Denver

Health and Safety

Agenda Items (7)

Attendance

Briefings

DDPHE Briefing on Dog Bite Enforcement

25-2167

Summary

This presentation from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) details dog bite statistics and enforcement strategies. Nationally, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, with 900,000 requiring medical attention, and half of those being children. Denver's data from October 2024 to October 2025 shows 160 Level 2 bites, 246 Level 3 bites, 43 Level 4 bites, and 13 Level 5 bites. The presentation outlines Denver's legal definitions for "Dangerous Animal" and "Potentially Dangerous Animal," emphasizing that owning a dangerous animal is illegal in Denver. The enforcement approach by Denver Animal Protection (DAP) focuses on behavior change, consistent investigation, and working with the City Attorney's Office (CAO) to seek behavior modification and restitution. The DDPHE advocates for behavior-based laws over breed-specific legislation, citing that breed identification is unreliable and behavior is the key indicator of risk. Community engagement efforts include clinical services like low-cost spay/neuter and humane education presentations.

Citizen Impact

Residents should be aware of Denver's ordinances regarding dangerous and potentially dangerous animals, which hold owners legally responsible for their pets' actions. The focus on behavior-based enforcement means owners will be held accountable for their dog's actions, potentially leading to stricter regulations for dogs exhibiting concerning behaviors.

Confidence

high

Denver Table Fresh Food Market Consortium

25-2168

Summary

The Denver Table Fresh Food Market Consortium, operating as FreshLo Market, is a nonprofit grocery store model aiming to provide affordable, nutritious, and culturally relevant food to Denver neighborhoods with limited access. The initiative addresses food insecurity, high rates of poverty, and food-related illnesses, particularly in the "inverted L" neighborhoods. FreshLo Market offers a dignified shopping experience with cross-subsidized pricing (25-35% below market), SNAP/WIC integration, and a focus on culturally important foods. The model includes a central hub for food collection and distribution, community growing spaces, and licensed cooking facilities. The organization is a 501(c)(3) incorporated in 2024, with fiscal sponsorship from the Montbello Organizing Committee. They plan to open their first three stores by Summer 2026 in Montbello, Mariposa, and Sun Valley. The model requires $2 million to launch for the first 18 months, with store sales covering approximately 60% of costs and philanthropy covering the remaining 40%.

Citizen Impact

This initiative will bring more affordable and healthy food options to underserved Denver neighborhoods, addressing food insecurity and potentially improving health outcomes. Residents can expect access to culturally relevant foods and opportunities for community engagement in food production.

Confidence

high

Consent Items

Amends a contract with ViVe to add $146,000.00 for a new total of $575,000.00 for expanded comprehensive out of school time programming at Whittier ECE-8 School. No change to contract term, in Council District 9 (MOEAI-202263618/MOEAI-202582318-03).

25-2129

Summary

This item amends a contract with ViVe to expand their out-of-school time programming at Whittier ECE-8 School. The contract amendment adds $146,000.00, bringing the total contract value to $575,000.00. The contract term remains unchanged, ending on August 31, 2026. This expansion is possible due to the closure of another provider, allowing ViVe to serve more youth in the Whittier neighborhood. The funding comes from General Funds and ARPA. The contract is located in Council District 9.

Citizen Impact

Residents in the Whittier neighborhood will benefit from expanded out-of-school time programming for youth, providing additional educational and recreational opportunities.

Confidence

high

Amends an Intergovernmental Revenue Agreement with the City of Sheridan to add $8,211,552.00 for a new total of $35,942,846.10 and to add three years for a new end date of 12-31-2028 for fire protection services within the municipal boundary of the City of Sheridan, Colorado, citywide (FIRES-201208809/FIRES-202581626-11).

25-2146

Summary

This item amends an Intergovernmental Revenue Agreement (IGA) between the City and County of Denver and the City of Sheridan for fire protection services. The amendment adds $8,211,552.00 to the total contract value, bringing the new total to $35,942,846.10. Additionally, the agreement's end date is extended by three years, from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2028. The Denver Fire Department has been providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, and other emergency responses to Sheridan since 2010. This amendment covers services including plan reviews and fire safety inspections within Sheridan's municipal boundary. The agreement specifies monthly revenue amounts for the extended years: $218,485.00 for 2026, $227,225.00 for 2027, and $238,586.00 for 2028.

Citizen Impact

Residents of Sheridan will continue to receive comprehensive fire protection and emergency services from the Denver Fire Department through 2028. This amendment ensures the continuation and funding of these vital public safety services.

Confidence

high