City Council Approves Major Relocation and Opioid Settlement Plans

During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around three key ordinances aimed at enhancing municipal operations and addressing community needs.

The first ordinance, introduced by Councillor Regina Maestry, involves the establishment of a project account for the relocation of city administrative offices. The council approved a budget transfer of $2 million to facilitate the purchase of a 10,000 square foot property at 650 Ditmer, currently functioning as a medical office. The property will be renovated to accommodate the law department, human resources, and civil service. The purchase contract is set at $1.3 million, with a closing date anticipated on or before September 27, 2024.

The second ordinance pertains to the city's participation in a national opioid settlement with Kroger. This settlement follows previous agreements with major opioid manufacturers and aims to allocate funds for community projects related to opioid issues. The council unanimously approved the ordinance, allowing the city to access its share of the settlement funds.

Lastly, the council addressed an ordinance modifying residency requirements for certain city employees. Originally mandated in 2016, the requirement that all city directors and managers reside within city limits has been amended to allow residency within Pueblo County. This change aims to broaden the applicant pool for these positions, aligning Pueblo's policies with those of other Colorado cities.

The meeting concluded with a report of an ethics complaint filed against Councilor Dennis Flores, which will be addressed in future sessions. Overall, the council's decisions reflect a proactive approach to municipal governance and community welfare.