Reporting in progress.

Good evening, everybody.

Today is Monday, July 24th, the time of 706, and I call this meeting to order if we can have Reverend Robert S.

Lewis Jr.

Fellowship of Bible for our invocation.

And if everybody will stand and please stay standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I don't think I'll meet the mic.

And now let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, I ask thy blessing upon us as we turn our hearts unto thee.

As we gather here to address the business of Pueblo in our city council chambers tonight, help all our elected officials and those chosen to safekeep our city to remember the truth of why they are here.

Service for all the Pueblo's people.

The have, the have not, as well as those identified in the holy text as the least of the least of these.

Selfless service, sacrifice, not political gain, politics, popularity, fame, fortune, the limelight, gaining an upper hand, self-interest, or the news headlines.

Definitely not for personal gain or power.

When this session is ended, all our lives should be more the better because of what has transpired and accomplished here tonight.

Grant wisdom, insight, and open ears to the voice of a righteous conscience in all manners this evening.

Amen.

Larry Tencia.

Here.

Dennis Flores?

Here.

Heather Graham?

Here.

Regina Meistry?

Here.

Sarah Martinez.

Vicente Martinez Ortega.

Laurie Winner.

Here.

Okay, thank you.

And we have a couple proclamations tonight.

Our first one is the Pueblo County Farmers Market Week.

Anyone here for there if you want to come up with the President?

My name is Angelica Suni.

I'm uh here on behalf of the Pueblo Farmers Market.

Um we are proclaiming that um there's a Pueblo County Farmers Market Week just to bring more recognition to the farmers market.

We'd also like to formally invite everybody here, including the city council members, to come down and join us on Fridays and Saturdays.

Fridays we're at Milmar Paul's Park from 7 to noon, Saturdays we're at the mall from 8 to 1.

Thank you.

Proclamation, Pueblo County Farmers Market Week, August 6th through 12th, 2023.

Whereas Pueblo County farmers and ranchers provide citizens with access to healthful locally and regionally produced foods through farmers' markets, which are expanding and evolving to accommodate the demand for a diver diverse array of agricultural products.

And whereas farmers' markets and other agricultural direct marketing outlets provide infrastructure to assist in the distribution of farm and value-added products, thereby contributing approximately nine billion each year to the U.S.

economy.

And whereas farmers markets serve as significant outlets by which small to medium, new and beginning, and veteran agricultural product producers market agricultural products, generating revenue that supports the sustainability of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities nationwide.

And whereas the mayor, Nicholas Gradeshar and the City Council of Pueblo recognize the importance of expanding agricultural marketing opportunities that assist and encourage the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Generate farm income to help stimulate business development and job creation, build community connections through rural and urban leakages and more.

And whereas access to local, healthy, cultural revalent foods is permanent to the fight for sovereignty and ending hunger in all who need it.

Now, therefore, we the mayor and the city council of the city of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us do hereby officially proclaim August 6th through 12th, 2023 as Pueblo County Farmers Market Week in the City of Pueblo, Colorado, in conjunction with the observation of National Farmers Market Week.

We call upon Pueblo County citizens to celebrate farmers markets with appropriate observance and activities and acknowledge their contribution to the quality of life in our community.

Okay, and our next recognition is Purple Heart Recognition Day.

If we can have I think there was a several people.

Thank you, and welcome to uh City Council.

Proclamation Purple Heart Recognition Day.

Whereas throughout the history of our great state, brave men and women of our armed forces have defended the principles of liberty and democracy.

And whereas on August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington established is now as the Purple Heart Medal, where he issued an order establishing the badge of military merit.

And whereas in 1932, on the 20th anniversary of George Washington's birth, the badge of military merit was reintroduced as the Purple Heart Medal.

And whereas the Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to recognize members of the armed forces who are killed or wounded in action against an enemy of the United States or are killed or wounded while held as prisoners of war.

And whereas the United States Congress has designated August 7th as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.

And whereas veterans earn the profound and eternal gratitude from the people of Pueblo for their willingness to risk their lives for the cause of liberty.

Now, therefore, we the mayor and the city council of the city of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority invested in us, do hereby officially proclaim August 7, 2023 as Purple Heart Recognition Day in the City of Pueblo.