Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - August 26, 2024

The Pueblo City Council convened on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers for a regular meeting. The agenda included special recognitions, public forum, council commentary, approval of consent agenda (11 resolutions and 17 ordinances), four council contingencies resolutions, and 16 final-presentation ordinances. Key outcomes included approval of all consent items and most final ordinances, but the sewer user fee increase (R16) failed 5-2. One councilor recused herself on a conflict of interest item.

Consent Calendar

• L1: Minutes of Planning and Zoning Commission (7/10/2024) received and filed.
• M1: Awarded $171,136 construction contract to CGRS, Inc. for valve/chute/grit classifier upgrade at James R. DiIorio WRF, plus $34,227 contingencies.
• M2: Transferred $20,887.51 for Public Works Asset Management contract with Brightly Software.
• M3: Ratified emergency storm sewer point repair contract ($56,768.87) to Russ Grading & Excavating, plus $5,670 change order.
• M4: Approved $22,016.35 amendment to engineering services agreement for Bandera Parkway design.
• M5: Credited $1,048.96 in sanitary sewer fees to Michaelene Thompson.
• M6: Issued revocable permit to SRDA for Chile and Frijoles Festival fundraiser sidewalk use.
• M7: Issued revocable permit to YMCA for 5K run/walk on Spaulding and Parker Boulevards.
• M8: Approved air show permit to Wings of Pride at Pueblo Memorial Airport.
• M9: Adopted new liquor license fee schedule, repealing Resolution 15381.
• M10: Amended project account numbers for Fire Stations 6, 8, and 11.
• M11: Approved settlement agreement with Cristy Gonzales in federal case.
• N1-N17: All first-presentation ordinances passed (setting public hearings for September 9, 2024), including grant acceptances for airport improvements, lease to TSA, La Bella Piazza subdivision, historic landmark designation (City Park Bath House), police collective bargaining agreement (IBPO Local 537), new CIRV Program Manager position, engineering services for digester covers, budget amendments, basketball court mural project, liquor license code updates, Safe Routes to School IGA, West Side Connector (RAISE grant), Citizen Energy MOU, and two urban renewal plans (West Pueblo and Colorado Smelter).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Dante: Spoke in favor of rooftop solar and renewable energy, arguing that technology-based energy systems with solar and wind (plus battery storage) are becoming cheaper than fossil fuels, and urged the city to support electrification and efficiency.
• Casey White (District 4 resident): Expressed concern about rising crime, drug activity, and lack of youth resources in Bessemer area. Suggested neighborhood watches, a dedicated crime reporting platform with citizen access, community policing (walking beats, bike patrols), career fairs, mentorships, and partnership with larger cities to build programs. Noted that police presence has helped recently.
• Ted Freeman: Criticized PEDCO and Councilor Flores’s statement about the Foam Corp spec building. Argued that the $11 million building was leased for $1.733 million over 7 years with abatements, resulting in long-term loss. Stated the original 2008 contract lacked fixed terms and sunset provisions. Called for greater transparency from PEDCO.
• Kathy Nichols (via Zoom): Questioned reported crime statistics, saying people don’t call police because no one comes. Opposed planned homeless camp sweeps, asking where displaced people will go. Noted 70-80% of homeless are Pueblo residents. Urged better transitional housing funding. Supported Ted Freeman’s concerns about PEDCO. Mentioned Becky Baker Foundation providing free shopping for breast cancer patients.
• Elvis Martinez: Praised suspension of rules for extra speakers. Criticized council member conduct at the August 12 work session, saying Mayor Graham, Councilor Martinez, and Chief Huber were disrespected. Cited charter sections and urged independent ethics investigations. Claimed some council members violated charter rules. Advised using TruthFinder and other databases to research elected officials.
• Paul Bazell: Shared experience helping homeless with a friend who provided food, supplies, job and medical transport. Described city bulldozing camps; said people always return. Suggested council visit Colorado Springs’ homeless shelter. Asked for more humane approach and city support.
• Jamie Cook (Project Apollo Street Medicine volunteer): Opposed the September 3-5 city/BNSF cleanup of Fountain Creek camps, saying it would displace vulnerable people (including veterans, chronically ill, those with substance use disorders). Stated their volunteer program provides medical care and medication-assisted treatment, preventing hundreds of ER visits. Called for no forced displacement without supportive services, public notice, and health care continuity. Warned of deadly consequences.
• Cindy Sylvie: Spoke about crime in her neighborhood near Northern Avenue. Said her truck was stolen twice in one day, recovered after 2.5 months only to be told she owed $600 in storage fees. Felt victims are unheard. Criticized needle exchange program and noted drugs driving crime.

Discussion Items

• Presbyterian Towers Day Proclamation: Council unanimously proclaimed September 7, 2024 as Presbyterian Towers Day in honor of its 60th anniversary. Wil Smith (Operations Manager) and residents accepted the proclamation and invited council to an ice cream social.
• Council Member Commentary:
  • Councilor Latino: Reported increased crime on east side (homeless encampments, needle litter, burglaries, arson). Suggested considering Colorado National Guard deployment and creating police substations in four quadrants of the city. Noted Belmont shopping center owner willing to donate space for a substation.
  • Councilor Martinez: Reminded public of Crime Stoppers tip line (719-542-7867). Announced new police Community Engagement Manager. Toured Real-Time Crime Center and praised its technology (shot spotters, cameras). Encouraged United Way mentoring program for middle school students.
  • Councilor Boston: Emphasized that Real-Time Crime Center is new and will have increasing impact. Encouraged citizens to report all incidents. Mentioned essential air service decision deadline (comments due next day). Encouraged youth internships and state fair activities.
  • Councilor Gomez: Announced DERT (Demolition, Infill, Redevelopment Task Force) to address long-standing demolition problems and turn around burned-out properties within a year. Also teased “STW” policing program to share best practices.
  • Councilor Maestri: Clarified that the upcoming cleanup of encampments under bridges (8th Street to 4th Street) is not a “sweep” but a code enforcement/stormwater/railroad operation on public and railroad property to remove trash, trim trees, and address safety hazards (not the “jungle” area). Stated the Rescue Mission has 28-50 open beds nightly, and the city will activate emergency shelter if needed. Defended the cleanup as necessary for community health and safety, citing U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
  • Councilor Flores: Requested the HSPBR animal shelter funding ordinance be placed on the September 9 agenda (for $100,000). Asked city attorney to review a legal document given to dog bite victims that may waive right to sue. Defended PEDCO’s role as a facilitator; noted that council votes on all PEDCO deals and the half-cent sales tax is voter-approved. Stated confidentiality is crucial for attracting businesses.
  • President Aliff: Expressed frustration with persistent crime and lack of progress despite years of discussion. Praised the current administration for doing more in 7 months than previous ones, but said it's not enough. Shared a personal anecdote about looking for positive solutions, urging community members to offer constructive ideas rather than just criticism. Challenged those who only tear down to serve on boards or commissions.
• Staff Reports: For each resolution/ordinance, staff provided brief summaries:
  • Q1: $1,000 to Latino Chamber for Tostada Fundraiser (event had already occurred).
  • Q2: $1,000 to Mad Fresh Productions for fashion show at Pueblo Mall.
  • Q3: $1,000 to Mariposa Center for Safety for Tribute to Women Awards.
  • Q4: $1,500 to Metro Volunteers/Suicide Memory Walk.
  • R1 (ratified): CDBG/HOME Action Plan (previously approved at special meeting).
  • R2: $853,413 Better LED Solar Spaces grant for park lighting at four parks and Riverwalk.
  • R3: $253,073 FAA grant for East Apron design at airport.
  • R4: $7,526.70 reimbursement from CDOT for crack seal material.
  • R5: $378,880 CDPHE grant for year-round household hazardous waste program at recycle center.
  • R6: $448,000 CDOT grant plus $112,000 city match for 18th Street Bridge rehabilitation.
  • R7: $2,000 donation from Beulah Historical Society for PFC Mike Hanratty memorial sign.
  • R8: Maintenance IGA with CDOT and Pueblo County for Medal of Honor Boulevard drainage improvements.
  • R9: Mutual aid fire agreement with Custer County (first 24 hours no cost).
  • R10: $130,000 CATPA grant for BATTLE auto theft team.
  • R11: Facility use agreement with Pueblo Library District for El Centro del Quinto Sol rec center during Lucero Library renovation.
  • R12: $19,000 (plus $1,610 contingencies) to update 2021 Strategic Housing Assessment via Gruen Gruen + Associates.
  • R13 & R14: Charter amendment proposals for November 2024 ballot (modernization, election procedures, miscellaneous provisions).
  • R15: Business licensing overhaul for lodging facilities: requires manager on-site, police call-for-service review, mitigation plans for high-call properties, and enhanced application requirements. Supported by lodging association.
  • R16 (failed): 5% annual sewer user fee increase for four years (total 20%) to fund capital projects, compliance, and aging infrastructure. Councilor Aliff strongly opposed, citing burden on residents and saying city didn't use ARPA/infrastructure funds adequately for sewers. Councilor Flores supported to avoid $64,000/day fines. Mayor Graham noted city received $36M ARPA (not $170M) and $7M went to wastewater.
  • S1: $22,016.35 engagement agreement with Koncilja Energy Law to fight Black Hills rate increase before PUC; joint representation with county and PEDCO.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (L1, M1-M11, N1-N17): Approved 7-0.
• Regular Agenda Resolutions:
  • Q1 ($1,000 to Latino Chamber): Approved 7-0.
  • Q2 ($1,000 to Mad Fresh Productions): Approved 7-0.
  • Q3 ($1,000 to Mariposa Center for Safety): Approved 6-1 (Councilor Gomez dissenting).
  • Q4 ($1,500 to Metro Volunteers/Suicide Memory Walk): Approved 7-0.
• Ordinances Final Presentation:
  • R1 through R15: All approved 7-0.
  • R16 (Sewer fee increase): Failed 5-2 (Councilors Flores and Martinez voted yes; Councilors Aliff, Boston, Gomez, Latino, Maestri voted no).
• Conflict of Interest: Councilor Martinez recused herself from S1.
• S1 (Black Hills rate case engagement): Approved 6-0.
• Referral: Councilor Flores requested HSPBR animal shelter funding ordinance (approx. $100,000) be placed on September 9 agenda; staff confirmed it is already drafted for that date.
• Next Steps: Public hearings for consent agenda ordinances set for September 9, 2024. Essential air service comments due by midnight August 27. September 3-5 encampment cleanup planned with code enforcement, railroad, and public works.