OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – May 22, 2023

City Council — Monday, May 22, 2023
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, May 22, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:06

Transcript — Verbatim
0:08

Today is Monday, May 22nd.

0:10

The time is 710.

0:12

I call this meeting to order.

0:13

If everybody would stand and please stay standing for the invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, we have Pastor Kinwood from the Avenue Church.

0:23

Thank you.

0:24

Let's pray.

0:25

Heavenly Father, Creator, God, we come to you and we're grateful for a country that has uh fought hard for our freedom to represent ourselves and to participate in our governance.

0:35

And so, God, we thank you for the lives and the blood that was shed uh to grant us that freedom.

0:40

We don't take it lightly.

0:41

We want to thank you for each one of these council members, God, that is representing our city that is serving our city.

0:48

Lord, we pray that you would give them wisdom and discretion as they make uh decisions that affect the lives of many people here that affect our future.

0:56

So, God, they have a hard job to do, and I pray that you would give them the wisdom and the forethought uh to make the best decisions uh with the information in front of them.

1:05

God, we also want to lift up each citizen that's gonna express concerns and and uh bring issues to bear tonight, Lord.

1:12

I pray that you would help them to speak clearly and freely, and uh that their concerns would be heard with open ears.

1:18

So, God, we thank you for this time and uh the ability to join together in Jesus' name.

1:22

Amen.

1:33

One nation, God, and individuals, and justice.

1:44

Roll call.

1:46

Larry Tensio.

1:49

Thank you.

1:51

Here, Dennis Flores.

1:53

Here, Heather Graham, here, Regina Meistry, here, Sarah Martinez, here.

1:57

Vicente Martinez Ortega?

1:59

Here.

1:59

Lori Winner.

2:01

Hey, thank you, Madam Clerk.

2:03

And tonight we have a few um special recognition.

2:06

We're going to start off with the 2023 Pueblo Civics B champion.

2:11

So if I can have the champions up to the front, we would like to award you.

2:28

Okay.

2:29

Okay.

2:34

And for us.

2:35

Thank you.

2:38

Okay.

2:39

Um, Pueblo Area Middle School students compete in Civics B competition.

2:44

Middle school students from Pueblo Area Schools competed in the 2023 National Civics B Regional Competition.

2:50

The event was hosted by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Trust of the U.S.

2:57

Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

2:59

Students competed with their peers in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civics knowledge.

3:06

The top three finalists from the Pueblo Competition will have their chance to participate in a state level competition hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

3:14

Winners of the Pueblo area, Civics B include first place.

3:25

And then our second place uh contestant isn't here, and it's Addison Scott, Pleasant View Middle School, and third place.

3:33

Morris Casaris, Pleasant View Middle School.

3:36

The first place winner of the local competition received a $500 cash prize, and all three finalists are invited to participate in the statewide competition.

3:45

All participants in the state competition will receive a tablet device as a prize from the Colorado Chamber.

3:50

The top three winners of the state competition will receive cash prizes of a thousand dollars for first place, fifty for second place, and two hundred and fifty for third place.

4:00

So on behalf of the city of Pueblo, congratulations, Civic Bees, and keep up the good work.

4:17

Thank you.

4:32

It gives me great pleasure to uh read this proclamation.

4:36

Uh this is Mental Health Awareness Month, Health Solutions, May 2023.

4:42

Whereas, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Health Solutions, 60-year legacy of caring for others began in 1962 and is embedded in the fabric of the communities that we serve.

4:54

Warfano County, Los Animos County, and Pueblo County.

5:00

Whereas good mental health is essential to the overall health of all communities, and by engaging in effective ways to reduce the burden of mental health and mental illness, such as prevention, early identification, and early intervention, we may also reduce the burden of other chronic conditions.

5:17

And whereas Health Solutions is a state of the art integrated health care provider, offering a comprehensive line of primary behavioral and crisis services to meet the needs of the families and the individuals they serve.

5:31

And whereas the city and the county of Pueblo view Health Solutions as a trusted and highly collaborative partner that works well with all city and county departments, including the Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, Department of Human Services, Department of Public Health and Environment, and others.

5:52

And whereas Health Solutions has established long lasting and collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal entities, and whereas Health Solutions team of experts is committed to their service promise, which is hope, health together, delivering hope to those that they serve, and providing quality health, quality health care, and doing it together.

6:16

And whereas Health Solutions is an integral part of our health care community and plays a vital part in the economic vitality of Pueblo, Huffano County and Los Animas counties.

6:27

Now, therefore, we, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Pueblo and the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby proclaim May 20, 23rd as Mental Health Awareness Month and commend Health Solutions for its 60 years of dedicated service to the community.

6:48

In witness whereof I have here unto set the hand and cause the seal of the City of Pueblo, Colorado to be a fixed this 22nd day of May 2023, signed by the President of City Council Heather Graham and the chair of the Pueblo County Commissioners, Garrison Ortiz.

7:08

Congratulations.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Economic Development█████████9%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Community Engagement█████5%
Public Works█████5%
Public Health Awareness█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – May 22, 2023

The Pueblo City Council met on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 7:10 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by President Heather Graham and adjourned at 8:42 PM. All votes were 7-0 in favor of every item on the agenda. The agenda was amended to reflect an increase to $153,178 for the Boys & Girls Club subrecipient agreement (from $132,678 originally noted).

Special Recognitions

  • 2023 Pueblo Civics Bee Champions: Jack Centner (first place), Addison Scott (second place, absent), Morris Casarez (third place) were recognized. Winners received cash prizes and will compete in state competition.
  • Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation: Presented to Health Solutions CEO Jason Chippeaux, acknowledging 60 years of service and collaboration with city/county departments.
  • Foster Care Awareness Month Proclamation: Presented to Josette Jaramillo (Foster Care Supervisor) and Tammy Torres (Director of Pueblo County DHS – absent due to illness). The department made a plea for more foster parents.
  • 2022-23 Colorado State Fair Fiesta Queen and Court: Lexi Williams (Queen), Cadence Sandoval (third attendant and Miss Congeniality), and others were recognized. The Queen noted her graduation and master’s studies.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mr. Freeman: Criticized the city’s partnerships with PEDCO, Pueblo Development Foundation, and PEDCO Foundation. He argued that paying $350,000 annually upfront instead of monthly costs the city interest and that PEDCO inadequately vets businesses, citing a failed modular home company (out of Idaho) and a brewery that went out of business. He stated the council listens to PEDCO’s vetting and votes on it, but the companies fail.
  • Brandy Swope (owner of Big Mama’s Towing): Expressed concern that the city’s towing rotation list is limited to certain companies, preventing her and other towers from receiving insurance dispatch calls. She described incidents where her driver was dispatched by an insurance company but then denied the vehicle because they were not on the rotation list. She requested a fairer system, arguing that customers should be able to choose their own tow company and that the current practice creates a monopoly.

Council Member Commentary

  • Councilor Flores: Thanked Pueblo County Commissioners for meeting to discuss additional funding to finish the Riverwalk Channel and boat house. He noted a framework was reached, and an executive session is scheduled for June 6, 2023, to discuss the deal point memo.
  • Councilor Martinez: Indicated he would personally look into the towing issue raised by Brandy Swope to understand the process and potential improvements.
  • Councilor Martinez Ortega: Expressed support for the Denver Nuggets and later excused himself from voting on S1 due to a conflict of interest.
  • Councilor Winner: Shared photos of a bench dedicated to Renee Dominguez at City Park (funded by council contingencies last year) and described a play titled “No One Hears You Unless You Scream” about teen suicide prevention, urging more mental health access in schools.

Consent Calendar

  • L1: Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting of 4/12/2023 – received and filed.
  • M1-M15: Resolutions awarding construction contracts for asphalt and concrete improvements, authorizing payments from the American Rescue Plan Act for the Streetscape Project, approving revocable permits (Colorado State Fair parade), tabling Jackson Ranch Annexations 1-3 for 180 days, recognizing Police Comfort K-9 Ami and authorizing donation, and confirming appointments to the ADA Advisory Committee and Historic Preservation Commission. All approved.
  • N1-N12: Ordinances on first presentation covering demolition funding, subrecipient agreements with School District 60 and Boys & Girls Club, agreement with CSU Pueblo, rezonings, subdivision approvals, easement vacation, water main extension, cabaret license requirements, and mural levee project. Public hearings set for June 12, 2023. All approved.

Discussion Items (Regular Agenda)

  • Q1: Resolution providing $2,000 from council contingencies to Ultimate Performance Sports Training and Rehab for youth scholarship fund. Approved 7-0.
  • Q2: Resolution providing $5,000 to Goodnight Barn Preservation, Inc. for the Chuckwagon Rendezvous (held May 20, 2023). Approved 7-0.
  • Q3: Resolution providing $1,500 to Colorado Youth Mariachi Program (CYMP) to sponsor youth attendance at the Mariachi Los Camperos workshop at UCCS. Approved 7-0.
  • Q4: Resolution awarding a $10,000 professional services agreement to Wellman Way LLC for research on future governance structure transition options for the Pueblo Food Project. Funding from a Colorado Health Foundation grant. Approved 7-0.
  • Q5: Resolution authorizing a revocable permit to Jim Presents, LLC for the Colorado Supershow Car Show on Central Main Street on May 27, 2023. Approved 7-0.

Ordinances – Final Presentation (Public Hearings Held)

  • R1: Opioid Grant – $164,145 from the Colorado Department of Public Safety for synthetic opioid poisoning investigation and interdiction. Funds fentanyl test strips, drug test kits, phone software, training, and a Ford F-250 truck. Approved 7-0.
  • R2: Transfer of $150,000 from unused Kronos timekeeping funds (public safety sales tax) to new project PST2306 for technology upgrades. Approved 7-0.
  • R3: Transfer of $100,000 from same source to new project PST2305 for recruitment and retention of police officers and dispatchers. Approved 7-0.
  • R4: Acceptance of $86,000 congressional directed spending award for a 3D FARO scanner and training. Approved 7-0.
  • R5: Adding one full-time Abandoned Vehicle Coordinator position (civilian) to the Police Department. Estimated cost $75,000/year; $25,000 for remainder of 2023. No new funding needed. Approved 7-0.
  • R6: Establishing pay scale for Abandoned Vehicle Coordinator. Approved 7-0.
  • R7: Converting a vacant Associate Engineer position in Wastewater to Civil Engineer - Wastewater. Estimated additional cost $28,523/year. Approved 7-0.
  • R8: Establishing pay scale for Civil Engineer – Wastewater. Approved 7-0.
  • R9: Amendment to Nurse Navigation Agreement adding Innovative Practices LLC. No other changes. Approved 7-0.
  • R10: Professional Services Agreement with Ballard King & Associates for a Softball Facility Study ($6,500). To assess existing fields and determine needs for a complex. Approved 7-0.
  • R11: Amendment to Lease and Management Agreement with Pueblo Bulls Hockey Club to allow serving liquor at the Pueblo Ice Arena (previously only beer). Approved 7-0.
  • R12: Adoption of 2021 International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and International Existing Building Code. Approved 7-0.
  • R13: Adoption of 2021 International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code. Approved 7-0.
  • R14: Adoption of 2021 International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings. Approved 7-0.

Conflict of Interest

  • S1: Ordinance extending the collective bargaining agreement with International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local 537 for one year through December 31, 2024. Wages to increase by 5.3% (0.84% regional adjustment × 6.3% CPI). Councilor Martinez Ortega recused himself. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • All 15 consent items and all 19 regular agenda items (resolutions and ordinances) were approved unanimously (7-0).
  • The consent agenda set public hearings for June 12, 2023, for the first-presentation ordinances.
  • An executive session was scheduled for June 6, 2023, to discuss the Riverwalk Channel and boat house funding framework with county commissioners.
  • Councilor Martinez committed to researching the towing rotation list issue.
  • The meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Today is Monday, May 22nd. The time is 710. I call this meeting to order. If everybody would stand and please stay standing for the invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, we have Pastor Kinwood from the Avenue Church. Thank you. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, Creator, God, we come to you and we're grateful for a country that has uh fought hard for our freedom to represent ourselves and to participate in our governance. And so, God, we thank you for the lives and the blood that was shed uh to grant us that freedom. We don't take it lightly. We want to thank you for each one of these council members, God, that is representing our city that is serving our city. Lord, we pray that you would give them wisdom and discretion as they make uh decisions that affect the lives of many people here that affect our future. So, God, they have a hard job to do, and I pray that you would give them the wisdom and the forethought uh to make the best decisions uh with the information in front of them. God, we also want to lift up each citizen that's gonna express concerns and and uh bring issues to bear tonight, Lord. I pray that you would help them to speak clearly and freely, and uh that their concerns would be heard with open ears. So, God, we thank you for this time and uh the ability to join together in Jesus' name. Amen. One nation, God, and individuals, and justice. Roll call. Larry Tensio. Thank you. Here, Dennis Flores. Here, Heather Graham, here, Regina Meistry, here, Sarah Martinez, here. Vicente Martinez Ortega? Here. Lori Winner. Hey, thank you, Madam Clerk. And tonight we have a few um special recognition. We're going to start off with the 2023 Pueblo Civics B champion. So if I can have the champions up to the front, we would like to award you. Okay. Okay. And for us. Thank you. Okay. Um, Pueblo Area Middle School students compete in Civics B competition. Middle school students from Pueblo Area Schools competed in the 2023 National Civics B Regional Competition. The event was hosted by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Students competed with their peers in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civics knowledge. The top three finalists from the Pueblo Competition will have their chance to participate in a state level competition hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Winners of the Pueblo area, Civics B include first place. And then our second place uh contestant isn't here, and it's Addison Scott, Pleasant View Middle School, and third place. Morris Casaris, Pleasant View Middle School. The first place winner of the local competition received a $500 cash prize, and all three finalists are invited to participate in the statewide competition. All participants in the state competition will receive a tablet device as a prize from the Colorado Chamber. The top three winners of the state competition will receive cash prizes of a thousand dollars for first place, fifty for second place, and two hundred and fifty for third place. So on behalf of the city of Pueblo, congratulations, Civic Bees, and keep up the good work. Thank you. It gives me great pleasure to uh read this proclamation. Uh this is Mental Health Awareness Month, Health Solutions, May 2023.

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