Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - January 27, 2023

The Pueblo City Council held a regular meeting on January 27, 2023, at City Hall. The meeting began at 7:12 PM with the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call (all council members present). The agenda included a public forum, council member commentary, consent agenda approval, two hearings on appeals from the Historic Preservation Commission, resolutions for event sponsorships, and final passage of three ordinances. Key actions included approving the consent calendar (with one item postponed), remanding both HPC decisions back to the commission with a recommendation to approve, and passing all resolutions and final-reading ordinances unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved all resolutions and first-reading ordinances on the consent agenda (7-0), with the exception of Item N1 (Southern Colorado Harm Reduction Association subrecipient agreement), which was removed from the consent agenda and postponed to a work session on February 6, 2023, and first reading on February 13, 2023. Item N2 (United Way subrecipient agreement) remained on the consent agenda as presented; a work session was scheduled for January 30, 2023, to address council questions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Judalon Smith presented over 1,200 notarized petition signatures to eliminate the mayor position and requested the council place the measure on the May 2, 2023 ballot to save taxpayer money (estimated $90,000 vs. $250,000 for a standalone election).
• Laura Hall alleged police misconduct, claiming false police reports, excessive force, and violation of constitutional rights during traffic stops. She urged the council to address these issues.
• Deborah Martinez spoke against the Columbus statue in Pueblo, presenting historical research to argue that the statue promotes white supremacy. She advocated for its removal.
• Elvis Martinez criticized the proposal to rename a road after Martin Luther King Jr., suggested alternative street names (e.g., Rosa Parks Avenue, John McCain Avenue), and called out a council member's alleged racist remarks published in the newspaper.
• Ted Freeman advocated for improving quality of life through community centers and recreational programs for all ages.
• Rebecca Robles continued reading from "Lies My Teacher Told Me" to provide historical context about Columbus, urging the council to inform their decision on the statue.
• John Collin opposed renaming Pueblo Boulevard to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, citing logistical and cost disruptions, and proposed naming the anticipated Troy Avenue extension instead.
• Paul Rayleigh expressed concerns about inconsistent enforcement of building codes by the regional building authority, citing personal experience with his homeowner permit.
• Sandra Sheer opposed the petition to eliminate the mayor position, calling it irresponsible due to cost, and also asked for an update on the MLK Boulevard renaming.
• Linda Vannerman complained about being denied entry to a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on January 11, 2023, due to a decision to keep the building closed; she noted seniors were forced to stand outside in freezing weather.
• Steve Valejas criticized the council member's quoted remark about Hispanic voting, discussed crime statistics (23% theft increase from 2021 to 2022, 70 per 1,000 crime rate), and urged the use of ARPA funds for youth programs and neighborhood improvements.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Amendment: Council voted to remove Item N1 (Harm Reduction Association) from the consent agenda and postpone it to a work session on February 6, 2023, with first reading on February 13, 2023. Councilor Maestri expressed concerns about children being in the same facility as harm reduction services.
• Historic Preservation Appeals (Q1 & Q2): Council heard two appeals from Mr. Henry Borunda regarding the Historic Preservation Commission's denial of certificates of appropriateness for a steel facade and a mural ("Core") at 322-326 South Union Avenue. The appellant's attorney argued the commission acted arbitrarily and capriciously, citing lack of clear standards, inconsistent enforcement, and improper consideration of timing (work done without prior approval). Council remanded both decisions back to the HPC with strong recommendations to issue certificates of appropriateness (7-0 for each).
• Council Commentary: Council members discussed topics including the MLK Boulevard renaming (staff researching four options), the need for a housing and homeless action plan, the loss of 500 Head Start slots due to a grant change, crime increase (34% rise in Part I crimes since 2021), and the petition to eliminate the mayor position (council member winner noted signatures were gathered in under a week; Mayor criticized the effort as based on misinformation).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved as amended (7-0).
• Item N1 (Harm Reduction): Removed from consent, postponed to February 6 work session and February 13 first reading.
• Item N2 (United Way): Remained on consent; work session scheduled for January 30.
• Hearing Q1 (Steel Facade): Remanded to HPC with recommendation to approve (7-0).
• Hearing Q2 (Mural): Remanded to HPC with recommendation to approve (7-0).
• Resolution R1: Approved $1,000 sponsorship for Pueblo Hall of Fame (7-0).
• Resolution R2: Approved $1,000 sponsorship for Faces of CF&I Dinner (7-0).
• Resolution R3: Approved $1,500 sponsorship for Espiritu Dinner (7-0).
• Ordinance S1: Passed final reading (establishing project PL2203 for Colorado Smelter Revitalization Project, $22,000 appropriation) (7-0).
• Ordinance S2: Passed final reading (Safe Routes to School for Haaff Elementary, $279,180 CDOT grant) (7-0).
• Ordinance S3: Passed final reading (fourth amendment to Regency Crest West Annexation Agreement) (7-0).