On February 22, 2025, the Pueblo City Council convened for a work session aimed at enhancing communication and collaboration among city departments. The meeting, which was open for observation but restricted from public commentary, focused on several key topics, including the public forum policy and the management of signs during council meetings.

One of the primary discussions revolved around the public forum policy, which has been a source of contention due to the increasing number of citizens wishing to speak during council meetings. The current policy allows for a maximum of six speakers, with a random draw system implemented to ensure fairness. However, concerns were raised about the transparency of this process and whether it adequately serves the community's needs. Council members debated the possibility of reducing speaking time from five minutes to three minutes to accommodate more speakers, but ultimately decided to maintain the existing time limit.

The council also addressed the issue of signs in the chambers, with a significant portion of the discussion focused on whether to prohibit all signs or allow them under certain conditions. Some council members expressed concerns that signs could be disruptive and detract from the meeting's decorum, while others argued that restricting signs would infringe on citizens' rights to free speech. The consensus leaned towards prohibiting signs altogether, with the rationale that this would simplify enforcement and maintain order during meetings.

Additionally, the council discussed the implications of allowing clothing with printed messages, which could also be seen as a form of expression. Legal counsel advised that regulating clothing could be more challenging due to First Amendment protections, suggesting that any restrictions would need to be carefully considered to avoid potential legal challenges.

In conclusion, the Pueblo City Council's retreat highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing public participation with maintaining order during meetings. The discussions on public forum policies and signage reflect broader concerns about civic engagement and the need for clear guidelines that respect both citizens' rights and the council's ability to conduct business effectively. Moving forward, the council plans to formalize these discussions into actionable policies, ensuring that the voices of Pueblo residents are heard while also preserving the integrity of council proceedings.