City Council slows down planning for office to vet private partnership deals

A Denver City Council panel on Tuesday again delayed consideration of a contract request related to the creation of a city office that would vet public-private partnerships that often stretch decades and involve some private control over projects.

This time, the delay of a proposed $480,000 addition to a consultant’s contract — which has already paid out $475,000 — was endorsed by Mayor Michael Hancock’s office. It comes after weeks of concerns from the council about city leaders’ approach to such partnership deals, which often involve private money and management in public projects.

Those concerns were sparked in part by the complexity of Denver International Airport’s recently approved $1.8 billion, 34-year airport terminal deal. And council members have questioned one floated proposal that would end their role as the final arbiters when the city makes new arrangements.

The council’s finance committee now will consider the contract amendment with Arup Advisory Inc. on Nov. 14.

Emily Hauber, Hancock’s deputy legislative director, said that in coming weeks, the administration was planning briefings and a “fundamentals” workshop to educate council members about public-private partnerships. Such deals could come into play at the National Western Center and the Denver Performing Arts Complex, officials have said.