HomeMy WebLinkAbout11153City Clerk's Office Item # S10
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: April 27, 2026
TO: President Mark Aliff and Members of City Council
CC: Mayor Heather Graham
VIA: Clyde Bishop, City Clerk
FROM: Steven Meier, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10-1-13 OF THE PUEBLO
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIRES AND GRILLS IN PARKS,
TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
SUMMARY:
Attached for consideration is an ordinance amending Pueblo Municipal Code Section 10-
1-13 — "Unlawful Acts" to prohibit charcoal grills and fires in all parks and park properties,
which include trails and open space.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
Section 10-1-13 specifying prohibited actions in Pueblo parks and park properties was
originally codified in 1982. It is unknown if the relevant provisions pertaining to grills have
been updated since the original ordinance was enacted.
BACKGROUND:
Currently, Section 10-1-13(e)(3) prohibits building fires, but expressly allows fires in
fireplaces. It also permits portable charcoal grill use in public parks.
With ongoing and future improvements planned along the Arkansas River Corridor, it is
in the City's best interest to safeguard these natural areas —and the surrounding
neighborhoods —from the risk of wildfires caused by negligent behavior from park
visitors. Proactive protection measures will help preserve the ecological health of the
corridor, ensure public safety, and support the long-term success of the City's investment
in its vital recreational and environmental resources.
This Ordinance would prohibit all fires in public parks and park properties and prohibit
the use of charcoal grills within these same areas. Portable propane grills would still be
permissible, under certain conditions.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no financial implications for the City.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Not Applicable.
STAKEHOLDER PROCESS:
Not Applicable.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council may reject this Ordinance and Section 10-1-13 will remain in effect in its
current form.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council adopt this Ordinance..
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 11158
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10-1-13 OF THE PUEBLO
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIRES AND GRILLS IN PARKS,
TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
SECTION 1,
Section 10-1-13 — "Unlawful Acts" of the Pueblo Municipal Code is hereby amended to read
as follows: [brackets] indicate matter being deleted; underscoring indicates new matter being
added.
Sec. 10-1-13. — Unlawful Acts.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any persons to engage in any activity in any public park or
park rrrorrer!j of a boisterous or hazardous nature which endangers themselves or others or
disturbs other users of such park or other persons lawfully in the vicinity. Such unlawful activities
shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(3) [Building fires except in fireplaces provided therefor. A charcoal blaze may be
kindled in a portable charcoal brazier, but care shall be taken that live coals are guarded
and completely extinguished before leaving the same.] Building, igniting!, or allowing
to burn a fire including a charcoal fire. Use of a portable ro ane carn stove is
errnitted if the stove"s propane tank has a ca aci of twenty pounds or less.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, more stringent fire irestrictions,,including bans
issued by, the Fire Chief, shall apply to and supersede,any fires or stove use in
the park that are otherwise allowed by this subsection.
SECTION 2.
The officers and staff of the City are authorized to perform any and all acts consistent with this
Ordinance and to implement the policies and procedures described therein.
SECTION 3..
This Ordinance shall become effective immediately after final action by the Mayor.
Introduced and initial adoption of Ordinance by City Council on April 13, 2026.
Final adoption of Ordinance by City Council on April 27, 2026.
Action by the Mayor:
Approved on
Disapproved on
APPROVED — 9)�� \ —
Vice Prekdnt of Ci Council
, 2026.
based on the following objections:
Action by, City Council After Disapproval by the Mayor:
El Council did not act to override the Mayor's veto.
❑ Ordinance re -adopted on a vote of
❑ Council action on
ATT S
City Clerk
M
to , on
failed to override the Mayor's veto.
President of City Council