The Denver City Council on Monday failed to override Mayor Mike Johnston’s veto of a bill intended to ban moving homeless people off the streets in frigid temperatures.
The ordinance would have prevented the city from moving homeless people —or sweeping encampments — from outdoor living situations in temperatures below 32 degrees.
The council approved the bill by a seven-to-six vote two weeks ago. Johnston then vetoed the measure, meaning the council needed nine votes to override his decision.
Council members again voted seven to six on Monday.
The banning of homeless sweeps under 32 degrees represents the council’s third failed veto override vote in 13 years.
In Johnston’s first veto since taking office in July, the mayor’s office said the proposal “would make it more difficult for the city to help people experiencing homelessness get inside during cold, unsafe conditions.”
The ordinance was intended to keep the city sweeps from disrupting homeless people while they are trying to stay warm in current shelters such as tents when temperatures can pose a threat.