Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - December 12, 2022

The Pueblo City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, December 12, 2022, commencing at approximately 7:40 PM and adjourning at 8:42 PM. The meeting covered routine consent items, public commentary, council member remarks, and several resolutions and ordinances. A key point of contention was Ordinance R5, regarding abortion providers, which was tabled by a 4-3 vote after extensive debate. Other items included naming two new pedestrian bridges, funding for street extension, and an ordinance to address vacant properties through lien foreclosure.

Consent Agenda

• Approved all resolutions M1–M6, M8–M11 (various construction contracts, appointments, etc.) and passed ordinances N1–N11 on first presentation, setting public hearings for December 27, 2022. (Vote: 7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elvis Martinez: Criticized an unnamed elected official for booing a veteran during a Veterans Day parade, calling for resignation. Suggested the city purchase "pallet houses" for homelessness, as done by Aurora. Also questioned the cost of a possible special election related to unpaid taxes and thanked Councilor Flores for the dashboard idea.
• Mr. Freeman: Expressed concern over the use of the half-cent sales tax for capital improvements, arguing it was intended for "primary private-sector jobs" but has been used for other purposes (e.g., the convention center, Pope building). Called for repurposing the funds for community centers.

Council Member and Mayor Commentary

• Mayor: Forewent commentary due to lengthy agenda.
• Councilor Martinez Ortega: Reported on a town hall concern about access to care; thanked those who attended.
• Councilor Martinez: Highlighted community generosity during the holidays; encouraged attendance at Electric Critters at the zoo.
• Councilor Flores: Promoted the Ray Aguilera Christmas Extravaganza on December 16, distributing food and gifts.
• Councilor Winner: Delivered lengthy remarks criticizing the handling of Ordinance R5, stating it was rushed, not drafted by the city law department, and that city council's role does not include governing abortion. She argued the ordinance was a political ploy and urged focus on other issues like crime, homelessness, and inflation.

Discussion Items

• M7 – Naming of Arkansas River Levee Pedestrian Bridges: A presentation by the Pueblo Conservancy Board requested naming the two new bridges after Charles W. Lee and G. Harvey Nuckolls, early board members. The first bridge (near Pillar Park) to be named Charles W. Lee Bridge, the second (south of Main Street) as George Harvey Nuckolls Bridge. Approved 7-0.
• Q1 – West 18th Street Extension: Resolution to transfer $450,000 from street rehabilitation and award a $1,541,884 construction contract to K.R. Swerdfeger Construction for the two-block extension, including $200,000 contingency. Councilor Flores questioned the high cost; staff cited terrain issues, fill requirements, and utility work. Approved 7-0.
• Q2 – Winter Solstice Lantern Parade Sponsorship: $500 from council contingencies to sponsor the event on December 17 at Pillar Park and levee trail. Approved 7-0.
• R1 – Insurance Proceeds for Stormwater Equipment: Budgeted and appropriated $148,338.77 for a damaged excavator. Public hearing held; no public comment. Approved 7-0.
• R2 – Deposit Agreement with Sky Creek Homes: Approved a deposit in lieu of constructing a 300-foot section of Nolan Trace until future development makes it practical. Approved 7-0.
• R3 – Cooperation Agreement with Pueblo Triple Aim Corporation: Accepted $8,700 grant for the DOTS program. Approved 7-0.
• R4 – Amendments to Lien Collection for Vacant Properties: Amended municipal code to allow the city to foreclose or assign liens on vacant, blighted properties. Staff reported that after notice, the list was reduced to 1,068 properties, of which 575 were determined to be under construction, sold, or occupied; 187 properties registered in 2022; and 184 liens filed. A pilot program of five properties is planned. Discussion included affordable housing concerns and process details. Approved as amended 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda (7-0): Included all routine resolutions and first-reading ordinances.
• Approved M7, Q1, Q2, R1, R2, R3, R4 all by 7-0 votes.
• Tabled Ordinance R5 (abortion provider compliance) by a vote of 4-3 after a motion by Councilor Winner. The ordinance had been on final presentation but was deferred.

Note: All votes were recorded as present and voting.