OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Meeting - May 8, 2023

City Council — Monday, May 8, 2023
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, May 8, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:02:49

Transcript — Verbatim
0:24

Today is Monday, May 8th.

0:25

The time is 748, and I call this meeting to order.

0:28

If we could have Pastor Josh Richardson from the Pueblo Christian Center to give our invitation, if everybody will stand and stay standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:38

City Council, I want to thank you for allowing us for me to be here, and I want to let all of you know that we pray for you every single week as a staff for all of our city leaders.

0:46

We appreciate you and all that you do.

0:51

Lord, I thank you for this opportunity to come before you and to pray for our city, for all those who serve, for our leaders and everyone involved.

0:59

And tonight, Lord, I want to ask for wisdom that comes from you.

1:04

So many issues and so many things are constantly going on.

1:07

And I pray for all our all of our leaders are uh for our mayor.

1:11

Uh Lord, for our first responders and those who serve in the streets and the highways and the byways of our city.

1:19

Lord, will you give them wisdom that comes from you?

1:22

Lord, I ask also for strength to do what needs to be done.

1:27

Lord, in every department in every area, from our city council, Lord, all the way uh to our EMS, uh, our police department, our fire departments, all of our first responders, Lord, will you give them the strength to do what needs to be done so that they can fulfill the duty that they are to do?

1:47

Lord, I also ask for protection for every single one of those who serve in our city.

1:52

Lord, will you guard them, watch over them, keep them, direct them?

1:55

In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

2:12

Liberty of Justice for all thank you.

2:19

Roll calling.

2:24

Larry Tencio.

2:25

Here, Dennis Flores.

2:26

Here.

2:26

Heather Graham.

2:27

Here.

2:27

Regina Meistry.

2:29

Here.

2:29

Sarah Martinez.

2:30

Here.

2:31

Vicente Martinez Ortega.

2:32

Here.

2:33

Lori Winner.

2:35

Great.

2:35

Thank you.

2:36

And we have two special recognitions tonight.

2:39

Our first one is a Praxia Awareness Day.

2:42

Um, if we can have the whole group up to the front to receive the proclamation.

2:54

Well, we didn't finish my shirt.

2:56

Okay.

3:04

Yay!

3:11

What's your name?

3:12

Tell everyone your name.

3:13

Nice to meet you.

3:15

Okay.

3:16

Proclamation, Aproxia Awareness Day, May 14, 2023.

3:20

Whereas May 14, 2023 marks the 10 annual childhood approxia of day speech during which awareness is raised throughout Colorado about childhood apraxia of speech and extremely challenging speech disorder that affects one in one thousand children.

3:35

And whereas childhood approxia of speech, CAS causes children to have significant difficulty learning to speak, and is among the most severe speech deficits in children.

3:47

And whereas the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children, those with apraxia require only appropriate and intensive speech therapy, often for many years to learn to speak.

3:59

And whereas without appropriate speech therapy intervention, children with apraxia will have diminished communication skills but are also placed at high risk for secondary impacts in reading, writing, spelling, and other school-related skills.

4:12

And whereas that such a primary and secondary impacts diminish future independence and employment opportunities and challenge the ability to become productive, contributing citizens, if not resolved or improved.

4:25

And whereas public awareness about childhood apraxia of speech in Colorado is essential for families of children with this neurological disorder and the professionals who support them to achieve and needed services for those learning to use their own voice.

4:38

And whereas our highest respect goes to these children, as well as their families for their effort, determination, and resilience in the face of such obstacles.

4:47

Now, therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority invested in us, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2023 as a praxia awareness day, and encourage the citizens of Pueblo to do work within their communities to increase awareness, understanding, and childhood of speech.

5:06

And witness wherefore I hear onto set my hand and cause the seal of City of Pueblo to be affixed this eighth day of May 2023.

5:15

Heather Graham, President of City Council.

6:25

Okay, our next proclamation is mental awareness awareness day.

6:30

Do we have anybody here?

6:33

Oh, come on up.

6:37

If you just want to say your name and where you're from, that'd be great.

6:40

My name is Courtney Sledge.

6:42

I'm the president for NAMI Southeast Colorado.

6:45

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use████████████████████20%
Election Process███████████████15%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Procedural█████████9%
Public Safety█████████9%
Government Structure█████████9%
Pending Litigation██████6%
Economic Development█████5%
Legislative Process████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Meeting - May 8, 2023

The Pueblo City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 7:48 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 10:50 PM and included special recognitions, public forum, a public hearing on the Pueblo County Detention Center annexation, adoption of a new public forum policy, approval of a consent agenda with 15 resolutions and 15 ordinances on first presentation, and debate on several final-presentation ordinances, including a proposed special election and charter amendment. The meeting also featured council member commentary and a conflict-of-interest item.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (7-0) the minutes of April 24, 2023.
  • Approved all 15 Resolutions (M1–M17) and 15 Ordinances on first presentation (N1–N15), setting public hearings for May 22, 2023. Key contracts included:
    • $2,511,960.75 to Arrow Electric Service, Inc. for concrete improvements on Prairie Avenue.
    • $1,558,088.25 to Russ Grading and Excavating LLC for the 2023 Small Main Remove and Replace Project.
    • $882,538 to Standard Concrete, Inc. for the Prairie Avenue to Minnequa Lake Trail.
    • $793,604.99 to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. for Baltimore Avenue street improvements.
    • $711,124.50 to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. for Joplin Avenue asphalt improvements.
    • $602,574 to JARCCO Construction LLC for Arkansas River Trail Phase 4.
    • $355,895.40 to Tony J. Beltramo & Sons, Inc. for 6th Avenue street improvements.
    • $196,667 to Cedar Ridge Landscape, Inc. for ADA curb ramps Phase 1 (CDBG).
    • $93,000 from ARPA funds for a skid steer and trailer for the Police Department Code Enforcement Unit.
    • Various fund transfers for ADA ramp projects on Egan Avenue, East 5th Street and Fountain Avenue, and a streetscape project on Union Avenue and Main Street.
    • Appointments to the Pueblo Conservancy District and revocable permits for a block party and a softball tournament.
    • Preliminary determination of validity for the Wagner Equipment Co. annexation (4.51 acres).
    • Approval of findings for the Pueblo County Detention Center annexation (69.9 acres).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Elvis Martinez: Criticized the police chief for a delayed release of video of a homeless man being beaten, calling for the chief to step down. Also expressed frustration with a council member walking away during his previous public forum speech.
  • Marty Harvey: Suggested the city enforce time limits on burned-out buildings, proposed a city-run yard assistance program for overwhelmed homeowners, and urged stricter enforcement against habitual hoarders.
  • Kenny Owens: Advocated for funding police retention (noting the department is down 70–80 officers), supported alternative responses to domestic violence calls, and warned against discrimination in homelessness policies.
  • Gary Rosso (Assistant County Attorney): Stated that the detention center annexation meets all state and local legal requirements and aligns with the Pueblo Regional Comprehensive Plan.
  • Kevin Thurston (public comment on R6): Expressed full support for the annexation, estimating the jail would generate $2–3 million in annual sales tax for the city, and urged not to conflate the annexation with funding for a boathouse project.
  • Public comment on R7: A speaker questioned whether the mayor followed proper procedures, suggesting taxpayers should not bear the cost if the mayor acted improperly.
  • Public comment on R8 (special election): Speakers argued against spending $250,000 on a special election, calling for a charter convention instead.
  • Public comment on R9 (charter amendment): Multiple speakers (Juline Smith, Sharon Scooty, Christine Lucero, Angela Cry, Valancia) supported putting the charter amendment to a vote, claiming they had gathered sufficient signatures but were thwarted by city clerk decisions and a hostile environment. One speaker noted fear among city employees to sign petitions.

Discussion Items

  • Public Forum Policy (K1): Council President Heather Graham presented a draft policy standardizing speaker selection and order. The policy allows random selection of up to six speakers from sign-ups taken between 6:00 PM and 6:50 PM. Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Pueblo County Detention Center Annexation (R6): The ordinance to annex 69.9 acres for a new county detention center and commercial development generated extensive debate. Councilor Flores and Councilor Maestri spoke in favor, citing economic development and the need for a modern jail, but Maestri voted no because of concerns over county reneging on promised 1A funding for other city projects (East Side Streetscape, Union/Main Street makeover, HARP channel extension). Councilor Martinez also voted no, arguing the annexation felt too close to developers and the jail project had been rejected by voters three times. Councilor Winner voted no, conflating the issue with the boathouse funding. The ordinance passed 4-3 (Flores, Graham, Martinez Ortega, Tensio yes; Martinez, Meistry, Winner no).
  • Special Election and Charter Amendment (R8 & R9): Council considered calling a special election on August 8, 2023, to vote on a proposed charter amendment changing from a strong-mayor to a city-manager form of government. The special election ordinance (R8) failed 5-2. A motion to continue R9 to May 22 for a written amendment to place the charter question on the November 7, 2023 general election failed 4-3. The original R9 ordinance could not be approved because it referenced a special election that was not called.
  • Engagement of Special Counsel (R7): Ordinance to retain Recht Kornfeld PC to represent the city clerk regarding petition sufficiency for a charter amendment. Passed 5-2.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Resolution Q1: Approved $1,000 from council contingencies to sponsor the Pueblo Youth Action Council (7-0).
  • Resolution Q2: Approved $5,189 to sponsor Pueblo Has Talent events (7-0).
  • Ordinance R1: Accepted $2,804,939 FTA operating grant for Pueblo Transit (7-0).
  • Ordinance R2: Approved $200,000 ARPA match for the Lights On For Safety program with Black Hills Energy (7-0).
  • Ordinance R3: Accepted $195,000 DOLA grant for the Pueblo Land Use Code project (7-0).
  • Ordinance R4: Approved a facility use agreement with Greyhound/FlixBus (7-0).
  • Ordinance R5: Converted a vacant HR position to an administrative technician (7-0).
  • Ordinance R6 (Detention Center Annexation): Passed 4-3. Next steps include planning and zoning commission review of rezoning and subdivision.
  • Ordinance R7 (Special Counsel): Passed 5-2.
  • Ordinance R8 (Special Election): Failed 5-2. No special election called.
  • Ordinance R9 (Charter Amendment): No action taken; motion to continue to May 22 failed 4-3. The ordinance could not be approved in its current form.
  • Conflict of Interest Item S1: Awarded $157,181.50 contract to Baha Construction for concrete improvements on Northern Avenue (6-0, Councilor Meistry recused).

Meeting Transcript

Today is Monday, May 8th. The time is 748, and I call this meeting to order. If we could have Pastor Josh Richardson from the Pueblo Christian Center to give our invitation, if everybody will stand and stay standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. City Council, I want to thank you for allowing us for me to be here, and I want to let all of you know that we pray for you every single week as a staff for all of our city leaders. We appreciate you and all that you do. Lord, I thank you for this opportunity to come before you and to pray for our city, for all those who serve, for our leaders and everyone involved. And tonight, Lord, I want to ask for wisdom that comes from you. So many issues and so many things are constantly going on. And I pray for all our all of our leaders are uh for our mayor. Uh Lord, for our first responders and those who serve in the streets and the highways and the byways of our city. Lord, will you give them wisdom that comes from you? Lord, I ask also for strength to do what needs to be done. Lord, in every department in every area, from our city council, Lord, all the way uh to our EMS, uh, our police department, our fire departments, all of our first responders, Lord, will you give them the strength to do what needs to be done so that they can fulfill the duty that they are to do? Lord, I also ask for protection for every single one of those who serve in our city. Lord, will you guard them, watch over them, keep them, direct them? In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Liberty of Justice for all thank you. Roll calling. Larry Tencio. Here, Dennis Flores. Here. Heather Graham. Here. Regina Meistry. Here. Sarah Martinez. Here. Vicente Martinez Ortega. Here. Lori Winner. Great. Thank you. And we have two special recognitions tonight. Our first one is a Praxia Awareness Day. Um, if we can have the whole group up to the front to receive the proclamation. Well, we didn't finish my shirt. Okay. Yay! What's your name? Tell everyone your name. Nice to meet you. Okay. Proclamation, Aproxia Awareness Day, May 14, 2023. Whereas May 14, 2023 marks the 10 annual childhood approxia of day speech during which awareness is raised throughout Colorado about childhood apraxia of speech and extremely challenging speech disorder that affects one in one thousand children. And whereas childhood approxia of speech, CAS causes children to have significant difficulty learning to speak, and is among the most severe speech deficits in children. And whereas the act of learning to speak comes effortlessly to most children, those with apraxia require only appropriate and intensive speech therapy, often for many years to learn to speak. And whereas without appropriate speech therapy intervention, children with apraxia will have diminished communication skills but are also placed at high risk for secondary impacts in reading, writing, spelling, and other school-related skills. And whereas that such a primary and secondary impacts diminish future independence and employment opportunities and challenge the ability to become productive, contributing citizens, if not resolved or improved. And whereas public awareness about childhood apraxia of speech in Colorado is essential for families of children with this neurological disorder and the professionals who support them to achieve and needed services for those learning to use their own voice. And whereas our highest respect goes to these children, as well as their families for their effort, determination, and resilience in the face of such obstacles.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com