Location: Capitol Hill United Neighbors

The Meeting was called to order at 9:05am by President George Mayl

Executive Board Present: George Mayl, Loretta Koehler, Ernie Diedrich, Steve Nissen, Joel Noble, Maggie Price, Greg Sorenson, Hank Bootz, Drew Dutcher, Jane Potts.

Thank you to CHUN for providing the meeting location and coffee, fruit and pastries. Several CHUN members welcomed delegates: Travis Lieker, Caroline Schomp, Mark Crossin, Margie Valdez and Jim Slotta.

Vice President Loretta Koehler reminded all it was Vetersan’s Day. She recognized and thanked all former military present!

Mayoral Candidate Jamie Gieills gave a short hello.

CHUN – Report by Travis Lieker –

Bolstering community engagement programs; conducting traffic calming methods; hosting a rezoning forum and Uptown rezoning. Membership is up now with a record number of members, raised $15,000 and have 36 board members. New tenants and other activation at Tears McFarland House will bring new life to this space.

District 10 – Report by Councilman Wayne New

Councilman New welcomed everyone to District 10. He spoke to the issues of traffic, street closures and property damage due to all the construction around the Cherry Creek area. He also mentioned Community Planning and Development new zoning that will require residents’ approval of street closures for events.

RESOLUTION

It was moved by Caroline Schomp and seconded by Tom Carlton to approve a RESOLUTION REQUESTING EXTENDING TIME FOR PUBLIC STUDY AND COMMENT ON THE DENVER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/DENVERIGHT PROCESS with an amendment to change the date from February 18, 2019 to February 28, 2019.

Discussion – Joel Noble reported that his neighborhood completed their comments on time. All comments will be taken into consideration and reported at the next review period.

Christine O’Conner said that it is a rolling process that will be updated during the next 6 months.

Others suggested waiting to take any other action after the City election.

Motion Carried : For, 39; Against, 1; Abstain 0.

New delegates welcomed today –

Bill Have, Sunnyside; Bill Futera, University Park; Betsy Perloner, Driving Park Historic District; George Paciema, Belllview Hale; Jamie Darrell, Green Valley.

Update on Marijuana Laws – Margie Valdez

Consideration of Amendments to the Ordinance relating to Social Consumption of Marijuana.  A City Council Task Force was formed approximately six months ago to study the issue.  The distance requirements are at the center of the concerns raised by many residents and businesses.  There is a need to smoke marijuana legally in Denver.  Federal restrictions are in place that restrict the establishment of medical or recreational marijuana within 1,000 ft. of a school.  City restrictions include 1,000 ft of a day care center, treatment center, city owned pool as well as public schools. Many residents and day care centers have complained about special locations that the task force is reviewing.  If legal locations are not provided the move will be underground.  So a solution is needed. 

Entertainment Districts. State Law was passed approximately 3 years ago legalizing entertainment districts in the State of Colorado. Stanley Marketplace in Aurora is an entertainment district and there are several other cities in Colorado that have adopted ordinances legalizing these entertainment districts.  Excise and Licenses has drafted proposed regulations and held two public meetings seeking input.  That Department intends to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed regulations.  A date has not yet been set.

One cannabis issue will once again be on the proposed agenda of the Colorado legislature.  That is the ability to vape at retail marijuana establishments.  INC shall keep a close watch on the hearings held with regard to this issue.

Margie invited those present to consider attending public hearings.

Mayor’s Office Update – Grace Lopez Ramirez

The 2020 Census is coming up. Recruiting volunteers to help with the Complete Count Committee.

Committee Reports

Transportation – Joel Noble

The Transportation committee has completed their Denveright study comments.

Completed an 8 page evaluation on platform vs. plans.

Announced no funds for the transit plan.

RTD Pass Program should benefit low-income populations but could be difficult to maintain usership.

PARC – Maggie Price

The committee has completed their study of the Denveright Gameplan and sent comments to the Denveright team. Next meeting will be November 20 and will include Deborah Turner from Denver Public Works Capital Project Management. It will be the last meeting of the year.