The Denver City Council will take up a packed agenda on Monday, including a second reading and a public hearing on Council Bill 26-0328, an ordinance that would overhaul classifications and penalties for low-level municipal criminal offenses.

According to the bill sponsors, the measure aims to align municipal penalties with state law to “stop criminalizing poverty.”

A vote on the bill is presumed to follow the public hearing. However, council members have the option to postpone that vote.

Next is the introduction of a proposed Denver City Charter amendment clarifying that the Auditor’s Office may continue to enforce wage and worker-protection laws and other workplace rights legislation passed by the Denver City Council. Should the measure be adopted, it will be presented to voters at a special municipal election held in conjunction with the Nov. 3 general election.

Denver City Council members will also consider an $80,000 payment to settle a liability claim stemming from a 2024 vehicle collision involving the Denver Police Department and Officer David Briggs.

Elsewhere on the agenda is a resolution to approve a $12.1 million contract with Flatiron Dragados Constructors for services related to the Morrison Road Improvement project between Sheridan Boulevard and Stuart Street. 

According to the official resolution request, the project focuses on “enhancing pedestrian access and overall safety along the corridor.”

Key improvements listed include roadway resurfacing, upgraded roadway and pedestrian lighting, new sidewalks, driveway reconstruction, curb extensions and traffic-calming islands, bus pads, tree plantings and landscaping, irrigation systems and roadway striping. 

There is one proclamation set for the 5:30 p.m. session honoring longtime Westword editor Patricia Calhoun for her 49 years at the publication’s helm. 

There are three public hearings that will follow the presentation of Calhoun’s proclamation:

• 26-0619: A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 17671-17675 E. 64th Ave., near Denver International Airport. 
  
• 26-0654: A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 3001 S. Federal Blvd. and 3058 S. May Stanton Way in the Harvey Park South neighborhood. 
  
• 26-0328: A bill for an ordinance updating the classifications and penalties for municipal criminal offenses.

Also of note, most City of Denver offices, including the Denver City Council, will be closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

The Denver City Council will not meet on July 6 and, in accordance with the Denver City Charter, there will be no committee meetings during that week. Regular council and committee meetings will resume the week of July 13.

The Denver City Council’s regular meeting begins at 3:30 p.m. in the Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber, with the general public comment session beginning at 5 p.m.