[{"_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",6533022,"mediaKeyId","3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3","parentId",3800065,"title","City council discusses several proposed ballot initiatives, including charter changes on employee candidacy, court oversight and government form","audioSeconds",1674,"startMs",3772000,"endMs",5446000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3&start=3772&end=5446","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3/thumbnail_3772000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6533022/Pueblo-City/Pueblo-County/Colorado/City-council-discusses-several-proposed-ballot-initiatives-including-charter-changes-on-employee-candidacy-court-oversight-and-government-form","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533022-165b6b5a5688f716630fbe5d072bbcdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153239&Signature=X94ZpizEAJkqglWTntlpJex~-cPhvP2CB43JpRBxf0fY2RrVGJamKqGAwKF~P01BqkDuVgQ9sDVTyFdgdnRpWszIG0VHcjmmkBql3IKxGTw7HWEtqi9gqIG1MRscwCAFZJ1ELvK1Jx5MZ9GLj8JzF09qSYHtbVtctT7QW0rMX3a6XNe5kW3b5MqPQWL3iGGOQqhoDeroq~L2sOnExMyO1wFVCVrxlZzhIYZGHCK6LwKwxrDxvu8TMh-r1WnoaWaILYC2~uEchrihwlqO6fMtw-L~StZ4~Fca-sxqJey~SIhUrlP8ri1Rt1-K1m1w72A-kliWhrNAceRgj7B2DwKt3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pueblo City, CO","date","2025-06-10T19:15:58Z","article","Pueblo City Council discussed a package of possible ballot initiatives at its June 9 meeting and directed staff to draft language and schedule work sessions on several items, council members said.

Councilor Ellis raised a proposed charter change to remove a clause that requires any employee of the classified service who runs for office to take a leave of absence and, if elected, to cease city employment. Ellis said the change would allow city employees to run for office without resigning; City Attorney Harley Gifford was asked to draft “mimic” language for council review.

Council members also debated whether municipal court oversight belongs under the executive branch. Councilor Boston proposed examining a charter amendment to transfer hiring and firing authority for the municipal judge from the mayor to the city council to strengthen separation between executive and judicial functions. Several council members asked for a work session to study the historical background and possible impacts; Chief Judge Nelson and city legal staff were mentioned as participants who could explain current operations.

Other proposals discussed included: a charter measure to revert the city from a strong-mayor form of government back to a city-manager form (proposed by a council member who said voters previously chose mayoral government); a proposal to change the timing of council pay increases so that any approved raise applies to all council members equally rather than only to newly elected members; a suggestion to add enforceable repercussions for councilmembers who violate their oath of office; and a proposal to reconsider authorization for gambling or casino operations near the Riverwalk.

City Clerk Stoller and City Attorney Gifford answered procedural questions. Gifford noted the ballot deadline and the scheduling constraints; staff said the filing deadline for charter-style measures was September 5. Council members agreed to set work sessions and to have the sponsoring council members bring proposed language or specifics for Gifford to draft. No ballot language or charter amendment was adopted at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session-June 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Pueblo City Council on June 9 discussed several proposed ballot initiatives and instructed staff to draft charter language and assemble work sessions on the proposals before the September filing deadline.","taxTitle","Pueblo City, Pueblo County, Colorado","taxId",4964,"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},6533029,"Pueblo Human Relations Commission seeks 'boots-on-the-ground' advocacy after county dissolves intergovernmental agreement",942,316000,1258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3&start=316&end=1258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3/thumbnail_316000.jpg","/articles/6533029/Pueblo-City/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Pueblo-Human-Relations-Commission-seeks-boots-on-the-ground-advocacy-after-county-dissolves-intergovernmental-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533029-748d65b70e0c241809be685834904935/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153239&Signature=fpsXSRhSRgKZ3Ql2~1lh6N38PUWZiJU4N7EdUmOz4eZAmIxb5XbjMcQWycDAbDEECKSWJ6jttRYikmrcIKgyZa0TRooPnkFiWPTcdveYKLChCHDlq-7KNtv9RgyPUSLCe-~~3Y28Am0RF~D-CRCIXs4zsxT93NYEtZ~E2Qt0-sZxxm2EZO6AE8Dml-5fASWoREsL8LJ4-7SVHUW77RhQfwq8ZzND675VFhOsTggtRTnPS7ejv2rnftztvzQRAxyuuCC6q2z-u0JLoc-E73YWkEsX4RP8AQgnjSX8~VJenRNt8WFMMQHTS8k4Z2KNu2oWEDcVEUrZxxNZS7KIjlKgvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Claire Shadd, chair of the Pueblo Human Relations Commission, presented the commission’s goals and recent activities to Pueblo City Council on June 9, saying the commission intends to move from an endowment model to “boots-on-the-ground” advocacy and direct community engagement.

Shadd described the commission’s purpose as promoting mutual understanding and equal rights for marginalized groups across Pueblo County and outlined work over the past year, including a community fundraiser breakfast, a human relations proclamation day, partnerships with District 60 to address a discrimination report, and monthly meetings held with the Pueblo County Library District.

Shadd and Commissioner Don Tripp Sinha said the commission is reviewing its bylaws with city attorney assistance, adding a new office coordinator position and increasing outreach through social media, grant-seeking and quarterly community events. The commission also highlighted youth involvement and workforce-readiness ideas led by its youth appointee.

Council members asked how the recent dissolution of the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Pueblo City and Pueblo County would affect the commission’s work. Shadd said the county’s resolution to dissolve the IGA appeared intended to give the commission more independence but that it would reduce the collaborative relationship and could limit funding opportunities and reach into rural Pueblo County. Shadd said the commission would continue to seek collaboration with the county despite the IGA dissolution.

Commissioners also addressed concerns about immigration-related fear expressed in the community; Shadd and Tripp urged the commission’s role as a conduit for affected residents and recommended providing clear information about rights and resources. Council members thanked the commission and Mayor Graham for city support. No formal council action was recorded; an ordinance later on the agenda was expected to address reallocation of the commission.","The commission presented a reintroduction to city council and described a shift from an endowment fund to direct community engagement after Pueblo County dissolved a joint intergovernmental agreement.",{"_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},6533034,"Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy faces closure after District 60 denies charter renewal; city council members say they will advocate",2461,1305000,3766000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3&start=1305&end=3766","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3/thumbnail_1305000.jpg","/articles/6533034/Pueblo-City/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Chavez-Huerta-Preparatory-Academy-faces-closure-after-District-60-denies-charter-renewal-city-council-members-say-they-will-advocate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533034-4d1b518d07dbfc89b06b698d732e6f62/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153239&Signature=j2Gm0EQ6mFLuaxdYjthrn4acxyMzSbueSTCSTo53bbDO7cPBLjXO0vcrKNO7uZqPEuPSXpCeTQNEoEK6ffO9hsunBuKblZbRKN9cF1Lc6MSQ41gM03WDIRemv2CukBv4DRzBCpFpRXAeaGxz0L3fJBPd64KfJpmBj9PjQdcT1e3F-G0IJvSnoyioySMjWJMPraIQDYD8ScJSPkar-2szeE4TJlkxWLMrJ5y7Fla~kKEcdM4MwPzpIjPvU~le4eNBpxP9P~~mzRQXsroNR~wKbGIOvIkcx2jilglnFOYZCLrmzgxvwJqTjbHNTmBG3Fi0X1vZlvTlwfXUx8gsBCrzMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chavez Huerta K–12 Preparatory Academy told Pueblo City Council on June 9 that Pueblo School District 60 will not renew the school's charter and that a state review body upheld the district's decision.

Executive Director Fred Segura told the council the district’s decision cited a material breach tied to financial reporting (section 7.12 of the charter contract) and \"failure to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management.\" Segura said the lapses were linked to turnover of staff with institutional financial knowledge and past leadership choices, and that the school has since installed new internal controls, engaged an outside accounting firm and is projecting a $400,000 surplus for the fiscal year with a 1.1 debt ratio.

Segura said the academy appealed the nonrenewal to the state, which voted 7–1 to uphold District 60's decision, and that the district then began steps to dissolve the school’s operation. He said the district offered no reconsideration or release from its exclusive chartering authority and declined to meet on alternatives the school proposed.

Tommy Lynn Cruz, a junior who described participation in the school's pathways-to-teaching and early-college programs, urged council members to press District 60 for either reconsideration or release from exclusive chartering authority so the school or another authorizer could continue its programs. Cruz said many students from the school take college classes and career certificates and that losing the school would be devastating for families and for specific programs only offered at Chavez Huerta.

Council members expressed differing views about the city's role. Several councilors, including Councilman Flores and Councilman Maestri, said they lack formal authority over the district but pledged to advocate with District 60 board members and urged the district to provide more time for the academy to present recent corrective actions. Council members suggested sending letters and arranging meetings with the district. Councilors also discussed hosting a work session to invite District 60 officials to explain the board’s decision and to hear the academy's evidence.

Segura and other speakers said that, if the district stands by its decision and does not release the academy from exclusive authority, Chavez Huerta could cease operations July 1. Council members said the closing could jeopardize related community services, including grants that follow students and partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club, and increase building vacancy and blight on the city's West Side.

No formal council action or vote was recorded during the meeting. Council members said they would pursue advocacy, including phone calls and letters to District 60 board members and a request for a work session where the school and the district could present their positions.","Chavez Huerta K–12 Preparatory Academy told Pueblo City Council the district declined to renew its charter and the state upheld that decision; school leaders and a student appealed for city advocacy and time to implement corrective plans before a July 1 deadline.",{"_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},6533019,"Mayor gives city operations update: cleanup event totals, pool repairs, street work and staffing challenges for police",176,44000,220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3&start=44&end=220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3800065-5d1e49097a6402eeec7a1980163abdf3/thumbnail_44000.jpg","/articles/6533019/Pueblo-City/Pueblo-County/Colorado/Mayor-gives-city-operations-update-cleanup-event-totals-pool-repairs-street-work-and-staffing-challenges-for-police","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533019-d6706b2616e50b6056f0bb9a1d82d808/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153239&Signature=fUg8lsxtgRNFRSA7BtK8nyW7GImBlfHIaskWqinbR-oEU3KHrbD3hkVMXLpc3u4G6iNNcGxxaZopmDl4GsYri4Gk5DOyacS6V9qT1I7xVlV~aujSrpEjKBmBhCpHEVXvo5GMi~jVxfEf4pFhn-TxroUY78JiH7CZMvD7UCGDMkl8GAxtV9lcX-BcvQ4XyXi0s9M8ZR3EaGIuJ7ZzVS3kKols8sU90cLPIxkTCxORZRDsKKHw1~DROdE66pep1wMqMvgw~ZPxI2XDdogjeZPJc4R78dxGEZZYxIbEGCN8DYRHXYReC8TNrTNjt1BULWbo076kGAxgXw25JubIlyCBOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Graham gave a brief city update at the start of the June 9 meeting, reporting outcomes from a May 31 cleanup event, maintenance issues at city pools, ongoing street repairs and the city’s police staffing levels.

The mayor said crews filled 82 dumpsters, removed about 130 tons of trash, issued 252 CNC disposal vouchers and served approximately 1,900 residents across three cleanup locations. She reported Mitchell Park Pool was closed due to a temperature regulator valve issue and City Park Pool was down because of a boiler problem; both sites were under repair.

On streets, she said crews completed an emergency pothole repair on Union Avenue and were preparing a larger emergency ordinance for a collapsed street on Elizabeth. Parks crews completed basketball court rim installation and removed fencing; summer basketball season was scheduled to start June 17 with a $30 registration fee.

On police staffing, the mayor reported the department had 143 total officers actively working against an allocation of 131; she listed 46 vacancies, 21 officers in training, six in a mentorship program, and nine officers in a PTO program, with an additional two officers expected in July and an academy class of 76 planned in July.

During questions, a council member raised constituent concerns about fireworks and asked the mayor and police chief to run a public messaging campaign about statutes and safe behavior ahead of July 4; the mayor agreed to begin messaging the next day. Council members also expressed concern about dangerous explosives being used in private fireworks and the public-safety implications.

No formal council action was taken during the update.","Mayor Graham reported results from a city cleanup event, updates on pool closures and street repairs, and detailed police staffing numbers; council requested a public messaging push about fireworks safety ahead of July 4.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City council discusses several proposed ballot initiatives, including charter changes on employee candidacy, court oversight and government form

Pueblo Human Relations Commission seeks 'boots-on-the-ground' advocacy after county dissolves intergovernmental agreement

Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy faces closure after District 60 denies charter renewal; city council members say they will advocate

Mayor gives city operations update: cleanup event totals, pool repairs, street work and staffing challenges for police