you. Thank you. Madam Secretary, then we start on the other Councilmembers.

Councilmember Alvidrez. Thank you, Council President. And I'll start with thanking you for your time as our Council President. I think I've been reflecting a lot on the past three years. and they've been incredibly challenging. Some huge challenges that I never imagined we've had and watching you stand up for us during that time has been inspiring and I have learned so much from you. For our future council president, Diana Romero Campbell, I've also loved watching you step into your leadership role. I will say right at the beginning when the family shelter was open in your district and so many of us went down there to support you, it was something I never expected. I never expected people to not want to shelter women and children and families in their district and watching you stand up fearlessly and doing the right thing continuously has been such an inspiration and I'm really excited to see how you take this leadership. So thank you both Council President Sandoval for leading the way and Councilwoman Romero-Campbell for leading us. I'm excited for your leadership and to see where it takes us. Thank you so much. That's all I have. Thank you, Council President. Thank you. Councilman Torres.

Thank you, Madam President. Councilwoman Romero-Campbell, you're poised to be the fourth consecutive Latina elected to Denver City Council presidency. That's something that I'm proud to be here to witness and to watch you be a part of. And thank you for taking up the challenge. It takes a special kind of dedication to run for office and an exceptional tolerance to challenge to serve as leadership. So thank you for your willingness to do that. And I look forward to supporting you in the coming year.

Thank you. Councilmember Watson.

Thank you so much, Council President. Council President Pro Tem Romero-Campbell, I wanted to step in just quickly to share. I think there are amazing traits of leaders and that leadership identifies. And there are some traits that folks may not pay close attention to. Your skill set, your ability to listen, your willingness to sit and speak with anyone at any time, and just simply the joy that you bring in this extremely stressful roles that we're in. I have enjoyed watching your growth, and watching you elevate a leadership style that works in this 13-member body, one that brings folks together. I am ecstatic that you have chosen to be a part of leadership, and I look forward to supporting you as our next president. Thank you for your quiet, humble leadership, and I look forward to continue working collaboratively with you. Thank you, Council President, for your leadership over these years as well.

Thank you. Seeing no other colleagues in the queue, Madam Secretary, roll call. Oh, council members, when called upon, please respond with the last name of the member whom you are voting for. Then select aye on your touch screen. Madam Secretary, roll call.

Would you mind welcoming Councilman Hines briefly? Oh, yeah. Thank you. I'll go to the meeting, Councilmember Hines. Councilmembers Alvidrez?

Romero-Campbell, aye.

Flynn?

Romero-Campbell.

Gilmour?

Romero-Campbell.

Gonzalez-Gutierrez? Romero-Campbell. Hines?

Romero-Campbell, aye. Cashman? Romero-Campbell. Lewis? Romero-Campbell, aye.

Romero-Campbell.

Romero-Campbell, aye. Aye.

And Romero-Campbell. Sawyer.

Romero-Campbell.

Torres. Romero-Campbell. Watson.

Romero-Campbell.

Madam President Sandoval.

Romero-Campbell.

Madam Secretary, roll call. 12 ayes. Romero-Campbell.

12 ayes. 12 votes for Romero. We change seats now or we go through pro tem so then all three of us can change seats?

Change now.

Want to change now? Okay. And then where do I sit? And then I have to get up and go over there? I think so. Because then there's three chairs. There's three switchings. Okay. So give us a second. Well, we have to switch now. Yeah. Me too.

Okay. Oh. Well, I did the remarks at the wrong time, huh? Oh, sorry about that.

Are we good? Okay, good.

Next order of business. Hold, please.

Accessibility short...

All right. Mic is on. Okay. The next order of business is to elect a council president pro tem. The floor is open for nominations.

Council Member Lewis, your nomination. I was trying to get in there. Thank you so much. I'd like to nominate Councilwoman Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez.

Are there any other, for President Pro Tem, right?

Pro Tem, I'm sorry.

Yeah, okay. Are there any further nominations for Council President Pro Tem? Nominations are now closed for Council President Pro Tem. Council Member Lewis, your motion to elect Council President Pro Tem.

Can I say my remarks now? You have to do the motion. Okay, yeah. I move that Councilwoman Serena Gonzalez-Gutierrez A motion for Councilwoman Sedena-Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Sorry. Here, I can put it in the notes in Monday night. I move that Councilmember Gonzalez-Gutierrez be elected to serve as Council pro tem for the 2026-2027 term. Thank you. I lost my screw.

Awesome. It has been moved and seconded. The nominations for Councilmember Gonzalez-Gutierrez has been placed on the floor. For Councilmember Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Thank you.

It is one of my greatest honors of my time on this council to rise today and nominate my colleague, my partner in so much of this work and my friend Councilwoman Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez to serve as Denver City Council's next Council President Pro Tem, over the past three years, I've had the privilege of walking beside her through some of the hardest conversations our city has faced. Together, we've celebrated victories, weathered disappointments, wrestled with impossible decisions, and never stopped asking ourselves one question, who are we doing this for? Every single time, she has answered that question the same way, the people. not the politics, not the headlines, not with what is easiest with the people. I watch her comfort grieving families, celebrate it in neighborhood victories, fight for investment that too often gets overlooked, and remind us all that behind every agenda item is a human being hoping this government sees them. That is not just leadership, that is love in action. One of the things I admire most about her is that she doesn't need to be the loudest voice in the room to change it. She is a quiet strength that invites collaboration instead of conflict. She listens with intention, she leads with humility, and she has the rare ability to disagree without making someone feel discarded. In a world that too often rewards division, she chooses relationship. In moments that demand certainty, she chooses wisdom. And when others look away from suffering, she leans forward in it. And that matters because the best leaders don't stand furthest from the pain, they move closest to it. They understand that those closest to the pain are often closest to the solutions. For the last three years, we have shared a belief that government is at its best when it has the courage to turn pain into policy, when we refuse to look away from hardship and instead allow the lived experiences of our residents to shape the decisions we make. We have stood shoulder to shoulder in difficult moments, always asking how we can build a city that is more just, more compassionate, and more reflective of the people we serve. That is the kind of leadership she has practiced, and that is the kind of leadership I know she will bring as Council Pro Tem. As our city enters another chapter, one that required difficult budget decisions, thoughtful leadership, and a willingness to make hard choices, I cannot think of a better person to help guide this body. I trust her. I trust that she will remind us that our budget is a moral document reflecting not only what we value, but who we are. I trust that she will help us distinguish between what is simply nice to have and what our communities cannot afford to live without. I trust that she will continue to ask who has been left out of the conversation, who has been waiting the longest for justice, and how we can govern with both courage and compassion. I trust that she will continue to uplift every community across Denver while never losing sight of those who have been historically and systemically marginalized. Leadership isn't measured by the title you hold. It is measured by the people who feel stronger because you stood beside them, by the bridges you build, by the trust you earn, by the hope you leave behind. She has spent the last three years earning that trust, not just from those of us on this dais, but from the communities who know she will show up long after the cameras are gone. She understands that leadership is not about being in front. It is about bringing people with you. It is about making room at the table, especially for those who have too often been asked to wait outside the room. At a time when our city is being asked to make difficult choices, we need a leader who can hold us together without asking us to compromise our values. A leader who understands that compassion and accountability are not opposing forces, but partners. A leader who knows that the measure of this council will always be how we serve those with the least power and the greatest need. she is that leader. And that is why, with immense respect, complete confidence, and a heart full of gratitude, I proudly place the name of Councilwoman Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez into nomination for Council President Pro Temp. I love you dearly.

Okay. Just checking. Councilwoman Gonzalez-Gutierrez, time for your remarks.

Thank you so much, Council President Romero-Campbell. I want to start off by thanking Councilwoman Lewis for your very beautiful words and entrusting me to be in this role. I really appreciate it. I am deeply honored to be nominated as Council President Pro Tem for the Denver City Council tonight. And I accept this responsibility with gratitude, humility, and a clear sense of purpose. I would not be here, of course, without the unwavering support of my family, including my husband, Izzy, and our three beautiful kids, whose love and encouragement sustain me every single day. I want to thank my family for joining me this evening because I know they have busy, busy schedules. And to my husband, Izzy, and our three children, Elina, Talia, and Isidoro, you show me every single day why we show up to do this work. You give me the courage to keep going, and even though I know at times this job takes me away from you all, We have figured out our balance, at least I hope. To my parents, Trudy and Joaquin, my two biggest cheerleaders, you watch us every Monday night like it's your Monday night primetime TV. And often you even tune in throughout the week for committees like it's your novellas. And of course, our check-ins when I'm driving home, when we get to recap what happened on council that night. This is where I find my grounding and encouragement. I'm proud of the work we do also alongside community, organization, advocates and partners to make Denver more equitable and more just and a place that we can all call home. I wanna recognize some folks that are here tonight and I'm so, so grateful that you have joined us this evening. This is a special night. I see folks from SEIU. I see folks from Together Colorado. I see folks from our Classroom Teachers Association, beloved community members like Mimi from the Far East Center, my seventh grade teacher, Mr. Duran, who taught me to never stoop down to people's level when they're trying to bring you down. And I always remember that lesson, Mr. Duran. I see State Senator Julie Gonzales, my hermana, who has been in the fight with me for a long time. There's so many people. I see folks from the Denver Foundation and people who fight on renters' rights, like Melissa. I see folks who work with youth in our community, like JoJo, with Healing Generations. I just want to tell you all, like, I'm here because of all of you. you know, answering the call for our community, making sure that we are working and we are in this fight together. I of course want to thank my amazing staff, Sina, Emmy, Kim, and Enrique, who's joining our office this summer. Thank you for all of your hard work in our office. You keep it afloat and you do amazing work having to be citywide. The three people. And our fourth with Enrique right now, he's a great help. Before I go into hopes and dreams for our council body, I have to take a moment to thank our outgoing president, Councilwoman Sandoval. Councilwoman, thank you for your work as council president for these past two years. We have learned great lessons from you and your leadership. I have watched you reaffirm the checks and balances with the administration while preserving the authority of this city council and helping us grow as a body. Thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, and dedication to the people of this city, and I know you will continue that work. The checks and balances that we are charged with as the legislative branch of our local government is crucial to our existence. Communication, collaboration and partnership is always the goal when it comes to our work with the administration. We can live up to these values while at the same time ensuring that us as members of Denver City Council continue to listen and work with our communities, our neighbors and everyone in our city. We work hard as council members for all of Denver, and sometimes that means we have a different perspective from the administration, and that is okay. Because we are, it is about separation of powers. We have a different point of view as members of city council. And our work is clear that we must continue to address, to provide solutions for homelessness, drug addiction, and poverty. We must continue to protect immigrants in our city from the terror of ICE. We must continue to fight for a city where everybody can afford their housing, their groceries, their medications, and their gas without going into the negative. And I believe that this body, our council, can do these things. And I believe that our council is at its best when we are bold enough to take on our city's biggest challenges while remaining committed to collaboration. We don't have all the answers. I don't have all the answers. And I make that very clear to everybody that I talk to. I don't know everything about everything. But I do know that we do not need to choose between courageous leadership and collaboration because we can do both. I have a friend in the room who always says we can walk and chew gum at the same time. Senator, it's important because our city expects us to listen, to work together, and most importantly, to act together.

And that's how we will make the difference.

Colleagues, we've been through so much over the last three years. And I know those of you elected prior to 2023 have been through even more. And I'm so grateful for the leadership of previous council presidents who have gone through the ringer. Together, our body has found those opportunities where we can join forces and are absolutely unstoppable. As a council, I hope we continue to build trust with one another, even when we disagree, because our shared commitment to Denver is greater than any single difference that we have up here on this dais. Each of us contributes to our council body in so many ways. Whether, now you're gonna hear the call outs, you're obsessed with land use, you want the best for our children and making sure that they have all the resources that they need. You're trying to combat displacement and gentrification. in your community. You're fighting for equity when it comes to investments across our city. You're working to make our city more affordable. You don't back down when you're told that something cannot be done. Looking at you, madam. You are committed to addressing safety by addressing root causes. You are making sure that mobility is safe across our city. And of course, keeping us informed on Denver history, specifically when it comes to the history of our council body. I wonder who that is. If elected as President Pro Tem, I will lead by listening first, with honesty about my principles, and by creating space for every voice at the table. Council President Romero Campbell, I look forward to our work together and sharing in that collaboration. I thank you for stepping up, and I look forward to us working together. I will work alongside all of you with integrity, curiosity, and determination that this moment is demanding of us. Together, we can be bold in our vision, collaborative in our approach, and steadfast in our commitment to the people of Denver. And together, we will ensure Council is rooted in delivering results, working on policy to build a city that works for everybody, and uniting in our efforts to create a Denver that belongs to all of us. I am looking forward to our work continuing together. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you. I'm going to call on Councilmember Torres.

Thank you, Madam President. So, Councilwoman Gonzalez-Gutierrez, you're poised to be our fifth consecutive Latina elected as president pro tem. I really got to know you best when you were my state house representative, and we found our friendship and collaboration in the midst of a pandemic, in connecting with our West Denver community, with you as a colleague on Denver City Council, and even in singing karaoke on Morrison Road. Thanks, Mimi. You've demonstrated you're a leader down to your bones, and I'm proud to support you tonight and over the next year as pro tem. Thank you.

Thank you. Council Member Cashman.

Thank you, Madam President. I thought I'd speak once and address our incoming and outgoing leaders. President Romero-Campbell, I was pleased to support your candidacy To lead this council into its near future from the first time you brought it up to me a while back I have two requirements to endorse anybody for office one is I must have worked with them directly and Second I must believe them to be the best candidate for that office and both are true in your case our districts are adjacent And we've worked together on the Near Southeast Plan closely, the Evans Corridor Plan, any number of issues together. And I appreciate your commitment to your district constituents, your thoughtfulness, and your good humor. And I wish you well and look forward to your leadership. And Councilman Gonzalez-Guterres, it has been a joy to get to know you as a colleague and a friend. Our offices are adjacent down the hall and our staffs work together and we've worked together and it's always a rewarding contact. You have a great ability to balance your passionate advocacy for the issues with the wisdom needed to realize that you got to get seven votes to make something happen. And should the mayor disagree with what you're doing, then you need to get nine votes. So you work that balance extremely well. You don't give up your passion. but you maintain the logic needed in this job. And I especially admire your commitment to vote 100% to this job while devoting 110% to your family. I know the math doesn't work, but I believe all that to be true. I look forward to your participation as a council leader in my last year on council. And I'll repeat the comment I made for our new president. My endorsement requires we've worked together and that I believe you to be the best of the candidates. And again, you meet both requirements without a doubt. Good luck in your new leadership role. And former Madam Press, Councilman Sandoval, it has been my honor to work with you through your time as an aide for former Councilman Espinosa. and in your time as councilwoman and in your time as leader of this council, I truly believe you have elevated our position in relationship to the executive branch in a way that will truly serve our city well into the future with this strengthened relationship of checks and balances. I'm well aware of the Sandoval name. bringing as it relates to governance in our city and our state, and you've held that name high and served it well. Papa would be very proud. I hope you enjoy some easier times as you step down to only being the full-time representative of Council District 1. Thank you, Madam President.

That's me. I was going to say Council President, just a minute ago.

Council Member Sandoval. Thank you. It is my honor to support Councilwoman Gonzalez-Gutierrez for Pro Tem. As a fellow Northsider, thank you for showing what representation looks like. Thank you for showing what democracy looks like. And thank you for working so tirelessly to represent all of Denver, which is a great feat. I know that you, when I've talked to you, you've gone to R&O meetings across the city. You've sent your staff to meetings across the city and all doing that while you're at a soccer game or you're at a tournament or you're at parent-teacher conference, which is really challenging because you feel... conflicted. You want to be with your family, and at the same time, you want to represent. And getting all the way out to southwest Denver, southeast Denver, far northwest Denver is not easy when you have a family who also wants your attention. I look forward to serving beside you and helping in any way that I can. I'm always here for you. And back to the day when we were Hefas, and doing our COVID clinics, just want to say that it has honestly been an honor of a lifetime working beside you, Senator Gonzalez, you, Councilman Torres, and we really got to know each other through some challenging bonding time. And I saw when our constituents called, we rise to the occasion, and I know you will again. So my honor to support you tonight as well. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I just want to say I'm thrilled and excited to work alongside you. I appreciate your words, and I think our council body just encapsulated it well. I think your love and balancing, Councilman Cashman said it well, your love and balancing the work and family is so incredibly important, and that your family is here with you today is just truly of value. With that... We are going to do our council members, when called upon, please respond with the last name of the member whom you are voting for, then select aye on your touch screens. Madam Secretary, roll call.

Council members Alvidrez. Gonzalez Gutierrez. Flynn.

Gonzalez Gutierrez.

Gilmour. Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Hines.

Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Cashman. Gonzalez-Gutierrez.

Lewis. Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Romero-Campbell, sorry, Sandoval. Gonzalez-Gutierrez.

Sawyer.

Gonzalez-Gutierrez.

Torres. Gonzalez-Gutierrez.

Watson. Gonzalez-Gutierrez.

Madam President Romero-Campbell. Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Madam Secretary, close the voting and announce the results.

Twelve ayes, Gonzales Gutierrez.

Twelve votes for Gonzales Gutierrez. Councilmember Gonzales Gutierrez has been elected to serve as Council President Pro Tem for the 2026-2027 term. Congratulations, Council President Pro Tem Gonzalez Gutierrez. Now we get to do another seat change. Musical chairs tonight. Oh, wow. Christian's changing all of the nameplates and everything. OK. That's awesome.

Welcome to the cool side.

Okay. Approval of the minutes. Are there corrections to the minutes of July 13th? Seeing none, the minutes stand approved. Council announcements. Are there any announcements from members of council? I think I'm going to go ahead and get started with a... For you, Councilmember Sandoval, I keep on wanting to say Council President Sandoval. Just for your leadership, we've spoken to it briefly this evening, but just tremendous leadership that you've had. Your love of land use and how much I personally have learned from you over the last few years and for my three years on council. Your dedication to Denver, your dedication to District 1, also to the north side, is incredible. But I think you've also just taken the time to listen, to also learn new things, to also know more about southeast Denver, and I just want to thank you for that. I think oftentimes in these roles, there's so much that comes and there's so many things that you might think you know until it's happening and you're like, wow, I don't really know everything. And so I just appreciate you helping to lead the way in helping to navigate just a whole array of things, of everything from operations to what's always in the best interest of the body. And I think that that's one of the things that you have really instilled in this In me and in others is you're always thinking about the body. You're always thinking about the city of Denver. You're always thinking about the next seven generations. And so I just want to take this moment to thank you for your service. And you're not far because I'm going to be calling and texting you a lot, which I already have been, and I appreciate it. But I know that there are other people in the queue that also want to acknowledge you this evening and have a few words to say. We have a gift for you. You probably, you might have seen it, I put my jacket over it, but I want to be able to give that to you. So, this is for you. It has For those of you who you can see, she has a basket, lots of treats for relaxation, a little beverage here and there and there, and also special treats from different council districts. And so we hope that you take the time to have rest and enjoy, and you're, you know, we act like you're going to have a lot of time, but we know you're still super busy doing a ton of things. And we also have a, do you have the... Okay, well, we have also a picture that all the council members have signed with a photo of the full council on there. I think we just need a few more signatures, but that will also be presented to you later this evening. So thank you very much. Thank you, Madam President. Oh, we're going to keep loving on you. Council Member Torres.

Thank you, Madam President. I think the rule is you have to share that stuff with the person you sit next to. I just want to give my gratitude for being our president for these past two years. Nothing is easy about presidency and making all the final decisions. I know I got decision-making fatigue at the end of my presidency, so I really appreciate you staying fully present for 104 weeks. as Council President and no one truly knows or appreciates the amount of work behind the scenes that you've done to try to smooth things for our residents, for our community and I saw a lot of it and it was deeply impressive and our community only benefits from that kind of dedication. So thank you so much and glad to keep working with you. Thank you. Council Member Alvidrez.

I also am just so grateful for you and your leadership. I can't imagine what we would have done the last couple years with all the challenges we face. So thank you for leading and showing me how to be a leader and always being there, texting, calling late at night, weekends, evenings. I'm really grateful for that. I do have some other announcements. We have Lucifer's First Rodeo in District 7 this weekend. That's something we're really excited about. It's mostly sold out, but you may be able to find information online about some free events. It actually kicks off in District 3 at Blossom House for passes and paletas, so go get your pass picked up there if you haven't gotten it yet. And I also wanted to... mention that Actually, that was all I had. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you. Council Member Watson.

Thank you so much, Council President. I've got some announcements, and to join with Blucifer, we have the Underground Music Showcase. It's happening from the 24th through the 26th in the Five Points neighborhood, the Rhino Art District. We are not fully sold out, so if you are going to Blucifer, you can also... Two miles separate us from Blucifer. You can do both. We have over 200 bands, lots of great music during that time. If you're driving, you can park at the RTD on 27th and Blake, but we are encouraging folks to bike, scoot, anything else, and come on down to the River North Art District in Five Points for the Underground Music Showcase this weekend, and pop on over to Blucifer as well. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you. Council Member Lewis. Thank you so much. Definitely want to echo the conversation of Council President Sandoval's leadership. Really appreciate you, the work that you've done, the commitment that you've had to... Evenings, weekends, all the time being on, I hope you get some respite, honestly, as you've led this body well. So thank you for that. I do have a few announcements as well. So I just wanted to announce that we have a proclamation on consent this evening, celebrating the contributions of alumni from HBCUs here in Denver. and to let folks know that this week we will be celebrating HBCU weekend here in Denver with events beginning on Thursday and running through Sunday and ranging from game nights to networking events to cookouts and even group workouts and fitness events. You can get your tickets for those events by going to D-U-B-Y-A, D-U-B-Y-A, D-U-B-Y-A, mile high, hbcuweekend.com slash hbcu-weekend-2026. Or you can reach out to our office. We also have a bowling event on August 9th. And so we're inviting all District 8 residents to come and participate in a small group or one-on-one conversations and make neighbors with other residents of the districts. So you can come talk about what is most important to you and find some time to bowl in the moments in between, you can sign up for this event by visiting my link tree or by following the links in the newsletter that we put out today. And then finally, Vibes in the Park on August 23rd from 3 to 7 at Sunken Garden in Council District 3. Be there, be square. Thank you.

Thank you. Council Member Sandoval.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to say thank you for the gift. Thank you for all your kind words. And thank you to my colleagues for the support over the last It feels like longer than two years, but for a while. So with that, just want to announce that we have a free yoga event in the north side, 38th and Tennyson underneath the corral where old Elitch's used to be. It's this Wednesday. It starts at 6 p.m. I know that there's rain in the forecast, but We are covered. So last year it was raining and it felt like a retreat because you don't get wet and it's amazing. So once again, that's at this Wednesday from six to seven at the old Elitch Historic Corral Dome on 38th. and Tennyson. And then I'm also hosting our annual movie in the park at Zuni Park on August—Friday, August 28th. The fun starts at 6 p.m., and the movie will begin promptly at 8 p.m., and we're showing how to train your dragon. So bring your blanket, bring your friends, bring your family on Friday, August 28th. Thank you, Madam President.

There are no presentations, there are no communications, there are no proclamations being read this afternoon. Madam Secretary, please read the bills for introduction.

From the Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, 26-0970, a bill for an ordinance submitting to a vote of registered electors in the City and County of Denver at the general election to be held on November 3rd, 2026, the question of granting a franchise to Public Service Company of Colorado and approving a franchise agreement, therefore. 26-0973, a bill for an ordinance approving a proposed Denver Energy Partnership Agreement between the City and County of Denver and Public Service Company of Colorado to progress commitments in sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy and joint energy leadership in Denver. 26-0974, a bill for an ordinance approving a proposed operating agreement between the City and County of Denver and Public Service Company of Colorado and Xcel Energy Company to provide utility services at Denver International Airport. from the Health and Safety Committee, 26-0978, a bill for an ordinance approving a proposed and mandatory agreement between the City and County of Denver and Denver School District Number 1 to provide reliable healthy food access for Denver's children, as funded by the Healthy Food for Denver's Kids Initiative, serving districts 1, 3, 6, 8, 9, and 10. 26-0988, a bill for an ordinance approving a proposed and mandatory agreement between the City and County of Denver and Denver Health and Hospital Authority to continue supporting the creation of the Family Connects program. And from the South Platte River Committee, 26-0981, a bill for an ordinance vacating a portion of the right-of-way adjacent to Interstate 25 and South Santa Fe Drive with reservations.

Thank you. Council members, this is the last opportunity to call out an item. Council Pro Tem Gonzales Gutierrez, would you make the motions for us this evening? Yes, Council President. Okay, now I will do a recap. Under resolutions, Council Resolution 26-0977 has been called out for comments by Councilmember Flynn, and Council Resolution 0949 has been called out for postponement to a date certain by Councilmember Hines. Under bills for introduction, Council Bills 0970, 0973, and 0974 have been called out in a block for comments by Councilmember Lewis. Under bills for final consideration, Council Bill 0925 has been called out for comments by Councilmember Lewis, Council Bill 0864 has been called out for comments and a vote by Councilmember Flynn, Council Bill 0867 has been called out for comments and a vote by Councilmember Alvarez, and I have called out Council Bill 0921 for postponement to a date certain. to a date certain. Under pending, no items have been called out. Madam Secretary, please put the first item on our screens. 0970, a bill for an ordinance submitting to a vote of registered electors of the City and County of Denver at the general election to be held November 3rd, 2026 The question of granting a franchise to Public Service Company of Colorado and approving a franchise agreement thereafter. 0973, a bill for an ordinance approving a proposed Denver Energy Partnership Agreement between the City and County of Denver and Public Service Company of Colorado to progress commitments to Sustainable, Reliable, and Affordable Energy and Joint Energy Leadership in Denver, and 0974, a bill for an ordinance approving a proposed ordinance agreement between the City and County of Denver and Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy Company to provide utility services at the Denver International Airport. Council Member Lewis, please go ahead with your comments on Council Bills 0970, 0973, and 0974.

Thank you so much. Overall, I think the city has ended up in a better place with the latest version of the franchise agreement than what was brought before council one year ago. That said, there are a few points in the most recent agreement that I believe fall short. Before I begin, I'd like to mention that a number of the questions I had at the committee on this item were not answered, including the concerns around making lower-income people pay for the heat pumps without subsidy from Excel. And so with that... Out of the way, here are some of my concerns. First, I think that the 125,000 annually for utility and low income assistance is pitiful. Excel is one of the largest corporations in Colorado with profit margins in the billions of dollars. They are likely spending more on lobbying, and communications every year than this amount in assistance. It does not ring true to me that they cannot spend more than $125,000 a year because they don't know how much profit they will be turning in the years to come. On a related note, while I recognize the customer rates are not governed by the franchise agreement, I do not think that this amount will be sufficient to help those who need Given that the state regulators have recently projected that the residential rates may increase from 20 to 30% by 2027 and up to 56% by 2029. Second, I believe that the lack of commitment to set aside funding to run pilot projects over the lifespan of the agreement is a mistake. Thinking long term to ensure that funding exists to operate pilot projects 5, 10, 15, and 20 years out would establish Denver as a leading city in the nation for energy efficiency, resiliency, and adaptation in the energy sector. I fear we have squandered an opportunity by not securing committed funding. Third, the process for which a pilot project will be selected doesn't appear to exist or is so non-transparent as to be non-existent. I asked about this in committee and I was giving the runaround as to how a project is identified, how it is approved, and what role the city agencies in Excel are obligated to pay or to agree to in this process. I do not think that this represents a promising starting point for ensuring that we will be running many of these over the life of the agreement. Fourth, the working group have pushed for a 3% of substation cost to go towards beautification and integration of those into the built environment using design specified and community driven processes. The agreement only contains a 1% allotment. I think this number is too small. Communities that often bear the brunt of infrastructure installation are often the poorest and most vulnerable. It would be preferable to me to put some real money towards ensuring those costs are minimized. And then finally, like I said at the top, this agreement does mark an improvement from last time, but it represents a missed opportunity, especially in the light of the fact that Colorado will have a new governor who may offer a new way of engaging Excel in its rate payers. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Councilwoman Sawyer.

Thank you, Madam President. Congratulations. I just wanted to take a second to say thank you to Xcel Energy. I don't know how many, there are a lot of residents of District 5 in the room today. There are almost never residents of District 5 in the room, so I'm super excited to see you guys. Thanks for being here. But I do want to acknowledge Excel on one thing. So for a long time, the residents of district five and frankly district six have been very, very frustrated with the quality of maintenance of the land around the Leedsdale substation. And I just want, it's not a part of these agreements. It's not a part of the conversation about the franchise agreement. Certainly not with the agreement with Den, but I wanted to just take a moment to acknowledge and say a huge thank you. to the Excel team. Last week, they announced that they have found half a million dollars in beautification and capital improvement funds to address some of the challenges and things that we see at the Leedsdale substation. And so I just, I want to take this opportunity, since it was called out anyway, to say thank you for that. This is a really big deal to the residents of East Denver. And it's something that we have talked about for a long, long time. And I sort of never thought it was going to happen. So the fact that it did happen and that it is coming is huge. And I want to say thank you to all of the community members and the Excel team and the mayor's office team that came together to have this conversation and that you guys were able to find those dollars. So thank you very much for that. Thanks.

Thank you. Council Member Hines.

I am so excited to say thank you, Council President. It's very nice. It's got a great ring to it. I wasn't sure I was going to say something about this either, but since it has already been called out, I'll just say that I am disappointed in the shareholder contribution, the low shareholder contribution. I think that there's a... contribution requirement for rate payers, and I think that's part of the challenge already. The frustration with Excel is that there have been numerous rate increases for rate payers, and I just really was hoping to see more of a contribution from the shareholders rather than the rate payers. Another thing that I thought was frustrating is that I've had RNOs reach out to me in the last few days to ask if the Excel concerns had been addressed. When I voted not to refer this to the ballot a year ago, I said one of the biggest concerns that I have is that I didn't think that community felt included and that I felt that I feared that my District 10 constituents would take out their frustrations with Excel on the franchise agreement vote. They'd see Excel and they'd say no without even knowing necessarily what the contents of the franchise agreement is. But if RNOs are reaching out to me to say if the concerns have been addressed, then I would say That makes me concerned about the community engagement. If all the concerns had been addressed for the community, then they wouldn't have to ask. And then I just want to... I still want to see a stronger commitment to being a responsible property owner. Every other property owner has to clean up the trash, remove the graffiti in their properties, and I'm... I just want to make sure that that happens in Excel, just as every other property owner is required to have some minimum property standards. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Council Member Watson.

Thank you so much, Council President. I was feverishly looking for the list of names of the working group members, and I could not find it. And so I'm going to just overarching. Thank the working group members. Oftentimes, this process of engaging in some of these very delicate decisions comes down to a small group of folks to reach out to community, to listen to detailed information, and dedicate an hour and a half, two hours on a monthly basis until we come to a conclusion. Each of these working group members, whether they're members of IBEW or they're members of Together Colorado or they're members of other organizations or just simply community members like INC that participated two hours a month for many, many months. listening to the communities that they serve and ensuring that they're also listening in collaboration and co-creation with XL. So I want to pause and say thank you so much to them. I'd like to thank Councilwoman Parity, who was the co-city council member that shared the working group opportunity along with myself. This was an important meeting for me as a city council member representing Define District 9. I thought it was essential for us to sit and listen to all of the thoughts that we received from communities prior to the last vote that was not successful, and then really elevate the new thoughts from the meetings that we've had with registered neighborhood organizations within our communities, as well as meetings that Excel has led throughout communities throughout California. Denver. Is this a perfect agreement and a perfect partnering agreement? No. As some council members have shared, have we moved the needle forward? Yes. As compared to other municipalities across the state of Colorado, are we receiving benefits that go beyond any other municipality? The answer to that is an unequivocal yes. I'll highlight a few things. I won't go into all of the specifics, but I believe these are important. I think these are essential as we're looking as to whether this should be going to the voters. And I will say up front, I do believe it is an opportunity for the voters and not just simply us here to make that final decision. I think this is ready. for each of the voters in each of the communities that live across Denver to make their final decision as to whether this franchise agreement is valid for the next 20 years. Shareholder contribution was important. It was one of the things that we elevated, one of the things that Together Colorado and many other groups, INC and others, elevated as an important point. Is the $125,000 initial with growth based on CPI or inflation, is that the most, is that the highest, is that the aspirational amount that we wanted? No, it isn't. Is it a step ahead? Does it move us forward to ensure that we're receiving dollars for those in the greatest need? And I believe that it is. The Energy Assistant Navigator Program, which is essential. This is a program right now, there are many benefits that Xcel Energy provides to consumers, to folks across the region, not a region, across Denver that can benefit those in the greatest need. The uptake, the acceptance of those programs is really low. There are very few of our elders. My mother leverages LEAP. Many of other elders leverage LEAP, but there are many other programs that Xcel Energy provides that many of our communities don't buy into. Having navigators that are indigenous to the communities where they live, speaking to folks about these programs is essential. That is a unique new ad just for Denver. No one else has those. On pilot programs, I've been honored to work with folks throughout CASR, which is our sustainability team, and others who have elevated pilot programs to the Public Utilities Committee. The importance of ensuring that we have pilot programs It's part of this framework. And the pilot program and innovation framework provides that the city secure a comprehensive ongoing pilot project process that includes a strength and recognition of and commitment to Denver's energy, climate, and equity goals, a formalized partnership committee, so a committee dedicated to elevate and to identify new pilot projects. I think this is a really important thing. There are many other advances that we have received through this framework agreement and as well as with the companion agreement. I want to thank my partners within the working group. I want to thank individuals from Excel. And to my colleagues, I wanted to do a reminder, and this is outside of the companion agreement as well as the franchise agreement, which I think is solid and should move to the voters. I wanted to remind Excel of a commitment that they've made to Denver Water, and I wanted to say it on the record as it pertains to the Shoshone Relaxation Agreement. This is something that is not a part of the franchise agreement or the companion agreement, something that I contemplated adding to this, but I know that Excel has made a commitment to Denver water to make sure this is added. And I wanted to quickly let folks know why this is important, especially in a drought and especially with fires throughout and without compact agreements for the lower basin states and Denver, the Colorado basin being depleted. As we consider the franchise agreement, I don't want to lose sight of a separate but critical issue for Denver's water future. The long-standing Shoshone Relaxation Agreement in drought years, like the one we're experiencing now, this agreement allows Denver Water to protect and store essential water. Denver Water has only used the agreement twice and only in the most severe conditions in coordination with the Western Slope partners. I think the Shoshone Relaxation Agreement is important. I will continue speaking to this and the importance of ensuring that we are managing our water and our water agreements across the region. And I thank Excel for being willing to continue in that dialogue. Thank you so much, Madam President.

Thank you. Council Member Gilmour. Thank you, Council President. I appreciate the work that the working group folks put together around the companion agreement. I do need to share my concerns about the companion agreement. In committee, I was very specific. I just went back and looked at my notes. Slide four is pretty... unclear I think as to really what Excel is providing and then what you all and everybody watching this as the ratepayers are going to be providing and so I had specifically asked for that slide to be cleaned up so that it was clear so that I could share with my constituents exactly what this council has negotiated better than last year's agreement. We weren't getting anything last year. This year, there's been some work put forth, but I have to call out the names of Ron and Tani Taylor, who reside in Montbello. They have bared their souls to representatives from Xcel Energy, to others about their financial crisis that they are in right now in the city and county of Denver, specifically in Montbello. One, you can only get assistance if your power is going to be shut off. They know that very well. There are no ongoing affordability issues. I specifically asked through numerous emails to please have the working group consider That the folks within the city right now that qualify for the property tax relief program that Councilwoman Sawyer and I just improved that program, it has an annual budget of $4 million. We will go through that budget because there are so many people in our city that own single family homes that cannot afford to pay their property taxes. So they're paying them, but then they're applying to the city to receive that money back in the rears so that they can pay for medicine, for insurance, for car insurance, for health insurance, etc. None of that was taken into consideration. asked for an automatic approvability of those folks that have already gone through the city system with HOST to automatically qualify for Xcel Energy's help and assistance because they have asked for it time and time again. Instead, in committee, we were presented with slide four And it's 2.5 million one time upfront from the Excel shareholders. And then another 2.5 million that is spread out over 20 years of the agreement. We will get $125,000 each year for 20 years. I implore this council to do what we talked about tonight. and not approve an agreement that we're going to get $5 million over 20 years from Xcel Energy when I go and look at, and Councilman Flynn, you'll love this, because Xcel Energy actually does a multi-year budget. Their five-year capital spending plan from 2026 to 2030 is $60 billion. If this council approves $5 million, For energy assistance, it's not even 5 mil, it's 2.5. Today, it's 125,000 a year for the next 20 years. Over this hot weekend, because my father, unfortunately, is here in town for a health crisis, health issues, he's on two liters of oxygen. Continuously. We have an oxygen compressor in my living room where he's been staying with us for the last 30 days. Let me tell you, on Saturday afternoon, when the power went out in Montbello, shut everything down. He has no more oxygen. I'm asking, do we have tanks of oxygen in the garage? Because I don't know how long that oxygen is going to be out. We have people who have needs for their medicine to be refrigerated. We have people who have needs for oxygen. I don't know how $2.5 million today and $125K for the next 20 years is this council working towards equity. I'm going to vote yes on it tonight because next week I will most likely be a no on it because I cannot let the power that we have sitting in these seats Not at least double, if not triple that amount. Or I don't know how y'all are going to answer to your constituents because I'm done. I'm termed out. But the moment that your constituents gets rushed to the hospital because they've been without oxygen and their bodies are going into crisis. I don't know who's going to answer that question, but that's a question that we need to have Xcel Energy answer, and they have failed at doing that. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you. Madam Secretary, please put the next item on our screens. Council Resolution 0977, a resolution approving proposed contract between the City and County of Denver and Franson Pitman Construction Company Inc. for the construction of the renovation of the Loretto Heights Theater located at 3001 South Federal Boulevard in District 2. Council Member Flynn, please go ahead with your comments on Council Resolution 0977.

Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to just make a few comments about this milestone for southwest Denver. The theater at the Loretto Heights College has been sitting vacant since the Takeo Colorado Heights University closed it in 2017. So we've been waiting for quite a long time for some sign of the reopening to occur here. The Friends and Pittman contract on the agenda tonight will kick that off. And on Friday this week, folks are welcome to come out to the groundbreaking at 9 a.m., at Loretta Heights campus to watch the kickoff of the $45 million renovation. The reopening will be in, I believe, the second quarter of 2028. So it's still a long time till curtain. But what I want to emphasize to my colleagues and to the public here is that this will be a city-owned cultural performing arts complex. That is community accessible. It is going to be open to the community. It's not going to be for touring Broadway productions. Maybe the community could put on a Broadway production, right, Tariana? But it's going to be accessible to the community. And it's something that represents the largest community. city investment ever in infrastructure, in civic infrastructure in southwest Denver. And so I just wanted to highlight that, Madam President. And if you can come out to the groundbreaking, please do. 9 a.m. Friday at the Loretto Heights campus. Thank you.

Thank you. Madam Secretary, please put the next item on our screens. Council Resolution 0949, a resolution approving a proposed agreement between the City and County of Denver and SSP America DEN Sea Center West LLC to design, build, and manage the Jack's Seafood House Concession on Concourse C at Denver International Airport. Council Pro Tem Gonzalez Gutierrez, would you please put Council Resolution 0949 on the floor for adoption?

I move that Council Resolution 260949 be adopted. It has been moved and seconded.

Questions and comments by Council members on Council Resolution 0949? Council Member Hines.

Thank you, Madam President. And I don't know if it shows me as still absent because I could not second that. So if you could check on that. Thank you. So when I originally called this out, it was to postpone it to August 3rd. I do want to add, I've learned quite a bit since that. May I have Dan come forward? I have a few questions. Let us know who you are good afternoon.

I'm Pamela Deschamps. I'm the senior vice president of concessions at 10.

Thank you so much can Can you? Help me understand is does didn't have the prerogative to change venues In a in a situation like this yes And what does that look like? I shouldn't have asked a yes or no question, so I guess I'm asking for a little more detail about that. Does that happen regularly? How does that work?

thank you councilman Hines for the question it's not frequent however it does happen it happened as recent as last Monday this council approved two contracts that the airport needed to move for Similar reasons, right? So yes, the airport may move locations. It is stated in all of the RFPs. It's stated in the sample agreement that is published with each RFP. So not often, but very recent. In fact, as recent as last Monday.

Got it. And twice last Monday, I think, was the... Two. Correct.

There were two contracts which came through council and both were approved. And both of the contracts included moving the locations from pre-security to a post-security location.

Yeah, thank you. And I want to thank Den for being responsive to the questions that I had. I learned of some concerns on, potential concerns on Saturday, but then actual concerns about 1230 today. So, you know, it's very kind of you to be responsive. I do want to share one other, I don't have any other questions. I do want to share one other item that kind of helped influence my my decision not to ask for a postponement and that is we got an email I think all council members got an email today from unite here local 23 also expressing support for for these items and that was another concern that I had outstanding and so I Now that I have on the record an email that says Unite Here is in support of the items, I am no longer interested in postponing this item. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President and Council. Thank you. Madam Secretary, roll call on Council Resolution 0949.

Council Members, audit this. Aye. Flynn?

Aye.

Gilmour?

Aye.

Gonzalez-Cutilleras? Aye. Hines? Aye. Cashman?

Aye.

Lewis? Aye. Sandoval?

Aye.

Sawyer?

Aye.

Torres? Aye. Watson? Aye. Madam President Romero-Kempel?

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

12 ayes.

12 ayes. Council Resolution 0949 has been adopted. Madam Secretary, please put the next item on our screens. Council Bill 0864, a bill for an ordinance submitting to a vote of the qualified and registered electors of the City and County of Denver at a special municipal election to be conducted at the same time in conjunction with the general election on November 3rd, 2026. A proposed amendment to the charter of the City and County of Denver to adjust the City and County's budget and appropriation process. Council Pro Tem Gonzalez Gutierrez, would you please put Council Bill 0864 on the floor for final passage?

I move that Council Bill 260864 be placed on final consideration and do pass.

It has been moved and seconded. Council Member Flynn, please go ahead with your comments on 0864.

Thank you, Madam President. I've been studying this since it came to budget and policy earlier this year, and I just believe it's a bad solution to our budget problems that we had the last year and a half. I don't see any... advantage that was cited by going to a biennial budget, a two-year budget, that can't also be done in a one-year budget, an annual budget. We also do multi-year budgets when we do capital planning. We already do that. Our nonprofit partners, we do multi-year contracts with them as well. So there's really no advantage that comes with it, but there are plenty of disadvantages. The main disadvantage and the main concern I have with going to a two-year budget, and I know that it's an option that the council can choose from year to year, but the main disadvantage is that we can't even get a one-year budget right, let alone trying to project revenues for two years. And we have to start projecting them 36 to 40 months beforehand. The only thing we can say about it is we know we'll be wrong. The state constitution requires us to adopt an annual budget anyway, so we'll be going through a lot of chaotic budgeting for the second year that will have to be ironed out in the fall of the preceding year anyway. So I'm going to vote no on this, and I don't think it should be sent to the voters. And I ask my colleagues to consider those arguments as well, that this is the wrong solution to the problems that we had. I mean, imagine if we had been into two-year budget planning in 2025 for 26 and 27, and then along come May, and we hear from the mayor's office, we're $250 million in the hole. We have to start all over. I think what we would end up doing as a Department of Finance in the second year would simply recommend a flat budget for the second year and have the future council deal with it anew, just like it were an annual budget. So I think it's a lot of rigmarole for no gain. I support the other measures that are in the proposal, for example, doing the public engagement and outreach and hearing what the priorities are from the community. I think there's a lot of advantages in the extended deadlines that give the council more time. The only thing in this package that I think is actually harmful is going to a biennial budget. I could support the rest of it. Most cities, the trend, all the data I've seen is the trend is cities and states that have biennial budgets have been moving away from them. Not many cities or states have moved toward it. And there's a reason for that. And that's that you simply can't predict two years out. And so I urge a no vote on this. Thank you.

Thank you. Council Member Alvidrez. Thank you, Council President. I think a lot of work went into this and I agree that there's some really great parts. And I also do not agree about the city making a two-year budget. So I'll also be a no on this part.

Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Gilmour.

Thank you, Council President. I am one of the co-sponsors of this initiative, and I guess what I would say is a two-year budget would have been super helpful to the 171 people who were laid off last year. That would have made a big difference to those folks. And I don't accept the excuse or low bar that we can't get it right as the city. If we can't get it right as a city, the people who are in those roles need to get out of this city. If they are flying the plane as they're building it and put us $250 million into the hole and hide it, hide at least 50 million of it, ask the auditor of Denver if he thinks that we're sophisticated enough to get a two-year budget right in this city. I bet you he does because he understands finances and he understands that when you are tracking a budget, that you don't go to the governing body. If you're running a nonprofit or you're running a corporation, you don't go to the governing body and ask them week after week after week to approve expenditures and then at the end say, oh, whoops. We overspent and now we're gonna have to fire 171 people. And then we're not gonna properly fund the recreation centers. So they're not safe. There's not enough adults. There's not enough programs. Then we're not gonna pick up the trash in suburban communities like Montbello, like Green Valley Ranch. We're not gonna water the grass. We're not gonna do any of those things because we're not able to get a budget right. That cannot be the case. You as the taxpayers of Denver deserve to have the ability, not for a new mayor to come out the first six months in office and say, we're gonna put a homeless shelter in everybody's district. Did everybody get mad enough? So now you're gonna come out? What would it look like if that new leadership came out and said, we know that you as a community have asked and put in documents and in neighborhood plans and in strategic reports for year after year after year, decades, what you want and need in your community. And you know what? We're going to create a strategic plan with every single council district, and we're actually going to do what you would like us to do. That is what we're asking, to put this to a vote of the electorate to see if they would like to try this. So that we never are in another situation where someone comes into an executive role in our city and bankrupts our city. And now we are continuing to get deeper and deeper and deeper into that hole. And when you don't have money to do the annual stuff, the capital improvement, the traffic signals, the roadways, all of the streetlights, the protective infrastructure that makes your neighborhood safe. does not get done our capital improvement plan has been flat in the city since johnston has been in office that's three years of you not getting your traffic signals and all of that and so i would just ask for my colleagues to respectfully uh vote on this um and we'll have the hearing next week thank you council president

Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Gilmour. We need to go into general public comment. So we have reached the 5 o'clock session, or to the 5 o'clock general public comment. So if there are no objections from councilmembers, we will recess until 5.30 p.m. before reconvening 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 required public hearing. The general public comment session will begin at 5 p.m. July 27th sign up begins at 5 p.m. On Thursday, July 23rd. We look forward to hearing from you again soon. Council will now reconvene from our earlier session. We are going to continue with consideration of Council Bill 0864, and we have Councilman Hines in the queue.

Thank you, Madam President. I think there are good parts in this proposal ballot referral. I do remain concerned about the two-year budgeting process. I think in the seven years since I took office, the only year that I would think would be a candidate for a two year budget cycle would be 2019. And well, we had 2020 where we redid the budget anyway because of COVID descended upon us. You know, I have an MBA in finance. I have set and managed the budget for a global software company that had eight different currencies. And and it just I'm not sure how how a two-year budget cycle will help. And it's not because I haven't heard the presentation. It's because I remain unconvinced. And my colleague who spoke before me, I just mentioned that our chief economist shared in committee that she sensed a change in Denver's financial health. more than two years before um before those layoffs so i'm not sure that a two-year budget cycle would have necessarily changed the trajectory i think that the rest of the uh of the ballot referral i think is great so uh just sharing my reservations about the two-year budget cycle thank you madam president thank you council member sawyer

Thank you, Madam President. I want to just start by thanking my fellow council sponsors, and I want to also thank the Department of Finance, and I want to thank the Mayor's Office. To be very clear, I was a little shocked by some of the comments from one of my co-sponsors earlier because it seemed like, based on some of the things that were being said, that this wasn't a collaborative process, and it was. This is a situation where the Department of Finance, the Mayor's Office, and the City Council sponsors all came together. We all agree that the four things that are happening in this proposal are ready to go to the voters, are positive, and will make a change that makes sense to better the city of Denver.

So let's talk a little bit about what those four proposals are.

The first one is an optional two-year budget cycle. That means that every year, city council and the mayor's office will have a conversation with the Department of Finance, where the discussion will be had, is this the right year to go to a two-year budget cycle? Do we feel that the financials of the city are in a place where a two-year budget cycle makes sense? The answer to that might be no right now. In fact, I can tell you right now, as one of the sponsors of this bill, 2027 and 2028 are not the years for us to go to a two-year budget cycle, and that's okay. But that conversation has never been had before. And what this charter change does is it creates the opportunity and the responsibility for city council and the mayor's office and the Department of Finance to come together and have that conversation. That's all it does. The second piece of the proposal is to require a public process where the residents of Denver get to share what their priorities for their tax dollars are. That doesn't happen right now. It is something we've heard from community that you want. And so we've put it in this charter change, supported by the mayor's office and the Department of Finance. The third thing that happens is we fix some of the challenges we have heard about the budget timeline. The budget timeline is complicated, it is convoluted, and it leads to all different kinds of challenges. This is the number one thing we heard from council members in particular. about our annual budget process. And this takes care of that. It doesn't change the front dates and it doesn't change the back dates. It doesn't change when we vote on things. It doesn't change how we vote on things. What it does is it shifts the dates in the middle around so that we ensure that the public and council members have time to review the budget and understand the thousand page book that we've gotten handed. And it ensures that council members have time to put together thoughtful, reasonable, well-vetted, well-written budget amendments so that we can bring those forward and have a conversation about ensuring that the budget of the city of Denver is the moral document that we expect it to be. The last thing that this charter change and companion ordinance do is that it sets up a process, a process for when our budget is out of whack. So our charter already requires that we have a balanced budget. But it is silent on what happens when that budget gets out of whack. And it gets out of whack in two different ways. The first way is potential overspending. The second way is when revenues that were anticipated don't meet the level at which we thought they were going to come in. Sales is down. Sales tax revenue is lower than we expected. So those are the two ways that the budget can get out of whack. Sometimes one happens. Sometimes another happens. Sometimes both happen. This is the reality of doing business anywhere. Whether you're in the private sector or the public sector, this is how it works. Sometimes your funding streams aren't what you thought they were going to be. And so what this budget charter change and companion ordinance do is addresses that. So it's no longer silent. So that we know that if the budget is out of whack by about 2%, it's about $40 million. Council needs to have a conversation, a public conversation with the mayor's office where we talk about how to address that, how that's going to be fixed. If the budget gets more out of whack than that, 5%, 80 to 100 million dollars, that is when council needs to get involved and we need to reappropriate those dollars and redo the budget. That's what this says. And frankly, the mayor's office, the Department of Finance, the city attorney's office and council, we are all in agreement on that because these are thoughtful, good governance and transparency measures that make sense and are in the best interests of our city. Council members have, especially Council Member Flynn, has talked for months with us about his concerns about a two-year budget. That is totally fair. But the question on the floor tonight is not whether you think a two-year budget is appropriate or not, because that is a conversation for future councils and future mayor's office to have. That's the way it's written. We have that conversation every year from here on out. So if council members want to vote no tonight, that's okay. That is their right, and we are supportive of that. We absolutely accept that. But I want to be very clear that this is not controversial. This is not some crazy thing that we're bringing forward. This is transparency in action. This is good governance. And this is a really good partnership that has happened between the mayor's office, council, the Department of Finance, and the city attorney's office. And I want to say thank you to the staff that has helped us partnered with us and gotten this done because it was a lot of hard work on you guys and we truly truly appreciate it especially in the city attorney's office thank you megan i so appreciate you and justin thank you very much i so appreciate you as well in the department of finance so truly the question on the floor is is this ready to go to the voters And the answer to that is yes, it is, because this is the result of two years of work. This is a result of many, many, many conversations and a ton of feedback from community, from council members, from the mayor's office, from the city agencies. We are excited about this. We know that this is what's right for the city of Denver. And we are excited and asking our fellow council members to acknowledge that it's ready for the voters to make their decision on whether they agree that this simple transparency and accountability measure makes sense and is in the best interest of the city of Denver. So I will be a yes tonight. I would ask my fellow council members to be a yes tonight, and I want to just be very clear in acknowledging and saying thank you to the staff members who helped us put this together, because this has been a really positive partnership, and we really appreciate it. Thank you.

Thank you. Council Member Lewis. Thank you.

So I'm very thrilled to be a co-sponsor of this legislation, along with Councilwoman Sawyer and Council Member Gilmore. I must say that this is a simple enough charter change that serves the City Council, the Department of Finance, and the Mayor's Office. It's born out of my and my council sponsor's frustration with the budget process. As such, this is primarily a process change aimed at increasing public input and long-term planning, not a broad rebalancing of powers or a power grab by council. As I've said, this has been born out of frustration, so let me share mine, which are largely the same every year since I've been elected. There's an extremely limited public input enshrined in the process. I've had to go to my community on my own volition and figure out how to implement their recommendations every year. And while I'm overall fairly satisfied with what we have gotten in the budget, it would be a lot easier and be a lot more transparent for community to understand how their input is reflected in the budget through a formal process. This is addressed in these bills, which provides clear guideposts for community process and how it ought to be integrated into the budget. I've also been frustrated with the turnaround time during budget season, which is traditionally given council members only a few short days to process an 800-page document before it's off to the races. This is also addressed in this bill, which will give council more time to really dig into the budget. Finally, I have been frustrated with the single-year timeline. We spend all year preparing and then passing a budget and have to begin to work on the next year's budget about a month later. And so in order to begin to prepare again, moving to a two-year cycle will allow us to better evaluate how we are doing in any given budget cycle. It's not a request to predict what will happen over the next two years, but rather a commitment to plan and making adjustments to the plan halfway through as more information comes to light. It is flexible in the budget process, which I believe will serve us well in the years to come. And so finally, I would just take the opportunity to again thank my co-sponsors, to thank the Department of Finance for working with us and the mayor's office as well. I think it has been a collaborative and productive process. And I would also like to thank the council staff for you all's hard work in getting us to this point to be able to send this to the voters.

Thank you.

Thank you. Councilman Flynn.

Thank you, Madam President. I think the last thing I would say on this is that the Charter gives the Council very few absolute powers. We're a strong mayor, weak council, form of government. But one of those powers we absolutely do have is the power of the purse. The administration can't spend a single penny that doesn't come through our purview. Surrendering that power for a year in a two-year budget cycle, I think, gives the administration too much of our power. And if the answer to that or the response to that is that, well, we have to review it anyway and adopt an annual budget anyway, then what are we doing with a two-year projection when it all goes out the window? eight months later, and we have to start anyway. It's our job, year in and year out, to keep an eye on the purse, and I don't want to give it up for a year. So I'm still a no after hearing all the other arguments, and I ask other colleagues to consider voting no. Thank you.

Thank you. Council Member Sawyer.

Thank you. I just want to make sure that I'm very clear. I want to make sure that there is no false information that is being spread here. So there is a state law that requires a city council vote on the budget every year. That is not optional. It is not something that is in this charter change as an attempt to get around it. City council and the mayor's office must have a conversation and a vote every year on the city budget. What this proposal does is it says the first year's budget becomes final in November in the final vote. The second year's budget is a draft that has to be reviewed because of course there are changes that come up. But that draft then gets finalized and then becomes the official budget for the following year when it is voted on. Because the state constitution requires that there be a vote every single year. So I just want to be very clear that no misinformation is being spread. That is a legal requirement by the Colorado state constitution. Thank you.

Thank you. All right. Madam Secretary, roll call on Council Bill 26-0864.

Council Members Alvarez. Nay. Flynn.

Nay.

Gilmour. Aye. Gonzalez-Gutierrez. Aye. Hines. Aye. Cashman. Aye. Lewis. Aye. Sandoval? Aye. Sawyer? Aye. Torres? Aye. Watson? Aye. Madam President Romero-Campbell?

Aye. Madam Secretary, close the voting and announce the results. 10 ayes. 10 ayes. Council Bill 0864 has passed. Madam Secretary, please put the next item on our screens. Council Bill 0921, a bill for an ordinance amending Chapter 6, 7, 12, 28, 32, and 53 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code repealing outdated amusement or cabaret license types. modernizing license provisions relating to the entertainment licenses, updating application and licensing fees, and making conforming amendments to the code. Council Pro Tem Gonzales Gutierrez, would you please put Council Bill 0921 to the floor for final passage?

I move that Council Bill 260921 be placed on final consideration and do pass.

It has been moved and seconded. Is there another motion on the floor? Oh, there is another motion on the floor. I move that Council Bill 0921 be postponed to a date certain of August 3rd, 2026. Do we have a second? We do. It has been moved and seconded. Questions and comments on the postponement of Council Bill 0921? And I will begin with this. I asked for this to be I asked for this to be postponed. There was an incident that happened in southeast Denver, and I wanted to do some additional community engagement. My office has been responding, and I also know that there are council members with amendments to this bill as well. So I was asking... to conduct an investigation to what happened last night and what licenses were at play and for that location. And so I would just like to have additional information and provide us a few more days additionally for us to be able to learn more about how this would impact what happened, what the influence would be and so forth. So before I made my final decision and vote. Councilmember Torres.

Thank you, Madam President. That was one of my questions was the purpose of the delay because it's not clear to me that what took place and maybe the investigation yields something different pertains to any of the details in the bill. And so that's what I'm wondering why we'd be postponing it if it had no bearing necessarily on the incident. But I defer to you on whether or not it did. What I would say is Is there, and maybe consumer protection and license, if you've been gathering any additional feedback, knowing that there are two folks with, I think there's three amendments that are being proposed for it. I was prepared to vote no tonight. So I don't know if there is... enough time to take place between the third to do rounds of connection with council members. I don't know that my concerns can be dealt with in two weeks. And I think there is like a different way of looking at this that I'm potentially looking for. So I was looking forward to voting tonight so that we could figure out what was missing in some of the proposal development. But I'm also interested maybe in whether or not two weeks offers you any time to do anything else on the bill.

Hi, council members. Molly Duplishin, Executive Director of Consumer Licensing and Consumer Protection. Yeah, I think we're happy to come back and, you know, do additional briefings or conversations with council members. I think have some additional stakeholder outreach or community engagement if that's necessary. And happy to hear your concerns as well. If there are additional amendments that you would like to proposed, or if there's additional changes that you think we would like us to consider. I agree, I don't know that we have enough time to incorporate those in two weeks, but I guess it depends on the extent of what it is that you're thinking.

Okay. I will say I did get communication from Council Members Gonzalez-Cutilleras and Lewis, so that I could ask a follow-up question about their proposed amendment, which I feel like I've gotten more the information I need around that. Councilman Hines, I have more questions about your proposal to sunset, which I had not heard about until seeing it today. So just wondering about the implications of incorporating a sunset into the language that you've got and if it's easily implementable or not. That remains something that I'm curious about, but I will say that my reservation about the bill is that right now, the water is held back at the dam by the state who legislates when liquor can be sold at 2 a.m. we open up our window across the city at 4 a.m. and they happen to change theirs, it is a snowball effect. And even one of the vendors on the news at some point said it becomes a competitive disadvantage if the bar next to you is open later and you're not and they're able to sell liquor. So what I worry about is that we're applying a cookie cutter process to the hours not sure if the state is going to follow up with a modification to liquor sales, which then would happen across the city. And it wouldn't matter if it was a downtown effect or Santa Fe Drive or West Colfax or Morrison Road. Everybody will be competing with the next person next to them who will be trying to take advantage of that. And we're going to lose, I think, any of the safety interest that we had in pulling the hours out a little bit from liquor sales, which I get that interest. I just don't know if you guys considered, and I didn't think to ask before, for like late menus or late locations to have a different kind of license where they are able to open later or be open later rather than make it I think open to any bar or any cabaret license holder in the city. And that's I think what worries me is that then we will be beholden to what the state does without any guard rails for our process here in town. And I don't know that you can easily modify that without going back and looking at what did we set up and how do we Do outreach a little bit differently? How do we do maybe geographic interest a little differently? Councilwoman Sawyer made a great point last time that this makes a lot of sense for downtown. It doesn't make a lot of sense for Cherry Creek. I feel the same way about Santa Fe and West Colfax. They don't think it's really going to impact them on the hours side, but some of the other requirements, they do feel like they are looking at some potential early costs, even if they don't take advantage of the later hours. So those remain questions for me that feel embedded into a lot of different parts of this bill that I can't tease out easily for an amendment opportunity. So I was going to be a no. So just to give you that information.

Can I respond to any of those? So I guess I'm on one piece on the 4 AM piece. I think one possible amendment would be that we could put some language in there that if the state changed their liquor service hours, that we would immediately go back and open this back up to consider what changes would need to be made if liquor service hours also change. So that's just one thought off the top of my head. And then just one clarification, too, is that the only businesses that would be able to go until 4 AM would be the ones that would obtain the nightlife entertainment license. Those businesses that obtain the limited entertainment license would only be able to go until midnight. And so it is a separate license category for those that want to operate until 4 a.m.

Thank you for that. Are there any other jurisdictions in Colorado that go later than 2 a.m.?

Not for entertainment. Well, yes, I think some of the mountain towns that have casinos and things like that allow for later entertainment.

Okay, that's helpful to know. Thank you, Molly. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Councilmember Sandoval.

Thank you. I also had a question for Molly. With the two-week delay, I just want to—and to the Council President—I just want to understand the rationale behind it. From the article I read, the incident happened at midnight. So I don't know—I'm having a hard time quite understanding what we would get out of the two-week delay.

So yes, I could mean I can answer yes from what we know right now the incident did occur I think just right after midnight and So the investigation is still ongoing There's a lot that we don't know right now And I think there will still be a lot that will need to be continued to be investigated even within two weeks from now So I'll you know let council president speak to what the impacts are on this particular case but I'll just say that I think there's a lot of improved and enhanced safety provisions in this proposal and that while this incident occurred and there's nothing we can do to go back and change that, what we're hoping is that a lot of these safety provisions give us increased tools to react when something like this happens. There's a delayed implementation date, so again, two weeks from now won't change that. But more importantly, I think what we're hoping is that the increased and enhanced safety requirements within this proposal actually prevent incidents like what occurred last night.

And that's why I would be voting no for the delay tonight is because I agree with the enhanced safety provisions and I agree that we're already delaying the implementation of this. As someone who was a council aid in downtown Denver with mass shootings in 2013 and we had to convene a whole entire working group. That was common practice of having these type of shootings in downtown Denver. I think it happens frequently. And so I would rather get this proposal passed and I support some of the amendments. I hadn't heard about the sunset amendment either. I hadn't been reached out to about that. So I don't know how I feel about that one. Council Member Lewis and Councilman Gonzalez-Gutierrez reached out to me about their amendments. I feel comfortable with them. But most importantly, I feel like some of the safety measures that I've been wanting to see for at least a decade are built in within this bill. So just appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Council Member Gonzales Gutierrez.

Yes. Thank you so much, Council President. I just wanted to address the request for delay. You're so good, Molly. I'll let you know. I don't think I need you back up. I just wanted to request or address the request for delay. I know that I had been in some conversations with Council President I will say that as one of the folks bringing, council members bringing forward amendments with Councilwoman Lewis, we had been in communication with our colleagues about the amendments, provided the information, been working with License and Consumer Protections. as well as with other advocacy organizations on the concerns that were brought forward and we came to a really good place and we are prepared to move those forwards and I know that there were additional amendment Councilman Hines that have been brought up as well. I would say at this point in time because of the amendment that is the amendment that is being proposed, I think, by Councilman Hines, I think it's important that we allow those conversations to happen so that folks can better understand those provisions and what he is proposing to do. And I believe that that work, and I don't want to speak for you, Councilman, so I'll let you talk about your amendment, but I know you've also been working with the agency as well on that. So I think where we're at at this point, and it sounds like there are still some outstanding perhaps concerns, that it could be helpful to have a delay so that these things can be wrapped up and we can be able to move forward at the next time that this comes before us. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Council Member Alvidrez. Thank you so much, Council President. I will say that I have a lot of concerns about this proposal overall. I think I've heard concerns from small businesses in my district as well as Whether they want to pay workers two more hours when they're not making money. What does that mean for security? What does that mean for their liability? They're not happy that they're now going to be liable for 25 feet outside their business. There's a lot of illegal activity that can happen behind a bar, in front of a bar. And they're concerned about their ability to get insurance and what that means. And they feel like the city's offloading our responsibility to have safe communities onto them. I don't know if there's been a public safety analysis on this or proof that this has helped in other areas. I think the mismatch with state law is a concern. I've also heard concerns from the neighborhood organizations in my district about no longer requiring a public hearing because then if you request a public hearing, you're seen as not great neighborhood to do business in and lots of other concerns just with retaliation on that front and then I'm just there's a lot of ambiguity still I think the 25 foot thing as well as something that came up when we were passing the anti-masking legislation for law enforcement and it was said well that's very ambiguous like nobody's going to be there with a tape measure and but yet the administration can put in a 25-foot rule. So I think there's just way too many concerns for me to even pass this. I would probably be okay with extending it, but I don't see myself changing my position. So I just wanted to share that. Thank you, Council President. Thank you. Council Member Hines.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd be supportive of a delay as well. I have some questions about the proposed amendment by Council Member Gonzales Gutierrez, but Also, in general, I tend to be supportive of increased stakeholder engagement any time a council member has that request. And so I think the amendment that I am proposing, I finally got the... or not finally, but I've received the support from the mayor's office and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection on Friday. So I was not able to socialize it as much as I would like to. And so in addition to Council President's request, it gives me an opportunity to share a little bit more about my proposal and learn a little bit more, our proposed amendment, and learn a little bit more about Council Member Gonzalo Gutierrez's amendment.

Great. Thank you. Councilman Cashman.

Thank you, Council President. I'm fully supportive of the delay. I do have a question for Molly, if you don't mind. Just for clarification, if someone applies for a license that would allow them to stay open until 4 a.m., My understanding is the bill does not require a hearing but allows a hearing. I've never known neighbors in my district to be reticent to ask for what they need, whether it's a rezoning, a license change, or whatnot. So that part of the bill gives me no problem. I actually was happy to speak with Councilman Hines I believe, sir, you'll be moving forward with a sunset provision of some sort, which I think is a great idea. It's something new. And so to give us a chance, an actual timeline, let's take a look at this and see is it a winner or is it a loser. And it's just my guess. that something substantial like this change in hours will bring a real discussion and evaluation, which will be very appropriate for some locations and maybe not appropriate at all for others. So I am still considering the whole bill, but look forward to a continued discussion. And thanks for the clarification. That's all, Madam President.

Thank you. Council Member Alvidrez.

Yeah, I did have one more. Thank you, Council President. I did have one question, actually, for the department. If someone serves or purchases an entire bottle of alcohol at 159, would they be able to consume that over the next two hours, or does a bartender have to take that bottle back?

Yeah, great question. The state law does require that liquor sales and consumption stops at 2 a.m., so it would not be allowed to be able to sell a liquor or a bottle of liquor at 159 and consume it. They would have to take it at 2.

Okay, thank you. That's all I have. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you. Madam Secretary, I just appreciate the comments. I just wanted to also let you know I just need more time to talk to my community. There was a shooting that happened last night, a fatality, and multiple people were injured. And I feel like this just provides time to communicate with community. We've had a lot of responses. I haven't had a chance to fully communicate with everyone. So I would hope that we could do the delay and allow for a little bit more time to connect with the residents in District 4. Thank you. Madam Secretary, roll call on the postponement of Council Bill 0921.

Council Members Alvidrez? Aye. Flynn? Aye. Gilmour? Aye. Gonzalez-Gutierrez? Aye. Hines? Aye. Cashman? Aye. Lewis? Aye. Sandoval? Aye. Sawyer? Aye. Torres? Aye. Watson? Aye. Madam President Romero-Campbell? Aye.

Madam Secretary, close the voting and announce the results. Twelve ayes. Twelve ayes. Council Bill 0921 has been postponed to August 3rd, 2026. This concludes the items to be called out. All bills for introduction are, oops, wait a minute. All bills for introduction are ordered published. Council members, remember this is a consent block vote and we will need to vote aye. Otherwise, this is your last chance to call out an item for a separate vote. Council Pro Tem Gonzalez Gutierrez, will you please put the resolutions and proclamations for adoption and bills on final consideration for final passage on the floor.

I move that the resolutions and proclamations be adopted and bills on final consideration be placed upon final consideration and do pass in a block for the following items. Series of 26, 1050, 0991, 0911, 0989, 0975, 0976, 0982, 0983, 0984, 0985, 0986, 0987, 0942, 0977, 0979, 0980, 0925, 0926, 0867, 0923, 0956, 0990. That's it.

Great. It has been moved and seconded. Madam Secretary, roll call. Council Members Alvarez. Aye.

Flynn. Aye. Gilmour. Aye. Gonzalez-Cutilleras. Aye. Hines. Aye. Cashman. Aye. Lewis. Aye. Sandoval. Aye. Sawyer. Aye. Torres. Aye.

Aye.

Watson? Aye. Madam President Romero-Campbell?

Aye. Madam Secretary, close the voting and announce the results. Twelve ayes. Twelve ayes. The resolutions and proclamations have been adopted, and the bills have been placed upon final consideration and do pass. There are no proclamations being read this evening. On Monday, July 27th, 2026, Council will hold a combined courtesy public hearing on the Council Bill 0970, submitting to a vote of registered electors to the City and County of Denver at the general election to be held on November 3rd, 2026. The question of granting a franchise to Public Service Company of Colorado and approving a franchise agreement. Therefore, Council Bill 0973, approving a proposed Denver Energy Partnership Agreement between the City and County of Denver and Denver Service Company in Colorado to progress commitments to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy and joint energy leadership in Denver, and Council Bill 0974 approving the proposed operating agreement between the City and County of Denver and Public Service Company of Colorado and Xcel Energy Company to provide utility services at Denver International Airport. There being no further business before this body, this meeting is adjourned.