Regular City Council Meeting - September 25, 2023

The Pueblo City Council met on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Presided over by President Heather Graham, the meeting included special recognitions, a public forum, and action on numerous resolutions and ordinances covering public safety, housing, community development, and arts. Key decisions included approval of a $1.5 million real-time crime center (5-2), postponement of a $10,000 arts study contract (4-3), and unanimous approval of a settlement agreement. Several zoning and annexation items were also passed.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the regular meeting on September 11, 2023, as distributed.
• Approved by one motion all Consent Agenda items: Resolutions M2 through M10 and Ordinances N1 through N9 (first presentation). These included routine matters such as construction contracts (e.g., $27,220.80 for 718 W. 4th Street demolition), fund transfers, election official appointments, and first readings of ordinances accepting grants (e.g., $40,000 electric vehicle readiness plan), approving MOUs (e.g., with Health Solutions of Pueblo for the SOS Team), and setting salary ordinances (N7: council pay at $2,100/month, president at $2,700/month).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Forum (7 speakers):
  • A resident opposed the proposed ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, citing flaws, false alarms, and over-policing of BIPOC communities; advocated for community violence intervention programs.
  • A speaker criticized Ordinance N7 (council pay increase), arguing the position is not full-time, proposed alternative pay structure, and urged putting the matter to a public vote. Also referenced an alleged incident between two elected officials.
  • Ted Freeman questioned the operations of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) and the Pueblo Development Foundation (PDF), alleging non-compliance with their articles and contracts.
  • Steve Lehes (speaking for Freeman) reiterated concerns about PDF’s lack of transparency and staffing.
  • Augustine Garcia opposed using taxpayer funds for homeless shelters, suggesting reliance on churches and private charities; praised the police chief but criticized the Rescue Mission becoming a high-barrier shelter.
  • Dave Dechinja discussed the 2035 fossil fuel reduction pledge and complained about cancellation of a candidate debate he organized at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center.
• Public Hearings:
  • K1 (Dorcy Community Housing Annexation): No public testimony; hearing closed.
  • R2 (Arts study contract): Supporters (Roxanne Pignanelli and Kennedy Pugh) argued the $10,000 contract would inventory creative assets to inform a future arts commission. Opponents (Christina McCann of Pueblo Arts Alliance, Diana Lamoris of Steel City Artworks, Andy Sanchez of Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Abel Chavez) requested postponement to align with existing collaborative efforts (Creative Consortium) and avoid duplication.
  • Other hearings (R1, R3, R4, S1–S8): No public testimony or only brief remarks.

Discussion Items

• M1 – Real-Time Crime Center (ARPA Funding, up to $1,500,000): Police Chief presented the proposal, which includes ShotSpotter gunshot detection, license plate readers, and integration with city systems. Councilor Atencio initially moved to postpone to October 23 to review alternatives from a conference, but after discussion withdrew the motion. The resolution passed 5-2 (Atencio, Flores, Graham, Martinez, Winner in favor; Maestri, Martinez Ortega opposed). Councilor Maestri expressed concerns about ongoing maintenance costs (~$750,000/year) and data from larger cities.
• R2 – Arts Research and Study Services Contract ($10,000): Councilor Flores moved to postpone to October 23, 2023, to allow stakeholders (Creative Consortium, Arts Alliance, etc.) to collaborate. The motion passed 4-3 (Atencio, Flores, Graham, Martinez Ortega in favor; Maestri, Martinez, Winner opposed). The contract itself was therefore deferred.
• R3 – Settlement Agreement (Christian Growth Center Case): City Attorney explained the $40,000 settlement (plus suspension of RV ordinance enforcement) was recommended by CERSA attorneys. Mayor expressed objection, preferring trial. Council voted unanimously (7-0) to approve.
• S1/S2 – Dorcy Community Housing Annexation and Rezoning: Following staff reports and applicant presentation (Posada Inc. for 31 duplex units and community building), the Council approved both items. S1 (annexation) passed 7-0. S2 (rezoning from A-4 to R-3) passed 6-1 (Maestri opposed). Councilor Flores noted the need for affordable housing, recalling his own start in similar housing. Councilor Maestri expressed concern about changing single-family neighborhood character.
• Other Items: Q1 (liquor fee schedule) and Q2 ($2,000 suicide memory walk sponsorship) passed unanimously. R1 (employee health fair) passed 7-0. R4 (Pueblo Springs Apartments amendment) passed 6-1 (Atencio opposed). S3–S8 (vacations, subdivisions, rezonings) all passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved:
  • Consent Agenda (Resolutions M2–M10, Ordinances N1–N9)
  • Resolution Q1 (liquor/beer license fee schedule)
  • Resolution Q2 ($2,000 sponsorship for Suicide Memory Walk)
  • Resolution M1 (Real-Time Crime Center, $1.5 million ARPA funds) – Vote 5-2
  • Ordinance R1 (Employee Health Fair agreement) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance R3 (Settlement Agreement with Christian Growth Center, $40,000) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance R4 (Pueblo Springs Apartments SIA Amendment) – Vote 6-1
  • Ordinance S1 (Dorcy Community Housing Annexation) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance S2 (Dorcy Rezoning to R-3) – Vote 6-1
  • Ordinance S3 (Drainage Easement Vacation) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance S4 (North Vista Highlands Filing 7 Subdivision) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance S5 (Summit Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance S6 (Rezoning 945 E. Routt Ave to RCN) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance S7 (Rezoning 718 W. 4th St to S-1) – Vote 7-0
  • Ordinance S8 (Rezoning 2.9 acres near HARP to S-1) – Vote 7-0
• Postponed:
  • Ordinance R2 (Arts study contract) – Postponed to October 23, 2023, vote 4-3.
• Other Actions:
  • Public hearing K1 (Dorcy Annexation) held and closed.
  • Minutes of September 11, 2023 approved.
  • Meeting adjourned at 10:47 PM.