[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6280637,"mediaKeyId","2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791","parentId",2612282,"title","Pueblo West parks staff weigh parade safety, costs and alternatives for Fourth of July event","audioSeconds",849,"startMs",4534000,"endMs",5383000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791&start=4534&end=5383","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791/thumbnail_4534000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6280637/Pueblo-West/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-West-parks-staff-weigh-parade-safety-costs-and-alternatives-for-Fourth-of-July-event","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280637-b1a57c41673045ccc3973d96995a773c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197613&Signature=K7ndIc2kaT4dVi1wjmJrucyTOfVkQfsKqGzzY57Pjjxg~~iFyqQbXqawqM-FNa8UL4l9TpolNujvJzXxIGa1aeVS1HqsqbFAZNTjkt~Pqc12VnpfYmi3DQ1axia7fBTzsxXdIAbgpFOorr8sveQUBYXRWcHfpIBlAN62pr5rTdUUsGoiBDxqO6va3KnL7Sup2PDLdwMuHFYgPfEpIZqOhIyD8sRXSDqNplJQKxcI-EyssDLi9-GGGTHseKn6vNYnY4e-O16icIFZ1q~NYVZI36NGDbQ-GKZYIVfXv4LhyAjuRw5SDaDwOoGwomIM6o11E4kxr~ykKrutaJnJZVWDyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pueblo West, CO ","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","Pueblo West Parks and Recreation staff presented options and cost estimates for the community’s Fourth of July events and urged a cautious approach after safety concerns at recent parades.

Carol Cosby, director of parks and recreation, told the board the traditional water parade once drew many participants but raised increasing safety and logistical problems as attendance grew. Cosby said the district’s event committee considered options including shortening the parade route, moving portions of the parade into a dry/wet sequence with barricades (as practiced in Florence), changing the route to a shorter industrial stretch with district‑owned lots for staging, or shifting to a civic park “spray in the park” format with live entertainment and food trucks that could lead into evening fireworks.

Cosby presented vendor and security quotes the events committee obtained. The committee estimated security/staffing costs would range from about $28,125 (a lower‑security staffing model) to roughly $70,000 under more protective staffing ratios. Barricade rental for a route of approximately 4,000 feet per side was quoted at about $8,600. Fireworks were estimated at about $35,000. Cosby presented an “ideal” fully barricaded and staffed parade scenario totaling about $113,600; the committee’s more standard scenario was roughly $72,000.

Board members discussed partnering with Pueblo County for a joint parade or parade support; Cosby said she had contacted the county manager but had not yet received a firm commitment. Several board members noted positive community feedback to last year’s spray‑in‑the‑park event and suggested moving the community portion later in the day to allow for evening entertainment and fireworks and reduce midday heat exposure. Staff said they will continue meeting monthly with the events committee to finalize a plan and cost mitigation measures.

Cosby said safety — particularly pedestrian access and vehicle interactions on a long route — and the inability to secure enough qualified security personnel were the principal drivers in reconsidering the parade format. The events committee will return to the board with a recommended plan that balances community participation with safety and fiscal responsibility.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pueblo West Metro District Meetings & Agendas Board of Directors | February 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Parks and recreation staff reviewed options for the Fourth of July celebration, citing safety concerns about the traditional parade and presenting cost estimates for barricades, security and fireworks. The committee is exploring a shorter route, increased barricading, or a daytime spray‑in‑the‑park event with evening entertainment.","taxTitle","Pueblo West, Pueblo County, Colorado","taxId",74667,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6280642,"District staff: snow‑day office closures cost about $2,529 for essential personnel; claims could raise costs substantially",136,3616000,3752000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791&start=3616&end=3752","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791/thumbnail_3616000.jpg","/articles/6280642/Pueblo-West/Pueblo-County/Colorado/District-staff-snowday-office-closures-cost-about-2529-for-essential-personnel-claims-could-raise-costs-substantially","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280642-ae24fa2cd8598b264e0baadbe79f0b05/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197613&Signature=Fa8BSyFurHJzc3DTumrOjrIcrYEbu5NXN1RK~Gh3Bx3AloEwFfPjET0QYRbRTDzhfQE0KS6ynxz6D1dPHLbfVt78nxotNA5pITa0qkn~X7ccyIerTs0ylfVFyf3JE5WuKVDaNpt~2JrTJEOqgmhNFoGM8wx~7NYXozAX4D4YjAUvRLknRRswS3hON0MJWYjoMfvTpiuy-XNRjInzybUP48gG0emy4-oB27tb5FbBtBMur~1FgWy3ED6WOGNnZ4z4aiwR7P3V-PoMxmWQMnQqKCldE1TPYM1ViX5bpVH3SPh47YPi3eGCIlVUHbuhKDE-VoADPRVoggJ3uiTwUIFF5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katrina Peter, the district’s chief administrative officer, presented an analysis of the direct and potential indirect costs when the district keeps offices open during significant snow events.

Peter said the district’s initial personnel cost estimate to bring in essential personnel for an 8‑hour closure was about $2,184; after adding taxes and related contributions the figure rose to $2,529.41. Peter explained staff also asked the Colorado Special District Property Liability Pool to estimate probable workers’ compensation and liability costs for two realistic incident types (slip/trip/fall and a vehicular accident).

The pool’s modeled total payouts for two typical claims were about $141,000. Because the district carries a $5,000 deductible per claim, the district’s immediate out‑of‑pocket for two claims would be $10,000. The pool estimated that two such claims could raise the district’s contribution (through its experience modification or EMOD) and increase next year’s premium burden by an additional $14,125 to $26,232; combined with the deductible costs, Peter said two average claims could create an approximate $36,000 impact on next year’s costs.

Peter also reported the district’s EMOD has declined in recent years because of an active focus on safety, training and risk controls, but she noted recent incidents will likely affect the score and staff will report additional details once those claims are finalized. Peter said during the most recent snow event the district recorded six slip/trip incidents (no claims filed) and two vehicle accidents. Board members noted that employees working from home can also be subject to workers’ compensation claims if they suffer an injury while performing work duties.

Board members asked questions. Peter and the district risk manager explained the analysis is intended to weigh direct staffing costs against the possible larger, longer‑term insurance and liability consequences of keeping facilities open during hazardous conditions.","Staff presented a snow‑day closure cost analysis showing immediate staffing cost of roughly $2,529 for essential personnel for an 8‑hour closure and potential downstream impacts to the district’s insurance experience modifier and premiums if slip/vehicle claims occur.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6280647,"Pueblo West committee outlines proposed covenant‑enforcement fines under Colorado bill; board seeks input",517,3093000,3610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791&start=3093&end=3610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791/thumbnail_3093000.jpg","/articles/6280647/Pueblo-West/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-West-committee-outlines-proposed-covenantenforcement-fines-under-Colorado-bill-board-seeks-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280647-a5110a2583835a3a8441487de2a436af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197613&Signature=IMJcwC-0UezN2tJa2457aG9-6NJqxqdNd8pDgF8mByYEqaOTZyf01Qu~tyG3YRe85LTMbSAEw8GdEIgdBNLim0FXIP2ix39qEiEG77kfIo~fCBWg1d8bSYJ5s6Ytu7-qS78hZM7VE1y80YmIb1T7qZ4~K3WMWAS~BALPDHF6XpQHyIjZ4qUmC7r1INOlWLcbqJUBFmgEw4uF2pUp08wi462BFU9awhuDa-u3XfevgDRWlZ-OwsIc0-J8Jj16ua2oC07Mdb5w5aqgQA7bkIpuRMd85Waa0S01xtYlMrY65lc~5i2~mP0ts3fDpRQzjJbUx9fSgJAQVQGTTk~PDtiiQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff and the Pueblo West Committee of Architecture presented a discussion of a resolution to implement enforcement procedures following a Colorado bill cited in the meeting materials.

Sean Winters, presenting for community development, told the board the Committee of Architecture recommended imposing fines for covenant and unsightly‑property violations following a public hearing. The committee’s draft approach would impose a $500 fine after a determination of violation, with $400 held in abeyance if the property is corrected and verified by staff within 30 calendar days of the hearing. Winters said staff typically issues a letter of violation, works with the property owner to allow time to correct the issue before scheduling a hearing, and sends certified notice of hearing so the owner receives the paperwork.

Board members asked clarifying questions about how the process would work for properties in foreclosure and how fines would be collected. Director Mahaney asked how the committee treats owners who receive a letter and then appear at a hearing; Winters said owners have the opportunity to present evidence at the hearing and staff provides its recommendation.

General counsel and other board members noted the statute passed last year includes collection mechanisms: the covenant‑enforcement fines can be documented by the Committee of Architecture and, in some circumstances, added to the property tax bill. Counsel recommended sending notice also to mortgagees when a property is known to be in foreclosure, so interested parties can appear at hearings and request forbearance or other accommodations. Carleton (board member) also noted the homeowner retains certain rights during foreclosure processes and said notifying the mortgagee and homeowner is prudent.

City staff emphasized that the committee sometimes grants brief postponements for owners demonstrating hardship and that fines and enforcement for vegetation overgrowth operate alongside a separate vegetative‑fuels/Fire Department program; the two enforcement legs (Committee of Architecture for covenants/unsightly matters, and Fire Department for vegetative fuels) are independent but coordinated through community development intake.","Staff and the Committee of Architecture discussed implementing fines and enforcement procedures under legislation cited in the meeting; the committee recommended a $500 fine with most of it held in abeyance if corrected within 30 days.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6280651,"Pueblo West board approves purchase contracts for two Spalding properties with appraisal contingencies",451,2645000,3096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791&start=2645&end=3096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2612282-86445ba08ab8c2b9d46e02a347e87791/thumbnail_2645000.jpg","/articles/6280651/Pueblo-West/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-West-board-approves-purchase-contracts-for-two-Spalding-properties-with-appraisal-contingencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280651-417204a7dc5cd8898059710fd838ff81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197614&Signature=bNVcBlONwuwYEtppMy4cNwYsyDMjIhji4YYwY7ImYlRhEG-3dv4tBuRYAH5uuCvFKk58V7q0EDAryqmG827Oy0rZRmkAOtQ4378-exQMLCRPUMDZBOLSnODnvpERm-uU3EHHP2zh-pSqkr2STo04Myt04TZVdnniS~FhezSfpJWswMVrfyY6NnDHNYd6LV4XFuZjCFvaXqcqqxS4nM1CDdwAkWPLIFiWQfXSx9CqR6vaV7qlF7gSH87GuIjPNrqYwajFriseUdsmM52rG6pjVmYZlHYlpG0-bAkJgXKUBn2j1ht3je2vSa-JIU1VyUAk5PN-Mgm3PIVEG3sa0Tgl9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pueblo West Metro Board of Directors voted to approve contracts to buy two commercial properties on Spalding Avenue that the district says could house a permanent administration office.

District Manager Christian J. Hyne presented two separate resolutions and documents for the board’s consideration: a contract to buy 79 East Spalding and a second contract to buy 63 East Spalding. Hyne told the board both contracts include appraisal, inspection and other due-diligence contingencies and that the district will not finalize a purchase unless those contingencies are satisfied.

Hyne said staff compared three options — renovating 713 East Spalding, buying and adapting 63 East Spalding with expansion at 79 East Spalding, or building a new 20 East Civic Center Drive administration building — and recommended 63 with related options because it carries a lower near-term price tag and would leave more funds available for an indoor pool project identified in the district’s service plan.

Public commenters pressed the board on price and transparency. Resident Nick Madero urged the board to “be fiscally responsible” and questioned a broker’s market comparisons and the lack of recordings of executive sessions. Gerald and Dina McCracken said they had identified alternative properties they consider better values and repeated concerns about a perceived conflict of interest involving the ownership structure of 63 East Spalding; Dina McCracken said county records show the property registered to a company with initials tied to the board president’s family. Ed and Judy Workman asked whether shared-parking arrangements would be reliable long term and asked what constitutes fair market value, noting the district bought 63 East Spalding in March 2020 for $567,500 (as described in a public comment).

General counsel and the board discussed the conflict-of-interest question and the applicable law. Counsel reviewed a statute cited by a public commenter (identified in transcript as “CRS 30‑1‑125‑819” in the meeting record) and advised that the statute cited applies to downtown development authorities and not to special districts, and therefore does not govern Pueblo West Metro’s board. Board members also emphasized that both contracts are written to require an appraisal and inspection before the district is required to close.

The board first voted on the contract for 79 East Spalding. The roll-call vote was: Director Gregg, yes; Director Axworthy, yes; President Prowl, yes; Vice President Mahaney, yes; Director Vickers, no. The motion carried 4–1.

The board then voted on the contract for 63 East Spalding. The roll-call vote was: Director Gray, yes; Director Axworthy, yes; President Prowl, yes; Vice President Mahaney, no; Director Vickers, no. That motion carried 3–2. Hyne and other staff reiterated that each contract remains contingent on appraisal, inspection and the completion of due diligence, and that the board retains the right to terminate if results are unsatisfactory.

Board members and staff said the district will review the appraisal and inspection results before closing and will include county requirements and any needed road or access improvements in the final cost assessment. Hyne noted two outstanding items in the county review: possible access/road improvements and confirmation of any shared parking arrangements, both to be resolved during the due-diligence period.

Votes at a glance
- 79 East Spalding: Resolution approving contract to buy and sell real estate — Approved, roll call 4 yes, 1 no (Director Vickers opposed).
- 63 East Spalding: Resolution approving contract to buy and sell real estate — Approved, roll call 3 yes, 2 no (Vice President Mahaney and Director Vickers opposed).

The board did not finalize purchases at the meeting; both contracts contain appraisal and inspection contingencies and may be amended or terminated based on the outcomes of those steps.","The Pueblo West Metro Board approved contracts to buy 79 East Spalding and 63 East Spalding, with each contract contingent on appraisal, inspection and satisfactory due diligence. The board faced public concern about possible conflicts of interest tied to 63 East Spalding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pueblo West parks staff weigh parade safety, costs and alternatives for Fourth of July event

District staff: snow‑day office closures cost about $2,529 for essential personnel; claims could raise costs substantially

Pueblo West committee outlines proposed covenant‑enforcement fines under Colorado bill; board seeks input

Pueblo West board approves purchase contracts for two Spalding properties with appraisal contingencies