Finger Pointing
Denver City Council members are clashing over a proposed moratorium in West Washington Park and some are pointing the finger at the City’s planning department. The heated discussion spilled over to the weekly Mayor Council Meeting from one the night before at City Council.
Council Member Rick Nevitt wants an 18 month moratorium on combining lots to create large enough parcels for duplexes and other multiplexes.
“The sorts of tests for the city attorney’s office are that it is limited in time, that it was directed to address a specific problem and a solution to make the moratorium no longer necessary was imminent.”
- Chris Nevitt
City Council Member
District 7
Nevitt says his proposal will only be needed until the zoning code update is implemented.
“I think this is a limited measure that provided some degree of control and predictability for the next 18 months until we’re able to implement a context sensitive zoning category that will then open up the entire area to appropriate redevelopment.”
- Chris Nevitt
City Council Member
District 7
Council member Rick Garcia said he thinks the zoning code update is taking too long , and hasn’t been presented to the community for feedback so the moratorium idea has come been raised.
“There’s going to be a tremendous amount of controversy associated with what we’re proposing to do with the update, it could take longer than 18 months. I think the rest of us could face similar requests coming from our respective communities.”
- Rick Garcia
City Council Member
District 1
Council member Brown doesn’t like the idea. He quizzed the Mayor about the last time there was a moratorium in a Denver neighborhood ….. and then directed his question to Council member Nevitt
“I just can’t believe the city is allowing this to happen. Why don’t we just do it city-wide – why just our district – that’d put pressure on them to finish the update.”
- Charlie Brown
City Council Member
District 6
The Blueprint Denver Committee will re-visit the moratorium proposal on Denver 10th and City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on December 15th.
Settlement Approved In Rice Case
“It was unquestionably a terrible tragedy for the Rice family, our hearts go out to the Rice family...”
David Fine
Denver City Attorney
At Monday’s meeting of Denver City Council, a legal settlement of $3 million dollars, one of the largest in City history, was approved.
Resolution 198 came about in the aftermath of the 2006 death of Emily Rice. The 20 year old woman was injured in a car accident and subsequently died of those injuries while being held in jail on suspicion of driving while impaired. Before approving the measure City Council members sought additional background about the settlement from the City Attorney.
“This case in particular I think is one of the most difficult cases that we’ve had to analyze given the complexity of the case factually from a legal perspective and the very very terrible tragedy that happened in this case which is a relevant factor when you are assessing the risks of a case and the risks going forward versus settling...
David Fine
Denver City Attorney
The settlement calls for the city to make policy changes in the Sheriff’s department regarding the treatment of people detained at the Denver jail. The changes were requested by the Rice family as part of the settlement.
“A new system to monitor rounds, a renewed emphasis on the urgency of getting inmates to nurses when they come from the hospital, emphasizing this case to recruiting classes, upgrading surveillance... it’s hard to value human life, my heart also goes out to the family, clearly mistakes were made and I appreciate the Sheriff’s department new protocols that have been negotiated through this agreement so that hopefully this won’t happen again.”
David Fine
Denver City Attorney
The new procedures will be known as “Emily’s Protocols.” Council approved the resolution with an 11-1 vote.
Vacancy Filled
Denver County Court will have a new Judge November 30th when Judge Melvin Okamoto retires.
Kerry Hada has been appointed by the mayor to fill the vacancy. He has had his own law firm since 1989, specializing in criminal, family law and civil trial work. He is a founding member and past president of the Asian Pacific-American Bar Association. He graduated from C.U. Boulder, got his masters in Business Management from C.S.U. and his law degree from the University of Denver.
Naming Decisions
You’ve been watching the construction – now you can help name the buildings in the City’s new Justice Center Complex.
The Mayor is looking for suggestions for both the Detention Center and the Courthouse.
City ordinance states public buildings have to be named for outstanding people who have been influential in the cultural, political, economical or social life of the community – or to recognize an individual or corporation who has contributed substantial funding.
Your suggestion must include 100 supporting signatures and a reason. Contact Anthony Aragon at 720-913-8462 for a petition form. A Task Force will meet December 15th to finalize the nominees and City Council will get the list at the end of December.