HomeMy WebLinkAbout15540RESOLUTION NO. 15540
A RESOLUTION FROM THE CITY OF PUEBLO IN SUPPORT
OF COLORADO HB24-1012 – CONCERNING THE
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE FRONT RANGE
PASSENGER RAIL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Front Range Passenger Rail District has as its mission the mandate to
coordinate with the department of transportation to ensure that any district front range
passenger rail system is well-integrated into the state's multi-model transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the bill changes the operational procedures of the District to increase its
overall efficiency and maximize its responsible use and expenditure of taxpayer funds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo is supportive of the District bringing passenger rail
services to the City of Pueblo; and
WHEREAS, the creation of the District will create an economical transportation method
for the citizens of Pueblo, to allow them to travel to other areas of the State easily, as well as
bring tourism to the City; and
WHEREAS, a passenger railway would aid congestion on I-25 and provide a more
environmentally friendly transportation option for the residents of the City and State; and
WHEREAS, there is a crucial need for more transportation options in the City of Pueblo
and State of Colorado; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that
SECTION 1.
The City Council of the City of Pueblo, for the above-stated reasons, supports the
passage of HB24-1012 and urges the Colorado State Legislature to enact the same.
SECTION 2.
A copy of this Resolution will be transmitted to all members of the Colorado Senate and
House of Representatives and the Governor of Colorado.
SECTION 3.
The officers and staff of the City are authorized to perform any and all acts consistent
with this Resolution to effectuate the policies and procedures described herein.
SECTION 4.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon final passage and approval.
INTRODUCED: March 11, 2024
BY: Roger Gomez
MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL
APPROVED:
PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL
ATTESTED BY:
CITY CLERK
City Clerk's Office Item # M18
Background Paper for Proposed
Resolution
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 11, 2024
TO: President Mark Aliff and Members of City Council
CC: Mayor Heather Graham
VIA: Marisa Stoller, City Clerk
FROM: Sarah Martinez, Councilor
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION FROM THE CITY OF PUEBLO IN SUPPORT OF
COLORADO HB24-1012 – CONCERNING THE OPERATIONAL
EFFICIENCY OF THE FRONT RANGE PASSENGER RAIL DISTRICT
SUMMARY:
Attached is a Resolution in support of Colorado HB24-1012 concerning the operational
efficiency of the Front Range Passenger Rail District.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Colorado HB24-1012 was introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives on
January 10, 2024, and is set to be heard by the Transportation and Energy Committee
on March 4, 2024. The bill overhauls the current statutory scheme that applies to the
Front Range Passenger Rail District to improve its operational efficiency so that it can
better meet its mission and goals. The Front Range Passenger Rail District was
created to research, study, develop, and eventually operate an intercity passenger train
service along the Front Range communities of the state. The first route is intended to
run from Fort Collins to Denver. Additional development will expand routes to Pueblo,
and then on to New Mexico and Wyoming. The first train is expected to be operational
in 10 to 15 years.
The proposed bill expands on the requirement for an annual meeting by also mandating
an annual update, which may be provided by district staff, and may be provided by
remote and electronic means if necessary. The bill also clarifies the beginning and end
date of the terms for the appointed board members, mandates that a nonvoting
advisory board member shall not participate in an executive session that concerns a
matter involving the member's appointing authority, and that the board of directors shall
act by a majority vote of the quorum of the voting directors, rather than a quorum of the
total membership. Finally, the bill contains a new provision so that the board may
delegate its power to enter into contracts and agreements to its officers and employees
as it deems appropriate.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no financial implications for the City in passing this Resolution.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
STAKEHOLDER PROCESS:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to publicly support Colorado HB24-1012.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of the Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft HB24-1012 -- rail district efficiency
2. Fiscal Note to HB24-1012 -- rail district efficiency