Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting – July 27, 2026

The Pueblo City Council met on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 12:30 PM (MT) for a regular meeting. The meeting opened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a proclamation declaring July 27, 2026, as Daughters of the American Revolution Day in Pueblo. The council heard public comments on multiple topics, debated several ordinances, and took final action on a range of resolutions and ordinances. Notable outcomes included approval of the Jackson Ranch Metropolitan District service plan, a resolution supporting the nomination of Plaza Verde Park to the National Register of Historic Places, and dismissal of an ethics complaint against Mayor Heather Graham.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (7-0), which included: minutes of the July 13, 2026, regular meeting; emergency construction contracts for storm sewer point repairs (four separate contracts with Rust Grading and Excavating LLC, totaling $232,777.57 for emergency repairs on Garfield Street, East Fifth Street, East 13th Street, and a sanitary sewer repair at 2203 East 13th Street); a roof replacement contract amendment with Colorado Front Range Roofing ($74,072.83); a revocable permit for American Legion Post 2 to close the 700 block of West 9th Street for a car and bike show on August 8, 2026; confirmation of board appointments to the Pueblo Zoology Society; and a resolution supporting a HUD PRO grant application (up to $10 million). First‑presentation ordinances were also included, setting public hearings for August 10, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Artiaga reported that his gun buyback program, which began in 1993, has collected 134 weapons. He thanked the city and county for past support and noted the program has terminated indefinitely.
• David Everett warned about the threat of Sharia law, arguing it is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution and could emerge in Pueblo. He provided handouts and urged council to take action.
• Angela Sharp opposed the use of Flock cameras, citing Fourth Amendment violations (Carpenter v. United States, 2018), privacy concerns, and contracts canceled in 95 cities. She also noted that cameras may not meet Colorado roadside safety guidelines.
• Terry Blake (business owner, disabled veteran) complained about illegal mini‑bikes on streets and in parks, asserting that police policy prevents pursuit. He invoked the “broken windows theory” and called for equal enforcement of traffic laws.
• Ian King (15 years in criminal justice) opposed Flock camera systems, arguing they constitute mass surveillance without proper regulation. He noted the memorandum of understanding with the city expired June 28, 2026, and that the contract grants Flock broad data rights. He urged non‑renewal and public oversight of surveillance infrastructure.
• Elvis Martinez raised several issues: a meeting on Flock cameras at the library on August 8; proposed ballot measures (campaign finance limits, resign‑to‑run rules, term limits); the cost of the mayoral runoff ($300,000, low turnout); and the unsolved murder of Brian Hund (15 days prior, his daughter’s 21st birthday).

Discussion Items

• Jackson Ranch Metropolitan District (J1 & J2): A public hearing was held on the consolidated service plan for seven metro districts covering ~900 acres south of Highway 78 and west of Little Burnt Mill Road. The proponent, Aaron Stutz, explained that metro districts are a financing mechanism for public improvements. No objections or petitions were filed. Council approved the resolution (7-0).
• Plaza Verde Park Historic Nomination (Q3): A resolution supporting the nomination of Plaza Verde Park to the National Register of Historic Places was presented by History Colorado staff. Carmen Arteaga, Steve Lucero, and others spoke in favor, highlighting the park’s creation by the “Madres de la Casa Verde” in 1968, its role in Chicano civil rights, and its murals. Council voted 7-0 to approve the resolution.
• Wastewater Treatment Design Contract (Q1): Council approved a $999,459 agreement with Brown and Caldwell Inc. to design a third primary clarifier and an aerated grit removal system at the wastewater plant. The design is necessary to provide redundancy and meet capacity requirements. Funds come from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund. Approved 7-0.
• Pope Block Building Transfer (Q2): A resolution to transfer $900,000 from the sales and use tax capital improvement fund to Project ED 0801 for upkeep of the Pope Block building was approved 6-1. Councilor Gomez expressed concerns about the use of half‑cent sales tax funds for a non‑job‑creating asset.
• Affordable Housing Loan Interest Forgiveness (R3): Ordinance authorizing forgiveness of ~$353,000 in accrued interest on a 2005 loan to Opportunity Builders (42 deed‑restricted units). Staff argued that forgiveness is needed to allow the developer to refinance and repay the $500,000 principal. Failure to approve could lead to default and loss of principal. Approved 5-2 after debate.
• Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant (R4): Ordinance accepting a $200,000 grant from DOLA for minor home repairs, with up to 20% for administration. Approved 6-1.
• Lockheed Martin Lease Extension (R5): Ordinance approving a lease extension for Lockheed Martin at the Pueblo Memorial Airport (hangar storage, ~$12,000/month). Approved 7-0.
• Legal Representation for PUC Proceeding (R6): Ordinance approving compensation for Fairfield and Woods PC ($585/hour) to represent the city in the Just Transition PUC case. Approved 6-1.
• Fire Code Amendment (R7): Ordinance to amend fire code sections was postponed to August 10, 2026, due to a technical error (missing repealer). Approved 7-0 to postpone.
• POST Training Grant (R9): Ordinance accepting $147,091 from Colorado POST for law enforcement training in the Central Mountain Training Region. Approved 7-0.
• Prairie and St. Clair Intersection Improvements (R10): Ordinance accepting a $621,000 CDOT grant (10% city match from street resurfacing funds) for safety improvements including pedestrian upgrades. Approved 5-2.
• Ethics Complaint Against Mayor (S1): A citizen ethics complaint alleging Mayor Heather Graham accepted a gift ($100.57) was reviewed. The city attorney stated the complaint failed to state a claim. Council voted to dismiss the complaint 6-1.
• Crisis Intervention Team Agreement (R8): Ordinance approving the CIT Master Services Agreement with Health Solutions was approved 6-0, with Councilor Ruiz Gomez recused due to a conflict of interest.

Key Outcomes

• Jackson Ranch Metropolitan District – Approved 7-0.
• Plaza Verde Park National Register Nomination – Approved 7-0.
• Wastewater Treatment Design Contract – Approved 7-0.
• Pope Block Building Transfer – Approved 6-1 (Councilor Gomez opposed).
• Affordable Housing Loan Interest Forgiveness (R3) – Approved 5-2 (Councilor Boston and Councilor Gomez dissenting).
• Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant – Approved 6-1.
• Lockheed Martin Lease Extension – Approved 7-0.
• Legal Representation for PUC – Approved 6-1.
• Fire Code Amendment – Postponed to August 10, 2026 (7-0).
• POST Training Grant – Approved 7-0.
• Prairie and St. Clair Improvements – Approved 5-2.
• Ethics Complaint Dismissal – Dismissed 6-1.
• CIT Agreement – Approved 6-0 (one recusal).
• Council Commentary: Councilor Gomez raised concerns about noise from modified vehicles, airport maintenance, and separation of powers. Councilor Hernandez noted budget discussions and constituent concerns. Councilor Ruiz Gomez confirmed ongoing conversations about Flock cameras and a work session with Chief Noller on August 17, 2026.