OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - February 26, 2024

City Council — Monday, February 26, 2024
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, February 26, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:51:08

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

It's another beautiful night in Pueblo, Colorado, and today is Monday, February 26, 2024, and I call to order the regular city council meeting.

0:22

If you'd please stand with me, uh Pastor Micah Aragon is going to come up and give us the invocation, and then we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance afterwards.

0:34

Let's pray.

0:36

Lord, we just thank you for this amazing city, this amazing city of Pueblo.

0:41

God, we ask that you bring peace, unity, and prosperity here.

0:45

God, we lift up our leadership even in this room today.

0:49

Over their family, we ask for protection and wisdom and guidance.

0:54

God, we lift up every first responder, the ones who keep our city safe.

0:59

We ask for protection and endurance day and night.

1:03

God, again, we ask for wisdom and guidance in these times.

1:07

We pray all of this in Jesus' name.

1:10

Amen.

1:14

I pledge of the United States of America.

1:31

Pastor Aragon, thank you very much.

1:34

Madam Clerk, roll call.

1:36

Mark Aylif.

1:37

Here.

1:37

Dennis Flores.

1:38

Here.

1:38

Roger Gomez.

1:39

Joe Latino.

1:41

Regina Maestri.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Sarah Martinez?

1:43

Here.

1:46

And we're all accounted for her.

1:48

Next on the agenda is the oath of office, which we're definitely not going to do.

1:53

We're going to pass on that.

1:55

The newly elected or appointed counselor will be here at the work session next week.

2:04

He did have a uh excused absence of going to Cancun.

2:10

So we allowed that to happen.

2:12

Next on the agenda is a special recognition to the American Red Cross declaring this March America Red Cross Month, Phil Martinez.

2:26

Come on up.

2:32

Let's go on.

2:48

So this is a proclamation of American Red Cross Month for March 2024.

2:55

Whereas during American Red Cross Month in March, we recognize the compassion of people in the Pueblo community and reaffirm our commitment to care for one another in times of crisis.

3:08

And whereas this generous spirit is woven into the fabric of our community and advances the humanitarian of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, one of the most honored women in our country's history, who nobody who nobly dedicated herself to alleviating suffering.

3:28

And whereas today, kind-hearted individuals in our home of heroes community exemplify Barton's commitment as they step up to provide a beacon of hope for our neighbors in need.

3:39

Through their voluntary and selfless contributions, they make a life-saving difference in people's darkest hours.

3:47

Whether it's delivering shelter, food and comfort during disasters, providing critical blood donations for hospital patients, supporting military families, veterans and caregivers through the unique challenges of service, saving lives with first aid, CPR, and other skills, or delivering aid and rec reconnecting loved ones separated by global crisis.

4:11

And whereas we hereby recognize this month of March in honor of all those who lead with their hearts to serve people in need.

4:20

And we ask everyone to join in this commitment to strengthen our community.

4:25

Now, therefore, we, the city council of the city of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us to hereby proclaim February March 2024 as American Red Cross Month, and encourage the citizens of this community to join us in support of the American Red Cross through volunteering their time of financial donations to Red Cross programs in Southern Colorado.

5:00

It went in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hands and caused the seal of the city of Pueblo, Colorado to be a fixed this 26th day of February 2024, signed by Mark Ayliff, President of City Council.

5:08

Thank you, Mr.

5:09

Martinez.

5:16

You know, for over 142 years, the Red Cross has been part of not only America but the world.

5:25

Certainly spotlighted today.

5:26

I didn't realize I had no hair until I looked at that uh picture right there.

5:30

So appreciate that.

5:31

Uh but it's an absolute pleasure and privilege to accept this on behalf of the American Red Cross, and we look forward to working with you hopefully at a project soon.

5:39

So thank you.

5:56

Thank you.

5:57

Thank you for watching.

5:58

Thank you.

5:59

Thanks for my message.

6:10

You could do that.

6:18

Public forum.

6:20

She'd be on the top right there.

6:21

I didn't want to mix your papers with uh Councillor Maestries.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Works█████████████████17%
Parks and Recreation████████████████16%
Procedural███████████11%
Homelessness███████7%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Urban Renewal█████5%
Public Engagement████4%
Public Safety████4%
Energy Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - February 26, 2024

The Pueblo City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation, public testimony, discussions on various infrastructure and policy items, and approval of numerous resolutions and ordinances. Key decisions included funding for tennis court improvements, a marijuana excise tax rate change, and acceptance of multiple grants.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of February 12, 2024.
  • Received and filed minutes of Planning and Zoning Commission (January 10, 2024).
  • Approved 11 resolutions (M1-M2, M5-M7, M8-M18) covering construction contracts for concrete/asphalt improvements, emergency sewer repairs, grant acceptances, annexation tabling, and appointments (except those pulled to regular agenda).
  • Passed first reading of 6 ordinances (N1-N2, N4-N7) related to fire suppression server room, citywide cleanup event with Colorado State Fair, collective bargaining extension, personnel vacancy modifications, small business development center funding ($50,000), and fire station fund establishment.
  • Public hearings set for March 11, 2024; ordinances ordered published by title.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Elvis Martinez proposed pallet shelter options (citing Aurora's use) and a tiny house ordinance; questioned delay of no-camping ban and commercial vehicle ordinances; requested postponing ordinances until full council seated; provided list of state bills (House Bills 1162, 24-1174, Senate Bills 24-066, 24-131, 3); asked about punishment for official charter violations and tour times for PETCO and Pope Block building.
  • Jesse Garcia (community coach) highlighted severe shortage of soccer fields, safety hazards at current practice sites (prairie dogs, contaminants), and urged council to invest in youth soccer facilities. Mentioned Rangers tournament and city parks not suitable for practice.
  • Ted Freeman returned to activism; praised Mayoral runoff results (Heather Graham win by 6,000 votes); advocated for redirecting half-cent sales tax funds (approx. $50 million current, $14.4 million due from PIRA in 2027, plus $11-12 million annual revenue) toward community centers, playing fields, and poverty reduction.
  • Renee Zink (parent, student, Pueblo Pro Choice) criticized council for passing the camping ban ordinance against 18 speakers' opposition; accused Councilor Maestri of lying about solutions and attempting to replace a community-led committee.

Discussion Items

  • Tennis Complex Improvements (M4): Resolution to authorize $500,000 from ARPA Revenue Loss funds for City Park Tennis Complex restroom replacement (total project ~$1.8 million, with $1.5 million secured, pending $250,000 Rawlings Foundation grant). Councilor Gomez questioned ARPA fund allocation priorities vs. drainage issues in District 4.
  • Council Board Appointments (M19): Amended to assign Charles Hernandez to Energy Commission and Joe Latino to Pueblo Depot Activity Board. Approved 6-0.
  • Marijuana Excise Tax (N3): Ordinance to repeal zero tax rate and set 5% excise tax (down from previous 8%). City attorney confirmed no prohibition on rapid reenactment. Revenue at 8% was ~$200,000/year; at 5%, slightly less. Councilor Flores expressed disappointment. Passed 4-2 on first reading.
  • Urban Renewal Plans (N8 & N9): First reading of ordinances for The Bluffs Phase 1 and North Elizabeth Hotel Urban Renewal Plans. Councilor Maestri requested independent legal opinion from city attorney due to past conflicting advice. Both passed 6-0 to move to public hearing on March 11.
  • Council Contingency Sponsorship (Q1): Approved $1,200 from council contingencies for Pueblo Child Advocacy Center table at Blue Sneaker Ball on April 26, 2024.
  • Final Reading Ordinances (R1-R12): All approved 6-0, including agreements for Dutch Bros deposit, energy audit ($125,000), traffic improvements ($65,000), CDOT trail license, tenant-based rental assistance (total $189,305 with Posada), hangar environmental survey, police recruiting grant ($791,811), financial empowerment center grant ($502,500), and unpaid internships with CSU Pueblo.
  • Fire Station Closure: Councilor Maestri raised concern about prolonged closure of a fire station due to construction delays (floor repair). Staff advised response time delay of 3-5 minutes; temporary closure does not affect ISO rating; concrete curing requires approximately 30 days.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved M4 (tennis complex) 6-0.
  • Approved M19 (board appointments) as amended 6-0.
  • Passed N3 (marijuana tax) on first reading 4-2; public hearing set March 11, 2024.
  • Passed N8 and N9 (urban renewal plans) on first reading 6-0.
  • Approved Q1 (Child Advocacy sponsorship) 6-0.
  • Approved R1-R12 all 6-0.
  • Continued R11 to March 11, 2024 meeting.
  • Removed R13 from agenda for revision.

Meeting Transcript

It's another beautiful night in Pueblo, Colorado, and today is Monday, February 26, 2024, and I call to order the regular city council meeting. If you'd please stand with me, uh Pastor Micah Aragon is going to come up and give us the invocation, and then we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance afterwards. Let's pray. Lord, we just thank you for this amazing city, this amazing city of Pueblo. God, we ask that you bring peace, unity, and prosperity here. God, we lift up our leadership even in this room today. Over their family, we ask for protection and wisdom and guidance. God, we lift up every first responder, the ones who keep our city safe. We ask for protection and endurance day and night. God, again, we ask for wisdom and guidance in these times. We pray all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. I pledge of the United States of America. Pastor Aragon, thank you very much. Madam Clerk, roll call. Mark Aylif. Here. Dennis Flores. Here. Roger Gomez. Joe Latino. Regina Maestri. Here. Sarah Martinez? Here. And we're all accounted for her. Next on the agenda is the oath of office, which we're definitely not going to do. We're going to pass on that. The newly elected or appointed counselor will be here at the work session next week. He did have a uh excused absence of going to Cancun. So we allowed that to happen. Next on the agenda is a special recognition to the American Red Cross declaring this March America Red Cross Month, Phil Martinez. Come on up. Let's go on. So this is a proclamation of American Red Cross Month for March 2024. Whereas during American Red Cross Month in March, we recognize the compassion of people in the Pueblo community and reaffirm our commitment to care for one another in times of crisis. And whereas this generous spirit is woven into the fabric of our community and advances the humanitarian of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, one of the most honored women in our country's history, who nobody who nobly dedicated herself to alleviating suffering. And whereas today, kind-hearted individuals in our home of heroes community exemplify Barton's commitment as they step up to provide a beacon of hope for our neighbors in need. Through their voluntary and selfless contributions, they make a life-saving difference in people's darkest hours. Whether it's delivering shelter, food and comfort during disasters, providing critical blood donations for hospital patients, supporting military families, veterans and caregivers through the unique challenges of service, saving lives with first aid, CPR, and other skills, or delivering aid and rec reconnecting loved ones separated by global crisis. And whereas we hereby recognize this month of March in honor of all those who lead with their hearts to serve people in need. And we ask everyone to join in this commitment to strengthen our community. Now, therefore, we, the city council of the city of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us to hereby proclaim February March 2024 as American Red Cross Month, and encourage the citizens of this community to join us in support of the American Red Cross through volunteering their time of financial donations to Red Cross programs in Southern Colorado. It went in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hands and caused the seal of the city of Pueblo, Colorado to be a fixed this 26th day of February 2024, signed by Mark Ayliff, President of City Council. Thank you, Mr. Martinez. You know, for over 142 years, the Red Cross has been part of not only America but the world. Certainly spotlighted today. I didn't realize I had no hair until I looked at that uh picture right there. So appreciate that.

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