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Nov. 5 Election Results for Monument and Palmer Lake

Town of Monument

The Town of Monument elections on Nov. 5 were for councilmembers representing Districts 1, 2, and an at-large seat. In District 1, Laura Kronick ran unopposed and secured the seat with 100% of the vote (2,060 votes). In District 2, voters were tasked with choosing two representatives. Kenneth W. Kimple won one of the seats with 52.23% of the vote (2,107 votes), while Marco P. Fiorito missed with 47.77% (1,927 votes). For the at-large seat, Jim Romanello won with 52.53% of the vote (3,116 votes), defeating Chad M. Smith, who received 47.47% (2,816 votes). Swearing in will be in January.

The elections included two ballot initiatives. Ballot Question 2B, which proposed an amendment to expand the area within the town’s home rule charter, passed with strong support, receiving 71.05% of the vote (5,160 votes). However, Ballot Issue 2A, which sought to increase lodging taxes by $220,000 annually to fund town-owned parks, lodging tax administration, and compliance, was rejected by voters, with 52.55% voting against (3,842 votes) and 47.45% in favor (3,469 votes).

Town of Palmer Lake

The Town of Palmer Lake elections on Nov. 5 were for Mayor and three open spots on the Board of Trustees. Glant Havenar was elected Mayor with 51.2% (863 votes). Shana Ball received 48.5% (821 votes). Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Atis Jurka were elected to the three open spots on the Board of Trustees receiving 25.91% (854 votes), 22.51% (742 votes), and 20.51% (676 votes), respectively. Alex Farr and Jacob Hansen received 16.47% (543 votes) and 14.59% (481 votes), respectively. The mayor and three new trustees will be sworn in at the December meeting.

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Full election results are posted at https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/elections/2024-records-results/

Additional Monument coverage starts on page < 6 >.

Additional Palmer Lake coverage starts on page < 8 >.

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Nov. 2, 6, and 20 – Training officer terminated; firefighters request district merger; 2025 budget proposes mill levy increase

By Natalie Barszcz

The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) board held a special meeting on Nov. 2 to discuss personnel matters relating to the investigation into allegations pertaining to Training Capt. Michael Torres. The board held a second special meeting on Nov. 6 to discuss the permanent fire chief position and determine an outcome for the two failed motions from Nov. 2.

At the regular meeting on Nov. 20, the board heard a presentation from the firefighters requesting exploration of a consolidation with neighboring district Monument Fire District (MFD). The discussion about searching for a permanent fire chief continued, and interim Fire Chief Josh Bartlett rescinded a notice of resignation.

The board received the proposed 2025 budget with a mill levy increase, reinstated the health insurance differential, and approved the memorandum of understanding with Pikes Peak State College (PPSC). See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n11bffrpd/.

Note: This reporter attended all three meetings via Zoom.

Outcome of special meetings

The board held a four-hour workshop on Nov. 2 to discuss the hiring credentials of a permanent fire chief before holding a special meeting with two executive sessions. The board received legal advice from CEGR Law attorney Dakota Spence-Zurek regarding the findings of the investigative report into Torres and to obtain further guidance for Torres in his role as training captain. Legal counsel Linda Glesne, CEGR Law, also attended via Zoom. Torres agreed to meet in a closed session with his family members. All board members were present during the executive sessions, but Director Chad Behnken was excused from the meeting for a previous obligation when the board returned to regular session.

Chair Nate Dowden said the special meeting was called to discuss Torres and the need for more guidance to succeed in the role as training captain, based on all that was learned from the investigation report, he said.

Dowden made a motion to return Torres to active status, with the condition that Bartlett provide clarity for the role of training captain, and if performance improvement is required, develop a formal action plan outlining steps and measures to ensure the expectations of a command staff member are met. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Jack Hinton but failed with Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen and Director James Abendschan voting no.

Tarvainen said, “The board expects more from the command staff other than the behaviors found in the investigation, and I do not know if it is appropriate for Torres to return to duty.”

Abendschan, in agreement, said returning Torres to a position of authority over department personnel was not appropriate when his actions did not always remain appropriate and professional, as indicated in the investigative report.

Hinton said his actions could be corrected with Bartlett responsible for monitoring Torres to ensure that happens, otherwise Torres will suffer the consequence.

Tarvainen said the board must be held accountable knowing what was discovered during the investigation. “The board must hold command staff to a higher level of accountability, and I am unsure a personal improvement plan would accomplish this,” said Tarvainen.

The firefighters addressed the board, suggesting the investigation had been unfair and one-sided with not all employees having a say in the investigation. They wondered how the board could reach this conclusion.

Abendschan said that during an investigation involving personnel matters, not every member of the organization is included. Since the investigations made by a third party began in late June, the investigation was out of the board’s hands.

Other firefighters said contact information was not provided to staff members who wanted to reach out to the investigator. Staff members were told they would be contacted to have their say, but the third-party investigator reached out to the administrative staff, and the result is biased in one direction, and only based on hearsay, firefighters said.

Tarvainen said it was not up to everyone to pass comment on confidential matters. If you were not a witness to the incidents, you would not have been contacted.

Note: This reporter was blocked from hearing the audio for several minutes at this point in the meeting. The following ensued based on information included in the investigation report.

A motion was made recommending termination of employment for Torres, noting that significant time and effort had been invested in the facts of the case, and definitive action is needed to close the matter. The motion failed in a tie vote with Dowden and Hinton voting no.

Note: At this point, audio resumed

Bartlett requested Torres’ status. Dowden said Torres would remain on paid administrative leave, and another special meeting would be held to reach a resolution. The details would be posted on the district website.

The line staff requested notification of the special meeting details.

The Nov. 2 meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.

At the special meeting on Nov. 6, with all directors present, the board moved into executive session at 7:19 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) 24-6-402(4)(b), to receive legal advice regarding legal questions related an employee investigation, and held a second executive session, pursuant to CRS 24-6-402(4)(f), to discuss personnel issues related to the fire chief position.

During the executive session, Bartlett apprised the board with information recommended to use for posting the fire chief position, providing a salary range from neighboring departments for comparison. And he said the salary range is usually included in the posting and the higher wage would be reflected in the 2025 budget. The process will be a national search that allows for internal candidates and includes an application window. Time is of the essence, and the board should move quickly and post the position, said Bartlett.

Spence-Zurek said the executive session should address the certifications of some staff members that were out of date or inaccurate. Some members have been paid at a rate of a certification not held. Some are on notice that there is a deadline to remedy the situation. Some members have been demoted and moved to a correct pay scale pending correction of certification questions, and some may be reinstated at their original position.

Three paramedics had expired Pediatric Advanced Life Support certifications, but all three have been remedied. A firefighter EMT was working without a state EMT certification; he was terminated from his position and moved into a wildland technician position. He plans to challenge the national EMT certification and hoping to be reinstated as a firefighter EMT, said Spence-Zurek.

Some members are lacking Colorado certifications, but those members may be allowed to perform specific job duties if they have certifications from a different state. The lateral movement of personnel allows this strategy, and those with out-of-state certifications will be given the opportunity to study and test for Colorado certificates, he said.

For additional information, see the minutes pertaining to the executive sessions at www.bffire.org.

When the board returned to the regular meeting at 8:47 p.m., the board unanimously approved the closure of all pending board-authorized investigations, and in a second motion the board unanimously terminated Torres’ employment with immediate effect.

Firefighter John Singsheim asked if comments were allowed.

Dowden replied, “Not this evening.”

Torres’ mother-in-law Yvonne Krcmer said, “I hope you are proud of yourselves.”

The Nov. 6 meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.

Firefighters pursue merger

At the regular meeting on Nov. 20, acting Capt. Chad Herdt suggested the board consider a merger with MFD, and said a merger would allow the district to grow as a fire department. The merger would mitigate the need for costly command staff and ensure competitive pay, and the line-staff have built relationships during training and emergency response time with MFD, he said. Consolidating with MFD could save about $700,000-$1 million annually, and it would benefit the residents by bringing specialized resources to the area, Herdt said.

Dowden asked about Falcon Fire Protection District (FFPD). Herdt said the district works closely with MFD.

Firefighter Dylan Svoboda said the staff train with MFD every month.

Firefighter Melissa Collins said the district runs the PPSC fire academy with MFD.

Acting Lt. Trevor Holliday said the staff has a closer relationship with MFD, and the transition would be easier than with FFPD.

Tarvainen said, “The elephant in the room is also the close relationship with Colorado Springs Fire Department, and the district needs to address all three options.”

Dowden said the decision needs to be the best for the tax-paying residents of the district and take care of the team and whom the district represents. He thanked Fire Chief Andy Kovacs, Herdt, and the other line staff for their input.

Note: The district has a closest unit response agreement with MFD.

Kovacs said he was about to begin his fifth year as fire chief of MFD in January, with 30 years prior serving with Orange County, Calif., a regional provider contracting with 33 surrounding cities. With mergers come great benefits, specific to economy of scale with the services a larger department can provide, he said. MFD will complete a merger with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) on Dec. 31, and he encouraged the board to reach out to former DWFPD board President Mark Gunderman (serving as a director on the MFD board) to confirm the resounding success.

“I am not trying to build a kingdom, but in the interest of the taxpayer, it is a benefit to have a regional fire district with nine or 10 fire stations than the current four smaller departments,” Kovacs said. There would be a mill levy discrepancy that did not exist with Wescott, since a higher mill levy existed, but the merger will benefit residents, he said.

Alternatively, the district could decide on an “a la carte menu” with a contract for services with certain administrative functions, or a fire authority, or a more formal consolidation process. The DWFPD merger took three years, but originally DWFPD explored a fire authority then skipped that process, because the end goal and the mill levy discrepancy needed to be resolved, said Kovacs.

Glesne said the consolidation and fire authority would require a public vote; a contract for service would not. Consideration should be given to what would happen to the personnel, and that would need to be discussed immediately to include which positions would be needed or contracted, she said. There are some “sticky wickets” that would require negotiation, said Glesne.

Bartlett reminded the board that the department does not have a command staff.

Kovacs said the boards would need to negotiate the terms of a contract for service, and the process would take no more than a few months to facilitate and could include a term limit.

Tarvainen said the board needs to move forward in the best interests of the district.

Dowden said, “The board had been presented with interesting considerations that warrant discussion and consultation with legal counsel, but we have a statutory requirement to get a budget in place by December. I am not advocating the interim fire chief explore options until the board have had further discussions, and the board can formerly engage in discussion next month.”

Tarvainen said Bartlett is requesting approaching all viable agencies.

Bartlett said all three chiefs of the respective fire departments will want to know if the board is willing to engage and consider options.

Dowden said he was not ready to commit tonight.

Tarvainen said moving forward is the responsible action, and she recommended moving forward immediately and continue searching for a fire chief concurrently.

Hinton said it could take up to five months to hire a fire chief.

Tarvainen, Abendschan, and Bartlett agreed that the department will not have any trouble finding an interim retired fire chief to assist with a merger process, and the department needs to “keep the ball rolling.”

Bartlett said he would stay if the board was willing to listen to the staff and explore future options, and he was not asking the board to push the conversation into next month.

Glesne said, “A lot of interesting ideas had been presented, and the ask is for continued discussion, it is appropriate, and there is not contract in front of you, but there is a lot of opportunity to look at different contracts. There is no legal hurdle to posting an interim fire chief position.”

After further discussion, the board agreed that Bartlett should approach all parties that could provide contracts for services, or a fire authority, or a merger, and explore all possibilities, to include a search for a permanent fire chief or an interim retired fire chief for six to 12 months to help facilitate a merger process.

The board unanimously authorized the interim fire chief to enter into discussions with neighboring partner agencies for consideration of proposals for providing services.

Glesne left the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

After a 5-minute recess, the meeting resumed and Dowden said that over the past month the board had discussed hiring a fire chief, but the board is not quite there yet. He suggested a committee be formed to finalize the position.

Bartlett said the position needs to be built out, refine a posting and move forward seeking other options for the department, and decide how long a tenure would be for a future permanent or interim chief.

Abendschan and Tarvainen said the department is close to defining the position.

Bartlett requested two board members assist him with finalizing the qualifications.

After much deliberation, the board unanimously approved a special committee of Tarvainen and Behnken to assist Bartlett in building a posting and job specification by the next meeting.

Dowden said he had received a resignation from Bartlett proposing he step down as interim fire chief and flip roles with Battalion Chief David Rocco. Consequently, he had received a letter of interest from Fire Medic Fielding Lucas requesting the position of interim fire chief.

Bartlett said he would rescind flipping roles if the department was willing to move forward with pursuing options towards a contract for service, a fire authority, or consolidation.

Dowden said the leadership is good to go for tomorrow morning.

Tarvainen said that with more changes coming, it is preferable to maintain the current roles.

Dowden suggested the discussion of the fire chief role be tabled until further discussion to define the role of the fire chief and the timeline for filling the position.

Proposed 2025 budget

Rocco proposed removing the deputy chief and training captain position from the executive staff roster and creating three shift battalion chief positions. It was noted that during the PPSC Fire Academy in 2024, that after 5 p.m. and during weekends that the district had no “on shift” command supervision before he and Bartlett took over in the interim roles. A short-term plan could be developed with existing staff, he said.

Hinton said implementing 14.915 mills for the 2025 mill levy will leave the district with a shortfall of about $300,000. Based on the 2018 election, the district is allowed to adjust annually for any anticipated loss. The district will need to implement 15.56 mills to make up the difference to cover the loss of $296,308, he said.

Note: As of Oct. 31, the General Operations Fund had about $2.4 million for daily operations and a total of almost $3.336 million in savings and reserve accounts. A public hearing will be held at the December meeting before the board approves the 2025 budget, certifies the mill levy, and approves the wage and leave schedule.

Insurance differential reinstated

Dowden said at the previous meeting the topic of qualifying for the insurance differential had been presented, and the board learned that staff members had not been receiving the differential in 2024. In October 2023, the initial budget presentation had included the differential, but on Dec. 28, 2023, during the final presentation of the 2024 budget, the line item had been deleted. The board does not recall making a conscious decision to delete the line item, and there is no record in the recordings or minutes stating the removal of the insurance differential, said Dowden.

The board unanimously approved reinstating the insurance differential, and inclusion in the 2025 budget, at about $3,797 per year.

Check signing approved

The board unanimously approved that only board members and the interim fire chief be check signers.

Fire Academy contract

Bartlett confirmed large chunks of concrete had been removed from the live fire training grounds, but the crushed concrete was not tamping into the frozen ground and a drum roller would be used to assist. Training can take place on the mud, but live fire training will be conducted at Fort Carson during the 2025 PPSC Fire Academy. All students will need to sign a waiver that BFFRPD will not be liable, and waivers should have been signed in the past, he said.

The board unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding with PPSC.

The meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m.

Note: At the Oct. 16 meeting, the board heard that former Fire Chief Bob Harvey had approached the district on behalf of the Flying Horse North developer to purchase a tender in lieu of providing cisterns within the development.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11454 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. For additional special meeting notifications, joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit https//bffire.org or contact the Administrative Office at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Monument Fire District, Nov. 13 and 27 – 2025 budget approved; mill levy certified; wage schedule increases

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District (TLMFPD) dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Nov. 13, the board held a public hearing for the 2025 budget and approved it and the wage and fee schedules. It awarded a contract for the remodel of Station 2 on Roller Coaster Road. A public hearing was held before receiving approval for a petition for real property inclusion into the district. The board held a special meeting on Nov. 27 to approve the sale of the district administrative office suite at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 102, Monument.

The meeting began at 6:34 p.m.; President Mike Smaldino joined the meeting via Zoom at 6:43 p.m.

The special meeting began at 1 p.m.

Director Randall Estes was excused from both meetings.

2025 budget

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said a final edit had been made to increase the Community Risk Training budget by $18,600 for various training, but primarily for training personnel to conduct business fire protection inspections in 2025. He requested the board review and approve the 2025 budget, certify the mill levy, and adopt the employee wage schedule and the fee schedule.

Note: The projected property tax revenue is about $18 million (combines both MFD and about $4 million in Donald Wescott Fire Protection District property taxes). In addition, the district anticipates miscellaneous revenue, specific ownership tax, ambulance revenue, an EMS supplement, the remaining balance on the DWFPD contract, and wildland deployment revenue to total about $24.235 million (up about $2.189 million from 2024 revenue collection). The projected expenses are estimated to be about $18.727 million for 2025, with about $11.725 million dedicated to wages (includes a 6% increase), and about $3.5 million for benefits.

The L4319 President/Engineer Christian Schmidt thanked the board for establishing collaborative negotiating for 2024 and for approving the improved pay and benefits package. There were several meetings with the executive staff over the past several months, and the line staff is very grateful, he said.

Vice President John Hildebrandt opened a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget, and hearing no comments from the public, promptly closed the meeting and requested the board approve Resolution 2024-13 approving the 2025 budget and setting the mill levy for appropriating property tax revenue, and the corresponding appropriations.

Mill levy certification

In a roll call vote, 6-0, the board certified an 18.4 mill levy for the district’s property tax assessment.

Station 2 remodel bid approved

Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner said the district received nine bids for the remodel of Station 2 on Roller Coaster Road. After a department review with John Sattler of NV5, the district’s owners representative, the recommendation was to award Golden Triangle Construction LLC (GTC) the contract for about $1.611 million. The district budgeted about $2 million for the project in 2024 and the remodel is scheduled to begin in January 2025.

The board approved Resolution 2024-14, awarding the contract in a roll-call vote, 6-0.

Fee schedule

Kovacs said the fee schedule for 2025 had no significant increases, but the district will contract an independent NEXUS study in 2025 to determine future impact fees (that will include the construction of residential and commercial property within the district’s jurisdiction). The impact fee remains unchanged for 2025, but there will likely be changes for 2026 after the study results are known, he said. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n11mfd/.

Hildebrandt said the impact fee of $777 for a single-family home has remained the same since the 2008 recession. As costs increase for the department, fees should also increase incrementally, he said.

The board approved the fee schedule in a roll call vote 6-0.

Note: The board approved the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) state statute retrieval fee increase at the June 26 board meeting. The CORA retrieval fee increased from $30 per hour to $41.37 per hour effective July 1, 2024. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n7mfd/.

Inclusion request approved

The board opened a public hearing for the petition of inclusion for the McDonald and Enloe property at 5775 Mountain Shadow View, Colorado Springs. After hearing no opposition, the hearing was closed and the board approved Resolution 2024-12, a request for inclusion of property, in a roll call vote, 6-0.

Financial report

Treasurer Tom Kelly said that as of Oct. 31, the district is 83.3% of the total amount to be considered in line with annual projections. Overall revenue year to date is about $22.8 million, about 103.4% of the projected revenue and $762,000 above projection. Most income is on target, but ambulance revenue is lagging by 4.4%. The 2024 income budget was set at about $22 million. Overall expenses year to date are about $13.9 million or 85.1% of the projected expense budget set at about $16.336 million. Overtime is at 113.52% year to date or about $95,969 over the $710,000 annual budget for the shift workers. The board reviewed 23 electronic transactions over $2,500. Of note were:

  • $84,198 Flintco LLC Station 4 remodel
  • $40,078 Low Voltage Station Alerting System
  • $21,660 OZ Architecture Architectural Fees
  • $8,810 Wex Bank Inc. Fleet Fuel
  • $5,985 Gary Sandstrom IT Contract

Every transaction appeared appropriate and within the 2024 budget, Kelly said. As of Oct. 31, the checking and savings accounts totaled about $19.428 million with about $12.2 million in the Operations and General Fund, he said.

District Administrative Officer Jennifer Martin said the ambulance revenue is below projection since the district’s ambulance billing company merged with eight nationwide insurance companies on April 1. The old billing system has not yet caught up, but more revenue is expected.

Kovacs said the Cimarron Hills Fire Department uses the same billing vendor and they are also behind in ambulance revenue collection.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 5-0. Smaldino was absent for the vote.

Community property mitigation/risk reduction

Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley said a mitigation risk trail is located near Monument Lake and south of the dam. The demonstration area was created using a grant to install signboards to show property owners before-and-after examples of property mitigation. Across the district, the communities have removed more than 250 tons of vegetation chipped by district staff throughout 2024. The U.S. Forest Service is using satellite imagery to discover areas that need mitigation, and there is lots going on for fire prevention but there is a lot more to do, said Bradley.

Chief’s report

Note: The chief’s report and the financial report can be found at www.monumentfire.org. This reporter attended via Zoom.

Special meeting—administrative office sale

On Nov. 27, the board held a special meeting to approve the sale of the district administrative office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 102.

In a 6-0 vote, the board approved the property sale.

The meeting adjourned at 7:41p.m.

The special meeting adjourned at 1:03 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. A Volunteer Pension Fund Board of Trustees (Legacy) meeting for the former DWFPD volunteer firefighters will precede the regular meeting at 6 p.m. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Monument Town Council, Nov. 4 and 18 – Monument Council addresses budget, watershed, community initiatives

By Chris Jeub

Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind opened the Nov. 4 meeting by addressing a tragic hit-and-run accident earlier that day which resulted in the loss of life. He commended the swift response of local police and fire departments in managing the situation and called for a moment of silence to honor the victim. Later, the suspect involved in the incident turned themselves in, according to local authorities.

LaKind also read a proclamation recognizing Nov. 4-8 as Law Enforcement Records Personnel Week. The proclamation highlighted the crucial role these professionals play in supporting law enforcement through tasks like maintaining criminal justice statistics and aiding in suspect apprehensions. It praised their professionalism, efficiency, and compassion in serving the community and acknowledged their essential contributions to public safety.

Two Monument police officers were sworn in, and one was promoted at the Town Council meeting on Nov. 18.

Above: The new officers are (L to R) Joshua Teeples and Anthony Sealey. Teeples’ wife Leah pinned the badge on her husband and Sealey’s wife Alexandra did the same for her husband. The hirings bring the total number of officers to 29. Chief Patrick Regan says there’s room for one more officer in the budget.

Joshua Teeples (left) and Anthony Sealey are sworn into the Monument Police Department (52 sec)

Joshua Teeples says he’s proud to be joining the Monument Police Department (28 sec)

Anthony Sealey says he’s proud to be joining the Monument Police Department (30 sec)

Above: After the new policemen were sworn in, Officer Christopher Sullivan was promoted to sergeant. His son Kieran had some trouble pinning the badge on his father. He jumped when his dad jokingly shouted, “Ouch!” Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Town of Monument budget presentations

The 2024 Amended Budget for the General Fund was reviewed, highlighting an increase in the unreserved fund balance from 16.46% in the approved budget to 30.76%. Key contributors to the change included adjustments to prior beginning balances tied to audited 2023 financials, adding $300,000 in investment earnings and a $175,000 reduction in user charge revenue due to a lack of funding from Triview for the comprehensive plan. While the improved fund balance was noted, council members expressed concern over the reliance on investment earnings and reduced revenue streams, emphasizing the need for sustainable financial strategies.

The 2024 Amended Budget for the Water Fund increased the ending fund balance from $3.2 million to $18.2 million, driven by adjustments to prior balances, reallocation of reserves, and spending cuts. Key reductions included $750,000 from booster station upgrades and $450,000 from the valve and pipeline replacement program, offsetting overspending on Wells 11, 12, and 13. A contingency expense of $180,000 was reclassified for repairs, while vehicle and equipment spending dropped by $250,000. However, expenses rose by $260,000 for a new pipeline, and $2.75 million was removed from Forest View Water Tank improvements. Council members discussed balancing immediate infrastructure needs with long-term water fund sustainability.

The proposed 2025 Water Fund budget projects an unreserved fund balance of $4.8 million, with notable changes to expenditures. Revenue adjustments include a $300,000 reduction in investment income due to the completion of the COP bond and reallocated rent revenue from the 259 building. On the expenditure side, the budget allocates $600,000 for the design of a new Public Works building, $290,000 for an Impact Fee Study and consulting services, $180,000 for contingency funds directed to well maintenance, and $342,000 for increased well repair needs. Additionally, the budget reflects a $3 million removal for the Monument Hill Water Tank project, $800,000 cut from booster station expenses, and a reduction in administrative fees following reorganization of staff roles. Council discussions emphasized the importance of managing costs while ensuring the Water Fund’s operational efficiency.

Later in the meeting, Councilmember Steve King sought to clarify inaccuracies in a recent Our Community News (OCN) Letter to the Editor regarding the town’s budget. King asked Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek and Chief of Police Patrick Regan to confirm key points on the record. VanDenHoek affirmed that the town is not operating under a budget deficit, while Regan stated that the Police Department’s budget has not been reduced and is, in fact, higher than the previous year.

Regan clarified that funds designated for specific purposes, like 2F, cannot legally be diverted, and there is no plan or mechanism to “defund the police.” King emphasized that the letter’s claims were inaccurate and misrepresented the council’s financial planning efforts. LaKind added his criticism, claiming the letter “completely disingenuous” and called for more constructive engagement.

Note: Councilmember Kronick has written a letter of response in this issue. See the letter on page < 19 >.

Rezoning ordinance approved for 574 N. Washington St.

The Monument Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 23-2024, rezoning the property at 574 N. Washington St. from Downtown Business (DB) to Single-Family Detached Medium Density (SFD-2). Staff recommended approval of the ordinance. During the discussion, Councilmember Sana Abbott inquired about the impact on surrounding properties, while King asked about potential uses under the new zoning, with staff clarifying that the property could accommodate, at most, a duplex.

The property owner explained that the site was originally subdivided in the 1990s for a business bike shop and updated to comply with residential codes for commercial upgrades. The ordinance restores the property to residential zoning, aligning with its intended use.

Fountain Creek Watershed District projects update

Alli Schuch, executive director of the Fountain Creek Watershed District, provided an update on the district’s efforts to manage the 927-square-mile watershed spanning nine regional governments. She highlighted the challenges of the highly erratic watershed, shaped by dramatic elevation changes, erosive soils, and increased water flows due to infrastructure like the Southern Delivery System (SDS). These conditions result in flooding, erosion, and sedimentation issues, compounded by rapid population growth and water usage.

Schuch detailed various initiatives, including watershed restoration projects funded through a $50 million settlement tied to the SDS, educational outreach programs, and collaboration with landowners to mitigate erosion. However, she emphasized the district’s struggle with limited funding, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions.

Schuch also discussed new developments aimed at long-term watershed health, including a proposed wetland mitigation bank to offset development impacts and generate sustainable funding. She addressed specific local concerns, such as the Jackson Creek project, which involves multiple stakeholders, including the Air Force Academy and El Paso County, to address severe erosion and habitat loss.

By forming a Monument Creek watershed group and securing a $350,000 grant for scoping efforts, the district aims to restore critical areas while balancing environmental protection and community needs. Schuch concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration and proactive management to address shared risks and preserve the watershed for future generations.

Councilmembers King and Romanello expressed strong support for the district’s efforts. King recounted observations from a recent watershed tour, noting the severe downstream impacts of erosion, including collapsing cliffs, unusable roads, and compromised infrastructure. He highlighted the need to prioritize upstream solutions, offering examples of local challenges caused by complex water rights.

Romanello echoed the importance of addressing upstream issues, pointing out that downstream projects risk failure without them. He also highlighted the district’s financial constraints, which rely on voluntary contributions and grants, and warned against waiting for catastrophic events to drive funding, referencing past Colorado floods. Both councilmembers reinforced the value of proactive measures and collaboration to secure the watershed’s future.

Heart of Monument Park design update

Cassie Olgren, Parks and Trails planner and program manager, presented the final design update for the Heart of Monument Park, a collaborative effort led by the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club and supported by the Monument Community Presbyterian Church. The project aims to create a universally accessible playground and park in downtown Monument, incorporating community and stakeholder input gathered over the past two years.

The design features Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant playground equipment, additional ADA parking, and pathways connecting to nearby trails and sidewalks. NES, the design firm, developed plans to integrate the space with the adjacent Water-Wise Demonstration Garden. Generous contributions from the Colorado Springs Health Foundation and other donors have supported the project, with more grants and fundraising efforts underway.

The project is divided into phases, with Phase 1 focusing on site preparation, playground construction, parking, and connecting sidewalks, targeting a 2025 groundbreaking and 2026 completion. Future phases include exercise equipment, shade structures, and landscaping extensions to the Water-Wise Garden, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving community needs.

Olgren emphasized the project’s inclusive nature, with ramp-accessible structures for all abilities, and highlighted the importance of community partnerships in bringing the park to life. Final vendor selection and detailed cost estimations will follow the release of a request for proposals, enabling further progress toward making this long-awaited community project a reality.

New book chronicles Monument Cemetery history

During public comments, Michael Weinfeld and John Howe presented their new book, Shootings, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery, a detailed expansion of their 73-page report delivered last year. Inspired by Councilwoman Laura Kronick’s suggestion, the duo authored a 140-page volume filled with over 100 historical and contemporary photos and captivating stories about the individuals buried in Monument Cemetery. The book reveals previously untold accounts and fun facts about the cemetery’s history.

The book was released on Nov. 30 with a signing event at Covered Treasures Bookstore, where guests enjoyed cookies and cake while they waited to have their book signed. Copies will also be available at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, and on Amazon. Howe and Weinfeld expressed gratitude to the town for covering publishing costs and encouraged everyone to explore the fascinating stories they uncovered through their volunteer-driven project.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next meetings are scheduled for Dec. 2 and Dec. 16. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 13 – Board discusses Jackson Creek North plat; Panda Express public hearing moved to December

By Janet Sellers

At its Nov. 13 meeting, the Monument Planning Commission reviewed a request for approval of the preliminary and final plat for the Jackson Creek North Planned Multi-use District (PMD) owned by CSI Development. It noted that Higby Road will be widened from 70 to 100 feet for public improvements.

The discussion focused on safety improvements and a subdivision plat that dedicates land for stormwater management and waste control, without requesting development approval.

Note: A “final plat” specifically refers to a detailed, legally approved map of a subdivided land parcel, showing exact property boundaries and lot dimensions, while a “final plan” is a broader term encompassing the complete set of approved design drawings for a project, including architectural, site, and engineering plans, which may include a final plat as one component within the larger set of documents.

The meeting’s extensive plat discussions confirmed that the area does not yet have a development plan in place, which will go through the appropriate processes in the future. The commission approved recommending the plat request, emphasizing the importance of addressing public health and safety for the future plan. A motion was made and approved to recommend the plat to the Town Council, including a detailed study of Jackson Creek Parkway’s roadway construction and traffic impacts.

During public comments, a local parent and a staff member expressed concerns about child safety near Lewis-Palmer High School, emphasizing the need for sidewalks.

There are still unanswered plan questions, which will have to have to be addressed when a future development plan is proposed. At that point, after a plan has gone through the appropriate process, if there are questions, the town will have discussions and sometimes debate with the community. In the case of any disagreements, there is always the opportunity to bring that plan to the Town Council to appeal.

The public hearing for the Panda Express restaurant and drive-thru at Monument Marketplace was continued to the next Monument Planning Commission meeting on Dec.11 due to incomplete transportation studies affected by some technical issues.

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The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. It will revisit the discussion on the Jackson Creek North plat and the Panda Express at the next meeting on Dec. 11. For further information on Planning Commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028.

Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Nov. 14 – 2025 budget proposed; 2024 budget amended

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its only meeting in November, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees held a workshop and a public hearing on its proposed 2025 budget. The board also held a public hearing on amendments to its 2024 budget. That hearing was followed by a vote on a resolution to amend the 2024 budget to account for increased property taxes, to change the distribution of grant funds, and to correct expenses and revenues that were miscoded in the town’s 2022 budget.

The board passed three ordinances that affirmed leases that were originally granted via resolution. The board passed three resolutions authorizing studies needed to evaluate the impact of the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Finally, the board heard an administrative report from Town Administrator Dawn Collins.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

2025 budget raises compensation and increases staffing

Collins opened the workshop on the 2025 budget by telling the board that, in response to a previous compensation study, appropriate wages for town staff were a priority for the town. Both the police and fire departments were low, she said. An early draft of the 2025 budget tried to put all staff at wages recommended by the compensation study, but that was too large a step to take in a single budget, Collins said, adding the budget before the board brought wages halfway to the recommended amount. She said she wanted to move the town from reacting to planning for the future.

At the workshop, Collins reviewed proposed projects for 2025, broken down by department. Administrative projects include:

  • Rewriting the town’s land use code.
  • Improving the audiovisual equipment in the Town Hall to allow those watching the live stream of board meetings to be able to see presentations.
  • Upgrading the town’s web page to allow online reservations of town amenities and other improvements to the Town Hall.

Public works projects include:

  • Adding sidewalks along Highway 105.
  • Widening South Spruce Mountain Road.
  • Improving Circle Road.
  • Addressing drainage on Aurelia Avenue, High Street, and Rosita Avenue.

Parks and trails projects include:

  • Bridge construction at Elephant Rock.
  • Construction of a multi-use sports field at the south end of the Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area.

Water projects include:

  • Park Street, Shady Lane and other water line replacements and upgrades.
  • An Arapahoe well.
  • Participation in the Loop water re-use project.

Police and fire projects include:

  • Construction of a Public Safety Facility, for which the town has obtained a matching grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
  • Replacement of a police vehicle.
  • Acquisition of a fire engine.

Collins pointed out that the town had received $70,000 in additional property taxes in 2024, and she expected property taxes in 2025 to be similar. The 2025 budget anticipates $2.076 million in revenue from sales, use, and excise taxes. That number includes taxes from recreational cannabis sales, Collins said, but those taxes can’t be broken out for privacy reasons since there only two recreational cannabis businesses in the town.

Collins said donations are unpredictable and can’t be budgeted, but the 2025 budget does include a $12,000 pickleball sponsorship.

The 2025 budget anticipates total revenue of just over $10 million, according to Collins.

In terms of staffing, Collins said the 2025 budget includes funds for two additional full-time police officers and two-part time Police Department employees, one of whom would be a records technician. Two additional full-time positions in the Fire Department are included in the budget, Collins said.

Collins pointed out that the budget required $469,000 of reserve spending from the fund balances. She said she wanted a policy governing how much of the fund balance reserves can be spent in a budget.

The Water Fund has its own budget, and Collins pointed out that it includes four full-time employees. Collins said she thought only three employees would be needed.

There were no comments from the public following Collins’ remarks. The board made few comments about the 2025 budget during the regular board meeting. In response to a discussion about how the town should handle stray dogs, Trustee Shana Ball said she opposed adding funds to the budget that purpose. The workshop was concluded.

During its regular board meeting, the board held a public hearing on the 2025 budget. Mayor Glant Havenar said she was concerned about spending reserve dollars from the fund balance. Trustee Dennis Stern said spending $500,000 from a $4.5 million fund balance was not overreach.

Fire Chief John Vincent discussed his plans to improve the town’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which measures how well the Fire Department serves the community. Improving the ISO rating lowers residents’ insurance costs, he said. Resident Kellie Currie asked to have the cost of mapping the town’s functioning and non-functioning fire hydrants added to the town’s budget.

Havenar closed the hearing on the 2025 budget. The board will vote to approve the budget at its Dec. 12 board meeting.

2024 budget amended

The Nov. 14 board meeting included a public hearing on proposed changes to the town’s 2024 budget.

Collins told the board that the amended budget made changes to both the General Fund and the Water Fund.

In terms of the General Fund, two property tax relief bills passed by the state Legislature—SB22-238 and SB23-B001—reduced the revenue collected through property taxes. To compensate for the lost revenue, the bills required the state to reimburse some local governments. Collins said Palmer Lake received $70,000 of reimbursed property taxes, requiring the 2024 budget revenue line items for property taxes to be increased. She said grant funds for the Palmer Lake Elementary School (PLES) project were distributed differently in the amended budget.

The amended budget also transferred funds between the General Fund and the Water Fund to correct miscoding of grant funds that had occurred in the 2022 budget, specifically $25,300 from a grant to address drainage on High Street and $15,000 in Preliminary Engineering Report expenses.

In the Water Fund budget, Collins said the revenue line item for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) revenue was decreased from $117,390 to $103,669 to reflect actual ARPA revenue recognized for 2024. The revenue line item for the PLES Upper Glenway Water Improvement was increased from $101,520 to $287,697 to reflect the portion of that project that was water-related. The Water Fund Capital Outlay for PLES increased from $141,900 to $522,326. Under debt service, the principal and interest line items relating to a 2018 emergency water loan to construct a second water storage tank were corrected.

Following Collins’s remarks, the hearing was closed and the board voted on Resolution 56-2024. The resolution amends the appropriated funds for the General Fund from $4.976 million to $4.984 million and amends the appropriated funds for the Water Fund from $1.952 million to $2.349 million. Trustees Ball, Kevin Dreher, Nick Ehrhardt, Samantha Padgett, and Dennis Stern voted in favor, as did Havenar. Trustee Jessica Farr voted no.

Three leases reaffirmed

Town Attorney Scott Krob told the board that a citizen brought to the town’s attention that multi-year leases must be approved by ordinance. Town staff found three multi-year leases that were passed by resolution, not by ordinance, he said. Krob said the board could pass ordinances to affirm the leases if the town wanted to keep the terms of the leases unchanged. He said he would not charge the town for the legal work needed to draft the ordinances.

To correct this situation, the board passed three ordinances:

  • Ordinance 15-2024, which affirms the lease with CORE Electric Cooperative for the land where electric-vehicle chargers are installed.
  • Ordinance 16-2024, which affirms the lease with Pikes Peak Library District for the land used by the library.
  • Ordinance 17-2024, which affirms the lease with Eco Spa LLC for the land at the town’s Elephant Rock property where Richard and Lindsay Willans are building a spa.

Three studies to evaluate impact of proposed Buc-ee’s travel center

Krob told the board that, as part of the proposed annexation of land adjacent to I-25 and County Line Road, three studies would be undertaken to evaluate the impact of the Buc-ee’s travel center project. Resolution 53-2024 authorizes a professional service agreement with Economic & Planning Systems to conduct an independent fiscal impact analysis of the travel center. Resolution 54-2024 authorizes an agreement with Stolfus & Associates to conduct a traffic impact analysis. Resolution 55-2024 authorizes an agreement with GMS Engineering Inc. to assess the impact of the travel center on the town’s water system. In response to a question from Stern, Krob said he recommended that the water rights belonging to the land Buc-ee’s wants to acquire be transferred to the town if the annexation is approved.

Krob said Buc-ee’s would pay for all three studies.

Administrative report

Collins told the board that an offer had been made and accepted to fill the position of police chief and she expected the new chief would begin in December. She noted that Deputy Clerk Grace MacNeil was resigning her position. The flooding in the basement of the Police Station was due to a failure of the water heater, she said, and an insurance claim had been submitted. She ended her remarks by thanking Police Lt. Adam Lundy and Police Sgt. Gene Ramirez for stepping up until a police chief could be hired. She also thanked Public Works Supervisor Stacy Delozier for his work on roads and on planning. Ball and Cindy Powell were congratulated on their work obtaining grants. Collins ended her report by thanking all the town’s department supervisors and staff for their teamwork.

Executive session

The Nov. 14 board meeting was followed by an executive session to determine positions regarding the terms of purchase or sale of town property and the possible disposition of town real property. No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12. The Dec. 26 meeting has been canceled to accommodate the Christmas holiday. Meetings are held at the Town Hall. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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Correction

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees article in the November issue of OCN incorrectly said the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center would be east of I-25. It is proposed to be west of I-25 and south of County Line Road. OCN regrets the error.

Other Palmer Lake Board of Trustees articles

D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Nov. 12 – Reports on school year calendar, safety and security, and social and emotional wellness

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee met on Nov. 12 at the Monument Academy East Campus. The committee heard reports on the school year calendar, safety and security, and social and emotional wellness.

Monument Academy presentation

Monument Academy (MA) senior Audrey Hoida spoke of activities available to students at the school, including participation in the Student Council and National Honor Society, various sports, drama, band, orchestra, choir, and art.

The senior capstone project required each graduating student to address what is true, good, and beautiful.

MA Principal Angela Duca explained the mission of the school and that it is based on respect, academic excellence, responsibility, character, and exemplary citizenship. The student experience includes traditional culturally and classically based curriculum including core knowledge, college prep, and classical education.

The academy was founded in 1996 and the East Campus opened in 2020. The East Campus serves grades 6 through 12 and saw its first graduating class in 2024. The east campus now serves 400 middle school students and 138 high school students. Students in elementary and middle schools wear uniforms.

Superintendent Forum

Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri shared drafts of the proposed district calendars for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. District policy is to draft two years’ calendars at a time. Some proposed changes included removing Assessment Day from August and moving one of the Professional Learning Community work days from January back to February where it once was.

Board of Education report

Board Liaison Dr. Patti Shank reported on that day’s board retreat, which gave members the opportunity to discuss such topics as a safety audit, considerations of the use of Grace Best Elementary, and student capacities at district schools. The board also discussed the possibility of receiving business sponsorships for the new Career and Innovation Center.

When asked why the district is investing in a new building when existing facilities are in need of repair, Shank responded that the new center will serve to keep students in the district and that funds for needed repairs are in the district budget.

Social and emotional wellness discussion

Director of Student Services Rick Frampton reported that a recent analysis was made of the district’s offerings regarding social and emotional wellness.

The district contracted with Practical Statistics to conduct the analysis which included seeking best practices from state and national sources, conducting interviews with students and staff, and review of data from student surveys.

Frampton said improved teacher retention could help with maintaining teacher/student relationships that could support mental health. A sense of belonging is essential to support mental health, he said.

Student surveys indicated that a vast majority of students know at least one adult teacher or other staff member who sees them as an individual.

Security audit

Director of Security Dennis Coates reported that the district recently contracted with KRW to review district security practices. All buildings except for MA (MA is scheduled for a review soon) were visited and a review of video and communications systems was done. The district’s relationship with area first responders was also examined.

Principals, staff, and the superintendent were interviewed as part of the audit.

Coates said recent improvements such as the addition of security vestibules and communication systems were mentioned as positive changes. Development of emergency procedures was also mentioned. Such factors as doors and windows, environmental security design (such as ensuring that landscaping does not impede visibility of buildings), and having a security supervisor at each location were suggested.

Recommendations included adding to the security team, reviewing emergency protocols, considering uniforms for security personnel, and improving the district website. Security at Prairie Winds Elementary School was cited as a concern.

When asked about procedures during a wildfire, Coates responded that there have been exercises with local first responders to address such situations. When asked about possible hoaxes regarding threats to the schools, Coates said that the district takes all such reports seriously and investigates them.

Committee reports

The Financial Transparency Committee met in October to discuss the Grace Best and administrative campus and funding for the Career and Innovation Center.

The Special Education Advisory Committee and the Wellness Committee rescheduled their meetings due to the recent snowstorm.

The Early Childhood Advisory Committee toured the pre-K classrooms at Bear Creek Elementary to consider what improvements may be needed. Current pre-K enrollment is low, and feedback from parents indicates that they would like a full-day program. The district does not currently offer such a program but is considering a pilot program at Bear Creek and opening a new pre-K classroom at Palmer Lake Elementary.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times per year. The committee will not meet in December. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Jan. 14 at Ray Kilmer Elementary School, 4285 Walker Road, Colorado Springs. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Nov. 18 – Board reviews revision of district boundaries, approves lease/purchase agreement for Career and Innovation Center

By Harriet Halbig

In her board comments at the Nov. 18 meeting of the Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education, President Tiffiney Upchurch said that the D38 Education Foundation has approved several grants for district teachers, many of them involving training for teaching students with dyslexia. Upchurch said that 15% to 20% of the population has dyslexia and that specialized training is required.

Student representatives introduced

Seniors Sean Ray (student body president) and Kenna Drake (student body vice president) of Palmer Ridge High School were introduced to the board. These representatives may report on their schools’ activities and participate in discussion but do not have a vote on the board.

Ray and Drake reported on sport achievements including a first-ever championship in softball, the musical Pippin, fundraising for the Harvest of Love food drive, and some seniors’ ability to paint their parking spaces.

Above: At its Nov. 18 meeting, the D38 Board of Education recognized Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) girls’ volleyball coach Don Nash. Nash recently recorded his 600th win as a volleyball coach since starting his career at LPHS in 1985. LPHS Principal Bridget O’Connor noted that when Nash arrived at LPHS to teach math and coach volleyball, she was a sophomore at the school. Nash is unwavering on his core values and moral compass, she said. O’Connor calculated that Nash had impacted over 4,000 students as a math teacher and over 1,000 as a coach, and the impact is exponential as those students and athletes go out and impact others. From left are board members Todd Brown, Dr. Patti Shank, Ron Schwarz, board President Tiffiney Upchurch, O’Connor, Nash, LPHS Athletic Director Nick Baker, board member Kris Norris, and Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

The seniors who could customize their spaces on the upper lot were those with the top 25 grade-point averages and those with three athletic letters. On the lower lot, seniors were chosen by lottery.

Ray and Drake also said that a goal of this year is to increase school spirit.

Superintendent’s update

Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri reported that a number of district schools honored veterans on Veterans Day although some celebrations were delayed by snow. She also honored all district employees who had served in the armed forces.

Datteri commented that the high school musicals, SpongeBob at Lewis-Palmer High School and Pippin at Palmer Ridge were both impressive and successful.

Representatives from UC Health trauma surgery visited Ray Kilmer Elementary and taught students to perform CPR, she said.

To view a list of district students who signed to participate in sports at the college level, please see boarddocs under the Board of Education tab on the district website, lewispalmer.org. Choose meetings and select the meeting date.

Datteri also honored all district parents and guardians for their support and participation in observance of National Parent Involvement Day on Nov. 21.

Revision of district boundaries discussed

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway and Director of Planning, Facilities and Grounds Melissa Andrews presented an analysis of the five Board of Education director districts.

State statute requires that the districts be contiguous, compact, and as nearly equal in population as possible.

Although the national census is conducted every 10 years, the district boundaries are reviewed every four years.

Maps with the boundaries were displayed. Andrews said that districts 1, 2, and 3 displayed the most differences from 2020. District 3 grew while district 1 shrank, although neither change was by more than 1%.

When asked why D38 has several districts as opposed to at-large representation, Datteri said that because it is a Tri-Lakes district with varying needs and requirements in different areas, it was felt that this configuration was better suited to the needs of the population.

The board will vote at its December meeting to approve the revisions.

Financial planning and analysis

Ridgway reported that the October count showed a difference of 31 from the forecast number. He reminded the board that the number of students and the number of full-time students differ because those in the homeschool enrichment academy count as half a student and those in preschool do not count at all because preschool is not included in the School Finance Act.

Ridgway also reported on an analysis of how many students did not matriculate in a predictable way. Predictably, students would progress from one grade to the next in the same school. In D38 he determined that 19% of the students did not behave predictably, with a number transferring between schools. He also commented that there were fewer preschool and kindergarten students than graduating seniors.

He said that further analysis is planned to determine the reason for this.

Approval of courses for Career and Innovation Center

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine and Director of Innovation Jessica McAllister presented a list of several proposed courses to be offered at the new Career and Innovation Center beginning in the fall of 2025. These included courses in manufacturing, computer science, engineering, and health care. A chart indicated which courses are ready to begin and which are in planning. To view the chart, please see boarddocs.

Once approved, the courses will be published so that students will have the opportunity to enroll in the spring for the following fall. Some of the courses, such as welding, are now available at one district high school.

In addition to the courses, a report was made on seeking partnerships and grants. It was suggested that entities which provided the largest funding could have a course named for them.

McAllister also reported that the district is developing classes at the middle school level which would feed into the high school level courses, and perhaps also to include programs in the upper elementary grades in the form of a unit or demonstration.

Jabil Inc. building resolution and purchase terms

Ridgway explained that the district has decided to enter a lease/purchase agreement with Jabil Inc. regarding the Career and Innovation Center rather than a simple purchase. He said that the seller will lease the property to the district while it is being remodeled. By not going through a financial institution, the district was able to save $250,000.

The district may prepay to fulfill the lease at any time.

Ridgway said that a separate page in his monthly financial report will show expenditures on the project.

To view the lease/purchase agreement, please see boarddocs.

The board approved the agreement.

Trail bridge approved

Ridgway reported on progress in the Safe Route to School Trail. This project was begun in 2018 with a grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation and also involves partnership with the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation.

The trail will go from Lewis-Palmer Elementary school to Lewis-Palmer Middle School and Palmer Ridge High School. The trail will begin at Lower Dam Road at the north end and conclude at the spillway on Lake Woodmoor Drive.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will pay up to 90% of the cost of the trail as its decision not to widen Woodmoor Drive is part of the reason for the trail being needed. WIA will also pay a portion of the cost.

The board voted to hire Bridge Brothers to manufacture a bridge which will go across the spillway at Lake Woodmoor Drive. The bridge will be constructed off site and mounted on pylons on either side of the spillway.

When asked who will pay for maintenance of the trail and bridge, Ridgway said that the district will be responsible for maintenance of the bridge.

Upchurch asked whether there are provisions for crossing Woodmoor Drive from the middle school to the trail.

Andrews said there is a proposed roundabout for the intersection of Woodmoor Drive and Deer Creek. Adding a traffic light is unlikely.

The board approved the consent agenda.

The board went into executive session to consider the evaluation of the superintendent, and no further business was conducted afterward.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education usually meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at its learning center, 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The next meeting will be on Dec. 16. For information, please contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other District 38 Board of Education articles

Monument Academy School Board, Nov. 18 and 21 – Board responds to organization audit

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) board held two meetings in November. Its first meeting on Nov. 18 consisted solely of an executive session for legal advice regarding matters related to contract compliance, policies, and human resources matters regarding administrator roles and responsibilities of school and central office leaders. No action was taken on return from the executive session.

At its regular meeting on Nov. 21, the board set the context of its organization audit, heard a more detailed presentation, and discussed the executive director’s action plan. The board also listened to a proposal for a proposed high-performance program.

Above: At the November board meeting, Craig Carle highlighted Monument Academy’s cross-country team, led by coaches Tom Eller and Cathy Owen, for its accomplishments at the 2A State Meet, where the team placed 18th of 20 teams who competed. Carle read a letter from Athletic Director Mike Svendsen, who noted that with 83 teams within the state, MA is in the top 20% of 2A schools. Carle read out of a list of cross-country team members, highlighting Matthew Start, who placed third and was named to the 2A all-state team; Joseph Beck, the lone cross-country runner in his freshman season; and Sharon Krein, the lone female member of the team. Top row, from left: board Vice President Lindsay Clinton, Matthew Start, Jace Greer, Levi Deniston, Ethan Reardon, coach Tom Eller, board member Karen Hoida, and board President Ryan Graham. Bottom row, from left: board member Jilinda Dygert, Thomas Rauschenberg, Sharon Krein, Josh Deniston, Joseph Beck, and board member Craig Carle. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Organizational audit context

Board President Ryan Graham read a prepared narrative explaining that after hiring Collin Vinchattle as executive director (ED) in May of this year, the MA board contracted with Helping Schools Thrive LLC (HST) to provide an extensive audit of the school’s academics, operations, and governance based on the school’s charter and philosophy documents.

The goal, he said, was to help the board and the ED to have a clear understanding of where the school finds success and to identify areas to improve. This information is invaluable to creating a strategic plan, and it’s worth noting, he said, that placing blame has never been the focus or goal of this audit.

He quoted Jim Collins, author of From Good to Great, saying the difference comes from avoiding complacency and loss of identity and instead remaining laser-focused on an organization’s foundational core or center. Graham noted that MA’s academic and philosophical components were, in essence, its constitution as described in its charter application. The documents put forth MA’s values and distinguishing attributes; all MA policies and practices should stem from it, he said. As a result of the audit, MA has a call to action, Graham said.

He said that moving forward, MA’s goal is to realign the school in every way with its foundational academic and philosophical components. Graham noted that MA will re-establish and maintain proper order within its organization, ensuring that any proposed changes are supported by the direction outlined in its charter and that current practices not in alignment will be removed. He acknowledged that MA has seen at least nine turnovers in top leadership positions in the past seven years, which has caused unease, confusion, a lack of consistency, and a lack of trust.

Graham acknowledged the need for a renewed focus on academic achievement and philosophical alignment, which the board had not clearly understood. There has been a sense of the “tyranny of the urgent” in recent years with a focus on protecting MA from legislative attacks as well as financial burdens, Graham claimed.

Graham declared that MA would achieve a charter and educational philosophy alignment on both campuses, prioritize academic achievement and excellence, and return to clearly defining what distinguishes and makes MA different. MA will build a culture of trust and leadership, he said, focusing on measures to retain and build on its current and future student body and bring clarity and simplicity back to MA’s traditional and classical approach. Graham said that MA is in a solid and stable position as it approaches its 30th year but has the potential to achieve excellence. He thanked everyone who participated in the audit.

Detailed organizational audit

Graham then introduced Lis Richard, lead consultant for HST, and reviewed her extensive experience in education. Richard, who previously served as the principal of Monument Academy, was chosen, Graham said, because of her background and knowledge of MA.

At a special meeting on Oct. 24, Richard delivered a summary of her internal review audit. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n11d38ma/ for more information.

Richard thanked the board, noting that it had had comfortable and uncomfortable discussions. She said the board had genuine hearts and a deep desire to understand. She gave kudos to Vinchattle, who she called a special leader, and expressed gratitude that the board picked a leader from within. Richard said she would cover history, lessons learned, and the purpose of the audit and then delve into academics, operations, and governance, ending with concluding remarks.

MA was started in 1995 by a group of parents. It had humble beginnings and a pioneer spirit, Richard noted. Over time, MA moved from a dentist-owned building to its West Campus and added clubs, sports, football, cheerleading, dance, drama, and orchestra. Those were exciting times, and enrollment kept moving forward. She said what was unique about MA was parent participation, input, and trust. The curriculum was the choice of the school rather than the district, and MA chose the Core Knowledge (CK) sequence with an emphasis on core virtues. There were high expectations for students and staff, class size was small, and student achievement was notably higher than MA’s counterparts, Richard recalled.

Regarding lessons learned, Richard said that a great education does not require first-class facilities or new textbooks. She said that magic happens in the classroom with the right curriculum, teaching method, and relationships at home. It requires that staff have ongoing professional development that excites and energizes them in the mission and philosophy, she said. Success brings hope, and hope brings new students, Richard said. She noted that MA had some wonderful leaders but has struggled with leadership turnover that is higher than the state average. She said that the charter environment is very challenging and underpaid.

Richard said the audit aimed to examine academics, operations, and governance, comparing current practices and policies to the original intent of the charter and philosophy documents and offering the board and leadership some tangible reflection and resources. In addition to Richard, the audit team included HST employee Barbara Montoya as the evaluator on site and Andy Franko of the Minga Education Group who focused on operations.

For academics, Richard focused on philosophy, instructional policies, curriculum, and discipline. She reiterated that staff and leadership have only a basic understanding of MA’s philosophy and did not receive annual training. Grades 6 through 12 have a core method of instructional practice, and teachers are evaluated and expected to improve. High school staff are new to the program, and elementary school is in the adoption phase. For curriculum, her greatest area of concern was pre-kindergarten through fifth grade where many supplemental materials do not align with CK. There is strong CK implementation at the secondary level, she said, but the arts program could better follow the CK sequence and needs more budgetary support.

There is no annual training on CK for new teachers and leadership, she noted. For discipline, MA has adopted Capturing Kids Hearts, which has the support of school leadership, but it is not fully supported by all staff, and parents question its effectiveness.

Richard touched on teacher support, student achievement, and character development. Teacher support is critical to retention, professional development is lacking, teaching teams are functional but siloed, and there is no solid method for teacher improvement and ongoing coaching, she said. It is a work in progress, she said, noting that there is no instructional coaching and that while collegiality and teamwork are great, teachers do not make enough money, earning 20% less than their peers. For student achievement, Richard recommended student assessments be given once students are admitted and given to their incoming teacher. She said there is no accountability method for using assessment data with students and parents, and its purpose is unclear in preschool.

MA’s elementary school is no longer competitive with other district schools, but they are working on it, she noted. The middle school is in the upper quadrant of success but has room to improve, while the high school has performed very well in the few years it has existed.

Finally, while character development was called out as MA’s most distinguishing trait, Richard noted that most schools have a program for this. MA uses Character First in elementary school, while the secondary school has the Peak System (like Harry Potter houses) to build camaraderie and uses the Leadworthy program from Capturing Kids Hearts. It would benefit all stakeholders to see the character of the month, have parent resources posted online, and have a method of accountability for teacher implementation, she said.

Concerning Operations, Richard reported that MA has more than adequate space for Pre-K through fifth grade, with lots of empty, unused space at the West Campus. Space is needed at the secondary level. MA should consider staffing for kindergarten support, fine arts at the secondary level, and content-specific teachers at the high school. Class size needs to be addressed, especially in kindergarten and core classes; MA is very aware of this and is working on it, she said. Richard noted that Monument and Palmer Lake saw a 67% population growth from 2010 to 2021, while MA saw a 34.5% increase in those 10 years primarily by adding more grades. However, the average grade size had dipped. Adding grades also adds expenses in teachers, infrastructure, and debt, she noted.

Richard encouraged parents to support staff as they focus on MA’s foundations and move from good to excellent. She said MA is on a path to becoming the best school in the state. All stakeholders should learn to articulate MA’s programs, philosophy, and core virtues, she said. Richard recommended that MA focus on enrollment, highlight MA’s distinguishing traits, and stabilize its leadership.

Governance is about the board, Richard noted, saying that the board is made up of parents who are dedicated to the success of the school. They are willing to learn and have been doing their best, she said. Richard said that when she left MA, she left thumb drives and notebooks with information, but her mistake was not getting the school philosophy into policy. She said board responsibilities should be reviewed annually, new member training should be consistent, and the board needs a better understanding of governing by policy and setting direction. She noted that specific policies need addressing, and there should be a standard procedure for reviewing policies, which is underway. An academic philosophy policy that includes penmanship is needed, and teacher representatives to the board should be inducted, she said. The board is firmly committed to stabilizing the right leadership, which is now in place, Richard said.

Overall, Richard noted that academics has some red (bad), governance has a little red, and operations is green (good) and yellow (needs work). The MA board is aware of the audit results and is working on addressing all the issues, she said. The next steps are in place. She encouraged the stakeholders to tap into the pioneer spirit and support all efforts to move forward.

Executive director action plan

Vinchattle thanked HST and all who participated in the audit. He provided a preliminary action plan to the board for approval, changes, and adjustments. He proposed that 12 stakeholders, staff, parents, administrators, and student advisors meet in early December to create action steps, which he will bring to the board. The initial focus would be on educational philosophy and implementing policies to inform training and curriculum decisions, he said.

The board expressed support for the audit and for MA’s leadership and unanimously approved tonight’s action steps and directed Vinchattle to present the final action plan in December.

High performance program described

Franko, who, through his company Minga Education Group, provides services to charters and the choice sector, introduced Vladislav “Izzy” Izboinikov as instrumental in founding and developing the High Performance Program (HPP). The program started in D49 in the Springs Studio for Academic Excellence (SSAE), a blended learning environment. SSAE offers HPP, a hybrid program to educate students developing athletic and creative skills at the highest level. Izboinikov serves as the program coordinator. For more information, see https://ssae.d49.org/school-info/high-performance-program-hpp.

Franko explained that HPP is looking to expand into brick-and-mortar schools and that MA has some unique characteristics that make this an opportune time to consider the program. HPP shares its name with a program at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) program that provides resources and funding to national sports governing bodies to ensure competitiveness.

Franko said new opportunities within Colorado public education funding allow for an alternative instruction model. This allows the school to provide online or hybrid education without going to the state Board of Education to achieve multi- or single-district online certifications. Franko said Vinchattle noted that several students at MA fit this model.

Franko proposed developing the program by working with organizations like USA Wrestling, USA Boxing, USA Hockey, and others to bring whole teams into it. MA is unique, he said, because the Tri-Lakes area has many club sports and different opportunities for students to achieve at a high level, requiring a lot of travel and training during the school day.

He said his organization, Izboinikov, and an implementation specialist would work with MA’s team to develop the program. He noted there is room for increased enrollment but a need to be flexible with the space in the school. Students in the HPP program would not have the same space obligations as a typical student. He said he had met with the Daniels Fund, a state-based nonprofit that provides opportunities for public education and amateur sports, and it is interested in partnering on this. Franko said they are seeking funding from Daniels to incubate this program at brick-and-mortar schools.

Board member Karen Hoida wondered how HPP might impact MA’s direction of realigning its curriculum to its charter. Franko said the goal is to provide the same core instruction in an alternative structure. Hoida also asked if Minga Education Group would get 10% of the per pupil revenue (PPR) for 50 students even if they only enrolled two or three. Franko said they would only get 10% of the PPR for enrolled students and confirmed that HPP students would be funded at 100% of PPR.

Board member Jilinda Dygert asked what age ranges were covered. Franko said the program doesn’t work well at the elementary level and can work at middle school, but he expects the demand to be at the high school level.

Graham expressed concern that this not add to the current teacher workload. Franko said he identified the need for on-site staffing and the cost of facilitating the program. The director role and the implementation specialist would work with the leadership team. The director would work with partner programs. These positions would be funded via the 10% of PPR.

Board member Craig Carle asked if MA could limit the number of kids accepted into the program if MA runs into space limitations. Franko said there would be lots of flexibility, and the focus would be on partners looking for organizations close to where they are training. Board Vice President Lindsay Clinton asked if Minga’s staff would also attend training in MA’s philosophy. Franko said the goal is to work closely with staff to understand the academic piece.

Graham noted that the intent was not to take action but to get consensus on whether the board would ask Vinchattle and Interim Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson to look into this going forward. Hoida expressed concern that with all the changes MA was trying to implement, this might burden the already stressed system too much. Vinchattle acknowledged that it could be additional stress or an opportunity to bring the program in and grow together. Graham directed Vinchattle and Gustafson to explore this and bring information back in December or January.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Finance Director Laura Polen congratulated Registrar Lena Gross on winning her arbitration over two students in the October count, reducing MA from 5.1 full-time equivalent (FTE) students under budget to 2.5 FTE, thus preserving some PPR revenue.
  • Vinchattle acknowledged MA’s efforts in the Harvest of Love event, collecting food and money for Tri-Lakes Cares. He thanked families for contributing and showing why MA is a special place.
  • Gustafson led the discussion on the mid-year fiscal year 2024-25 budget, with a vote to come in December. There was a net income increase of $300,000, including increases in PPR, fundraising, gala, Colorado Gives campaign, athletic gate receipts, and decreases in interest and special education funding. Expenses were increased for professional development, consulting fees, bond expenses, building insurance, and initial funding of contingency reserves. Savings came from the custodial contract, parking lot, and copy machine leases. He added some money. He also added money to cover the costs of recommendations from the organization audit. Total changes netted out to $16,000, he said.
  • The board unanimously approved policy GC-MA Professional staff, reflecting that MA has year-to-year contracts rather than the traditional three-year probational periods done at most schools.
  • The board unanimously approved policy GBJ-NA Personnel Records and Files, which discusses the records needed for classified and unclassified staff and which parts of those files can be viewed publicly.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The December meeting has been moved. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ma-boe.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 11 – Board considers rate increase

By James Howald

At its November meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board opened two public hearings: the first on the proposed 2025 budget and the second on proposed rate increases. The board awarded a construction contract for a water storage tank near the Southern Water Treatment Facility and heard operational reports.

2025 budget and rates

Board President Brian Bush opened a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget. The board voted to keep the hearing open until its next meeting on Dec. 16, at which time it will vote on the budget. The board meeting regularly scheduled for Dec. 12 will be delayed until Dec. 16 to accommodate the requirements for posting proposed rate increases.

District Manager Jessie Shaffer told the board that the budget before the board had very few changes from the version it considered at a budget workshop on Oct. 23. He said he had grouped rehabilitation and repair costs and maintenance costs together as the board had suggested. The budget assumes a 5% increase across the board on residential base fees and volumetric rates, Shaffer said. He estimated the increases would cost the typical residential customer an average of $4 per month. The average increase, which covers both water and sewer costs, would be less than $4 in the winter months when water usage decreases and more than $4 a month in the summer months when irrigation is at its highest rate.

Shaffer asked the board to consider increasing the base fee for supplemental water from its current rate of $29,000 per acre-foot to $34,500 per acre-foot. In most cases, requests for supplemental water come from developers whose projects will require more than the standard allotment of 0.5 acre-foot of water for each acre of land they wish to develop.

The board opened a second public hearing specifically on rates and also voted to keep it open until Dec. 16.

The board is required to publish rate increases 30 days in advance of the date those increases will take effect. The proposed “not-to-exceed” rates for 2025 are published in two attachments on WWSD’s web page and include the following increases for residential users:

  • The water base fee for a residence with a three-fourths-inch tap—the most common configuration in the district—will increase from $11.01 per month to $11.56.
  • For the first 6,000 gallons of water used in a month, the residential volume charge will increase from $6.98 per 1,000 gallons to $7.33.
  • For water usage between 6,001 and 25,000 gallons used in a month, the residential volume charge will increase from $11.27 per 1,000 gallons to $11.83.
  • For water usage over 25,000 gallons, the residential volume charge will increase from $18.39 per 1,000 gallons to $19.31.
  • The sewer base fee for a residence will increase from $35.69 to $37.47 per month.
  • The sewer volume charge will remain unchanged at no charge for the first 6,000 gallons of wastewater generated in a month and will increase from $4.65 to $4.88 per 1,000 gallons of wastewater above 6,000 gallons.
  • The Renewable Water Investment Fee will remain unchanged. It is currently $40 per month for residences with three-fourths-inch taps.

For new residential construction:

  • The water tap fee for a three-fourths-inch tap will take a big jump from $37,235 to $40,959.
  • The sewer tap fee will remain unchanged at $10,388 for the first 25 fixture units.

A complete list of all proposed water fees and charges can be found here: https://www.woodmoorwater.com/images/docs/Rate_Increases/2025/2025_Rate_Increase_Attachment_A.pdf.

A complete list of all proposed sewer fees and charges can be found here: https://www.woodmoorwater.com/images/docs/Rate_Increases/2025/2025_Rate_Increase_Attachment_B.pdf.

Water tank construction contract awarded

Richard Hood, a project manager with JVA Consulting Engineers Inc., gave the board an update on the plan to build a second water storage tank in the southern portion of the WWSD service area and asked the board to award a contract for its construction.

The new tank will provide redundancy so the existing tank can be taken offline and recoated, he said, and will be made of prestressed concrete so it will not require coating and will be cheaper to maintain over the long term than the existing steel tank. The new tank will require minor soil grading and site piping improvements. Hood said he expected substantial completion of the tank by August of 2025.

Hood recommended the construction contract be awarded to Preload, a company that specializes in prestressed concrete tanks. Hood said his company had worked with Preload on a water storage tank project in Pueblo that went well. He advised the board to accept Preload’s $2 million bid to construct the tank.

Board President Brian Bush asked if the bid included a contingency. Shaffer said the 2025 budget contained a $100,000 contingency for the project, and the board voted unanimously to accept Preload’s bid.

Operational reports

In his operational report, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine addressed the question, asked by board Treasurer Roy Martinez at the October meeting, of how much the district spends on preventive maintenance. LaFontaine said the district has never tracked preventive maintenance spending directly but is developing an asset management system that will provide the data needed to track that spending. LaFontaine said he had worked with Office Manager Cory Lynch and they had estimated about 19% of the district’s $236,000 general water maintenance budget was spent on preventive maintenance. On the wastewater side, the percentage was higher, LaFontaine said, at about 53% of the district’s $89,000 general wastewater maintenance budget.

LaFontaine explained that sometimes doing preventive maintenance on a fixed schedule wastes money because equipment is replaced before it fails. He said the district focuses on redundancy instead, which saves money by allowing equipment to be fixed only when it fails.

In her engineer’s report, District Engineer Cydney Saelens told the board that contractors made significant progress on the water transmission line being built to convey water from Well 21, the district’s newest well, to the Central Water Treatment plant. She said the contractor had been given until Nov. 25, an additional five days, to complete the work.

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The next meeting is on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. The December meeting was delayed to meet posting requirements. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Monument Sanitation District, Nov. 20 – Board approves rate increase, plans for Buc-ee’s impact

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

The Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board focused on its rates, fees, and the 2025 budget at its meeting in November. It held two public hearings: the first on its rates and fees and the second on its 2025 budget. The hearings were followed by votes on resolutions to raise its monthly rates and fees and to approve the budget and appropriate the funds needed.

In his manager’s report, District Manager Mark Parker told the board about a meeting he attended with representatives of Buc-ee’s, which is planning to build a travel center on property west of I-25 and south of County Line Road that is currently part of MSD’s service area.

Rate increase of $5 per month approved

Parker opened a public hearing on a new fees schedule that increases the monthly residential use fee from $40 to $45. The schedule also adds a $2 per month fee for customers who choose to receive a paper statement each month. The paper statement fee is intended to offset mailing costs.

The schedule also raises the commercial use fee to $45 per month for the first 5,000 gallons of wastewater generated. The commercial fee increases to $6.10 for each 1,000 gallons thereafter.

Residential customers will pay a $5 late fee on any outstanding balance after the 16th day of the month. Commercial customers will pay a 5% late fee.

Residential and commercial tap fees, which are paid once when new customers connect to the district’s infrastructure, remain unchanged in the new fee schedule.

Following the public hearing, at which there were no comments from the public, the board unanimously approved Resolution 11202024-2, which adopts the new fee schedule.

The board discussed the new fee schedule in detail at its previous meeting in October. That discussion is reported in the November issue of Our Community News here: https://wp.ocn.me/v24n11msd/.

2025 budget approved

There were no comments on the proposed 2025 budget at the public hearing that Parker opened, and the hearing was closed.

The 2025 budget included in the packet for the meeting projects total income for the district will be $2.998 million and total expenditures will be $2.889 million, leaving an ending fund balance of $1.730 million. Parker said the final budget reflected the concerns the board expressed when it discussed the budget at its October meeting.

The board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 11202024-1, which adopts the 2025 budget and appropriates funds as required.

The board’s detailed discussion of the 2025 budget is reported at the link above.

Manager’s report includes discussion with Buc-ee’s

In his manager’s report, Parker told the board that on Nov. 19 he participated in a meeting with engineers representing Buc-ee’s to discuss its plans for a travel center in the northeast corner of MSD’s service area. Parker said the district took no position on where the travel center obtains water. He said the center was estimated to produce 15,000 of wastewater daily and would require the installation of a grease interceptor. Parker said he expects to meet with representatives of Buc-ee’s monthly.

Parker said Buc-ee’s would pay one tap fee for the center and would also pay a plant investment fee for its impact on the Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility (TLWWTF), which would process the center’s wastewater. Parker said the TLWWTF would need “major upgrades,” and new developments need to “pay their way.” A plant investment fee has never been charged in the past, he said, but the travel center would require the fee.

The TLWWTF is jointly owned and operated by the Town of Monument, the Town of Palmer Lake, and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District. The Joint Use Committee (JUC) oversees the operation of the treatment facility. Each of the owners pays a portion of operating costs based on the amount of wastewater it generates. In the past, disagreements about allocating operating costs have been resolved in court.

Parker also mentioned that the travel center might require a lift station to be built. How El Paso County decides to develop Beacon Lite Road will impact the need for a lift station, Parker said. Parker explained that if Buc-ee’s wants MSD to run the lift station, then other district customers would need to be included. If Buc-ee’s wants the lift station to serve only their center, then the district will not take responsibility for its operation, Parker said

Later in his report, Parker asked the board to approve a 2025 budget for the JUC that includes a 5% pay increase for its employees and a cost-of-living adjustment that will cover a 13.5% increase in employee insurance cost. The board voted unanimously to approve the proposed budget.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Donala Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 21 – Board hears rate and groundwater supply studies

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At Donala Water and Sanitation District’s (DWSD) November meeting, consultants presented the results of two studies: the first addressing proposed rate increases and the second analyzing groundwater supply issues such as the status of existing wells, plans for well maintenance, how best to manage the district’s two well fields, and next steps.

The presentations were intended to address questions arising from a discussion of the district’s 2025 budget at the previous board meeting, in which a 9.25% increase in rates had been proposed by General Manager Jeff Hodge. Hodge presented a revised 2025 budget that compared 4.5% and a 5% rate increases. The board voted on a resolution calling for a special election to ask voters to waive term limits for DWSD board members. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Rate study recommends 5% rate increase

Todd Cristiano, a consultant with Raftelis, a company that does financial modeling and rate studies for local governments and utilities, presented the results of his study of water and wastewater rates to the board. His goal was to create a financial roadmap that aligns rate revenues with annual expenditures, debt coverage and required reserves; that funds capital projects using debt, rates, and reserves; that structures rates to recover the costs of water and wastewater service; and that minimizes the financial impacts on customers.

Cristiano pointed out that DWSD was restricted in its ability to issue debt, has to rely on cash, and has to save money in advance to fund large capital projects.

Cristiano recommended a 5% rate increase, which he said would result in a $5.38 increase for DWSD’s typical customer. He pointed out that water and sewer costs were increasing much faster than general inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. One reason for this was that water and sewer infrastructure that was built in the 1970s with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency was coming to the end of its useful life and needing to be replaced.

Cristiano said DWSD currently comingles water and wastewater funds. He argued those funds should be handled separately to ensure that the rates for those services are adequate to recover their costs.

Cristiano told the board his financial plan assumed the district required an operating reserve adequate to cover 180 days of operation and a capital reserve to cover one year of depreciation expense. He assumed inflation of between 3% and 6.5% for salaries, utility costs, convey and treat charges from Colorado Springs Utilities, chemicals, and miscellaneous supplies. He said water and wastewater services should be self-sufficient by 2029.

Cristiano presented two scenarios. In the first, DWSD would rehabilitate the R. Hull Treatment Plant, fund DWSD’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project pilot, upgrade the chlorine system, drill needed wells, and fund capital replacement projects. The proposed 5% annual increase, between 2025 and 2033, would generate the $18 million needed for those purposes, Cristiano said.

In the second scenario, DWSD would participate in the Loop water re-use project, fund the ASR pilot and some future well projects for a total cost of $24 million. In this scenario, in addition to an annual 5% rate increase, DWSD would have to spend reserve funds in 2026 and between 2029 and 2033. Reserves would remain above target in this scenario, Cristiano said.

On the wastewater side, Cristiano said the proposed 5% annual increase would generate enough revenue to cover the cost of wastewater service.

Following Cristiano’s presentation, board President Wayne Vanderschuere asked Nate Eckloff, a bond expert at Piper Sandler, an investment bank that advises DWSD on how to manage debt, if anything in Cristiano’s study gave Eckloff pause. Eckloff said the study “looked solid,” and the district would have time and flexibility to adjust rates if needed. Vanderschuere said the board’s direction had been to increase fixed fees rather than rates. Hodge agreed, saying that increasing the district’s tiered water usage rates risked stifling demand.

Director Ed Miller said before he would agree to the proposed rate increases, he wanted to see a justification for the proposed spending.

Groundwater supply study

Helen Malenda-Lawrence, of LRE Water, presented to the board a detailed analysis of the district’s groundwater resources that included an assessment of each well, well maintenance, projected supply scenarios, and suggestions for long-term maintenance.

She said Hodge had inherited well fields that had not been well maintained and problems cropped up that needed immediate fixes. She said that DWSD had made significant investments in understanding the current conditions of its two well fields, its wells and its infrastructure. Her supply study had a lot of in-depth studies behind it, she said.

Malenda-Lawrence showed the board a map of the district’s two well fields and explained that wells in the northeast field fed the Holbein Water Treatment Plant (HWTP) and wells in the southwest field fed the R. Hull Water Treatment Plant (RHWTP). The district has a total of 14 wells, the oldest drilled in 1985 and the newest in 2022. Five of the wells are currently out of service, some temporarily and some permanently. She said Wells 1A and 11D both failed in September. Well 11D is an important source of water for the HWTP, Malenda-Lawrence said.

Malenda-Lawrence said Wells 11D, 9A and 4A were the most important to repair. She estimated the cost to diagnose and rehabilitate them at $580,000. She said Wells 1A-R and 14A were optional to repair if additional water supply is needed or redundancy is desired. She estimated the cost to repair those wells would be about $700,000. She related the well maintenance schedule to the district’s ability to meet demand by pointing out if Wells 1A and 11D had failed before Well 16A, the district’s newest well had come into production, it would have been difficult for the district to meet its peak demand in the summer months.

The groundwater supply study considered sustainable pumping rates, water quality, permit levels at all wells, and which wells might go out of production to identify scenarios in which the district might struggle to meet demand. All the scenarios in the study trigger flags about water quality in some circumstances. If both Wells 11D and 4A are down simultaneously, the district can’t meet demand, Malenda-Lawrence said. Her conclusions were that DWSD has been able to meet demands up to this point but it does not have a lot of flexibility, which means the operations team has to juggle things and could run into “volumetric limits.”

She recommended DWSD consider drilling two new wells into the Denver aquifer in 2026 and 2027, one in each well field, at a cost of around $1 million per well. Those costs do not include transmission lines for the water and electrical power to the well sites, she said. If DWSD intends to rely on groundwater as its main source of raw water, she recommended the drilling of another five wells between 2025 and 2040 to replace wells that can be expected to fail during that timeframe.

Hodge said most of the wells in the northeast quadrant use a pipeline adjacent to Baptist Road to convey their water to the HWTP. That pipeline is subject to failure because it is installed directly on rock without the usual clearance underneath the pipeline. The pipeline failed in September. That situation makes Well 11D critical to repair, because when the pipeline fails again Well 11D will be the only well able to supply the HWTP without the pipeline, he said.

Hodge mentioned a Colorado Supreme Court decision in the case of Parker v. Rein that will affect DWSD’s planning. The ruling states that water right holders are entitled to a fixed volume of water and not a fixed rate of withdrawal. That means water districts may have to document how much water they have pumped to date and may see their water rights end sooner than expected.

Brett Gracely, also with LRE Water, discussed the next steps DWSD should consider. He said the district should compare the costs of maintaining and improving their two well fields to the costs of using its water supply from the Willow Creek Ranch conveyed by Colorado Springs Utilities, obtaining water via the Loop water re-use project, and moving to direct potable re-use of effluent from the Upper Monument Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Vanderschuere said he applauded the rigor of the groundwater supply study.

2025 budget

Hodge presented an updated 2025 budget that, in response to the board’s comments on the budget he presented at the October meeting, lowers the proposed rate increase from 9.25% to 5% and delays some capital projects to reduce their total costs to $2.2 million. He said the updated budget “keeps the lights on,” is in balance, makes debt service payments, and includes financial reserves that will fund operations for 180 days.

The board will hold a final vote on the 2025 budget at its next board meeting on Dec. 12.

Term limit waiver to go before voters

The board voted in favor of Resolution 2024-7, which authorizes a special election to be held on Feb. 4, 2025 on the question of waiving term limits for members of the DWSD board.

The district headquarters at 1580 Holbein Drive will be used as a polling place, and district residents can vote in person between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to determine positions relative to negotiation regarding the Intergovernmental Agreement governing the Upper Monument Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility that DWSD shares with the Triview Metropolitan District, the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, and the Academy Water and Sanitation District. No actions were taken after the executive session.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec 12 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me

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El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Nov. 21 – Board approves 2025 budget

By James Howald

In November, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board held two special meetings on the same day. The first special meeting consisted entirely of an executive session. The agenda for that meeting gave a very general reason for the executive session: to confer with an attorney to receive legal advice on matters that may be subject to negotiations.

At the second special meeting, the board held a public hearing on its proposed budget for 2025 and heard an update from John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co., who serves as the Loop’s workflow manager. Nicole R. Peykov, the Loop’s attorney, asked the board to approve two resolutions addressing administrative matters.

2025 budget squared away

Board President Jessie Shaffer opened a public hearing on the Loop’s 2025 budget. There were no comments from the public, and the hearing was closed. The board voted unanimously to approve the 2025 budget and, in a separate vote, appropriated the funds needed.

Progress report

Kuosman told the board that he had met with the El Paso Board of County Commissioners to thank them for their support of the Loop. The commissioners played an important role in the launch of the Loop by awarding it $4 million in funds from the Biden administration’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA). Kuosman said he told the commissioners how the remainder of the ARPA funds would be spent, and they asked for a written summary of where the Loop stands by Dec. 6. Kuosman offered to draft that response and the board authorized him to do so.

Kuosman said Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were being drafted to address the planning and financing needed to move the Loop from its current conceptual design phase to a preliminary design. The focus of the RFPs would be on the water treatment portion of the project, he said. The board gave Kuosman permission to proceed with the RFPs.

Kuosman also said he was discussing issues with Vidler Water Co. Inc., and he believed a non-disclosure agreement would be necessary to cover those talks. Vidler Water develops water supplies.

Peykov asked the board to approve two resolutions: an annual “administrative matters” resolution that covers procedures and directives for the Loop’s consultants and a resolution that increases the fee that the board can charge for Colorado Open Records requests to $41 per hour. The board voted in favor of both resolutions.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Cherokee Metropolitan District offices at 6250 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 21 – 2025 annual budget approved; mill levies set

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Nov. 21, the board approved the 2025 annual budget and certified the district’s mill levy. The board approved the fourth amendment to the agreement for contract operations services between Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) and TMD, an audit engagement letter for the district’s 2024 financial audit, the annual administrative resolution, the amended and restated public records request policy, and a resolution calling for a May 6, 2025, election of the Board of Directors.

The board discussed the lack of response from the Town of Monument (TOM) relating to the Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF) request. The board held an executive session pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of acquisition or sale of water/land, and 24-6-402(4)(e), to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiators as it relates to potential development incentives and intergovernmental agreement.

Vice President Anthony Sexton was excused.

2025 budget

President Mark Melville opened the public hearing on the 2025 budget and, with no comments from the public, the hearing was closed.

District Manager James McGrady proposed the board approve 14.000 mills upon each dollar of the total valuation of assessment of all taxable property within the district for the year 2024 to balance the General Fund budget and meet the general obligation debt retirement expense of about $2.528 million. In the past, the debt service mill levy was 35 mills.

He also proposed the board approve 6.500 mills upon each dollar of the total valuation of assessment of all taxable property to meet the General Operations expense of about $1.174 million. The final assessed valuation of property levy will total 20.5 mills, with no change from 2024. The total assessed value for the district is about $180.591 million. The district anticipates receiving about $2.7 million in sales tax revenue from the TOM, and a total of about $8.9 million in combined revenue from Special Ownership Taxes (vehicle sales) for 2025, property tax from the TOM (about $450,000), Road and Bridge Impact Fees, and the revenue from providing services to FLMD ($150,000), said McGrady

Melville said it is the first time in five years the board has not approved an increase in mills for the general obligation debt.

McGrady said the district has some extraordinary expenses on the horizon, and the increase to 6.5 mills will be needed for the general operation of the district.

The board adopted the 2025 budget with minor adjustments and certified the mill levies in a 4-0 vote.

FLMD contract increase

The board also approved a 3% increase to the FLMD contract for operations and services to increase the hourly rates of service to coincide with the district employee benefits and salary cost-of-living allowance. The TMD Public Works and Open Spaces Department maintains the landscaping and public areas and provides snow removal in FLMD.

McGrady said the FLMD board will be requested to approve the increase at the annual public hearing on Dec. 2.

Other approved items

The board also approved the following:

  • An audit engagement letter for Haynie and Co. to complete the TMD 2024 financial audit for a fee not to exceed $29,000.
  • The 2025 annual administrative Resolution 2024-13, setting forth the board obligations.
  • The policy for responding to CORA requests with a maximum statuary charge increase to $41.37 per hour. The periodical increase is set by statute and had previously been set at $30.
  • A May 6, 2025, director election.

Election considerations

McGrady said the board will also need to consider ballot language in January 2025 to request removal of a revenue cap for the TABOR and a bond question to pay about $12 million for the widening of Higby Road and capital improvements. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n11tmd/. The 2025 election may also include a question to remove term limits for board directors. Three incumbent directors are term limited, he said.

Highway Users Tax Fund dispute

McGrady said if the TOM were collecting Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF) revenue correctly, the district should be receiving about $70,000 to $80,000 per month. The district paid a contractor to measure the roads and notified interim Town Manager Madeleine VanDenHoek via letter, requesting an agreement several months ago, he said.

Director Jason Gross said for every month the district does not receive a response from the TOM, the district is losing about $70,000 to $80,000 per month for road repairs.

McGrady said the town is claiming a third of the total roads and some of the TMD roads without reimbursing the district, and that is incorrect. TMD repairs the roads within the district at a cost to its residents. The HUTF is gas tax revenue collected statewide, and the town should be collecting the correct amount of revenue for all town roads (including TMD roads) and distributing the district’s HUTF portion to the district, McGrady said. Monument will need to continue collecting HUTF, and the district’s proposed cost-sharing agreement needs to be signed to allow the district to recover road repair costs in perpetuity, he said.

Note: TMD falls within the TOM municipality, and the Colorado HUTF has been available to municipalities since 2009. The district is responsible for repairs in the residential areas east of I-25, north of Baptist Road to encompass Sanctuary Pointe, Leather Chaps Drive, Jackson Creek Parkway, and up to and including the south portion of Higby Road.

The board discussed further action regarding the HUTF agreement in executive session.

Financial update

The board accepted the October 2024 financial report as presented and approved 17 checks over $5,000 totaling almost $1.389 million. The payment to Colorado Springs Utilities for the conveyance, treatment, and delivery of the district’s residential and commercial water was $261,053.

Water utilities update

Water Utilities Superintendent Gary Potter said the district produced about 32.206 million gallons (MG) of water in October 2024, with 29.942 MG billed to customers. Unbilled water represents a 5.05% loss for October, slightly lower than 5.60% in October 2023, but the district is still working on lowering the loss with the help of the District Administrator Sara Lamb. The loss is low at 5% compared to many districts and the district may never achieve 0%, said Potter.

Wells recharging

Potter presented the board with a graph showing well level trends from the start of the Northern Delivery System (NDS) operations and said the chart demonstrates a steady recharge of all static well levels since the NDS became the primary water source for the district from September through November. The dips show the 1% of water pumped to maintain well operation, but the recovery of the wells is a slow and steady recharge, and he anticipates a full recharge before irrigation season begins in 2025. The wells can drop hundreds of feet during high usage before recovery. The district is receiving 99% of its water via the NDS, said Potter.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 8:13 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of acquisition or sale of water/land, and 24-6-402(4)(e), to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiators as it relates to potential development incentives and intergovernmental agreement.

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that after the meeting returned to the regular session at 9:40 p.m., no action was taken and the meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 5 and 14 – Approval of two Tri-Lakes developments

By Helen Walklett

During November, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved development requests for the Waterside at Lake Woodmoor development off Woodmoor Drive and the final portion of the Settlers Ranch development north of Hodgen Road.

Waterside at Lake Woodmoor

At the Nov. 14 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve rezone and preliminary plan requests for the 44 single-family townhome development, Waterside at Lake Woodmoor. The property is east of Woodmoor Drive, south of Deer Creek Road, and borders the lake to its east. The applications came to the BOCC from the Oct. 17 county Planning Commission meeting with a unanimous recommendation for approval.

The property is part of a development plan for the Waterside Condominiums, which were approved by the BOCC in 1983. This would have seen 83 condominiums built, but the development never moved forward. In 2023, the current owner proposed a rezone and preliminary plan that would have seen 52 single-family townhomes developed. The application was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission by a vote of 6-1 but was withdrawn by the applicant before the BOCC hearing. This new application proposes eight fewer units.

The rezone application requested that the 7.53-acre property be rezoned from R-4 (planned development) to Planned Unit Development (PUD).

Woodmoor resident Tim Rowan spoke at the BOCC hearing to raise concerns about traffic, particularly around school drop-off and pick-up times. He said, “Somewhere between 44 and 88 vehicles are going to be added at rush hour to Deer Creek Road every day directly across from the junior high.”

He continued, “It’s going to be a miserable impact on the neighborhood.”

“If there is a plan to widen Deer Creek Road and to lessen the impact on the junior high students, my neighbors and I would like to see it,” Rowan said.

Jim White, also a Woodmoor resident, also raised traffic concerns and described the development as “another eyesore within our beautiful community.”

Commissioner Holly Williams said she was satisfied the approval criteria had been met. Approval of the preliminary plan means that subsequent final plats and other agreements may be approved administratively.

Settlers Ranch

Also at the Nov. 14 land use meeting, the commissioners approved requests for a rezone and final plat for the final portion of the Settlers Ranch development. This will see a total of 24 single-family residential lots created. The requests came from the Oct. 17 Planning Commission meeting with recommendations for approval.

The 78.71-acre property is situated north of Hodgen Road, west of Steppler Road, and east of the currently developed part of Settlers Ranch, which consists of single-family detached lots varying between 2.5 and 5 acres. The development adjoins the Abert Ranch and Settlers View subdivisions to the north. The property is in two separate areas that are joined and served by Settlers Ranch Road.

The BOCC approved the Settlers Ranch development in January 2005 for a total of 86 single-family lots. The current application to rezone from PUD to RR-2.5 (residential rural), concerns only the 53.53-acre part of the property to the north and west. It adds six lots to this part of the development, which was originally planned to have 10, therefore increasing the total number of lots to 92.

The 22.51-acre portion of the property to the south and west remains a PUD with eight lots varying from 2.5 to 2.74 acres.

The BOCC heard the requests as consent items, meaning there was no discussion.

Final budget direction

At the Nov. 5 meeting, Nikki Simmons, chief financial officer, attended to receive final direction from the commissioners on the proposed 2025 preliminary balanced budget. The commissioners made no changes to the budget as presented to them at their Oct. 8 meeting. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n11epcbocc/

The $530.8 million budget is now scheduled to be adopted at the Dec. 10 BOCC meeting.

Chair Carrie Geitner told Simmons, “I think the fact that there is no new direction today is just a testament to the incredible amount of work that has gone into this budget over many, many months from both you and, your team, and our county administrator.”

The preliminary budget and all supporting documents can be viewed on the county website at https://admin.elpasoco.com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/.

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The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) usually meets every Tuesday at 9 am at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Agendas and meetings can be viewed at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Information is available at 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are normally held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1 pm in Centennial Hall.

Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.

Other El Paso County Board of County Commissioners articles

El Paso County Planning Commission, Nov. 7 and 21 – Housing density, compatibility concerns raised with proposed Monument Ridge development

By Helen Walklett

During November, the commissioners heard requests relating to the proposed Monument Ridge development south of County Line Road and directly east of I-25. They also recommended for approval a final plat in Black Forest that would create six single-family lots.

Monument Ridge

At their Nov. 21 meeting, the commissioners heard requests for two rezones and a preliminary plan for the proposed Monument Ridge development. The property is just under 60 acres and is directly southeast of the intersection of Interstate 25 and County Line Road, southwest of the intersection of County Line Road and Doewood Drive, and a half-mile north of the intersection of Monument Hill Road and Misty Acres Boulevard. It is currently zoned a mixture of Planned Unit Development (PUD), RS-20000 (residential suburban) and various commercial zonings. Before the applications to county, the property was twice the subject of unsuccessful attempts to annex it into the Town of Monument.

The property would be bisected by the planned extension north of Misty Acres Boulevard. The first rezone concerns almost 19 acres east of this extension and would be rezoned to RS-6000 (residential suburban). The applicant plans to create 37 single-family lots on this portion and has committed to 15,000-square-foot lots against the existing 20,000-square-foot lots on the property’s eastern boundary.

The second rezone relates to the 40.51-acre portion west of the Misty Acres Boulevard extension which is bordered to the west by I-25. This rezone would be to the higher density zoning of RM-12 (residential, multi-dwelling). The preliminary plan shows 21 multi-family lots with 305 family units on this portion. The applicant’s letter of intent states that these units will be attached single-family rental units or condo units.

The applicant held a neighborhood meeting in June with over 100 residents in attendance. Kylie Bagley, principal planner, Planning and Community Development Department, said neighbors raised concerns about traffic, landscaping, usable open space, water availability, and housing density. She said 98 adjacent neighbors had been notified ahead of the public hearings and the county had received opposition to the applications.

Craig Dossey of Vertex Consulting Services LLC and representing the applicant said they were bringing up a preliminary plan concurrent with a rezoning so everyone could see the detail of what is being proposed. He stated that the current zoning would allow a lot of different commercial uses on parts of the property. Referring to the northern portion, he said, “A developer could come in today, buy this property, and go build commercial without any approval from the Planning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners.”

During the public comment section of the hearing, six neighbors spoke in support, preferring to see residential developed rather than commercial.

Harold Larson, a Doewood Drive resident, said, “What I’m asking is for you to not back the developer into a corner where he has to go back to the original zoning, where he has to go back to putting commercial there.” He added, “Residential is what I want.”

Bruce Sidebotham, who owns property immediately to the south, said, “This plan brings it all together there in a way that I can live with and that I think supports the Gateway to Monument idea.”

Former Monument Town Council member Darcy Schoening described the proposals as “the best possible solution for this land.”

Twelve people spoke in opposition. While agreeing with those in favor that they did not want to see commercial development, some voiced concerns about the higher density RM-12 rezoning. Doewood Drive resident Robin Wright said his opposition was to the RM-12 rezoning and asked if the rezoning could be RS-6000 throughout.

The Town of Monument has submitted a resolution protesting the rezoning. It states that the development has minimal to no passive or active open space, would put a strain on the town’s Police Department, is detrimental to the preservation of the natural environment, and urges the Planning Commission and the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to reconsider the proposal as a PUD.

Steve King, Monument mayor pro tem, spoke at the hearing to say a PUD application would have ensured community input. Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind voiced concerns about the town’s ability to adequately police the development and said the density was too much. Monument Town Councilmember Kenneth Kimple spoke by phone and said he was not against development but felt the RM-12 high density was not a necessity or need.

In rebuttal, Dossey said those who had spoken in favor were “immediate, adjacent owners telling you this is what’s right for the property.”

The vote to recommend the rezone to RS-6000 was 8-0. The vote to approve the higher density RM-12 zoning was tied 4-4 with Commissioners Jim Byers, Christopher Whitney, Tim Trowbridge, and Eric Moraes the nay votes due to compatibility concerns.

Byers said, “I didn’t hear a compelling justification for the density. I don’t believe it’s compatible with the existing condition.” Trowbridge commented that “the density doesn’t feel quite right.” Chair Tom Bailey said, “I think this would have been an improvement over what’s currently authorized by right.” The tied vote means this rezoning application goes to the BOCC with no recommendation.

The commissioners voted 5-3 to recommend the preliminary plan for approval. The nay votes were Moraes, Trowbridge, and Whitney. Whitney stated, “I’m not smart enough to get my mind around approving a plan that contains a major element with which I disagree.” Moraes and Trowbridge agreed.

The applications are now scheduled to be heard at the BOCC land use meeting on Dec. 12. If the preliminary plan is approved, final plats may be approved administratively.

At the Nov. 7 meeting, the commissioners heard a request by Wayne-Anthony Custom Homes for approval of a 35-acre final plat to create six single-family lots. The property is zoned RR-5 (residential rural) and is on Mariah Trail, about a mile south of Highway 404 and a mile west of Black Forest Road.

Two Elk Creek Ranch residents, whose property adjoins the proposed development, phoned into the meeting to comment on access and voice concerns that residents of the new development would have to use Elk Creek Ranch’s roads for access but would do so without having to abide by their covenants.

Commissioner Jeffrey Markewich asked for clarification on the ownership of the roads and was told they are public and maintained by the county. Commissioner Becky Fuller pointed out that covenants are not part of the review criteria.

The vote to recommend approval was unanimous. This is now scheduled to be heard at the BOCC land use meeting on Dec. 12.

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The El Paso County Planning Commission normally meets the first and (as required) the third Thursday of each month at the Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News and Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Information is available at 719-520-6300 and https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-community-development/2024-hearings-schedule/.

Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.

Other El Paso County Planning Commission articles

Gleneagle Civic Association annual member meeting, Nov. 14 – Leaders urged to oppose noise variance renewal

By David Futey

On Nov. 14, the Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) held its annual meeting online. The meeting was originally scheduled for Nov. 6 but was cancelled due to bad weather, and then technical difficulties occurred when it was attempted online that evening. During the meeting, the board heard calls for it to show support to deny renewal of the Colorado Springs noise variance regarding the Ford Amphitheater.

The meeting opened with a verification of quorum. A quorum for GCA is 20% of the homeowner membership in the HOA, so at least 141 was required. This number was not achieved between the proxies received and those attending online at the time of the meeting. So, the election of new officers could not be conducted. A proof of notice of meeting was presented by Howie Feller, the Warren Management representative who also moderated the meeting.

The GCA officers were introduced: Gordon Streich, board president and Covenants Control chair, Shawna Uehling, board vice president and Architectural Control Committee chair (ACC), Glen Leimbach, board member at-large and Ray Berg Open Space manager, Mark Connell, board member at-large and Roads, Signs and Ditches chair, and Jimmy Owenby, board member at-large. Owenby was previously on the board and replaced Glenn Gutnayer, who recently resigned. Streich and Uehling retired from the board after this meeting. All board positions are voluntary.

Next was the first of two lengthy and sometimes contentious discussions regarding noise levels from the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs affecting Gleneagle residents. A community member stated they are “working with a number of people that are trying to fight the excessive noise from the Ford Amphitheater.” He added that there are “a lot of people suffering from this excessive noise.” He provided a link to a “noise map” (Noise Map Ford Amphitheater – Colorado Springs – www.ajudavem.com/noise/noisemap.php) where at least 60 homes in Gleneagle area have complained about the noise. He stated that others have sent complaints directly to Colorado Springs City Council.

The immediate concern is that the Colorado Springs mayor’s office is nearing a decision on whether to renew the hardship noise permit for the amphitheater. This would enable the amphitheater to again exceed the noise variances that residents need to abide by. According to the community member, the mayor’s office has not received “overwhelming influence” to not renew that hardship waiver. It was stated that the city and state statutes indicate noise should not exceed 50 decibels after 7 p.m. in residential areas.

The community member asked the Gleneagle board to at least submit a request for non-renewal to the mayor’s office and City Council as soon as possible. He noted that the Sun Hills HOA leadership expressed to the City Council how the noise is affecting their community. He added that “my house is within a mile and a half from the amphitheater, and we can hear music through our closed windows; it’s enough to keep us awake at night.” He noted the Home – Ford Hurts Families ((www.fordhurtsfamilies.org) has information on the noise issue and a template that can be modified to file a noise complaint and request the city not to approve the waiver.

After a brief discussion on whether the board could send a letter that would properly represent the over 700 members and clarity on what was being asked of the board, Feller interjected and stated this discussion should be moved to the homeowners’ forum at the end.

Homeowners’ forum

The homeowners’ forum began with a continuation of the discussion regarding the board submitting a request to the Colorado Springs mayor and City Council that they not renew the noise variance waiver for the Ford Amphitheater.

From the community members on the call, it was reiterated that a request needs to be sent in a timely manner because the Colorado Springs mayor is potentially deciding on extending the noise variance within the week; there is no sound mitigation toward the north and Gleneagle is at a higher elevation, enhancing the noise affect; various members on the call stated that they and their neighbors have expressed to them that if the noise situation does not improve they will be forced to move; some community members have been forced to go into their basement during concerts to mitigate being exposed to excessive noise levels in their home; the city is taking input from outside the city; there is no data given the relative newness of the situation but property values will most likely decline as who wants to buy in an area where 40-60 times a years the homeowner is impacted by noise from the venue; the variance is supposed to be a one-time exemption; the city has made it a for or against the venue when the issue is the noise from the venue.

Board members said they are trying to understand the facts and related information being provided to them at this meeting. Streich said as board president he feels this is not in the board’s purview given Gleneagle is not in the city; he has not received any complaints from members though his email and phone are available to members; he knows there are members who enjoy hearing the music. He and other board members were not aware of the noise-tracking website and Ford Hurts website; how can the board send a letter that represents the over 700 Gleneagle members when five members are on the call complaining about it? Streich restated he is off the board after the meeting. This discussion concluded with the board agreeing to review the information and, if agreeing, use the template to submit a request for non-renewal of the variance and possibly submit it by the following day.

President’s report

During the president’s report, Streich said Leimbach had almost completed the open space trail section off Pauma Valley and other trail sections. The open space trails require ongoing maintenance because the road base tends to wash away more than expected. Streich stated that the GCA hired Warren Management in 2024 and the transition has been completed. He expects that the GCA will be able to take full advantage of Warren Management’s contracted resources in 2025. He also stated there was a “fairly large delinquency list for assessment dues” at the beginning of the year, with about half being resolved.

Committee reports

Uehling said one new build was approved for the year and only a handful of buildable lots remain. There were quite a few ACC approvals for roofs, painting, sheds, landscaping, xeriscaping, fencing, decks, patios, and solar panels. She said, “Those were the majority of the requests, and community members are finding their way to the new approval system through the Warren Management portal.” Requests are uploaded through the portal, then forwarded to the appropriate committee, which reviews it, and Warren provides the response. Feller should be contacted if community members are interested in assisting with the ACC.

Connell reported on the Roads, Signs and Ditches Committee. The primary responsibility of this committee is replacing signs that have been knocked down by decay or vehicles and refinishing existing signposts. The committee is also seeking to replace the metal sign posts that the county uses with the standard wood or cedar posts as seen throughout Gleneagle. It works with the county on the street signs.

Streich noted that the Covenants Committee has “gone through a couple chairmen over the last couple years, resigning for medical or work reasons.” The current Covenants Committee is composed of three GCA board members and a member of the community. The committee meets about every other week, usually by Zoom, reviewing violations and “issuing a friendly letter” if follow-up is required. The committee is trying to avoid a formal process with a certified letter, which involves various costs. In general, community members have been responsive in resolving violations with the initial contact. Streich said prospective volunteers for this committee should contact Feller.

Leimbach described the efforts of the Open Space Committee. There was a “land swap” at the previous 14th Fairway west of Pauma Valley so walking the trail has changed. Leimbach cautioned that the new trail can be icy and slippery since it slopes north, which he will try to address in the future. He said the rest of the open space is going well, with a yet undeveloped part of the access that runs on the north side of the tunnel that crosses underneath Gleneagle Drive and heads toward the cul-de-sac on Silver Rock. He is waiting to address that location because there are three more lots to be developed in that vicinity. He said the road base on the trail seems to need to be built up each year.

Financial review and ratification of 2025 budget

As of Sept. 30, the operating account was at $20,511 with operating liabilities equaling $7,858. So, the actual balance at that time was $12,653. The reserve balance is $183,665. Streich provided clarification on the reserve balance. He said, “It is not really reserved because we don’t have anything to reserve for, it’s just surplus.” The reserve is invested in government guaranteed CDs.

The projected 2025 budget income is $55,362, with the majority coming from projected assessment dues totaling $46,106. The board approved an annual assessment increase to $66.15 beginning in January 2025. The maximum the board can increase the assessment dues is 5% annually, resulting in an increase of $3.15 for 2025. Total operating expenses for 2025 are projected at $56,226.

A community member asked about the management line item under professional fees. He noted that the projected management expense for 2024 is over $26,000, and the 2025 budget indicates $20,000. It was explained that 2024 was the introductory year with Warren Management and when the contract was signed, neither party knew what the startup costs would be along with the cost to operate the GCA. Thus, Warren fees were on a time billing status.

Warren uses a time-tracking application to bill at 6-minute increments. Feller provided an overview of the HOA billing process. The $20,000 for 2025 represents the cost of basic services that Warren will provide. Costs above the contracted amount could include if Warren is involved in an election process for a covenant change, which requires a two-thirds approval from the membership. The budget can be reviewed on the Gleneagle owner portal.

Another community member asked a question about Everlights, lighting that goes under the eaves that has become popular. Uehling said a homeowner needs to submit a request to the ACC to seek approval for the installation similar to any other request. She continued that if the lights become annoying or obnoxious or if your neighbors complain, that would be a complaint filed with the Covenants Committee and handled that way. The covenants contain vague verbiage regarding obnoxious lighting, she said.

This discussion led to a question about antiquated covenants. It was restated that a two-thirds vote of membership is required to make a covenant change. Streich said this is one of the reasons the board decided to hire Warren, because of its ability to manage an election. He continued that changing the covenants is a “difficult process” but sees the board bringing some issues to the community in the coming year such as covenant changes and possibly a one-time increase in dues, for which the board would need to make a case.

Wildfire preparedness summary

The election of directors could not take place because of the insufficient quorum. The meeting continued with a required overview on wildfire preparedness and creating a defensible space. Feller provided a summary presentation because representatives of the Monument Fire District were unable to attend this rescheduled meeting. Feller said homeowners should ensure they are thinning trees and shrubs, making sure nothing is up against their house, and that pine needles are cleaned up. Streich stated that Leimbach was cleaning up stands of scrub oak in the open space, and volunteer help for this effort would be greatly appreciated. He said members using the open space should be aware of their physical location if a situation arises and the fire department needs to be contacted. For example, stating “I’m at the windmill” as the fire department can see the windmill on its map.

A community member complained about a lack of response from the board and Warren Management after repeated correspondence regarding speeding on their street. This too became a contentious back-and-forth discussion as the community member said she originally sent an email in mid-September with follow-up correspondences since that time with no response. It eventually reached a point for both parties where Streich asked Feller to mute the community member so the meeting could proceed.

Another community member said, “My wife and I do enjoy walking the pathways in the open space and that area. So, thank you for maintaining that space and giving us a place to enjoy the outdoors.”

After no other community comments, Streich addressed the community member’s concern about a lack of responsiveness. He said, “We are in the first year with Warren and it has been a challenge. In general, we’ve come a long way. I expect that the performance on both our parts will be better next year.”

Streich continued, “As far as the individual board members responding, that is up to them individually. We all have the best of intentions, but we all have lives, too.” He added these are volunteer positions, there is an open board position, and the asset of Warren Management will ease some of the day-to-day burden of financial management and HOA administration. Also, the annual state legislative changes related to HOA governance has become a burden for volunteer boards. This is also where Warren can help.

The meeting adjoined at 7:50 p.m.

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David Fuety can be contacted at davidfutey@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Improvement Association, Nov. 20 – Board hears resident request for letter on Buc-ee’s

By Jackie Burhans

At its regular board meeting on Nov. 23, the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) discussed an email from a resident who requested the board weigh in on the potential Buc-ee’s development at the southwest corner of I 25 and County Line Road. The board also heard director reports.

Buc-ee’s development opposition requested

President Brian Bush said he had exchanged emails with a resident who wanted the board to oppose the Buc-ee’s proposed development on the west side of I-25. Bush explained that the county seeks input from WIA on developments that are in or contiguous with Woodmoor. He did not think Palmer Lake was interested in WIA’s input. The resident claimed Palmer Lake was out of water taps, but Bush said this was false. He said Palmer Lake had a moratorium on sewer taps some time ago when a new sewer line was being installed.

Note: Palmer Lake passed resolution 2020-18 on Sept. 24, 2020, to impose a temporary moratorium on new water taps, which expired on Jan. 31, 2021. Palmer Lake also passed a land use moratorium by ordinance on Sept. 14, 2017, which it lifted in October of the same year.

Bush said he understood that the Monument Sanitation District agreed to provide sanitation service, but the developer still needs to find water. The Town of Monument and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation declined to provide water to the site, so the developer has to look to Palmer Lake.

Bill Normile, who arrived after the owner’s comment portion of the meeting, said he is a 30-year resident of Woodmoor and a longtime volunteer. He has talked to quite a few other people who ask why homeowners associations (HOAs) are not taking a stance, he said. Since WIA is one of the biggest HOAs and has a lot of constituents that would be impacted, including the high school, he asked that they do so. Vice President Peter Bille confirmed that Normile understood the Buc-ee’s is slated to go on the west side of I-25, south of County Line Road.

Bush noted that the developer who owns the area known as Monument Ridge West, the land proposed for Buc-ee’s, had proposed townhomes for this site. The same developer also owns the area known as Monument Ridge East (MRE) on the east side of I-25 and had submitted plans for residential development to the county. The developer is collaborating with an HOA adjacent to MRE to transition the density.

Bush said he did not object to sending a letter to Palmer Lake but noted it has merely agreed to look at the application and not annex the land. He advised the resident to attend the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting on Dec.12. Normile noted that Buc-ee’s would host a community meeting at Palmer Lake Elementary School on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.

Normile repeated his request that WIA write a letter opposing Buc-ee’s. Bille suggested that Normile had a misconception that WIA had a lot of pull, which it does not. Director of Public Safety Brad Gleason noted that WIA had opposed the treatment center on Woodmoor Drive and had significant safety concerns about allowing parking on the roadways in Woodmoor, but the county was indifferent to WIA’s recommendations. Bille said it would be more impactful if 200 people attended the meeting.

Normile said he expected a large crowd at the meeting but it would still be important for WIA to issue a statement. Bush asked each of the board members to email him their opinion on whether WIA should issue a statement. Bush said that if five board members say yes, he will do so.

Board highlights

  • Bille reported that WIA has completed its transition from its former IT provider. Bush asked that a formal agreement be established with the new provider.
  • Bush reported on behalf of Treasurer Pete Giusti that WIA should finish the year with a small surplus, and the board will decide where to allocate it.
  • Board Secretary and Director of Community Outreach Rick DePaiva said more information would be coming out on the holiday lighting contest and noted that due to the recent three-day storm, the Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) meeting was moved to Dec. 14.
  • HOA Administrator Denise Cagliaro noted that the December meeting will be on Dec. 18 due to holidays.
  • Director of Covenant Control Sue Leggiero reported 25 total covenant-related items in October, with two resulting in covenant violations. She said no covenant hearings were scheduled in October or November, and none was anticipated for December. Bush asked for a summary of covenant violations for the year for the annual meeting report.
  • Gleason reminded residents that WIA is not responsible for the public roads in Woodmoor. All roads are the county’s responsibility, including pavement, grading, repair, signage, and snow removal. Residents can call the El Paso County Department of Public Works (DPW) at 719-520-6460 or via the DPW Citizen Connect app or website at https://citizenconnect.elpasoco.com/.
  • Director of Architectural Control Ed Miller reported 41 projects were submitted, 32 of them approved administratively, and nine approved by the Architectural Control Committee. Year to date, he noted a 2.6% decrease in projects submitted to the committee, with a total approval rate of 99.8%.
  • Covenants and Forestry Administrator Justin Gates reported on behalf of Director of Forestry Thrush that there had been only six forestry and Firewise visits in October and that he expected to hear the results of the mitigation grant application in February or March. In response to Bush, he said he contacted The Country Club at Woodmoor monthly about their tree mitigation.
  • Director of Common Areas Steve Cutler reported that the sprinkler system at The Barn was shut down and winterized on Oct. 22. Safety fencing has been installed at Toboggan Hill, and he asked that residents avoid the fenced area for their safety. He said four dog waste stations will be installed at The Preserve open space in South Woodmoor, and WIA will apply in 2025 for another noxious weed removal grant.
  • Bush said the developer of the parcel of land north of the YMCA wanted to change some items in the Placer Covenant. He said he is trying to get a draft of those changes, which he will send to board members for an electronic vote. He did not think the changes would be contentious. The lot, he noted, is zoned commercial and will include a new fire station for the Monument Fire Department.
  • The board unanimously authorized Gleason to decide whether to file a claim or cover the damage recently sustained to Woodmoor Public Safety’s Toyota Rav 4. Bush noted that there is a fairly significant deductible and that insurance rates are already high.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. Due to the holiday, the next meeting will be held on Dec. 18.

The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/wia-calendar/. WIA board meeting minutes will be posted at www.woodmoor.org/meeting-minutes.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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November Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

November was one for the record books in terms of snowfall, and the good news is that the above average snowfall occurred over both mountains and plains regions. High temperatures were well below normal for the month, while low temperatures were right at normal. There were no significant Arctic air outbreaks, but instead plenty of snow on the ground helped to keep things relatively cool.

Of course, this was quite a change after our record warm October, but this is what makes living on the Palmer Divide so much fun. The weather is never the same for very long, and we get to experience all the seasons during the year, sometimes on the same day.

The additional good news was that the mountains also received copious amounts of snow, with many locations receiving 50-100 inches during November. This got us off to a great start to the snow season in the high country that we will hopefully continue to build on into spring.

The month started the same as October ended, with dry and mild conditions on the 1st and 2nd. But of course, that was about to change in a big way. The first sign of change was associated with moisture that moved in during the evening of the 3rd. There was no strong cold front with this, but instead upslope flow and moisture combined to produce 1-3 inches of snowfall from the evening of the 3rd through the morning of the 4th. But this was just the “primer” for a historic storm that was developing over the Four Corners region.

The 5th started off quietly as an area of low pressure, which was cut off from the main steering current, was slowly moving through the Four Corners region. At the same time, colder air was filtering south over eastern Colorado. The final ingredient which made this storm unique was the low-level wind flow around an area of high pressure to our northeast and the low developing event over the Four Corners. This allowed the low-level wind field to tap into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. All the ingredients came together perfectly over the region: a slow-moving area of low pressure producing upslope flow and upper-level divergence, slow movement of the low pressure systems, cold air, and deep moisture throughout all levels of the atmosphere.

Snow began to develop during the late afternoon and early evening hours, with 4-6 inches accumulating before midnight. This initial burst of heavy snow continued into the early afternoon hours of the 6th, with another 6-12 inches accumulating. The heaviest snow took a break for the next 24 hours or so with only 3-6 inches of new snow accumulating.

However, the storm wasn’t finished. Heavy snow picked up again during the morning hours of 8th. This continued through the early morning hours of the 9th. During the period, another 8-16 inches of snow fell. Overall, the Palmer Divide picked up 24-36 inches of snow, but areas just to our northeast in Elbert County received over 40 inches and areas along the Colorado and New Mexico border picked up nearly 60 inches. Definitely a great way to start the snow season.

There is an excellent writeup on this storm from both the Denver and Pueblo National Weather Service offices if you would like to dig deeper in the details: https://www.weather.gov/pub/November2024WinterStorm and https://www.weather.gov/bou/HistoricSnowfallNovember2024

Once this storm departed, things quieted down for the next two weeks with dry conditions. Temperatures fluctuated between below and above normal levels. The coolest temperatures were on the 19th and 20th, quickly followed by well above normal temperatures on the 22nd and 23rd. But these warmer temperatures were ahead of the final storm system of the month. This change was first noticed with light snow during the morning of the 25th, then a stronger push of cold air and moisture on the 27th, when 2-5 inches of snow fell. The month ended with lots of sunshine and relatively cold temperatures.

A look ahead

December can be cold around the region, with daytime highs often staying below freezing and overnight lows that can drop well below zero. But, as noted previously, we can experience a wide variety of weather, with westerly winds producing mild conditions. The month is generally dry but with several light, fluffy snowfalls. Gusty winds are also a common nuisance during the month, especially west of I-25. The chance for a White Christmas is common for the area, with most areas having some snow on the ground, and if we are lucky, fresh snow fall on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

November Weather Statistics

Average High 46.4° (-3.0°); 100-year return frequency value max 55.5° min 38.5°

Average Low 22.3° (+0.9°); 100-year return frequency value max 27.5° min 14.1°

Monthly Precipitation 3.03” (+2.43”); 100-year return frequency value max 3.80” min 0.16”

Monthly Snowfall 42.3” (+31.5”)

Highest Temperature 64° on the 23rd

Lowest Temperature 8° on the 29th

Season to Date Snow 45.5” (+12.3”) (the snow season is from Oct 1 to Sept 30)

Season to Date Precip. 27.48” (+6.41”) (the precipitation season, Jan 1 to Dec 31)

Heating Degree Days 984

Cooling Degree Days 0

Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.

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Letters to Our Community – Opposed to proposed Buc-ee’s

Concerning the proposed annexation of acreage southeast of Beacon Lite Road and Palmer Divide Road:

“Flagpole” annexation is a device used by speculators to purchase undeveloped rural land at the value of raw land and then get a municipality to “annex” the property to provide services to said property; not limited to a police, fire, road maintenance including the flagpole, and; most importantly utilities; greatly enhancing the original value of the property.

The flagpole consists in most cases of including a road to and past the property. Then the object is to get a municipality to annex the property and the roads, thereby satisfying the requirement that one-sixth of the property is next to the Town of Palmer lake. The essence of the planning requirement is that annexation should be an organic part of natural expansion. This is, of course, not the case requiring the gimmick of flagpole annexing half of the Palmer Divide Road that is in El Paso County and Beacon Lite Road. The method is obviously to skirt annexation requirements described in Item 2 of the Annexation Ordinance that endeavor to provide orderly growth; questionable at best but certainly dishonest. I also don’t see compliance with Item 8 stating that all of a street must be annexed.

Anyone paying attention knows that Colorado Springs and Monument have each rejected flagpoles!

A Buc-ee’s representative, Mr. Beard, states that impact to Palmer Lake would be non-existent, offering up neighbors next to the behemoth as sacrificial lambs.

Donn Hume

Other Letters to Our Community

Letters to Our Community – Lodging tax issue rebuttal

Letters to Our Community – Lodging tax issue rebuttal

In the November issue of OCN, a Letter to Our Community was printed from “Warren James” containing only uninformed, untrue statements. Here are the facts:

  • Paragraph 1 presented figures from Sept. 3. These were projected numbers presented in advance of anything catastrophic (contrary to the implications in James’ letter) and used for discussion.
  • Paragraph 2 suggests that the police budget was to be raided to compensate for shortfalls. The Police Fund is composed of two components, General Fund plus 2F dollars that can only be spent for what the ballot initiative outlined. Neither of these sources was or is in jeopardy and there was never any conversation to that effect. Ask the police chief.
  • Paragraph 3 says that Council (previous Trustees) only recently has the right to make monetary changes only when that does not violate previously approved ballot initiatives (2A Water Fund and 2F Police Fund are restricted). No, the Council can not defund the police nor do they wish to do so.
  • This year’s ballot initiative (2A) was a lodging tax earmarked exclusively for previously unfunded parks with the tax paid only when lodging occurred. The current Council budgeted substantial dollars for the improvements made to Limbach. Spend a few minutes watching the children (of all abilities) play on the new equipment. This was the lodging tax destination.
  • There was no shell game and never any intent to deceive; however, “Warren James” is spewing untruths and, unfortunately, it must have worked because the measure was defeated—too bad for Monument children.

In the future, suggest if they/them want the facts, they/them consider attending meetings and/or listening to the recordings and/or asking questions of staff and/or Council directly rather than lurking in the shadows with a poison pen to punish the innocent.

Laura Kronick
Monument councilmember

Other Letters to Our Community

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Great gift ideas

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers”—Kahlil Gibran

Here are some books that would make wonderful winter reading (or a gift) for yourself or someone else!

Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessment from Washington to Biden

By Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard (St. Martin’s Press) $35

From Washington to Jefferson, Lincoln to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kennedy to Nixon, Reagan to Obama and Biden, the 45 United States presidents have left lasting impacts on our nation. Some of their legacies continue today, some are justly forgotten, and some have changed as America has changed. Whether famous, infamous, or obscure, all the presidents shaped our nation in unexpected ways. The authors’ extensive research has uncovered never before seen historical facts based on private correspondence and newly discovered documentation.

Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science

By Dava Sobel (Atlantic Monthly Press) $30

A luminous chronicle of the life and work of the most famous woman in the history of science, and the untold story of the many young women trained in her laboratory that were launched into stellar scientific careers of their own. Sobel approaches Marie Curie from a unique angle, narrating her remarkable life of discovery and fame alongside the women who became her legacy.

The Grey Wolf (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel #19)

By Louise Penny (Minotaur Books) $30

Though the tiny Québec village of Three Pines is impossible to find on any map, someone has managed to track down Armand Gamache, head of homicide at the Sûreté, as he sits with his wife in their back garden. There is a missing coat, an intruder alarm, a note for Gamache reading “this might interest you,” a puzzling scrap of paper with a mysterious list and then a murder. All propel Chief Inspector Gamache and his team toward a terrible realization.

The Games Gods Plays (Crucible #1)

By Abigail Owen (Entangled: Red Tower Books) $30

The gods love to play with us mere mortals. And every hundred years, we let them. For the first time ever, the ruthless, mercurial King of the Underworld has entered the Crucible—the deadly contest the gods hold to determine a new ruler to sit on the throne of Olympus. But instead of fighting their own battles, the gods name mortals to compete in their stead.

Water, Water: Poems

By Billy Collins (Random House) $27

In this collection of 60 new poems, Billy Collins writes about the beauties and ironies of everyday experiences. In Water, Water, Collins combines his vigilant attention and respect for the peripheral to create moments of delight. Common and uncommon events are captured here with equal fascination, be it a cat leaning to drink from a swimming pool, a nurse calling a name in a waiting room, or an astronaut reciting Emily Dickinson from outer space. With lyrical informality, Collins asks us to slow down and glimpse the elevated in the ordinary, the odd in the familiar.

The Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook: 125 Ridiculously Good for You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

By Monique Volz (Clarkson Potter Publishers) $35

Millions of readers know Monique Volz’s website, Ambitious Kitchen, as a go-to resource for inventive, flavorful recipes that are full of nutrition, comfort, and personality. Now, in her debut cookbook, Monique wants others to find their own Ambitious Kitchen and discover their own version of health, bold flavors, and above all, the unique happiness that food can bring to your life. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dish to bring to a gathering, a new home-cooked tradition, or a nourishing meal everyone will love, this cookbook has the answers.

Farther than the Moon

By Lindsay Lackey (Roaring Book Press) $18

This is a heartfelt story about two brothers who want to become astronauts. When 13-year-old Houston is accepted to the Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program, he realizes that his younger brother Robbie’s dream may not be achievable due to his cerebral palsy and epilepsy, so he makes a new plan that shoots for the stars. This is an enchanting story about brotherly love and big dreams.

Merry Christmas! And until next year, happy reading!

The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.

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December Library Events – Adult discussion group, children’s programs, schedule changes

By Harriet Halbig

Many Monument Library programs for all ages will continue during December. Please come to participate and feel free to bring out-of-town guests.

A conversation group for intermediate and advanced German speakers meets each Monday from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Monument Library. Registration is not required.

Socrates Café is an adult discussion group which covers many subjects including philosophy, religions, politics, morality, and the general human condition. All are welcome to attend this well-moderated and thought-provoking group. In December, Socrates Café will meet each Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. except for Dec. 24.

Paws to Read offers an opportunity for kids to read aloud to a lovable therapy dog. The program is open to kids up to age 5 and meets on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. except for Dec. 24 and 31.

Toddler Time at the Monument Library is held on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10 a.m. This program is designed for children 1 and 2 years old with a favorite adult. Participate in nursery rhymes, music, and movement and listen to a few short books. Toddler Time builds on familiar experiences to introduce new vocabulary and sounds and lasts about 20 to 25 minutes. Toddler Time will meet each Wednesday in December except for Dec. 25.

Palmer Lake Library hosts the weekly Storytime for children ages 3 to 7 with a favorite adult. Storytime will be offered each Friday in December from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

The Monumental Bookworms book club sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of PPLD will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Monument Library. All are welcome. The December book selection is Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by Christopher McDougall.

The Monumental Readers book club sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of PPLD will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Friday, Dec. 20. The December selection is West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge.

Monument Library will host a LEGO Idea Lab on Friday, Dec. 20 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Engineering your best LEGO creation, completing LEGO challenges, and producing LEGO art are some of the possibilities at this open-ended LEGO program using PPLD’s LEGO resources. This program is for ages 5 through 12.

Community members are also encouraged to go to the library website, ppld.org, to take advantage of such virtual program as Genealogy Basics, Ancestry Basics, and author visits.

Please note the following schedule changes for all PPLD facilities: The libraries will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25, close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31, and remain closed on Jan. 1, 2025.

Happy holidays from your library!

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

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Palmer Lake Historical Society, Nov. 21 – Life of town hero explored

By Marlene Brown

The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) held its monthly membership meeting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on Nov. 21. The program was presented by Jim Sawatzki, past president of PLHS and author and filmmaker through his company Palmer Divide Productions. He is producer and director of several historical documentaries including General Palmer, Village on the Divide, and Above and Beyond, a biographical documentary and interview with William “Bill” Crawford. See https://.pcisys.net/-pdpmark/index.html. Information on the William J. Crawford Memorial is posted at https://palmerdividehistory.org/crawford-memorial/.

If you have ever driven down Highway 105 between Monument and Palmer Lake and have seen the sign along that stretch of the highway that has been named the William J. Crawford Highway and wondered who he was, you would find out that we had a WWII hero living among us in the Palmer Lake. He was born May 19, 1918 in Pueblo and joined the U.S. Army in 1943, as a private with the 142nd Infantry Regiment 36th Infantry Division and deployed to Southern Italy.

Above: William J. Crawford, resident of Palmer Lake and WWII recipient of Presidential Medal of Honor. Photo courtesy wikipedia.com

On the day he was acting as squad scout, his squad was attacked and Crawford twice moved forward through continuous machine gun fire, using hand grenades and his rifle and destroyed the machine gun nests, and his platoon was able to advance. After the battle, he was captured by the Germans and presumed dead. His father was presented the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1944. Later that year, Crawford was among the soldiers rescued from German captivity. (Wikipedia.org)

He was married to Ellen Bruce in 1946, re-enlisted in the Army and retired in 1967 with the rank of master sergeant. He and his wife moved to Palmer Lake until their passing. Crawford died March 15, 2000. During retirement, he helped found Palmer Lake VFW Post 3915 and was on the Board of Directors of the Lucretia Vaile Museum, which is now operated by PLHS. He worked as a janitor at the Air Force Academy for years, with no one knowing that he was a Medal of Honor recipient.

It wasn’t until 1976, when one of the cadets read Crawford’s name in a history book they were studying about WWII battles, that he openly talked about his life. After some coaxing, the awestruck cadets were able get him to tell them his story. In 1984, during graduation, the faculty and students arranged for President Reagan to present him his Medal of Honor in person four decades after he was first awarded it. See warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/william-crawford-quiet-hero.html.

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The Palmer Lake Historical Society is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) and holds regular meetings at the Townhall, 42 Crescent Valley St., Palmer Lake, on the third Thursday of the month. Membership information and future presentations can found at palmerdividehistory.org.

There is no meeting in December. The next meeting will be Jan. 16 with the Annual Historical Society Pot Luck Supper and Membership Drive. Members will elect officers for 2025.

Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.

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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Winter, our backyards, and forests

By Janet Sellers

With snow on the ground and ice in the shadows, it’s hard to think about our gardens growing. We hunker down with a good book and some hot tea, staying cozy and comfortable indoors. Outdoors, our fallen leaves and pine needles are doing the same thing for plants as a mulch, keeping the ground and soil and landscapes safe and cozy. This mulch will insulate the ground and keep it from thawing and freezing too many times over the winter.

Even if we’re new to the area and we don’t know how to garden in the ponderosa forest climate, we can look to Mother Nature, who has known how since pine trees began. Pine trees have been on Earth for around 150 million years, originating in the mid-Mesozoic Era. It would be great to hear what they have to tell us, and yet we can find out what they know by watching and learning from them.

During winter, plants prepare for spring by storing nutrients and carbon in underground organs like their roots, stems, and rhizomes; this allows them to survive the winter and regrow in spring. They’re not dead, and the roots survive the winter because sugars in the roots act as natural antifreeze.

A lot is going on underground where the winter temps don’t go. All the wonderful sugars made from the green leaves have gone to the roots of our plants, and they’re doing a special job over the winter while the rest of our forest life seems to be sleeping. An amazing fact about leaves is that they continue to create our forests even after they’ve dropped to the ground. Our ponderosa pines help protect our own backyard forest ecosystems in many ways over winter. Evergreens can send needed nutrients to other plants in their environs through the complex forest underground life systems.

Ponderosa pine needles can be used to make pine straw.

Pine needles and pine straw are the same thing, and ponderosa pine needles can be used to make garden-ready compost that improves soil fertility and tilth. The needles can be 5 to 10 inches long. In some areas, people gather and sell pine straw as a harvest crop. Pine needle litter can hold a significant amount of water, making it effective at retaining moisture in the soil, particularly when compared to other types of litter. However, the exact capacity depends on factors like the species of pine and the density of the needle layer; studies have shown that pine needles can absorb a considerable amount of water relative to their weight.

Ponderosa pine is an important tree species for wildlife. Its seeds are consumed by many species of birds including wild turkeys, nuthatches, crossbills, grosbeaks, and grouse. They are also eaten by squirrels, chipmunks, and mice. In the past, Native Americans have used the inner bark and seeds of the ponderosa pine as a food source. It was also utilized by native peoples for medicine, dye, fiber, and firewood.

Let’s help our ponderosa forests stay healthy by leaving their needles on the ground. For optimal tree health, it’s recommended to maintain a layer of ponderosa pine needles on the ground that is less than 3 inches deep; this allows for proper air circulation while still providing the benefits of natural mulch.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener,” letting Mother Nature teach landscape success. Send your high-altitude garden and nature tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Art Matters – How does art make people feel good?

By Janet Sellers

Experiencing art, whether we’re making it or consuming it, allows us to reach varying degrees of euphoria and catharsis or neutrality and inner peace. Unlike movies and music, wall art allows us to involve ourselves at our own pace and create our own personal responses and connection to the art experience. We can involve ourselves, or not, at will. Wall art allows us choice in our art experience.

When we see art we enjoy, our brain releases dopamine and endorphins, which can help us feel happy and at ease. It can help people process difficult emotions in times of emergency or challenging events. And art appreciation is something that can be improved over time simply by looking, and especially by picking up a pencil or paint brush and making a try. Research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you do a great job or just play around. The simple act of making the effort and engaging yourself to create something has a powerful effect in many ways for optimizing health and well-being.

History shows us that the arts—pictures and stories, dances, drama music and other aspects of art—are central to culture and to rituals of healing. These days, hospitals and healthcare centers are returning to the support that art gives and the ambience art offers for patients and healthcare workers.

The Americans for the Arts in Healthcare field report explains, “Arts in Healthcare is a diverse, multidisciplinary field dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience by connecting people with the power of the arts at key moments in their lives. This rapidly growing field integrates the arts, including literary, performing, and visual arts and design, into a wide variety of healthcare and community settings for therapeutic, educational, and expressive purposes.”

The field report also suggests that for students in medical and other healthcare fields, the arts can enhance their skills—improving their observational, diagnostic, and empathic abilities. It helps them to understand patients in a different way and connect with them on a more humanizing level.

The use of art and music helps reduce hospital stays, with studies showing earlier discharges among patients taking part in visual and performing arts interventions than among those not doing so. In one study, surgery or critical care patients who participated in guided imagery or had a picture of a landscape on their wall had a decreased need of narcotic pain medication relative to their counterparts and left the hospital earlier. Evaluations of art projects can link the benefits of creative expression to healing and greater wellness.

Our local art scene is still active over the winter season, especially in December, with numerous special events in town. Our local shops and artists offer many works that we can enjoy, obtain, and keep for ourselves or give as gifts. We can even buy art gift credits. These can be given as gifts for the recipient to choose some art for themselves at that venue. Let’s talk with our local art venues and artists to find out how. It’s a fun way to give, and enjoy some art while you shop.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker, specializing in art for health through her indoor and outdoor murals, landscapes, and nature art. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Santa and Elf visit Palmer Lake Chili Dinner, Nov. 30

Above: On Nov. 30, Santa Claus and his elf arrived in style, trading in his magical sleigh for a Palmer Lake fire truck with lights flashing and sirens sounding. Children were able to visit with Santa and share their wishes for the holidays. The 89th annual Chili Supper and Star Lighting welcomed visitors from far and wide for the annual event. Inset: The Palmer Lake Firefighters Association welcomed attendees and served chili. Serving are Fernando Hernandez on the left and Jared Cabunoc on the right. Plenty of desserts were also available. In accordance with tradition, a drawing was held and the winner, Jack Yavanian, lit the Palmer Lake Star for the season. The star lighting is a decades-old tradition, serving as a symbol of hope for all throughout the holiday season. Photos by Janet Sellers.

WMMI honors departing staff

Above: On Oct. 30, Western Museum of Mining & Industry Executive Director Grant Dewey, far right, and the museum held a reception to honor three staff members departing the museum. From left, Lauren Knight, Richard Sauers, and Loretta Howden made significant contributions to further the museum’s mission and visitor experience. Knight was education coordinator for over three years and is departing to accompany her military spouse who is being transferred. Sauers and Howden are retiring after lengthy terms of service at the museum. During his 12 years at the museum, Sauers acted as executive director and then curator, being responsible for refining and advancing the museum’s collection. He also guided the grant funding and renovation process for the Reynolds Ranch Farmhouse located at the front of the museum property. Howden served the museum for over 20 years in a variety of capacities, starting as a volunteer then segueing to staff positions as marketing coordinator and operations manager. Information on the museum is at www.wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.

Harvest of Love donates food

Above: Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) received 11,045 pounds of non-perishable food collected by D38 schools as part of the Harvest of Love program. The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club was originally scheduled to pick up the food on Nov. 6 and 8, but the pickups had to be postponed because of the snowstorm. The food was finally delivered on Nov. 15. TLC helps feed economically disadvantaged families during the holidays. In the photo, students from Bear Creek Elementary School pose in front of boxes of food. Photo by Dean Snow.

Gobble Squabble, Nov. 23

Above: Local robotics students took part in the fourth annual Gobble Squabble on Nov. 23. They took part in various competitions at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, including a scrimmage with 10 teams and a Robot Chaos competition with 14 combat robots. The three local teams called the Circuit Sharks, the 3rd Turtle, and Bionic Badgers will now compete in a qualifier tournament on Dec. 4 at Chatfield High School in Littleton. In the photo, the local teams scrimmage with their alliance teams. Photo by coach Jeanette Breton.

Cemetery history book signing

Above: Dozens of people, including most of the Monument Town Council and Mayor Mitch LaKind (on the left), lined up at Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument on Nov. 30 to get a book on the history of the town cemetery signed by the authors. Local residents Michael Weinfeld and John Howe signed copies of Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery the day the book was officially released. Customers were treated to pieces of a cake with a photo of the book on top (see photo on page < 1 >) as well as cookies baked by Howe. The event was part of Small Business Saturday. The book contains stories of the people buried in the cemetery as well as fun facts about the graveyard and the town. Copies will be available at the bookstore, the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce in Monument, and the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, as well as on Amazon. Photo by Anikka van Zoeren.

A big crowd greeted Michael Weinfeld and John Howe at their book signing at Covered Treasures (17 sec)

Michael Weinfeld and John Howe signed their book at Covered Treasures on Nov. 30. (45 sec)

Kiwanis delivers Empty Bowls check

Above:The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) delivered a check for $11,700 raised during the annual Empty Bowls dinner to Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) on Nov. 2. MHKC, Lewis-Palmer School District 38, and Tri-Lakes Women’s Club help organize the Oct. 3 event. The money will benefit TLC’s various programs that help economically disadvantaged households in the area. From left are Kiwanis Project Manager Dave Bailey, TLC Director of Development Bill Lyons, and MHKC President Bill Kaelin. Photo by Bob Harrigan.

John Adams at TLCA, Nov. 2

Above: On Nov. 2, the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) welcomed TLCA favorite John Adams. Adams ushered in the holiday spirit as his first set was Christmas-themed songs. That was followed by a set of John Denver songs. Adams performed traditional Christmas songs such as Away in the Manger and Silent Night, in which he sang verses in German, Dutch, and English. He also performed songs Denver sang on Christmas albums and at concerts. These included The Peace Carol by Bob Beers, which Denver sang with the Muppets during a 1979 Christmas special, Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream written by Ed McCrudy, a poem by Robert Bridges titled Noel: Christmas Eve 1913, Christmas for Cowboys, written by Denver’s lead guitarist Steven Weisberg, The Marvelous Toy by Tom Paxton, and Aspenglow written by Denver. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.

Roth donates turkeys to TLC

Above: From left, Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) volunteers Andra Kneip, Rick Pohlman, Wilma Steenbergen join TLC Food Programs Manager James Russell and volunteer Dan Willemyns with the food donations at TLC. The man behind the Ford Amphitheatre in Colorado Springs donated 250 turkeys to TLC on Nov. 19. TLC Executive Director Haley Chapin said J.W. Roth has been donating turkeys “for years.” She said TLC asked Roth for more turkeys than usual this year and “he didn’t hesitate.” The group distributed the turkeys along with corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and pie to 234 families on Nov. 19 and 21. That’s an increase of 47 families from a year ago. Photo by Nora McKay.

Elison at TLCA, Nov. 23

Above: Eric Elison’s Christmas with Bing show premiered at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts on Nov. 23 to a capacity crowd. The final show will be at the Black Forest Community Club on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at christmaswithbing.com. Pictured from left are Eric Elison, Evie Valentine, Natalie Jensen, and Ava Grace. Photo by Chris Lennon.

Woodmoor Nordic opens

Above: Thanks to the early November snowstorm, Woodmoor Nordic Nonprofit groomed its ski trails early and had many local skiers enjoying the snow on Nov. 9. This is its earliest opening to date. The last time it opened in November, it had a record-breaking 60-plus days of local skiing. The ski area is open to the public, and day or season passes are available, along with rentals by online reservation. More details can be found here: www.WoodmoorNordicNonprofit.org. Photo by Michael Brothers.

Our Community Notices

By Janet Sellers

Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the information number for that event. Please notify us if your event listing needs to be updated.

Do not remove trail blazes/markers

You will be seeing some trail markers in Fox Run Regional Park on trees. The trail markers help protect the delicate forest ecosystem because we can stay on the trail and not damage the ecosystem underneath our feet or with bicycles or horses, etc. These are traditional trail markers, especially useful and necessary in snowy, icy weather when we cannot see the actual trail. Our high desert forest clime is dependent on its skin of soil and plants to survive. When we honor this part of the forest we cannot see, the part we can see has a better chance to thrive amid us humans, the invasive species. Please be a good citizen and help us to protect our park from unnecessary erosion. Fox Run Regional Park is heavily used and is located in a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to serious erosion when the forest duff is disturbed. Please respect and protect the park for everyone’s enjoyment by staying on marked and well established trails. A very obvious trail in the summer becomes surprisingly invisible after a moderate snowfall. In winter, a wrong turn taken by the first visitor after a snowstorm can quickly become a misleading scar on the landscape. The silver and light blue rectangles that you see attached to trees serve to identify the only trails to use in the park. Please don’t tamper with or remove trail blazes/markers as they are placed on the trees to identify and distinguish trails and help locate the trails after a snowstorm. The main loop trail uses light blue and silver rectangles. Sub-loops will eventually be marked in different colors to help visitors unfamiliar with the park to find their way and recognize which loop they are on.

Be “bear smart” and do your part

Secure trash in a garage, shed or other secure structure. Trash bins should only be outside of the secure structure on trash collection days from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The majority of homes will already meet this requirement with standard practices. For those who cannot store their trash in a secured structure, they will need to obtain a bear-resistant trash can. Certified bear-resistant waste containers can be provided by your trash collection company, or you can purchase bear resistant devices such as locks, ratchet straps, and more including bear resistant trash cans, that also deter other animals like racoons and dogs. Here is a link from Alaska Dept. of Wildlife video to attach a ratchet strap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnnwkL7T5Y . Trash can ratchet locks are available for as little as under $20. “Bears are smart and they learn quickly that garbage is an abundant and reliable food source,” said Frank McGee, Area Wildlife Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “But a diet of garbage is terrible for bears and brings them into close proximity to people, which is dangerous for them and us. “By securing our trash, we deny bears easy meals and discourage them from coming into town. We help keep them wild and alive in the forest, where they belong, not in someone’s garage or the path of a car — behaviors that can get them killed.”

Get Help in Larkspur

Larkspur Church has a Food Bank and Care Center that offer a good variety of non-perishable food items, as well as clothing for men, women, and children, some household items available too. We’re here to help. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please reach out to Jeff at gethelp@larkspur.church. If you would like to donate contact Jeff by the same email to arrange a pick up.

Palmer Lake Parking Restrictions during snow

When there is an accumulation of two inches or more of snow, the parking restrictions are in effect. No person may stop, stand, or park any vehicle on any portion of a snow route, or leave, abandon, or permit to remain stalled any vehicle, which is stalled on any portion of a snow route and must take immediate action to park the vehicle lawfully. Parked vehicles must be removed from all streets within the town, including those which are not designated snow routes. Parking information details: www.townofpalmerlake.com/pw/page/parking-restrictions-during-snow.

Palmer Lake requirement to keep sidewalks and adjacent areas clean

It is the duty of all owners or occupants of every premises to keep the entire area between (a) the edge of the sidewalk closest to the building and (b) the gutter free and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt, debris, rubbish, and filth. The area to be cleared includes, but not be limited to, the sidewalks and curbs in front of the building, graveled areas, bricked areas, and areas around planters, benches, trees and bushes. The area to be cleared does not include flowerbeds, elevated planting areas, or other similar elevated areas. The area to be cleared must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours following the snowfall or accumulation of a snowdrift or ice. Details of the town requirements: TownofPalmerLake.com.

Driver’s License Renewal By Seniors

With the implementation of the Driver’s License Electronic Renewal By Seniors Act (HB21-1139), Colorado seniors now have the permanent ability to renew their driver license or identification card online. Information is online via mycolorado.gov. Some restrictions apply to ages 21-80; drivers over age 80 require a special doctor statement. Coloradans who are concerned about an elderly family member’s ability to drive should email dor_mvhelpdesk@state.co.us.

Black Forest Log School needs your help

Please help preserve the historic school for another 103 years! New exterior damage was discovered. It has exceeded the budget renovation funds. Friends of the Black Forest Log School, a 501c3 corporation, appreciates your donation. Please send a check or bring cash to Black Forest Community Foundation, 6770 Shoup Rd, Black Forest Colorado 90808. www.bflogschool.com

Highway 105A Update

El Paso county construction is expected to continue into spring 2025. The project extends the four-lane section of Highway 105 just east of Jackson Creek Parkway to Lake Woodmoor Drive providing greater mobility by accommodating more traffic. The new configuration will be two lanes in each direction with left and right turn lines; the project also includes multi-use shoulders and pedestrian improvements, sidewalk connectivity, replacement of the traffic signal at Norwood Boulevard, a new underground drainage system and water quality pond, and a new roundabout at the Knollwood /Village Ridge Point intersection. The new roundabout, constructed by Monument Academy, is designed to keep traffic moving and reduce the traffic backups on Highway 105 that previously occurred in this area.

Monument Academy traffic

To ensure a smoother experience for non-school traffic, it is recommended finding an alternate route if possible that avoids this area during the school drop off pick up times Mon.-Thu. 7-8:30 am and 2:45-4 pm and Fri 7-8:30 am. and 11:30 am-1 p.m.

Donate any unused books for the Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs. Any unused book donation is welcome. Kate Ulmer, a senior at Palmer Ridge High School, is working on a service project to collect new/unused books for Children’s Hospital. Drop off books or cash donations at Covered Treasures (105 2nd Street) or email Katiebugu@icloud.com for pick up!

WMMI needs volunteers

The Museum of Mining and Industry is currently recruiting for Visitor Services Associates and Guides. Please consider sharing your time and expertise. Volunteers must be 18 and older and pass a background check. For information about volunteer opportunities, please call 719-488-0880 or email at volunteer@wmmi.org.

Community volunteers

Many students need volunteer hours for scouting, civics classes, clubs, or would just like to volunteer for the good of it. Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center

Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center, formerly known as the Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance Senior Center, has been providing exciting programs and activities to area seniors who have a zest for fun and learning. As the older adult population is growing, our services are in high demand. 719-884-2300 66 Jefferson St, Monument. See ad on page < 2 >.

Looking for something fun to do?

Space Foundation Discovery Center: www.discover space.org.

MVEA outage notifications

Please add your phone number to your MVEA account to streamline outage reporting and restoration notifications. To report an outage please call or text “OUT” to (800) 388-9881. Visit MVEA’s Outage Center before the storm. There is information about preparing for outages, electrical safety, outage reporting, a link to the outage map, and more.

Can you volunteer today?

  • Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www.elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
  • El Paso County volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals like you. Find out how you can play a part by becoming a volunteer in El Paso County. Get involved in El Paso County volunteering non-profits and organizations! https://www.americantowns.com/el-paso-county-co/volunteer-organizations/.
  • The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program-0.
  • The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.

Other Our Community Notices articles

Our Community Calendar

By Janet Sellers

Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the info number for that event. Please contact calendar@ocn.me with changes and additions.

GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., 4 p.m., via teleconference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall. Please note there is no BOCC meeting Dec. 24.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue. Dec. 3, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Dec. 4 & 18, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Microsoft Teams. Special meeting Wed., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., the meeting will be preceded by a Volunteer Firefighter Pension Fund Board of Trustees for the former Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, at 6 p.m. Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Usually meets fourth Wed. Visit http://www.monumentfire.org, for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Regular meeting is scheduled for Wed., Dec. 4, 7 pm. Usually meets third Wed., Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-494-4300.
  • Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Final meeting Thu., Dec. 5, 2:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105 For up-to-date meeting information, visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Dec. 5, 9 am. The meeting Dec. 19 was canceled. Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Info: 719-520-6300, planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-community-development/2024-hearings-schedule/
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Dec. 9, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Dec. 10, 10 am , 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Dec. 11, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Dec. 11, 6 pm Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Usually meets the second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Dec. 12, 26, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu. Dec. 12, 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www.monumentacademy.net/school-board.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Mon., Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m.,16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Usually meets third Thu. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Mon., Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m.,16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Usually meets third Thu. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board, Mon., Dec. 16, 6-10 pm, 146 N Jefferson St, Monument. Meets during the school year on third Mon. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), , Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle, Colorado Springs. . Meets six times a year. Usually meets monthly, second Tue., They will meet in October, November, January, February and April. Contact info: tmckee@lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Dec. 18, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Dec. 18, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: join.skype.com/PAcujKTn7Nrh. Check the website for a link: academywsd.colorado.gov/notices-and-alerts. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-071119academywsd.colorado.gov.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Dec. 18, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Dec. 18, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Dec. 19, 9 am, Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. www.loopwater.org.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Dec. 19, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets third Thu., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • AARP Black Forest #1100, second Wed., noon. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • AARP Local Senior Social, fourth Wed. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • A.A. Big Book Study, every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9-10 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. (except December). All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are we, lcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, second Wed., 6:30pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org.
  • Art: Open Studio painting, first Wed., 9:30-noon. Donations welcome, Tri Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St., Monument.
  • Benet Hill Monastery: Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. Sun. 10:15 am worship service, 3190 Benet Lane, 80921.
  • Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument.
  • Black Forest Community Church, Centering Prayer Group, first Sat., 8:30-10 am The Old Log Church. Centering prayer opens and closes the meetings with discussion and fellowship in between; open to all.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Essential Tremor Support Group. Meets quarterly at Colorado Springs Public Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920. For details, contact: Jim Sanchez, 719-660-7275; jimdjs22@gmail.com.
  • Fellowship of Christ Church, every Sun., 9 am. Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle 80908.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group to learn about volunteering and supporting the park for forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, and more. Special events and more, stay tuned! Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun. Service times, 11am live service, streaming service at www.fuelchurch.org at 11 am. Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Nursery and kids’ service. Non-denominational, spirit-filled. Need prayer? Email us at info@fuel.org. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Genealogical Society meeting, second Wed. Zoom hangout; 6:30 pm, meeting starts at 7 pm. Members can log in and get the monthly meeting Zoom link. Guests are welcome to attend, please request an invitation from the PPGS president at www.PPGS.org.
  • Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm. Gleneagle Sertoma is the longest continuously active civic service organization in northern El Paso County. Our regular program presenters address local topics of interest to include local developments, community planning and projects, as well as opportunities to serve your community. Contact Harvey LeCato for meeting location and club information at mbca@comcast.net or 719-331-1212.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Bev Selby, 719-600-1451.
  • La Leche League breastfeeding support group, second Thu., 12:30 pm. Partners and helpers welcome (and babies and kids, too) so we can meet our breastfeeding goals together. Homestead Direct Primary Care Clinic, 15455 Gleneagle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. For more information, contact RachelKLangley@gmail.com.
  • Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail.com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club, and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships are open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org.
  • Monument Homemakers, bring a dish to share and your own table service, meet at Chamber of Commerce building, noon. 166 2nd St. Monument. Info and more about the club: Linda Case, 719-354-6575 for reservations.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare for children under age 11. Info: 303-946-2659, www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/.
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, every Sat., 10 am. Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org.
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Jan. 11, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar., June, July, Sep., Nov.) on the second Sat. of the month. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, second Sat. A variety of art programs are offered after the social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.co.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, no meeting in Dec.; (doors open at 6:30 pm), Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Usually meets third Thu. Contact: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Paper Tigers Origami Classes! Monument Library. Third Fri. 4:15-5:30. All ages – under 12 with an adult. Limit 12 people. Free – all materials provided! Contact: connie.stanton@netzero.com. 719-488-4707.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Senior Bingo, third Wed. Silver Key Senior Services, Space is limited to 16. participants. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, every Sun., Contemporary 9 am; Traditional 10:30 am. A live stream is available at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com .
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting, monthly first and third Thu. 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri., 11:30 am. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190. Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 p.m. Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you June be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., Dec. 5 & Jan. 2, approx. 7-8:30 am. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Downtown Monument Shop Local events: Small Town Christmas, North Pole at Tri-Lakes craft show, tree lighting 5 pm, Sat., Dec. 7, 10-4 pm. Sunday with Santa, Sun., Dec. 15, 11-4 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore, Sat., Dec. 7, Karen Koepcke Morgan will sign Are You Stronger Than An Ant? (11-1); Nicole Hampton signs Sugar High and High Altitude Breakfast (1-3). Sat., Dec. 14, 1-3, Randi Samuelson-Brown signs The Western Horse and Bad Old Days of Colorado, Rebecca Boyle signs Our Moon: How Earth’s Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution and Made Us Who We Are. Sun., Dec. 15, 1-3: Nancy Jurka will sign Bright Star of Lake and Magic on the Mountainside and Susan Permut presents storytime and book signing of The Christmas Camel. Jamie Siebrase signs Exploring Colorado with Kids and Heidi Wigand-Nicely signs Energy at Sacred Sites. 105 Second Street, Monument.
  • Benet Hill Monastery December, Christmas, and New Year’s services, 3190 Benet Lane Colorado Springs 719-633-0655 www.benetthillmonastery.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • St Peter Catholic Church Christmas concert, One Star, free. Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m. 55 N. Jefferson St. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • YMCA 5K race series, Jingle Jog, Sat., Dec. 14. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Christmas with Bing by Eric Elison, Sat., Dec. 14, 7-9 pm, Black Forest Community Club.
  • Believe, A time to dance concert, Thu., Dec. 19, 6:30 pm. ENT Center for the Arts. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Christmas Cantata concert, free/accepting voluntary offering to support Tri-Lakes cares, Fri.-Sun., Dec. 20-22, Palmer ridge high School auditorium. Tri Lakes Music Association. See add on page < 10 >.
  • Ascent Church Christmas Eve service, 1 & 3 pm. 1750 deer Creek Rd.,Monument. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Christmas Eve at Tri Lakes United Methodist Church 3, 7 & 9 p.m. See ad on page < 11 >.
  • Western Museum of Mining and Industry: Steam Camp. grades 3-5 à la carte mornings 9 to noon. Dec. 27 & 30; Jan. 2. See ad on page < 12 >.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Borders Decks, special offers for December. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Mesa Health and Aesthetics, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers this month. see ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa, this month specials See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • PeakView Windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Plumb Smart plumbing services, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Routes Outfitter: special offers ski and bike service. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Silver Key: give for good on Dec. 10: Colorado gives day. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Soot Busters, chimney sweeps, special offers. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Stubby’s Dog Wash and Grooming Salon, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • The Living Room Plants, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Paint Company, special offer this month. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • YMCA special offers this month. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic pond hockey game, Jan. 4, 2025. Fireworks, fire pits, food trucks. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Restyle your fur, Feb. 24, 25. Love Shop, 251 Front Street. See ad on page < 8 >.

Our community calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.

Other Our Community Calendar articles

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Oct. 10 and 24 – Board begins “flagpole annexation” process for Buc’ees travel center on I-25

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees set a date for a public hearing on a set of six requests to annex portions of County Line Road and land just east of I-25 at which a Buc’ees travel center would be located. Town Administrator Dawn Collins presented a proposed budget for 2025, and the board set a date for a public hearing on it. The board authorized the demolition of six cabins on the Elephant Rock property. The town’s code regulating outdoor burning was amended.

Town Attorney Scott Krob summed up recent changes to state law and case law that might affect Palmer Lake. In her administrative report, Collins introduced the town’s newly hired parks maintenance technician and code compliance officer and discussed flooding at the police station. The board heard a petition from residents concerning excessive noise from a house in Red Rocks Ranch owned by developer Matt Dunston.

The Oct.10 meeting included an executive session after which the board voted to sign a disconnect for the United Congregational Church.

Proposed travel center requires “flagpole annexation”

In the packet materials for the Oct. 24 board meeting, Collins documented the receipt of six requests to annex property east of the town, including the south half of County Line Road and two parcels just east of I-25. She outlined the town’s obligations when requests for annexation are received: The clerk must bring the requests to the board at its next meeting, and the board must set a date for a public hearing to determine if the requests meet the legal requirements for annexation. She emphasized that the resolution before the board was only to set a hearing date and not to decide whether the annexation was legal or in the best interests of the town.

This would be considered a “flagpole annexation,” which refers to a practice where a municipality acquires new territory that is connected to an existing territory by a thin strip of land. The strip of land resembles a flagpole.

At the Oct. 24 meeting, Mayor Glant Havenar introduced Resolution 52-2024, which sets Dec. 12 as the date for the annexation eligibility hearing. She said the resolution was only procedural.

Trustees Shana Ball, Kevin Dreher, Nick Ehrhardt, Jessica Farr, and Dennis Stern voted in favor of the resolution, along with Havenar. Trustee Samantha Padgett voted no.

Buc’ees currently operates one travel center in Colorado, a 74,000-square-foot building in Johnstown with 116 fuel pumps and 275 staff members.

Proposed 2025 budget presented

Collins said the draft budget “has a bit of everything,” and she expected objectives and priorities to be made “to bring this to balance.” The board voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on the budget at its Nov. 14 board meeting.

The draft budget is available on the town website here: https://www.townofpalmerlake.com/media/16056.

Contract to demolish cabins awarded

At the Oct. 10 meeting, Collins reviewed the recent decisions regarding the six cabins on the Elephant Rock property. She said that last fall the board had asked for quotes to demolish the cabins and had set a maximum of $70,000 for the work. The demolition permit from the state required an asbestos report, which revealed the presence of asbestos. The asbestos was abated, she said, and the Fire Department planned to use the cabins for seven days of training. Three companies bid on the demolition work with bids ranging from $75,000 to $79,350. Collins recommended accepting the bid from West Fork Construction, which was the lowest of the three.

Trustees Dreher, Ehrhardt, Farr and Stern, along with Havenar, voted to award the demolition contract to West Fork Construction. Ball and Padgett voted no.

Chief reviews fire mitigation

At the Oct. 24 meeting, Palmer Lake Fire Chief John Vincent gave the board a presentation on fire mitigation on personal property. He reviewed the Hayman, Waldo and Black Forest fires and discussed the controlled burns currently going on at the town’s Elephant Rock property. He said there was a science and an art to controlled burns; they are more than just bonfires.

Vincent listed the three ways fire threatens a home: direct flame contact, radiated heat, and flying embers. Embers were the most dangerous to homes in Palmer Lake, he said. Vincent emphasized the importance of defensible space around homes and recommended clearing pine needles from the sides of houses. Wooden fences can act as fuses, bringing fire to homes. He recommended keeping 15 feet of open space around homes and being conscious of ladder fuels that let fire move into the tops of pines trees. He recommended using xeriscaping methods, planting native plants and shrubs, and working with neighbors to create defensible spaces.

Regulation of outdoor burning loosened

At the Oct. 10 meeting, Vincent asked the board to consider a draft ordinance to amend the town code to allow residents to burn small fuels on their property in a burn barrel if they obtain a $25 permit to do so. This would be easier than bringing the material to the town’s drop-off sites for slash at the Elephant Rock property and the dirt bike track.

At the Oct. 24 meeting, the board voted unanimously in favor of Ordinance 18-2024, which amends the town’s code as Vincent recommended.

Legislative and case law update

Krob gave the board a wide-ranging summary of new laws passed in the last legislative session and changes to case law that could impact the town or guide the board’s decisions on policy. The legislative portion of his presentation covered:

  • Accessory dwelling units.
  • Limitations on parking requirements
  • Use of artificial turf and native grasses.
  • A requirement that metropolitan districts have due process in front of an impartial tribunal.
  • Accessibility of websites.
  • Prohibitions on cell phone use while driving.
  • Lane splitting by motorcycles.
  • Possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Regarding case law, Krob explained:

  • Changes to laws regarding “takings” and impact fees.
  • Enforceability of camping bans.
  • Social media use by public officials.
  • Criticism of public officials by public employees.
  • Governmental immunity from dangerous conditions created by maintenance.
  • Improper water line marking.
  • Use of service animals.
  • Open meeting laws.
  • Use of initiatives to contest zoning decisions.

Administrative report

In her administrative report, Collins introduced two newly hired employees: Carson Wolla, parks maintenance technician, and Jennifer Wilde, code compliance officer. Wilde was sworn in at the Oct. 24 meeting.

Residents ask for enforcement of noise ordinance

Twenty-five residents signed a petition asking the town to enforce its ordinance regarding amplified sound coming from a property at 4440 Red Rock Ranch Drive owned by developer Matt Dunston. The signers said the property was being used as a short-term rental. They had attempted to resolve the issue with Dunston, but the disturbances have persisted, they said.

Executive sessions

The Oct. 10 board meeting was preceded by an executive session to determine positions regarding a possible annexation and a resolution to litigation filed by the United Congregational Church. The executive session reconvened following the board meeting, and the board voted unanimously in favor of a motion to authorize the town attorney to sign a disconnect for the United Congregational Church.

************

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14. The Nov. 28 meeting has been canceled to accommodate the Thanksgiving holiday. Meetings are held at the Town Hall. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Board of Trustees articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 16 – Deputy Chief resigns; board addresses handling of personnel matters; multiple issues require attention

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 16, Chairman Nate Dowden addressed public inquiries regarding employee matters and the release of information regarding them in the recent investigations into three members of the executive staff.

The agenda was amended to move into executive session before the regular meeting agenda resumed. The executive session topic of discussion was abbreviated to the hiring of a permanent fire chief, due to the letter of resignation received from Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg.

The board discussed establishing the qualifications needed before the fire chief hiring process begins, received a request to reinstate the health insurance opt out before accepting the 2025 budget, heard the training grounds would not be in compliance for the Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) fire academy, and the 1979 aerial ladder truck requires repairs to pass a safety inspection.

Director James Abendschan attended via Zoom.

Board addresses public questions

Dowden provided clarification on several questions received from the public regarding the investigations into three members of the executive staff and said the board strives to maintain a high degree of employee confidentiality regarding personnel matters and investigations, however, news media uses minutes from the board meetings and obtains information through Colorado Open Records Act requests and various other means, and the board cannot control the news media. Addressing the questions received by the public, he said:

  • On Oct. 10, at 5 p.m., former fire chief PJ Langmaid was fully separated from the district and is no longer an employee of the district.
  • The board can only act on information provided by investigators on the investigations authorized by the board.
  • The board was informed that the third-party investigation report involving Piepenburg would be available Oct. 16, and the board added an agenda item to the executive session.
  • However, the board received an email from Piepenburg announcing his decision to resign from the district with immediate effect that morning, and the additional agenda item would not be needed.
  • It is understandable that everyone wants more information, but nobody wants confidential information bandied about. The board tries to provide as much information as possible without violating Colorado employee law.
  • The third-party investigation reports are retained by legal counsel and will remain confidential under attorney-client privilege.
  • The investigation into Capt. Michael Torres is still ongoing and no further updates are available.
  • Some scheduling issues with staff deployments are delaying the investigator to schedule interviews and report expeditiously, but the objective is to see all matters resolved and the investigations closed.

Note: At the Aug. 21 board meeting, the board approved a second investigation into the allegations brought against Piepenburg and Torres during the initial investigation into allegations made against Langmaid. Torres remains on paid administrative leave. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n10bffrpd/.

Interim fire chief selection

Dowden addressed the reason behind the board’s selection of Interim Fire Chief Josh Bartlett, a battalion chief with Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). The driving factor that influenced the board decision was Bartlett’s stellar credentials. He possesses all the appropriate fire officer certifications recognized by the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control and the Colorado Metropolitan Certification Board. His career, background, and experience as captain of the HR Division of CSFD made him the ideal candidate to step in, providing an unbiased, non-partisan view to help the department identify what went wrong, and get us back on track, Dowden said.

Indemnification for interim fire chief position

Dowden requested the board approve Resolution 2024-06 to provide Bartlett, as interim fire chief, with the appropriate indemnification coverage that the district would provide to any permanent fire chief.

The board unanimously adopted Resolution 2024-06 as presented in a document provided by legal counsel.

Dowden said Bartlett is fully in power in accordance with the district bylaws in an interim appointment, but the district will be soliciting applicants for the permanent fire chief position. He said district counsel Linda Glesne advised the board to discuss the qualifications and criteria for the fire chief position before conducting a search. The board needs to make absolutely clear the expectations for a suitable candidate before advertising the position. The district had a job posting sample about five years ago, and the hiring will be an open-application process, with specific qualifications to meet the criteria, Dowden said. Glesne has suggested the board be the hiring committee or contract with a search company to find a fire chief before the board makes a selection, he said.

Bartlett said as the board conducts the search it needs to understand that most chiefs are not working a fire line, they don’t need reciprocity but should have multiple years of officer/command level experience, Fire Officer 1-3 certifications, National Command level certifications, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and the equivalency of running an organization. The pay has changed dramatically. For example, South Metro Fire Rescue is advertising $350,000 for a fire chief position, and the Monument Fire District (MFD) position pays about $185,000 (including benefits). The housing market in Colorado Springs is one of the most expensive in the nation and may require a candidate to move from out of state.

Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen suggested the district research similar departments of the same size in the state to understand what the district needs and wants in the next fire chief.

Bartlett said the district needs to explore the budget, the revenue sources, and the exclusion of properties. MFD will be fully merged Dec. 31, and the district could explore the possibility of a unified fire authority or a contract for services with another department. A merger would likely impact the mill levy and would require voter approval, but all avenues should be explored to ensure the level of service to the customers is maintained, he said.

Dowden said the district has the ability to move forward, and he suggested the board form a committee to work with the chief to formulate a job description, with a work session on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Agenda modified

The board unanimously approved a modified agenda, deleting the second part of the executive session discussion relating to personnel matters and the third-party investigation involving Piepenburg. The board promptly moved into executive session before continuing the regular meeting.

Executive session

The board moved into executive session at 7:22 p.m. on Oct. 16, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 24-6-402(4)(b), to receive legal advice regarding personnel matters that have been subject to investigations. The personnel matters that involved Piepenburg under 24-6-402(4)(f), were not discussed.

Dowden said the timeline for the conclusion of the investigation was unknown, but should the investigation conclude before the Nov. 20 regular meeting, the board may deem it appropriate to schedule a special meeting.

2025 budget in progress

Bartlett said the district staff is diligently working through the proposed 2025 budget that is a working document and about 60%-70 % complete. Clarification is still needed from the assessor’s office, and the company officers are deciding on the needs versus wants, and what the district can afford, to provide the correct numbers. He presented a working document to the board and noted he was told he would not be dealing with the budget and two months later he is, and it’s a large uptake. The district puts together a very good document, but he will not call it a zero-based budget because he grew up in a business world where you have to prove everything is needed, and the budget forecasts what the district thinks it needs, and that is not zero-based, my vernacular is different, he said. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n1bffrpd/.

Hinton said the district does not know what the backfill (money from the state) will be for 2025 after the passing of the new property tax laws. The Special District Association expects the backfill to be the same as for 2024.

The district received just over $100,000 in additional backfill from the state in 2024 for a total of $477,876. See https://wp.ocn.me/24n7bffrpd/.

Bartlett said the district will not spend the money the former chief spent on Echelon Front training and videos. Training will be focused on individual career development, and the district will also focus on finding sustainable revenue sources.

Pay scale unclear

Bartlett questioned the wage schedule of the hired rate versus tenure, experience, and certifications. If we brought someone on at a lateral wage, but they had multiple years of experience and the credentials to prove certifications, and they qualify for a higher rank, they should be able to receive higher rates of pay, Bartlett said. But the wage scale stipulates every block of time has to be filled before achieving higher pay, he said.

Dowden said the opposite could occur if someone is brought in at a higher pay grade but did not meet the criteria for the pay grade, that becomes a benchmark from how they move forward.

Bartlett said Langmaid was not detailed across the board when he brought staff on and made offer letters, but the district should change that, follow procedure, exempt the existing staff, and clear up the discrepancy with offers moving forward.

District receives grant

A/Captain Michael Alverado said the district was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant on July 8 for a total of $198,400 (includes district contribution). The grant stipulates the district must contribute funds equal to, or greater than 10% of the grant awarded. Alverado requested the board approve about $18,036 for the funding of 19 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus units, harness backpacks, face pieces, and two cylinders for each line member, in addition to base pieces for a total of 33 pieces for each line member.

The board unanimously approved the district’s contribution for the proposed equipment purchase from the 2024 budget.

2024 wage and leave schedule health insurance differential

Dowden said that historically, if a member of the Fire Department has other benefits via a spouse, the member can opt out of departmental health coverage and receive a compensatory amount in lieu of it.

Lt. Brandon Jones, attending via Zoom, requested the board consider reinstating the health insurance differential after it had been removed from the 2024 budget before approval on Dec. 28, 2023, and he said:

  • Annually the compensatory amount is about $3,797 but the cost savings for the department for a typically annual payment is $8,685 per individual with medical, dental, and vision.
  • If an individual opts out of health insurance, the department saves $4,888 per individual.
  • Half of the department staff is married or getting close to it or has the opportunity to opt out of the district health plan.
  • The previous administration arbitrarily made the decision to remove the option from the wage and leave schedule after it had been used in 2022-23, to crush dissent and based on ideas such as federal law and the Affordable Care Act, stating noncompliance, liability to the department, and a burden to payroll staffers.
  • If it is a win-win financially for the department and staff members, it defies common sense not to include the option.
  • He requested the board reinstate the opportunity to allow multiple staff members to switch to spousal health plans before the open enrollment window closed.

Dowden said that when the board accepted the 2024 budget, it was included in the wage and leave schedule in the October 2023 presentation of the proposed 2024 budget. When it was finally presented for approval on Dec. 28, the wage and leave schedule had been modified and the opt out and health insurance differential had been removed, but he could not recall how or why they were removed. He noted the board meeting minutes did not mention the action and he wondered if the tapes were still available from that time frame.

The board promptly received from Jones the email staff members received from Langmaid in 2023. The email informed staff of the reasons for removing the opt out of department health insurance line item.

Bartlett said that if Langmaid made the decision without discussing the action with the board, the staff could be reimbursed retroactively. The fire chief does not have the authority to make the decision, he said.

Dowden said the board approved the budget Dec. 28, 2023, but the single line regarding the differential had been removed from the October presentation, and he had no direct recollection of the board consciously removing the line item. As the board looks at the 2025 leave and wage schedule, it makes sense to include the option, he said. The board will do more digging and include any retroactive payment in the 2025 labor costs, Dowden said. He thanked Jones for bringing the issue forward and encouraged the entire team to bring issues forward to the executive staff, and then nothing gets lost in the noise.

Jones said the previous administration had requested the line staff “pick and choose your battles” when approaching the board with requests, and that is why the board has not heard a lot from the line staff, he said.

Dowden said the entire board hopes the relationship is not a battle but a discussion.

Fire drill ground requires solid surface

At the Sept. 18 meeting, Bartlett suspended live fire training at the districts’ training facility until the district brought the training ground into compliance with safety standards. He said the district invites multiple departments to use the fire drill ground and co-hosts the PPSC 16-week Firefighter Academy. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n10bffpd/.

At the Oct. 16 meeting, Dowden asked Bartlett if the district was still partnered to jointly host the academy with Monument Fire District (MFD) and PPSC to run a course in January 2025.

Bartlett said the district needs to backfill a prop that has a moat around it and rectify the crushed concrete all over the fire drill ground. It is not recommended for best practice and needs to be replaced with either concrete or chipped asphalt. RB Excavation Demolition LLC estimated the backfill and chipped asphalt to encase the chipped concrete would cost about $20,000 to bring the fire drill ground into compliance. The district has already reached $100,000 in workers compensation liability from ankle injuries, with one staff member off shift and on light duties for 16 weeks post-surgery. The district does not need the liability of students incurring the same injuries. A release of liability would be needed and additional language in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PPSC, Bartlett said.

The district needs to be as compliant as possible to host training and ensure that everything has been done to reduce all liability, to include the daily training of district staff, Bartlett said. Langmaid made a contract with RB, making multiple payments under $5,000, totaling about $11,000, so the district is owed about 106 hours of operating hours, he said. Langmaid also permitted RB to fill the excavation equipment from district fuel drums (about 1,000 gallons), and some equipment would need to be rented to complete the project, said Bartlett.

Dowden said no plan was ever presented to the board and it all appears to be on the fly. A defined footprint is needed before the board can provide clear guidance for the project.

Tarvainen suggested a delay due to the time of year and the pending temperature changes.

Bartlett said the 2025 MOU with PPSC had not been signed, and he suggested the college resort to Plan B and use Fort Carson or CSFD for training purposes, given the short time-frame left to bring the fire drill grounds into compliance.

After further discussion on the area to be modified and the depth of the asphalt, the board decided to proceed with the project.

The board unanimously approved $20,000 for the project to be completed, contingent on the outstanding labor plus fuel for the rental equipment.

District Administrative Officer Lisa Emry confirmed to this reporter that the BFFRPD Community Room is reserved for classroom tuition from January through May 2025 for the PPSC Fire Academy.

Aging ladder truck has issues

Logistics Officer Rachel Dunn said the Engine 713 aerial ladder truck had electrical issues. District mechanic Gavin Smith reached out to Front Range Apparatus and Seagrave, and both advised they will not work on the electrical issues.

Bartlett said the 1979 aerial ladder truck repairs are on the back burner to focus on building the Type 6 brush trucks, because the ladder truck has major issues with the Aerialscope and it may not pass a ladder test required before placing into service, and said:

  • The ladder test was conducted by an out-of-state third-party provider when purchased, but when extending the Aerialscope at a 90-degree angle test now, there are degrees of shifting, which means the main and carrier bearings are loose inside.
  • Some parts can be ordered, but most would need to be custom made because the 1979 Aerialscope was placed on a 2005 chassis.
  • The wiring also has a problem because it was originally an all-hydraulic unit, but when Pierce Manufacturing replaced the chassis, the controls were turned over to an electrical unit and now it is not talking to the Aerialscope.

Pierce Manufacturing provided a paper with the entire schematic of the engine and it will not work on the apparatus, Seagraves will not work on the apparatus even though it now owns Aerialscope because it cannot get parts. Front Range Apparatus also will not work on the apparatus and Brindlee Mountain Apparatus of Alabama will not purchase the apparatus back and their third-party repair facility suggestion did not return Smith’s calls, said Bartlett. See https://wp.ocn.me/v22n6bffrpd/, https://wp.ocn.me/v22n7bffrpd/, and https://wp.ocn.me/v22n8bffrpd/.

Treasurer Jack Hinton said that when the district purchased the “pile of crap,” a defect return policy was not disclosed.

Bartlett said once the district conducts a walk-through, signs off and makes the purchase, it is standard industry practice to not accept a return. The district purchased the apparatus over two years ago and the inspection report from the district’s walk-through is available, but it was not conducted by Smith, he said.

Note: The delivery of the ladder truck was delayed until April 26, 2023 after leaks were found in in the fire hose supply line in October 2022, and the parts were delayed for about five months. Pierce Manufacturing covered the cost of the replacement hose line, and Brindlee Mountain Apparatus provided a 90-day warranty upon delivery. See https://wp.ocn.me/v22n12bffrpd/ and https://wp.ocn.me/v23n5bffrpd/.

In September, the district purchased ladders totaling $13,307 to equip Engine 713.

Logistics update

Dowden asked about building out a new Type 3 Wildland engine for deployments.

Bartlett said any new project will push the building of the Type 6 brush trucks further out. The Type 6 apparatus can be deployed and make revenue for the district quickly, once built.

Dunn confirmed that Smith was building out a Type 6 brush truck for completion mid-November and the second would be built in December/January.

Note: The financial and department report can be found at www.bffire.org.

The meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. A work session is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. For additional special meeting notifications, joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit https://bffire.org or contact the Administrative Office at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 8 – Merger process nears completion; mutual aid agreements terminated

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) special meeting on Oct. 8, the board was updated on the merger process with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) and approved three notices to terminate mutual aid, and the transfer of two assignment and assumption agreements for vehicle storage at the former fire station property on Sun Hills Drive to MFD.

The meeting began at 2:38 p.m., when President Charles Fleece joined via Zoom.

District merger update

Attorney Emily Powell of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe (ISPP) PC law firm, attending via Zoom, said the district hearing on the dissolution of the district had taken place on Sept. 20. The 15-minute hearing was attended by Powell, attorney Dino Ross of ISPP PC law firm, Fire Chief Andy Kovacs, Executive Battalion Chief Micah Coyle, and MFD counsel Maureen Juran. The judge had no questions on the process, pleadings, or transition of the merger, but the bulk of the hearing focused on the dissolution of the district without the judge ordering an additional election.

The three eligible voters, including the two sitting board members and a spouse, had provided affidavits, had previously voted to proceed with the dissolution with the pre-inclusion intergovernmental agreement and the supplemental plan of dissolution. The judge approved the dissolution order that will be held until it is filed with the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder on Dec. 31. Delaying the dissolution order will allow the district to receive any small amount of delayed tax revenue and avoid any complicated accounting for the county Assessor’s Office. Procedural paperwork will continue behind the scenes, and the board member duties had concluded, until the final “special meeting” scheduled for Dec. 5. The meeting is expected to take about 15 minutes to “wrap up” the dissolution process, said Powell.

Termination of mutual aid agreements

Powell requested the board approve three notices of termination of mutual aid agreements between DWFPD and Cimarron Hills, Palmer Lake, and the City of Colorado Springs. The mutual aid agreements are no longer needed because MFD already has the same agreements with the same entities, said Powell.

The board unanimously approved the termination of the three mutual aid agreements.

Vehicle storage agreement re-assignment

Powell requested the board approve the assignment and assumption agreements for two vehicle storage contracts to be transferred to MFD. The agreements allow the American Red Cross and Emergency Incident Support to use the Sun Hills property for vehicle storage.

The board unanimously approved the agreements.

Note: For the chief’s report and updates, see the MFD article on page < 8 > and visit www.monumentfire.org.

The meeting adjourned at 3:03 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The final special meeting is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m., via Zoom and in person at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Donald Westcott Fire Protection District articles

Monument Fire District, Oct. 8 and 23 – 2025 proposed budget presentations

By Natalie Barszcz

The Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) held a special meeting on Oct. 8 after the Sept. 25 meeting was postponed due to a lack of quorum. The board received the first presentation of the 2025 budget and accepted a petition for inclusion of real property, before setting a public hearing for the special meeting on Nov. 13.

At the regular meeting on Oct. 23, the board received the second presentation of the 2025 proposed budget with some minor updates. The board heard about a study of impact fees and sales tax collection and received updates at both meetings on the remodel of Stations 4 and 2, the Station 1 training center, the Station 3 rebuild design, and the land purchase for a future Station 6.

For updates on the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) merger process, see the DWFPD article on page < 7 >.

Vice President John Hildebrandt was excused on Oct 8. President Mike Smaldino was excused on Oct. 23.

2025 proposed budget presentations

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said a few changes were made to the proposed 2025 budget after the first presentation on Oct. 8, and he reviewed the budget highlighting the following:

  • The projected property tax revenue is about $18 million (combines both MFD and about $4 million in DWFPD property taxes) and the district anticipates, with miscellaneous revenue, specific ownership tax, ambulance revenue, an EMS supplement, the remaining DWFPD contract, and wildland deployment revenue, a total of about $24.235 million (up about $2.189 million from 2024).
  • The projected expenses are estimated to be about $18.727 million for 2025, with about $11.725 million dedicated to wages and about $3.5 million for benefits.
  • The district will maintain a competitive salary and benefits package, and is thankfully not losing employees to South Metro and other agencies that are of like size and comparable to the district.
  • The district will maintain training and educational opportunities.
  • Benefits continue to rise, as the workforce is marrying, having families, and driving costs up for health insurance and overtime during maternity and paternity leave.
  • The district will begin a hiring process on Jan. 1, 2025 for a part-time bookkeeper position with a salary of $50,000. The district has had about four or five since he became fire chief, and he proposed cancelling the existing contract. A part-time bookkeeper will save several thousand dollars.
  • The ending general operations fund balance is expected to be about $4.673 million and necessary to cover operating expenses for the first quarter of 2025. The bulk of the property tax revenue is received in March. The district general operations (wages and benefits) cost is about $1.5 million per month.

Treasurer Tom Kelly said the bulk of the district expenses is used for human resources, and the district did not spend all of the allocated funds for the capital improvements in 2024.

Kovacs said the processes for the capital improvements are taking longer than anticipated.

Note: The public hearing for the proposed 2025 budget will be held at the special meeting on Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Property tax revenue decrease

Kovacs said that although the district is not proposing a mill levy increase for 2025, it is anticipating a property tax valuation decrease of about $1.242 or about 6.4% in FY2025 due to the state Legislature passing SB 24-233 and HB 24B-1001, in response to the failure of Propositions 50 and 108 in November 2023. The future economic situation of the district could be impacted due to some of the legislation that passed earlier in 2024 and the increased cost of human resources, apparatus, material goods, and services, he said.

NEXUS study required

Kovacs said the department is considering diversifying revenue sources and seeking impact fees and levying sales tax as a result of SB24-194 passing in early 2024. Fire protection districts are now permitted to collect impact fees in unincorporated areas of the county and collect sales tax to boost revenue. In the past, the district was permitted only to collect impact fees for properties built within the Town of Monument (TOM). Fire chiefs had requested county-wide impact fees through the El Paso County Board of Commissioners in 2018, but those requests were denied. The state fire chiefs successfully presented the need for impact fees in unincorporated areas to the state House of Representatives in early 2024. The 2025 budget includes $20,000 to engage a consultant to conduct a NEXUS study that is required before implementing the impact fees and/or sales tax, he said.

Future hiring

Executive Battalion Chief Micah Coyle said the district had received 152 applications for future firefighter positions, a record number for the district. About 75 applicants passed the written exam for an entry-level firefighter position and about 55 have been selected for an oral board interview to create a list of potential hires.

Kovacs said the high number of applicants was due to the district’s social media company “Red Energy,” but the district is not hiring firefighters until the financial future is known. However, an eligibility list will be retained in the event that retirements or resignations occur.

Financial report

Treasurer Tom Kelly said that as of Sept. 30, the district is at 75% of the total amount to be considered in line with annual projections. Overall revenue year to date is about $22.5 million, approximately 102% of the projected 2024 income budget set at about $22 million. (That includes a little over $2 million for the Wescott contract for services). Overall expenses year to date are about $12.527 million or 76.6% of the projected expense budget set at about $16.336 million. Overtime is at 107.16% year to date or about $51,000 over the budgeted $710,000 annual budget for the shift workers. The board reviewed 30 electronic transmissions over $2,500 for August at the Oct. 8 meeting, and 22 for September on Oct. 23. Of note were:

  • $118,470 PNC Equipment Lease Engine Lease Payment
  • $80,208 OZ Architecture Training Center/Fire Station 2 & 3
  • $82,336 Flintco LLC Station 4 remodel
  • $9,935 Wex Bank Inc. Fleet Fuel
  • $36,998 Elevate Healthcare EMS Mannequin
  • • $24,330 Strategic Site Design Training Center
  • $8,186 OZ Architecture Fire Stations 2, 3, and 4
  • $141,473 Flintco LLC Fire Station 4
  • $8,552 Wex Bank LLC Fleet Fuel
  • $107,700 TLMFPD Gen Ops Fund Deposit Reserve Account

Every transaction appeared appropriate and within the 2024 budget, Kelly said. As of Sept. 30, the checking and savings accounts totaled about $20.534 million with about $13.2 million in the Operations and General Fund, he said.

The board accepted the financial reports as presented, 6-0.

Kovacs said multiple factors were causing the increase in overtime hours for the shift workers, such as the DWFPD staff moving to the MFD payroll and maternity/paternity leave, and the district has experienced the highest number of workers compensation injuries in 2024.

Station 4 remodel

Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner thanked the board for approving the remodel of Station 4, Gleneagle Drive. He received numerous positive comments from the residents and the crews at the ribbon-cutting event on Oct. 12. The district has budgeted about $8.632 million to complete the northside paramedic accommodation at Station 4, Gleneagle Drive. See snapshot on page < 21 >.

Station 2 remodel

Bumgarner said the district received nine bids for the remodel of Station 2, Roller Coaster Road. John Sattler of NV5, the district’s owners representative, will review the bids and the recommendation will be presented to the board on Nov. 13. The district budgeted about $2 million for the project scheduled to begin in January 2025.

Station 1 Training Center

Bumgarner said the district is ready for a public hearing with the Town of Monument Planning Commission in late January or early February and a hearing with Monument Town Council in March. The district will likely be moving dirt and installing infrastructure for the training center at Station 1 in mid-2025, and building could begin in early fall. He has been attending meetings with the town planners to work through the process to plat the site.

Fire Station 3 update

Bumgarner said the final site plan for the platting of the lot north of YMCA, the future Station 3 location, is almost finished. The district will likely break ground in late 2025 due to the site development taking up most of the year. The district expects to close on the land purchase mid-year, and the building phase will take at least two years until completion.

Land purchase future Station 6

Bumgarner said due to the district having no site plan for the 2-acre parcel the district is planning to purchase from QuikTrip for a future Station 6, the TOM is taking a different direction on the plat approval for the land. He is working with the town planners to develop a site plan, but the cost will be to the district to plat the site. It is a difficult not knowing what the district will develop on the site in the future, he said.

Vehicle storage agreement

The board approved an Assignment and Assumption agreement for vehicle storage at its Sun Hills Drive property, the former DWFPD Station 3. See DWFPD article on page < 7 >.

Inclusion request

At the Oct. 8 meeting, Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley said the district had received a request for inclusion into the district in a rural area of the district at 5775 Mountain Shadow View, Colorado Springs.

The board approved the request for the inclusion, pending the public hearing on Nov. 13.

Note: The chief’s report and the financial report can be found at www.monumentfire.org.

The special meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. on Oct 8. The regular meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on Oct 23.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 9 – Commission raises concerns about ultimate use for Jackson Creek North

By Janet Sellers

The Oct. 9 Monument Planning Commission meeting began with roll call, with all but commissioner Greg Collins present in person. Collins was present online. Discussions focused on the rezoning of 574 N. Washington St. and the preliminary and final plat for Jackson Creek North. The commission unanimously approved the rezoning of the property on North Washington Street to align with the comprehensive plan for single-family detached housing. However, concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of the right-of-way for future road improvements and the potential impact on downstream water flow for Jackson Creek North.

Insights from the meeting regarding Jackson Creek North included an analysis based on the Review and Approval Criteria established in section 18.02.260.C of the town’s regulations, alongside discussions and concerns raised during the meeting. The proposed Final Plat for the vacant property does not satisfactorily meet the criteria outlined in the town’s section 18.02.260.C, the commissioners said.

Key areas of concern included the lack of established ultimate use, inadequate service capacity provisions, insufficient information on cost-sharing for improvements, and limited consideration of natural hazards and conservation. Future developments will require more comprehensive planning to address these deficiencies and ensure compliance with town regulations.

The commissioners engaged in extensive discussions about the implications of zoning changes, including considerations for mixed-use development. Topics included residential height limits, stormwater management, and the legality of zoning across hundreds of acres in future developments in the area as well. The commission decided to continue the public hearing to seek legal advice, planning to reconvene in a Nov. 13 meeting with the town attorney present.

Amid the discussions, the commissioners said the proposed Final Plat for Jackson Creek North did not establish the ultimate use of the property and did not demonstrate compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan, or other plans adopted by the town. This non-conformance raised concerns regarding the alignment of the proposed development with the town’s long-term goals and vision.

The property is currently vacant and undeveloped, and the proposed Final Plat does not sufficiently address how it will ensure compatibility with adjacent properties, commissioners said. This lack of assessment could lead to future conflicts as development progresses. The proposed Final Plat creates a single lot, lacking insight into future development patterns. Additionally, it does not adequately address the impact on light, air, parks, open spaces, and other public uses, contrary to the expectations set forth in the Review and Approval Criteria.

Due to the absence of development plans, the proposed Final Plat cannot confirm the provision of adequate, safe, and efficient public improvements, utilities, and community facilities, the commissioners said. Ensuring sufficient service capacity is critical, and its absence poses significant concerns for future development.

It also does not provide the necessary development details to establish the property owner’s responsibility for onsite and offsite community improvements and facilities, failing to meet the requirements regarding cost-sharing for infrastructure improvements, the commissioners said.

While the proposed Final Plat addresses some natural hazards by dedicating an easement for wetland drainage and creating two tracts for open space and detention, it does not sufficiently cover protections against other natural hazards, such as fire, flood, or geological risks, the commissioners said. In addition to wetland drainage and open space tracts, the proposed Final Plat provides limited opportunities for the preservation and conservation of significant vegetation stands, which does not align fully with the requirements for natural conservation.

Although the proposed Jackson Creek North Final Plat adheres to technical requirements of form and content, it lacks adequate information to verify compliance with local, county, state, and federal regulations, the commissioners said. This lack of detail raised questions about the viability of development plans.

Future development on this property will necessitate the submission of a Site Plan, which must comply with the underlying zoning designation and development review criteria established in the Land Development Code. Additional modifications to the Final Plat may be required based on the forthcoming development plan and relevant codes and ordinances.

The meeting concluded with discussions on potential updates to the development code.

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The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. It will revisit the discussion on the Jackson Creek North plat at the next meeting on Nov. 13, with the town attorney present to address legalities. For further information on Planning Commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028.

Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Monument Town Council, Oct. 7 and 21 – Council discusses finance, nonprofit work, employee survey

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council meetings on Oct. 7 and 21 covered the unanimous approval of a new revenue and finance ordinance, updates from local nonprofits Tri-Lakes Cares and the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the results of the town’s first employee satisfaction survey, and public feedback on council stipends and council feedback on a new playground at Limbach Park.

Revenue and finance ordinance

The Monument Board of Trustees voted 7-0 to approve a comprehensive ordinance updating the town’s tax and business regulations. The new rules introduce several changes aimed at improving compliance and streamlining administrative processes. One key change caps the vendor’s fee at $100 per return while maintaining the current rate of 3.33% for timely tax filings. To further encourage digital submissions, the town will begin charging a $25 fee for manual paper filings, which were previously free.

The ordinance sets a fixed interest rate of 1% per month on overdue taxes, replacing the former rate tied to the Colorado State Banking Commission. Penalties for fraud will also be revised, with a new penalty set at either 50% or 100% of the unpaid amount, pending final determination. For repeated violations, a special penalty will be enforced, requiring payment of the greater of 25% of the unpaid tax or $250.

The ordinance also allows the town to recover audit costs by billing taxpayers directly for the time and resources involved. The newly passed regulations repeal and replace existing sections of the municipal code, adding new provisions to better align the town’s business licensing, revenue management, and finance operations with its current needs.

Tri-Lakes Cares updates

Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) representatives Haley Chapin and Bill Lyons provided an update on the organization’s efforts to address the growing needs of residents in northern El Paso County. TLC is a nonprofit that offers essential services such as food assistance, rent and utility support, car repair aid, medical help, and financial counseling to families and individuals in crisis. The organization serves as a lifeline for those facing unexpected hardships, ensuring that basic needs are met with dignity and care.

Chapin and Lyons emphasized the increasing demand for these services, noting that 58% of households enrolled in TLC programs live below the federal poverty line—$31,200 annually for a family of four. Rising housing costs, rent, and a growing population have added strain to many residents, highlighting the importance of community support. One success story shared involved a mother of two who, after losing her job, was able to stay in her home thanks to TLC’s rent assistance and eventually secured full-time employment.

Both Chapin and Lyons expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Town of Monument for its continued financial support, stressing how critical it is to the organization’s ability to serve the community. “This funding goes a long way,” they said, noting that it helps cover essential costs like rent and utilities for struggling families. They also pointed to TLC’s recent community needs assessment, which aims to keep the organization ahead of emerging challenges in the region.

Pikes Peak SBDC updates

Brandon Eldridge, executive director of the Pikes Peak SBDC, provided an update on the center’s activities and impact. SBDC offers free consulting, training programs, and events to help local businesses grow and thrive. Eldridge mentioned its collaboration with the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, where it provides coaching and educational presentations to businesses throughout the area.

Eldridge highlighted the Veterans Small Business event held at Great Wolf Lodge on Nov. 1, as well as the popular “Year of AI” presentation, which provided valuable insights into artificial intelligence for the business community. He emphasized that SBDC’s consulting hours—126 so far this year—are offered at no charge, making a significant impact on the success of local entrepreneurs. Eldridge encouraged attendees to sign up for the SBDC’s newsletter to stay connected with future programs and resources. Mayor Mitch LaKind also commented on the presentation, noting several photos featuring Danny Meyer, a friend and entrepreneur, which reflect the center’s deep ties to influential community members. Eldridge closed by thanking the Town of Monument for its ongoing support, stressing that such partnerships are essential to SBDC’s mission of empowering businesses and fostering economic growth.

Employee satisfaction survey

Emily Trujillo, Human Resources manager for the town, presented the results of Monument’s first employee satisfaction survey, conducted from Sept. 5 to 12 using software BambooHR. Designed to ensure anonymity and encourage honest feedback, the survey asked two simple questions: employees’ likelihood to recommend the town as a place to work and suggestions on what makes the workplace great or how it could improve. With an 80% participation rate, the survey provided valuable insights, Trujillo said. Key positives included people, culture, community, atmosphere, and leadership, while areas of concern focused on compensation, communication, recognition, and processes.

Following the survey presentation, Trujillo outlined upcoming action plans, including a compensation survey to be completed by early 2025, initiatives to enhance communication, improved employee recognition programs, and a focus on accountability for policies and procedures. This presentation also set the stage for a discussion on seeking professional vendors to conduct an evaluation of the town manager position. Trujillo mentioned that five evaluation companies were approached, with two submitting proposals. The council discussed which vendor to select but had not reached a decision by the end of the meeting.

LaKind called the survey “a step in the right direction” but requested more detailed data, such as employee comments, and Councilmember Marco Fiorito encouraged the inclusion of longer surveys in future evaluations. Trujillo confirmed a follow-up survey with more depth would be conducted in March.

Public and board comments

Executive Director of Tri-Lakes Cares Haley Chapin spoke again voicing her support for council stipends during public comments not on the agenda. She emphasized how compensation could encourage broader participation and equity in local government.

“A stipend helps level the playing field. Without it, only those with financial flexibility might consider running,” Chapin explained. She noted that serving on the council often comes with personal costs, such as lost work hours, childcare, and transportation, which stipends could help offset. Compensation, she added, could also improve retention, reduce burnout, and attract a more diverse pool of future candidates, ensuring the community is fully represented. Chapin acknowledged that members could donate their stipends to causes like the Police Department or nonprofits but urged the council to consider the broader community benefit.

Councilmember Steve King remarked on the successful launch of the new playground at Limbach Park. He thanked Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek and the park and public works staff for their hard work. “Every time I drive by, there’s a zillion kids out there, and it’s good to see them outside,” King said, reflecting on the playground’s popularity.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday Nov. 4 and 18. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 8 – Grace Best Elementary School, Career-Innovation Center plans discussed

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee met at Lewis-Palmer Elementary School (LPES) on Oct. 8. Among the subjects discussed were activities at the school, potential treatments of the Grace Best Elementary School building, and ongoing development of the new Career and Innovation Center

LPES report

LPES Principal Davonne Johnson conducted a tour of the building before the meeting began. She explained that each school day begins with a greeting and opportunities to introduce oneself to others and mingle. She then involved the committee members in a left-right story reading where members passed balls back and forth when the words left or right were read.

The school was built in 1974 and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. It now has 409 students. Its vision is that all students matter and belong.

LPES offers several programs for those with disabilities including those for students with significant support needs and Affective Needs.

The theme for this school year is LPES is staying on track, all aboard, using the motif of a train throughout the building.

Board of Education report

Board liaison Tiffiney Upchurch reported on recent discussion of the Grace Best Elementary School building during the board’s work session on Oct. 1.

The facility was assessed in 2020 regarding the suitability of its use for students and other community members. Among current uses are the Silver Key Senior Center, Palmer Ridge Robotics, the Transitions program, and the Home School Enrichment Academy.

At the board’s Oct. 1 work session, it was told that during a recent fire walk Monument Fire Chief Andy Kovacs had been unaware that there were students in the building over the past few years. As a result, when he conducted his walk this year he created a list of issues which would need to be addressed for the building be used for students.

Among these was the storage of combustible materials such as boxes and wood and damaged or missing fire resistant ceiling tiles.

Upchurch said that the chief did not submit a documented report to the Colorado Department of Education but said that he required the district to develop a plan to address the list of problems by the time he visited next year.

The board had passed a resolution in June 2021 to demolish the portion of the building built in 1959 and the gymnasium and retain the two-story portion built in 1988. No action was taken.

To hear the discussion, please see the livestream of the Oct. 1 work session on lewispalmer.org, Board of Education, livestreams of board meetings.

Board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank reported on subjects to be addressed at the Oct. 21 board meeting.

Career and Innovation Center

Director of Innovative Programs Jessica McAllister reported on progress in developing programs and determining use of space in the new Career and Innovation building on Synthes Drive. To view her PowerPoint, please see Family Resources, Community, Committees, meeting contents, and the date Oct. 8.

Planning for the center began in 2022 with a series of meetings and surveys including community members, industry representatives, students, and families. Then the building became available and with the passage of Senate Bill 24-017, $8 million became available for one-time use by the district. This enabled the district to plan the center without using reserve funds.

In the past year, meetings have focused on curriculum, technology needs, prioritization of occupations within categories, and continued solicitation of feedback from industry partners and post-secondary institutions. Potential funding sources are being identified and plans for water, storage, and electrical needs are being examined.

Plans include a course proposal to the Board of Education in November, vertical alignment for the program of study in March, and staffing plans in April.

Courses of study will concentrate on information technology, engineering, manufacturing, and health sciences. Students in grades 9 through 12 will be involved in two double blocks of classes each day. Courses will vary from beginner to advanced levels in content.

Following her presentation, McAllister involved committee members in viewing various options for the use of color and spaces within the building.

Superintendent Forum

District Superintendent Stacie Datteri said she is using feedback from last month’s meeting to determine her priorities in her new position. She said she is determined to get things right with regard to the strategic plan. She has met with staff and departments and asked for suggestions about values for the district.

She said she views what is best for the kids as her primary consideration. She stresses that students and staff must be respectful with each other and all have an equal chance for success.

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The Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times per year. Locations vary. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle, Colorado Springs. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 17 and 24 – Board hears financial audit, improvement plan, internal review

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) board held two meetings in October. In its first meeting on the 17th, the board heard its financial audit, unified improvement plan, and October enrollment count report. It passed several policies.

At its second meeting on the 24th, the board heard an internal school review audit from a consulting firm and entered an executive session to discuss possible actions.

Financial audit

Tom Sistare of Hoelting & Co. Inc., MA’s audit firm, dialed in to remotely present a summary of the financial audit presentation, giving MA an unmodified or clean opinion. Sistare said his team had been on-site in July testing internal controls and believes MA’s financial statements are presented fairly.

He said the audit covers both fund statements, which are how the school keeps its books on a day-to-day basis, as well as government-wide statements that roll all funds together and add capital assets, debt, and other liabilities.

In the government-wide statement, the statement of net position is the balance sheet for the entire school, Sistare said, indicating that cash and investments were up, capital assets decreased due to depreciation, and grants receivables were down due to fewer grants being available. The long-term liability is $55.5 million with a $39.1 million loan balance. MA paid $922,000 in debt service through the building corporation fund which manages the bonds for the West Campus and has $16.2 million in liability due to the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) unfunded liabilities. MA’s net position decreased by $798,000 primarily due to PERA.

For the fund statements, Sistare said the ratio of ending general fund balance to total expenditures for the year was similar to last year, maintaining a balance equal to 80 days of expenditures. For the current year’s activities, he said local revenues increased due to increases in donations and state per pupil revenue. Federal revenue fell as COVID grants wound down. Revenue was up about 4% with expenditures up 5% with a resulting $243,000 increase in fund balance. This compares favorably with a budgeted $790,000 decrease in fund balance. Sistare concluded by saying there were no findings of deficiencies on internal controls or other areas.

Interim Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson added a three-year high-level comparison. He noted that for government agencies MA uses full accrual, while for day-to-day purposes it uses a modified accrual. Over three years, Gustafson said, the general fund revenues increased from $10.8 to $13.8 million due to School Finance Act revenue or per pupil revenue (PPR) while enrollment has been flat. Expenditures have grown due to hiring and raises, but the difference has gone from a $131,000 loss to a $243,000 profit. MA is trying to come into full compliance with its bond covenants, he said, and ending fund balance, which is the reserve, has increased by $653,000, which is a good position for a bond refinance.

The preschool fund had a small loss, but MA has made changes to bring it back to financial stability. It drew down the balance from $99,000 to $66,000. The building corporation and the foundation funds handle the bonds for the West and East Campus respectively and function with a fairly straight flow through from the state’s intercept program. Bank balances are invested aggressively and have seen good interest returns. Finally, the Student Activity Fund totals $125,000, has had a lot of cleanup, and is used only for Student Council expenses. He said he was very pleased with Hoelting, a local firm that has done a lot of work with charter schools.

Non-financial audit summarized

At a special meeting on Oct. 24, Lis Richard of Helping Schools Thrive LLC (HST) delivered a summary of her internal review audit which she emphasized was focused on academic, operational, and governance review rather than a financial audit. A more detailed presentation will be presented at the Nov. 21 meeting.

Richard, who served as MA’s principal until 2017, said her objective was to compare current practices and policies with the original intent of the school charter and philosophy documents and offer the board and leadership some tangible reflection and resources. For her summary, she focused on academics, philosophy, and student achievement.

For philosophy, she said PK-12 staff has only a basic understanding of the philosophy of MA and that no one could give an elevator speech explaining it. The foundational principles, practices, and virtues are not trained annually nor understood by leadership, which she found concerning. Understanding philosophy could aid in ensuring that it is a pillar of practice, she said.

Her greatest area of concern was that PK-5 did not have a solid curriculum direction and had too many supplemental materials that do not follow Core Knowledge (CK) practices. There is a strong implementation of core subjects in secondary school, which was a stellar start, she said while noting that the arts curriculum could better follow the CK sequence and work to support interdisciplinary practices. CK is spiraling and vertically aligned, Richard said. Training on curriculum is lacking for staff and leaders, she said.

Regarding student achievement, she said there are no current methods for new student assessment, which would be a good practice to provide to teachers. The assessment data has fallen to lead teachers or administration and is not used as a method of accountability for instruction and utilization with students and parents. The purpose of assessment is not clear in PK, Richard said, and MA’s elementary schools are no longer competitive with other district schools. There is a spirit of “That may be OK,” she added. Middle school achievement is in the upper quadrant but has room to improve, she said, and it was encouraging that the high school has performed well in its few years of existence.

In respect to operations, Richard said there is adequate room for PK-5, but that obviously the secondary school needs more room. Documentation of standard operating procedures are in progress, she said, and handbooks need to become cohesive across the campuses. Graduation requirements meet statutes. Enrollment has remained stable but does not reflect growth, Richard noted, displaying a screen show depicting that the Tri-Lakes area from 2010 to 2021 had grown 50%. MA’s enrollment trends show the highest growth when the school expanded to K-8 and had a large class size in 2018, after which class sizes started to go down.

This year is the lowest class size since 2013, she said. Population in the Tri-Lakes area has increased by 67% while class size at MA has dipped 7%, she said, with enrollment increases being due to adding grades. D38 saw a growth of 9% over that same time frame, she said. With an increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) students, there has been an increase in staff and debt. The greatest need for sustainability in the future is to increase student enrollment, Richard stated.

On governance, she noted that MA board members are parents dedicated to the current and future success of the school. Board roles and responsibilities should be reviewed annually, and new member training should be consistent, she said. The board needs a better understanding of governing by policy and setting direction. She noted that the board had begun reviewing policies and said that an academic policy is needed that includes penmanship. Teacher representatives should be inducted as was done in the past, Richard advised.

Overall, Richard gave academics a mixed score of green, yellow, and red while operations was mostly green with some yellow and governance was 1/3 green with the rest mostly yellow and just a little red. She recommended that leadership identify an action plan, involve staff, and establish a timeline, saying that HST has a system for developing an excellent school and could return for quarterly benchmarks or annual reviews.

The board went into executive session for one hour for advice on specific legal matters regarding the external audit report and for discussion of personnel matters arising from the report. Upon returning, it took no action.

Unified Improvement Plan

East Campus Principal Angela Duca presented a draft of MA’s secondary school Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) for the board’s approval at its Oct. 10 meeting. The intent, she said, is to create goals based on student data as required by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The process began by attending a workshop with D38 and analyzing the data from the school performance framework to inform academic goals. By evaluating the SPF, NWEA, and Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) data, MA identified the need to improve math growth in middle and high schools. The principals met to determine priorities and challenges.

For middle school, there has been a high turnover of math teachers and therefore inconsistent implementation of curriculum Duca said. She said the major strategies to improve include teacher retention and data-informed instruction. MA plans to use mentor teachers throughout the school year and provide support through frequent check-ins and monthly instruction and revised teacher training. MA will partner with colleges to recruit highly effective teachers, and math teachers will work together to create vertically aligned curriculum.

For high school, schedule constraints and lack of access to student data before the school year mean that instruction was not tailored to student needs, Duca said. The root focus is limited math programs and placing students in the right class. MA will implement data-informed instruction and work to vertically align curriculum and content. Duca said MA will use PSAT and NSMQT scores to help and will re-evaluate its math placement tests. Executive Director Collin Vinchattle had a 13% teacher loss rate, which sounds high but is about average, she said.

Elementary Principal Kurt Walker said West Campus improved by 18 points, moving from an “improvement” to a “performance” category, which is the highest category. The school rose in all areas except for math growth where scores went down, as did all D38 elementary schools, he said. Last year’s UIP goals were two-year goals, he said, so they would continue with those. They focused so much on English and Language Arts that they neglected math. The West campus started trainings on data analysis of the math scores and had a professional development session with both campuses, which opened his eyes to what was missing, he said.

The board unanimously approved the UIP plans for MA elementary and secondary schools. The plans go to D38 to be approved and sent to the state.

October count presentation

Registrar Lena Gross presented on the final enrollment after the October count. She explained that the October count encompasses Tuesday, Sept. 24 to Tuesday, Oct 8. If a student is absent on Oct.1, the official count day, MA could review the attendance record to prove a student was in attendance for five consecutive days before or after. If that wasn’t possible, MA gathered letters on extenuating circumstances from parents or letters from teachers affirm their attendance. The following week, MA was scheduled to present its numbers to D38 for submission to the CDE.

Gross explained that the homeschool partnership had 30 students, who are counted as half of a student for a total of 15 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. West Campus was just under the budget projection of 546 at 544.5 FTE including half-day students. East Campus was seven below the projection of 547. Middle school was budgeted for 407 and had 408 while high school was budgeted for 140 students and had 132. Overall FTE is 1099.6, which is 3.9 under the budgeted target of 1103.5.

Gross said it was possible that MA would be entering arbitration and was under discussion with two other districts about two students. This would bring the final FTE to 1097.6, but MA won’t know the final CDE determination until December.

There were a lot of additions and withdrawals during the October count, Gross said, with West Campus growing by two but then losing seven, and East Campus growing by one and losing seven. She said MA had been in touch with families who left and sent them exit interviews to capture as much data as possible to understand their reasons for leaving. Gross noted that last year about 26% of K-12 students resided outside of the district, and that had increased to 27% this year with more districts being represented in MA’s population. Gross said MA would use that data to inform its marketing strategy going forward.

Gross said that MA had held its first Community Connections night at its West Campus and were encouraged that several families attended. The team was hard at work planning events for the upcoming enrollment season including moving students to middle and high school, she said.

Policy updates

The MA board unanimously adopted and updated several policies at its Oct. regular meeting:

  • KECL-MA Library Policy – As discussed in previous meetings.
  • GBGG-MA Staff Leave – Explains types of leave and how it can be used.
  • GBGH-MA Sick Leave Bank – Placeholder as MA does not have a sick leave bank.
  • GBGH-R-MA Sick Leave Bank Regulation – Placeholder as above.
  • GBGI-MA Staff Military Leave – Updated to reference executive director.
  • GBGJ-MA Staff Bereavement Leave – Through paid or sick leave, not separate.
  • GBGK-MA Staff Legal Leave – Standard modified to suit MA.

Board President Ryan Graham said he was grateful to have a library policy in place and that, if revisions are identified during implementation, it can be brought back to the board. Board policies can be found on the MA website at http://bit.ly/ma-boe by selecting Board Policies.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Graham spotlighted outgoing West Campus school resource officer (SRO) Dustin Williams. He expressed gratitude for Williams ensuring safety while building impactful and heartfelt relationships.
  • Vinchattle reported that the field fundraising campaign had raised over $70,000 so far.
  • Gustafson said there was a $68,000 loss in August due to upfront expenses, but that year-to-date MA is $285,000 ahead with $3.5 million in the bank and investment accounts. Finances are looking good, and he feels MA has turned the corner.
  • Graham reported that, with MA’s completion of its recirculation construction, parents should sign up for project updates by emailing hwy105aconstruction@gmail.com.
  • Board member Matt Ross and Vice President Lindsay Clinton reported for their respective campus curriculum committees that both are looking to focus on vertical alignment after they get the results of the school audit due in November.
  • Ross and board member Jilinda Dygert reported for their respective campus School Accountability and Advisory Committees (SAAC) that they were working on an annual parent survey. Dygert said the East Campus SAAC is focused on providing support on the UIP and asked that input on direction, board priorities, goals, and survey topics be emailed to saacsecondary@monumentacademy.net or communicated to Vinchattle. She asked that parents consider volunteering for lunch duty and car line to free up teachers’ time.
  • The board unanimously agreed to modify its Integrity Bank signature cards due to the departure of MA’s business manager Diane Smith. They removed Smith and added Finance Assistant Dawn Bartlett, who has agreed to pitch in, picking up the financial slack in addition to her human resources duties.
  • The board unanimously approved changing its November meeting from the 14th to the 21st so consultant Lis Richard can present the full non-financial audit.
  • The next district Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) will be held at MA’s East Campus on Nov. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m., with an optional tour starting at 5:30 p.m.
Above: At the Oct. 17 Monument Academy school board meeting, board President Ryan Graham spotlighted outgoing West Campus School Resource Officer (SRO) Dustin Williams. Graham is on the left, with Williams on the right. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The November meeting has been moved to accommodate a detailed school audit presentation. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ma-boe.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Oct. 21 – Board approves Unified Improvement Plans, selects contractor for Career and Innovation Center

By Harriet Halbig

There was no livestream available of the Oct. 21 meeting of the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education. This article is based on information in boarddocs. To refer to this source, please see the district website, lewispalmer.org. Go to the Board of Education tab, boarddocs, meetings, and select the meeting date. Click on view the agenda to see the PowerPoint presentations from the meeting.

Unified Improvement Plan discussion

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine presented on the subject of the annual Unified Improvement Plans (UIP) for the district and each school. This document details information on academic achievement and growth in such categories as math, English Language Arts, and (this year for the first time) science.

Within these categories data is further broken down in demographics such as English Language Learners, those qualified for free/reduced lunch, and students in special education or the gifted/talented program. Graduation and dropout rates are included as are statistics regarding the number of students attending two- or four-year colleges or entering the military immediately after graduation.

The district must transmit these forms to the Colorado Department of Education in October, including proposed action to improve performance. All schools received performance plans rather than improvement plans this year.

Growth is measured by comparing this year’s assessment scores with the previous year. The goal is to be in the 50th percentile or higher each year so students remain at grade level.

Whetstine reported that the plans had been reviewed by principals, school teams, the Parent and Community Advisory Committee, and Building Accountability Advisory committees.

Even when assessment results are strong, district officials determine possible steps to improve them.

Performance priorities identified were inadequate growth in elementary math, and inadequate growth in math and English in middle school.

Proposed solutions were to provide professional development to literacy across content areas and especially to meet the needs of preschoolers, multilingual households, and those on Individual Education Plans or in the gifted/talented program. Programs for monitoring progress would be implemented for those performing below grade level, and instructional coaches would aid in training teachers to address the problem. The goal for literacy is to have 90% of students in grades K through 3 reading at grade level by 2027.

With regard to math, professional development would be provided for teachers at all grade levels, there would be a targeted emphasis on number sense, instructional materials will be reviewed at the elementary level, and an effort will be made to determine the influence of time spent on the subject.

The board voted to transmit the UIPs to the Colorado Department of Education.

Contractor chosen for Career and Innovation Center

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway reported on the selection process for a general contractor for the Career and Innovation Center now in development.

Ridgway reported that over a thousand firms were notified of the project. One hundred and two of these firms sought further information and 33 individuals attended a pre-bid walk-through of the site. Eleven contractors submitted bids by Sept. 23.

Contractors were evaluated on the basis of qualifications, teams availability and qualifications, innovation and project approach, cost of services, and project schedule.

Six reviewers, one of whom is from the architectural firm of Hollis and Miller on the project, scored each category.

Nunn Construction scored highest, including extensive experience in Career and Technical Education across many schools and districts with new construction and renovation.

The board approved the contracting of Nunn Construction as general contractor for the Career and Innovation Center.

Student recognition

Palmer Ridge High School Principal Dr. Adam Frank and science teacher Ms. Leslie Lantz recognized sophomores Casey Chau and Will Guttorman for their work on the school’s Outdoor Learning Lab.

These students, working toward their Eagle Scout award, raised funds, recruited volunteers, and completed two pathways in the Outdoor Learning Lab.

To view the project, please see boarddocs.

Above: On Oct. 21, the D38 Board of Education celebrated two Eagle Scouts who contributed to the Outdoor Learning Lab (OLL) at Palmer Ridge High School. Principal Dr. Adam Frank and science teacher Lesley Lantz described the projects performed by Will Guttormsen and Cashe Chau. Guttormsen built a pathway in the lab that took 220 hours, leveraged 26 volunteers, and raised $1,465 which was donated to the OLL. Chau’s project enhancing the OLL space in September leveraged 27 volunteers and took 182 hours. From left are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, board member Todd Brown, Frank, Guttormsen, board member Ron Schwarz, Chau, board member Kris Norris, board member Dr. Patti Shank, Lantz, and Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri. Photo by Jackie Burhans

Staff recognition: National Principals Month

Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri recognized D38 principals for National Principals Month, saying they are among the hardest working yet least recognized individuals in education. She said principals set the academic tone for their schools and provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success.

Above: At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education celebrated its school principals in honor of National Principal month. Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri called each principal in attendance to the podium to describe their contributions and give them a gift bag with items especially selected for them. From left, in the back, are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Ray Kilmer Elementary School Principal Greg Saunders, Bridget O’Connor, Lewis-Palmer Middle School Principal Courtney Harrell, Lewis-Palmer Elementary School Principal Davonne Johnson, Monument Academy (MA) Principal Kurt Walker, and MA Board President Ryan Graham. From left, in front, are Palmer Ridge High School Principal Dr. Adam Frank, Homeschool Enrichment Academy Principal Julie Jadomski, Prairie Winds Elementary School Principal Rachel Sellers, MA High School Principal Angela Duck, Bear Creek Elementary School Principal Donnell Potter, and D38 Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri. Kim Briding, Palmer Lake Elementary School principal, was unable to attend. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

October count announced

In his financial planning and analysis presentation, Ridgway announced that the October count was 10 students below the count on Oct. 1, 2023. It was 35 students fewer than those counted on Aug. 14 of this year.

Ridgway reminded those in attendance that students in the Home School Enrichment Academy and preschool count as less than the full-time students.

The October count determines the amount of per-pupil operating revenue the district receives from the state.

Literacy program update

Whetstine and district Literacy Specialist Peggy Griebenow presented an overview of the district’s literacy program, including assessment tools and a Comprehensive State Literacy Development Grant. To view the report, please see boarddocs.

Career and Technical Education update

Whetstine and Director of Innovative Programs Jessica McAllister reported on the district’s Career and Technical Education program and progress on the Career and Innovation Center.

The Career and Technical Education program encompasses business, marketing and public information, health sciences, skilled trades such as construction, and digital media, engineering, and information technology.

Included in the presentation were slides showing funding sources, slides showing the use of color at the new Career and Innovation Center, and a programming update.

To view the presentation, please see boarddocs.

Monument Academy Annual Report

Representatives of Monument Academy Charter School presented the school’s annual report in accordance with the school’s contract with the district. Representatives included Executive Director Collin Vinchattle, Interim Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson, and board President Ryan Graham.

To view the report, please see boarddocs.

Corrections

The Board of Education article on the Sept. 16 meeting in the October issue regarding assessment results included a statement that board Treasurer Ron Schwarz felt that Monument Academy was falling behind in its results. Schwarz did not make a statement to this subject.

He said the operating schools and Monument Academy each excelled in certain areas and wondered if the difference in pedagogy between them could make a difference in results. He asked whether the operating schools and Monument Academy shared practices.

Schwarz was told that Monument Academy representatives attended meetings to share best practices with other district schools.

In addition, we misspelled Dr. Stacie Datteri’s first name in a photo caption.

OCN regrets the errors

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in the district’s learning center, 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The next meeting will be on Nov. 18. For information, please contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 14 – Board considers ways to fund Loop

By James Howald

At its October meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board discussed options for funding the district’s portion of the Loop water reuse project. WWSD is one of four water districts participating in the project to divert water from Fountain Creek and return it to customers in El Paso County. Cherokee Metropolitan District and Donala Water and Sanitation District are committed to the project; the Town of Monument is considering participation.

District Manager Jessie Shaffer delivered a draft budget for 2025 to the board, and a budget workshop and public hearing were scheduled. The board heard financial and operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session, after which no actions were taken.

Financing options for the Loop prove complex

Andrew Rheem of Raftelis, the company that advises WWSD on rates and financial modeling, attended the meeting to help the board sort through the options for financing its portion of the Loop. Shaffer said he had asked Rheem to consider whether WWSD should seek its own financing or have the Loop issue revenue bonds on WWSD’s behalf, and to analyze sensitivities around using general obligation bonds, raising the district’s volumetric rates for water use and raising tap fees.

Rheem said funding for the Loop is a medium to long-term decision and not about rates in 2025. WWSD can use group financing, which is based on the credit worthiness of the weakest participating district, or can “go it alone.” He explained there are several potential funding sources: cash funding from reserves and tap fees and rates; grant funding; general obligation bonds, which require voter approval; and revenue-backed bonds that do not require voter approval but that raise rates. General obligation bonds tend to get lower interest rates than revenue-backed bonds. The district could decide to use a combination of these sources, Rheem said.

Shaffer suggested the board might use a sinking fund, essentially a savings account that would allow the outstanding debt on the Woodmoor Ranch to be paid off early, saving interest costs. Those savings could be used to finance the Loop. He said there are other options that might be worth considering.

Board President Brian Bush said the Loop could not be financed with rate increases alone; higher rates would motivate customers to conserve water. Weather conditions could affect funding from water rates, he said. Financial reserves should be used carefully, he argued, because the district has ageing infrastructure that is subject to catastrophic failure.

“General obligation bonds are on the table,” he said, but the district’s Renewable Water Infrastructure Fee (RWIF) made it less likely voters would approve any general obligation bonds. He recommended a two-year marketing campaign to educate voters. “We need a composite,” he said, which would include rate increases, tap fees, use of financial reserves and perhaps general obligation bonds.

Shaffer said the board had time to consider its options and volumetric rates could be kept low if the board decides to do so.

Rheem said repayment in 20 years is common for infrastructure debt but the board could consider a 30-year repayment schedule, which would result in lower payments over a longer time.

Director Dan Beley argued for raising tap fees to make new development fund the Loop as much as possible. Beley has made the same argument at previous meetings. Director Tom Roddham agreed with Beley’s position on tap fees. Shaffer pointed out that tap fee revenue can be high one year and low the next due to economic forces that affect new construction.

Bush raised the issue of savings that would result from the need for fewer capital projects when the Loop is completed. Board Treasurer Roy Martinez said the district’s funding for renewal and replacement would likely increase in the short term due to the age of the district’s infrastructure. Shaffer said once water was available through the Loop, spending on new wells would drop, perhaps to zero. Operations Supervisor Dan LaFontaine said WWSD was currently spending about $1 million per year on renewal and replacement, and he was working on a long-term renewal and replacement plan. LaFontaine said the corrosive soils in the district caused the saddles that connect pipelines to fail, leading to increased renewal and replacement costs.

Summarizing the discussion, Shaffer said he would continue to work with Rheem to develop funding options for the board to consider, general obligation bonds seemed less likely to be useful, static fees might be part of the solution, and volumetric rates should remain unchanged or perhaps be increased by 1% above the cost of living. Bush said he believed the RWIF would remain in place beyond its current expiration date of 2031, and it was likely WWSD would have to use some of its reserves to finance the Loop. General obligation bonds at some point in the future were on the table, he said.

Draft budget for 2025 delivered

Shaffer gave the board copies of the proposed budget for 2025. The board scheduled a workshop for Oct. 23 to discuss it and a public hearing to be opened at the board’s next meeting on Nov. 11. The public hearing will remain open until the board’s meeting in December.

Financial and operational reports

In his financial report, Martinez noted higher water service revenue due to a dry September. He said the meter replacement program was spending about $100,000 per month. The board voted unanimously to accept the financial report.

LaFontaine, in his operational report, said that he had purchased a clamp-on electromagnetic flow meter that he was using to test the district’s other meters to identify discrepancies in water measurements. He said he had confirmed that the meter at the Southern Water Treatment Plant was adding about 3.8% to the true amount it was processing. He also noted two line breaks, neither resulting in large water losses. All the district’s lift stations had been cleaned, he said, and he was seeing good results from the use of enzymes to prevent the accumulation of grease in lift stations.

In her engineering report, District Engineer Cydney Saelens said the transmission line for Well 22 had passed its first pressure test. Shaffer added that the pipeline was nearly half completed.

Shaffer said bids had been requested for the construction of a 650,000-gallon concrete water storage tank and he anticipated construction would begin in late spring or early summer of 2025.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss negotiating positions regarding the district’s participation in the Loop water reuse project and discussions with Classic Homes. No action was taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Monument Sanitation District, Oct. 16 – Board considers rate increase; discusses 2025 budget

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its October meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board continued its discussion of rates that began at its September meeting. The board also discussed the proposed 2025 budget drafted by District Manager Mark Parker. The board voted on a resolution authorizing the El Paso County treasurer to collect MSD’s delinquent accounts. Parker gave the board an operational report.

Rate increase of $5 or $10 per month debated

Board Secretary Janet Ladowski opened the discussion of rate increases, saying a $10 per month increase would “cause a huge uproar.” She suggested an increase of $5 per month initially and re-evaluating in two years to see if that amount had covered inflation, costs, and interest rates. She said the board should print information about what it was doing and why.

Board President Dan Hamilton agreed the increase should be $5 and recommended that the district move to online payment of bills and discourage payment by check. He proposed a $10 per month increase with a discount of $5 if the customer paid their bill online.

Ladowski said many of the district’s customers were elderly and Hamilton’s proposal would punish some for not being comfortable paying their bill online.

Parker estimated that 75% of the district’s customers pay by check, with the remainder paying online. The trend is moving toward online payment, he said, adding “the older generation loves their checks.” Board Treasurer John Howe said older customers distrust online payment. Hamilton responded that checks are less secure than online payment. Parker said online payment would not save the district much time or effort because the district’s software systems were not well integrated. Ladowski said customers who write checks use their check registers to track their finances and many would need training to switch to using their computers for that purpose. Parker pointed out that MSD spends $14,000 per year mailing bills to its customers.

Returning to the issue of rate increases, Director Tony Archer said an increase of $5 per month would cover inflation. Howe said that costs at the Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility that MSD shares with the Town of Palmer Lake and the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District were increasing dramatically, and MSD’s budget would need to include those costs.

Parker reminded the board that the rate study done by GMS Engineering Inc. recommended that the rate be set to allow the collection of up to $55,000 per year above operating expenses to cover capital projects.

Operations specialist Jim Kendrick agreed with Howe that treatment costs were rising due to changes in treatment limits and “emerging constituents of concern.” Treatment costs are operational, he said, rather than capital costs. Parker confirmed that treatment costs had doubled in the last year.

There was a consensus among the board members that an increase of $10 per month was too high, but no specific action was taken. Parker said the board would need to make a final decision in November.

2025 budget presented

Parker included a proposed 2025 budget in the board packet for the meeting and asked the board for feedback. The proposed budget listed total income increasing from $2.520 million in 2024 to $2.696 million in 2025. Total expenditures are budgeted to increase from $1.213 million in 2024 to $2.913 million in 2025. The 2025 budget allows for a 5% increase in MSD salaries and a new employee.

Parker said that 2024 was a banner year for interest income, with MSD earning between 4.5% and 5% on its COLOTRUST account. He questioned whether that would continue in 2025. The funds budgeted for engineering services are expected to rise in 2025 because in 2024 MSD was able to use funds from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) for those services. ARPA funds will not be available in 2025, he said.

Parker said the 2025 budget would have to include funding for capital projects such as manhole repairs, lining some of the older service lines, and increased costs at the treatment plant. Parker explained janitorial costs would fall in 2025 because a bonded and insured cleaning company had given the district an estimate that was half of what it was currently paying.

The board took no action following the discussion.

County treasurer to collect on delinquent accounts

Parker told the board there are 13 delinquent accounts, most with balances under $5,000.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 10162024-1, which authorizes the county treasurer to collect on those accounts.

Manager’s report

In his manager’s report, Parker said the lift stations were working well, there were no issues with the tenants renting space in the district’s building, and improvements to the district’s supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) were complete except for one radio that needs to be replaced.

Parker told the board that he had identified four properties that were receiving sewer service but were not within the MSD service area. He said he would provide details and ask the board to approve their inclusion at the November board meeting.

Parker updated the board on a six-unit building on Raspberry Lane that had encountered problems with a private common sewer line owned by the Homeowners Association. Parker assured the board that the district’s infrastructure was not the cause of the problem.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 10 – Board receives preliminary 2025 budget, considers rate increase

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its October meeting, Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) General Manager Jeff Hodge presented a preliminary budget for 2025, prompting discussions of capital projects and a rate increase. The board voted to put the question of eliminating term limits to the voters. The board heard financial and operational reports.

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere attended remotely and Board Vice President Bill George facilitated the meeting.

Preliminary budget assumes rate increase

Hodge presented a preliminary budget that anticipates total revenue of $11.010 million and total expenditures of $10.250 million for the 2025 fiscal year and includes a proposed 9.25% increase in rates. The budget includes $3.15 million for eight capital projects:

  • $500,000 to continue the rehabilitation of water tanks.
  • $395,144 for video inspection of the sewer system.
  • $500,000 for the Loop water reuse project.
  • $500,000 for rehabilitation of two wells.
  • $75,000 for fire mitigation at Willow Creek Ranch.
  • $245,000 for water supply/reuse water.
  • $650,000 for water treatment facilities.
  • $290,000 for the aquifer storage and retrieval (ASR) project.

Hodge told the board the district had retained Raftelis, a company that does financial modeling and rate studies for local governments and utilities, to review DWSD’s capital projects, financial policies, rates, and reserves in preparation for the 2025 budget process.

Director Ed Miller asked Hodge what could be removed from the list of capital projects if only $2.5 million were available. Hodge answered that some projects could be put off, but that would lead to more expensive projects later. If ASR were removed from the list, that would change water supplies for the next 20 years. Hodge noted that long-term capital projects totaled $23 million. Miller said the proposed increase would not fund any of the long-term capital projects. Hodge said the rate increase would allow the district to build reserves that could be used for those projects.

Miller asked Hodge to provide a water balance report to help inform decisions about capital projects. Miller pointed out that the district’s wells had not been properly maintained 10 years ago. “They were left to corrode,” he said. He added he did not feel good about forecasting expenses for projects that might not be needed. Miller proposed waiting until money had been spent before raising rates. Hodge said the district had $3 million in the bank and could not issue bonds based on revenue. Any bond would need voter approval.

Director Scott McCollough said he considered water tank rehabilitation the first priority, fire mitigation at the Willow Creek Ranch to be the second priority, and the Loop water reuse project to be the third priority. George said he thought all the capital projects were necessary and kicking the can down the road would increase costs.

McCollough said he had a visceral reaction to a rate increase of 9.25%, and he suggested extending the timeline for addressing capital projects. Superintendent of Water Operation Ronny Wright said prices were rising quickly and the district needed to address issues not handled by previous boards.

Hodge argued that the board could wait until emergency expenditures were needed or it could budget for problems before they occur. He gave the recent sudden failure of Well 1A as an example of an unexpected cost and said DWSD could lose two more wells in 2025. He pointed out that the district had a policy requiring 180 days of operating funds, about $1.2 million, in reserve. He said reserves could be reduced for 90 days.

Miller suggested a rate increase of 4% and suggested waiting on some of the capital projects.

Hodge emphasized that the capital projects were “what you need to keep the water flowing.”

Miller suggested delaying the ASR project by a year or two to save $4.7 million.

Vanderschuere said he wanted to find savings on capital projects that would reduce the rate increase to a more palatable 4 to 6%.

Helen Malenda-Lawrence of LRE Water, a company that advises DWSD on its wells and well field, said two wells needed to be rehabilitated in 2025 “because they haven’t been run properly and haven’t been maintained.” Video inspection of the wells showed they are “really bad,” she said.

Miller suggested, later in the meeting, that DWSD might want to sell Willow Creek Ranch and use the money for other purposes.

Hodge said he would make changes to the budget and try to reduce the proposed rate increase to 4%. McCollough said he would like to meet with Hodge to discuss the dependencies between the capital projects. Hodge added that five years ago, the district was delivering about 1,200 acre-feet of water to customers but that has dropped in recent years to 850 acre-feet. He said rates need to be set at a level where consumption stays consistent.

Voters will decide on term limits

At previous meetings, the board discussed the difficulty of finding candidates to serve on the board and the problems arising from the turnover of board members. The board asked its lawyer if the board’s four-year terms could be extended, but was told its only option was to put a measure on the ballot removing term limits altogether.

At the October meeting, the board voted on whether it would ask voters to remove term limits. Directors Kevin Deardorff, George, and Vanderschuere voted to put removal of term limits on the ballot; Miller and McCollough voted against doing so.

Financial report

In his summary of district finances, Hodge reported $200,000 in water sales revenue in September, and noted 2024 was a much better year than 2023 for revenue from water sales because 2023 had been exceptionally rainy. Other revenues were on track, he said, and expenses were below budget.

Operational reports

In his manager’s report, Hodge said Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) had asked him to reconsider participating in the North Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) project, which would eliminate DWSD’s need to treat its own wastewater. Hodge explained NMCI, unlike the Loop, does not offer the district a way to reuse 400 acre-feet of treated effluent. He said he would continue the discussion with CSU.

Malenda-Lawrence reported on the failure of Wells 11D and 1A. Both pumps were at the end of their expected life. 11D is an important well because it can feed the Holbein treatment plant directly, without the need to use the pipeline adjacent to Baptist Creek Road that is subject to ruptures because it rests on rock. Well 11D failed due to corrosion. The district’s groundwater is corrosive, Malenda-Lawrence said. Work on the well to date had cost $25,000, she said; she recommended cleaning the well and replacing the drop pipe. She estimated the cost to rehabilitate Well 11D would exceed $200,000.

The well can produce more than 350 gallons per minute after rehabilitation, she said. Well 1A was plugged at a point where two dissimilar metals met, which caused corrosion. In addition, the well has two small holes. The cost to repair 1A would be similar to the cost for 11D. The well is permitted to produce up to 400 gallons per minute, she said.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Oct. 17 – Board hears financial reports

By James Howald

In October, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board received the results of its 2023 audit and a report on its monthly finances. John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co. who serves as the Loop’s workflow manager, gave the board an update on his activities. The board considered a request from one of its providers to address a potential conflict of interest regarding the Loop’s law firm Spencer Fane.

The Cherokee Metropolitan District was represented at the meeting by Kevin Brown, who replaces Amy Lathen as the Loop’s treasurer.

2023 audit receives clean opinion

Kath Fromm, of Fromm & Co., the Loop’s accountant, told the board that the audit of its 2023 finances had received a clean, unmodified opinion and she had filed copies of the audit report with Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs and other states agencies as required. The board voted unanimously to accept the audit report.

Fromm said she had sent the board members copies of a draft budget for 2025 and recommended they hold a public hearing on it at the board meeting in November.

Board President Jessie Shaffer asked Fromm when the Loop would be reimbursed by the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for expenditures that are covered by the money the BOCC received from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA). Fromm said she had submitted a reimbursement request on behalf of the Loop and she would check with the BOCC about the timeframe for reimbursement.

Shaffer listed the invoices submitted to the Loop in October:

  • Colorado Water Congress dues, $2,050.
  • Fromm & Co., $5,026.
  • JVA Inc., $3,230.
  • Spencer Fane, $7,608.

The board voted to authorize payment of the invoices.

Progress report

Kuosman told the board that he had worked with Fromm on the draft budget for 2025, and it reflects financial requests from participating water districts beyond the initial $4 million that ARPA provided for the project. He will meet with the county to discuss the Loop’s projected costs for engineering, design, and land acquisition for 2025. He said those projected costs would be used by the county to encumber the ARPA funds that the county disburses.

Kuosman said he was brainstorming with Vidler Water Co. Inc. and Tallgrass Water, a water infrastructure company, concerning how to connect the Loop’s pipelines with existing infrastructure.

Potential conflict of interest resolved

Nicole R. Peykov, the Loop’s attorney, told the board that her firm, Spencer Fane, represents a subsidiary of EPCOR in another state. EPCOR is one of the Loop’s partners and has asked the Loop to provide a waiver regarding any potential conflicts of interest, which Peykov said were unlikely to occur. The board voted unanimously to approve a letter Peykov drafted waiving EPCOR from any liability arising from potential conflicts of interest.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Cherokee Metropolitan District offices at 6250 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 24 – Bond pursued for road widening project

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Oct. 23, the board approved an engagement letter for the issuance of a General Obligation Bond Series for 2025 and a resolution to implement inclusion policies and fees. The board heard about operations staff responding to repair a water main break in Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD), tracking of the district’s well levels, and the steps taken to reach full automation of the Northern Delivery System (NDS) pump station.

The board held an executive session pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of acquisition of water/land, and 24-6-402(4)(e), to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiators as it relates to claims and possible legal settlements.

Director Jason Gross attended the regular meeting until 6:10 p.m. and returned during the executive session at 7:55 p.m.

District pursues bond for road widening project

District Manager James McGrady said the district has been discussing the need for widening Higby Road for some time, spending time designing the project, and sought an original bid two or three years ago for $6 million. About three weeks ago, the bid was $12.6 million, and McGrady said:

  • The cost has been growing exponentially, and the district has had various agreements with the developer to fund the road, with the district planning to use road and bridge fees for the district’s portion of the project.
  • The problem is obtaining enough revenue from building permits and growth to fund the road.
  • The area is a “tricky spot” on the corner of Higby Road and Jackson Creek Parkway, with a lot of commercial to the south, and existing development to the north. The residential growth in Jackson Creek North (JCN) is typically only about 50-75 homes per year.
  • The district needs to pay for the road widening project, and eventually JCN will generate enough growth to pay back the cost to the district.
  • Issuing a bond will “jump start” the project instead of waiting for enough development to occur, avoiding a possible $15 million to $16 million project in the future, in an area that is an increasing safety issue.

McGrady recommended the board consider an engagement letter for General Fund Bonds to be issued with a low interest rate. The district has a 7 mills Operations & Management mill levy and the debt service fits well within the 7 mills. The project would be financed with about 4.5 mills out of the 7 mills. The district will be required to seek a vote from the residents in May 2025, asking to redirect the revenue without raising taxes, he said.

Nate Eckloff, managing director of Piper Sandler & Co., said a bond question would be structured for the May 2025 ballot for the primary purpose of widening Higby Road.

The board approved the engagement letter for the General Obligation Bond, Series 2025 for about $12 million, between Piper Sandler and TMD. Gross was absent for the vote.

Inclusion policies and fees adopted

Water attorney Chris Cummins said in the past the Family of Christ Church, Baptist Road had petitioned to be included into the district, but other residential and commercial property owners could petition to be included. The addition was ad hoc due to the lack of a resolution. He requested the board consider and approve Resolution 2024-11 to establish inclusion policies and fees.

The petitioner would be responsible for all of the district’s attorney fees, engineering costs, and staff time associated with the consideration and inclusion of the property. Each petition for inclusion of property must be accompanied by a non-refundable payment of $5,000 to defray the costs. If the Board of Directors or the district manager determines the amount is insufficient to cover the district’s anticipated fees and costs, the petitioner would be required to pay additional inclusion fees before any further consideration of the petition could take place.

The board approved the resolution, 4-0. Gross was absent for the vote.

NDS running effectively

McGrady said the district has operated the NDS pump station at 100% since Sept. 11, pumping district water via Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) about once a week, and the process is working well. The 19th payment of $55,506 to Kiewit was made, and the final payment will be some retainage for the pump station, said McGrady.

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said work continued on completing the NDS pump station to include the instrumentation, controls, and operational optimization, and that should make the operation of the pump station fully automated.

Water Utilities Superintendent Gary Potter said the NDS provided about 79% of the water produced in September, with only 21% from the wells. The groundwater wells and treatment filters will be run minimally on a rotating basis to ensure the district can utilize the wells when needed, said Potter.

Water rights decreed

McGrady said the Bale Ditch change case was decreed on Oct. 8, and all of the district’s water rights are decreed with the exception of the Excelsior Ditch water rights. A meeting with the experts indicates a clear path forward to decree the last of the water rights, he said.

Note: The district purchased water rights with multiple entities over a period of time for the purpose of delivering water to the district via the NDS. A decreed water right is the legal claim to the water that is secured by a water court decree. Legal documents define the amount, priority, location, and use of the water rights.

Recharge ponds under construction

McGrady said the construction of the recharge ponds on the Chicago Springs Ranch property in Buena Vista for the Arkansas Valley Irrigation Canal began on Oct. 23. The ponds allow water to be returned back to the system for the Historic Consumptive Use (HCU) and the Historic Return Flows (HRF), he said.

Note: The HCU is a measure of the actual beneficial use of a water right over a period of time. The HRF is the portion of unused water, captured to be returned downstream for other users.

District tracks well levels

Potter provided the board with historical well level data for the district’s Arapahoe Aquifer wells 7 and 8, and said:

  • The groundwater wells show a decrease in dynamic or pumping level over the past decade.
  • Most of the wells show a decrease in static or recharge level over the past decade.
  • The recharge rate of the wells will be closely tracked now that the district is minimally operating the wells.

It is hard to determine what the long-term static levels will be, but it is timely that the NDS is delivering the district’s water, said Potter.

Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart said he was curious to see if the wells recover with less usage.

Potter said a graph shows a 10-year cycle using some historical handwritten records with limited data. The records are a good depiction, but they do not say how long the wells were run and how much water was pumped. The district has been monitoring for two months, but eventually monitoring might reveal if the wells can recover, he said.

Water utilities update

Potter said the district produced about 47.593 million gallons (MG) of water in Sept. 2024, with 43.864 MG billed to customers. Unbilled water represents a 6.25% loss for September 2024; it was 9.7% in September 2023. The district is still working on lowering the loss, said Potter.

McGrady said the district has about 20 Badger meters to install in residential homes, and next year the district will make a concerted effort to install new meters in the commercial properties and the inground irrigation meters. The new meters will help the district pin down the water loss to a minimum, a task that is critical now that CSU conveys, treats, and delivers the district’s water via the NDS, he said.

Financial update

The board unanimously approved the September 2024 financial report and 30 checks over $5,000 totaling about $1.713 million. Of note was the payment of $314,234 to CSU for the district’s residential and commercial water for the first month (includes additional startup costs).

The board accepted the financial report, 4-0.

District responds to water main break

Potter said the operations staff responded to a large water main break on Forest Lakes Drive on Oct. 2. Staff managed the emergency with an outstanding team effort, got the break under control and kept the plant running in a limp mode to provide everyone with water except for three Forest Lakes Metropolitan District customers he said. The contractor was able to get the plant up and running quickly, he said.

Higby Road repaired

McGrady said the district repaired the wavy patch on Higby Road that occurred after the installation of the 12-inch pipeline. It drives smoothly now, he said.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:28 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of acquisition of water/land, and 24-6-402(4)(e), for the purpose of determining the positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiators as it relates to claims and possible legal settlements.

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that after the meeting returned to the regular session at 9:06 p.m., no action was taken.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metro District articles

El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 8 and 15 – County presents its 2025 preliminary balanced budget

By Helen Walklett

During October, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) heard proposals for the 2025 county budget. The commissioners also voted to appoint Commissioner Carrie Geitner as chair. Current Chair Cami Bremer is preparing to leave for a new role in 2025.

2025 preliminary balanced budget

The county Financial Services Department presented the preliminary balanced budget at the Oct 8 BOCC meeting.

Bret Waters, county administrator, said, “I am pleased to present a conservative budget that emphasizes public safety, roads, and stormwater infrastructure.” He added, “We also submit a responsible budget with healthy financial reserves.” Nikki Simmons, chief financial officer, stated that the budget’s priorities were to ensure a stable financial future for the county.

The $530.8 million budget prioritizes investments in road infrastructure and public safety. It includes a one-time allocation of $12 million into roads for resurfacing, construction, and safety improvement projects. This investment is part of a multi-year plan to address the existing backlog and brings the 2025 road and bridge allocation to $41.3 million.

The proposed budget also includes $4.5 million toward courthouse infrastructure to increase capacity in anticipation of the allocation of additional judges, $4.2 million for a stormwater improvement project, and $1.2 million to public safety departments and offices.

It includes a $8.25 million TABOR refund. If approved, residential property taxpayers will receive an equal share of this refund on their 2025 property tax bill, amounting to about $36 per residential property. The county has also announced a 13.7% reduction in the 2025 property tax mill levy due to TABOR, which will provide tax relief to all property owners.

The budget also proposes maintaining $9.23 million in emergency reserves.

Bremer commented, “We’re in a really great place. In an unsure economic environment, I see a very sure thing in how El Paso County will continue to serve its citizens.”

At two other BOCC hearings in October, county departments and offices set out their critical needs. The public is encouraged to participate in the budget-setting process and may attend and comment at the budget hearings Nov. 5 and Dec. 10 or directly with officials. The BOCC will give its final direction on the budget at the Nov. 5 meeting. The budget is scheduled to be adopted at the Dec. 10 meeting.

The preliminary budget and all supporting documents can be viewed on the county website at https://admin.elpasoco.com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/

Geitner appointed chair

Also at the Oct. 8 meeting, the commissioners voted to appoint Geitner as chair for the remainder of 2024 with immediate effect. Geitner replaces Bremer, who will assume the role of vice chair for the remainder of the year. The leadership change follows Bremer’s announcement that she will transition into her new role as CEO of Pikes Peak United Way in early 2025 and is intended to ensure a smooth transition.

The two will serve in these roles until the Jan. 14, 2025 BOCC meeting, when the commissioners will elect their 2025 leadership.

Planning Commission reappointment

Also in October, the commissioners voted to reappoint Eric Moraes to the county Planning Commission. His second term will run until Oct. 8, 2027.

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The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) usually meets every Tuesday at 9 am at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Agendas and meetings can be viewed at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Information is available at 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are normally held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1 pm in Centennial Hall.

Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.

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El Paso County Planning Commission, Oct. 17 – Two Tri-Lakes developments recommended for approval

By Helen Walklett

During October, the El Paso County Planning Commission recommended for approval development requests for the final portion of the Settlers Ranch development north of Hodgen Road and the Waterside at Lake Woodmoor development off Woodmoor Drive.

Settlers Ranch

At their Oct. 17 meeting, the commissioners heard requests for a rezone and final plat for the final portion of the Settlers Ranch development. A total of 24 single-family residential lots would be created.

The 78.71-acre property is situated north of Hodgen Road, west of Steppler Road and east of the currently developed part of Settlers Ranch, which consists of single-family detached lots varying between 2.5 and 5 acres. The development adjoins the Abert Ranch and Settlers View subdivisions to the north. The property is in two separated areas that are joined and served by Settlers Ranch Road.

The El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the Settlers Ranch development in January 2005 for a total of 86 single-family lots. The current application to rezone from planned unit development (PUD) to RR-2.5 (residential rural), concerns only the 53.53-acre part of the property to the north and west. It would add six lots to this part of the development, which was originally planned to have 10, therefore increasing the total number of lots to 92.

In their letter of intent, the applicant states that the character of the area has changed and an RR-2.5 zoning would now provide consistency with the surrounding area. Under the original PUD zoning, lots in this portion would have ranged from 3 to 5.5 acres.

The 22.51-acre portion of the property to the south and west would remain as a PUD with eight lots varying from 2.5 to 2.74 acres.

Waterside at Lake Woodmoor

Also at the Oct. 17 meeting, the commissioners heard rezone and preliminary plan requests for the proposed 44-single family townhome development, Waterside at Lake Woodmoor. The property is east of Woodmoor Drive and south of Deer Creek Road and borders the lake to its east.

The property is part of a development plan for the Waterside Condominiums, which were approved by the BOCC in 1983. This would have seen 83 condominiums built, but the development never moved forward. In 2023, the current owner proposed a rezone and preliminary plan that would have seen 52 single-family town homes developed. The application was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission by a vote of 6-1 but was withdrawn by the applicant before the BOCC hearing. This new application proposes eight fewer units. See https://ocn.me/v23n6.htm#epcpc.

The rezone application requests that the 7.53-acre property be rezoned from R-4 (planned development) to PUD. Approval of the preliminary plan would mean that subsequent final plats and other agreements could be approved administratively.

The proposed units would be attached and each would have a two-car garage. The density would be significantly lower than the 1980s plan at 5.84 dwelling units per acre. Just over an acre of land would be donated to the Woodmoor Improvement Association to provide a buffer to the existing single-family residential neighborhood to the south.

The commissioners voted unanimously to recommend the applications for approval, and they are now due to be heard at the BOCC land use meeting on Nov. 14.

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The El Paso County Planning Commission normally meets the first and (as required) the third Thursday of each month at the Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News and Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Information is available at 719-520-6300 and https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-community-development/2024-hearings-schedule/.

Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.

Other EPC Planning Commission articles

Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 23 – Board approves budget, dues increase

By Jackie Burhans

At its regular board meeting on Oct. 23, the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board approved its 2025 budget, which included an increase in annual dues.

The board also heard about a development just north of the YMCA along with director reports.

2025 budget increases dues

President Brian Bush said the board has looked at the budget for next year, which includes a proposed increase to $299.50 in dues, which is just under the 3% maximum allowed. The budget proposed salary increases for staff with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 3%, noting that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Denver/Boulder is slightly less, but WIA has not been able to grant increases to match inflation in recent years. The budget is balanced and will be posted on the website, he said.

Vice President Peter Bille said that, in addition to salaries, insurance plays a big part in the increased dues. Bush concurred, saying that insurance prices have gone up nationwide but are a requirement for the organization.

The board unanimously approved the budget.

Development north of YMCA

Bush said he had been approached by the developer of the 11 acres just north of the YMCA in Woodmoor Placer Tract B. They may ask the board to change covenants to include light commercial, which the board can do per the KAB Pankey agreement of 1999. This development will also include a new fire station.

For more on developments in Woodmoor, see www.woodmoor.org/woodmoor-developments.

Board highlights

  • Bille reported that WIA experienced computer issues in the past week which delayed staff responses. Those issues have been resolved.
  • Secretary and Director of Community Outreach Rick DePaiva said WIA would repeat its holiday lighting contest this year with winners in three categories, each receiving $100 Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) credits. Watch for details in the November eBlast; sign up at woodmoor.org.
  • Treasurer Pete Giusti reported that income and expenses were on target.
  • Homeowner Association (HOA) Administrator Denise Cagliaro noted that the November meeting was moved to Nov. 20 and the December meeting to Dec. 18 due to holidays. She also noted that the new website has launched.
  • Director of Covenant Control Sue Leggiero reported 457 covenant violations in September, primarily regarding tall grass and noxious weeds along with nine HOA checks. No covenant hearings were scheduled for October or November.
  • Director of Public Safety Brad Gleason advised residents that bears are very active right now and they should not leave trash cans out. He also recommended not leaving keys in cars whether or not they are running.
  • Director of Architectural Control Ed Miller reported a 2.5% increase in projects submitted to the Architectural Control Committee with the majority approved by the administrator for a total rate of 99.8% approved.
  • Director of Forestry Cindy Thrush thanked residents who called and wrote to support efforts for a new fire mitigation grant, which has been submitted to the state for consideration.
  • Director of Common Areas Steve Cutler said prairie dog mitigation was completed on Sept. 16, and the second mowing of common areas occurred the week of Oct. 21.
  • Bush asked Cagliaro to prepare an accounts payable detailing who owed money, how much and for how long, noting that the outstanding balance was $75,000.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The next meeting will be held on Nov. 20 due to the holiday. The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/wia-calendar/. WIA board meeting minutes will be posted at www.woodmoor.org/meeting-minutes.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other WIA articles

October Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

For the second month in a row, temperatures were much warmer than normal and precipitation was below normal in October. This mild and dry pattern is typical of a fall season when we are entering into a La Niña pattern. This generally produces a large and persistent ridge of high pressure over the Southwestern U.S. This keeps the storm track to our north and prevents any intrusions of cold air. This has been the pattern so far in both September and October.

However, as the fall progresses and we head into winter, colder air to our north will start to take over and the ridge of high pressure will begin to weaken and retreat to the south. This will allow intrusion of colder air move in. So, after a slow start to the season, plan for a return to more normal, i.e. colder, weather to start as we head into winter.

Given all this, it’s not surprising that the only day in the first two weeks of the month with below normal temperatures was Oct. 1st and even then, temperatures were not cold, with highs in the mid-60s after morning lows in the upper 30s. From then through the 18th temperatures were above average every day, with the warmest temperatures from the 8th through the 12th. Highs reached into the low to mid-80s on the 2nd and 5th, then were consistently in the mid to upper 70s from the 7th through the 16th.

The one good aspect of the quiet and dry weather was an extended fall season where the fall colors were allowed to peak without any interference from cold and snow. Hopefully you had a chance to enjoy the scenery because you know it won’t last. The only interesting weather during this time was the fact that we saw our first below-freezing temperatures on the morning of the 16th. This was about three weeks later than normal. And not surprisingly, temperatures did not fall below freezing again until the last week of the month.

The only interruption until the end of the month occurred as a cut-off area of low pressure dropped down the west side of the Rockies on the 17th through the 21st. There wasn’t a lot of cold air with this storm, and therefore we mainly received rainfall on the Palmer Divide. However, during the heaviest precipitation on the afternoon and early evening of the 18th, some wet snow mixed in over the highest locations.

The storm brought several days of much needed moisture, with a half inch to an inch accumulating in most locations. The better news was these systems brought the first significant snowfall of the season to the high country, with nearly 2 feet of snow accumulating over the San Juan mountains of southwestern Colorado.

Once this storm departed, quiet and mild weather returned, with lots of sunshine and above normal temperatures again from the 22nd through the 29th. Then, just in time for Halloween, our first winter-type cold front moved into the region. This produced colder temperatures (although only back to normal) and some snow in the region.

A look ahead

November is generally dry and cool around the region. We usually get several light snowfalls interspersed with sunny skies. Gusty winds commonly develop on a couple of days as the jet stream becomes more active and directly affects Colorado. High temperatures average in the upper 40s early in the month to low 40s by the end with overnight lows often dipping into the teens and single digits.

October 2024 Weather Statistics

Average High 68.7° (+9.2°); 100-year return frequency value max 67.7° min 50.7°

Average Low 37.5° (+8.2°); 100-year return frequency value max 36.8° min 26.4°

Monthly Precipitation 0.60” (-1.13”); 100-year return frequency value max 4.63” min 0.18”

Monthly Snowfall T” (-11.0”)

Highest Temperature 84° on the 2nd

Lowest Temperature 25° on the 31st

Season to Date Snow T” (-11.0”) (the snow season, Oct. 1 to Sept. 30)

Season to Date Precip. 24.45” (+2.93”) (the precipitation season, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31)

Heating Degree Days 369

Cooling Degree Days 0

Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.

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Letters to Our Community – Tax, spend, and tax some more

The Town of Monument is at it again. In the October 2024 OCN, the Monument Town Council (MTC) talked about how to make up a $2.663 million budget deficit. That’s 22.8% of the town’s budget unpaid for by projected revenues.

Part of where they want to cover that deficit is by raiding the Police Department’s budget. This is the same PD budget that voters approved a tax increase for three years ago that would add to the existing PD budget, not replace the PD budget.

But what MTC doesn’t want you to know is that the new Town Charter gives them the right to move that money wherever they want. No matter what promises were made in the past, or in the language of the ballot initiative, they can defund the PD without voter approval.

Now with Ballot Initiative 2A, they want to increase your taxes so that they can “fund the town’s parks.”

We’ve seen that shell game before. We’re seeing it right now.

Tell MTC that they need to get their budget in order and stop lying to the us about what they’re doing with our tax dollars.

Vote no on 2A.

Warren James

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Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. The letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Letters to Our Community – Vote no on Prop. 127

 Science as the basis for wildlife management decisions is a core tenet of the North American model of wildlife conservation. This hunting ban runs counter to science. Mountain lion populations are not biologically threatened. They range from northern Canada to the southern extent of South America, the largest latitudinal range of any mammal in the Western Hemisphere.

Likewise, bobcats are widespread across the U.S. and are not biologically threatened. They are the most common North American wild cat species. Also, trophy hunting is already illegal in Colorado, and lynx are protected from harvest thanks to existing state and federal law.

Be an informed voter. Read about the long history of successful species and ecosystem restoration and Colorado’s healthy wild cat populations from the experts at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The out-of-state extremists pushing this ban claim that lions reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), but there is no peer-reviewed science that shows lions target CWD-infected deer, and even if they do, the prions are still on the landscape and spread around the landscape by other scavengers.

Lastly, trophy hunting is already illegal in Colorado, and lynx are protected from harvest thanks to existing state and federal law. Supporters of Prop. 127 are using intentionally deceptive language to pass a statewide ban on regulated hunting. Colorado’s wildlife professionals are the experts. Leave the big cat management to them, not out-of-state extremists. Vote no on 127.

Nathan Kettner

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Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. The letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – New fall releases

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”—Charles Dickens

Here are some gems that we picked up at the recent book trade show that are a great way to welcome in the Thanksgiving season.

Mrs. McPhealy’s American

By Claire McDougal (Sibylline Press) $20

The entire rural town of Locharbert is abuzz because a famous Hollywood director is moving in. Putting two failed marriages, three sons, and a drinking problem behind him, he embarks on a quest for the uncomplicated life of his ancestors in the home of his distant relative, Mrs. McPhealy. But from the start, the newcomer is eyed with suspicion. The secret life of Locharbert is about to tumble out.

Libby Lost and Found

By Stephanie Booth (Sourcebooks Landmark) $28

Libby Lost and Found is a book for people who don’t know who they are without the books they love. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves and the chapters of our lives we regret. Most importantly, it’s about the endings we write for ourselves. Libby is the author of the mega-best-selling fantasy series but is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and turns to a young girl to help her finish the book. The conclusion will shock you.

The Hotel Balzaar

By Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick Press) $18

At the Hotel Balzaar, Marta’s mother cleans rooms. Meanwhile, Marta entertains herself, all the while dreaming of the return of her soldier father, who has gone missing. One day, a mysterious countess arrives and Marta begins to wonder: Could the secret to her father’s disappearance lie in the countess’s tales? Book two in a trio of novellas bound by place and mood—with elegant line art by Jâulia Sardáa.

Gather

By Kenneth M. Cadow (Candlewick Press), $18

Ian Gray isn’t supposed to have a dog, but he has adopted a puppy named Gather. An unforeseen tragedy results in Ian and his dog taking off on the run, trying to evade a future that would mean leaving their house and their land. Cadow’s resonant debut brings an emotional and ultimately hopeful story of one teen’s resilience in the face of unthinkable hardships.

Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music (American Music)

By Franz Nicolay (University of Texas Press) $30

This is a story about the other “band people” who are the anonymous but irreplaceable character actors of popular music. Through interviews and incisive cultural critique, writer and musician Franz Nicolay provides a portrait of the musical middle class. Artists talk frankly about their careers and attitudes toward their craft, work environment, and group dynamics. Band People gives voice to those who collaborate to create music and shows what it means to be a laborer in the culture industry.

Nose to Nose: A Picture Book

By Thyra Heder (Harry N. Abrams) $19

Toby is the new dog on the block but finds being new isn’t so easy. At least he finds a nice, smelly ball at the park. There’s just one problem: The ball actually belongs to another pup. Toby tries his best to explain his mistake, but his messages get misunderstood. This picture book by critically acclaimed author Thyra Heder playfully unveils the currents of communication happening all around us and champions the courage it takes to confront a problem “nose to nose.”

Dogpedia: A Brief Compendium of Canine Curiosities (Pedia Books #9)

By Jessica Pierce (Princeton University Press) $17

Dogpedia is your gateway into the astonishing world of dogs. This enticing, pocket-friendly collection helps you celebrate the amazing tapestry of our shared existence. With captivating drawings that bring the entries to life, Dogpedia uncovers the enigma of dogs, revealing hidden treasures behind every wagging tail.

Mother Aspen: A Story of How Forests Cooperate and Communicate

By Jessica Pierce (Princeton University Press) $17

In early spring, the Mother Tree wakens. Through the seasons and years, the Mother Tree shelters and feeds the other trees, the animals that make their home in the grove, and the fungi that make it possible for the trees to talk to each other. This story of symbiosis is richly illustrated by Crystal Smith and shows how the forest inhabitants thrive by working together.

Until next month, happy reading.

The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.

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