Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - March 11, 2025

This meeting was called to order at 7:12 PM with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. All seven council members were present. The council adopted a proclamation for Pueblo Flag Day (March 22, 2025) and launched a "Lucky to Live in Pueblo" social media campaign. Public comments covered a range of issues including drug policy, blighted properties, historic preservation, utility rates, and public safety. Council discussed and voted on several ordinances, including a major building purchase, a camping ban amendment, and a theft ordinance with mandatory minimums.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda and minutes of February 24, 2025 and March 3, 2025 (7-0).
• Approved resolutions M1–M7 (fund transfers, emergency contracts, revocable permits, appointments) and ordinances N1–N5 (annexations, zoning amendments) on consent, with public hearings set for March 24, 2025 (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aubrey Adams (Every Brain Matters) urged the council to impose strict regulations on Proposition 122 psilocybin centers, including a moratorium, 1-mile buffer zones, and bans on flavored edibles, citing a Danish study that 24% of those with temporary psychosis from hallucinogens develop schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
• Elvis Martinez opposed House Bill 25-1237 (extending bar hours), expressed concern about a sexually violent predator living near a park and school, and opposed a separate city attorney due to cost. He also requested a homeless shelter update and opposed the grocery tax.
• Betty Finley (Elm Street neighbors) described a dangerous hoarder house at 1130 Elm Street, requesting its demolition due to fire risk and repeated break-ins. She said code enforcement agreed but needed permission from the mayor's office.
• George Concilia urged the city not to demolish the historic City Park Annex (the current parks and rec building), offering to purchase it for $200,000 or take on a 99-year lease, and noted that History Colorado praised the WPA structures.
• Unnamed speaker supported the Black Hills Energy off-ramp, arguing for a municipal utility or co-op model, and noted that Cañon City did not renew its franchise in 2022 without power interruptions.
• Garcia reported a condemned house at 223 East Fourth Street being used by homeless individuals, and raised concerns about the Solomon Martinez trial, alleging a witness was given immunity, alcohol, and other support by law enforcement.

Discussion Items

• R1 and R2: Purchase of 101 West Riverwalk (former PBR building) and Certificate of Participation – The city proposed buying the building for $7 million (appraised at $7.7 million in 2023) and financing up to $9.1 million via a certificate of participation (COP) for acquisition and renovations. Supporters (Ted Freeman, Sam Hernandez, JJ McCraney, Tina Delgros) called it a good deal and necessary for consolidating city offices. Opponents (Elvis Martinez, Betty Finley, George Concilia) questioned the cost, the profit made by the seller (Dandy Rose LLC), and the timing given budget constraints. Council debate was extensive: Councilors Meistry, Flores, Martinez, Boston, Latino, and Maestry supported the purchase, citing employee working conditions and long-term savings. Councilors Gomez and President A. Lift opposed, citing fiscal concerns and the need to address blight in other districts. Vote: 5-2.
• R3: Lease Management Agreement with Colorado Outlaw Racing Association – Approved a five-year lease for operation of the oval track at Honor Farm Park, with $1,000/month rent plus $1 per adult spectator and $0.50 per child. No public testimony. Vote: 7-0.
• R4: Amendment to Camping Ban (Removing Shelter Availability Check) – Proposed to eliminate the requirement that police verify shelter availability before enforcing the ban on public camping, citing the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision. Public opponents (Hayley Cardil, JJ McCraney, Diane Donti, and others) argued criminalization is ineffective and inhumane, especially for those with pets or mental illness. Councilors Latino, Boston, Meistry, and others supported the amendment as a tool to protect businesses and public spaces. Councilors Flores and Martinez opposed, citing lack of shelter capacity and the need for more supportive services. Vote: 5-2.
• R5: Theft Ordinance with Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentences – Reinstated a mandatory minimum 3-day jail sentence for theft or theft from merchant valued at $300 or more, and for second-time offenders with theft over $100, as well as habitual offenders. The ordinance breaks down theft by value (e.g., under $50 is a class 2 offense). Public testimony: Elvis Martinez supported; Hayley Cardil and another speaker opposed, citing the criminalization of poverty and mandatory minimums' inequities. Council discussion included statistics (2023 had 685 theft-from-merchant citations; after the 2023 ordinance, 2024 saw 484 citations, a 29% decrease). Councilors Gomez, Flores, Meistry, Martinez, Latino, and Boston supported, with some noting the need for involuntary rehabilitation. Vote: 7-0.
• S1: Special Area Plan Amendment for Rancho del Sol 5th Filing – Approved a minor amendment to building envelopes to move them out of a drainage swale, facilitating development of townhomes. No public testimony. Vote: 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation declared March 22, 2025 as Pueblo Flag Day.
• R1 & R2 passed 5-2 – City will proceed with purchase of 101 West Riverwalk and the COP financing.
• R3 passed 7-0 – Lease agreement with Colorado Outlaw Racing Association approved.
• R4 passed 5-2 – Camping ban amendment approved, removing shelter availability check.
• R5 passed 7-0 – Theft ordinance with mandatory minimum jail sentences reinstated.
• S1 passed 7-0 – Rancho del Sol special area plan amendment approved.
• The mayor announced upcoming town halls on the Black Hills Energy ballot measure and that the shelter RFP will be due March 13, 2025, with a recommendation to partner with a nonprofit rather than a city-run department.
• Councilor Gomez displayed photos of blight in his district and called for more attention to neglected neighborhoods.
• Councilor Flores requested a report on the impact of federal job cuts and grant funding on Pueblo.