OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Special Meeting – June 23, 2026: Proclamations, Infrastructure Requests, and Multiple Ordinances Approved

City Council — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:28:09

Transcript — Verbatim
0:36

Good evening and welcome to the city council meeting.

0:40

Thank you all for coming.

0:43

Today is Monday, June 22nd, 2026.

0:48

I now call to order this city council meeting.

0:52

This is a special meeting for us tonight.

0:55

This is the final meeting that we'll meet before the fourth of July.

1:01

So we thought we'd do something special tonight, and uh try and make it memorable for all of us, and hopefully for all of you out there.

1:12

First up, I'm gonna ask the Pueblo Fire Department honor guard to please come forward and present the colors.

2:00

I'd now like Brandi Halverson to lead us in the national anthem.

2:13

Oh can you see by the dawn to the light what so brightly we held at the twilight's last gleaming, whose bright stripes and bright stars through the spite, or the rampirants we watched were so gallantly streaming, and the rock is a redspur gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

3:35

Pastor Chavez.

3:45

Good evening.

3:46

Would you bow your head with me?

3:48

Father, today, Lord, we thank you for the powerful, meaningful words of that song that we just sang.

3:56

But oh God, you know that America needs help.

3:59

And Father, we know that only you can fix it, and only you can help us.

4:04

And today, O Lord, I come to you humbly, and I ask, O Jesus, that you would give guidance to America and to our beautiful city, Pueblo.

4:14

Lord, would you guide us?

4:16

Lord, we're reminded in Scripture in Psalm 33.

4:19

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.

4:23

And I pray today, Lord, on this meeting that God, you would draw us back to yourself.

4:28

God, we repent of sin, O Jesus, that is always stood in the way.

4:33

And we pray, O Lord, bring us back.

4:35

I pray, God, for unity, O Jesus.

4:38

Thank you for each and every leader that is represented here tonight.

4:43

God, may they walk unified.

4:45

And God, may you fill it even in our streets, O God.

4:48

In all leadership, God bring us back to unity.

4:52

And Father, finally, I ask, O Lord, for wisdom.

4:55

Oh God, wisdom.

4:56

Father, you told us in all that we get to get wisdom.

5:00

And if we could only have the wisdom of the Lord, God, I pray that you would help us to know your thoughts.

5:06

Help us to know, O God, the way that you would have us to go.

5:10

Jesus, I thank you that your plan is great, but God, you already know it.

5:15

You already know the plan, O God, on how to repair this city.

5:19

And I pray that you would draw us to you, O Jesus, and that God, you would give us the wisdom to move forward.

5:25

Father, anoint this meeting.

5:27

May it always bring glory to your name.

5:30

Bless anyone that speaks, O God.

5:32

I pray that you would keep foolishness, O God, out of this chamber.

5:35

And O God, that the wisdom of the Lord would reign mightily in the mighty name, the matchless name, that marvelous name, the name of Jesus.

5:45

Would everybody in the building say, Amen with me?

5:49

Amen.

6:17

Thank you, Pastor.

6:18

Hey, we can have a seat.

6:22

That was awesome.

6:24

So, 4th of July, our 250th anniversary, the 150th anniversary of statehood, uh big time.

6:33

We owe a special gratitude to our veterans, obviously.

6:37

And I just want to ask tonight how many veterans we have in the room.

6:42

If you're a veteran, please stand.

7:19

Come on down, you're right on in here.

7:33

Come on up.

7:39

Thank you.

7:48

All right.

7:50

This is a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, July 4th, 2026.

7:59

Whereas, in the year 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the right of the 13 colonies to self-governance and freedom from British rule, establishing the foundation of a nation dedicated to freedom, equality, and the inalienable rights of all Americans to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

8:27

And whereas July 4th, 2026 marks the semi-quincentennial anniversary of the United States of America and the 150th anniversary of our great state of Colorado, offering each of us a unique opportunity to honor our history, reflect on our journey toward a more perfect union, and look ahead together with unity and purpose.

8:54

And whereas the dedication and resilience of Puebloans has shaped the nation throughout our history.

9:02

Exemplified by the steel workers whose hard work contributed to the expansion of the American West, earning us the moniker of the steel city.

9:11

And later in 1993, when Congress formally recognized Pueblo for being the only city with four living Medal of Honor recipients, naming us the home of heroes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████19%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Budget Equity Analysis██████████10%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Economic Development█████████9%
Historic Preservation████████8%
Energy Management██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Public Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Special Meeting – June 23, 2026

Note: The transcript opens with the mayor stating the date as Monday, June 22, 2026, but the user instruction specifies the meeting took place on June 23, 2026. This summary uses the provided date of June 23, 2026, as instructed.

The meeting began with a presentation of colors by the Pueblo Fire Department honor guard, the national anthem, and an invocation by Pastor Chavez. Council then issued two proclamations: one for the 250th anniversary of the United States (July 4, 2026) and the 150th anniversary of Colorado, and another declaring July 12, 2026 as Eighth Street Baptist Church 150th Anniversary Day. The council then moved through public forum, council member commentary, consent agenda, and a series of resolutions and ordinances.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved resolutions M1 through M5, M7, and ordinances N1 through N22 as a block, with public hearings set for July 13, 2026. Votes were unanimous (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Heath Herbert (co-owner/manager, Pueblo Lake Pueblo Resort): Reported completion of land purchase and halfway through Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority process. Requested city assistance for approximately $2,000 feet of sewer extension and intersection improvements on Highway 78 and Lake Avenue, estimated at $17 million. Stated that at full build-out, the resort will employ about 200 people, cost $80–$100 million, and generate $770,000 in annual sales tax (including $105,000 to the economic development fund) plus $900,000 in lodging tax. Emphasized that revenue will come from outside the community and be subject to city sales tax. Urged the city not to commit all resources to another company.
  • Don Banner (Pueblo resident 54 years, PEDCO member): Urged the city to spend $40 million or more of half-cent sales tax money on infrastructure for the St. Charles Industrial Park (e.g., lift station, Lime Road) to attract future prospects. Criticized past decisions that drove away a Budweiser plant and Walmart distribution center. Cautioned against litigation between the city and PEDCO, stating it would discourage businesses.
  • Ken Dante: Spoke in favor of the energy performance contract (EPC) ordinance, noting that the city has been working on it for four years. Stated that without moving forward, the city would owe $125,000 to the energy consultant. Cited CSU Pueblo’s EPC saving $650,000 annually, including a solar field. Urged council to support the EPC.
  • Mark Itken (Pueblo County resident): Spoke in favor of the Front Range Passenger Rail District resolution, calling it a quality-of-life project that provides an alternative to driving, especially for trips to Colorado Springs and Denver.
  • Elonora Bartoli: Expressed support for the passenger rail project, saying it makes economic sense.
  • Alvis Martinez: Opposed the passenger rail tax measure, expressing skepticism about the presenter and noting that the service would not arrive until 2029 or later. Suggested exploring other transportation options.
  • Mark Guerrero (Chief Building Official, Southern Colorado Building Department): Spoke in favor of the energy code ordinances (S1, S2, S3), stating they are state-mandated and that adoption avoids a more restrictive carbon/electrification code. He noted the fees had not been updated since 2016.
  • Regina Meistry (former council member): Commended council for pushing back on the Ice Arena roof bid, resulting in a $325,143 cost savings on an insurance payout of $695,000. Criticized the procurement process for initially specifying a single manufacturer (Garland) and urged adherence to purchasing policies.
  • Wendy Rosso (owner, IAN's Pizzeria): Requested historic landmark designation for the restaurant, which opened in 1945 and is the first pizza place in Pueblo, still family-owned and operated. Highlighted use of local ingredients.
  • Carrie Gonzalez (President/CEO, MX V Rail, formerly TTCI): Supported the economic development agreement for 350 Keeler Parkway, noting that the company has invested over $60 million in facilities, maintained 200 jobs, and generated $2.4 million annually from training programs. The agreement would transfer the property to TTCI in exchange for maintaining 200 jobs at $92,000 average salary for 10 years, secured by a deed of trust.

Discussion Items

  • M6 – Building Permit Fee Schedule: Staff presented a resolution adopting the 2026 schedule, with fees unchanged for projects under $100,000, a doubling of plan review fees (from 10% to 20%), and increases for multi-million-dollar commercial projects to be competitive. Councilor Ruiz Gomez expressed concern about lack of prior work session. Councilor Hernandez questioned the impact on a $300,000 home (fees roughly the same). The vote was 6-1 (Gomez no).
  • M8 – Legal Services for PUC Proceeding: Approved compensation for Fairfield and Woods to represent the city in PUC proceeding 25V480E. Councilor Ruiz Gomez raised budget concerns; staff clarified funds would come from the airport budget, freeing up law department funds. Vote 5-2 (Gomez and Boston no).
  • M9 – Legal Services Agreement with SGR LLC: Approved compensation for general litigation consultation. Staff confirmed the law department would handle most work, with SGR providing consultation on specialty matters. Vote 7-0.
  • Q1 – Front Range Passenger Rail District Resolution: Staff reported that adoption by June 30 would qualify the city for a 10% increase in local return funding for 25 years. Council heard public testimony and extensive debate. Councilor Gomez questioned rail types; Councilor Hernandez asked about the tax (0.33% sales tax on district municipalities); Councilor Dante questioned exclusion of Walsenburg; Councilor Gomez expressed concern about Pueblo being last to receive service (2032 vs. north in 2029). Councilor Latino called the delay “bullshit” (ruled out of order) and argued that Pueblo, as the largest city south of Colorado Springs, should be earlier. Staff explained that the north gets service first due to existing RTD funding and infrastructure. The vote was 6-1 (Latino no).
  • Q2 – Contingency Funding for District 60 Summer Musical: Approved $2,000 sponsorship for the 66th annual summer musical at Memorial Hall. Vote 7-0.
  • Q3 – Contingency Funding for Pueblo Regional Youth Tennis Program: Approved $3,000 to close a funding gap. Debate ensued: Councilor Boston questioned why the county, which had said it would fund the program, was now asking the city. Mayor Graham clarified that the city cut part-time employees, not the program itself, and the county agreed to use city courts. The $3,000 brings total fundraising to $15,000 of the $18,500 gap. Vote 6-1 (Boston no).
  • Q4 – Contingency Funding for Dancing with the Pueblo Stars: Approved $1,500 to sponsor Pueblo Diversified Industries fundraiser. Funds will support kitchen updates. Vote 7-0.
  • R1 – Rezone 3210 West 31st Street (Pueblo Springs Phase 2): Rezoned 4.7 acres from A1 to R5 for 113 apartment units. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended 7-0. Vote 7-0.
  • R2 – Rezone 634 Goodnight Avenue: Rezoned from B2 to R2 to convert a church into a single-family residence. Vote 7-0.
  • R3 – Rezone 229 West 12th Street: Rezoned from R5 to B1 for a thrift store, cafe, and co-working offices in a historic Victorian building. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended 7-0. Vote 7-0.
  • S1 – Energy Code Amendment (Electric Ready and Solar Ready): Adopted the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code as required by state mandate. Vote 7-0.
  • S2 – Energy Code Amendment (2021 IECC): Adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. Vote 7-0.
  • S3 – Cleanup of Energy Code Amendments: Repealed obsolete local amendments to the 2021 IRC. Vote 7-0.
  • S5 – Trespass Ordinance: Amended the municipal code to classify trespass into a dwelling or vacant building as a class one municipal offense (previously class two), allowing for arrest and detention. The Pueblo County Detention Center agreed to accept arrestees. Public comment from Alvis Martinez raised concerns about also fining property owners of vacant buildings. Vote 7-0.
  • S6 – Federal Forfeiture Equipment: Established project FF2601 and transferred $136,000 from federal forfeiture funds to purchase a trailer, pickup truck, and temporary storage lockers for the police department’s investigations bureau. The federal forfeiture committee (including Councilor Gomez) concurred. Vote 7-0.
  • S7 – Ice Arena Roof Repair: Awarded a contract to LE Roofing for $369,857 from insurance proceeds, with $75,000 contingency. The project was rebid after council concerns about proprietary specifications. Debate resumed: Councilor Gomez called for a forensic audit of procurement; Councilor Hernandez questioned the 20% contingency (explained as typical for roofing). Staff confirmed multiple bidders and that the low bid was selected. Vote 5-2 (Gomez and Latino no).
  • S8 – IAN's Pizzeria Historic Landmark Designation: Designated 515 West Northern Avenue as a local historic landmark. The Historic Preservation Commission found it met two criteria. Vote 6-1 (Gomez no).
  • S9 – Airport Infrastructure Grants: Accepted two FAA grants totaling $404,003 for taxiway seal coat. Vote 6-1 (Gomez no).
  • S10 – Hangar Lease Agreement: Approved a one-year lease for hangar unit H at the airport to Jason Parker at $265/month. Vote 6-1 (Gomez no).
  • S11 – Lease Amendment for Wildfire Reload Base: Approved an amendment to the lease footprint for the state fire prevention and control at the airport. Vote 7-0.
  • S12 – Shelter Operations Funding: Awarded $210,000 from HOME-ARP funds to Safeside Foundation to sustain the Pueblo shelter through December 31, 2026. This was the final source of funding discussed at the March 16 work session. Vote 7-0.
  • S13 – Adoption of 2021 International Fire Code: Repealed the old code and adopted the 2021 IFC. Staff explained delays due to aligning with other codes. Vote 7-0.
  • S14 – Conveyance of Two Parcels from PDF to City: Accepted the return of 350 and 442 Keeler Parkway from the Pueblo Development Foundation as leases with TTCI expire June 30, 2026. Vote 7-0.
  • S15 – Short-Term Loan to Design for Recycle: Approved a $568,064.08 loan from the Plastic Pollution Reduction Fund to allow the company to purchase a bailing machine, reimbursed by a state grant. Loan bears 6% interest (waived if repaid on time, default 12%). Vote 6-1 (Gomez no).
  • S16 – Economic Development Agreement with TTCI (MX V Rail): Approved transfer of 350 Keeler Parkway to TTCI in exchange for maintaining 200 jobs at $92,000 average salary for 10 years, secured by a deed of trust. TTCI has invested $7 million in improvements, now valued at $10.75 million. Councilor Gomez opposed, citing concerns about the mayor’s office involvement in real estate. Vote 6-1 (Gomez no).

Key Outcomes

  • All consent agenda items passed 7-0.
  • M6 (building fees) passed 6-1.
  • M8 (PUC legal fees) passed 5-2.
  • M9 (SGR legal consultation) passed 7-0.
  • Q1 (Front Range Passenger Rail resolution) passed 6-1.
  • Q2 (summer musical $2,000) passed 7-0.
  • Q3 (tennis program $3,000) passed 6-1.
  • Q4 (Dancing with the Stars $1,500) passed 7-0.
  • R1, R2, R3 (rezonings) all passed 7-0.
  • S1, S2, S3 (energy codes) all passed 7-0.
  • S5 (trespass ordinance) passed 7-0.
  • S6 (federal forfeiture equipment) passed 7-0.
  • S7 (Ice Arena roof) passed 5-2.
  • S8 (IAN's Pizzeria landmark) passed 6-1.
  • S9 (airport grants) passed 6-1.
  • S10 (hangar lease) passed 6-1.
  • S11 (lease amendment) passed 7-0.
  • S12 (shelter funding) passed 7-0.
  • S13 (fire code) passed 7-0.
  • S14 (property conveyance) passed 7-0.
  • S15 (recycling loan) passed 6-1.
  • S16 (TTCI agreement) passed 6-1.
  • Council moved into executive session to discuss the Lockheed Martin lease under CRS 24-6-402(4)(e).

Next Steps: The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2026. Several ordinances are set for public hearing on that date.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the city council meeting. Thank you all for coming. Today is Monday, June 22nd, 2026. I now call to order this city council meeting. This is a special meeting for us tonight. This is the final meeting that we'll meet before the fourth of July. So we thought we'd do something special tonight, and uh try and make it memorable for all of us, and hopefully for all of you out there. First up, I'm gonna ask the Pueblo Fire Department honor guard to please come forward and present the colors. I'd now like Brandi Halverson to lead us in the national anthem. Oh can you see by the dawn to the light what so brightly we held at the twilight's last gleaming, whose bright stripes and bright stars through the spite, or the rampirants we watched were so gallantly streaming, and the rock is a redspur gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Pastor Chavez. Good evening. Would you bow your head with me? Father, today, Lord, we thank you for the powerful, meaningful words of that song that we just sang. But oh God, you know that America needs help. And Father, we know that only you can fix it, and only you can help us. And today, O Lord, I come to you humbly, and I ask, O Jesus, that you would give guidance to America and to our beautiful city, Pueblo. Lord, would you guide us? Lord, we're reminded in Scripture in Psalm 33. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. And I pray today, Lord, on this meeting that God, you would draw us back to yourself. God, we repent of sin, O Jesus, that is always stood in the way. And we pray, O Lord, bring us back. I pray, God, for unity, O Jesus. Thank you for each and every leader that is represented here tonight. God, may they walk unified. And God, may you fill it even in our streets, O God. In all leadership, God bring us back to unity. And Father, finally, I ask, O Lord, for wisdom. Oh God, wisdom. Father, you told us in all that we get to get wisdom. And if we could only have the wisdom of the Lord, God, I pray that you would help us to know your thoughts. Help us to know, O God, the way that you would have us to go. Jesus, I thank you that your plan is great, but God, you already know it. You already know the plan, O God, on how to repair this city. And I pray that you would draw us to you, O Jesus, and that God, you would give us the wisdom to move forward. Father, anoint this meeting. May it always bring glory to your name. Bless anyone that speaks, O God. I pray that you would keep foolishness, O God, out of this chamber. And O God, that the wisdom of the Lord would reign mightily in the mighty name, the matchless name, that marvelous name, the name of Jesus. Would everybody in the building say, Amen with me? Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Hey, we can have a seat. That was awesome. So, 4th of July, our 250th anniversary, the 150th anniversary of statehood, uh big time. We owe a special gratitude to our veterans, obviously. And I just want to ask tonight how many veterans we have in the room. If you're a veteran, please stand.

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