Colorado Politics

Denver City Council to weigh Xcel franchise, $18M move to liability fund

The Denver City Council will hold a combined courtesy hearing during its regular Monday meeting to consider a previously introduced trio of Xcel Energy measures.

The first would ask voters to extend the utility company’s franchise license with the city through 2026. The franchise license question would go before voters on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Denver’s City Charter requires voters, not the council alone, to grant a utility franchise.

The existing agreement with the City and County of Denver expires Dec. 31, 2026.

The second would approve an energy partnership based on sustainable, reliable and affordable energy and joint energy leadership in Denver and the third would authorize Xcel to provide utility services at Denver International Airport.

The public hearing will be held in the 5:30 session.

Elsewhere on the agenda, the City Council will introduce a bill submitted by the Budget and Management Office seeking to move more than $18 million from Denver’s general fund contingency and transfer it to the city’s liability claims fund to cover settlements and claims against the city that are already “approved or in process.”

The council will also consider a $1.6 million consulting agreement for transit planning along Federal Boulevard. The work, according to city documents, is connected to a proposed Federal Bus Rapid Transit Corridor project in Districts 1, 2, 3 and 7.

There are four proclamations slated for the Monday meeting.

In the 3:30 p.m. session, the Denver City Council will honor Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington for a “lifetime of public service.”

The second will honor Gabrielle Burns, Miss Colorado 2026, for her service and advocacy for those with communication disorders.

In the 5:30 p.m. session, the City Council will recognize the Black Sheriff Protective Association and Dec. 10 as International Human Rights Day.

There are public hearings slated for the 5:30 p.m. session on the following items:

  • 26-0776: A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 406 S. Quitman St. in Westwood.
  • 26-0777: A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 4901 S. Monaco St. in Southmoor Park.

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.


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