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

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.