OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - September 22, 2025

City Council — Monday, September 22, 2025
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, September 22, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:40:00

Transcript — Verbatim
0:34

Well, thank you all for coming.

0:35

It's another beautiful evening in the city of Pueblo.

0:38

I call to order the regular city council meeting.

0:41

Today is Monday, September 22nd, 2025.

0:47

First order of business will be a special invocation and pledge of allegiance.

0:52

I'm going to ask Pastor Steve Cornello from the Pueblo Christian Center to come on up.

0:59

And then Josiah Gratizar, you come on up.

1:04

So Pastor Cornell is going to re lead us in the invocation.

1:07

Then a young man who who uh is very interested in getting into politics is going to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:15

So I want you to welcome Josiah Gratisard.

1:18

So I so please stand if you want to join us.

1:24

Thank you for inviting prayer.

1:25

Uh feel free to bow your heads if you'd like.

1:28

Heavenly Father, we just uh come before you tonight and we thank you for this beautiful city of Pueblo that we live in.

1:34

We thank you for all the freedoms that we have in our uh constitutional government.

1:39

Father, we thank you for all of our city council and Mayor Graham, Lord, for all the work that they do here for this city.

1:46

Lord, we ask that uh you would give them guidance, we ask that you would give them wisdom.

1:50

Lord, we ask that for the welfare and the betterment of the people of Pueblo, and Lord, we just ask that you would uh bring your presence, Lord, throughout Pueblo, that people would feel your love and your grace and your mercy and your truth.

2:03

Lord, we pray that the decisions that are made would be uh good for the people of Pueblo, and Lord, that you would just um be glorified in all the decisions.

2:12

And so Father, we thank you for them, and we pray that you'd bless this meeting in in Jesus' name, amen.

2:23

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:38

Thank you.

2:39

That was a powerful team there.

2:41

Thank you, Josiah.

2:43

Thank you, Pastor Cornello.

2:46

Madam Clerk, roll call.

2:50

Mark Gaelith?

2:51

Here.

2:54

Roger Gomez.

2:55

Joe Latino.

2:56

Here.

2:56

Regina Maestri.

2:57

Here.

2:57

Sarah Martinez.

3:01

Everybody's here and accounted for.

3:03

We now move into special recognition.

3:06

First on the uh recognitions is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

3:12

Dr.

3:13

Nicole Ferguson, CEO, President of Mariposa Center for Safety.

3:17

Come on down.

3:35

It is cold.

3:51

So this is a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October of 2025.

3:57

Whereas Mariposa Center for Safety, as well as community partners recognize October as domestic violence awareness month, and will use this time to illuminate the path to safety.

4:11

And whereas, during DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to celebrate the survivors and the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, and to connect with others, working to create change and illuminate the path to safety for the Pueblo community.

4:37

And whereas the community and city and county officials are encouraged to wear purple and or a purple ribbon and or use purple lighting to show solidarity with survivors of domestic violence.

4:51

And whereas Mariposa Center for Safety works to empower survivors of domestic violence, family abuse, sexual assault, and human traffic trafficking through increasing self sufficiency and self worth.

5:00

And whereas Mariposa Center for Safety works to empower survivors of domestic violence, family abuse, sexual assault, and human traffic trafficking through increasing self-sufficiency and self-worth, education, prevention, victim advocacy, and by offering emergency services, provisions, and shelter.

5:14

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 October 2025 as domestic violence awareness month in the city and county of Pueblo and join Mariposa Center for Safety and Community Partners in their efforts to illuminate the path to safety.

5:42

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seals of the city and county of Pueblo, Colorado to be affixed this 22nd day of September, 2025, signed by Mark Aloff, President of City Council, and Zach Swaringen, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners.

6:02

Congratulations.

6:04

Thank you.

6:04

What you talk about.

6:08

Thank you, everyone.

6:09

Thank you for having us.

6:10

Thank you for this wonderful proclamation to both the city and the county.

6:13

We appreciate your support.

6:14

We appreciate the continued support of our community and our funders and those of us those who can come to us when they need help.

6:21

So we want to invite you to join us on October 2nd at our administrative office on 801 North Santa Fe Avenue, where we will be sharing this proclamation with you.

6:31

We'll have some snacks and we will illuminate the path to safety by handing out purple light bulbs, and we encourage everyone in the city to Pueblo to light up purple so we can all recognize and be aware of domestic violence and hopefully end it someday.

6:44

So thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development███████████████████████████27%
Public Works██████████10%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis████4%
Youth Programs███3%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - September 22, 2025

The Pueblo City Council held its regular meeting on September 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Steve Cornella of Pueblo Christian Center and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Josiah Gratizar. All seven council members were present. The agenda included special recognitions, public forum, council commentary, consent agenda, several resolutions and ordinances, and quasi-judicial proceedings.

Special Recognitions

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2025): Dr. Nicole Ferguson of Mariposa Center for Safety accepted the proclamation and invited the community to a purple light bulb distribution event on October 2nd at their office.
  • Colorado Youth Awareness Week (September 21–27, 2025): Jesse Sena, Michael Botello, and Diego Rivera received the proclamation. Sena noted the event originated in Pueblo and is now a statewide initiative, and he is working to create National Youth Awareness Week.
  • Kevin the Fire Pup Day (October 1, 2025): Fire Chief Barb Huber and Captain Sean Kinnier accepted the proclamation for Kevin, a Bassett Hound who serves as a comfort dog at Fire Station 3. Councilor Martinez presented the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dave DeSenzo criticized political intolerance in the city and expressed concerns about transgender activism and the censure of a council member. He was interrupted by the President for violating anti-discrimination rules. He urged the city to support family formation through loans for young adults.
  • John Farley presented a vision for reusing industrial scrap and contaminated soil through vitrification and recycling, citing examples from other cities. He provided a handout and called for the city to work with Atlas Steel to remediate the mill site.
  • Frank Cerilla reported finding needles near the Christopher Columbus statue and asked the city to improve trash collection in that area. He also asked about former Councilman Vincenti's restitution for damage to the statue.
  • Brett Verna gave a positive report on the recent Balloon Fest, praising the community and the new Waterworks Park. He noted pilots from five states attended.
  • Elvis Martinez (Zoom) criticized a roofing company for receiving most city contracts and expressed support for giving other companies chances. He opposed a proposed 1% sales tax, stating it would harm the 19.2% of Puebloans living in poverty. He also called for a 15% budget cut across council operations, including food and travel expenses.
  • Devin Clock (Zoom) criticized the city council for lack of respect and representation, specifically calling out Councilor Regina Meistry for ignoring constituents. He urged voters to elect new leaders in the upcoming election.

Councilmember & Mayor Commentary

  • Mayor Graham announced the creation of the Pueblo Police Foundation, a nonprofit organized by business owners to support recruitment, retention, and community engagement for the police department.
  • Councilor Latino praised the Chili Fest and expressed condolences for the family of Charlie Kirk, a young man killed while working with youth.
  • Councilor Boston encouraged youth involvement, condemned political violence, and thanked the Balloon Fest for a hot air balloon ride that gave him a new perspective on the city.
  • Councilor Gomez thanked Josiah for leading the Pledge, recognized Vinny Petresek of the clerk's office for his professionalism, and praised public works for installing signs at a dangerous intersection.
  • Councilor Meistry advised candidates for council to learn the city charter and expressed anticipation for Columbus Day.
  • Councilor Flores highlighted Pueblo Diversified Industries' (PDI) work and praised the Chamber, Zoo, and Art Center as net economic contributors.
  • Councilor Martinez reflected on the honor of serving the community despite public criticism.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved unanimously without discussion (motion by Councilor Boston, second by Councilor Gomez):

  • M3: Amendment to engineering services agreement with Brown and Caldwell for $218,098.
  • M4: Construction contract with LG Contractors for $154,958.88 for concrete improvements at Pueblo Transit Center.
  • M5: Transfer of $100,000 for street safety materials.
  • M6: Professional services agreement with Compass Architecture for $58,000 for Memorial Hall entry design.
  • M7: Transfer of $34,356.10 and contract with LG Contractors for concrete improvements on Dillon Drive.
  • M8: Construction contract with Cedar Ridge Landscape for $33,880 for drone pads and fencing at fire stations.
  • M10: Transfer of $20,998.85 and contract with LG Contractors for concrete on East 5th Street.
  • M11: Revocable permit to Pueblo Performing Arts Guild for a fundraiser on September 27.
  • M12: Appointments to Airport Advisory Committee (Joshua Allison, Norm Gonzales, Janet Schraner, Mary Vieth).
  • M13: Release of drainage easements.
  • M14: Adoption of a new fee schedule for land use applications.
  • N2: Authorization for Mayor to execute 4th amendment to IGA with CDOT for Northern Avenue Trail Phase III, budgeting $513,841, and awarding construction to Morton Electric for $1,436,813.01.
  • N3: Transfer of $400,000 from Street Rehabilitation to Lake & Orman Roundabout Project.
  • N4 & N5: Special area plan for Townhomes at River's Run.
  • N6: Amendment to municipal code definitions for special area plans.
  • N7: Grant agreement with Colorado Department of Public Safety for $100,000.
  • N8: Engineering services agreement with Dibble & Associates for hangar construction.
  • N9: License agreement with Colorado State Fair Authority.

Discussion Items

  • M1 – Emergency storm sewer repair (24th & Elizabeth): Budget $237,721.20 plus change order $20,685.55 to Russ Grading. Staff explained the work was pre-bid through Resolution 15934; the firm was the lowest for that scope. Council approved 7-0.
  • M2 – Emergency asphalt/concrete improvements on Lehigh: Budget $258,685.75 to Russ Grading. The project coordinated with Pueblo Water Board's water main replacement. Emergency designation allowed completion before school started. Council voted 6-1 to approve.
  • M9 – Emergency storm sewer repair (Kingsroyal Blvd): Budget $21,400 plus change order $6,410.21. Caused by a utility line (Black Hills) bored through a pipe. Staff are exploring cost recovery. Council approved 7-0.
  • M15 – Pavement Design Criteria update: Staff requested approval of updated manual from 2004. Councilor Gomez moved to postpone to October 14 to allow full committee review. The motion passed 7-0.
  • Q1 – Transfer $1,100,000 for concrete improvements on Jones Avenue: Approved 7-0.
  • Q2 – Sponsor United Way kickoff for $750: Approved 7-0.
  • Q3 – Sponsor Latino Veterans Awards ($1,500): Approved 7-0. Councilor Flores corrected the record that the group had been funded under a different name previously.
  • R1 – Pueblo Crossings Filing 4 subdivision (resubdivision of shopping center into 3 lots): No public testimony. Approved 7-0.
  • R2 – Rezone 6201 & 6205 Sawyer Ridge from R2 to R2U: To create consistent setbacks. No testimony. Approved 7-0.
  • S1 – Mutual aid fire agreement with Huerfano County: No testimony. Approved 7-0.
  • S2 – Multimodal Transportation grant ($90,000) for a bus tracking app: Staff said the app will allow real-time tracking and route planning, expected public launch by November. Councilor Martinez expressed excitement. Approved 7-0.
  • S3 – Amendment to accessory building code for low-pitch roofs: Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Councilor Boston noted it addresses a common request. Approved 6-1.
  • S4 – Temporary overhire of a Purchasing Director for training ($39,000 max): Current Director Naomi Hedden is retiring January 2026. Councilor Meistry questioned why an interim in Public Works did not come to council. Mayor explained his authority to reassign. The vote was 4-3 to approve.
  • S5 – Collective bargaining agreement with Pueblo Association of Government Employees: 3.25% wage increase, three-year term (years 2-3 subject to council extension). Public testimony from union president Alice supported it. Approved 7-0.
  • S6 – Amendment to criteria ordinance for half-cent sales tax fund: Allows using up to 10% of the unencumbered fund balance (currently ~$70 million) for placemaking, economic leakage prevention, and economic catalyst projects, with annual cap review each March. Extensive debate: Councilor Flores supported as a pilot; Councilor Gomez, Meistry, and Latino opposed, arguing it waters down primary job focus and lacks a clear plan. Councilor Martinez and Boston supported as a test. The vote was taken (tally not recorded in transcript; based on subsequent agenda items, it appeared to pass). Approved.
  • S7 – FAA supplemental agreement for lease at airport: Approved 7-0.
  • S8 – Participation in opioid secondary manufacturer settlement: Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved all consent calendar resolutions and first-presentation ordinances (unanimous).
  • Approved emergency contracts M1 (7-0), M2 (6-1), M9 (7-0).
  • Postponed M15 (Pavement Design Criteria update) to October 14, 2025 (7-0).
  • Approved Q1, Q2, Q3 (fund transfers and sponsorships) each 7-0.
  • Approved R1 and R2 (zoning and subdivision) each 7-0.
  • Approved S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S8 each 7-0.
  • Approved S4 (temporary purchasing director overhire) 4-3.
  • Approved S6 (criteria ordinance amendment) by a majority vote (tally not recorded in transcript).

Meeting Transcript

Well, thank you all for coming. It's another beautiful evening in the city of Pueblo. I call to order the regular city council meeting. Today is Monday, September 22nd, 2025. First order of business will be a special invocation and pledge of allegiance. I'm going to ask Pastor Steve Cornello from the Pueblo Christian Center to come on up. And then Josiah Gratizar, you come on up. So Pastor Cornell is going to re lead us in the invocation. Then a young man who who uh is very interested in getting into politics is going to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. So I want you to welcome Josiah Gratisard. So I so please stand if you want to join us. Thank you for inviting prayer. Uh feel free to bow your heads if you'd like. Heavenly Father, we just uh come before you tonight and we thank you for this beautiful city of Pueblo that we live in. We thank you for all the freedoms that we have in our uh constitutional government. Father, we thank you for all of our city council and Mayor Graham, Lord, for all the work that they do here for this city. Lord, we ask that uh you would give them guidance, we ask that you would give them wisdom. Lord, we ask that for the welfare and the betterment of the people of Pueblo, and Lord, we just ask that you would uh bring your presence, Lord, throughout Pueblo, that people would feel your love and your grace and your mercy and your truth. Lord, we pray that the decisions that are made would be uh good for the people of Pueblo, and Lord, that you would just um be glorified in all the decisions. And so Father, we thank you for them, and we pray that you'd bless this meeting in in Jesus' name, amen. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. That was a powerful team there. Thank you, Josiah. Thank you, Pastor Cornello. Madam Clerk, roll call. Mark Gaelith? Here. Roger Gomez. Joe Latino. Here. Regina Maestri. Here. Sarah Martinez. Everybody's here and accounted for. We now move into special recognition. First on the uh recognitions is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Dr. Nicole Ferguson, CEO, President of Mariposa Center for Safety. Come on down. It is cold. So this is a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October of 2025. Whereas Mariposa Center for Safety, as well as community partners recognize October as domestic violence awareness month, and will use this time to illuminate the path to safety. And whereas, during DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to celebrate the survivors and the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, and to connect with others, working to create change and illuminate the path to safety for the Pueblo community. And whereas the community and city and county officials are encouraged to wear purple and or a purple ribbon and or use purple lighting to show solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. And whereas Mariposa Center for Safety works to empower survivors of domestic violence, family abuse, sexual assault, and human traffic trafficking through increasing self sufficiency and self worth. And whereas Mariposa Center for Safety works to empower survivors of domestic violence, family abuse, sexual assault, and human traffic trafficking through increasing self-sufficiency and self-worth, education, prevention, victim advocacy, and by offering emergency services, provisions, and shelter. 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 October 2025 as domestic violence awareness month in the city and county of Pueblo and join Mariposa Center for Safety and Community Partners in their efforts to illuminate the path to safety. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seals of the city and county of Pueblo, Colorado to be affixed this 22nd day of September, 2025, signed by Mark Aloff, President of City Council, and Zach Swaringen, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners. Congratulations.

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