The Denver City Council will consider two items Monday that have sparked controversy.

The council is expected to decide whether to override Mayor Mike Johnston’s veto of a measure banning homeless camp sweeps in frigid temperatures and vote on a proclamation calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Homeless sweeps below 32 degrees

The Denver City Council will weigh its third veto override vote in 13 years if it wants to retain the ban it approved on homeless encampment sweeps in frigid temperatures. 

The ordinance, approved by a divided council two weeks ago, would prevent the city from moving people from outdoor encampments when it is below 32 degrees.

Johnston vetoed the measure Friday. His administration’s encampment resolution strategy has relied on sweeps to move homeless people indoors.

The council, which voted seven to six on the measure, needs nine yes votes to override Johnston’s veto.

Those in support of the ordinance, namely homeless advocacy groups, insist moving people below freezing temperatures is “inhumane.”

Council members, particularly those who voted no, indicated to The Denver Gazette a veto override is unlikely.

Override of Denver’s mayor veto of homeless sweep ban during frigid weather unlikely, councilmembers say

The council can vote whether or not to override the veto, can send the measure back for committee review, or can postpone the vote.

“I don’t see why anyone who voted no on the bill in the first place would vote to override the veto,” District 2 Councilmember Kevin Flynn, a no vote, said approaching Monday’s decision.

Denver proclamation for ceasefire in Gaza

Council members engaged in “heated” conversations this past week regarding a proposed proclamation calling for a ceasefire in the deadly Israel-Hamas war, according to District 8 Councilmember Shontel Lewis’ office.

Lewis, a primary sponsor of the ceasefire proclamation, said talks with fellow council members “have been spirited.”

“Our hope is to be able to submit a ceasefire proclamation that we might be able to get more yes votes on because we’ve been responsive to the concerns that individual council members have provided,” Lewis said.

The Israel-Hamas war has killed over 28,000 Palestinians. Over 1,400 Israelis are dead and hundreds are currently being held hostage by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Approximately 70 cities across the nation have submitted either a resolution or proclamation related to the ongoing war along the Gaza Strip. 

Some major cities are calling for a Israel-Hamas war ceasefire; Denver could be next

Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco are among cities calling for a ceasefire. 

“Denver holds such an important position in the national conversation,” Lewis said. “As the largest city in the Rocky Mountain Empire, Denver guides how federal politicians and the national media discusses American sentiment from the heartland.”

In other action, the council will consider:

• A $15 million, three-year contract with Environmental Restoration, LLC for hazardous materials management services.
• An increase in a lease with Aaravya Investments LLC adding $5.3 million for a new total of $11.7 million to expand land for the development and operation of a gas station, car-share parking lot and a convenience facility at 75th Avenue and Gun Club Road near Denver International Airport. The term is for 20 years with four, five-year extension options.
• An $8.7 million, three-year contract with AvAirPros, Inc. for airline liaison consulting services at Denver International Airport.
• A $4.5 million contract with CenturyLink Communications for telecommunication and web-hosting services at Denver International Airport.
• A $25 million cash transfer from the General Fund and the Capital Improvement Fund to make cash transfers to the Border Crisis Special Revenue Fund for costs related to immigrants staying in Denver.