Governance and Intergovernmental Relations
Agenda Items (9)
Briefings
Briefing from the Office of Emergency Management
25-2075Summary
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provided a briefing on Denver's catastrophic risk overview, focusing on low-probability, high-consequence hazards. Key risks identified include urban conflagration (wildfire), particularly in NE Denver and near DEN airport, due to climate change and proximity to open space, similar to the Marshall Fire. Dam failure, with Cherry Creek Dam identified as the highest risk among Denver's 8 high-hazard dams, poses a threat of significant critical infrastructure damage and loss of life. Hazardous materials releases from fixed facilities, highways, rail, and pipelines are concentrated along the I-25 and Santa Fe corridors, involving substances like ammonia and chlorine. The briefing also covered Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) managed by Xcel, which could impact critical infrastructure. OEM is developing a mass evacuation plan, with a draft expected early 2026 and a tabletop exercise (TTX) mid-2026, supported by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Parsons Engineering. Alert and warning systems are being enhanced with annual tests, public awareness campaigns, focus groups, and an evacuation area mapping tool.
Citizen Impact
This briefing highlights critical safety risks to Denver residents, including potential wildfires, dam failures, and hazardous material releases. Residents in NE Denver, near DEN airport, and along I-25/Santa Fe corridors are identified as being at higher risk. The ongoing development of a mass evacuation plan and improved alert systems aim to enhance public safety and preparedness for these catastrophic events.
Confidence
high
Executive Session
25-2076Consent Items
Approves an Intergovernmental Agreement with Regional Transportation District (RTD) for $431,126.00 with an end date of 12-31-2026 to offer qualified Denver employees the RTD Ecopass, citywide (CSAHR-202581622).
25-2056Summary
This item approves an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Denver and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) for $431,126.00. The agreement, effective from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, will provide RTD Ecopasses to qualified Denver employees. The Ecopass allows for transit rides to and from work for employees who request it during the calendar year 2026. The Office of Human Resources (OHR) Benefits and Wellness department is the requesting agency, and the agreement is citywide. RTD is the sole provider for this service, and the funds are sourced from the General Fund.
Citizen Impact
Qualified Denver employees will have the opportunity to receive a free RTD Ecopass for transit rides to and from work throughout 2026, potentially reducing commuting costs and encouraging public transportation use.
Confidence
high
Amends a contract with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. (aka, Kaiser Permanente) to add $100,000,000.00 for a new total of $381,000,000.00 and add one year for a new end date of 12-31-2026 for employee health plan services, citywide (CSAHR-202263753/CSAHR-202263753-02).
25-2058Summary
This item amends the contract with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. (Kaiser Permanente) for employee health plan services. The contract is being extended by one year, changing the end date from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026. Additionally, the total contract amount is increased by $100,000,000.00, bringing the new total to $381,000,000.00. This amendment covers health insurance plan options for all qualified Denver civilian and uniformed Sheriff, Police, and Fire employees citywide. The original contract amount was $281,000,000.00.
Citizen Impact
This amendment ensures continued health insurance coverage through Kaiser Permanente for city employees until the end of 2026, with an increased total contract value.
Confidence
high
Amends a contract with ComPsych Corporation to add additional service options. No change to contract capacity or term, citywide (CSAHR-202370373/CSAHR-202370373-01).
25-2063Summary
This resolution amends an existing contract with ComPsych Corporation to add additional service options to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The contract's capacity and term remain unchanged, extending through December 31, 2028. The added services include Critical Incident Response Services and Trainings, Travel Time and Trainer Downtime, and Mental Health First Aid Training. The current contract amount is $1,100,000, with no additional funds requested for this amendment. The services are citywide and funded by the general fund.
Citizen Impact
This amendment enhances the Employee Assistance Program by adding critical incident response and mental health first aid training, providing additional support resources for city employees' wellbeing.
Confidence
high
Approves the City Council reappointment of Adrienna Lujan to the Denver County Cultural Council.
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