Location:  Southwest Improvement Council Center

Call to order by George Mayl, President

Announcement

Joel Noble, Curtis Park Neighbors and Transportation Committee Co-chair, has been selected to be Denver’s Planning Board Chair.

Host Spotlight

Larry Ambrose, new Southwest Improvement Council (SWIC) Director, provided some information on the history and current operations of SWIC including:

• Meals provided to seniors daily and youth in the summer
• Gym and computer center open to youth
• Housing Development Corporation offering 19 units of affordable housing, with future plans for 1 acre of land
• Loan Funds/Loan Guarantee programs
• Work with area business districts to support local business retention

Aubry Gowdy, Brookdale Senior Living (also a Delegate meeting location host), discussed their partnership with SWIC in supporting area seniors.

Minutes

Moved by Margie Valdez (Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods) and seconded by Bridget Walsh (City Park Friends & Neighbors) to approve June 2018 Delegate Meeting minutes.  Minutes approved:  unanimously with quorum at 35.

Committee Reports

Transportation – Joel Nobel, Co-chair

• The transportation committee offered a position for INC to support regarding construction sites and their handling of sidewalks. Currently, too often sidewalk access is removed, and dangerous jaywalking and traffic lane walking occurs.  Denver’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee have suggested regulatory changes in an April 10, 2018 letter to Michael Koslow, Senior Engineer, Denver Public Works.  The Transportation Committee recommended support of the statement below 19 – 0.

INC supports MPAC’s recommendations for safe pedestrian passage policy improvements in areas where construction is underway.  Safety is vital, and current practice that results in people walking in traffic lanes, people crossing mid-block, and citizens with mobility issues having no access along areas where construction is underway is unsafe and unacceptable. Denver should learn from the best practices of other cities, and adopt policies that ensure safe, dignified, and accessible access to our city, even when passing construction zones.

Joel offered a motion that INC support the position statement, Ray Ehrenstein seconded.  The motion passed:  34 For, 0 Opposed, 3 Abstentions.

• RTD and a partner are doing a first/last mile study that will include a very detailed analysis of the entire RTD area. It is hoped the level of detail will provide municipalities the information/motivation needed to do important first/last mile work in support of greater transit system use.
• Denver Streets Partnership (DSP), a coalition of community organizations advocating for people-friendly streets in Denver, highlighted the significantly insufficient investment levels by Denver toward multi-modal transit goals.
  • DSP identified an annual need of $40 million to get proposed bike and pedestrian network built out in 20 years.
  • Current bond funds are approximately $7 million/year
  • They are working to measure and track progress to goals by doing annual reviews of progress against objectives in Blueprint Denver and the Denver Comprehensive Plan.
• Recent guerilla introduction of electric scooters into Denver and follow up steps by city/vendors was discussed by a representative of Lime and by Cindy Patton of Denver Public Works.
  • Denver is n ow allowing five scooter companies to place up to 250 scooters each around the city. Each may increase the number of scooters if they put more in ‘areas of opportunity’, i.e., less typically served areas.
  • Scooter companies will need to retrieve and relocate scooters to transit station staging areas and areas of opportunity.
  • The new right of way and other regulations prompted by the scooter introduction will apply to dockless bikes, ebikes and scooters.
  • The city creatively reinterpreted its Transit Amenity Program regulations to include the above items, so the city did not have to create all new regulations from scratch.
  • The issue of scooters, etc. on sidewalks was also discussed and it was noted that there is a conflict between the evolving city regulations and the state’s, particularly regarding scooters. Basically, items with small wheels, like scooters, are defined by the state as toys and are therefore not allowed on streets.  However, it is generally felt the scooters should be ridden on the street and not sidewalks, so efforts are underway to reconcile the state/city rule conflict.
  • Similar issues exist with park regulations regarding “motorized vehicles” which when written did not anticipate ebikes and scooters. This too is being looked at so regulations can be updated appropriately.

Parks & Rec – Maggie Price, Co-chair

• The last meeting’s focus was the new alcohol in the parks regulations which go into effect January 1, 2019 for a 1-year trial.
• Other topics:
  • Arcis Golf of renewed it 5 year lease on the Park Hill Golf Course, slowing development plans.
  • PARC representatives met with City Councilman Jolon Clark about a proposed tax to support parks & rec
  • The next meeting, on July 17 2018, will feature a presentation by Dan Goldhammer from CSU Extension Center discussing drought, irrigation and soil.

Zoning and Planning – Ean Tafoya, Co-chair

• Denver Zoning Administrator Tina Axelrad presented information about a dilemma regarding sign colors that has highlighted the need for design review. The word “color” in the zoning regulations has been administratively interpreted to mean trademarked colors, but this has led to much confusion about whether sign colors should be regulated.
• Laura Brudzynski, the Manager of Housing Policy and Programs for the Denver Office of Economic Development discussed with the committee the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. The intent is to increase affordable housing funds via a two percent tax increase on marijuana, then bonding to put 50% of funds into shovel-ready projects and 50% into land banking.
• Annie Levinsky, president of Historic Denver, Inc., and Jesse Bank of Urban Villages, Inc., spoke about the recent proposal by Larimer Associates and Urban Villages to find ways to increase revenue from Larimer Square. Larimer Associates’ initial plan is being revised.  ZAP has invited them back for a later meeting to share their updated vision.
• August 6, 2018 is the release date for public review versions of revisions to Blueprint Denver, the Denver Comprehensive Plan, etc. ZAP’s focus is to ensure public health in public spaces, equity and sustainability are addressed sufficiently in the plans.  Review of survey data used for the plans noted that respondent demographics did not closely match city/county demographics.
• Members of the Group Living Text Amendment working group (which is addressing group living issues via zoning code not building code) will be holding a public open house on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the McNicols building adjacent to Civic Center Park. All are invited to review and comment on the proposals for optimizing zoning code to accommodate the wide variety of group living situations extant in Denver.
• General Development Plans were highlighted as backdoor vehicles to upzoning. ZAP advocates having zoning and development plans created together.
• July ZAP meeting has been cancelled

Other Business

Resolution on the Denver Post and Local Journalism – offered by Greg Sorensen of FANS of Cheesman Park.

WHEREAS

The mission of Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation, Inc. (INC) is to advocate for Denver citizens by bring together, informing and empowering Denver neighborhood organizations to actively engage in addressing city issues; and

Denver INC represents more than 80 Registered Neighborhood Organizations in the City and County of Denver, which in turn represent more than 200,000 Denver residents; and

Denver is a vibrant, growing, major metropolitan area with a population of 3.1 million people, and every city needs a great daily paper to publicize and support local businesses and organization, as well as inform the city’s and state’s readers of daily news and events that shape their lies and well-being; and

All forms of journalism and sources of public information, including print, online, and broadcast media, are critical to keeping citizens informed on a daily basis; and

Local journalists who have roots in, understand, and are responsible to the local community are critical to the daily reporting of news about local government, politics, economy, business, sports, health and entertainment, as well as in-depth stories about important current trends and uncensored commentary; and

Daily news gathering and reporting by local journalists at The Denver Post has been severely weakened by recurring job cuts undertaken by its owner Alden Global Capital and its subsidiary Digital First Media, thus having incalculable adverse impacts on Denver residents by depriving hem of coverage of important daily news and events; and

Aden Global Capital and Digital First Media made an estimated $28 million last year from The Denver Post, but have nevertheless continued to decimate the paper’s news coverage capability.

 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that

Denver INC affirms its support for local journalists at The Denver Post and the critical work that they do in gathering and disseminating news for local and state residents to be informed in a timely manner about matters of local importance.

Denver INC urges Alden Global Capital and Digital Frist Media to (1) reinvest profits to support the long-term future of The Denver Post and daily news-gathering functions in the Denver metropolitan area as well as the state; and (2) immediately double or triple the number of local journalists at The Denver Post to ensure that all local news stories are covered and reported daily.

If Alden Global Capital and Digital First Media refuse to invest in the future of The Denver Post in a timely, productive, and sustainable manner, then Denver INC encourages the sale of the paper to an owner who understands the importance of a free press, who will support objective news-gathering functions and reporting that serve the needs of Denver and Colorado residents, and who will make a long-term commitment to daily publication of The Denver Post.

A vigorous discussion ensued about whether INC resolutions should be prescriptive to a private business vs. a statement of support for community goals as they relate to an entity like The Post, and other key points.  After some attempt at a quick edit of the resolution, a Straw Poll was taken on tabling this item, which passed on a vote of 19 For Tabling and 16 to Vote.  Discussion closed.

Approval of INC By-Law Changes

The By-Laws update was prompted by the realization that they were very out-of-date and missing key elements required by non-profit laws for organizations like INC.  The update focused on compliance with Colorado Non-profit code and IRS law.  The next project is INC standing rules update, which will address procedural issues for INC.  Red-lined versions of the By-laws had been available for review on the INC website and as attachments to INC Delegate meeting reminder emails.

Cindy Johnstone offered motion to vote to approve the By-laws changes.  Bridget Walsh seconded the motion.  The motion was approved:  34 For, 2 Opposed, 1 Abstention.

Topic

Denver Boards & Commissions – Barry Burch Jr, Director of Boards and Commissions, Office of Mayor Michael B. Hancock.   Contact information:  barry.burch@denvergov.org,   p: 720.865.9128,   c: 720.448.5691

Key presentation points:

• There are 130 Boards and Commissions with 1200 individuals serving via appointment by the mayor. He invited INC members to participate in areas about which they are passionate.  The many opportunities to participate can be found at denvergov.org/boardsandcommissions.
• There are three main categories for the Boards and Commissions:
  • Policy – these usually include members with specialty expertise on the pertinent matter.
  • Advisory Boards – such as on issues relating to pedestrians, bikes, women, Latinos, African Americans, etc. These groups also do some policy work.  For individuals new to Board and Commission work, these are a good starting point to gather experience and gain a detailed view to the needs and impact of policies for the various board groups.
  • Business Improvement/General Improvement/Maintenance Districts – these tend to be individuals from the areas served by these entities.

There was some discussion about increasing transparency on the selection process and on ensuring that individuals with views in opposition to the mayor’s are not excluded.  As well there were questions about conflict of interest issues.  Mr. Burch noted the city attorney is currently working to revamp the conflict of interest rules for Boards and Commissions.

This spurred further discussion related to efforts to modify the City of Denver Charter.  Helene Orr offered a motion, seconded by Jane Lorimer, that INC convene a Task Force to look at suggested changes to the City Charter with the objective of increasing transparency and accountability to the citizens of Denver. The motion passed:  34 For, 1 Opposed, 2 Abstentions.

During this discussion Lisa Calderon from the Colorado Latino Forum, offered the services of their pro bono attorney to investigate common interest charter changes.

Around the City

• Curtis Park – Mestizo-Curtis Park celebrates its 150^th anniversary on Saturday, August 11. All are welcome to the celebration near 31^st and Curtis.
• La Alma/Lincoln Park – Focus has been on development issues and retaining Santa Fe drive as an arts district and neighborhood main street. They are also keeping a close watch on the former Union Pacific Burnham Shop repair yard land (east of I-25, between W Sixth & Eighth Avenues), which presents a large infill/development opportunity.
• East Wash Park – A request was made for information/assistance on the issue of the 30 foot cell towers that are slated to be installed all over Denver. It was suggested contacting Corey-Merrill neighborhood folks as well as Congress Park Neighbors and FANS for Cheesman Park websites (below) for helpful info:
  • https://www.congressparkneighbors.org/
  • http://www.fanscheesmanpark.com/contact-us—archives.html
• College View – Laredo Heights was sold to a new developer who may want a zone change to mixed use, so the neighborhood association is gearing up to stay active and informed to influence, as possible, optimal actions related to development of this valuable Denver property.
• Cole – As yet another quickly changing Denver neighborhood, the association is working to encourage relationships between new and long-term residents. As well, working on a project to beautify alleyways and to organize businesses at York & Bruce Randolph.
• Congress Park – Members have been involved in the BRT Task Force, working on cell phone tower issues, including conversations with City Council. There is a complex web of federal, state and city regulations that are involved in the cell tower issue.  Also, they will be holding their 30^th!!! Neighborhood Night Out evet in August.
• Overland Park – Work is finishing up on preparations for the Grandoozy, scheduled for September 14 – 16.
• Harkness Heights – A large percentage of their 249 households are participating in work on a zoning overlay and they will be holding their 29^th annual neighborhood picnic.
• City Park – Loads of positive initiatives: sustainability, food pantry, garden in a box, 4^th of July Parade & celebration.  They have also become more politically engaged on zoning and various other issues.  Working more closely with NE Park Hill neighborhood on gentrification issues.  Also noted was continued issues related to the land swap on Fairfax.  It has not been a good experience for the neighborhood, which feels has been left out.  A bill is being drafted to City Council asking the Parks Commission Board to not take any action until more neighborhood involvement can be effectuated.   Also have members very involved in Globeville/Elyria-Swansea Community Advisory Group working with the EPA.
• Southmoore Park – Excited to hold a golf tournament to support local schools. As well, planning a neighborhood block party in early August.
• Green Valley Ranch – Doing their first neighborhood planning initiative and had great attendance by about 100 residents at a recent meeting. It is a long, involved process, but important as neighborhood plans feed into Denverrite, etc.  GVR is also continuing its Concerts in the Park at GVR Town Center Park Amphitheater and the Farmers Market.
• Capitol Hill – CHUN is also in the middle of a planning initiative. As well, CHUN is turning its focus on ways to utilize the value of the Tears McFarlane Mansion as an asset to support community work.  Also hosting an ice cream social on sustainability in mid-July.
• University – A lot of construction is slated for area; watching developments closely and working hard to keep neighbors informed. Preparing for an electronics recycling event.
• University Park – Reported on recent phenomenon of chariots on the streets travelling from DU Admin building to and from campus and light rail station. Association received notification of an impending cell phone tower in front of historic United Methodist Church that the church did not receive.  Advised everyone to watch about property owner notifications regarding these cell towers.
• Lowry – In response to Fairmont Cemetery’s cabaret license request, commented to city and had got scope of license limited. Have started a recycling/re-use effort and continue the Concerts in the Park program.
• E Cheeseman Neighbors – The Botanic Gardens started construction of their Center for Science, Art and Education and have worked well with the neighborhood on project planning. On two September Sundays (22^nd & 29^th) there will be a pop-up traffic calming event on 13^th Avenue, between Lafayette and Marion, in conjunction with Walk Denver.
• Winston Downs – Thanks INC, Margie Valdez, Maggie Price and others for the assistance in fighting the liquor/cabaret license at Fairmont Cemetery. 83% of residents are in the ‘red zone’ who would have been directly impacted by event activity  signed a petition to modify the application.  Also, holding a block party August 5 and the Fridays out Front effort will support the Denver Green School’s food bank.
• Cheesman Park – Held a Sustainable Neighbors Conference a year ago and efforts continuing, especially working to get high rise communities involved.
• Inspiration Point – Experiencing severe air quality challenges as neighborhood is located between I-70 and I-76; all is exacerbated by hot summer temperatures. As well, neighborhood has few sidewalks and gutters, presenting a special challenge to low income apartment residents.  Attempts to address these issues made harder by proximity to Adams County and other entities.
• Golden Triangle – In effort to promote its Creative District designation and not compete directly with nearby Santa Fe district, offering Final Friday events July through September. These occur same evenings as the Denver Art Museum’s Untitled Final Fridays/Creative Takeover events.
• Baker – Free Etuk service has started and operates to encourage walking and use of transit. The Kmart on Alameda has been demolished and a transit-oriented apartment building.  The Credit Union at Archer and Broadway is to become 280 apartment units.  The El Diablo building is being renovated to affordable housing.  Baker I s holding an ice cream social during Denver Days on August 11 in Daily Park at 1 pm.
• Sloan’s Lake – Project to create a running trail around Sloan’s Lake has run into snag as current plan would require removal of many mature trees. Look forward to working with Parks & Rec on solution that allows trail but conserves trees.
• Globeville – Globeville Days will be held on July 21^st. It is a wonderful, small-town-like event celebrating the multi-cultural historic and current character of the neighborhood.

Other Points of Note

• Margie Valdez, who serves on the Marijuana and Alcohol Task Forces, noted that the city is proposing that liquor license applications be moved to an online process. She has asked for a presentation on this at the August delegate meeting.
• Loretta Koehler noted that brewery/distillery business fall under a different regulation set than restaurants, even though many regularly have food trucks. She encourages neighborhoods to execute Good Neighbor Agreements as they would with a restaurant or bar.  She will post examples of non-traditional GNA’s Baker has successfully executed to the INC website for other neighborhoods to use as exemplars.
• Katie Fisher advised that if there is an issue about activity, noise, etc. at a park after hours, and there is missing or insufficient park hours signage, call 311 to request signage.

Meeting Adjourned at 11:55 am

Submitted by Laura Liska