Regular City Council Meeting - January 9, 2023

The Pueblo City Council met on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 7:07 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. Council elected officers for 2023, heard public comments on a range of topics including homelessness, crime, and community events, and approved numerous resolutions and ordinances, including the use of ARPA funds for a homeless shelter property and small business grants.

Officer Elections

• Heather Graham was elected President with 4 votes to Larry Tensio's 3 votes (secret ballot).
• Dennis Flores was elected Vice President (unanimous, 7-0).
• President Graham appointed Sarah Martinez as Executive Committee Chair.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Artiaga (representing a gun exchange program affiliated with Southern Colorado Harm Reduction) requested funding for a gun buyback program, citing 18 of 30 homicides in 2022 involved Latinos. He noted the program collects weapons confidentially. Councilor Tensio offered to sponsor a resolution from council contingencies.
• Fred Galvez (private citizen) spoke in support of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, including a march from Rawlings Library to El Pueblo Museum and a day of service involving food bag preparation, toiletries, and community cleanup. He thanked city staff for collaboration.
• Shaylin Wilson (President of Black Student Union at a local college) advocated for community support for the MLK Day event and emphasized the importance of acknowledging Black culture in a Hispanic-serving area.
• Karen Blagg (lifelong Pueblo resident) described being assaulted by a homeless man on January 3, 2023, resulting in a concussion and bruising. She criticized the city's approach to homelessness, citing multiple incidents of unsafe conditions, and requested a town hall with the mayor, council, and police chief. She urged the city to prioritize safety and accountability.
• Mr. Vallejos criticized the city for not investing in youth recreation centers, noting gang recruitment of teens. He also argued that existing vagrancy laws are not enforced, leading to an "anarchy" situation with expired plates, unlicensed vehicles, and rising crime. He called for more resources for youth programs like wrestling.
• Jacqueline Montes (Pueblo Pro Choice) thanked council for tabling an ordinance based on an 1873 law, highlighted the group's grassroots efforts, and stated that 2023 will be a great year for reproductive rights in Colorado. She noted that the FDA now allows medication abortion by mail and that Walgreens and CVS will dispense abortion pills.

Discussion Items

• Election of Officers: After nominations, a secret ballot was held for President; Heather Graham won 4-3. Vice President election was unanimous for Dennis Flores. President Graham appointed Sarah Martinez as Executive Committee Chair.
• Public Forum (detailed above)
• Councilmember and Mayor Commentary: Mayor Gradisar announced a state of the city address on February 3 at 10 AM at the Vail Hotel, and a community connections meeting. Councilor Martinez Ortega promoted MLK Day events. Councilor Martinez expressed condolences for three teenage deaths in independent incidents and urged use of Safe2Tell and 988 crisis line. Councilor Flores proposed exploring a waiver of recreation fees for 2023 using ARPA funds, reviewing panhandling signs, and incentivizing gig economy workers to move to Pueblo. Councilor Maestri advised citizens to attend zoning meetings for land use decisions, criticized crime and homelessness trends, and called for community organization. Councilor Winner supported small business grants and the rescue mission land purchase, and called for a town hall on homeless, mental health, and substance abuse. President Graham noted the need for a permanent warming shelter.
• Q1: Resolution for purchase of 718 W 4th Street for outdoor shelter: Staff explained the $65,000 ARPA-funded purchase adjacent to the Pueblo Rescue Mission for a warming/cooling shelter. Discussion included concerns about the small parcel, liability, demolition costs, and operational plans. The resolution passed 5-2.
• Q2: Small business grants: $290,400 in ARPA funds to 171 local small businesses in qualified census tracts, based on sales tax compliance and revenue under $200,000. Unanimously approved 7-0.
• Q3: Latino Chamber Development Foundation sponsorship: $2,000 for the 44th Annual Dinner. Unanimously approved 7-0.
• Q4: Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center sponsorship: $2,500 for Salute to Heroes Reception. Unanimously approved 7-0.
• R1: Subrecipient agreement for homeless students: $25,000 ARPA funds to assist 10-30 families with move-in costs through Pueblo County. Councilor Martinez asked about a county match; staff indicated the county manager may match. Public hearing no opposition. Passed 7-0.
• R2: Westside Trail (Wildhorse Trail) Project: $850,000 CDOT multimodal funds with zero city match for trail design and construction from 18th to 24th Street. Public hearing no opposition. Passed 7-0.
• R3: Lake Avenue and Orman Avenue Roundabout: $1.5 million total ($1.35M CDOT, $150K city match) for a roundabout to improve safety at a high-crash intersection. Discussion included crash history, parking concerns for adjacent residents, and potential for public art. Passed 7-0.
• R4: Pueblo History and Art Walk: $22,000 city support for signage and pathway markers in Bessemer, East Side, and Grove neighborhoods. Public hearing no opposition. Passed 7-0.
• R5: Airport use and lease agreement with Southern Airways Express: $49-89 fares for 24 weekly round trips to Denver, with use of terminal and ramp. Public hearing no opposition. Passed 7-0.
• R6: Airport hangar lease agreement with Southern Airways Express: Overnight hangar storage at Hangar D. Public hearing no opposition. Passed 7-0.
• S1: Emergency ordinance accepting assignment of contract for 718 W 4th Street: Related to Q1, this ordinance transfers the purchase contract from Pueblo Rescue Mission to the city. Councilor Maestri expressed concerns about liability and use. Passed 5-2.
• T1: Construction contract for City Park Pool parking lot: $103,582.50 to Baha Construction for concrete improvements (first phase). Councilor Flores asked about future phases. Councilor Maestri excused due to conflict of interest. Passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Elected Officers: Heather Graham (President), Dennis Flores (Vice President), Sarah Martinez (Executive Committee Chair).
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous): Included resolutions M1-M12 and ordinances N1-N3 (first presentation).
• Approved Q1 (5-2): Purchase of 718 W 4th Street with ARPA funds for homeless shelter.
• Approved Q2 (7-0): $290,400 in ARPA small business grants to 171 businesses.
• Approved Q3 (7-0): $2,000 sponsorship for Latino Chamber Annual Dinner.
• Approved Q4 (7-0): $2,500 sponsorship for Salute to Heroes Reception.
• Approved R1 (7-0): $25,000 ARPA funds for homeless student assistance.
• Approved R2 (7-0): $850,000 CDOT-funded Westside Trail project.
• Approved R3 (7-0): $1.5 million Lake/Orman roundabout project.
• Approved R4 (7-0): $22,000 for Pueblo History and Art Walk signage.
• Approved R5 (7-0): Airport use lease with Southern Airways Express.
• Approved R6 (7-0): Hangar lease with Southern Airways Express.
• Approved S1 (5-2): Emergency ordinance accepting assignment of contract for 718 W 4th Street.
• Approved T1 (6-0): Construction contract for City Park Pool parking lot improvements.
• Next Steps: The mayor's office will send board appointments for the next council meeting. A retreat is planned for early February, possibly at Beulah Mountain Park, with a doodle poll to be circulated.