OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting Summary - August 26, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, August 26, 2025
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 26, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:22:18

Transcript — Verbatim
0:22

Recording your progress.

0:50

Thank you all for coming.

0:51

It's another beautiful evening in Pueblo, Colorado, and I call to order this regular city council meeting.

0:57

Today is Monday, August 25th, 2025.

1:02

First order of business is our invocation, Father John Farley from the Pueblo Diocese will lead us.

1:09

Please stand if you wish to, and then we'll follow it with a pledge of allegiance.

1:20

Lord God, you are the heart who loves us first.

1:27

Nothing can separate us from your love and hope.

1:32

Gushes from you.

1:35

Because the Spirit of God is poured into our hearts.

1:39

We gather tonight to serve our neighbors, to deliberate, to decide for the good of this city.

1:47

Send us your spirit of wisdom and patience, courage to seek the common good above personal gain, to honor the dignity of every residence, especially the poor, especially the forgotten, especially the unseen.

2:07

Bless our discussions with clarity and charity, guard our words from division and pride, strengthen us in a spirit of service, so our decisions may build up trust, promote peace, and preserve justice.

2:32

Amen.

2:52

Thank you, folks.

2:54

Thank you, Father.

3:01

President Ailith?

3:02

Here.

3:02

Brett Boston.

3:03

Here.

3:04

Dennis Flores.

3:05

Roger Gomez.

3:06

Joe Latino.

3:07

Here.

3:07

Regina Maestri.

3:08

Here.

3:09

Sarah Martinez.

3:12

We're all here and accounted for.

3:14

We now move on to special recognitions.

3:16

We have a proclamation presentation for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Day.

3:22

Tanya Johnson, Chair and Co-founder.

3:28

And Dina Rodriguez Leach, Treasurer and Co-founder of the Mental Wellness Task Force of Southern Colorado.

3:35

Come on down.

3:56

Thank you guys for coming.

3:59

So this is a proclamation for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, September 6th, 2025.

4:07

Whereas suicide is a national public health crisis that claims the lives of more than forty-nine thousand people in the U.S.

4:16

each year, leaving families and communities devastated and grieving.

4:20

And whereas mental health conditions affect one in five adults and one in six youth each year, yet stigma and barriers to care often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

4:34

And whereas the effects of suicide are long-lasting and deeply felt, particularly by those who have loved ones, parents, siblings, friends, partners, and co-workers who continue to carry the memories of those they have lost.

4:49

And whereas mental health and suicide prevention awareness day serves as a meaningful opportunity to honor the lives lost to suicide, support survivors of suicide loss, and raise awareness about mental health and bring communities together in hope and healing.

5:08

And whereas community-driven efforts such as education, advocacy, access to quality mental health care, and open conversations are vital to reducing stigma, increasing prevention, and ultimately saving lives.

5:24

And whereas we recognize that mental health is essential to overhaul health, and suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.

5:35

Now, therefore, we, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Pueblo, Colorado, and the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us to hereby proclaim September 6th, 2025 as mental health and suicide prevention awareness day in the city and county of Pueblo, and encourage all citizens to join in honoring the memories of those lost, supporting survivors, and to make a commitment to mental health advocacy, education, and compassionate community care.

6:12

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and cause the seals of the city and county of Pueblo, Colorado to be a fix this 25th day of August 2025, signed by Mark Ayle, President, City Council, and Zach Swearing, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners.

6:30

So I'm so happy to present this to you guys today.

6:43

First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for carrying us through this tragic loss.

6:49

And then I want to thank all of you.

6:51

I want to thank all of you for recognizing the importance of bringing awareness to the topic of suicide.

6:58

I just want to share briefly, Pueblo averages one suicide a week for the last five years.

7:03

As of August 1st of this year, we have already lost 33 of our community members by suicide.

7:10

It is a dire need that we break the stigma and we come together, we learn to recognize the signs and know the resources.

7:20

At this third annual suicide memory walk, there are over 42 mental health resources that are going to be there at the event.

7:27

Come.

7:28

Join us in this walk in honoring the memory and supporting the survivors and helping those who are in need.

7:34

Get the help they need.

7:36

Thank you.

8:11

Excuse me, sir.

8:17

Okay, we now move into public forum.

8:19

First up is Eleanor Bartoli.

8:25

Hello, Eleanora, thank you for coming.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Works███████████████████19%
Procurement████████████12%
Procedural████████8%
Public Engagement████████8%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Government Structure███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting Summary - August 26, 2025

The Pueblo City Council held a regular meeting to consider consent agenda items, several resolutions and ordinances, a quasi-judicial hearing, and an emergency ordinance. The transcript indicates the meeting convened on Monday, August 25, 2025, but this summary uses the provided date of August 26, 2025. Key topics included a roofing contract controversy, the City Park Bath House historic landmark designation, a sales tax extension ballot measure, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, a proposed city manager form of government referral, and an emergency HVAC replacement financing.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved all consent agenda items (7-0), including resolutions awarding construction contracts (M2–M3), issuing revocable permits (M4–M6), confirming appointments (M7–M9), adopting the ADA Transition Plan (M10), approving an easement (M11), and approving a legal services agreement (M12). Also passed ordinances for first presentation (N1–N7), setting public hearings for September 8, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Eleanor Bartoli: Urged historic preservation of WPA buildings and showed photos of the City Park Bath House.
  • Dave DeSenzo: Suggested PEDCO could lend money for HVAC; raised issues about sewer dumping customer service and mileage requirements.
  • Valerie Harrington: Described a squatter situation harming an elderly widow, condemned properties on the East Side, and criticized police response.
  • Jackie Sebole: Opposed the city manager form of government, calling it a step backward and criticizing council infighting.
  • Former Mayor Nick Gradisar: Also opposed S1, stating it would create chaos and was aimed at the current mayor personally.
  • On ADU ordinance: Speakers in favor included Nick Gradisar, Brett Verna, Dave DeSenzo, and Planning & Zoning Board member Cheryl Spinozzi. Opposing: landlord Brent Cosalino.
  • On roofing contracts: Several roofers (Roger Melvin, Alejandro Quintana, Jim Sprague, Brett Verna) objected to Garland being the sole basis of design and the bidding process.

Discussion Items

  • M1 – Wastewater Facility Roof Replacement: Motion to postpone to September 8 passed 7-0 after council members raised concerns about Garland's role, perceived lack of competitive bidding, and conflicts of interest.
  • Q1 – City Park Bath House Historic Landmark: Passed 7-0 to initiate application. Advocates requested expediting but staff noted notice requirements; council encouraged continued collaboration.
  • Q2 – Half-Cent Sales Tax Extension: Passed 7-0 to place on November ballot. Councilor Flores explained a future ordinance would modify criteria and allow up to 10% for broader uses.
  • Q3 & Q4 – Council Contingency Sponsorships: Each passed 7-0, providing $1,000 to Voices Against Gun Violence and Spark the Change Colorado.
  • R1 – Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance: Passed 6-1. Discussion included state mandate penalties, grant opportunities ($15,000 per ADU), restrictions, and affordable housing needs. Only Councilor Meistri opposed, citing lack of local control.
  • S1 – Change of Government Referral: Mayor's veto was overridden 6-1, sending the city manager question to voters on November 4, 2025. Council debated costs, voter rights, and transition plans.
  • S2 – Ice Arena Roof Retrofit: Postponed to September 8 by a 6-1 vote due to similar roofing process concerns.
  • S3 – Sky Corral Runway Relocation: Passed 7-0, approving IGA with Pueblo County and funding.
  • S4 – Deed of Dedication: Passed 7-0.
  • S5 – Saab Occupancy Agreement: Passed 7-0.
  • S6 – Opioid Settlement Release: Passed 7-0.
  • S7 – Binding Interest Arbitration Referral: Passed 7-0, placing charter amendment for PAGE employees on ballot.
  • S8 – Summons and Complaint Ordinance Removal: Passed 7-0.
  • S9 – Arkansas River Safety Ordinance: Passed 7-0, aligning life jacket rules with state, extending enforcement.
  • T1 – Emergency HVAC Lease-Purchase: Passed 6-1 after council directed staff to pursue 15-year term. Debate covered financing options, interest costs, and use of reserves.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved agenda with M1 moved to regular agenda and S10 postponed to October 14.
  • Approved consent agenda (7-0).
  • Postponed M1 and S2 to September 8, 2025.
  • Approved Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 all 7-0.
  • Approved R1 by 6-1.
  • Overrode mayor's veto on S1 by 6-1; ballot measure on city manager government will appear November 4, 2025.
  • Approved S3–S9 all 7-0.
  • Approved T1 by 6-1, directing 15-year lease term.
  • Staff to circulate RFP details and hold work session on roofing concerns; council set to revisit M1 and S2 on September 8, 2025.

Meeting Transcript

Recording your progress. Thank you all for coming. It's another beautiful evening in Pueblo, Colorado, and I call to order this regular city council meeting. Today is Monday, August 25th, 2025. First order of business is our invocation, Father John Farley from the Pueblo Diocese will lead us. Please stand if you wish to, and then we'll follow it with a pledge of allegiance. Lord God, you are the heart who loves us first. Nothing can separate us from your love and hope. Gushes from you. Because the Spirit of God is poured into our hearts. We gather tonight to serve our neighbors, to deliberate, to decide for the good of this city. Send us your spirit of wisdom and patience, courage to seek the common good above personal gain, to honor the dignity of every residence, especially the poor, especially the forgotten, especially the unseen. Bless our discussions with clarity and charity, guard our words from division and pride, strengthen us in a spirit of service, so our decisions may build up trust, promote peace, and preserve justice. Amen. Thank you, folks. Thank you, Father. President Ailith? Here. Brett Boston. Here. Dennis Flores. Roger Gomez. Joe Latino. Here. Regina Maestri. Here. Sarah Martinez. We're all here and accounted for. We now move on to special recognitions. We have a proclamation presentation for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. Tanya Johnson, Chair and Co-founder. And Dina Rodriguez Leach, Treasurer and Co-founder of the Mental Wellness Task Force of Southern Colorado. Come on down. Thank you guys for coming. So this is a proclamation for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, September 6th, 2025. Whereas suicide is a national public health crisis that claims the lives of more than forty-nine thousand people in the U.S. each year, leaving families and communities devastated and grieving. And whereas mental health conditions affect one in five adults and one in six youth each year, yet stigma and barriers to care often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. And whereas the effects of suicide are long-lasting and deeply felt, particularly by those who have loved ones, parents, siblings, friends, partners, and co-workers who continue to carry the memories of those they have lost. And whereas mental health and suicide prevention awareness day serves as a meaningful opportunity to honor the lives lost to suicide, support survivors of suicide loss, and raise awareness about mental health and bring communities together in hope and healing. And whereas community-driven efforts such as education, advocacy, access to quality mental health care, and open conversations are vital to reducing stigma, increasing prevention, and ultimately saving lives. And whereas we recognize that mental health is essential to overhaul health, and suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Now, therefore, we, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Pueblo, Colorado, and the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us to hereby proclaim September 6th, 2025 as mental health and suicide prevention awareness day in the city and county of Pueblo, and encourage all citizens to join in honoring the memories of those lost, supporting survivors, and to make a commitment to mental health advocacy, education, and compassionate community care. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and cause the seals of the city and county of Pueblo, Colorado to be a fix this 25th day of August 2025, signed by Mark Ayle, President, City Council, and Zach Swearing, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners. So I'm so happy to present this to you guys today. First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for carrying us through this tragic loss. And then I want to thank all of you. I want to thank all of you for recognizing the importance of bringing awareness to the topic of suicide. I just want to share briefly, Pueblo averages one suicide a week for the last five years. As of August 1st of this year, we have already lost 33 of our community members by suicide.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com