Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – June 9, 2026

The Pueblo City Council held a regular meeting on June 9, 2026 (as designated; the agenda and transcript refer to June 8, 2026). The meeting included proclamations, public testimony on various issues, council commentary, and actions on numerous resolutions and ordinances covering economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and community support.

Consent Calendar

• Approved all items on the consent agenda, including resolutions M1–M8 (e.g., construction contracts, reappointments) and first‑reading ordinances N1–N20 (except N4 and N18), setting public hearings for June 22, 2026, and ordering publication by title.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephen Duran (business owner) reported significant negative impacts from the Northern Avenue bike path construction, including a broken sewer clean‑out leading to mainline sewer damage. He requested accountability, better contractor oversight, and that the contractor repair the damage to his plumbing.
• Valerie Martinez spoke about abandoned properties on the East Side, specifically 702 E. 8th St. and a burned‑out church at 625 E. 7th St. that leaks asbestos. She asked for an opportunity to present cleanup and redevelopment plans at the next work session.
• Alex (Drift Fly Shop owner, Trout Unlimited board member) urged the council to work with partners (Pueblo Board of Water Works, Colorado Springs Utilities, etc.) to improve the low‑flow program for the Arkansas River, citing a historic drought and critical low flows that threaten the trout fishery and tourism. He requested formation of a committee to address the issue.
• Elvis Martinez criticized the mayor over an alleged $500 donation to a public affairs director, called for censure of the mayor, and requested transparency regarding the "Advanced Pueblo" initiative (citing $800 for a retractable banner). He also mentioned a CORA request and redacted documents.
• Gail Connors expressed support for the Leonardo da Vinci Museum but questioned the process, asking what studies, analyses, and evaluation criteria were used to justify public investment, and whether that framework could benefit other cultural organizations.
• Brad Verna explained the purpose of MOUs and NDAs, defended the confidentiality needed for economic development negotiations, criticized the mayor’s public statements, and urged completion of Lime Road improvements and the sewer lift station regardless of Project Falcon’s status.

Council Member and Mayor Commentary

• Mayor Graham made brief remarks.
• Councilor Latino congratulated the Da Vinci Museum and highlighted Pueblo’s four Congressional Medal of Honor winners, urging teamwork.
• Councilor Gomez presented a series of requests: a forensic audit of the half‑cent sales tax fund, a third‑party outside audit, retaining an independent attorney for council, dissolution of the mayor’s Advanced Pueblo initiative, noting the city’s projected $10–12 million general fund deficit, and criticized the mayor’s purchases of the PBR and Dittman buildings.
• Councilor Aliff (also Council President) responded to some of Gomez’s points: stated a third‑party audit is ongoing, clarified that the mayor did not purchase the buildings (City Council did), and noted that emails cannot be deleted and are subject to open records.
• Councilor Hernandez urged healing in the community, acknowledged mistakes on all sides, and committed to pursuing improvements to Lime Road and infrastructure at St. Charles Industrial Park regardless of Project Falcon.
• Councilor Aliff (further) stressed that Project Falcon is not dead but "asked for a timeout," and encouraged embracing diverse opinions and continued pursuit of the project.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Amendment – Successfully amended to: move N4 (Da Vinci Museum) to the regular agenda; table N18 (Project Falcon MOU) indefinitely; move R12 (Fallen Officer Memorial) to the top of the R section. Approved 7‑0.
• N4 – Leonardo da Vinci Museum Economic Development Agreement – Staff reported a total of $1,817,044 ($885,000 for placemaking, $932,044 for employment). The museum is the only permanent Leonardo da Vinci exhibit in North America, with a 10‑year exclusivity agreement. The ordinance required a variance under the city’s economic development criteria. Councilor Gomez opposed, citing low average wages ($37,000) and questioning the use of half‑cent sales tax funds. Motion to approve passed 6‑1 (Gomez opposed). The item was then included in the consent agenda for first reading with a public hearing set for June 22, 2026.
• R12 – Fallen Officer Memorial – Mayor Graham and Police Chief Davenport (via letter) supported $215,000 from ARPA interest and police department salary savings. The foundation had raised ~$120,000. Several speakers (Pat Heiney, sheriff, others) supported the memorial. Approved 7‑0.
• Q2–Q5 – Council Contingency Fund Sponsorships – $1,700 for Mariposa Center for Safety (passed 6‑1), $1,500 for NALC Golf Tournament (7‑0), $2,500 for Pueblo Symphony Fourth of July concert (7‑0), $1,800 for Pueblo Zoo Zoofari (7‑0).
• R1–R2 – CDOT Grant Amendments – Approved 7‑0 to close out projects and return unused funds.
• R3 – Noise Ordinance Amendment – Clarified that the noise code does not apply to cultural/patriotic events by government or nonprofits, consistent with state law. Passed 7‑0.
• R4 – 2026 Action Plan for CDBG/HOME – Approved 7‑0 with staff clarifying funding restrictions and public service caps.
• R5–R6 – Housing Redevelopment Program Coordinator – Added a grant‑funded temporary position (no general fund impact). Councilor Dante questioned financial sustainability; staff assured the position would end when grant money is exhausted. Approved 7‑0.
• R7 – T‑Hangar Lease – Approved 7‑0.
• R8 – Wastewater Connection Fee Waiver for Pueblo Springs Apartments Phase II – Waived up to $236,170 for 113 new units. Developer Emory Chuckley reported Phase I is 70% leased and Phase II will create $7.2M in local contracts. Councilor Ruiz Gomez raised affordability concerns (one‑bedroom rents ~$1,550). Approved 7‑0.
• R9 – LPC Grant Amendment – Accepted $50,000 incentive for 90‑day fast‑track affordable housing review. Approved 7‑0.
• R10–R11 – ATF MOUs – Approved 7‑0 to receive and operate a NIBIN ballistic imaging unit and to allow ATF correlation analysis within 24–48 hours.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (all votes 7‑0 unless noted): Consent agenda (including M1–M8, N1–N20 except N4 and N18); N4 (Da Vinci Museum) 6‑1 with public hearing set for June 22; Q1 (manhole rehab); Q2 6‑1; Q3, Q4, Q5; R12 (Fallen Officer Memorial); R1–R11.
• Tabled indefinitely: N18 (Project Falcon MOU) at the company’s request.
• Directed staff: Councilor Aliff to follow up with public speakers; Councilor Hernandez to pursue Lime Road and infrastructure improvements; Councilor Boston to provide additional information on Da Vinci Museum employment details before the second reading.
• Future meetings: Work session scheduled for N4 second reading on June 22, 2026; presentations requested on East Side properties and Arkansas River low‑flow planning.