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Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Meeting – March 24, 2025: Annexations, Black Hills Vote, and Council Conduct

City Council — Monday, March 24, 2025
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, March 24, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:08:58

Transcript — VerbatimClick a line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:23

Well, it's another glorious day in Pueblo, Colorado.

0:26

I now called a meeting, the regular city council meeting.

0:30

Today is Monday, March 24th.

0:33

First up is the invocation.

0:36

We have Pastor Richie Furco from the Pueblo Christian Center here.

0:40

If you wish to stand and join us in the prayer, and then we will do the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:48

Thank you.

0:49

Let's pray this evening.

0:51

Dear God, we love you, and we thank you so much.

0:55

Lord, we thank you for our country.

0:56

Lord, we thank you for the state of Colorado.

0:59

We thank you for the city of Pueblo.

1:01

And so with this heart of gratitude, God, we also thank you for tonight.

1:04

Thank you for the slightly warmer weather, and we thank you for springtime.

1:09

God, I pray for those in this room that need a touch from you, that need healing or comfort, Lord, that you would give them that tonight.

1:16

And Lord, I pray that you would bless the city council, the first responders, and all of those who serve the city of Pueblo so well.

1:24

God, I pray for provision and safety and guidance for them and their families.

1:29

And tonight, God, I ask that you would give us wisdom for the discussions and the decisions that will be made that affect the city of Pueblo and the people who live here, Lord.

1:39

Would you make us aware of your presence tonight?

1:41

In Jesus' name.

1:42

Amen.

1:43

Amen.

1:45

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

2:01

Thank you, Pastor Perko.

2:03

Madam Clerk, roll call.

2:06

Mark Ayliff.

2:07

Here.

2:08

Brett Boston.

2:08

Here.

2:09

Dennis Flores?

2:09

Here.

2:10

Roger Gomez.

2:11

Here.

2:11

Joe Latino.

2:12

Here.

2:12

Regina Meistry.

2:13

Here.

2:14

Sarah Martinez?

2:15

Here.

2:18

Everybody is here and accounted for.

2:20

We have some special recognitions tonight.

2:23

First up is a proclamation presentation for week of the young child, April 5th through 11th, 2025.

2:30

Angie Angie Shehorn of Director of Children First.

2:36

And Counselor Martinez is going to present.

2:40

I am so pleased to offer this proclamation to my friend Angie Shehorn.

2:44

She's the director of Children First and the president of the Early Childhood Council and just an overall champion of early childhood.

2:51

And it is proclaiming the week of the young child, which is April 5th through April 11th.

2:57

And it reads whereas the demand for quality child care continues to escalate as the number of single parents and married couples who participate in the workforce also increases.

3:09

And statistics indicate the percentage of mothers with preschool age children who will join the workforce is increasingly substantial.

3:17

And whereas each day in our community, thousands of working or college student parents place their infants and young children, our nation's most precious resource in the hands of child care and early childhood education providers.

3:29

And whereas early childhood care and education professionals render an invaluable service to families throughout the world and are as such responsible for our kids' future, contributing to our children's positive lifelong personal, academic, and vocational achievements.

3:46

And whereas the Pueblo members of the National Association of the Education of Young Children celebrate this occasion with special activities, honoring and acknowledging the vast importance of services, early childhood care and education professionals provide and stressing the need to give our children quality child care and early childhood education opportunities.

4:08

Now, therefore, we, the city council, and the Board of County Commissioners, by the authority vested in us to hereby proclaim the week of April 5th through April 11th as the week of the young child in the city and the county, and urge citizens of this community to join us in expressing our appreciation to all early childhood professionals for their commitment to care and education of our young children and in honoring these fine professionals everywhere.

4:34

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and cause the CEOs of the city and the county of Pueblo, signed by Mark Eliff, the president of City Council, and Mr.

4:44

Swering, the chairman of County Commission.

4:47

Congratulations, Angie.

4:51

I just like to um share a few of the activities that we have going on on April 15th at Mineral Palace Park from 9 to 11.

5:00

We have the Tree of Life Celebration.

5:01

We have the fun fair on thank you on April the 12th from 9 to noon at the Ormond Campus of Pueblo Community College.

5:08

It's free, fun activities for all.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████████23%
Zoning And Land Use██████████████████████22%
Economic Development███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Nonprofit Funding████████8%
Public Engagement██████6%
Urban Renewal████4%
Personnel Matters███3%
Youth Programs██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – March 24, 2025

The Pueblo City Council met on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including three annexation hearings for the Villa Bella development, a contentious resolution encouraging a yes vote on a May 6 special election to terminate the Black Hills Energy franchise, a dispute over council member conduct, approval of several consent agenda items, and final readings of ordinances. Public comment featured strong opinions on crime, state legislation, the mayor, and Black Hills Energy.

Consent Calendar

  • M1: Transfer of $257,996 from street resurfacing to vehicles and equipment for a new street sweeper.
  • M2: Revocable permit to Steel City Music Showcase for use of "Neon Alley" for a music festival.
  • M4, M5, M6: Resolutions approving findings for three Villa Bella annexations (8.018, 10.094, and 79.637 acres).
  • M7: Amendment to reallocate funds for Fire Stations 6, 8, and 11.
  • M9: Amendment to architectural services agreement with Demmon Design Services Inc.
  • N1: Appropriation agreement for $769,847 with Pueblo Department of Public Health.
  • N2: Vacation of 200 sq ft of Abriendo Avenue right-of-way.
  • N3: Amendment to subrecipient agreement with Pueblo School District No. 60.
  • N5: Ordinance creating pedestrian safety regulations in downtown business area.
  • N6: Transfer of $464,847.70 from Capital Improvement Fund to Housing Rehab Fund for homeless shelter operations.
  • All consent items approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ed Perry: Praised the mayor and police chief for public safety but criticized state legislators for soft-on-crime laws, specifically Senate Bill 20-217. He urged election of tough-on-crime leaders and supported President Trump's policies.
  • Devin (Belmont resident): Asked city officials to stop using confrontational language against state legislators, noting that Puebloans elect those representatives and cooperation is needed.
  • Ken Dante: Spoke in favor of terminating Black Hills Energy, calling them the most expensive utility in the state. He argued against nuclear power, citing cost and time overruns, and supported renewable energy for job growth.
  • Liz Chapman: Thanked law enforcement for their response to the officer shootings, defended the mayor against recall efforts, and urged the community to stop personal attacks.
  • Charlie Fatty: Described the mayor's recall as racketeering by Black Hills Energy, supported purchasing the steel mill from Russia, and proposed electric tricycles for transportation.
  • Ted Frayman: Opposed the mayor's recall, stating the listed grievances were opinions not facts. He questioned fiscal decisions including the $2 million acquisition for employee activities and argued nonprofits should fundraise themselves.
  • During public hearings on annexations, Jason Alwine (Matrix Design Group) and Ted Freeman spoke in favor of all three Villa Bella annexations, citing growth and logical expansion.

Discussion Items

  • Special Recognitions: Angie Shehorn accepted proclamations for "Week of the Young Child" (April 5–11) and "Child Abuse Prevention Month" (April 2025). The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association presented the "Best in Colorado" Airport Award to Pueblo Memorial Airport for a runway/taxiway project.
  • Mayor Graham's Update: Reported that two of three officers shot on March 18 are home, one remains hospitalized. January sales tax was up 1.1%. She announced town halls on the Black Hills ballot measure and a funding transfer for the homeless shelter. She also criticized Councilor Gomez for sending disrespectful and sexually suggestive emails to her staff, and said she would direct the city attorney to draft a workplace conduct policy.
  • Councilor Gomez Response: Denied wrongdoing, said the comments were "fourth grade banter," and accused the mayor of blocking his access to department heads. He cited crime in his district as a source of frustration.
  • Other Council Commentary: Councilors Boston, Latino, Martinez, Flores, and Meistry all expressed support for the police and their families. Councilor Martinez called for a formal censure of Councilor Gomez for unprofessional behavior. Councilor Meistry noted that elected officials are individually accountable but agreed the emails were disrespectful.
  • M8 (Sign Policy): Resolution prohibiting signs in Council Chambers during meetings. Passed 5-2 after being moved to the regular agenda.
  • Q1 (Black Hills Ballot Resolution): Resolution encouraging a yes vote on ballot 2A to terminate the franchise with Black Hills Energy. Debate included concerns about the feasibility study not yet received, potential costs, and loss of tax revenue. An amendment to postpone to April 14 (after the study) passed 5-2.
  • Q2–Q5 (Council Contingency Sponsorships): Approved 7-0 each: $2,000 to Bits of Freedom; $1,000 to ARC of Pueblo; $1,500 to Junior League of Pueblo; and $1,000 (amended from $750) to Pueblo Child Advocacy Center.
  • R1 (Property Sale): Ordinance to sell 101 West Riverwalk Place, Units 1A and 1B for $1.2 million with a $300,000 concession (net $900,000). Some councilors opposed selling below appraised value. Passed 5-2.
  • S1–S3 (Annexation Ordinances): Three annexation ordinances for Villa Bella. S1 (8.018 acres) passed 6-1; S2 (10.094 acres) passed 7-0; S3 (79.637 acres) passed 7-0.
  • S4 (PUD Amendment): Ordinance to create the Residences at Villa Bella Planned Unit Development (731.1 acres, up to 3,545 units). Passed 7-0.
  • S5 (Rezone): Ordinance to rezone 634 Goodnight Avenue from R-2 to B-2 for office/instructional use. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Council Conduct: The mayor announced plans for a professional workplace conduct policy after Councilor Gomez's emails were discussed. Councilor Martinez called for a formal censure, but no vote was taken.
  • Q1 Black Hills Resolution: Postponed to the April 14 meeting (5-2) after a motion by Councilor Boston.
  • Approvals: All consent agenda items, M8, Q2–Q5, R1, S1–S5 were passed with vote tallies as noted.
  • Next Steps: The feasibility study for Black Hills Energy is expected April 7; the postponed resolution will be reconsidered April 14. Public hearings for ordinances on the consent agenda were set for April 14, 2025.

Meeting Transcript

Well, it's another glorious day in Pueblo, Colorado. I now called a meeting, the regular city council meeting. Today is Monday, March 24th. First up is the invocation. We have Pastor Richie Furco from the Pueblo Christian Center here. If you wish to stand and join us in the prayer, and then we will do the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Let's pray this evening. Dear God, we love you, and we thank you so much. Lord, we thank you for our country. Lord, we thank you for the state of Colorado. We thank you for the city of Pueblo. And so with this heart of gratitude, God, we also thank you for tonight. Thank you for the slightly warmer weather, and we thank you for springtime. God, I pray for those in this room that need a touch from you, that need healing or comfort, Lord, that you would give them that tonight. And Lord, I pray that you would bless the city council, the first responders, and all of those who serve the city of Pueblo so well. God, I pray for provision and safety and guidance for them and their families. And tonight, God, I ask that you would give us wisdom for the discussions and the decisions that will be made that affect the city of Pueblo and the people who live here, Lord. Would you make us aware of your presence tonight? In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you, Pastor Perko. Madam Clerk, roll call. Mark Ayliff. Here. Brett Boston. Here. Dennis Flores? Here. Roger Gomez. Here. Joe Latino. Here. Regina Meistry. Here. Sarah Martinez? Here. Everybody is here and accounted for. We have some special recognitions tonight. First up is a proclamation presentation for week of the young child, April 5th through 11th, 2025. Angie Angie Shehorn of Director of Children First. And Counselor Martinez is going to present. I am so pleased to offer this proclamation to my friend Angie Shehorn. She's the director of Children First and the president of the Early Childhood Council and just an overall champion of early childhood. And it is proclaiming the week of the young child, which is April 5th through April 11th. And it reads whereas the demand for quality child care continues to escalate as the number of single parents and married couples who participate in the workforce also increases. And statistics indicate the percentage of mothers with preschool age children who will join the workforce is increasingly substantial. And whereas each day in our community, thousands of working or college student parents place their infants and young children, our nation's most precious resource in the hands of child care and early childhood education providers.

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