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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Meeting – September 29, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 29, 2026

BodyPueblo, Colorado

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, September 29, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 4:34:42

Transcript — VerbatimClick a line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:33

Good evening.

0:34

It's another beautiful day in Pueblo, Colorado.

0:37

I want to welcome you to the regular City Council meeting, which I now call to order.

0:42

Today is Monday, September 28th, 2026.

0:47

Our first order of business will be our invocation.

0:51

I'd like to invite up Pastor Jim Urey of Pueblo Praise to lead us in the invocation.

0:59

After the invocation, we'll stay standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:03

I would like to do something before the invocation.

1:17

And I'd like to just take a moment of silence before the invocation to recognize an honored member of our community.

1:42

Thank you, Pastor.

Speaker 2

1:47

Heavenly Father, we just enter into this council today and ask your blessing.

1:52

Lord, on our councilmen, on our city leaders, Lord, our first responders, Lord, the community members that are here, God, and share their voices as well.

2:03

I pray that your Holy Spirit would always fall on our great city of Pueblo.

2:08

And Lord, lead us and guide us as the city as we go forward in Jesus' name.

2:13

Amen.

Unassigned speaker

2:17

I

Speaker 3

2:17

pledge

Speaker 1

2:18

allegiance to

Speaker 3

2:19

the flag of the United States of America

Unassigned speaker

2:22

and

Speaker 3

2:22

to Republicans.

2:27

With liberty and justice for all.

Speaker 1

2:33

Thank you, Pastor.

2:35

Mr.

2:35

Clerk, Roll Call, Mark A.

2:37

Leff.

Speaker 4

2:37

Here.

2:38

Brett Boston.

2:39

Roger Gomez.

2:40

Joe Latino.

Speaker 5

2:41

Here.

Speaker 4

2:41

Ted Hernandez.

2:42

Here.

2:43

Diane Dante.

Speaker 5

2:44

Here.

Speaker 4

2:44

Selena Ruiz Gomez.

2:46

Here.

Speaker 1

2:47

We're all here and accounted for.

2:49

We now move on to special recognition.

2:52

We have several proclamations tonight.

2:54

First up, Councilor Boston is going to present the Joey Lynn Kenley McDonald Day, September 29th, 2026.

3:03

We have Lauren Valdez, Jeremy McDonald, uh Jameson McDonald, Landon McDonald, Logan McDonald, JC Ann McDonald, Jillian McDonald, and the Joey Lynn McDonald Memorial Scholarship.

3:21

Come on down, all of you.

Speaker 6

3:23

And anybody else that's here, feel free to come on down.

Speaker 7

4:03

Okay.

Unassigned speaker

4:04

This is a proclamation in honor of Joey Lynn Kenley McDonald Day, September 29, 2026, whereas Joey Lynn Kinley McDonald was a bright, compassionate, and dedicated 13-year-old resident of Pueblo, Colorado, whose love of learning, generosity, and servant's heart positively impacted countless lives as a student at the Connect Charter School, and whereas she enthusiastically participated in the athletic and arts communities of Pueblo, contributing to under to an undefeated girls, all girls soccer team while expressing her creativity and dedication through dance at Sarah Shaw Dance Studio, and where Joe, whereas Joey Lynn had a deep passion for reading, education, and history, generously volunteering her time with many organizations, including the historic Rosemont Museum, and Destination Imagination, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to giving back to her community, and whereas she dreamed of becoming a teacher, aspiring to inspire, educate, and encourage future generations of children through kindness, knowledge, and compassion.

Speaker 7

5:02

And whereas Joey Lynn's legacy continues through acts of service, educational initiatives, memorial scholarships, and the countless lives she touched, reminding us all that one person, regardless of age, can create a lasting and meaningful impact.

5:16

And whereas the city of Pueblo recognizes the importance of encouraging volunteerism, literacy, community involvement, and youth leadership, values that Joey Lynn embodied each day of her life.

5:28

Now, therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby proclaim September 29th, 2026 as Joey Lynn Kinley McDonald Day in the City of Pueblo, Colorado, and encourage all residents to honor Joey Lynn's memory by reading a book, volunteering in their community, supporting local museums and libraries, mentoring young people, and performing acts of kindness that reflect her generous spirit.

5:55

And in witness whereof, I have hereunto set the hand and cause the seal of the city of Pueblo, Colorado to be affixed this 28th day of September 2026, signed Mark A.

6:05

Liff, President of City Council.

6:07

Congratulations, guys.

Unassigned speaker

6:17

Do you

Speaker 6

6:18

guys want to share some words?

6:20

Anybody?

Speaker 8

6:30

Oh, don't hold it on.

Speaker 9

6:41

One, two, look at me go.

Unassigned speaker

6:46

Got it.

Speaker 10

6:57

Next up.

Speaker 1

6:59

Oh, next up is a proclamation presentation for Hispanic Heritage Month, October 10th, 2026.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety█████████████████████████25%

Transportation Safety█████████████████17%

Community Engagement████████8%

Zoning And Land Use███████7%

Public Engagement██████6%

Public Works██████6%

Cannabis Regulation█████5%

Technology and Innovation████4%

Procedural███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Pueblo City Council Meeting – September 29, 2026

Note: The meeting agenda and transcript state Monday, September 28, 2026. The date below follows the user instruction to use September 29, 2026.

The Pueblo City Council convened for a regular meeting at 5:30 PM. The meeting included multiple proclamations, public testimony, and votes on several resolutions and ordinances covering airport litigation, housing, zoning, marijuana moratorium, automated speed enforcement, and public safety cameras. The council also moved into executive session to discuss a potential economic development project.

Special Recognitions

Proclamation for "Joeylyn Kenley McDonald Day — September 29, 2026" honoring a 13-year-old community volunteer.
Proclamation for "Hispanic Heritage Month — October 10, 2026" presented by Servicios de La Raza.
Proclamation for "Kevin the Fire Pup Day — October 1, 2026" honoring a Basset Hound at Fire Station 3.
Proclamation for "Domestic Violence Awareness Month — October 2026" presented by Mariposa Center for Safety.
Proclamation for "Legacies of Courage Day — October 10, 2026" by Pueblo Latino Veterans Association.
Recognition of the 2026 Colorado State Fair Parade Float Committee for first-place and judge's choice awards.

Public Comments & Testimony

Amanda Welty Soto (Eastside Neighbors Council) highlighted community orchard planting, Creek Week cleanup, and requested improved lighting near El Centro. She invited the public to an East High School tailgate.
Herbert Conboy urged that any excess revenue from ballot issue 2B for the Pueblo Zoo be placed in a dedicated endowment, not the city's general fund.
Elvis Martinez expressed condolences for fallen Officer Biggs, criticized a recent Facebook post by the mayor as unprofessional, and requested public commentary during work sessions.
Doug McGinnity opposed the expanding surveillance network, including license plate readers, real-time crime center, and proposed speed cameras, asking for privacy impact assessments.
Sally Moore (Air Without ICE) requested a definition of "hold room" be added to the Key Lime Air lease agreement; she later withdrew her request to exclude ICE transport flights.
Peter Piccolo (Bicycle Colorado) spoke in favor of automated speed enforcement, citing safety benefits.
Herbert Conboy (second appearance) supported speed cameras as a force multiplier but urged that tickets be delivered personally by officers.
Douglas McGinnity (multiple appearances) raised concerns about cumulative surveillance infrastructure, data ownership by vendor Obvio, and lack of enforceable limitations on camera systems.
Elvis Martinez (second appearance) opposed the speed enforcement contract with Obvio and the rooftop camera program, questioning costs and effectiveness.
Sally Moore (second appearance) suggested speed bumps as an alternative to cameras.

Discussion Items

M1 – Airport Advisory Committee Appointments: Councilor Gomez noted he had verified the candidates with airport stakeholders and approved the slate en bloc (7-0).
M5 – Elmwood Golf Course Cart Path: Councilor Dante questioned the cost of concrete vs. asphalt; staff confirmed the $148,337.95 project uses enterprise funds (7-0 approved).
M8 – Aviation Asset Defense Resolution: Established project CI2621 to transfer $300,000 for litigation costs. Debate included concerns over prior contract termination and future legal exposure. Passed 4-3.
N7 – Transfer $600,000 to Demolition of Unsafe Structures: Funds originally for Convergys site acquisition (now dead) were moved. Councilor Gomez suggested keeping money earmarked for that site; staff said a future ordinance could do so. Approved 7-0.
N10 – Annexation of 168.2 Airport Acres: Streamlines land-use regulation under city control. Future rezoning expected. Approved 7-0.
N11 – Transfer $400,000 from Airport Fund to Aviation Asset Defense: Debate focused on the airport's FAA compliance failures and need for funds. Councilor Boston reminded council that the direction to defend the asset came from previous council. First reading approved 7-0 (public hearing set for October 13).
Q1 – Non-Congregate Shelters Contract ($834,990): Clayton Homes to build seven modular units at Pueblo Shelter, fully grant-funded. Councilor Hernandez questioned potential non-resident use; staff said no residency preference by law. Approved 7-0.
R1-R4 – Jackson Ranch Zoning: Four ordinances zonining 591.6 acres (A-1, A-4, R-2, R-3) based on annexation agreement. All approved 7-0 after public hearings with no opposition.
R5 – Rezone 0.29 acres at 1209 Nevada Ave to R-4: Approved 7-0.
S1 – 24-Month Moratorium on New Retail Marijuana Stores: Mayor Heather Graham presented the ordinance, citing a 2/3 decline in tax revenue and public health concerns. Councilor Dante questioned whether competition alone would reduce stores. Approved 5-2.
S2 – Key Lime Air Lease Amendment: Councilor Ruiz-Gomez successfully amended the ordinance to add a definition of "hold room" (secured passenger holding area). Approved 7-0.
S3-S7 – Various Grants and Traffic Code Fixes: All approved 7-0.
S8 – Automated Speed Enforcement Authorization: Extended debate on privacy, effectiveness, and oversight. Chief Noller explained that the system only captures violations, data not linked to violations is deleted within 24 hours, and all citations are reviewed by a city coordinator. Testimony from McGinnity and Martinez opposed; Piccolo supported. Councilor Latino changed his previous opposition to support. Approved 5-2.
S9 – Designate Speed Enforcement Corridors: 15 streets/segments designated based on crash data. Councilor Boston asked about future amendments; staff noted three years of data needed. Approved 6-1.
S10 – Agreement with Obvio Inc.: Councilor Hernandez questioned data ownership and retention; Obvio's representative Mike Venable stated non-violation data never leaves the device and is deleted within 24 hours. Approved 4-3.
S11 – Rooftop Public Safety Camera License Agreement: Authorizes city cameras on commercial properties in high-crime corridors (E. 4th Street and N. Northern Avenue). Funded by a DOLA grant. Councilor Dante asked about resident requests; staff clarified the intent is business-only, though the ordinance language does not restrict it. Councilor Ruiz-Gomez considered an amendment to limit to commercial properties. Approved 5-2.
S12 – Pueblo Mountain Park Fire Insurance Proceeds: Project CI2620 established to budget ~$1.2 million for repairs. Councilor Ruiz-Gomez successfully amended the cap from an unspecified amount to $15 million to reassure the community. FEMA funds will be separate. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

Airport litigation funding via M8 (4-3) and N11 (first reading 7-0) moves forward.
Seven-unit non-congregate shelter contract awarded to Clayton Homes (7-0).
24-month moratorium on new retail marijuana store licenses adopted (5-2).
Automated speed enforcement program authorized (S8 5-2), corridors designated (S9 6-1), and vendor contract with Obvio approved (S10 4-3).
Rooftop camera program for businesses approved (S11 5-2).
All Jackson Ranch zoning ordinances passed (7-0 each).
The council moved into an executive session (7-0) to discuss a potential economic development project in the St. Charles Industrial Park.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. It's another beautiful day in Pueblo, Colorado. I want to welcome you to the regular City Council meeting, which I now call to order. Today is Monday, September 28th, 2026. Our first order of business will be our invocation. I'd like to invite up Pastor Jim Urey of Pueblo Praise to lead us in the invocation. After the invocation, we'll stay standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. I would like to do something before the invocation. And I'd like to just take a moment of silence before the invocation to recognize an honored member of our community. Thank you, Pastor. Heavenly Father, we just enter into this council today and ask your blessing. Lord, on our councilmen, on our city leaders, Lord, our first responders, Lord, the community members that are here, God, and share their voices as well. I pray that your Holy Spirit would always fall on our great city of Pueblo. And Lord, lead us and guide us as the city as we go forward in Jesus' name. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to Republicans. With liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor. Mr. Clerk, Roll Call, Mark A. Leff. Here. Brett Boston. Roger Gomez. Joe Latino. Here. Ted Hernandez. Here. Diane Dante. Here. Selena Ruiz Gomez. Here. We're all here and accounted for. We now move on to special recognition. We have several proclamations tonight. First up, Councilor Boston is going to present the Joey Lynn Kenley McDonald Day, September 29th, 2026. We have Lauren Valdez, Jeremy McDonald, uh Jameson McDonald, Landon McDonald, Logan McDonald, JC Ann McDonald, Jillian McDonald, and the Joey Lynn McDonald Memorial Scholarship. Come on down, all of you. And anybody else that's here, feel free to come on down. Okay. This is a proclamation in honor of Joey Lynn Kenley McDonald Day, September 29, 2026, whereas Joey Lynn Kinley McDonald was a bright, compassionate, and dedicated 13-year-old resident of Pueblo, Colorado, whose love of learning, generosity, and servant's heart positively impacted countless lives as a student at the Connect Charter School, and whereas she enthusiastically participated in the athletic and arts communities of Pueblo, contributing to under to an undefeated girls, all girls soccer team while expressing her creativity and dedication through dance at Sarah Shaw Dance Studio, and where Joe, whereas Joey Lynn had a deep passion for reading, education, and history, generously volunteering her time with many organizations, including the historic Rosemont Museum, and Destination Imagination, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to giving back to her community, and whereas she dreamed of becoming a teacher, aspiring to inspire, educate, and encourage future generations of children through kindness, knowledge, and compassion. And whereas Joey Lynn's legacy continues through acts of service, educational initiatives, memorial scholarships, and the countless lives she touched, reminding us all that one person, regardless of age, can create a lasting and meaningful impact. And whereas the city of Pueblo recognizes the importance of encouraging volunteerism, literacy, community involvement, and youth leadership, values that Joey Lynn embodied each day of her life. Now, therefore, we, the City Council of the City of Pueblo, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby proclaim September 29th, 2026 as Joey Lynn Kinley McDonald Day in the City of Pueblo, Colorado, and encourage all residents to honor Joey Lynn's memory by reading a book, volunteering in their community, supporting local museums and libraries, mentoring young people, and performing acts of kindness that reflect her generous spirit. And in witness whereof, I have hereunto set the hand and cause the seal of the city of Pueblo, Colorado to be affixed this 28th day of September 2026, signed Mark A.

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