Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – February 24, 2025

The Pueblo City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of items including public forum comments on Black Hills Energy and homelessness, approval of consent agenda items, first readings of ordinances on pedestrian safety and camping regulations, confirmation of a new finance director, and final readings on major items such as the geothermal fire station grants, a lease for the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, and the referral of a ballot question regarding the potential termination of the Black Hills Energy franchise. Several votes were split, reflecting ongoing community debate.

Consent Calendar

• Approved all consent agenda items as presented, including: minutes from Planning and Zoning Commission (January 8, 2025); resolutions M1–M15 (transportation planning contract, underground utility relocation, HARP Channel Extension transfer, Southpointe budget adjustment, hangar lease assignment, airport advisory committee appointments, PuebloPlex board appointment, legal services agreement, resolution opposing HB 25-1147, two revocable permits, tabling of three annexations (First, Second, Third Addition to Villa Bella) for 180 days, agreement with Professional Bull Riders); and first presentation ordinances N1–N3, N5, and N7 (setting public hearings for March 10, 2025). Note: Items N4 and N6 were moved to the regular agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Dante expressed strong support for municipalizing Black Hills Energy, calling it a “liberation from a regulated monopoly.” He argued that Black Hills is one of the most expensive utilities and that voters should have an opportunity to decide on an off-ramp with no risk.
• Ted Freeman opposed the city’s pursuit of a Black Hills takeover, citing the city’s $8.6 million reserve shortfall, loss of $3.4 million in franchise fees, and unknown costs. He warned of potential reliability declines and called the pursuit reckless.
• Gus Garcia presented photos of homelessness, drug paraphernalia, and blight, arguing that proposed ordinances are unenforceable without shelter capacity. He criticized the city for failing to protect working-class taxpayers and opposed any grocery tax.
• Elvis Martinez announced his candidacy for District 1, defended his CORA requests, criticized council for considering a “grocery tax” and restricting signs, and urged focus on budget and infrastructure. He also expressed opposition to the city hiring a separate attorney and to the Black Hills municipalization effort, calling it a “blank check” and noting low voter turnout in 2020.
• George Samaras advocated for hydrogen energy development, called for a task force and demonstration projects, and emphasized the need for a bigger energy picture.
• Campbell Hawkins (Black Hills Energy) opposed the ballot question, stating the city does not know the cost of takeover (up to a billion dollars), there is no guarantee bills will go down, the city would lose franchise fees, and the city’s financial position is poor. He noted Boulder spent $30 million and gave up.
• Augustine Garcia supported the off-ramp, comparing Black Hills to a predatory monopoly, and suggested a cooperative model like Core Electric.
• Gary Rosso (Pueblo County) spoke in favor of the Medal of Honor subdivision improvement agreement.
• Additional speakers: Ken Dante spoke in favor of geothermal grants; Elvis Martinez spoke in favor of the Da Vinci Museum lease.

Discussion Items

• N4: Pedestrian Safety Ordinance (Downtown Sitting/Lying Ban) – Councillor Martinez moved to postpone first reading to March 24, 2025, to allow a work session and public input. After debate over enforcement and compassion, the motion passed 4–3 (Yes: Boston, Flores, Gomez, Martinez; No: Aliff, Latino, Meistry). The work session is scheduled for March 3.
• N6: Camping Ban Amendment (Removal of Shelter Requirement) – Councillor Martinez moved to postpone to March 24, but the motion failed 2–5. Then the ordinance passed on first reading 6–1 (Flores dissenting). Staff explained the change removes the requirement for police to verify shelter availability before citing, following a Supreme Court ruling. Councillor Flores expressed concern about losing a compassionate element.
• Q1: Confirmation of Danny Nunn as Finance Director – Unanimously approved 7–0 after mayor’s staff report highlighting Nunn’s experience and panel interview process.
• Q2 & Q3: Sponsorship Resolutions – Q2 (Dig Talks $1,200) approved 7–0; Q3 (Mariposa Center Ode to Chocolate $800) approved 6–1 (Gomez dissenting).
• R1: Mel Harmon Bridge Overlay & Rehabilitation IGA Amendment ($797,179) – Approved 7–0.
• R2: Geothermal Grant IGA ($270,000 for three fire stations) – Approved 7–0. Ken Dante commented in favor.
• R3: State Fair Use Permit for Citywide Cleanup – Approved 7–0.
• R4: Intergovernmental Agreement with Pueblo County for Spring 2025 Special Municipal Election – Approved 6–1 (Flores dissenting). Councilor Flores noted the timing of the feasibility study (due early April) is only 30 days before the May 6 election.
• R5: Lease for Da Vinci Museum (patio space) – Approved 7–0. Councillors praised Mayor Graham and Joe Arrigo for efforts. The 10-year lease with two optional renewals includes first-year rent abatement, $9,600/year starting year two.
• R6: Lease with Toys for Tots (Pope Block) – Approved 7–0. No base rent; pays share of CAM fees.
• R7: Ordinance Referring Ballot Question on Black Hills Energy Franchise Termination – Approved 6–1 (Flores dissenting). The ballot question: “Should the City of Pueblo cancel its franchise agreement with Black Hills Electric and acquire the generation, transmission, and distribution assets of Black Hills Electric if determined feasible?” Extensive debate included concerns about the timing of the feasibility study (expected early April), costs, franchise fee loss ($3.4 million), and past failed attempts (2019 vote 76% against). Supporters argued it is a chance to lower high electric rates; opponents questioned the city’s financial capacity and the lack of a completed study.
• R8: Medal of Honor Subdivision Improvement Agreement – Approved 7–0, extending completion deadline to December 31, 2025.
• S1–S3: Quasi-Judicial Items – All approved 7–0: S1 (vacation of utility easements for road realignment), S2 (rezoning 26 acres from A-1 to R-2), S3 (Andiamo Subdivision – 70 single-family lots).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance N4 (Pedestrian Safety) postponed to March 24 for a work session; first reading will occur that day (vote 4–3).
• Ordinance N6 (Camping Ban Amendment) passed first reading 6–1; public hearing set for March 10, 2025.
• Danny Nunn confirmed as Director of Finance (unanimous).
• Sponsorships approved: $1,200 for Dig Talks, $800 for Mariposa Center.
• Final readings passed: R1, R2, R3, R4 (6–1), R5, R6, R7 (6–1), R8 (all 7–0 except where noted).
• Quasi-judicial items S1, S2, S3 approved unanimously.