OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Meeting - June 23, 2025: Annexations, Budget Changes, and HRC Re-establishment

City Council — Monday, June 23, 2025
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, June 23, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:13:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Thank you.

0:34

Well, it's another beautiful 79 degree evening in Pueblo, Colorado.

0:38

I call to order the regular city council meeting.

0:42

Today is Monday, uh June 23rd, 2025.

0:47

First order of business, we're going to have our invocation.

0:50

Pastor Steve Chavez from Pueblo Praise is going to come up and lead us in that invocation.

0:55

If you choose to stand, stand with us during the prayer, and then we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance immediately following.

1:02

Good evening.

1:03

Would you pray with me?

1:05

Dear Lord, we thank you that you're here.

1:08

And God, I thank you for all of these beautiful people for these leaders behind me, O Lord.

1:14

And Father, today I would simply ask you for three things, God.

1:17

I would ask you for guidance.

1:19

Lord, I would ask God that you would give unity.

1:23

And Father, that you would give wisdom.

1:26

And Father, I pray tonight, Lord, over the city of Pueblo, a calming.

1:30

I pray peace and Lord, we just ask in your glorious name that you would help our town.

1:36

Father, help people to honor people and to love people.

1:39

And oh God, always to turn to you.

1:42

Father, we pray over the shores of America and the chaos and the world that we are living in today.

1:48

Father, we can't change anything, but you can.

1:51

So Father, we commit this city, this country, and Lord, even around the world, and we ask you for help.

1:58

Bless this meeting today, O God.

2:01

In the name of Jesus, we pray.

2:03

Amen.

2:04

Amen.

2:06

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

2:13

One nation, God is indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:23

Thank you, Pastor Chap.

2:25

Thank you, Pastor Chavez.

2:26

Uh Madam Clerk, roll call.

2:32

Mark A.

2:33

Lith.

2:33

Here.

2:33

Brett Boston.

2:34

Dennis Flores.

2:35

Roger Gomez, Gelatino.

2:37

Here.

2:37

Regina Maestri.

2:38

Here.

2:38

Sarah Martinez.

2:42

We're all here and accounted for.

2:43

We now move into special recognition.

2:46

We have a proclamation presentation, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

2:52

Danielle Kitzman, Vice President, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, uh serving on the AM 250 CO 150 Advisory Panel.

3:02

Hello.

3:18

I'm cheating on this proclamation because I cannot read what it really says.

3:25

It's the now don't hold me to this, but it's the Sesqua semi-quincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

3:35

July 4th, 2025 to December 31st, 2026.

3:41

Whereas the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

3:49

And whereas the year 2026 marks Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood.

3:56

And whereas Pueblo, founded in 1870, has contributed proudly and significantly to the history of our nation and our state for more than 155 years.

4:09

And whereas in 2016, the United States Congress established by joint resolution, the America 250 Commission to encourage observance of the 250 years of our nation's existence.

4:24

And whereas the Colorado legislature established the America 250, Colorado 150 Commission, with the passage of Senate Bill 2022-01.

4:36

And the Commission has determined its mission and purpose is to celebrate Colorado by acknowledging the completeness of our shared history, honor that which makes Colorado unique, and strive toward a more perfect union.

4:51

And whereas it is appropriate that the city and county of Pueblo engages fully with our past and looks towards a shared future.

5:01

Now, therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, and the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby officially proclaim July 4th, 2025 through December 31st, 2026, the Sesqua semi-quincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the city and county of Pueblo, Colorado, and encourage citizens to coordinate commemorative events, showcase historical activities, facilitate public discourse, celebrate Colorado's history, create educational opportunities, and seek opportunities for historic preservation.

5:45

Pueblo pledges to uplift, support, and celebrate our shared history.

5:51

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and cause the seals of the city and county of Pueblo, Colorado to be a fixed this 23rd day of June 2025.

6:02

Sound sound signed by Mark A.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use█████████████████17%
Economic Development████████████████16%
Public Works█████████████13%
Public Safety███████████11%
Procedural█████████9%
Public Engagement████4%
Affordable Housing████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Public Transportation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Meeting - June 23, 2025

The Pueblo City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 2:15 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, public comments, council member commentary, and votes on multiple resolutions and ordinances. Key actions included approval of two major annexations (Jackson Ranch 1 and 2), creation of a standalone stormwater department, establishment of a city-only Human Relations Commission, and a failed attempt to amend the half-cent sales tax fund criteria. The meeting also saw debates on urban renewal legal counsel, police staffing changes, and economic development policies.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously: Minutes of June 9, 2025; transfer of funds and construction contracts for concrete improvements, electrical repairs, tree removal, and economic development support; contract amendments; federal transit certifications; board appointments (Public Housing Authority, Energy Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Regional Building Electrical Board); revocable permits for 4th of July events and Lady of Mount Carmel festival; parking fee increase; ordinances accepting HUD grants, CDBG and HOME funds, amended staffing, intergovernmental agreement for library trustees, land lease with private company, and council salary adjustments.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Brian Rivera (Morningstar Creations Inc.): Addressed City Council about a $75,000 grant awarded for a community skate park at Binewood. Stated they have faced barriers with Public Works and the City Attorney regarding liability and contract issues. Expressed hope to complete the project by December 31 grant deadline. Noted Pueblo has only two skate parks.
  • Matt Ammons: Supported Rivera, describing him as a master craftsman and visionary. Urged council to facilitate the skate park project, emphasizing youth recreation and community benefit.
  • Genevieve Gonzalez: Presented suicide statistics for Pueblo County: 25 deaths in 2025 (week 26), 52 in 2024, 48 in 2023, 50 in 2022, and 52 in 2021 and 2020. Stated the community averages one suicide per week. Promoted the annual Memory Walk on September 6, 2025, at Lake Minnequa Veterans Memorial Park (9 AM-12 PM). Asked council to support survivors and break mental health stigma.
  • Marty Harvey: Complained about excessive abandoned vehicles in residential streets, particularly in Bessemer. Suggested using Denver boot and implementing a grid system with license plate readers for enforcement. Asked council to address parking code enforcement.
  • Ted Freeman: Expressed strong support for proposed changes to the half-cent sales tax fund criteria presented at the June 16 work session. Argued changes would open economic development opportunities and stimulate job creation.
  • Additional public comment (speaker not identified): Thanked police for professionalism on June 14. Also expressed concern about recent reports of people being taken by unmarked vehicles without warrants, urging police to uphold legal standards. Mentioned her personal immigration experience as a green card holder and naturalized citizen. Requested council to pull and discuss agenda item M5 (but was informed it could not be addressed during public forum).

Discussion Items

  • Council Member and Mayor Commentary:
    • Councilor Martinez: Committed to follow up with Public Works on skate park barriers. Reminded community about 988 suicide crisis hotline.
    • Councilor Flores: Praised police commendation ceremony. Highlighted three examples of community groups wanting to gift assets to the city (skate park grant, model airplane field repair, bathhouse renovation) but facing bureaucratic hurdles. Asked city attorney to create a better process for accepting gifts. Also announced plan to introduce an ordinance to save the bathhouse as historical building.
    • Councilor Maestri: Commended suicide walk effort and expressed support for using council contingencies for donation. Recognized Aubrey Adams for her work in Texas to remove synthetic marijuana products.
    • Councilor Gomez: Encouraged collaboration between Rivera and Hard Knox for chess tables. Provided personal phone number for neighborhood noise complaints about modified vehicles.
    • Councilor Boston: Emphasized appreciation for police officers and support for suicide walk. Agreed to follow up on skate park. Stated concern about abandoned cars could be addressed by code enforcement.
    • Councilor Latino: Supported suicide program, skate park, and youth initiatives. Proposed alternative to building a new jail—purchasing the facility in Huerfano County. Suggested creating a certified neighborhood patrol program. Urged leveraging the airport for economic development.
    • Council President (Mark A. Left): Made an emotional plea for help to save Chavez Huerta Preparatory School from closure by District 60, arguing it causes irreparable harm to the West Side community. Encouraged community members to contact council with ideas. Also noted passing of former City Attorney Tom Jagger and extended condolences.
  • Agenda Amendments: Council approved moving items M3 (transit study), M9 (planning & zoning appointments), and M16 (legal services agreement) from consent to regular agenda for separate discussion.
  • Transit Relocation Study (M3): Approved after staff confirmed it is the last piece needed to apply for federal funds for a new transit center. Land acquisition and studies from CDOT grants are in place.
  • Planning & Zoning Appointments (M9): Council separated the two appointments. Samuel Hernandez appointment failed 4-3 (with concerns about his announced city council run). James Salazar appointment passed 7-0.
  • Urban Renewal Legal Counsel (M16): Passed 5-2 after debate. The resolution engages an outside law firm to educate council on urban renewal authority issues. Some councilors argued current counsel (Paul Benedetti) is sufficient; others supported due diligence.
  • Stormwater Department Restructuring (R1): Passed 5-2 to separate stormwater from Public Works into a standalone department, funded 100% by fees with ~$9 million reserves.
  • Police Community Service Officers (R3): Passed 7-0. Freezes five patrol officer positions to fund five civilian community service officers to handle lower-level calls and free up officers.
  • Housing Department Re-establishment (R5-R7): Passed 7-0. A new Housing and Citizen Services Department replaces a former division under Planning, to be led by a director funded by federal grants.
  • Half-Cent Sales Tax Criteria Ordinance (R8): Failed 4-3. The proposed amendment would allow up to 15% of the fund annually for infrastructure and placemaking projects. PEDCO and several councilors argued the changes are significant and should go to voters. Supporters said it provides necessary flexibility for economic development. The existing fund has ~$63 million uncommitted.
  • Human Relations Commission (R9): Passed 4-3. Establishes a city-only commission after the county withdrew. Some councilors raised concerns about its investigatory role and funding ($13,000 annually). Others saw it as a valuable tool for community mediation.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimously approved: Jackson Ranch Annexations 1 and 2 (152.27 acres and 439.33 acres) for mixed residential and commercial development; West Sixth Street asphalt improvements; Mel Harmon Bridge repairs; pickleball association and Pueblo Rangers Soccer Club sponsorships; Mariposa Center for Safety tribute (1 no vote); Sangre de Cristo Arts Center gala (2 no votes); CDOT airport grants (R2); MOU with CSU Pueblo for fire inspections (R4); Compass Point subdivision (S5, 6-0 after recusal); Dutch Bros subdivision (S6, 7-0).
  • Approved with voting splits: Transit study (M3), Urban renewal legal counsel (M16) 5-2; Stormwater department (R1) 5-2; Mariposa sponsorship (Q5) 6-1; Sangre de Cristo sponsorship (Q6) 5-2; Human Relations Commission (R9) 4-3.
  • Failed: Amendment to half-cent sales tax criteria (R8) 4-3; Appointment of Samuel Hernandez to Planning & Zoning (4-3).
  • Recusal: Councilor Latino recused from Compass Point subdivision vote after raising ex parte contact with a constituent.
  • Next Steps: Council President called for community help to prevent closure of Chavez Huerta Prep School. City attorney to work on ordinance for accepting community gifts. Council will meet with attorney to discuss urban renewal education session. Police will implement CSO program. Housing department to begin hiring director. The half-cent fund criteria may be revisited for a future ballot question.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. Well, it's another beautiful 79 degree evening in Pueblo, Colorado. I call to order the regular city council meeting. Today is Monday, uh June 23rd, 2025. First order of business, we're going to have our invocation. Pastor Steve Chavez from Pueblo Praise is going to come up and lead us in that invocation. If you choose to stand, stand with us during the prayer, and then we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance immediately following. Good evening. Would you pray with me? Dear Lord, we thank you that you're here. And God, I thank you for all of these beautiful people for these leaders behind me, O Lord. And Father, today I would simply ask you for three things, God. I would ask you for guidance. Lord, I would ask God that you would give unity. And Father, that you would give wisdom. And Father, I pray tonight, Lord, over the city of Pueblo, a calming. I pray peace and Lord, we just ask in your glorious name that you would help our town. Father, help people to honor people and to love people. And oh God, always to turn to you. Father, we pray over the shores of America and the chaos and the world that we are living in today. Father, we can't change anything, but you can. So Father, we commit this city, this country, and Lord, even around the world, and we ask you for help. Bless this meeting today, O God. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One nation, God is indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Chap. Thank you, Pastor Chavez. Uh Madam Clerk, roll call. Mark A. Lith. Here. Brett Boston. Dennis Flores. Roger Gomez, Gelatino. Here. Regina Maestri. Here. Sarah Martinez. We're all here and accounted for. We now move into special recognition. We have a proclamation presentation, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Danielle Kitzman, Vice President, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, uh serving on the AM 250 CO 150 Advisory Panel. Hello. I'm cheating on this proclamation because I cannot read what it really says. It's the now don't hold me to this, but it's the Sesqua semi-quincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. July 4th, 2025 to December 31st, 2026. Whereas the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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