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Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - September 14, 2026

City Council — Monday, September 14, 2026
BodyPueblo, Colorado
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, September 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:10:00

Transcript — VerbatimClick a line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:04

Recording in progress, well, good evening, everyone.

0:35

Thank you for coming.

0:36

Uh, it's another beautiful day in Pueblo, Colorado.

0:41

Today is Monday, September 14th, 2026, and I now call to order the regular city council meeting.

0:49

First up on our agenda is the invocation.

0:52

I invite up uh Jason Eberhard of the Life Church to lead us in the invocation.

0:58

If you choose, please stand with us.

1:00

And immediately following, we will do the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:04

Thank you.

1:07

Thank you.

1:08

It's an honor to open up in prayer today.

1:10

Would you join me?

1:13

Father, we thank you for this city and for the people who call it home.

1:18

We thank you for the privilege of living in a community where we can gather together, where our voices can be heard, and where men and women can step forward and serve our neighbors.

1:30

Tonight I pray for every member of the city council and for those who are entrusted in leadership.

1:38

Give them wisdom in their decisions, courage to do what's right, humility to listen, compassion for the people and the families affected by their decisions and their work.

1:48

I pray for our city, for our families, our children, our schools, and our businesses.

1:55

Help us be a city that values what's good, seeks what's just, and cares for those hurting and treat each other with dignity, especially when we disagree.

2:05

Father, give these leaders wisdom beyond themselves and guide this conversation tonight in the decisions made.

2:11

Help each of us do our part to make this city a better place for generations to come.

2:18

In Jesus' name we pray.

2:19

Amen.

2:22

I plead please of the United States of America and to the Republic for which one nation, under God, an indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:37

Thank you, Pastor.

2:40

Mr.

2:41

Clerk, roll call.

2:42

Mark Ailiff.

2:43

Here.

2:43

Brett Boston.

2:44

Here.

2:45

Roger Gomez.

2:46

Joe Latino.

2:47

Here.

2:48

Ted Hernandez.

2:49

Here.

2:49

Diane Dante.

2:50

Here.

2:51

Selena Ruiz Gomez.

2:52

Here.

2:53

And everyone is here and accounted for.

2:56

Hallelujah.

2:57

We now move to special recognition.

2:59

We have a proclamation presentation for Quick Queek.

3:04

What is it?

3:05

Creek Week.

3:06

Creek Week, September 26th through October 4th, 2026.

3:11

Susan Finzell, the Pueblo Outreach Cool Coordinator, are you here?

3:20

Is anybody here from the watershed district?

3:27

Me and uh Diane.

3:29

So, Diane, you want to go out in front and read the proclamation?

3:51

Proclamation.

3:52

Creek Week, September 26th to October 4th, 2026.

3:56

Whereas the city and county of Pueblo is fortunate to have extensive and diverse natural resources such as forests, grasslands, riparian areas, lakes, creeks, and a variety of open spaces, and whereas the watershed draining to Fountain Creek includes wetlands, natural habitat, existing trails, and recreational facilities, and is a unique and valuable resource and asset to the residents and visitors to Pueblo and Southern Colorado.

4:25

And whereas the Fountain Creek Watershed District partners with the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, and the neighboring communities of Fountain Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Metadu Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, and Green Mountain Falls, along with numerous organizations and businesses to coordinate the 13th annual Creek Week Cleanup and whereas we know that activities and stewardship projects such as Creek Week will reduce pollution in our waterways, pre-service wildlife habitat, provide for a safer drinking water supply, offer cleaner water for agriculture use, and maintain property values, and whereas we support Creek Week and the related activities, encourage businesses, churches, schools, nonprofits, outdoor clubs, neighborhood associations, youth groups, service clubs, and families to volunteer to form a creek crew and clean up designated sites along Fountain Creek to protect the watershed in our communities during this nine-day cleanup.

5:00

Pueblo, Pueblo County, and the neighboring communities of fountain Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Metadu Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, and Green Mountain Falls, along with numerous organizations and businesses to coordinate the 13th annual Creek Week Cleanup and whereas we know that activities and stewardship projects such as Creek Week will reduce pollution in our waterways, preserve wildlife habitat, provide for a safer drinking water supply, offer cleaner water for agriculture use, and maintain property values, and whereas we support Creek Week and the related activities, encourage businesses, churches, schools, nonprofits, outdoor clubs, neighborhoods, associations, youth groups, service clubs, and families to volunteer to form a creek crew and clean up designated sites along Fountain Creek to protect the watershed in our communities during this nine-day cleanup.

5:31

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 September 26th to October 4th, 2026 as Creek Week in the City and County of Pueblo, and encourage the protection, preservation, restoration, and maintenance of Fountain Creek watershed.

5:55

In witness there in witness whereof we have here to set our hands and cause the seals of the city and the county of Pueblo, Colorado, to be affixed this 14th day of September 2026.

6:11

Mark A.

6:12

Lip, President City Council, Sachs Sowaringer, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners.

6:20

Thank you, so you're welcome.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Aviation Education████████████████████20%
Public Works████████████12%
Public Safety██████████10%
Nonprofit Funding████████8%
Personnel Matters████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Environmental Protection████4%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Regular Meeting - September 14, 2026

[Introductory paragraph summarizing the overall meeting.] The Pueblo City Council held a regular meeting on September 14, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM. The meeting included special recognitions, public forum, council commentary, a consent agenda, and several major agenda items including resolutions and ordinances. Key topics included the establishment of an Airport Policy Advisory Committee, a moratorium on retail marijuana store licenses, an economic development agreement for the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, a collective bargaining agreement with firefighters, and various council contingency fund requests. A total of seven council members were present. The meeting was marked by passionate public testimony, debates over airport committee appointments, and concerns about transparency and community issues.

Special Recognitions

  • A proclamation was presented declaring September 26 to October 4, 2026 as "Creek Week" in the City and County of Pueblo. The Fountain Creek Watershed District coordinates the 13th annual Creek Week Cleanup, the largest waterway cleanup in Colorado based on area covered, volunteers (over 1,000), and tons of debris removed. The kickoff event is at Runyon Lake on Saturday, September 26 at 9:00 AM.

Public Forum

  • Donovan Rincon: Claimed communication via satellite with government entities, alleged the existence of mind-reading technology and clone systems, and urged the council to create legislation regarding these technologies. The content appeared to be a statement of personal beliefs.
  • Ross Long: Expressed concern about Flock (ALPR) cameras, citing Fourth Amendment issues and a personal experience where the cameras allegedly failed to help identify a mail thief. Suggested that police patrols are preferable to automated surveillance.
  • Elvis Martinez: Expressed strong support for Project Falcon and criticized certain council members' conduct in the previous meeting. Questioned a donation by Joe Origo to Councilor Brett Boston's campaign, implying it might be tied to votes. Also raised concerns about a leaked email regarding the Da Vinci Museum and the PBR building purchase. Criticized the police chief and mayor over homelessness, a cold-case murder, and his treatment with a mask in chambers. Indicated he would speak to a lawyer about an alleged assault.
  • Luke Woody: Strongly criticized Mayor Graham for alleged retaliation against him and other citizens, including sending code enforcement after him. Blamed the mayor for the community's decline and insufficient action on homelessness, claiming homeless individuals are being transported to Pueblo from other communities. Urged the council to focus on public safety.
  • Sally (co-founder of Air Without Ice): Spoke against item N2, the lease agreement with Key Lime Air (Denver Air Connection). Presented photos showing Key Lime aircraft transporting shackled detainees for ICE, citing contracts with CSI Aviation. Requested changes to the ordinance and lease contract to avoid use of detention facilities (hold rooms) at the Pueblo Airport and suggested modifications would be emailed to council.

Council Member and Mayor Commentary

  • Councilor Latino: Introduced an ordinance to delegate limited airport lease authority to the Director of Aviation, consolidate airport advisory bodies, and open airport records to the public. Argued that the current system causes vacancies and delays. Also criticized the state of the airport and the failure of law enforcement to respond to vandalism at local churches. Called for the resignation of the police chief, leading to a rebuke from the president.
  • Councilor Hernandez: Expressed disappointment that only 30 people attended Military Appreciation Day at the Colorado State Fair, given the 880,000 total attendance. Called for better community support for veterans. Also expressed concern about vacant buildings that attract homeless populations and potential fires.
  • Councilor Ruiz Gomez: Announced the 988 suicide prevention hotline. Noted continued community discussion on ALPR cameras, with a police meeting scheduled for September 24 at East High School. Requested that the Denver Air Connection contract (N2) be referred for a work session before a final vote. Welcomed the new Pueblo Police Department Class 78.
  • Councilor Gomez: Expressed frustration over the release of a demolition list showing 153 of 300 homes needing demolition in his and Councilor Latino's districts (East Side and Bessemer). Accused the mayor's office and others of withholding information and lying to council, especially regarding the Da Vinci Museum and PEDCO representation.
  • Councilor Boston: Defended his integrity against allegations from public comment about campaign donations, stating that donations reflect belief in candidates' vision, not vote-buying. Acknowledged ongoing work to address airport and community issues.
  • President Aliff (Councilor Dante): Urged the community to come together and focus on solutions rather than conflict. Highlighted efforts by the current administration to address homelessness. Asked for donations to the SafeSide Foundation to support the Donna A. Pet shelter.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved 6-1. It included:

  • Approval of minutes from August 24, 2026.
  • Various routine resolutions and ordinances, including:
    • L1: Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes from 7/8/2026.
    • M1: Resolution appointing City Clerk as election official.
    • M2: Contract for scum flushing loop at Water Reclamation Facility ($43,569+).
    • M3: Revocable Permit for Pueblo Community College's Farm to Table Dinner.
    • M4-M5: Appointments to ADA Advisory Committee and Building Board of Appeals.
    • M6: Revocable Permit for HARP Authority's "Puebloco" event.
    • N1-N16: Ordinances on first presentation (set for public hearing September 28, 2026), including a 24-month moratorium on retail marijuana licenses, an airline operating agreement, Jackson Ranch zoning, traffic code corrections, a DEA task force agreement, and automated speed enforcement camera system authorizations.

Discussion Items

  • Item N17 (Moved to regular agenda): Ordinance establishing project for insurance proceeds related to fire damage at Pueblo Mountain Park - Aspen Acres. The city expects up to $10 million from SURS (self-insurance pool) but currently only $50,000 for landscaping has been received. The cap of $10 million is to avoid returning to council for each payment. Debate centered on how funds are tracked and whether leftover proceeds can be used elsewhere. Passed 7-0.
  • Items Q1-Q10: Council contingency fund requests and appointments:
    • Q1: Request from Assistance League of Pueblo ($2,500) for Holiday Fashion Preview. Amended to $1,500. Passed 6-1.
    • Q2: Request from HardKnox Gang Prevention ($5,000) for operating expenses. An attempt to amend to $2,500 failed (6-1); the original $5,000 passed 7-0.
    • Q3: Request from Becky Baker Foundation ($2,000) for Giving Hearts event. Amended to $3,000. Passed 7-0.
    • Q4: Request from Pueblo Community Health Center Foundation ($1,500) for Fiesta Fundraiser. Passed 7-0.
    • Q5: Appointment of Thomas Slavonik to Airport Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) - 2 year term. Passed 7-0.
    • Q6: Appointment of Bill Evans to APAC - 2 year term. Debate over potential conflict of interest (spouse works for city) and lack of active airport presence. Passed 5-2.
    • Q7: Appointment of Vance Crocker to APAC - 4 year term. Passed 7-0.
    • Q8: Appointment of Reese Hayes (Freeman Jet Center attorney) to APAC - 4 year term. Strong opposition from public, citing conflict of interest and lack of local representation. Failed 6-1.
    • Q9: Transfer of $1M from annual large main rehab to emergency point repairs (wastewater). Passed 7-0.
    • Q10: Contract for switchgear replacement at Water Reclamation Facility ($928,420). Passed 7-0.
  • Item R1-R12: Final reading ordinances:
    • R1: CATPA (Auto Theft Prevention) grant ($125,000). Passed 7-0.
    • R2: Economic Development Agreement for Leonardo da Vinci Museum ($885,000). Failed 5-2.
    • R3: CREATE grant for paramedic education ($22,500). Passed 7-0.
    • R4: Contribution agreement with Martinez Property Holdings ($250,000) for traffic signal improvements (near Starbucks/Chipotle). Passed 6-1.
    • R5: Agreement transferring airport track to Pueblo Municipal Rail Corporation. Passed 7-0.
    • R6: Collective bargaining agreement with Fire Fighters Local No. 3 (1-year, 0% wage increase, total cost $361,000). Passed 7-0.
    • R7: Lease with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation (no rent, waived back charges of $25,878). Passed 7-0.
    • R8: T-Hangar Lease with Anwaar Saeed Allen ($265/month). Passed 7-0.
    • R9: T-Hangar Lease with Nathan C. Hawkins ($265/month). Passed 7-0.
    • R10: FAA grant for vehicle transponders (VMAT units) ($75,881 grant + match). Passed 7-0.
    • R11: Staffing ordinance amendment in wastewater department (abolish one, add two positions, net cost increase of ~$34,000). Passed 7-0.
    • R12: Project for replacing AFFF (PFAS foam) at airport with non-PFAS foam. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Appointments to Airport Policy Advisory Committee (APAC): Thomas Slavonik, Bill Evans, and Vance Crocker were confirmed; Reese Hayes was rejected (6-1). The mayor indicated openness to expanding the committee due to community concerns.
  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum Economic Development Agreement: The $885,000 appropriation was rejected (5-2).
  • Council Contingency Fund Allocations: $1,500 to Assistance League, $5,000 to HardKnox Gang Prevention, $3,000 to Becky Baker Foundation, $1,500 to Pueblo Community Health Center Foundation. Total allocated from ~$85,000 contingency fund: $11,000, leaving approximately $28,250 remaining per the mayor.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF Local No. 3: Approved (7-0) for 2027 with 0% wage increase and various adjustments to pay differentials, union leave, and sick leave provisions.
  • Air Service Agreement (Item N2): Councilor Ruiz Gomez indicated the agreement with Key Lime Air (Denver Air Connection) may be referred for a work session before final reading, based on public concerns raised.
  • Public Safety and Homelessness: Multiple council members and the mayor acknowledged the depth of the issue but disagreed on causes and solutions. President Aliff urged community unity and supported the SafeSide Foundation's shelter project.
  • Traffic Signal Improvement Corridor: The contribution agreement with Martinez Property Holdings ($250,000 private funds) was approved (6-1), with future ordinances expected to allocate additional public funds from half-cent sales tax and PURA reimbursement.
  • PFAS Removal: Ordinance R12 approved to replace firefighting foam containing PFAS with non-PFAS foam using state and local funds.
  • Project Falcon and ALPR Cameras: Discussed extensively but no formal action was taken on these items.

Meeting Transcript

Recording in progress, well, good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming. Uh, it's another beautiful day in Pueblo, Colorado. Today is Monday, September 14th, 2026, and I now call to order the regular city council meeting. First up on our agenda is the invocation. I invite up uh Jason Eberhard of the Life Church to lead us in the invocation. If you choose, please stand with us. And immediately following, we will do the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Thank you. It's an honor to open up in prayer today. Would you join me? Father, we thank you for this city and for the people who call it home. We thank you for the privilege of living in a community where we can gather together, where our voices can be heard, and where men and women can step forward and serve our neighbors. Tonight I pray for every member of the city council and for those who are entrusted in leadership. Give them wisdom in their decisions, courage to do what's right, humility to listen, compassion for the people and the families affected by their decisions and their work. I pray for our city, for our families, our children, our schools, and our businesses. Help us be a city that values what's good, seeks what's just, and cares for those hurting and treat each other with dignity, especially when we disagree. Father, give these leaders wisdom beyond themselves and guide this conversation tonight in the decisions made. Help each of us do our part to make this city a better place for generations to come. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. I plead please of the United States of America and to the Republic for which one nation, under God, an indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor. Mr. Clerk, roll call. Mark Ailiff. Here. Brett Boston. Here. Roger Gomez. Joe Latino. Here. Ted Hernandez. Here. Diane Dante. Here. Selena Ruiz Gomez. Here. And everyone is here and accounted for. Hallelujah. We now move to special recognition. We have a proclamation presentation for Quick Queek. What is it? Creek Week. Creek Week, September 26th through October 4th, 2026. Susan Finzell, the Pueblo Outreach Cool Coordinator, are you here? Is anybody here from the watershed district? Me and uh Diane. So, Diane, you want to go out in front and read the proclamation?

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