OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – December 23, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 23, 2025
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 23, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:51:33

Transcript — Verbatim
0:40

Thank you all for coming tonight.

0:41

It's another beautiful evening in Pueblo, Colorado.

0:45

Today is Monday, December 22nd, 2025, and I call to order the regular city council meeting.

0:53

First up on the agenda will be our invocation, Pastor Jim Urey of Pueblo Praise, will come up and lead us in prayer.

1:01

And if you choose to stand, we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance right after.

1:07

Pastor.

1:09

Thank you, Councilman.

1:12

It's my deep uh privilege to be able to be here as a native of Pueblo, Colorado.

1:18

Um, just to pray for our city leaders and our city.

1:23

Heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for this great privilege today.

1:28

Thank you for our council, our mayor, all of our city leaders, Heavenly Father, that you would just lead them and guide them, help them to make good decisions, God.

1:38

Lord, pray for the great people of Pueblo, God, that uh as we grow and thrive here, God, that we would just always feel a blessing in this great city in Jesus' name and everybody said.

1:51

Amen.

1:58

And for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice.

2:09

Thank you, Pastor.

2:10

Uh Mr.

2:13

Clerk, roll call, please.

2:14

Mark Aileff here.

2:16

Brett Boston.

2:16

Dennis Flores here.

2:18

Roger Gomez, Joe Latino, Regina Meistry, here.

2:21

Sarah Martinez.

2:23

Everybody's here and accountant for.

2:25

We now move to public forum.

2:26

First up, Brett Vernon.

2:31

He's in the hallway.

2:34

We'll move on, Sally Moore.

2:40

Come on down.

2:49

Hello, ma'am.

2:51

Hi.

2:51

Thank you for coming.

2:53

Thank you.

3:03

My name is Sally Moore, and I am here tonight on behalf of Air Without Ice, a member of the End Ice Whites Coalition, a grassroots organization fighting to make our country a better place.

3:17

Recently I heard a Pueblo City Council member respond to community concerns about the country's unconstitutional ice arrests and deportations as not a city issue.

3:30

That there was no place in these chambers for ice discussion because those are federal concerns, that the city council is for city business.

3:50

Consider a 2025 timeline.

4:56

Before that happens, please consider the following.

5:00

The Pueblo Airport is located less than 60 miles from four of the six proposed ice detention centers.

5:09

There is no airline or fixed space operator at the Colorado Springs Airport that is participating in any way with the ICE deportation machine.

5:22

However, Freeman Jet, the fixed base operator at Pueblo Airport, services ice transport activity throughout the country, and Key Lime is fast becoming a significant partner for ice air transports.

5:39

We are concerned that the Pueblo Memorial Memorial Airport has been positioned to run the majority of ICE transportation services in Colorado.

5:51

If Pueblo wants to avoid becoming a logistical hub for controversial transfers, it should not enter into this contract with Key Lime until there are strict, transparent and enforceable conditions in place to oppose the use of our airport by ice.

6:11

This is city business.

6:14

And now is the time for you as Pueblo City Government officials to look for peaceful, safe, legal, and creative ways to exercise your oversight of the Pueblo Memorial Airport according to established Colorado state laws.

6:34

Supporting ice or not supporting ice is a choice, however difficult.

6:40

Thank you.

6:41

Thank you.

6:43

Brad Verna.

6:48

Hello, sir.

6:50

Thank you for coming.

6:52

First and uh foremost, uh, I really want to just uh thank you guys on the past city council people for serving.

7:00

And this is your last meeting, I understand.

7:03

I want to really thank you for that through all the stuff you go through for all the years I've been coming these since the 80s.

7:09

Uh and uh that's the part I wanted to say here.

7:12

Merry Christmas and happy new year.

7:14

It's gonna be great.

7:14

I think the newcomers that are coming on are going to be great.

7:17

One thing did show up in uh something that I was working on because I've been working on something on Northern Avenue with the stakeholders over there, the businesses that have been there since the 40s in 1921 and Veges and Bill Veg and all them.

7:31

I was in the traveling, traveling up in Canada, and uh I was in a smaller community with the small storefronts and stuff.

7:40

Uh and uh as I was walking down the street looking at all of them, I passed by a building that was vacant, and uh come to my attention, the whole windows were covered up with the mural.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Historic Preservation█████████████████████████25%
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Public Works████████████12%
Immigration And Citizenship█████████9%
Public Safety███████7%
Public Engagement█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Homelessness███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – December 23, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Key actions included approval of a historic landmark designation for the City Park Bathhouse, approval of a settlement agreement dissolving the Pueblo Regional Building Department, and multiple resolutions and ordinances passed on the consent calendar. Public testimony focused on concerns about ICE activity at Pueblo Memorial Airport, downtown revitalization, and homeless busing.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved Planning & Zoning Commission minutes (Nov 12, 2025).
  • Approved Resolution M1: construction contract ($269,373.60) for concrete improvements on Jones Avenue.
  • Approved Resolution M2: transfer of $197,582 for Hangar Door Replacement.
  • Approved Resolution M3: $70,000 contingency for Riverwalk Building remodel.
  • Approved Resolution M4: emergency storm sewer repair ($80,110.35 combined) on Pueblo Boulevard and Aster Street.
  • Approved Resolution M5: Amendment No. 4 to architectural services agreement with Demmon Design Services.
  • Approved Resolutions M6-M7: canvass and abstract of votes for Nov 4 and May 6 municipal elections.
  • Approved Resolution M8: opting out of HB 24-1363 (graywater promotion).
  • Approved Resolution M9: expedited review process for affordable housing projects.
  • Approved Resolution M10: Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority vendor fee budget for Convention Center and Memorial Hall (2026).
  • Approved Resolution M11: Sangre de Cristo Arts Center board reduction and reappointment of Justin Bowen.
  • Approved Resolutions M12-M15: appointments to Historic Preservation Commission, ADA Advisory Committee, Human Relations Commission, and Streetscape Advisory Committee.
  • Approved Resolution M16: revocable permit for YMCA Hot Chocolate 5K run.
  • Approved Resolution M17: correcting funding error for Convergys Site Redevelopment.
  • Passed Ordinances N2–N18 (first presentation) setting public hearings for January 12, 2026, on subjects including MOU for bus stop art, street repair fee suspension, zoning change at 300 W. Abriendo Ave., land purchase at 316-322 W. Northern Ave., and multiple capital project transfers.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Sally Moore (Air Without Ice/End ICE Flights Coalition) expressed strong opposition to any contract between the city and Key Lime Air for ICE deportation flights, stating Freeman Jet at Pueblo Airport services ICE transport and urging council to enforce conditions to block ICE use.
  • Brad Verna (community advocate) supported a banner/mural project to cover plywood on Northern Avenue to improve aesthetics and honor Pueblo’s history; expressed concern about the proposed purchase of 316-322 W. Northern Ave. (Ordinance N18) without stakeholder input, warning that demolishing small shops would be difficult to replace due to zoning.
  • Barbara Ripper (former social ministry coordinator) condemned ICE arrests and shackling of detainees, asked how police would respond if ICE comes to Pueblo, and urged council to consider the impact of cooperating with ICE.
  • Elvis Martinez (via Zoom) delivered a sarcastic “thank you” criticizing the council for alleged illegal executive sessions, a past illegal ordinance costing $29,644, banning signs in chambers, dismissing ethics complaints, and the PBR building purchase; expressed hope the new council would improve transparency.

Discussion Items

  • Council Member Commentary: Mayor Graham thanked outgoing councilors (Sarah Martinez, Dennis Flores, Regina Meister), noted the city will award a cleanup contract for 1310 Route (estimated $161,000, cleanup by Feb 2, 2026), and offered to meet with Brad Verna about Northern Avenue property investment. Councilor Latino read a letter from a retired Marine doctor describing a bus of homeless people from Denver arriving in Pueblo, urged addressing homelessness and crime, and cited a Catholic Charities program that placed 20 homeless in jobs. Councilor Boston supported Verna’s mural idea, thanked outgoing members, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Councilor Gomez promoted gated communities as a crime-reduction strategy, citing a research abstract from Orange County, CA. Councilor Martinez gave a farewell speech highlighting the importance of showing up and listening. Councilor Flores warned against destroying the city's relationship with PEDCO, raised concerns about the mayor attempting to control Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority (PURA), and urged scrutiny of a proposed contract with Key Lime Air (Denver Air) for commuter service, expressing fear it could expand ICE operations at Pueblo Memorial Airport; he noted Denver City Council voted 11–2 against such a contract. Councilor Meister thanked citizens, emphasized the need for public representation, and praised first responders.
  • Agenda Amendment: Mayor requested postponement of Ordinance S3 (City Park Bathhouse historic landmark) to March 23, 2026, citing a pending GOCO grant that might conflict with the designation. Motion to amend the agenda failed 6–1 (only Sarah Martinez voted yes). The agenda was then approved as distributed 6–1 (Brett Boston voted no).
  • Regular Agenda Q1 (Manhole Rehabilitation): Staff reported a $557,222 contract to Miller Pipeline for 47 manhole repairs. Public comment from Elvis Martinez supported passage. Approved 7–0.
  • Regular Agenda Q2 (Steel City Theater Sponsorship): $2,000 from council contingencies for performing arts academy. Approved 7–0.
  • Quasi-Judicial R1 (Easement Vacation): Vacated a 91,364 sq ft drainage easement at 4080 W. Northern Ave. (originally created 1985, now covered by Walmart). Approved 7–0.
  • Final Ordinances S1 (Transportation Planning): Established FY 2026-2027 project with $759,163.14 budget. Approved 7–0.
  • Final Ordinance S2 (PACOG Delegation): Renewed transportation planning agreement with Pueblo Area Council of Governments. Approved 7–0.
  • Final Ordinance S3 (Bathhouse Historic Landmark): Public hearing drew five speakers in favor (George Concilia, Brad Verna, a resident, Laurel Campbell, Elvis Martinez). Speakers argued the designation would not prevent renovation, would open historic grant opportunities (e.g., $250,000 from State Historic Fund), and called the delay attempt “malarkey.” Mayor reiterated concerns about GOCO grant conflict. The council approved the designation 6–1 (Brett Boston dissenting).
  • Final Ordinance S4 (Regional Building Department Settlement): Approved a settlement agreement dissolving the Pueblo Regional Building Department effective Dec 31, 2025, with the city paying $2.4 million to Pueblo County from department reserves; the Southern Colorado Building Department will handle city permits. Approved 7–0.

Key Outcomes

  • Bathhouse Historic Landmark Designated: Ordinance S3 passed 6–1, designating the City Park Bathhouse (330 S. City Park Ave.) as a local historic landmark, overriding the mayor’s request to postpone.
  • Regional Building Department Dissolution Approved: Ordinance S4 passed 7–0, authorizing the settlement agreement with Pueblo County for a clean transition by year-end.
  • Consent Agenda Approved: All 30+ items on the consent calendar passed unanimously, including appointments, funding transfers, and first-reading ordinances.
  • Quasi-Judicial Easement Vacated: Approved unanimously.
  • Manhole Rehabilitation and Theater Sponsorship Approved: Both regular agenda items passed 7–0.
  • Transportation Planning and PACOG Agreements Renewed: Approved unanimously.
  • Public Comments on ICE and Homelessness Noted: Council received testimony but no formal action was taken; Councilor Flores requested future scrutiny of the Key Lime Air contract.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you all for coming tonight. It's another beautiful evening in Pueblo, Colorado. Today is Monday, December 22nd, 2025, and I call to order the regular city council meeting. First up on the agenda will be our invocation, Pastor Jim Urey of Pueblo Praise, will come up and lead us in prayer. And if you choose to stand, we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance right after. Pastor. Thank you, Councilman. It's my deep uh privilege to be able to be here as a native of Pueblo, Colorado. Um, just to pray for our city leaders and our city. Heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for this great privilege today. Thank you for our council, our mayor, all of our city leaders, Heavenly Father, that you would just lead them and guide them, help them to make good decisions, God. Lord, pray for the great people of Pueblo, God, that uh as we grow and thrive here, God, that we would just always feel a blessing in this great city in Jesus' name and everybody said. Amen. And for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice. Thank you, Pastor. Uh Mr. Clerk, roll call, please. Mark Aileff here. Brett Boston. Dennis Flores here. Roger Gomez, Joe Latino, Regina Meistry, here. Sarah Martinez. Everybody's here and accountant for. We now move to public forum. First up, Brett Vernon. He's in the hallway. We'll move on, Sally Moore. Come on down. Hello, ma'am. Hi. Thank you for coming. Thank you. My name is Sally Moore, and I am here tonight on behalf of Air Without Ice, a member of the End Ice Whites Coalition, a grassroots organization fighting to make our country a better place. Recently I heard a Pueblo City Council member respond to community concerns about the country's unconstitutional ice arrests and deportations as not a city issue. That there was no place in these chambers for ice discussion because those are federal concerns, that the city council is for city business. Consider a 2025 timeline. Before that happens, please consider the following. The Pueblo Airport is located less than 60 miles from four of the six proposed ice detention centers. There is no airline or fixed space operator at the Colorado Springs Airport that is participating in any way with the ICE deportation machine. However, Freeman Jet, the fixed base operator at Pueblo Airport, services ice transport activity throughout the country, and Key Lime is fast becoming a significant partner for ice air transports. We are concerned that the Pueblo Memorial Memorial Airport has been positioned to run the majority of ICE transportation services in Colorado. If Pueblo wants to avoid becoming a logistical hub for controversial transfers, it should not enter into this contract with Key Lime until there are strict, transparent and enforceable conditions in place to oppose the use of our airport by ice. This is city business. And now is the time for you as Pueblo City Government officials to look for peaceful, safe, legal, and creative ways to exercise your oversight of the Pueblo Memorial Airport according to established Colorado state laws. Supporting ice or not supporting ice is a choice, however difficult. Thank you. Thank you. Brad Verna. Hello, sir. Thank you for coming.

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