Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - October 24, 2022

The Pueblo City Council held a regular meeting on October 24, 2022, at 7:31 PM. The agenda included public forum, council and mayor commentary, approval of minutes and consent agenda, and a series of regular agenda items covering trash cleanup, arts funding, warming shelters, trail projects, and public safety tax support. The meeting lasted approximately three hours, concluding at 10:24 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved resolutions and ordinances on consent agenda (7-0): emergency construction contract ($96,105), transfer of $500,000 for lease escrow, acceptance of warranty deed for Sun Mountain Boulevard, vacation of portions of Summer Avenue, Pearl Street, and Burdette Avenue, hangar lease at Pueblo Municipal Airport, pedestrian safety ordinance for downtown sidewalks, and ordinance allowing animal shelter personnel to administer vaccines.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Arteaga expressed concern about unsolved murders, inadequate police presence, and lack of response from the newspaper. He advocated for non-lethal weapons, a citizen review committee for police, and community engagement. He also mentioned a political powwow and a trash pickup event.
• David Archelletta spoke about a "band network" to deter crime, window safety modifications, and his ability to break metal. He urged putting bands on businesses to identify criminals.
• Rebecca Rodless and Cora Colt continued a series of readings criticizing the Columbus statue and textbook language, arguing that the term "discovery" is Eurocentric and should be replaced. They called for removal of the statue.
• Joey Guterres and Jimmy Quintana (Pueblo Police Department) spoke in strong support of ballot measure 2B, the public safety tax. They highlighted officer shortages, the opioid epidemic, and the importance of recruiting and retaining officers.
• Elvis Martinez commented on trash cleanup behind King Soopers and Walmart, criticized elected officials for tax issues and felony records, and encouraged voting.
• Laura Hall spoke about police accountability and her experiences. She argued that the Columbus statue issue is protected First Amendment speech and not within council's authority to remove.

Discussion Items

Mayor's Commentary & Council Discussion

• Mayor reported that female directors are not paid less than male predecessors; since 2019, female directors received an average 9.4% raise vs. 7.5% for males. He also announced a "Team Up to Cleanup" event on October 29 at the State Fairgrounds and updated on Fountain Creek cleanup (150 tons of trash removed).
• Councilor Maestri questioned the adequacy of the cleanup, noting remaining trash and encampments. She called for a more comprehensive plan, including contractors, and expressed frustration that her proposed $1 million cleanup for her district was not included.
• Councilor Flores urged cooperation and acknowledged the constitutional rights of homeless individuals, stating homelessness cannot be eliminated.
• Councilor Winner noted that the city's warming shelter plan this winter is at Crazy Faith Church (capacity 50) and encouraged donations. She also announced a mural contest on the levee.
• Councilor Graham supported 2B, citing funding for body cameras and crisis intervention teams. She also promoted the cleanup event and Halloween safety.
• Councilor Martinez Ortega supported 2B and noted that his restaurant was robbed; the suspect was caught but released on PR bond and robbed again. He pleaded for passing 2B.
• Councilor Martinez opposed criminalizing homelessness, stating citations would not be paid and would burden courts. He supported the cleanup event.
• Councilor Atencio expressed full support for 2B and police, but criticized the city's handling of homelessness and trash.

Regular Agenda Item Q1 – ARPA Neighborhood Cleanup Resolution

• Staff report: Program to hire homeless and low-income individuals for trash cleanup in qualified census tracts using $1 million in ARPA funds. Purchase of 4 pickup trucks and trailers planned.
• Public comment: David Archuletta spoke about his art and safety concerns. Mr. Freeman opposed, arguing the program is not sustainable, does not cover all affected areas (e.g., Fountain Creek not in QCT), and questioned details.
• Discussion: Councilor Maestri raised concerns about exclusion of Fountain Creek. Mayor said program can be supplemented. Councilor Winner asked about equipment procurement timelines. Councilor Graham asked about using incinerators.
• Vote: Passed 6-1 (Maestri no).

Regular Agenda Items R1-R14 (Ordinances)

• R1 – Arts Alliance grant ($36,000) for participatory art classes for low-income students: Approved 6-1 (Maestri no).
• R2 – Crazy Faith Street Ministry warming shelter ($50,200): Approved 7-0. Councilor Martinez asked about capacity (50) and outreach; Councilor Winner noted missing phone number on website.
• R3 – Just Transition Strategic Planning grant ($461,530) from CO Dept. of Labor: Approved 7-0.
• R4 – Minnequa Lake Trail project IGA amendment ($1,225,200? actual number not clear from transcript): Approved 7-0.
• R5 – Northern Avenue Trail Phase 3 IGA amendment ($693,494): Approved 7-0.
• R6 – Sky Creek Homes deposit agreement ($68,955) for Settlers Village improvements: Approved 7-0. Councilor Winner asked about amount.
• R7 – Pueblo Development Company agreement for West 18th Street extension: Approved 7-0. Discussion on estimated cost ($1.5 million) and number of lots.
• R8 – License agreement with Colorado State Fair for cleanup event: Approved 7-0. Volunteers need to arrive at 7:30 AM on Saturday.
• R9 – MOU for wastewater pathogen monitoring (SARS-CoV-2, etc.): Approved 7-0.
• R10 – Cooperation agreement with HARP Authority for subdivision costs: Approved 7-0.
• R11 – Add full-time Trash Removal Coordinator position (funded by ARPA): Approved 6-1 (Maestri no). Councilor Winner expressed timeline concerns.
• R12 – Establish pay scale for Trash Removal Coordinator: Approved 6-1 (Maestri no). Councilor Winner asked for progress updates.
• R13 – Accept JAG grant ($101,117) for police equipment: Approved 7-0. Discussion on community service officers handling 90 calls per week.
• R14 – Approve cost reimbursement agreements with FBI for task force overtime: Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 7-0.
• Q1 (ARPA neighborhood cleanup) approved 6-1 (Maestri no) with intent to start hiring and equipment procurement.
• All regular agenda ordinances (R1-R14) approved, most 7-0, with occasional 6-1 votes (Maestri dissenting on R1, R11, R12).
• Council expressed strong support for ballot measure 2B (public safety tax) and urged voters to approve it.
• Council discussed but took no formal action on homelessness and Fountain Creek cleanup; further work sessions anticipated.
• The next meeting date and upcoming public hearings were noted.