Denver to review $325K settlement for deputy misconduct case
On Monday, the Denver City Council will consider a resolution authorizing a $325,000 payment settling a claim involving the Denver Sheriff’s Department.
The settlement stems from a 2019 incident in which a video captured Denver Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Gentempo punching Serafin Finn, a detainee at the time, multiple times and shoving Finn, who was in a wheelchair, to the ground after Finn allegedly spat on him.
The case is Estate of Serafin Finn v. City and County of Denver and Deputy Jason Gentempo, which was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado.
Speaking of legal action, the council is also set to review nine separate resolutions for as-needed legal representation when the caseload exceeds the capacity of the City Attorney’s Office.
Elsewhere on the agenda are resolutions approving several mayoral board appointments, including:
- Chase Phillips to the Cableland Home Foundation Board of Directors
- David Kim to the Board of Public Health & Environment
- Lindsey Myers to the Board of Public Health & Environment
- Michael Young-Hall to the Board of Public Health & Environment
Of historical interest, the council will introduce a bill for an ordinance to designate 1555 N. Grant St., a structure owned by the Knights of Columbus in Denver’s North Capitol Hill neighborhood, a landmark.
The designation, if approved, would protect and preserve the historical structure.
The council will also introduce a bill to authorize the city to borrow the first two batches of money from the recently voter-approved Vibrant Denver general obligation bond package.
One proclamation will be issued during the 3:30 p.m. session honoring the work of the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, Stiles African American Heritage Center, Black American West Museum & Heritage Center, and Central Baptist Church in observance of Black History Month.
A second proclamation celebrating 50 years of service by the Bienvenidos Food Bank will be issued in the 5:30 p.m. session.
There are no required public hearings set for the 5:30 p.m. session.
Denver City Council meetings will continue to be held in the Parr-Widener Community Room as renovations in the council chambers progress.
Seating is very limited, and the room will fill up quickly.
The Denver City Council’s regular meeting commences at 3:30 p.m., with the general public comment session scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
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kyla-pearce@denvergazette.com
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deborah.smith@denvergazette.com
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