OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - July 14, 2025

City Council — Monday, July 14, 2025
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, July 14, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:40:57

Transcript — Verbatim
0:32

Well, it's another beautiful night in Pueblo, Colorado.

0:35

I'm going to call to order the regular city council meeting.

0:38

Today is Monday, July 14th, 2025.

0:43

We're going to start off our meeting with the invocation.

0:46

Pastor Jim Urey from Pueblo Praise.

0:49

Come on up.

0:52

If you wish, stand with us for the invocation, and then we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance immediately following.

0:59

Heavenly Father, just want to thank you for this evening and for just being able to live in the United States of America in this great state of Colorado.

1:09

And Lord, the hidden gym of Colorado, Pueblo, Colorado.

1:14

We thank you for our beautiful city.

1:16

Thank you for our council that's here, our mayor, the people that are here tonight representing Pueblo God.

1:23

Lord, bring blessing on every family in Pueblo Lord.

1:26

Lord, all of all of our first responders, Heavenly Father.

1:30

Lord always bring safety and peace and blessing and prosperity to our city in Jesus' name.

1:37

Amen.

1:38

Amen.

1:49

Under God and indismissible with liberty and justice for all.

1:57

Thank you, Pastor.

2:00

Mr.

2:00

Clerk, we move to roll call, please.

2:03

Mark A.

2:03

Left here.

2:04

Brett Boston.

2:05

Here.

2:05

Dennis Flores.

2:06

Here.

2:06

Roger Gomez.

2:07

Joe Latino.

2:08

Here.

2:08

Regina Meistry.

2:09

Here.

2:10

Sarah Martinez.

2:13

We're all here and accounted for.

2:15

We now move into special recognitions.

2:17

First up on the agenda is a proclamation presentation for Pueblo County Fair Days.

2:24

Vicky Ingram, Pueblo County Fair board member, and Josie Harder, member of 4-H, and Kelly Sloan, member of FFA and 4-H.

2:34

Come on up.

2:48

Right up in front.

2:51

Hi.

2:52

Hi.

2:54

So this is a proclamation.

2:55

Pueblo County Fair Days, July 18th through the 27th, 2025.

3:01

Whereas the Pueblo County Fair will be held July 18th through the 27th, 2025 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds.

3:10

And whereas more than 250 4 H and FFA youth entered in over 1,200 classes in projects ranging from livestock, sheep, goats, swine, beef, poultry, and rabbit, dog shows, horse show, general consumer science, which is baking, clothing, leather craft, photography, woodworking, and many, many more, and shooting sports.

3:34

And whereas 4-H and FFA provide opportunities for Pueblo youth to learn citizenship, leadership, and sportsmanship.

3:42

And whereas the Pueblo County Fair continues to encourage participation and recognition of the varied accomplishments, accomplishments of Pueblo County youth through a partnership with the Pueblo County Extension Office and future farmers of America.

3:59

And whereas the Pueblo County Fair provides opportunities for residents to learn about agriculture, livestock, and various arts and crafts.

4:08

Now therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby proclaim July 18th through the 27th, 2025 as Pueblo County Fair Days in the City of Pueblo, Colorado.

4:25

And in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the city of Pueblo, Colorado to be affixed this 14th day of July, 2025.

4:36

So congratulations.

4:37

And everybody go to the fair.

4:41

Hi guys, I'm Kelly Sloan.

4:43

I am representing Pueblo County FFA as being an officer and in 4 H shooting sports.

4:50

Thank you all for all of your continuous support for all of us youth.

4:55

Hi everyone, my name is Josie Harder, and um I am representing the Pueblo County 4 H.

5:01

I'm in multiple projects such as shooting sports, horse, dog, and market go.

5:06

And I just I thank you all for your support.

5:09

Hi, everyone, I'm Vicky Ingram.

5:10

I'm a fair board member, and we would love to see you everywhere come out and do this at the fairgrounds and see all the kids as hard work.

5:43

Next up is a recognition presentation for the 2025-2026 Colorado State Fair Fiesta Queen in court.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters█████████████████17%
Procedural████████████████16%
Public Safety███████████████15%
Nonprofit Funding████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Homelessness█████5%
Arts And Culture████4%
Economic Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - July 14, 2025

The Pueblo City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, public forum, council commentary, approval of a consent agenda, and action on multiple resolutions and ordinances. Key topics included vandalism and homelessness, a trail naming, appointments, council contingency fund sponsorships, a library board IGA, a land lease for rocket testing, and a council salary increase that passed 4-3.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously: Resolutions M1-M3, M5-M12, and Ordinances N1-N13, N15-N16 as presented on the consent agenda, with public hearings set for July 28, 2025, for ordinances. Item M4 was moved to the regular agenda, and N14 was postponed to July 28.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jeff Rosales (61-year resident) spoke on behalf of downtown businesses, describing severe vandalism (broken windows, stolen AC units) linked to homelessness. He urged creation of a victim assistance fund for businesses, noting that some are considering closing. He said local businesses are neglected while new large businesses receive tax breaks.
  • Mike Hartkop (owner of SolarRoast Coffee, Mixed Ice Cream, Analog Books & Records) presented photos of boarded-up and broken windows along 4th Street and Union Avenue. He reported his landlord spent over $13,000 on repairs and he personally spent $1,200 this year. He called for private security to augment police, enforcement of codes on vacant buildings, and a fund to assist merchants with broken glass. He stated, "This city is falling apart."
  • Eleanor Bartoli reported on a transportation summit where she learned Pueblo has the highest combined total and fatal crash rate in the state (14%, vs. Denver's 8%) and pedestrian fatalities (4% vs. Denver's 2%). She urged the city to change the agenda posting requirement from "four days" to "four business days" to improve public access.
  • Elvis Martinez (via Zoom) expressed support for the first two speakers, sent condolences to a shooting victim, and requested a "Jim Bishop Day" proclamation. He also complained about parking enforcement on Cambridge Street and praised sidewalk painting efforts.
  • John Farley (priest, Diocese of Pueblo) asked about the city's plans for displaced workers and young people regarding training, apprenticeships, and good jobs in light of the potential Evraz sale to Atlas Holdings. He emphasized the need for transparency and real opportunities, not just incentives.
  • Dave DeSenza spoke about the municipal justice center cooling system, criticizing the proposed design as a "two-end" (200% capacity) versus a more efficient "N+1" design. He questioned the total cost ($8 million) and suggested engaging a local engineering firm. He also suggested using ice-making chillers to reduce peak electricity costs.
  • Ken Dante (former energy commission member) supported the Trane proposal for the justice center, calling the existing experimental unit a major liability. He urged prompt action to avoid upcoming tariffs and noted a price guarantee from Trane.

Discussion Items

  • M4 – ARPA Funds Reallocation: A resolution to reallocate $227,956 from railroad permitting to fiber-optic cable for video surveillance in five parks (Minnequa, Ray Aguilera, Mitchell, City Park, Mineral Palace). Staff explained that a joint city-county fiber project was abandoned due to costs, freeing these funds. Councilor Meistry confirmed the funds would only cover fiber optics, not cameras. The resolution passed 7-0.
  • Q1 – Hobson Trail Designation: The trail around Lake Minnequa in Minnequa Park was officially named "Hobson Trail" in honor of retiring Planning Director Scott Hobson. A lighthearted staff report praised his 26 years of service. The resolution passed 7-0.
  • Q2 & Q3 – Appointments: Kurt Patrick was confirmed as Director of Stormwater, and Melissa Cook as Director of Housing & Citizen Services, both unanimously.
  • Q4-Q7 – Council Contingency Sponsorships:
    • Q4: $1,000 to SRDA for BBQ Fundraiser (passed 5-2; Martinez and Gomez opposed, citing past events and potential double-dipping).
    • Q5: $2,500 to Lake Avenue Community Church for Bessemer Buckets and Bessemer Kicks sports camps (passed 7-0; discussion on church funding and past events).
    • Q6: $1,700 to Roselawn Company for Wreaths Across America (passed 7-0; an amendment to increase to $2,040 for more wreaths was not adopted).
    • Q7: $1,500 to PAWS for Life for Pints for PAWS (passed 7-0).
  • R1 – HOME-ARP Grant: Ordinance accepting an additional $4,020.27 in HOME-ARP funds (total $3,090,925) from HUD, split 87% city/13% county. Passed 7-0.
  • R2 – Consolidated Plan: Ordinance adopting the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan for CDBG ($1,432,469) and HOME ($877,545.14) funds. Passed 7-0.
  • R3 – Parking Meter Fee Increase: Ordinance increasing metered parking from $0.50 to $1.00 per hour to enable electronic payment by smartphone, with projected annual revenue increase of $3,000. Passed 7-0.
  • R4 & R5 – Staffing Changes: Ordinance converting a vacant traffic signal technician to a traffic utility worker (cost-neutral) and downgrading a senior facilities maintenance technician to a facilities maintenance technician, saving $13,146. Related ordinance set the pay scale. Both passed 7-0.
  • R6 – Library Board IGA: Ordinance approving an amended intergovernmental agreement with the city, county, and library district for trustee selection. Sherry Baca (library director) and Iris Clark (trustee) spoke in favor. Councilor Gomez voted no, citing concerns about library services. Passed 6-1.
  • R7 – Land Lease with Leap: Ordinance approving a three-year lease (year-to-year, $19,000/year) on airport property for mobile rocket testing pads by Pivotal Space Inc. (d/b/a Leap). Staff noted potential for future manufacturing jobs. Passed 7-0.
  • R8 – Council Salary Increase: Ordinance doubling council salaries ($1,800/month for president, $1,400/month for members) from the 1998 levels. Public commenter Elvis Martinez opposed. Councilors debated fiscal responsibility, staff support, and timing for new council. The ordinance passed 4-3 (Flores, Gomez, Latino, Martinez in favor; Aliff, Boston, Meistry opposed).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
  • M4 (ARPA reallocation) passed 7-0.
  • Q1 (Hobson Trail) passed 7-0.
  • Q2 (Stormwater Director) and Q3 (Housing Director) both confirmed 7-0.
  • Q4 (SRDA sponsorship) passed 5-2.
  • Q5 (Lake Avenue Church) passed 7-0.
  • Q6 (Wreaths Across America) passed 7-0.
  • Q7 (PAWS for Life) passed 7-0.
  • R1 (HOME-ARP grant) passed 7-0.
  • R2 (Consolidated Plan) passed 7-0.
  • R3 (Parking meter increase) passed 7-0.
  • R4 and R5 (Staffing changes) passed 7-0.
  • R6 (Library IGA) passed 6-1.
  • R7 (Land lease with Leap) passed 7-0.
  • R8 (Council salary increase) passed 4-3.
  • Executive Session held to discuss negotiations regarding the sale of 101 W. Riverwalk Place, Units 1A & 1B.

Meeting Transcript

Well, it's another beautiful night in Pueblo, Colorado. I'm going to call to order the regular city council meeting. Today is Monday, July 14th, 2025. We're going to start off our meeting with the invocation. Pastor Jim Urey from Pueblo Praise. Come on up. If you wish, stand with us for the invocation, and then we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance immediately following. Heavenly Father, just want to thank you for this evening and for just being able to live in the United States of America in this great state of Colorado. And Lord, the hidden gym of Colorado, Pueblo, Colorado. We thank you for our beautiful city. Thank you for our council that's here, our mayor, the people that are here tonight representing Pueblo God. Lord, bring blessing on every family in Pueblo Lord. Lord, all of all of our first responders, Heavenly Father. Lord always bring safety and peace and blessing and prosperity to our city in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Under God and indismissible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor. Mr. Clerk, we move to roll call, please. Mark A. Left here. Brett Boston. Here. Dennis Flores. Here. Roger Gomez. Joe Latino. Here. Regina Meistry. Here. Sarah Martinez. We're all here and accounted for. We now move into special recognitions. First up on the agenda is a proclamation presentation for Pueblo County Fair Days. Vicky Ingram, Pueblo County Fair board member, and Josie Harder, member of 4-H, and Kelly Sloan, member of FFA and 4-H. Come on up. Right up in front. Hi. Hi. So this is a proclamation. Pueblo County Fair Days, July 18th through the 27th, 2025. Whereas the Pueblo County Fair will be held July 18th through the 27th, 2025 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. And whereas more than 250 4 H and FFA youth entered in over 1,200 classes in projects ranging from livestock, sheep, goats, swine, beef, poultry, and rabbit, dog shows, horse show, general consumer science, which is baking, clothing, leather craft, photography, woodworking, and many, many more, and shooting sports. And whereas 4-H and FFA provide opportunities for Pueblo youth to learn citizenship, leadership, and sportsmanship. And whereas the Pueblo County Fair continues to encourage participation and recognition of the varied accomplishments, accomplishments of Pueblo County youth through a partnership with the Pueblo County Extension Office and future farmers of America. And whereas the Pueblo County Fair provides opportunities for residents to learn about agriculture, livestock, and various arts and crafts. Now therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby proclaim July 18th through the 27th, 2025 as Pueblo County Fair Days in the City of Pueblo, Colorado. And in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the city of Pueblo, Colorado to be affixed this 14th day of July, 2025. So congratulations.

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