INC met Saturday, March 14 at Police Dist. 3 Station.  INC Pres. Larry Ambrose presided.  The minutes of the February 14 meeting were approved.  Treasurer Steve Nissen reported a total of $31,000 in INC’s account.  The INC Dinner brought in $4,000.  INC Board will decide how it will be dedicated.

Committee Reports

JJ Niemann and Dave Stauffer have switched chairmanships.  JJ will do Membership and Dave will do Communications.  Parks And Rec Committee (PARC) co-chairs Katie Fisher and Maggie Price said PARC meets Match 17 and is working with ZAP (INC Zoning And Planning committee) on the need for city provision of more open space to be included in development requirements.  Merce Lea announced the newly-formed Safety Committee will meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month.  Meg Schomp said the Education Committee has a new contact person with Denver Public Schools (DPS).  Karen Taylor was recognized for her work keeping track of DPS Bond use.  Joel Noble reported on the recent Transportation Committee meeting regarding bike/auto accidents, RTD changes for which there will be public hearings, and DOT’s statewide transportation plan.

“Shared Economy Resolution”

ZAP co-chair Margie Valdez introduced a friendly amendment to the ZAP resolution printed in the March INC newsletter, and moved for a vote, seconded by Katie Fisher.   This was a clearer statement of the original resolution.  Discussion included some reluctance to vote until bringing the new wording to individual RNOs, the fact that time is of the essence and INC’s next business meeting is May 9, and that this resolution is subject to change if needed.  A motion to table the resolution vote was made by Loretta Koehler and seconded by Caroline Schomp, with a vote of six to table, all others wishing to vote on the friendly amendment to the resolution today.  That vote result was 35 for, 4 against, 4 abstained.  The new wording will be sent out by email and appear in the April INC newsletter.  ZAP meets March 28.

Larry spoke about need for INC representatives on a new Citizens’ Advisory Committee regarding Power Lines Undergrounding Funds.  Ray Ehrenstein and Adrian Brown volunteered to serve.  The City Bicycle Safety Committee also needs a representative from INC, and John Rickie volunteered to serve.

Disclosing that he works for CenturyLink, Dave Felice urged everyone to contact City Council members to ask that they support adoption of a new cable franchise proposal so CenturyLink can provide service to give competitive choice with the present exclusive franchise.

Steve Nissen and Karen Taylor said questions are needed to be asked of candidates at the various forums.  Send them in advance or bring them to the forums.

Anne Elizabeth  asked that the public be informed of the city property included in the Stock Show project, and the city’s plans for such property.

Election of INC Officers resulted in votes by acclamation for Ray Ehrenstein, Vice President, and Bibi Alexander, Treasurer, with many thanks for the good work of outgoing Cindy Johnstone and Steve Nissen.  With no candidates coming forward, JJ Neimann offered to serve as Secretary pro tem.  The vote for at-large Board Members selected Don Tressler and John Rickie.  Two remaining positions will be appointed by Larry as INC President after approval by the INC Board.  Larry said INC will work on diversity, and ask elected official to promote involvement in neighborhood organizations as “the root of the democratic process in Denver City government.”

Alton Dillard of the Denver Elections Division spoke about city election law regarding campaign finance.  His talk was informative and elicited a number of questions and comments, including the cost of elections and the need for a more even playing field for candidates.  A wealth of information is in Chapter 15 Article III of the Denver Municipal Code, on line at DenverVotes.org/campaign information/campaign finance, and questions may be directed to 720-913-8683 or electionscomm@denvergov.com, or 311.

Next INC meeting will be the Dist. 6 Forum April 11 at University Park United Methodist Church, 2180 S. University Blvd.   — submitted by Diana Helper