The City Council of Englewood, Colorado, convened for a special meeting on September 4, 2025, to discuss the procedural steps necessary for placing a citizen-initiated petition on the upcoming ballot. The meeting focused on the potential adoption of an emergency ordinance to facilitate this process, given the time constraints involved.

The council began by outlining the need for an emergency ordinance, which would allow the petition to be placed on the ballot without the usual 30-day waiting period for ordinances to take effect. The Deputy City Attorney explained that the council must unanimously adopt the emergency ordinance, which would declare the urgency of ensuring the rights of petitioners and the will of the people.

The council reviewed the procedural requirements under the Englewood Municipal Code, specifically referencing section 1-8-8, which details the process for addressing protests related to ballot titles. The council would first consider the ordinance at a first reading during the meeting, followed by a potential special meeting to address any protests and conduct a second reading.

During the discussion, council members considered two options: to deny any protests or to sustain them and proceed with the emergency ordinance. Member Ward suggested hearing from the protester again to ensure all perspectives were considered. The protester, Mr. Kaplan, reiterated his position, citing Colorado Revised Statute 31-2-210, which he argued supports the necessity of an ordinance for amending the Home Rule Charter, rather than a resolution.

The Deputy City Attorney responded, clarifying that both state law and municipal code allow for amendments to be initiated either by council referral or through a petition. This exchange highlighted the differing interpretations of the legal framework governing the process.

As the meeting progressed, council members engaged in a thorough examination of the legal implications and procedural options available to them. The discussions underscored the importance of adhering to both local and state regulations while ensuring that the voices of the citizens are adequately represented in the electoral process.

In conclusion, the council's deliberations on the emergency ordinance and the citizen petition reflect a commitment to uphold democratic principles while navigating the complexities of municipal governance. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential resolutions in upcoming meetings, as the council seeks to finalize the process for the ballot initiative.