A proposal to name the property located at 2855 Tremont Place the Elbra M. Wedgeworth Municipal Building. a) Presentation b) 15 minutes of public comment c) Discussion/Action (HEALTH, SAFETY, EDUCATION & SERVICES) A proposal to name the property located at 2855 Tremont Place the Elbra M. Wedgeworth Municipal Building. The Committee approved filing this bill at its meeting on 4-22-14.
us. Be assured, however, that by mutual agreement and common practice of the City Council, these devices are not being used for texting, emailing or other communications during public hearing. Okay. To begin. Councilman Lopez, will you please put Council Bill 365 on the floor? Thank you, Madam President. I move that council all 365 be placed upon final consideration and passed. Thank you. It has been moved and multiple seconded with the public hearing is open. Councilman Brooks, do you want to start off with the staff report? Yes, this is a little bit different process. Madam President, we we really don't have a staff report. We'll be going from Article 11 of the naming public buildings or major components of buildings, section 2 to 75. And I am actually going to ask that will Austin, the proposer, come up and read his his reasons for naming? Good afternoon. Good evening. Good evening, Madam President. And can you pull up your mike? Hey. Madam President, Councilman Brooks and members of Council. It is indeed my honor to put forward this proposal for the renaming of 2855 tree mine after Alba M Wedgeworth. It has been it was a very important process for us to to put together an all volunteer and I stress all volunteer team of folks to to collect the signatures and to put forward this proposal. As a result of that, we collected and it was only required for 100 signatures we collected somewhere in the neighborhood of 650 signatures and close to 2020 letters of support. The naming process can be an important tool, I believe, to to ensure the integrity of a neighborhood, to to formalize the DNA of that neighborhood. And we believe by using someone who grew up just blocks away from from the building that is in question is a critical way to do that. L Bram Wedgeworth grew up in a housing project just blocks away from that place. And we believe that the model that she represents for other children in that neighborhood, that you can actually grow up in that project and end up with your name on a building. But that's about the integrity and about the work that she did along along the way with the current transformation of what's happening in 5.2, we think is critical that when history tells the story of five points, that it's sprinkled with names like Alba Wedgeworth and and Blair Caldwell and some of the other names that are already there. And we think Alba Wedgeworth is a perfect person to be added to that list. I want to close by sharing a letter for a 59 year resident of District eight who could not be here, but I promised him I would share his thoughts with you. And it reads as such. Dear Members of Council, I am honored to write this letter requesting City Council members full support to rename the 5.8 Fremont Building , located at 2855 Fremont Place to the Abraham Wedgeworth Municipal Building. I want to tell you why I believe so strongly that Ms.. Wedgeworth has earned this recognition. I have been a resident of Denver council disregarded for more than 59 years, and words cannot express how much we care about Alba. She's a native of Denver and grew up in a housing project blocks away in Curtis Park. She has always been the heart and soul of District eight, the city and county of Denver and the state of Colorado. She is known for her integrity, her loyalty, her commitment, dedication and hard work and support of public policy values. I consider her one of my closest friends, and she's like a daughter to me. I strongly recommend the Fremont Building become the Abraham Wedgeworth Municipal Building. Sincerely, Harold Byrd, District eight resident 2856 Madison Street. Very much, and I am available for any questions you might have. Thank you, Mr. Austin. We have 22 people signed up for Ms.. Wedgeworth, so. 11, 11. Oh, says 11, nine and two. Well, only 11 and very happy to have them. I'd like to have them come up to the pew, though, the front pew, so that we can get an. I'll call you in order Tammy. Door Veronica barela. Ms. in Cooma and landed Landry Taylor and Mr. Sekou are the first five and we'll get them in the front row here and we'll just call on them as in that order. Okay. Tammy door. Good evening, Madam President, and honorable members of City Council. My name is Tammy, Georgia. And I'm the president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. The address is 511 16th Street, Denver. Colorado. On behalf of the 750 downtown Denver Partnership members, 400 downtown. Property owners. Residents and downtown. Employees, we are honored to recognize tonight the downtown Denver Partnership. Board Chairwoman Alberta Wedgeworth. Alberta is the definition. Of a city. Builder. Statistics show that the emotional connection that a community. Has with their city translates into economic. Growth and prosperity. Albert truly loves the city, and in turn we love her back because her love for this city, and in particular her love for downtown, has shaped the center city that we all live in and work in today. Her contributions to downtown Denver spans several decades. Throughout her different leadership roles. She paved the way for the development of the Convention Center Hotel work tires. Tirelessly to bring the Democratic National Convention to downtown Denver, transformed the five points in Arapahoe Square areas. Championed social issues, including affordable and transitional housing, and likely recognized earlier tonight and celebrated last week. She built the epicenter called Denver Union Station. Her impact speaks for itself. Through the projects. And the people that we see every day in our center city. The partnership. Cannot thank Alba enough for her contributions to making the city. Great. I cannot think of. A better way to thank her than recognizing her leadership through the naming of this building. I personally thank her for her friendship and mentorship through my years in Denver, and we kindly ask for your support in naming this building, the album Wedgeworth Building. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Veronica Barela. Good evening, esteemed Council members. My name is Veronica Barela and I reside at 151 South. Stewart AM the President and CEO of New Said Community Development Corporation. I'm here tonight in support of the city building located at 2855, Truman being named the Alberta and Wedgeworth Municipal Building. Harper has been an outstanding leader for the city and county of Denver and has shaped it and has helped shape its fabric. She is deserving of this recognition. Alba has had the privilege of being the only person to serve in all three branches of city government. Mayor's office, auditor's office and City Council. She was a champion in bringing the 2008 Democratic National Convention to Denver. She is the first person of color to serve as chairperson on the Denver Partnership Board INC Board. Alba was named by the Denver Post as one of the most as one of Colorado's most influential women. Her numerous awards are far reaching and exemplify her many talents and contributions to Denver and to Colorado. Alper has had an amazing life and she shares it by reaching out and empowering those lives she has touched over the years. She gives of her time, energy and money to make sure that her community is in the forefront of issues that are critical to the well-being of Denver because she has never forgotten where she came from. I ask that you name this building after her. So the Alba's legacy lives on throughout the city that she honors and that she loves. Thank you. Thank you, Ms.. Barela. Julie in Cooma. She told you so. Thank you for letting me speak. Accidentally left my purse at home with all my notes in it. So I'm speaking not against Elvira. I think she's a very fine person, and I think there are a lot of other things that could be named for her. Besides Five Points Community Center. Sometimes we must put our emotions behind. But this isn't one time I have been on the board of Five Points Community Center since 1978 2003, when the board that have come into place decided to expand the building into the food stamps building and not allow the mom and pop nonprofits to continue meeting there. The building was built as a community center. Some of that land. If you guys have read about it, was donated by black family that lived in the area so a campus could be built. The campus was built and all the dreams of it were completed except the senior center. Five Points came into prominence in the 1860s, and it was called the Harlem of the West, first predominantly African-American neighborhood in Denver. And it was the only place we could live. Five Points is a historic center and a symbol, and the name holds. The. Power and the significance. There is power in and history in its name. Names create branding. Five Points is our brand. One of the goals of the five point plan is empowering and unifying the broader five points community. As a person who has been intricately involved with five points from its beginning, it was built by a black man named Bertram Rutan. The building was temporarily occupied by food stamps, and the intention was it to return as a community center. There isn't another one in the Five Points District with the Nugent ification. Everything that symbolizes five points and the black community has been disappearing quickly. It's like we never existed. I was one of the instructors understanding that motor vehicle was only going to be temporarily there because we would not support them being there. There's a daycare center right next door to five points that actually occupies the same heating system under the ground. The Five Points Community Center has. I don't even like the idea of all these strangers coming in and out with our children right there with five points. Community Center. We have recently lost the library that was in the center, which was very important because the children used to come there after school and we always had people there to help them with their schoolwork because mom and dad sometimes didn't get off until five. And what better place than a community center? So as I say, this is not about Heilbrunn. This is about your love of your time is up. Okay. Thank you very much. Points Community Center. And I really hope that you will be flexible enough to see your time is up. Please don't take another symbol of who we are. Please. Thank you. I'm finished now. Thank you. Landry Taylor. Good evening. My name is Landry Taylor. I reside at 24 seven Spruce Street in the city and county of Denver. Denver is a very special place when it comes to remarkable women. Molly Brown. Justin of Fort Ferry Taylor. Wilma Well, Frances Jacobs, just to name a few. It gives me pride and honor to include the name of Abraham Wedgeworth to that esteemed list of Denver's remarkable women. As many others will point out, the achievements of the Honorable L. M Wedgeworth, let's not forget these additional credits to the list. The first African-American woman elected to serve Council District eight, the first African-American woman to serve as president and chair of the Democratic National Convention Committee. House Committee. The first African-American woman to serve as chair of the Downtown Denver Partnership. And recently, the honorable Elvira Wedgeworth was inducted into the blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame by the Denver Public Library. However, what many of us remember most about our borough is her keen vision and love for this city. A love that brings people together from all corners of the Denver metro area. Her engaging smile and stern voice when she's made up her mind to get business done. This is just not my honor to place her name in support of the naming of this building. It's Denver's honor to recognize and to brand this name for our city, for its citizens, and for this council. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Sekou. And you have 6 minutes. My name is Chairman Sake, who I proudly represent and is honored to be a trusted and humble servant to the poor, working, poor and homeless people in the city. Organization is the Black Star Action Movement. Oh, man. I stand opposed to this building being named after Sister Wedgeworth and. I know the family. As a matter of fact, her father came down the police station, got three members of our basketball team who were championship one day that we were accused of robbing a bank downtown. And it was a misidentification. Mr. Berger came and got us on two and. He also was the photographer for my first wedding and his daughters and sons. We played on the same basketball team down men at different stages because Danny was on his way out. Tim was going to leave a man to go into University College Boulder to play basketball. And I was there with Clifford and Walton. So this really ain't about her. And it is. And the paradox in this thing is that Oprah has had a outstanding life of public service, did a lot for the city. And sometimes in the history of our people, I'm talking about black people. We give our best to this nation, the city and the world, and our community gets left behind. See, when Elbert was doing all these wonderful things, our community was being gentrified. And now a community that was 90% black is down to 20%. And it started when Hiawatha died. We're talking Hiawatha Davis here. All right. And so we suffer. From a brain drain and energy drain. When we give that to. Others and there's nothing for us. No. It's what we lose out. And the individual person goes high and goes to higher places and does great things for others. What about us? What about us? Say we. And in the process, that building that was called the Park Point's community center. You want to take that away from us? Are you kidding me? You talked about the gentrification and the notices that were going out in your neighborhood park. But then we watched the activity that happens down here when it comes to enforcing the law and making sure that people are protected in their neighborhoods. And there is a voice of silence. Nothing is done. So therefore, those signs are on the down low done by this body. There was absence in the silence in refusing to enforce the law, and that's how we got to where we at now. So it wasn't just you. It was the ones who started way back in 1982. This ain't nothing new. And the same. Basis for increases. Name change. Basis change. But the policy and the procedure remains the same because there's institutionalized racism. And you don't know how to stop it. You don't know how to fight it. And so we have a committee here of 13 people that reminds me of old sitcom called The Little Rascals. Up here, Mary. Mischief makers acting as if the adults trying to figure it out. And in the process, we have all of these unintended but intentional consequences. Because I've been down here for almost four years. I watch you. Compromise. Principle for prudence. Through what we do here. What do we do here? Say, what do we do? Well, I'll tell you what we need to do. Elbow wrist work is bigger than that building. Who needs to be across the street? All the main. All the way of building big. That's how big he is. That's a. Contribution. And it's an insult to us, the family, and the sacrifice that our community has made. To make it so minimal. And you minimize. Your contribution by putting it on that small building. Are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? Don't you have any appreciation for the sacrifice and suffering of our people? Oh, no. You should be out there with that competitive world in bright lights. It was our idea as he had to, quote unquote, have more of that. Please address the council. Oh, that's what he is. Because he is here. Your time is up, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. Now, please sit down. Take your seat. I am, though. I do. Come by. Thank you very much. Yeah, I'd like to call Tracy Winchester up to the stand. Madam Chair. Thank you. My name is Tracy Winchester. I am the executive director of the Five Points Business District. We are located at 2444 Washington Street, Denver, Colorado. I am a 29 year resident of the city of Denver and I have known ALPA Wedgeworth just that long. The Five Points Business District is a designated nonprofit and registered neighborhood organization. We represent the interests of property owners, businesses and community. Stakeholders located. In this historic cultural district. We are privileged to put our support behind naming the municipal building at 2855 Fremont Place, the Elvira M Wedgeworth Municipal Building, the Honorable Alberta. And Wedgeworth is an icon of strength, perseverance and democracy in the city of Denver. More specifically, she has been a champion of District eight and the historic five points Curtis Park neighborhood where she was raised. It is most appropriate that a public servant of her statute be acknowledged for her 30 plus years of service to the greater Denver community. Given that this building is located in the heart of five points, we think this acknowledgment of her, her outstanding number of accomplishments in all three areas of city government would be an inspiration to our young people for generations to come. Former Councilwoman Wedgeworth has demonstrated throughout her career a commitment to improve the quality of life for all of Denver. She initiated numerous infrastructure projects and oversaw the renewal of District eight through redevelopment projects such as East Village, Dallas Shopping Center, Mercy Hospital Redevelopment 1616 Glenarm Skyline Park and the Blaire Caldwell African-American Research Library, to name a few . Councilwoman Wedgeworth was also president, as you all have heard numerous times of the 2008 Denver Democratic Convention host committee. Her leadership was crucial to Denver being chosen to host the convention. The direct economic impact to the city and county of Denver was $153.9 million. Her body of work has been influential in the cultural, political and economic livelihood of the greater Denver community. Thank you for letting me come and speak tonight. Thank you, Miss Winchester. I'm going to call Dixie Tremble. Dixie Tremble, Don Burkhart, Jerry Glick and Lisa Roy to the front pew to search the lineup for our next speaker, the item. To the honorable members of Denver City Council. My name is Dixie Trimble. I am the widow of the late King Trimble. Who represented District eight. Tonight, I am here to speak on behalf of another former district council representative, and that person is Elvira Wedgeworth. I think it would be most appropriate to. Name the building at 2855 Tremont Place. The Abraham Wedgeworth Municipal Office Building. Former District eight councilwoman Eva Wedgewood did so much for the people of her district. I believe that it would be a great tribute. To her for letting her know. How much we appreciated all she did for Denver District eight. In 1999, she was elected to Denver City Council. L would not only served her constituents in District eight, but she also served people citywide and. Nationwide. When she was needed. Councilwoman Wedgeworth grew up in Curtis Park, a surrounding neighborhood. Where 2588 Tremont Street, Tremont Place is currently located. And 2122 Albo was elected Denver City Council President Pro-Tem. Then in 2003, her fellow council members elected her city council president for 2003 and 2000 for reelection to those two positions. Show how much she was respected by her colleagues on city council. While Council President, she supervised the. Multimillion dollar city council. Budget while on Denver City. When? Wow. Denver City. Council. Wedgewood created many improvements to Denver parks streetscape projects. Funding for small businesses, housing and historic preservation. Lots of those projects provided jobs for our citizens and not only for this great constituent, but for people throughout the city and county of Denver. Eva was president of the 28 Denver Democratic Convention. Host host committee. And her leadership was extremely important for Denver. Being chosen to host the National Democratic Convention by Denver hosting the Democratic Convention. This part, millions of millions of dollars to our great city. In 1974, she received her college degree. From Redlands College. Located in Redlands, California. Fortunately for the people of Denver. Al was settled in Denver after finishing college and began her professional career. Please vote to name. 2855 Fremont Place The Alba M Wedgeworth Municipal Municipal Office Building. Thank you. Perfect timing. Thank you, Miss Trimble. Jerry Glick. Oh, no, I'm sorry, Don Lockhart. I'm sorry, Jerry. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Don Burkhart. I reside in. Aurora, Colorado, but I do all my shopping in Denver. Yes. I've known Alber. Wedgeworth for over 20 years, and. During those 20 years, I've had the opportunity and the privilege. To observe her work as a public. Servant, as clerk and recorder for the city and county of Denver, serving in Mayor. Wellington Webber's administration. As a member of the Denver Election Commission and on the Board of County Commissioners. Then I watched as she served from 1996 to 1999 as the Director of Community Relations and philanthropic affairs at Denver Health. In 1999, she was elected. To a seat on the Denver City Council representing District eight. She served as Council President Pro tem from 2001. To 2002 and as Denver City Council President. From 2003 to 2005. In 2007, she accepted the position of Chief Governmental and Community Relations Officer for Denver Health and who could. Forget. What she did as President and chair of the board for the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee. Which was responsible. For bringing the Democratic National Convention to Denver in August of 2008. The Honorable Eleanor. Wedgeworth has demonstrated her commitment and tenacity in bettering our city and. District. Eight in particular over the past two. And a half decades. I watched as she made. Those valuable contributions toward the financing and completion of the Blaire Caldwell Research Library. I was. Encouraged as she pushed. The Web Municipal Office Building building to an exciting grand opening. She was instrumental in nudging the Colorado Convention Center forward and was a real force in making sure. The I's. Were dotted and the T's crossed in refinancing and operating the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Colorado Convention Center. In fact, she's done so much for our city's tourism, and she's been referred to from time to time as Miss Tourism. I've watched as they'll. Recharge forward, igniting the imaginations. Of those around her and scaring the pants off of others who may not want to work as hard as they needed to work to get the job done. You all know what I'm talking about. I've watched Amazed as project after project comes out of the ground on time and within budget, knowing that Labor is in the mix , making things happen. She's worked on a number of downtown building projects on our city and she's worked tirelessly as the chair of the Downtown Denver Partnership over the past year. But I think my proudest moment in Elba's life was watching the grand opening of Denver Union Station and reflecting on the thousands of hours this woman contributed to a project that was so complex, complicated and costly, it may well have died on the vine over a consensus building style and can do attitude. Served the city well as president of the Denver. Union Station Project. Authority. Elba has spent the last. Six years of her. Life at your time volunteering her services. We really do owe this woman. Thank you. Thank you, Ms.. Burkhart. Jerry Glick. Good evening, Madam Chairman. I'm Jerry Glick. I reside in Denver, Colorado. I won't repeat what everyone else has said, and I could spend more than my time listing Oprah's accomplishments. I will tell you that we have worked closely together on Union Station for the last seems like my natural lifetime, but really as does the last four years . Elbrus dedicated thousands of hours. To that particular project. To make sure that we got from where we were, which was really nowhere to what you heard tonight. I can't think really of a more fitting person to have a building named after her than Oprah. And I encourage you to do so tonight. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Lisa Roy. Thank you, Madam Chairperson and honorable members of the Council over Wedgeworth as a friend to me, and I first knew of her when she was working at Denver Health. I remember a person working there who said, Alva Wedgeworth is this incredible woman. She just gets things done. And as I got to know her over the decades after that comment was made, it's very true. I have never met anyone who was so determined and has given and sacrificed so much of their even personal life to get things done. I'm a mother of three grown children and a grandson, and I you know, I just think about what it takes to sacrifice, you know, family time, time with friends, traveling, all the things that are important to me for one project, needless, all the projects that were mentioned when I think of Ober, I think of a public service for her public servant for life. She didn't just do it one time. It's just a part of her personality. She's like the wind. You just see her effect when she puts her mind to do something. When the Denver Democratic National Convention was here, for instance, I the energy and the buzz in the city was so incredible. I'd never really seen anything like that. I've lived in New York, I've lived in D.C., but I've never seen that kind of buzz before where everyone was just so excited. She was critical in many ways that people don't know when some of the things that haven't been mentioned, like the Denver Preschool Program. I remember having dinner with Obama and talking to her about the initiative and I said, You know, Elvira, I know city council is considering, you know, whether or not to support it. And when she listened to the reasons of why preschool was important. Obama was a champion with some of the board members who had not quite made up their minds about that and turning that around. So again, I could go on and on and on and I won't because I only have 6 minutes anyway, but only 3 minutes just. Talking pass. Anyway. I adore Obama. I have been a District eight voter and supporter for many, many years, at least for the last 21, and think that it's incredible that this we have this opportunity to name the building after a thank you so very much. Thank you, Mr. Wright. That ends our speakers. Are there questions from council? Yeah, I don't see any questions from council. So I am going to close the public hearing and ask for comments and perhaps I'll ask Mr. Brooks first. I think Councilman Lopez had a question before you. You had a question before I hit that gavel. Yeah. Madam President, I was going to ask, who. Is the Silver Lake? Who is this. Woman? Stand up a little bit later. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. It's it's with great privilege and an honor that I bring this piece of legislation ordinance forward for my predecessor's predecessor, the great Eleanor Wedgeworth. And they always say, you know what kind of leader you are when you see the people who are around you. And if the eight speakers just clued in, other folks who spoke about Elvira is any indication of the type of woman she is. Wow. Wow. She has influenced individuals all over the city of Denver from all faiths, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and inspires them to live beyond themselves. And so this is a privilege and honor. So so my first encounter with Elbert Wedgeworth was when I was working for a guy named John Hickenlooper who was running for governor. And they brought me in and I had the first phone call I had to make was to Elvira Wedgeworth, the Elvira Wedgeworth. And, you know, I try to pride myself on being confident, you know, in delivery and everything like that. But, boy, that was the most nerve wracking phone call that I that I've made in a long time. And I kept practicing over this is Albert Brooks. Who. It was just it was a very nerve wracking experience. And just because her her reputation precedes her, just a very strong woman. And then I happened to to run for for city council in 2011. And I called her again. And that conversation was even more nerve wracking because I knew what her answer was going to be. And I said, Elvira, I would love your support. And she said, no. And and the reason I share that is because I think, you know, a lot of who Elvira is, is she's honest and she's authentic and but she doesn't you know, I felt like she was mad at me and she didn't stay there. And after I've been in council, she's been one of my best advisers and someone that I know I can go to, whether it's the middle of the night or whatever. And she has been incredible. A lot of people mentioned her accolades and we could be here all day talking about the things that she's done. But just think about what it's like for a council person coming after. I mean, what is there left to do right? She has this book of things that she's accomplished within the District eight. And it is it is fascinating. I hope you all get a chance to see that. The thing that I'm most impressed with and the thing that I'm excited that my little girls and every little girl of color on the east side of Denver will get a chance to hear. And notice is that Elvira came from the Curtis Park projects, which is literally three or four blocks from this building, and her name will be on a municipal building within five points. Among the other great pillars of five points. And, you know, in this city, we we preserve a lot of things and and we preserve things, too, for conservation and protection because we we value these issues. Right. And there's been talk today around gentrification and things like that. And, you know, as I'm in this district, the thing that I think about all the time is how do you preserve culture? Okay, how do you really preserve the foundation of a culture in a neighborhood when there's so much change going on and this is how you do it. This is how you do it. You remember, as my friend Paul Lopez would say, you give you give them flowers. When they're alive, not when they're dead. And I think it's such an honor that we get that Albury gets a chance to hear this from all these incredible folks today and just receive this and just sit for all the public service that she's been doing and say, okay, I did a good job and I hope you can do that, but this is so much bigger than you as well. This is about the preservation of a culture in northeast Denver, and this is about inspiring little girls in northeast Denver. So thank you so much, Oprah. I want to encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this. We better have a 13 oh vote. And you know. I want to say want one more quick thing, I think and I was talking to our Mayor Hancock about this and these 13 members know this well. Public life is hard. You are the most scrutinized, misinterpreted, misunderstood individual in the city. And I think just for a moment in history, we got a chance to see Oprah in some context be misunderstood, understood. But to be able the strength that she embodies is so inspiring and it inspires young folks a lot to say. Like us, but like me. Sorry, sorry, madam president. Sorry, sorry. No, man, he can set everything. Oh, come bring up the sweater. It's just. It's inspiring. And so. Thank you, Elvira. And congratulations. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, you whippersnapper, are you. Councilman Herndon. Thank you, Madam President. I wish the people in the pews could see how this is lined up, as everyone is wanting to say something about Elvira and what she has done. So I will be brief to allow my colleagues to comment. And it is it is amazing her accomplishments speak for himself. But I think it's really telling of a person when you see how they treat strangers. And I was a stranger to Denver. I'm not from here. I moved here after my time in the military and I was trying to find ways to serve. And I just had this idea of running for city council. And when you're running for office, one of the things that you do is you try to meet with as many people as possible and previous elected officials examples. And I can say that one of the easiest meetings I could make was with Amber Wedgeworth. She was very open to sit down and talk with me to give candid advice. And I thought that was very telling, because when you treat people who literally can add no value to who you are as a person says a lot about you. And that was a personal story that I always remember and can never forget. I am sincerely in awe of Alba and the things that she had done. I find it very fitting that we are doing this conversation. The day after yesterday we spent the day honoring strong women and that has spilled over today as we continue to honor another strong woman. So I can just say well-deserved. Certainly, her legacy is beyond the building. It lives in all of us. And I certainly hope that it lives in me as I continue to serve. And make a difference and try to. Fill some footsteps of those who have come before us. So I certainly urge my colleagues to support this. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Councilman Herndon, Councilwoman Fox. Thank you, Madam President. The first. Vote that I cast on city. Council was a really. Good one. It was for Alba Wedgeworth, this council president. And she was an excellent president naming this building after her since several messages. First, it says the people of the. Area are important and Alba. Is indeed one of the people follow through is important. One of the reasons why. Alba is so effective is that she has tremendous follow through. Many of you have mentioned the DNC as an example. As a new council person, I ask a very complicated question at the beginning of the day and have an answer before the evening. I could not believe it. She is a. Force. Political diversity is important to her. We may have different political views, but Alba always made it clear my opinions were important to the city policy debate. What a difference that philosophy would make in this world. It's made her, my friend and I really am pleased that this building is going to be named after you. If my colleagues agree, I think it's a perfect name. Thank you. Councilwoman Fox, Councilwoman Robb. Thank you, Madam President. And yes, councilwoman, thoughts? You and I voted that same way that evening. And as Alba became president or after she became president, I heard then mayor, our new mayor at the time and now Governor Hickenlooper say numerous times. In fact, I think I just heard him say it not too long ago. You know, having Alba as president taught me everything I know about politics. Yeah, she really represented city council to the administration and in many of the ways that Councilwoman Fox was talking about in valuing where we all came from. But if she taught Governor Hickenlooper about politics, she taught me how to be cool, except I'm not sure I've got it all mastered. Yeah. You know, I get these emails from her. Well, first of all, we were sisters on Colfax, but then I get these emails from her that say Chaka Khan, that an editor or my assistant would say, l was on the phone, I'd pick up the phone and she'd say, Chaka. Well, finally, one night, thanks to the Internet, I figured out who Chaka Khan was, and I listened to a song called I'm Every Woman. And I said, Oh, okay. Well, here's the irony. Clearly, she's every woman, because not one woman could do all the things that we heard about tonight. And I have a feeling I'd love to see your clothes closet someday, because I have a feeling you could dress many, many women from that resource. But actually, I do support the naming of this building after Eleanor Hall, for all the good reasons you've heard. But for me, it's always going to be the wedge worth every woman building. So nice. Thank you, Councilwoman Robb. Councilwoman Lehman. Thank you, ma'am. First of all, I want to say that. Elba was an incredible influence on all the women to imagine having a city council of 13 with ten people. Ten of those members never having done this before. And then you are. Elected to lead them. Talk about a challenge. And what an incredible challenge. It was just incredible. And I just I think I take this opportunity to thank you, because as many of us have said, you are our mentor. You created this incredible council that worked terrifically together and made and really made great contributions during your term with us to Denver. So thank you. And I'm proud to vote for this. Thank you, Councilwoman Lehman. Councilwoman Ortega. Thank you, Madam President. To answer Councilman Lopez's question, who is this woman? First of all, she's my friend and former colleague. Alber and I served together on the council. And I'm not going to reiterate all the great things that you have heard already, but I want to just clarify something. Naming a building after Alber Wedgeworth in the Five Points neighborhood does not change the name. Or the fabric. Of the neighborhood itself. It honor someone who has given many, many contributions to the city as a whole, but especially to northeast Denver. And our work continues to give back to this city in many ways. You heard about her role with the Denver Partnership. Her continued role at Denver Health. And Denver Health is position to be in the lead, as we have have now stepped into health care reform. A new clinic will be built in southwest Denver. You know, they have done an incredible job making sure that underserved people in this city continue to be taken care of. And I know Alba has played an instrumental role in all of that. And I just want to say thank you for your friendship and thank you for your service to the city. And I am honored to be supporting this name change tonight. And I just want to say congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Councilwoman Ortega, Councilman Levitt. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. I'll certainly be supporting this tonight, although I will say I'm nervous about voting in favor of this and not just because Councilman Brooks threatened us earlier this evening, but I'm kind of nervous on three counts. Number one, I kind of feel unworthy the authority to name a building after Elba Wedgeworth. I work hard. I try to represent my community. I sincerely do my best for the city that I love. But in comparison to Elba Wedgeworth, my efforts and record are puny and insubstantial. And yet here I am on the dais and she's down there in the hard seats. And so I'm supposed to have the authority to say, Yes, we will name this building after you. I feel unworthy to be naming something after Elba Wedgeworth. Second reason I'm nervous is because is this the right building? I mean, Elba Wedgeworth. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. I got to get something out of you. But Elvira's impact on this city is so legion, so multifaceted that, you know, there's like 15 different things that could be named after Elvira. Well, Wedgeworth in this town and I know all of them would be justified if this is the building that you all want to name after Albert Wedgeworth. Well, let's name it after Albert Wedgeworth, but I think there's a lot of other buildings, too, so I'll go along with that. The third reason I'm slightly nervous about this is because usually we name stuff after dead people. Mm hmm. And Elvira is not dead. Elvira is very much alive and kicking and kicking hard. And I would hate to think that we were sort of putting a capstone on the the efforts and achievements of Elvira Wedgeworth by naming a building after her job. Well done. You can go home now. We're going to name this building after you. I don't think that's the case. And I think it's actually the mark of a true leader that someone who now holds no elected position whatsoever. I think we have every expectation that Elvira Wedgeworth will continue to lead us and continue to make amazing things happen for this city just because she's Elvira Edgeworth. So with all those reservations stated, I'll be supporting naming this building after Abraham and Wedgeworth. Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Lopez. Thank you, Madam President. I do know who Elbert Wedgeworth is, and I like teasing her every time I see her. I mean, because she's a big teaser. One would say she's a tease, but I'm not going to say that. Oprah's amazing. I love Albert White's world. You know, when I have a lot of questions in politics, when I have questions and how to serve the district, which is a very hard district to serve right in council district, they has the same challenges in a lot of ways or sister districts, right? In a lot of ways. We have those challenges and I always look forward to being able to ask over these kind of questions. And she's always there, always there to support. A person can say that a politician and leader are on the same thing and they're not for absolutely not. A leader is somebody who gets behind and pushes, pushes others, doesn't step out in the limelight and say, I'm a leader, but gets behind and pushes when the time comes and when it's necessary. And somebody who stands as Junior said and, you know, the ultimate measure of a man and I'll say a woman as well as where they stand, what is the stand in times of controversy, not comfort time. And and I think Elvira has always stood up when the time came, right. She's always been there to not just have my back. Right, but for our community. And I do think that it's important that we honor people when they're alive. We do. We should we shouldn't wait until somebody is gone for seven years, as one of our rules are, to name and to honor somebody. Right. And somebody who has a huge impact in this city. And Alvarez made that impact. You have made that impact. Right. And yes, she teases me once in a while and I get to tease her. But that's the beauty of it. I can say that as a public servant and when I'm all older and I can tell my people in my community and other folks in Denver, I remember when Albert Wedgeworth, when I drove my daughter, passed the building and I could say, Hey, Albert Wedgeworth was your pappy's friend. Right. And when our Bruce family and friends and community members walk by this building, they can say, This is your A.L., bro. This is my friend Alberta. Right. That's the legacy. That's why this is important. Right. And the fact that it's not a name from somewhere else. We have names that honor people who probably never set foot in Colorado. And that's fine. I absolutely love the fact that some of our names are from our people who were born in Colorado and probably never lived in Colorado. But when we have some folks who are honored, who are from our state, from our city blocks away. That's something to be honored. That's that's that's amazing. And that tells the story of our city. And that's the history of our city. Ann Arbor, I'm glad your name is going to be in the history of our city. So I love you very much, sister. Thank you very much for all of your work. And I know this isn't the last building that's going to bear your name out and as far as we can help it. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. Councilman Lopez, Councilwoman Monteiro. Thank. Thank you, Madam President. I'm very honored to be able to cast my vote this evening to have this building named after you. But being a Latina, that's very superstitious. Take care of yourself and let's have you around for a long time. Exactly. But I'll well, I'll come back with another funny story in a minute. But, you know, I just want to tell you that the other day when you did a presentation for me at a luncheon, that that you really lifted me up in front of my daughter. And I really appreciated that. And I wanted to thank you personally now for doing that. She will never remember. I mean, she will always remember musselburgh and and the beautiful things that she said at the luncheon to thank you for that memory with my daughter. Now, as when you were council president and we all were able to all of us at the time were rookies were able to vote to have you come in as president. I didn't know what to expect, not so much as your presidency, but I just didn't know what to expect as an incoming fresh man council person. And on a serious note, you were and are my role model because in your own subtle way, you're able to teach me the enormity of the votes and the seriousness of this. Job. That we have and how we do it. 24 seven And the things that we do are it's very, very serious work. But at the time, you know, we would come to council in and there would be a surprise jazz band playing in the corner, you know, to lift this up or there would, you know, you would always find little personal gifts to put on our desks when you travel. It didn't work. It was a bumper sticker from wherever. But you would always remember us and you were always so kind and personal in that way. And it takes time to think about the personalities of different people and to lift us all up. And I was to something in my council district, and there you were as council president, just sitting there to be supportive. And that was so kind and that was so generous. And I will never forget that. Oh, this is another this is a funny story. Remember the time that you told me that somebody did a survey about city council and where we were on our approval rating in the city and we were number two people actually liked city council at that point under under the leadership. It was so great. And then I have one more funny story that I got to tell. So President Wedgeworth is sitting right here and I'm always sat right here, right. Here, right here. And so when I forget what the District nine controversy of the day was, but it was serious and it was very, very heated. So she leans over and she says, Girl, are you going to weigh in on this? I think it's time. So I will I will. Never forget that. But for all the people that that know Elvira and for all the people that will come to know Elvira in our lifetime that we spend together, you have lifted everybody up so much and you are very, very strong. And I'm happy to be counted tonight as one of your yes votes. So thank you so much. Thank you, Councilwoman Monteiro. Councilman Brown. Thank you, Madam President. Is it good to see you? Move over. I was wondering, there goes based on what councilman never said about having to be dead before building a name for you. So if you could just wave one more time that he's all right, Chris know she's still with us. I feel better. I feel better already. However, look around this room that, you know, you had so many friends and they are all wearing your favorite color. These are all Redlands University alumni. To hear it tonight to support you. That's not Nebraska Red. That's Redlands University, Red. You know, there's a really a special atmosphere in this chamber this evening. And I think it's about as close as we can get to order up to what occurred in Vatican City last month. Pretty close. You're being praised a great deal and you're worth every moment of this praise. You remember how we met? Mayor Webb called me and I had done a campaign piece for him. So it was in fact, I was in the business. And he said, I got this woman in who wants to run for city council and I want you to meet her and I want you to do a letter for me if you like her and I met you, and indeed I did like you. And I found a phrase from that letter that I wrote for the mayor endorsing you for your seat. And in that campy campaign piece, I said that Alber Wedgeworth would adhere to the principles and values we all share fairness, integrity, work hard, work, learning and family. You indeed have adhered to those principles and those values, and that's why I'm honored to support you tonight. Albert, my good friend. Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, Councilman Brown. Councilwoman Kennish. Thank you. Elvia Bloodsworth brings Charlie Brown and Robin Kinney together again. I was only going to chime in if there was something I felt like that wasn't mentioned. So two really quick things, which is, one, I think that you are fearless. That is something that I learned from you and the Union Station Project. And I knew this was coming. So I didn't talk about you earlier. But those hairy moments I described in the money wasn't flowing and things weren't coming together. And you gave me a glimpse of, you know, how you grew up in East Denver. It sounds a little bit like my growing up in Milwaukee, a little bit tough. And you came out the other end, fearless, and you've put that practice to work and it's a part of all these things you've achieved. And so I just didn't think the night would be complete without that. And then secondly, to thank you, because in spite of your fearlessness, you also have been willing to take others seriously who come from different backgrounds. And, you know, when I was new to that board and I came from a background of being a housing and a worker advocate, not everyone, I think, thought that I deserved to be there. And you as chair of that board made sure that I had an equal voice and was able to be taken seriously. And so that fearlessness that you brought wasn't exclusive to keeping folks who may have been from different backgrounds like me out. And so it created space for others. And that was special because you don't always get those together. So thank you and keep up that fearlessness. Thank you, Councilwoman. Can you, Councilwoman Shepherd. Thank you, Madam President. I'll try to be brief. I know it's been a long night. There's a really great children's book that I've always loved, and it's called The Giving Tree. Maybe many of you are familiar with that. And it's the story of this little boy that has a tree that grows in his backyard. Nancy grows up and grows through many phases in his life. He's always going to this tree and asking this tree for something, and the tree always provides it gladly, even to the point, you know, where at the end the tree is running low on resources but still always digs deep, you know, in in its soul and its pocket to give. And that reminds me of Elvira. When you ask her for something, she just can't say no. So when you ask for advice and guidance and mentorship, she's always there. And so I think of Elvira kind of as like an Uber mom. You have many, many, many children across this whole city of all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, creeds. So I hope that some of that energy is coming back to you tonight as you hear these great comments. So I thank you for your mentorship. And you have been a wonderful role model for women and girls all across Italy. And as an example, you and I spoke to young, young girls learning about leadership and self-empowerment just at a recent gathering in our city just a couple of weeks ago. And what a pleasure that was to be there with you. So I thank you for your willingness to. Always, you know, be accessible and available to people and for never saying no when someone asks you for something. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Sheppard. I'll just add my $0.02. We are all lucky to know you, but most, most especially, we are all lucky to live in your time. Thank you, Elvira. Madam Secretary, I think it's roll call time. Brooks Brown. Hi, Fats. I Herndon. I can eat. Lemon Hi. Lopez Mm hmm. Hi. Monteiro, I. NEVITT Hi. Ortega Hi, Rob Shepherd. Madam President, I. And Councilman Lopez. You did it on purpose. Madam Secretary, closed the voting and announced those results. 12 3913 Eyes the code. Speech. Very sweet of you. Okay. Now, would you like to come up and say a few words? Yeah. Okay. Thank you very much. Madam President, the members of Council, I wish to sincerely thank all. Of you for this incredible recognition. Also, I wish. To thank personally and Councilman Brookes, because when he first sent me the. Information about the name of this building, I thought he was kidding. And then I. Realized how serious he was. And he was to proceed with the. Naming. I was so honored and humbled by it. So I'm very happy to share this also. With the residents of. University Park. You know, even though you're here for another reason. But thank you very much, Albas It means a lot to my. Family and I. As a matter of. Fact, my family is here tonight. My father, Walter, which was senior, my sister Deborah Kelly, and. Her husband James Kelly. And one of my brothers, Danny Wedgeworth. And along with my other brothers. Everything I. Am ever hope. To be, I owe to them. To my parents and my friends here tonight. Well, Austin, Tracy Winchester, all the folks that signed. Up for the. Petitions. And testified in favor of the ordinance. My coworkers. Thank you very much. You basically shaped my journey. Also, as many people. Said tonight, I grew up as a kid in Curtis Park. And after many years I can really attest what I am right today as just a public servant. Because public service has been the most. Rewarding experience I've ever had in my life. And I feel very, very strongly about this and will continue to dedicate myself to create a. Better quality. Of life and serve the people of Denver and the state of Colorado. But I also want to thank my mother, Castelo, who passed away. About two. Years ago. I'm a hot mess. Paul okay. Like you predicted, I'm a hot mess. But but my mom always encouraged me to do my best and to keep my word. Be a responsible person and demonstrate your thoughtfulness and kindness. But I also have to take an increase in what you do and how you represent yourself. My mom believed in me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to do. I did not give up on my goals and to think big that that circumstances define me, but to always define myself, to sincerely. Impact people's lives. And to make them better. I dedicate this naming to my mother because. Of the work. Ethic. I have she helped create. One of my favorite things is my life is not mine alone. Therefore my heart is willing to share. My hands are open to give it, my. Spirit willing to share. So I thank all of the members of city council. Again, they say you can take the neighborhood. Out. You can take. The girl of the neighborhood, bring out the neighbor and have the girl. And I still live in the neighborhood. So it's really sustained me how I grew up. And I hope I can send that message to the next generation of public. Servants to challenge yourself to do the impossible, because the reward is in your work. And when you knock. On the door. You can and will open it. Or when you wander path it will appear to you. But also for. Others to follow. So thank you very much. That was lovely. Difficult to go back to our other business, but we will go forward. Councilman Lopez, will you please put council bill to 67 on the floor?