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Monument Town Council, Feb. 5 and 20 – Monument discusses Loop water system, non-sanctuary status, traffic studies

By Chris Jeub

Two town hall meetings were held on Feb. 5 and 20, during which updates and discussions were provided on a range of topics. The meetings covered progress reports on various projects and initiatives, including water management, infrastructure development, sales tax solutions, and immigration policies. Tensions arose during discussions on traffic concerning development impacts of Highway 105 and Jackson Creek Parkway. No decisions were made during these meetings concerning the congestion of traffic in this area.

Progress report on the Loop water system

John Kuosman, representing the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) provided an update on the ambitious Loop water system during the Feb. 5 meeting. The system, a rotational water distribution initiative spanning the Colorado Springs area with Monument situated at its northernmost point, aims to transform water management practices in the region.

Kuosman expressed optimism about the project’s progress, noting that while significant headway had been made, the journey to completion was ongoing. A pivotal moment came in October 2023 when an operational model was successfully executed, with the results shared among all member agencies. Central to Kuosman’s presentation was the system’s value proposition, emphasizing the long-term benefits of infrastructure investments. Forecasts suggested that the system could deliver water at a rate as low as $8.35 per 1,000 gallons, positioning it as a cost-effective solution for member agencies. Monument, represented in the system’s governance structure, holds a proportionate share of decision-making authority, ensuring local involvement in critical matters.

Councilmembers posed pertinent questions regarding cost comparisons, potential additions to existing fees, and the timeline for construction. Concerns were raised about the transparency of cost projections and the feasibility of delivering renewable water to all stakeholders. Kuosman addressed these queries, acknowledging the need for further analysis while affirming the system’s capability to provide renewable water upon completion.

In response to inquiries about construction timelines, Kuosman outlined a timeline aiming for the $110 million system to be operational by 2027, demonstrating a tangible pathway toward realizing the project’s goals.

Baseline Engineering steps in during moratorium

Amid Monument’s moratorium on new project submissions, Baseline Engineering has assumed a pivotal role in project management. Two contracted planners, Julie Esterl and Lauren Richardson, have been brought on board to bolster the town’s capabilities. Town Manager Mike Foreman highlighted the substantial workload, revealing that Baseline Engineering is currently managing 20 projects. Foreman also expressed optimism about the imminent hiring of a town planner, with strong candidates “already in the pipeline.”

Hybrid sales tax solution approved

Resolution No. 06-2024 was presented and unanimously approved by the Town Council on Feb. 5. Finance Director Mona Hirjoi proposed the resolution, which outlines a hybrid solution for the self-collection of sales tax in Monument, set to commence on Oct. 1, 2024. Stemming from the council’s acknowledgment of the need for improved control over revenue processes following Monument’s transition to a home-rule municipality in January 2023, the decision to pursue this hybrid solution aims to enhance autonomy and efficiency. Hirjoi played a role in preparing and proposing the solution, facilitating discussions with key stakeholders such as the Colorado Department of Revenue and consulting firm CoSak to inform the decision-making process.

Monument Lake and Limbach Park improvements

The Monument Town Council passed Resolution No. 07-2024 unanimously, approving a contract with CXT for the construction of a restroom facility at Monument Lake. This resolution marks a significant improvement over the current portable bathrooms, addressing a need for better amenities at the lake. Notably, the project is made financially feasible through the awarding of a grant that covers most of the $183,000 budget.

The Town Council also unanimously approved Resolution No. 08-2024, greenlighting a contract with Star Playgrounds for the installation of new equipment at Limbach Park. With $200,000 allocated to the Parks Department for improvements, staff identified Limbach Park as the optimal location to allocate these funds. Foreman added the importance of meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, highlighting Limbach Park as a priority area for improvement.

Ballot measures discussed

Two ballot measures were discussed as possibly being added to November’s ballot. Ballot Measure 1 proposes a lodging tax, with Mayor Mitch LaKind advocating for a 2-2.5% tax rate on short-term rentals, specifically targeting residential stays under 29 days as well as overnight stays at truck stops. The proposed tax revenue would be allocated exclusively to parks and trails, with LaKind emphasizing its potential as a consistent funding mechanism. While councilmembers like Steve King expressed a preference for keeping all funds within parks, others, including Sana Abbott and Jim Romanello, raised questions about diversifying funding or forming a parks commission for fund distribution.

Concurrently, Ballot Measure 2 focuses on charter changes, with Romanello proposing to lower the age limit for commissioners to 18, sparking debate among councilmembers about the potential impacts of altering the charter. While some, like Councilmember Marco Fiorito, expressed openness to additional ballot measures, others, like Councilmember Laura Kronick, voiced concerns about the piecemeal alteration of the charter, emphasizing the importance of respecting previous votes. These discussions underscored the complexities surrounding both ballot measures, highlighting the need for thorough consideration and public education before they go to a vote.

Monument resolves as non-sanctuary town

The Town Council passed Resolution No. 11-2024, spearheaded by Mayor LaKind, declaring Monument as a “non-sanctuary” town. The resolution ignited a debate on the town’s preparedness for handling migrant arrivals. Town Attorney Bob Cole emphasized the resolution’s intent, positioning Monument in contrast to sanctuary cities, while Councilmember Kenneth Kimple sought clarification on the town’s plan in the event of migrant arrivals. King expressed reservations about the town’s capacity for accommodating migrants, citing limited resources for public housing. LaKind underscored the town’s alignment with neighboring jurisdictions like Colorado Springs and El Paso County in their approach to migrant response. Ultimately, the resolution passed unanimously with a 7-0 vote, solidifying Monument’s stance on the issue amid ongoing debates at the state and national levels.

Town greenlights new wellhouses

The council passed Resolution No. 12-2024, approving $2.19 million for a construction project to build three new wellhouses in support of Wells 11, 12, and 13 for the Public Works Department. The resolution, presented by Director of Public Works Thomas Tharnish, sparked a lively discussion among council members regarding the project’s cost and potential budgetary concerns. Tharnish addressed previous pricing issues that had since been resolved, but King remarked on the current inflationary environment. He noted that costs for projects have risen significantly, making it prudent to move forward without delay to avoid further expense escalation through rebidding. LaKind expressed apprehension about potential budget overruns, citing previous instances with the water tank project. Romanello emphasized the importance of cost containment measures to prevent excessive spending. Despite concerns, the motion ultimately passed unanimously.

Maverik development debated

Tensions escalated among councilmembers, notably between Romanello and Kimple, shedding light on underlying disagreements over the town’s hesitation to allow Maverik Monument Junction Lot 1 Monument Junction West Filing No. 1 to continue.

During the Feb. 5 meeting, Kimple voiced objections to Ordinance No. 24-2023, which pertained to the approval of a Planned Unit Development for Maverik Monument Junction. Kimple requested its removal from the agenda, highlighting discrepancies in the ordinance’s language that implied council approval where none had been given. However, despite Kimple’s objections, the council proceeded with discussions, with the town staff emphasizing that the application was merely on hold, not withdrawn.

During the Feb. 20 meeting, a pivotal point of contention arose during the discussion on the Traffic Impact Study, a study called for by Kimple himself. A representative from Jacobs Engineering presented the study, largely answering questions Kimple raised via email. Kimple continued to raise concerns regarding the accuracy of traffic data presented in the study, alleging skewed numbers due to data collection outside of school times and the omission of COVID-19 impacts. Despite explanations from Jacobs Engineering, Kimple persisted in questioning the validity of the report, expressing apprehensions about the potential hazards posed by increased development on the community.

Romanello engaged in a pointed exchange with Kimple, challenging the validity of Kimple’s claims and highlighting the inevitability of traffic growth given Colorado Springs’ northward expansion. Romanello emphasized the importance of smart development rather than outright opposition, echoing sentiments shared by other councilmembers regarding the need for cautious, informed decision-making.

However, Kimple persisted in bringing in external information, prompting Mayor LaKind to question its validity, particularly highlighting Kimple’s assertion that Highway 105 wouldn’t be completed until 2040. “They’re actively building four lanes right outside my bedroom window right now; I hear it all day long,” LaKind said. Romanello followed by saying “I’m not OK with this at all,” referring to Kimple’s call for a tax-funded study to help promote a “NIMBY attitude” (Not In My Backyard).

Town Attorney Bob Cole emphasized that no conclusion should be made because the applicant (Maverik) was not present. If Maverik should return with its application, Kimple said he would likely have more questions.

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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, March 4 and March 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 monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

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

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 8 and 22 – Board passes parental rights policy 6-1; member resigns

By Jackie Burhans

Monument Academy (MA) held its regular meeting on Feb. 8 where it passed a parental rights policy after much discussion. It held a special meeting on Feb. 22 to reorganize after a board member’s resignation.

In addition, MA reviewed its Q2 academic dashboard, approved moving forward with its homeschool program, heard administrative and committee reports, and discussed its assessment opt-out policies.

Board passes parental rights policy

Board President Ryan Graham reviewed the history of MA’s parental rights policy, which describes how to handle transgender students. Based on past discussions, the current version strikes out the example of trying out for sports and the statement that parents may view their child’s Fourth Amendment right to privacy as being violated by the actions of the transgender student and are encouraged to seek legal counsel. Graham read the entirety of the policy JRT Parental Rights Policy which can be found at bit.ly/ma-policyJRT.

Earlier, several public comments were made by members of the audience supporting the board, its resolution, and encouraging it to pass this policy. Commenters included former El Paso County State Rep. Tim Geitner, who is the board president for Liberty Tree Academy which is having similar conversations.

The board’s legal counsel, Brad Miller, of Miller Farmer Carson Law, spoke, and while declining to give detailed legal advice in a public meeting responded to some of the concerns that were raised at the previous board meeting. He noted that there was discussion on whether student rights trumped parental rights and whether the case cited, Troxel v. Granville, was on point. He said we live in a society where courts have sided with the rights of children in multiple instances and claimed that the Colorado Legislature was trying to eliminate the role of parents. He said that even if the board was the Rosa Parks of this current age, what they are proposing wasn’t direct civil disobedience nor a blatant violation of the law which is yet to be clarified.

Miller went on to say that, speaking of religion, the board might get accosted with the idea that Romans 13 and other New Testament verses say that the government is an extension of God’s authority, and [MA] should be subject to it. But if the board looked to Acts and Ephesians it would be reminded that while it is subject to human institutions it should also obey God rather than men. The Colorado Legislature, he said, has placed schools like MA in the role of being accessories to a very consequential moral redefinition of individual identity. His view, he added, is that every society that has attempted to redefine personhood has failed.

He went on to address the concern for risk avoidance, saying he had consistently informed MA that the proposed policy would elevate MA’s risk of being sued. It could be that the cost would be significant, he said, or potentially the adoption of this policy could augment MA’s enrollment and encourage various forms of support and money. He also suggested that non-action could force families to consider whether the risk of public education could outweigh its convenience.

Miller said that concerns about needing policies on sports and bathroom monitoring could be addressed by administrative regulation and that MA did not need to remove its statement that affirmed a parent’s right to sue over perceived violation of their child’s privacy, although it had already done so. Finally, he noted that the legislature was considering proposals that would directly conflict with this policy and the board might need to reconsider it next year.

Board Treasurer Joe Buczkowski pointed out that the policy did not prohibit “biological males” from competing on girls’ sports teams or from using girls’ bathrooms. Two issues, he said, serve as his opposition to this policy. Firstly: How many different battles of parental rights are the school willing to take on, and what is the cost of those battles. Secondly, he felt that the policy could be considered to be prejudiced against the voluntary contact student because it requires a principal to call home even if that is against the express wishes of the student.

Buczkowski noted that the rights of a student who wants to transition might conflict with their parents’ rights, and he wasn’t sure MA wanted to get into that battle. He went on to say that enforcement of the policy required staff and teachers to know a student’s biological sex, which was impossible to know. The policy requires staff members to monitor bathrooms, and he did not want to put them in the position of making those policies without the board.

Returning to the question of financial implications, Buczkowski said the board should reduce financial risk as much as possible and that MA had a track record of making very bad financial decisions. He specified that when building the East Campus, the financial projections were beyond the building’s capacity based on the number of classrooms. The gymnasium, he specified, is useless for middle school and high school competitions and would cost millions to fix it. He said there was no budget for a parental rights legal battle and that MA was in the hole by $150,000 to $160,000 needed in fundraising just to balance its current budget. He suggested MA consider having the board members that vote in favor agree to indemnify the school on all financial costs or to do a fundraising campaign to set aside a reserve for these legal costs.

Miller suggested that board members who vote no should indemnify the school should there be a lawsuit if they do not take action. Board Vice President Lindsay Clinton expressed her support for the policy, saying that when she drops her kids off, she does not give up her parental rights. She noted that they are in the process of hiring an executive director who must support, uphold, and enforce board polices. Board member Craig Carle also expressed his support for the policy, saying he understood the risks for the school but wanted to show courage in the face of adversity. Board member Matt Ross said that the board must not let fear of man but rather the fear of God drive its decision. He said he believed the God of the Bible was watching their decision. Board member Emily Belisle said that this policy is not radical and did not attack anyone’s lifestyle but was instead a way to maintain order in schools and required that parents be kept informed on matters that greatly affect their child.

Graham read his statement supporting the policy, saying the opposition had impugned the board by saying it had not done its research on the conflict between parental and child rights. He said it was not the principal’s role to subvert the authority of a parent in their child’s life and that there were a multitude of schools where one could abdicate their parental authority and the school would be glad to exploit that. He said that tonight’s town hall is not to wage war against any schools but to go after those who have set their sights on our children. Although some say MA is creating a hostile environment, he said, MA’s goal was to protect all students, citing a disputed statistic on transgender youth suicide rates. Graham said that MA protects the truth and was being ridiculed, mocked, labeled, and threatened. He thanked the Lord for the courage, conviction, and resolve of many of the board members he served with, saying “we can win and, God willing, we will win, even if we get tossed in the fire.”

The board passed the policy on a vote of 6-1 with Buczkowski voting no.

Board resignation

At a special meeting on Jan. 22, Graham reported that Buczkowski had resigned from the board on Feb. 12 thus leading to a vacancy. Buczkowski’s term was set to end on June 30. Per the board’s bylaws, Graham said, the board could appoint a replacement or run as a six-member board until the June 30 election, and he moved to do so. The board unanimously approved the motion.

Graham noted that Buczkowski had been the board treasurer and that position needed to be filled. Carle agreed to serve as treasurer.

Buczkowski had been on both the Finance and Governance Committees. Carle was already on the Finance Committee and Graham offered to join as the second board member. Board member Karen Hoida was already a member of the Governance Committee and Belisle offered to step in as the second board member. Belisle asked for a second member to join her on the Curriculum Committee and Clinton agreed to do so.

Graham noted that, per their respective bylaws, the Monument Building Corp. and Monument Foundation, two 501(c)3 organizations which hold the West and East Campus debts, required a MA board member representative. Since Buczkowski, as treasurer, had been on those two boards, Graham formally moved that Carle replace him as the MA board representative. The board unanimously approved this motion.

Finally, the board unanimously authorized a change in the approved bank signers to remove Buczkowski and replace him with Carle.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Carle spotlighted student Addison Michalak, an MA middle schooler who competed as the United States of America Track and Field (USATF) national junior championship placing fifth in the 3K cross-country 11-12 girls’ division. She was named USATF girl athlete of the year.
  • Acting Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson noted that the Employee Retention Tax Credit program had been suspended by the Internal Revenue Service in December due to rampant fraud, then reopened with a much earlier deadline of Jan. 31. MA has submitted for $1.3 million in payroll costs and might receive it in summer of 2024 but has been advised to sit on it in case of an audit. He also noted that MA was due $180,000 from the charter startup grant it received and must now find eligible expenses for which it could be reimbursed. Finally, he reported that the interim School Finance Committee had proposed changes to the School Funding Act that could result in School District 38 as a whole losing $3 million.
  • Analytical Diagnostics consultant Jennifer Strawbridge presented the MA mid-year academic data shown in the meeting highlights at: bit.ly/ma-20240208-highlights.
  • The board unanimously approved moving forward with the Monument Academy Homeschool Partnership program after getting full support from Gustafson to invest in it knowing it may need to be subsidized for two years from West Campus cash reserves.
  • School Culture and Assessment Coordinator Anna Arndt brought the board’s attention to a new policy for state testing which gives students a score even if they only partially complete a test. Toward that end she asked the board to consider changes to its policy 1525 State Assessment Refusal Policy and allow administration to alert parents to upcoming changes to that policy. The board agreed to allow a letter to be sent and the policy to be reviewed at its next meeting.
  • Director of Academics Tine Leone described the process used to replace the Saxon Math curriculum, which is going away, with Reveal Math. She thanked everyone involved and said that after the public review period the board will be voting on March 14. She hopes to order teacher editions of the curriculum before people leave for the summer.
  • The board unanimously approved the executive director hiring timeline in March and April, which includes a screening committee meeting, a regular board meeting, a special board meeting and executive session, informal interviews and site visit, another special board meeting and executive session and an April 4 community town hall, culminating with a public vote on hiring the new executive director on April 11.
Above: At the Feb. 9 meeting, Monument Academy board member Craig Carle spotlighted student Addison Michalak, an MA middle schooler who competed as the United States of America Track and Field (USATF) national junior championship, placing fifth in the 3K cross-country 11-12 girls’ division. She was named USATF girl athlete of the year. Pictured are Carle, left, and Michalak. 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 next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. See more information at see bit.ly/ma-boe.

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

Other Monument Academy articles

D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Feb. 13 – Committee receives leadership hiring and superintendent search update

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) met on Feb. 13 at Prairie Winds Elementary School to discuss such topics as hiring for leadership positions, a search for a new superintendent, and priority 5 of the district’s strategic plan referring to fiscal stewardship.

Prairie Winds presentation

Interim Principal Aileen Finnegan spoke about Prairie Winds Elementary School (PWES) and its programs and history. PWES opened in 2001 and has received the John Irwin School of Excellence Award recognizing test scores that exceeded expectations each year from 2011 to 2022 and the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award in 2022.

Finnegan spoke of active parent participation in the school and enumerated the various extracurricular activities and such traditional events as Veterans Day Assembly and a science fair and fundraisers such as a fun run and spirit night.

To view the PowerPoint of this presentation, please see the district website, lewispalmer.org, family resources, District Accountability Advisory Committee, and Meeting Resources.

Leadership update

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine reported on several leadership roles that were vacated this year and the progress in hiring. The district hired Kim Briding as principal of Palmer Lake Elementary School, Danielle Holmes as Special Education director, and Rachel Sellers as principal of PWES. These positions were expected to be confirmed by the Board of Education at its Feb. 26 meeting. Interviews are also planned for the positions of director of Planning, Facilities and Grounds, and Lewis-Palmer Middle School principal.

Board liaison Tiffiney Upchurch shared a presentation by McPherson and Jacobson, the firm selected to oversee the search for a new superintendent. Current Superintendent KC Somers will leave the district at the end of March. To view the presentation, please see the district website as explained above.

A survey has been distributed to staff, parents, and community members about priorities in selecting a new superintendent. As of the meeting date, 600 responses had been received. The goal is to receive at least 2,000.

Upchurch said that the board will continue to follow the current strategic plan until such time as a new superintendent is selected.

Upchurch also reported that she traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives as part of the Coalition Colorado to lobby for full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Current funding is at 13% of the cost of educating students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The coalition was able to increase that amount to 40%.

Upchurch said the district is currently short by about $1.5 million-$2 million per year in funding this aspect of education.

Fiscal stewardship discussion

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway offered a presentation (see the website as explained above) regarding fiscal stewardship by the district.

Ridgway recently testified in Denver on SB24-017 Cash Flow Moderation. Ridgway is the author of the bill, which would allow school districts to receive their funding in a more equal amount each month. Currently, the majority of funding is received during the months when property taxes are received, and districts have to set aside money to fund payroll during the months at the end and very beginning of the calendar year. If passed, the bill will free up the $8 million the district has been withholding.

Ridgway shared slides which explained the sources of district revenue and the timeline for creating the annual district budget, beginning in November with receipt of the governor’s proposed budget and ending with passage of a complete budget for submission to the state by June 30.

When asked about the anticipated per pupil revenue for the upcoming school year, Ridgway said it is estimated to increase by 6.9%.

When asked whether the increased building activity in the district will result in a larger school population, Ridgway responded that demographics are changing. He said that birthrates are decreasing and home schooling is gaining popularity.

Whetstine said Building Advisory Committees, PCAC, and other entities are being consulted to determine their priorities for spending in the upcoming year. The group was divided into four subgroups to discuss their priorities.

In reporting back to the group, some priorities were as follows:

• Restore career and technical education (CTE) electives at middle school.

• Improve safety in parking lots and drop-off locations.

• Increase availability of CPR and other first aid training.

• Consider more staff to decrease class sizes at Bear Creek Elementary and Lewis-Palmer Elementary.

• Add cameras on buses.

• Provide air conditioning at Palmer Lake Elementary.

• Hire more counselors at the elementary level.

Committee updates

The Financial Transparency Committee will go into more depth on Ridgway’s presentation.

The Staff Collaboration Committee will discuss four health plans to choose from for the upcoming year. Benefits account for 31% of the district payroll.

The Calendar Task Force will start its work on Feb. 29. The original committee will be joined by more staff, parents, and students who were randomly selected and invited to join. The 2024-25 calendar is approved and posted on the district website.

The Wellness Committee celebrated February as Heart Month by promoting a program for heart wellness. The school with the largest participation will win a staff lunch.

The Special Education Advisory Committee said that nominations for the annual Aliorum Dei Award opened on Feb. 14. The award acknowledges those who make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.

The Gifted Education Leadership Team was to meet on Feb. 14 to discuss how the district is meeting the requirements for gifted/talented identification.

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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. on April 9 at Palmer Ridge High School, 19255 Monument Hill Road in Monument. For further information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

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

Note

The D38 Board of Education met too late in the month to be included in this issue. Coverage of their Feb. 26 meeting will be included in the April 6 issue of OCN.

Other District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Feb. 8 and 22 – Ben Lomand property eligible for annexation; stance on migrants debated

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its meeting on Feb. 22, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) held a public hearing to decide if the property owned by the United Congregational Church was eligible for annexation by the town. Mayor Glant Havenar asked the board to approve a resolution declaring Palmer Lake to be a “non-sanctuary” town; she also asked it to authorize her to sign a letter drafted by leaders in surrounding towns to the El Paso Board of County Commissioners.

The PLBOT board considered updates to the town’s land use code. The lease agreement between EcoSpa LLC and the town was amended. The board held a workshop on its master fee schedule and voted to approve a new version of it. The location of the proposed pickleball courts was changed so that they would not be built over a water line. Finally, the board approved two special use permits.

Both meetings ended with executive sessions.

Property meets eligibility requirements

Havenar opened the public hearing on the eligibility of the Ben Lomand property for annexation into the town by saying the attendees were neighbors and by requesting they speak kindly. She and Town Attorney Scotty Krob said the sole topic of the hearing was whether the property was eligible for annexation and that all other issues would be handled later in the development process.

Dan Madison, a civil engineer representing the church, said the town had written an annexation impact report for El Paso County as required by the annexation process. The primary criterion for eligibility was one-sixth of the boundary of the property being contiguous with the town. Madison said the property met that requirement with 20% of the boundary being contiguous.

Havenar asked Madison to address the issue of water service for the proposed development. Madison said the developer does not want water service from the town; the lots would have private wells and the development would be self-sufficient regarding water. The developer did want the town to provide fire and police service, however. Madison pointed out that the developer initially wanted to remain in unincorporated El Paso County, but the town asked to be a partner in the development process.

Resident Roger Moseley raised several objections to the planned development, arguing that the impact report was “a terrible report,” mistaken on the issue of density, lacking information about costs, that the specifics of the development were not covered, and that there was a legal requirement for maps to be updated. Krob replied the impact report was prepared for the county, which had judged it adequate for its purposes. The maps needed to be updated before annexation, Krob said, but not before the determination about eligibility was made.

Resident Martha Brodzik said the impact report did not include a financial plan. She said she believed the town would be required to maintain a portion of County Line Road and that annexation would cost the town $77,000 a year in excess of the property taxes received. She said she was not in favor of or opposed to annexation, but she did not want to bear the burden of annexation.

Resident Johann Moum asked who the developer of the property is and if access to the proposed development would be through existing streets. He also asked about the intended lot sizes. Havenar pointed out these questions did not relate to eligibility.

Reid Wiecks, chairman of the Parks and Trails commission, said he was in favor of annexation but believed that one of the parcels would cut off a proposed trail. He objected to the Parks and Trails Commission not being involved in the annexation process. Havenar said the issue of trails was not relevant to the question of eligibility and the commission would be involved in the design phase of the process.

Two residents who did not sign the speaker log raised issues about water and fire prevention. Havenar said wells were managed by the state of Colorado. Trustee Shana Ball said the board was always conscious of the risk of fire.

Resident Bill Fisher said he believed the annexation agreement modified the existing land use code and he wanted residents to have a chance to comment on these changes.

Following the comments by the board and the public, Madison made his concluding remarks. He said the eligibility requirement was that the land be capable of development and that was the case. The impact report was done by the town, not the developer. A traffic study would be done during the development phase that would address roads. He explained the church is the owner as well as the developer and they intend to sell lots to builders.

Madison said he did not believe any connection to Capella Drive would be proposed, and that the primary access would be via County Line Road. Lots would be 2.5 acres and the trail issue would be addressed during the design phase. He said all tap fees would be paid and he believed development would reduce the likelihood of fire. He ended by saying the requirements for eligibility had been met.

Krob said if the board voted in favor of eligibility following the hearing, the next step would be a hearing on annexation, at which an ordinance would be voted on. The ordinance would do three things: annex the property, zone the property, and approve the annexation agreement.

Havenar closed the hearing, and the board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 13-2024, which finds the Ben Lomand property eligible to be annexed. The board also voted to hold an executive session on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. to review the annexation agreement, and to hold a special session on Monday, March 4 at 5 p.m. to consider the annexation ordinance.

Brodzik objected to the schedule of the additional meetings, arguing there was no need to rush. She repeated her point about costs not being adequately considered. She said when the town was hit with costs for the annexation, she would send her portion of the bill to the board for them to pay.

Trustee Dennis Stern asked residents to send their concerns to the board via email and to be concise.

“Non-sanctuary” status debated

Havenar asked the board to approve Resolution 20-2024, which declares Palmer Lake to be a “non-sanctuary” town. The resolution also calls upon the president of the United States to secure the border and to enforce immigration laws. The resolution recognizes the importance of legal immigration.

Havenar said the county commissioners had issued a statement regarding “non-sanctuary” status and the mayors of some towns had made similar statements. She said her goal was to prevent the town from expending resources responding to the arrival of migrants. Ball said the town does not have space or resources to help migrants.

Trustee Nick Ehrhardt agreed the town does not have resources but said “it’s a far cry from that to proactively saying we are shutting the door before the door even exists … it’s regrettable that our neighbors have done so … this is an opportunity for us to stand apart.” He encouraged faith communities to help address the needs of migrants, said Palmer Lake was a sanctuary in many ways, and said he was a citizen of the planet.

Resident Becky Albright said she was disturbed by the resolution and did not see its purpose.

Havenar asked Krob if the town has a responsibility to migrants who might camp by the lake. Krob said “sanctuary city” is not a legal designation but was a political statement and concerns cooperation with immigration officials. “If you say you are a non-sanctuary city it doesn’t change your legal liabilities … it’s not really a legal question.”

Moseley asked: “Why are we not arresting bus drivers, shooting tires and burning buses?”

Brodzik said the town’s code prohibits camping and the code should be enforced.

Chief of Police Jason Vanderpool said camping is not a criminal offense. His officers could only ticket migrants camping illegally and require them to go before a judge. Since they were transitory, a trial and a fine might be ineffective, he said.

The board voted to approve the resolution. Ehrhardt and Trustee Samantha Padget voted no. Ball, Trustee Jessica Farr, and Havenar voted in favor. Trustee Kevin Dreher did not attend the meeting and was excused.

In a related matter, Havenar asked the board to authorize her to sign a letter, drafted by the mayors of Fountain, Green Mountain Falls, Calhan, Manitou Springs, Monument, Ramah and Colorado Springs, to the county commissioners, asking the commissioners to “engage in meaningful consultation with us, the mayors, before making public statements that have a negative impact on our communities.” The letter says the towns do not have the resources to support large numbers of immigrants. It asks for a collaborative approach from the commissioners.

Havenar said she supported the statement because it clarified the mayors would work together on the issue.

Ehrhardt voted against authorizing Havenar to sign the letter on behalf of the town. Ball, Farr, Havenar, Padgett and Stern voted in favor.

Land use code updated regarding annexation process

The board considered three updates to the town’s land use code, all of which would address deficiencies in the existing code regarding the annexation process. Krob said the first of the three updates was not ready for consideration, but the other two were ready. The second update would add language defining who can update the land use code, requiring a survey map when the zoning district map is changed, that zoning changes be initiated by the owner of the property or their representative and that the Community Master Plan be amended before approving zoning changes not in alignment with the plan. The third update defines a checklist of requirements for land use applications.

Collins and Krob emphasized that these changes would be temporary measures to fill gaps until the Planning Commission could complete its work on the land use code.

Brodzik objected to proposed changes, arguing they were a “cut and paste job,” and that the paragraph numbering was inconsistent. Krob responded that the language would be cleaned up by Municode, the company updating the town’s code, during codification. Brodzik asked for a line-by-line review of the town code, which she said the board had agreed to previously. She said the changes aren’t “ready for prime time.”

Havenar emphasized the temporary nature of the changes. Krob said the board can revisit the code at any time.

Moseley and resident Claudia Belcher said the process was too rushed.

Havenar said the board supported the town staff in the performance of their duties and that there were applications that needed to be addressed.

The board voted unanimously to table the first proposed update and to approve the second and third.

EcoSpa lease amended

Havenar told the board that the Willans had asked for their lease agreement to be amended so that the town would receive 8% of all rents received for rental of the annex building. The annex building was previously referred to as the gymnasium and community center.

Lindsay Willan said she and Richard Willan had spent $20,000 on an engineer’s report, soil tests, and a website and she believed the annex would be operational by early summer. She said they would pay the town a percentage of the profits rather than a fee per user of the annex.

Wiecks said he was concerned the Willans’ plans would prevent the construction of a trail around the perimeter of the Elephant Rock property. Lindsay Willans said the trail would be allowed.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 18-2024, which amends the lease agreement as proposed.

Master fee schedule adopted

Following a workshop on its master fee schedule held on Feb. 22, the board voted in favor of Resolution 15-2024, which amends the town’s master fee schedule. Trustee Farr voted no; the other trustees and Havenar voted yes.

Before the vote, Wiecks asked that fees for use of the baseball field be added. Collins said the fees should be discussed with the Little League before being added. Havenar said the fee schedule could be amended at any time.

The fee schedule can be found on the town’s website here: www.townofpalmerlake.com/documents. The amended schedule had not been published when OCN went to print.

Pickleball courts moved

In previous months, the board had discussed with Awake the Lake liability concerns caused by the fact that the pickleball courts were to be built over a water line. No clear agreement had been reached concerning who would pay if the water line needed maintenance.

The board voted in favor of Resolution 9-2024, which moves the location of the courts south, adjacent to the pedestrian bridge abutment on the west side of the lake, where they would not be on top of the water line.

Special use permits

At its Feb. 8 meeting, a special event permit was approved for an Easter egg hunt, to be held on Saturday, March 30, on the Village Green at 10 a.m. The event was organized by the Palmer Lake Arts Council and will include a visit from the Easter Bunny, crafts, and face painting.

At its Feb. 22 meeting, a special event permit was approved for an Easter service to be held on Sunday, March 31, at the Town Hall at 10 a.m. The service, hosted by Joy on the Rock, will be followed by brunch.

Executive sessions

The Feb. 8 meeting ended with an executive session for the board to receive legal advice concerning potential sale of town property, the lease agreement with Eco Spa LLC, and a Police Department complaint.

The Feb. 22 meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice concerning the potential sale of town property and negotiation of a possible lease of a portion of the Elephant Rock property.

No actions were taken following either executive session.

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The next regular board meetings are scheduled for March 14 and 28. In addition, there will be an executive session on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. and a special meeting on March 4 at 5 p.m. All meeting will be 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

El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 30 and Feb. 22 – Palmer Lake annexation impact report received

By Helen Walklett

During February, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) considered an annexation impact report for land west of the Town of Palmer Lake. The commissioners also heard concerns about safety on Vollmer Road near the School in the Woods site at the end of January.

Palmer Lake annexation

The proposed Ben Lomand Mountain Village annexation into the Town of Palmer Lake was back on the agenda at the Feb. 22 BOCC land use meeting ahead of it being discussed that evening at the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting. See the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting article on page < 7 >.

Kylie Bagley, planner III, Planning and Community Development Department, said the annexation impact report contained more information on the annexation’s potential impacts than was available when the BOCC first discussed it at its Jan. 23 meeting.

The annexation request is being made by landowner United Congregational Church and concerns 181.5 acres of RR-5-zoned land south of County Line Road, west of Indi Drive, north of the Lakeview Heights subdivision, and east of Oakdale Drive.

The applicant intends to develop the site, along with an additional 163 acres already within Palmer Lake, and rezone the land to the RE Estate Zone, which allows single-family dwellings on a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres. The total development on the combined property is not expected to exceed 80 lots. The steep topography of parts of the property being considered for annexation as well as the necessary land dedications and rights-of-way for roads and utilities mean that a large portion of the property is anticipated to remain undeveloped. It is estimated that 104 of the 181.5 acres is buildable and, given the minimum lot size of 2.5 acres, this would result in about 41 lots on that portion.

All existing structures, including the existing church and youth center, would remain. The applicant intends to use the buildable remainder of the combined property for churches and other religious facilities. Public trail easements and recreational access may also be considered as part of any future development.

The report states that the town’s police and fire services and the school district are believed to be more than adequate to provide services to the proposed development. The applicant will need to submit a drainage report and a traffic impact study as the project progresses.

Commissioner Carrie Geitner asked if there were any remaining concerns that might be potential problems for county and should be relayed to the Town of Palmer Lake. Bagley answered that there were none at this time.

Commissioner Holly Williams asked if Palmer Lake would be taking over responsibility for County Line Road. Meggan Herington, executive director, Planning and Community Development, said it would be standard for the town to take on the portion adjacent to the development and that discussions about other segments would need to be ongoing as the development progressed. She also clarified that the county and the Colorado Department of Transportation would receive detailed documentation for review and comment as any development moved forward.

The BOCC cannot approve or deny an annexation impact report; the report serves to notify it of the annexation request and sets out potential impacts in general terms, allowing the BOCC to give direction to staff. Therefore, the commissioners accepted the report, but no vote was taken.

Vollmer Road safety concerns

During the public comments part of the Jan. 30 BOCC meeting, two residents raised concerns about safety and speeding on Vollmer Road, adjacent to the School in the Woods site. Dick Hegeman, a resident of Hardin Road opposite the school site, said traffic had increased exponentially over the years. He spoke of speeding and cars parked on both sides of Vollmer and along Hardin during busy times such as school choice night when prospective parents and pupils visit. He said, “Something’s got to be done because somebody is going to get hurt. Why can’t we be proactive instead of reactive.”

Vollmer Road resident Maggie Mae Stone stated, “I’ve been trying on the same subject for nearly 2 1/2 years to find out when somebody is going to give a damn about the kids at the School in the Woods and put up speed limit signs.”

Although it is a designated school zone, limited to 25 mph, this cannot be enforced because there are no signs. Stone told the commissioners that she and her husband had offered to pay for two signs, but no one had acted interested in any way. She said she had been told by three Sheriff’s Deputies on three separate occasions that nothing would change until someone died.

Chair Cami Bremer asked Josh Palmer, county engineer, to follow up directly with the two citizens to explain the measures taken and those planned, which include the installation of dual turn lanes over the summer when the school is closed.

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

Other El Paso Board of County Commissioners articles

El Paso County Planning Commission, Feb. 1 – Positive feedback from county commissioners

By Helen Walklett

At the Feb. 1 El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Chair Tom Bailey reported that he and Commissioner Jay Carlson had met with County Commissioners Stan VanderWerf and Cammie Bremer to work toward a meeting between the full Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Planning Commission.

Bailey said, “They’re very happy with what we’re giving them, so thank you all for that. Your participation in these discussions, in these deliberations, the questions that you ask, the points that we get onto the record gives the [county] commissioners a very solid foundation to make their final decision.”

Carlson said the commissioners had commented, “We want you guys to function independently. We’re not looking for you to think ‘What would the Board of County Commissioners do or think.’ He added, “The other thing that both commissioners mentioned in our conversations with them is that they do read all our minutes and that they really pay attention to the dissenting votes, if there are any, and see if there’s something they might have missed in their look at things. So, it’s important to get our thoughts on the record.”

It is hoped that the meeting between the BOCC and the Planning Commission will take place in the next several weeks. Members of the public can comment on any application on the agenda at a Planning Commission hearing and can also raise a matter not on the agenda at the start of a meeting.

Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me

Other El Paso County Planning Commission articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Feb. 21 – New tender truck issues discussed; properties included

By Janet Sellers

NOTE: This reporter was unable to make a recording or attend in person and attended via an online Zoom meeting. This article was based on the agenda available online at www.BFFire.org and her notes from the meeting. This reporter was unable to enter the Zoom meeting until 20 minutes had passed, and some details from the meeting were unavailable to her at this writing.

At the Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on Feb. 21, the board discussed the financial management plan, the budget execution, costs and delivery issues for the new fire tender truck, and authority regarding policies and procedures.

There was a discussion between the board and Chief P.J. Langmaid regarding policies and proposals as well as implementation of the policies as procedures. The board approved the stated contract expenditure for the tender truck at delivery and reserved conversation to a later time regarding any further fees from issues regarding a timely delivery.

Inclusion of properties to the district were requested and adopted at this meeting. There were no comments on workshops, and a resident asking about plans for more equipment was told that it’s in the long-term plan.

Chief Langmaid requested a public executive session with the board, and it was held at 8:50 p.m. The discussion centered on clarification for the chief and board duties of the district as an elite force and other terminology for policies and for terms on which the board requested clarification. Members of the board suggested that they address these issues later and not in this board meeting as the board members were not in agreement regarding the nature of the issues. They decided to announce a special meeting to clarify for all board members and when all board members are present. These comments ended the executive session.

Upon return to the regular meeting there were no more issues, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

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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. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 20 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffir.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at Admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

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

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District,= articles

Monument Fire District, Feb. 28 – Board meeting held after OCN went to press

By Natalie Barszcz

The Monument Fire District (MFD) board met on Feb. 28, which was after this issue of Our Community News had gone to press. Coverage of that meeting will be included in our April 6 issue.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. A special meeting/public hearing for the inclusion/exclusion of property related to the merger with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District will be held via Zoom and in person on March 6 at 3:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. For Zoom meeting 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

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan 8 – Safe Routes to School trail approved

By James Howald

In February, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board discussed and approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Lewis-Palmer School District 38 (LPSD). The board allocated additional funds to the Highway 105 construction project. It also heard operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Walking trail for students approved

District Manager Jessie Shaffer asked the board to approve an IGA between WWSD and LPSD allowing the school district to use a portion of WWSD’s land for a Safe Routes to School walking trail to be used by students. The IGA had been a long time in the making, Shaffer said, and would permit the school district to use WWSD’s lower lake access road, which runs along the southwestern edge of Lake Woodmoor, as a trail students could use to walk to school. Shaffer said a second IGA would be needed to address the construction of a bridge across the spillway at the southern edge of Lake Woodmoor.

The IGA notes that the school district has obtained a Safe Routes to School grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund construction of the trail. It makes LPSD responsible for the maintenance of the trail and specifies that LPSD will install two double-leaf vehicle gates at the north and south ends of the access road and will also install a fence along the western edge of the lake. LPSD will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the gates, the fence, and signs at the trailhead. The IGA also indemnifies WWSD against any liability for use of the trail and insures WWSD against claims up to $2 million.

Director Tom Roddam said he was opposed to the IGA, arguing that the indemnification in the IGA would not prevent WWSD from being sued. “It’s not worth a hill of beans,” Roddam said.

Board President Brian Bush said WWSD has “passively acknowledged this plan for a lot of years.” (Our Community News first reported on the plan in 2017.)

Roddam suggested tabling the IGA until the plan for the bridge across the spillway was complete.

Shaffer said that prior WWSD boards had agreed to the plan, and it would be hard to renege on those commitments now. He said they could do so now but “it would be tough.”

Director Dan Beley expressed some reservations about the IGA. Director Bill Clewe and Treasurer Roy Martinez said they did not have a problem with the terms of the IGA.

The board voted to approve the IGA. Beley, Bush, Clewe and Martinez voted in favor; Roddam voted against.

Additional funds for Highway 105 allocated

Richard Hood, of JVA Inc., the company managing WWSD’s portion of El Paso County’s project to widen Highway 105 between Jackson Creek Parkway and Lake Woodmoor Dr., gave the board an update on that project and asked the board to approve some additional funds.

Hood explained that Wildcat Construction has completed about 60% of the work for which WWSD is responsible. Improvements on Knollwood Boulevard and the Maguire property west of Knollwood are complete, Hood said. Service lines have been moved as required. The remaining portion of the work is on the south side of Highway 105 on Morning Canyon Road and adjacent to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hood said there are $143,000 in pending cost changes on the project. During the bid process, two mistakes were made: A pipe specification was changed from 8-inch to 6-inch and not properly accounted for and the costs of asphalt removal and replacement were underestimated. The pipe change will cost $76,500, the additional asphalt costs will be $33,026, and another $34,000 is required by unexpected conditions such as needing to change the depth of some pipes, undocumented utility conflicts, and pipe diameters that differed from historical records. Hood pointed out that even with these additional costs, the total for the work was still $200,000 less than the next higher bid.

Shaffer said the board had already approved change orders up to 5% of the value of the contract, which would be $50,000. He said the pending cost changes exceeded that amount, requiring the board to take action.

The board voted unanimously to approve another $150,000 for the project.

Details of operational reports

  • In his treasurer’s report, Martinez said water sales were higher than expected in January, up by 4.9% over the target. Sewer fees were as expected. WWSD purchased two new trucks, so equipment and vehicle costs were 90% of the budgeted amount.
  • Shaffer said that Sackett vs. the Environmental Protection Agency, a 2023 case before the Supreme Court, had changed the regulations concerning wetlands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The decision may complicate WWSD’s costs for permits, consultants, construction, and mitigation.
  • Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine reported a 16% water loss in January due to five main breaks. He said the district’s water meter replacement project was just under 50% complete. The effort to refill Lake Woodmoor was a bit behind schedule, with the lake refilling about 1.5 feet per day.
  • In his review of upcoming development, Bush said he believed the proposed Waterside development, which would include 44 units on the west side of Lake Woodmoor adjacent to the Barn, after a delay, was now proceeding.

Executive session

The board held an executive session to receive legal advice concerning potential agreements with JV Ranches LLC, Monument Ridge West LLC, Enerfin Renewables LLC, El Paso County, and the members of the El Paso Regional Loop Water Authority.

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The next meeting is scheduled for March 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.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 15 – Board considers request to extend service area

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its February meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board discussed a request to extend its service area to include a portion of the Falcon Commerce Center. It extended an existing water lease. The board also heard operational reports.

Request for sewer service raises questions

General Manager Jeff Hodge told the board that he had received a request from the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) to provide sewer service to a proposed development in the southern end of the Falcon Commerce Center. The center is west of I-25 and south of Baptist Rd., and its northern portion is home to the Pilot Travel Center, QuikTrip, and the United Parcel Service Customer Center. FLMD requested DWSD to allow future development in the southern end of the center to connect to a 24-inch sewer line owned by DWSD, Hodge said. FLMD currently receives sewer service from Triview Metropolitan District (TMD).

In response to a question from board President Wayne Vanderschuere, Hodge speculated that FLMD was requesting service from DWSD rather than from TMD because it would be cheaper than using TMD’s infrastructure. Hodge said he would prefer that FLMD install a lift station that would allow the flow to be metered. Vanderschuere pointed out that, if the connection were allowed, DWSD would need to account for an additional return flow.

Hodge said any future development in the Falcon Commerce Center would not be allowed to impinge on DWSD’s easement for the sewer line.

Vanderschuere pointed out that granting access to the sewer line would raise accounting issues.

Hodge said it was not decided how the property in question would be developed; it could be commercial or residential. Vanderschuere said the property was just east of the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) and that any residential development should not be able to complain about the odor from the facility. He also pointed out that, if access was approved, the price would need to be beneficial to DWSD’s core customers. He added that the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor project, the future of which is not clear, could also complicate this issue.

The board did not act on the request. Hodge said he would meet with representative of FLMD later in February.

Water lease renewed

Hodge asked the board to renew an agreement between the district and Martin Marietta that allows the company to lease up to 135 acre-feet per year of treated effluent from the Upper Monument Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. According to the lease agreement, Martin Marietta needs the water to replace evaporative depletions and to support gravel mining operations at the Rich Pit in Pueblo County. Martin Marietta will pay DWSD $300 per acre-foot of water.

The board voted unanimously to renew the lease for a two-year term.

Operational reports

In his manager’s report, Hodge gave the board an update on progress made by the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, known as the Loop, which is working to build the infrastructure needed to capture effluent discharged by treatment plants in the northern part of the county from Fountain Creek, treat it, and return it to customers in the four participating water districts.

Hodge said the Loop is discussing governance issues with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU). The loop is considering using CSU’s Edward Bailey Water Treatment Plant rather than building its own treatment plant. Hodge said he was concerned that upper management at CSU does not have a clear strategy for water reuse projects. He said that if CSU management did not buy into the Loop’s plan, the Loop would return to its original plan to build its own treatment facility. Hodge said the Loop would meet with CSU in March to try to resolve outstanding issues.

Water Operator Ronny Wright told the board that scheduled rehabilitation of the district’s water tanks was scheduled to begin on May 1. He said Well 16A should be operational in the next few months and available for use by summer.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 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, Feb. 15 – Board debates relationship with CSU

By James Howald

At its February meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board continued its discussion of how to work with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), particularly how the Loop might lower construction costs by making use of CSU’s Edward Bailey Water Treatment Plant (EBWTP) rather than building its own treatment facility. John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co., who also serves as the Loop Water Authority’s project planning and workflow manager, updated the board on his discussions regarding the EBWTP and the Loop’s relationship to CSU. The board also held an executive session.

Consultant proposes lowering EBWTP capacity

Kuosman told the board that he had held a kickoff meeting with Carollo Engineers Inc., the company that designed the EBWTP, to discuss strategies for adapting the plant to treat the water that the Loop intends to return to its participating water districts. He said the discussion touched on whether the Loop’s water could be handled as a separate flow within the plant, on the plant’s capacity, and on whether redundancy of processing within the plant was possible.

Kuosman said that, based on his discussion with Carollo Engineers, handling the Loop’s water as a separate flow within the EBWTP was not possible.

Kuosman recommended “derating,” or lowering the stated capacity of the EBWTP. He explained that the plant had two treatment trains, each with five filter modules. Each treatment train is currently rated at 25 million gallons per day, for a total capacity of 50 million gallons a day. Kuosman argued for changes to the filter media, which would allow the plant to treat the Loop’s water but would also lower the total processing capacity. The proposed changes to the filter media would also allow the plant to remove PFAS chemicals. The alternative was for the Loop to build its own treatment plant, he said.

Director Amy Lathen, who represents the Cherokee Metropolitan District on the Loop’s board, asked if the plant’s capacity were reduced could it be increased later? She pointed out that the plant was not currently operating at full capacity. Kuosman said CSU’s plan for the plant was not completely transparent.

Loop board President Jessie Shaffer, who is also the general manager of the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, pointed out that the EBWTP is running at bare bones capacity: “just trying to keep the bugs alive.”

Governance approach discussed with CSU

Kuosman told the board he had discussed governance approaches with CSU. He said a regional convening authority was being considered. Existing governmental structures may not do what is needed over time, he said. Director Jeff Hodge, who is also the general manager of the Donala Water and Sanitation District, pointed out that the Loop was more nimble than CSU. Lathen said that CSU is not properly acknowledging the other regional players. She said she wanted to continue the governance discussion with CSU.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice from the Loop’s attorney regarding negotiating strategies.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 21 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are usually 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

Monument Sanitation District, Feb. 21 – Federal dollars help fund sewer line replacement

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its February meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board approved a notice of award for replacing a sewer line, funded primarily by the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA). The board also heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker.

ARPA provides $900,000 of $1.4 million needed for sewer line replacement

Parker asked the board to approve a notice of award to Pate Construction Co. for $1.4 million to replace a sewer line running east from the Willow Springs neighborhood to the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility (TLWWTF). Parker said Pate Construction’s bid was the lowest responsible bid of four bids presented to the district.

Parker said the existing line is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and was poorly installed. The line has low points, called “bellies,” where grit accumulates and blocks the line, requiring annual cleanings. When the line is replaced, it will be upgraded from 8-inch pipe to 12-inch pipe and will be moved 30 feet to the north within the easement belonging to Willow Springs. ARPA was funding $900,000 of the $1.4 million required to replace the line and the additional funds are earmarked in the district budget, Parker said. The district had offered to partner with View Homes, which plans to build houses adjacent to the line, but that effort was stymied by the Town of Monument’s moratorium on new construction, Parker said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the notice of award, which authorizes Parker to sign the agreement with Pate Construction.

Manager’s report

In his manager’s report, Parker told the board that residents in the Wakonda Hills neighborhood were continuing to see their septic systems fail, requiring them to connect to the district’s wastewater collection system. As many as 24 residences need to make this transition, Parker said. Connecting to the district’s infrastructure requires the homeowner to build a service line to the district’s pipeline, which can cost as much as $25,000. Some of the residents paid the required sewer tap fee ahead of time when the tap fee was between $1,200 and $2,000, less than it is presently. Those who waited to pay their tap fee must pay the current $8,000 fee.

Parker told the board that the process controller electronics at the Wakonda Hills lift station had been replaced. The process controller had lost its configuration and had gone back to its default settings, Parker said, causing the lift station to stop working. A power surge may have been the cause of the failure, he said. Parker also mentioned that the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) hardware in the headquarters building was being upgraded to match the equipment in use at the TLWWTF. Due to its age, replacement parts were not available.

Parker said the ducts had been cleaned at the district headquarters building for the first time in six years and he was working on getting the carpet replaced for an expected cost of $5,500.

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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 March 20. See colorado.gov/msd. For a district service map, see colorado.gov/pacific/msd/district-map-0. Information: 719-481-4886.

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

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

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 22 – Renewable water supply increases; CSU ties into NDS

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Feb. 22, the board heard about an increase in the municipal renewable water supply and the tie-in of Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to the Northern Delivery System (NDS). The board also discussed informing the residents about the district’s path to becoming an 80% renewable water supply municipality and how sales tax and growth had helped achieve the district’s goal. The board held an executive session and approved the potential purchase of land.

Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart and Director Amanda Carlton were excused.

Renewable municipal water supply increases

Water counsel Chris Cummins announced a successful water change case that decreed about 1,050 of the district’s water shares in the Fountain Mutual Irrigation Co. (FMIC). The decree changed the shares from agricultural water to municipal use water shares that equate to about 740 acre-feet in municipal water. The district leases 244 acre-feet of those shares to Fountain Valley Power for about $15,000 per month. The remaining acre-feet will increase the municipal water supply to the district by about a half a year’s worth of water from now on. In July that reusable renewable water will be available through the NDS, he said.

District Manager James McGrady said about 80% of the district’s annual water supply beginning Jan. 5, 2025, will come from a renewable source, and the remaining 20% will be sourced from the district’s Denver Basin groundwater wells. The renewable water supply will further increase as more water rights come into play, he said.

Northern Delivery System update

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said Kiewit had requested substantial completion and the two-year warranty period begins for the NDS pipeline on Jan. 31. The tie-in to CSU occurred on Feb. 5, but the district is anxious to get water moving through the pipeline to ensure the system is working 100% and can hold pressure. Kiewit recognizes that the pump station will not be complete until June and the pipeline will not be fully operational until mid-summer, he said.

Cummins said some pressure testing has occurred and the fire hydrants installed along the pipeline route held the correct pressure when tested with the static water in the pipeline.

McGrady said the pipeline should hold, but there is nothing like running the water through the pipeline to know for sure. The NDS pump station (located east of Highway 83 at Old Northgate Road) is moving along in its construction and is framed with roofing to begin on Feb. 26. The interior will be dry-walled by the end of the month and then the installation of the pumps will begin, he said.

Public relations—the path to renewable water

President Mark Melville requested future newsletters reflect a timeline story beginning in 2015 on the district’s path to its renewable water source.

Vice President Anthony Sexton requested the newsletter communicate all the reasons for the decisions the board makes. Many of the projects and the district’s achievements are made through sales tax and growth, and an explanation would be useful for the residents, he said.

Director Jason Gross said the district has a wonderful story of vision, good timing, smart decision-making and long-term thinking and it would be a tragedy to not capture and share with the residents as the district reaches the end of the tunnel on its path to renewable water sourcing for the community. The story sets a good example for other municipalities, he said.

Cummins said in the last seven years the board only had about three votes that were not unanimous, and it has been important to have a board that can listen, understand, and make sound decisions and allow the district staff and consultants to do the things they need to do based on those decisions.

McGrady said there has been no micromanagement from the board; it gave vision and direction, setting the tone for staff to follow then standing back with confidence as staff and counsel pursued the projects needed to sustain renewable water for the future.

Operations report

McGrady said the following:

  • A meeting to discuss an emergency interconnect with the Town of Monument (TOM) was delayed due to scheduling conflicts and is now scheduled for March 4.
  • The Bale and Arkansas Valley Irrigation Co. (AVIC) ditch change cases are both moving forward. The district is trying to avoid a trial on April 1 with the AVIC change case by getting the objectors out as quickly as possible.
  • The re-vegetation plan for the AVIC in Buena Vista is in order, and that had been a problem for some objectors.
  • The district is planning to build recharge ponds to accommodate the AVIC water in the future, after the change cases are decreed and the property is annexed into the town of Buena Vista.
  • Northern Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) will kick off with a project meeting at the end of February.
  • CSU held a meeting to discuss an indirect potable reuse plan. The district does not necessarily need the project to manage the district’s wastewater return flows unless it becomes more cost effective.

Sheffield said the following:

  • D38, the TOM and the district have reached an agreement on the striping and layout on Creekside Drive. Two westbound lanes at Bear Creek Elementary School will be incorporated soon to assist with the drop-off/pick-up flow.
  • TMD is exploring the possibility of widening Leather Chaps Drive and is working with Black Hills Energy to avoid the gas line that runs about 36 to 42 inches deep beside the road.
  • Multiple meetings took place with the TOM planning staff and NES Inc. to discuss the water tank installation at Plant B on St. Lawrence Way in Promontory Pointe.
  • An extensive meeting took place with Classic Homes to discuss a potential connection of sanitary sewer into the TMD collection system for Flying Horse North, Hodgen Road.
  • District administrators are working with Ireland Stapleton Law to review and possibly revise the personnel manual.

Financial report

Sexton said he was curious about the check to Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority for $5,687.83.

McGrady said the annual Transit Loss Fee is variable and is required to pay for the re-calibration of the gauges on Fountain Creek down to the Arkansas River. Every water district that uses Fountain Creek for water transit pays the re-calibration fee annually.

Cummins said that the flows were excessive last year following the huge amount of rain received in May 2023.

The board accepted, 3-0, checks over $5,000 and the financial report for January as presented.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:18 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 24-6-402(4) (a), (b), (e) to discuss acquisitions and receive legal advice for negotiations regarding water acquisitions, the Highway Users Tax Fund share return, strategic planning, and change cases.

Sheffield confirmed the board returned to the regular session at 9:20 p.m. In a 3-0 vote, the board authorized McGrady to sign a letter of intent to potentially purchase a 2-acre parcel of land near the northwest corner of I-25 and Baptist Road for the future home office and storage yard.

The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit triviewmetro.com.

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

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jan. 29, 31 – Annual meeting and reorganization

By Jackie Burhans

The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on Jan. 29 for its annual meeting to elect new board members, review 2023 accomplishments, state 2024 goals, and recognize good neighbors. The board met on Jan. 31 to certify the election, reorganize its positions, and approve operational procedures. The regular February meeting was held on the 28th, after the deadline for Our Community News, and will be reported in next month’s issue.

Annual meeting

Board President Brian Bush called the meeting to order and covered the presentation available on the WIA website at bit.ly/wia-2024-annual. Bush confirmed that a quorum was achieved via residents returning their ballots and noted that the board had saved over $2,100 by not providing postage-paid envelopes and saved $1,000 by having staff count the ballots in lieu of the League of Women Voters. Bush reviewed the rules of conduct for the meeting, which he summarizes as “Be Nice!”

Bush reviewed the mission of WIA to perform covenant enforcement and architectural control; maintain and improve common areas; and provide public safety. He also noted that WIA monitors issues in surrounding areas that may affect its residents. Bush emphasized that, contrary to media reports on other homeowners’ associations (HOAs), WIA does not foreclose on properties, enforce ridiculous covenants, or fail to work with residents on reasonable solutions, nor does it have rigid and unchanging rules and regulations. However, he said, the board cannot change the covenants without a 66% vote of lot owners. He noted that the board had recently changed the rules for gates and fences as well as increasing the number of cars allowed to park on the property outside of a garage. If a resident has a problem, Bush invited them to contact WIA via email.

Noting that board positions are unpaid, he introduced the 2023 board members and WIA staff, many of whom have been on staff for quite some time. The WIA dues for 2024 have increased by $8 to $291 annually after considering the impact of inflation on salaries and the cost of improvements. The top three income sources were dues, new construction fees, and Barn rentals. Top expenses other than payroll were common area improvements and forestry maintenance. Bush commended the WIA and Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) staff for holding expenses under budget.

WPS services include immediate officer response, vacation checks, crime prevention, traffic control, 24/7 patrol, and interagency support and communication. In 2023, WPS had 13,500 on-duty hours; drove 72,837 miles; completed 12.772 vacation checks, responded to 882 calls for service, and more. WPS received $19,080 in donations for vacation checks. In 2023, WPS added two new vehicles to replace aging jeeps. Bush noted that the board invested in body cameras for all officers. He also noted that in 2023 the El Paso Board of County Commissioners had decided to only plow Priority 3 roads when snow depths reach 6 inches, which creates hazardous driving conditions; he noted that by law WIA cannot plow county roads.

Bush reviewed 2023 highlights:

  • WIA purchased a new computer server to replace its 8-year-old server.
  • WIA continues to support the Safe Routes to School trail, which has been a long-term project. He noted that the trail will benefit association members as well and hopes to report on more progress this time next year.
  • Thanks to the $275,000 matching grant for wildfire mitigation, $550,000 of mitigation has been done in the community.
  • Four chipping days over two weekends that were free to residents; a $10 donation was requested of non-residents.
  • WIA improved two miles of trail on the South Woodmoor Preserve that it accepted as a donation from WOSC LLC.

For 2024 goals, Bush highlighted:

  • Obtain more funding for a fire mitigation grant.
  • Developing trails in common areas.
  • Continuing to digitize WIA files.
  • Continuing WPS patrols.

Top architectural projects were roof replacement repairs, with 595 total projects (down from 634), of which 98.8% were approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) or office staff.

The Good Neighbor award went to John and Susanna Finter, who helped an ill neighbor by watering, removing snow, and helping in the house. The couple received a $50 Home Depot gift card.

The meeting ended with a round of questions and answers about vegetation blocking visibility at intersections, the cattails at Wild Duck Pond, WIA’s role in traffic safety for School District 38, and the decision not to plow streets until there are 6 inches of snow. If an intersection is in the WIA area, WIA’s contractor can help remove overgrown vegetation, said Bush. ACC administrator Bob Pearsall said he had plans for the contractor to work on the Wild Duck Pond cattails. Bush said that the board had concluded that it was unsafe for officers to do traffic control in front of the middle and high schools. He also noted that snow removal is solely done by the county and recommended residents contact their county commissioner Holly Williams (HollyWilliams@elpasoco.com).

Board reorganization

At the Jan. 31 meeting, Bush reviewed the certified election results, which re-elected three members. The board re-instated directors to the following roles:

  • Brian Bush, president
  • Peter Bille, vice president, re-elected
  • Connie Brown, treasurer
  • Steve Cutler, Common Areas, re-elected
  • Rick DePaiva, secretary and Community Outreach
  • Brad Gleason, Public Safety
  • Ed Miller, Architectural Control, re-elected
  • Per Suhr, Covenant Control
  • Cindy Thrush, Forestry

Board highlights

  • The board appointed Bush, Bille, Brown, and DePaiva as authorized signers on its financial accounts.
  • The board voted unanimously to meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. The November and December meetings will be moved earlier due to the holidays. All meetings are held at The Barn.
  • The board set its covenant hearing dates for the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 pm.
  • The board set its ACC meetings for the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. except for December when there is only one meeting. The board appointed the 2024 ACC committee members.
  • The board authorized the ACC administrator to approve certain miscellaneous projects, handle compliance fee refunds up to $500, and handle routine change orders for all projects without prior ACC approval.
  • The board authorized the director of Forestry to review and approve tree removal requests and Firewise lot evaluations. The board appointed Forestry Committee members for 2024.

WIA and area developments

WIA is a member of the Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO), which tracks new developments. WIA is working with The Heights property owners association (POA) to monitor the proposed development called Monument Ridge East. The Heights, a 62-member association, is behind the proposed Monument Ridge East development. WIA also works with the David Weekley Homes on the development of the Cloverleaf area, which has 131 homes. WIA will administer the covenants of this sub-HOA. Bush noted that they wanted to have wrought-iron fences which were not approved.

Bush noted that the North Bay development proposals have ranged from 41 to 13 units but is currently inactive. The Waterside development, which is just north of The Barn, is active and has changed from 52 to 44 units. WIA is working with the La Plata Communities/Vantage Homes and will be reviewing the governing documents. Bush reiterated that there is not one-square-inch of Tri-Lakes that is not planned for development at some point.

For more information on NEPCO, see www.nepco.org; for more information on development projects in Woodmoor, see woodmoor.org/woodmoor-developments/.

**********

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 on March 28.

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

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

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February Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

February was warm and wet, with overall moisture values coming in greater than the 100-year recurrence interval. In other words, there was less than a 1% chance in any given February that we would receive as much moisture as we did last month. These higher levels of moisture available also meant temperatures were warm as the origin of most of the storms that came through was the Pacific Ocean and not the Arctic. Lows never dipped below zero for us during the month.

Another benefit of the numerous storms moving through from the west/northwest was the amount of snow that accumulated in the mountains. This brought snowpack levels up to average by the end of the month. This pattern is typical of an El Niño winter overall for most of Colorado, so the mild and wet conditions were expected.

The Palmer Divide region was affected by a new storm about once per week. The first one moved through on the 2nd and 3rd. This storm was of sub-tropical Pacific origins and was therefore very mild for early February. In fact, the storms started out with a little rain/snow mix during the afternoon of the 2nd before everything turned into a heavy, wet snow. This was more like April than February. Heavy snow quickly accumulated along the higher elevations of the Palmer Divide, with amounts quickly falling off in lower elevations. New snow amounts ranged from 3-12 inches with high variability over short distances.

Mild air moved in behind this system, with highs reaching into the 50s by the 6th ahead of another active system which began to affect the region on the 9th. This storm moved in from the northwest and therefore was cooler than the previous storm. This meant all snow and blowing snow. Snow fell heaviest on the 10th, with 8-12 inches accumulating. This left behind a good snowpack across the area, and clearing skies on the 11th allowed temperatures to drop to the single digits.

A week of quiet weather moved in from the 11th to the 15th, with temperatures warming to the upper 40s and low 50s by the end of the period. A weak cold front brought light snow and cool temperatures on the 16th and 17th, with 1-3 inches of new snow around the region.

Temperatures then warmed again over the next few days, reaching the mid- to upper 50s from the 19th through the 21st. A very quick cool down accompanied by a spring-like pattern produced a few snow showers and even a few rumbles of thunder on the 22nd. Sunny and mild conditions quickly returned with highs back into the mid- to upper 50s from the 24th though 26th, helped with gusty westerly winds at times.

One final cold front moved through on the 27th, with a quick shot of snow that afternoon and evening into early on the 28th. This brought temperatures back to below normal levels to end the month.

A look ahead

March is known for a wide range of weather conditions in the region. We can see 70° temperatures one afternoon and blizzard conditions the next. Many of us remember the blizzard of March 2003 when we received 30-50 inches of snowfall that shut down the region. However, snow that does fall begins to melt quickly this time of the year, providing beneficial moisture for our plants as we head into spring.

February 2024 Weather Statistics

Average High 43.9° (+4.2°) 100-year return frequency value max 51.9° min 32.8°

Average Low 19.2° (+6.4°) 100-year return frequency value max 21.9° min 3.7°

Highest Temperature 59° on the 26th

Lowest Temperature 7° on the 11th

Monthly Precipitation 2.25” (+1.31” 240% above normal) 100-year return frequency value max 2.10” min 0.02”

Monthly Snowfall 31.9” (+14.1”, 80% above normal)

Season to Date Snow 90.0” (+19.5”, 27% above normal)

Season to Date Precip. 3.16” (+1.51”, 200% above normal)

Heating Degree Days 971 (+67)

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 – Caught by Surprise

The local community around Fox Run Park was largely caught by surprise recently at the plans of El Paso County to build a nature center in the more remote, wooded section of Fox Run Park, clearing trees to construct a building, a tower that rises above tree line, and 60 parking spots. Notification of the project was never directed at neighborhoods directly adjacent to the park—it came only through local citizen efforts. About 75 citizens showed up at a meeting held 20 minutes away on a snowy, icy night to discuss concerns about the project. Despite the expressed intention of the meeting, at least one attendee left questioning the true purpose.

There are legitimate traffic safety issues by those living on the residential streets around the park, not to mention other worthy considerations. In one person’s attempt to explain issues documented in a 161-page speeding report on Becky Drive and urge the exploration of relocation of the center to a direct entrance off of Roller Coaster Road, the response was that said person needed “to have an open mind” to the current plan. While many attended the meeting with a perhaps naive expectation on its expressed goal to gain input, it felt to many that the intent was to defend “the plan” and to appease the concerned.

Unfortunately, the Fox Run Nature Center will likely become another example of the strong arm of public servants to further projects with little disruption, despite negative impact on local citizens. However, the attempts to force alternative considerations that appropriately protect the Fox Run area are noble and in line with our societal foundations. The next opportunity for discussion is an open house to be held on March 14, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Pikes Peak Brewery, 1756 Lake Woodmoor Drive in Monument.

Kelly Bane

Click here for Guidelines for Letters

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.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – March mystery madness

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Mysteries abound where most we seek the answers.”—Ray Bradbury

March is a month of crazy weather, basketball and spring break. It’s also a great time to hunker down with some good mysteries.

End of Story

By A.J. Finn

“I’ll be dead in three months. Come tell my story,” writes reclusive mystery novelist Sebastian Trapp to his longtime friend, an expert in detective fiction. “You and I might solve a mystery or two.” Soon Nicky Hunter finds herself caught in an irresistible case, obsessed with discovering the truth. Scattered with eccentric characters and references to other mysteries, this is a fresh, witty new novel from the author of the popular The Woman in the Window.

The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel (Molly the Maid)
By Nita Prose (Ballantine Books) $29

Molly Gray has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed head maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when a world-renowned mystery author drops dead on the floor of the hotel’s tearoom. As the high-profile death threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer’s identity.

The Last Caretaker
By Jessica Strawser (Lake Union Publishing) $17

Katie accepts a resident caretaking job at a nature preserve. But from day one, something feels off. When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it is clear this job is a lot more than Katie bargained for. As Katie digs deeper for clues in what the last caretaker left behind, she must discover courage she never knew she had—and decide how much she’ll risk to do the right thing.

The Last Devil to Die: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery
By Richard Osman (Pamela Doorman Books) $29

Shocking news reaches the gang that an old friend has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing. The gang’s search leads them into the antiques business, where the tricks of the trade are as old as the objects themselves. As they encounter drug dealers, art forgers, and online fraudsters, they have no idea whom to trust.

In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad)
By Tana French (Penguin Books) $18

In a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984 three children do not return home, and the police find only one of the children gripping a tree trunk in terror, unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours. Twenty years later, the found boy (Ryan) is a detective and keeps his past a secret. When a 12-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and his partner find themselves investigating a case chillingly similar to his own. This is the first in French’s excellent Dublin Murder Squad series.

Miracle Creek
By Angie Kim (Picador USA) $19

In a small town in Virginia, a group of people know each other because they’re part of a special treatment center, a hyperbaric chamber that may cure a range of conditions from infertility to autism. But when the chamber explodes, and two people die, it’s clear the explosion wasn’t an accident. A showdown unfolds among characters keeping secrets and hiding betrayals.

Two Dead Wives
By Adele Parks (Mira Books) $19

A woman with a shocking secret is missing, presumed dead. And her two husbands are suspects in her murder. Until a body is found, this scandalous and sad case remains wide open. Meanwhile, Stacie Jones lives a quiet life in a small village, nursed by her father as she recovers from illness and shielded from any news of the outside world. Their reclusive life is about to be shattered.

Mastering the Art of French Murder (An American in Paris Mystery)
By Colleen Cambridge (Kensington Publishing Corporation) $18

Tabitha Knight has recently arrived in Paris for an extended stay with her French grandfather. Her neighbor and friend is Julia Child. Everything goes wrong when a dead body is found in the cellar of Julia’s building. The murder weapon is a knife from Julia’s kitchen and there is a note in the pocket of the dead woman that is in Tabitha’s handwriting.

Until next month, happy reading.

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

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March Library Events – Adult Reading Program continues; tax preparation aid available

By Harriet Halbig

The Winter Adult Reading Program continues through March 31. Read for at least 30 minutes a day or participate in a list of library programs for a total of 30 days and receive a Winter Adult Reading Program mug and a certificate for a free piece of chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The grand prize this year is a gift card from the Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership, including over 170 shops and restaurants.

To register, go to your local library or register online at ppld.org. The program began on Feb. 1, so any reading since then will be counted.

Free tax preparation aid is available to those who earned less than $60,000 in 2023. The closest location for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is at the East Library (5550 Union Blvd.) on Fridays from 2 to 5. For an appointment, call 211 or 719-955-0742. Also available is tax aid from the AARP Foundation, especially for those over 60 years old and unable to afford paying for the service. This service is available at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr.). For an appointment, call 719-235-6757.

On Saturday, March 16 from 11 to noon come to the Monument Library to hear wildlife biologist Joe LeFleur speak about Birds of the Pikes Peak Region. LeFleur will talk about raptors, hawks, and owls of the region. Following the presentation, copies of LeFleur’s books (betterbirdwatching.com) will be available for purchase. This program was rescheduled from February when the library was closed due to snow.

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

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Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 15 – Union Printers Home: past, present, and future

By Marlene Brown

The monthly meeting of The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) held at the Palmer Lake Townhall on Feb. 15 was a PowerPoint presentation by Ellie Hinkle, director of History and Archives for the Union Printers Home (UPH). Located in Colorado Springs on Union Boulevard near Memorial Park, it has been dubbed “The Castle on the Hill.” The building was dedicated in 1892. (See photo postcard circa. 1940s.)

Above: 1940s postcard picturing the Union Printers Home. Courtesy UPH

The building was built as a place for rest, recovery, and retirement for the workers of the International Typographical Union (ITU). Many union printers suffered from “printers’ lung” caused by the fumes of lead-based ink and confining working conditions. The original building has been added onto and other buildings were built on the grounds. What started as The Castle on 25 acres grew to over 20 buildings on 300 acres, including a dairy farm and vegetable gardens, and UPH was self-sustaining for many decades. UPH housed up to 400 residents, some were medical patients and other aged union printers from all over the U.S. and the world. Over the years with a declining population, it opened to non-union printer residents and was sold to a private nursing home group. The facility was closed in 2020. See unionprintershome.com/history.

In 2021, a group of local investors bought UPH, looking to preserve the legacy of The Castle. What they found were buildings full of historical artifacts that needed to be stored and preserved. Much of Hinkle’s job, up to the present, has been to retrieve and clean up and catalog the contents of the buildings, while working with the new owners to come up with a plan.

What is their redevelopment plan? To create a diverse entertainment and educational community and to enhance the surrounding neighborhoods. Sports events, concerts, shops, food courts, office space, farmers markets, museums, and art galleries are planned (See Unionprintershome.com/vision). It could take 10 years or more to see their vision in the final stages, but for the 130-year-old building it could bring new life.

Above: Roger Davis, Lucretia Vaile Museum director and curator, left, and Ellie Hinkle, speaker and director of History and Archives for the Union Printers Home. Photo by Marlene Brown.

**********

PLHS holds monthly historically informative meetings, usually on the third Thursday at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open and free to the public. Next month, Michael Weinfeld and John Howe will present “The History of Monument Cemetery Founded in 1886” on March 21. For more information about upcoming events and membership information, go to www.palmerdividehistory.org.

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

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On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Palmer Lake Reservoir hike

By Steve Pate

On a hike up Palmer Lake Reservoir Road to the upper Palmer Lake Reservoir on Feb. 20, the trail conditions were snow/slush with some ice and still over a foot of snow off-trail. I did not use micro spikes but always carry them on hikes this time of year, along with winter-preparedness gear such as a warm coat and hat, water, snacks, fire starter, gloves, mylar blanket, etc. I did not need any of these items, although downhill is more treacherous without spikes.

Above: Snow-covered Upper Palmer Lake Reservoir.

Despite the beautiful weather, I encountered only one other human on the two-hour jaunt. The Reservoir Road was well-used, as was the trailhead to the Ice Cave Creek trail just west of the lower reservoir and Balanced Rock just beyond the upper reservoir.

Above: Snow-covered boulder field north of the lower reservoir.

On the west side of the upper reservoir, the piles of logs generated by last year’s wildfire mitigation are still intact. A few of these logs have been used to create a new bridge over Monument Creek near the Glen in Palmer Lake. Palmer Lake Fire Chief John Vincent said about a year ago that no plans had been agreed upon by the Board of Trustees to dispose of the logs, and he speculated they might be burned. Another possible solution would be to haul them out and let local people saw cordwood for use in fireplaces or stoves. No private vehicles are allowed on the Reservoir Road—perhaps an exception for a one-time cleanup would be in order in this case.

Above: Log piles west of the Upper Palmer Lake Reservoir.

I saw only one area where someone had been ice fishing. Keep in mind, if you ice fish, the ice should be at least 4 inches thick to support humans walking on the ice. When the ice is snow-covered, fishing can become a slushy challenge.

Steve Pate may be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me.

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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – This month in the garden: soil, bird songs, and hummingbirds

By Janet Sellers

Tie a red ribbon for hummingbirds

Hummingbird scouts return this month and are attracted to red, orange, pink, and yellow colors. Before we have our full-bloom colorful gardens outdoors (which can take until June or later some years) we can attract hummingbirds to our gardens with simple red ribbons tied near food sources. Feeder placement is critical to avoid our area’s bears and critters, and I’ve personally taken to using colorful flowers with nectar (petunias, lantana, etc.) for safety instead of feeders around the garden. I brought my lantana in for the winter and will put those hanging pots out on a day-by-day basis very soon.

Physics: Birds singing helps our plants grow

Sonic bloom music and bird songs stimulate plants, and they grow better. I’ve turned on a local classical radio station (complete with human announcers) to keep out critters, but I didn’t know about the plant benefits until recently. In a research article about physics resonance by D. Kroeze MSc. of CANNA-uk.com, Kroeze wrote, “…The University of California, San Diego in the United States discovered a signal mechanism that controls a plant’s stomata. The two cells that form the stoma consist of specialized cells (guard cells) that are tuned to the resonant frequency of calcium. When exposed to this frequency the stomata close. However, if the frequency is not exactly right the cells will open again within an hour. This happens even if the concentration of calcium is so high that the stomata would normally close. Experiments showed that exposure to high tones was more or less directly responsible for increased gas exchange, and not just after an hour.”

Dirt, soil, and topsoil

Topsoil is the rich, dark soil layer that has nutrients, holds water, and is home to the microorganisms that help our plants grow. The organic matter in soil is specific to what grows there or what we want to grow there. We use different compositions mixed into our soil for vegetables than we would for grasses or other plants, but all soils need a rich microbiome to support the landscape. The easiest way to accomplish this inexpensively or free is with a compost made up of vegetables, grass, leaves, and flowers or other plant-specific composting methods. Using alpaca manure tea is another cost-effective enrichment for watering the landscape and a jump start for garden plants and seedlings as its composition doesn’t burn the plants.

Lovage, the mountain celery

March is the month to start the rich, celery-flavored perennial lovage from seed indoors, then plant outdoors after the last frost. It matures to a whopping 60 inches in 90 days; cutting it back mid-season will bring forth new, tasty leaves. Easily grown from seed, it grows well in pots but is most vigorous in the ground.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” letting Mother Nature lead the way for natural growing wisdom. Reach her at janetsellers@ocn.me.

Other High Altitude Nature and Gardening articles

Art Matters – Fine art offers valuable returns

By Janet Sellers

Imagination is available at all times; using it to be creative and make something is a highly developed and valued skill.

Art has an effect on viewers and collectors, and they seek to revisit the realms the artist brings as a kind of portal for them. We all experience this kind of portal idea when we read books or watch television and video games or use visual and sound media to engage with ideas and our imagination. The artist creates a pathway from our day-to-day life to the realm of imagination, bringing it to us physically from their adventures in imagination via art creation.

Art is decoration, a statement, ritual equipment, ornament, entertainment, and more. Art is the imagination made visible and tangible. We can make it ourselves, we can buy art as investment, and we can even buy fractional shares of art as investment and earn a return when the art sells.

In the last year, among the top 10 smart and safe investments with a whopping 10 percent return listed by the investment firm Lion’s Wealth Management, art is No. 4. Art is an investment to enjoy seeing every day while it creates a return. It also appreciates in value independently of other investment indexes like security indexes and inflation.

This begs the question of which level of art is investment worthy and how is that determined and discerned? Frequently, investors use the secondary art market for investment levels, and the cognoscenti (literati) invest in the primary art market. What are those?

The primary art market is the first purchase of a work and usually lower in price than when the artwork is resold, which is known as the secondary market. Artworks can be resold often, but it is likely that the collector buys the artwork because they like to see it or know they can share it via leasing or other ways for shows at museums and events.

These primary and secondary art markets are closely intertwined, and the best way for people to understand the investment value, as with any investment, is educating themselves about the art, artists and the stability of the artists’ works and the art prices. The secondary art market tends to be more stable but as in any market, the seller, be it at auction, private sale, or a gallery sale, looks to make the highest return possible. Just as in any business, an artist’s artwork sales need to go up to show confidence, stability, and profitability for investment status. Even so, art for art’s sake and art for personal pleasure are still investments to enjoy and brighten our days.

News flash! This year, our Art Hop season will change from Thursdays to Fridays and include music, food, and more. Stay tuned!

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer and speaker who makes and shares her artworks locally and nationally via galleries, writing, and talks on art and making things. Contact her at janetsellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Lions assist eyeglass project

Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Lions Club and Knights of Sight gathered Jan. 14 to process over 60 pounds of recyclable eyeglasses donated by area residents. The glasses were sent to the Colorado Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Denver for further processing. Lions International vision centers will provide the glasses for free to underprivileged people around the world. Walmart Vision, America’s Best, Monument Vision, and Premier Vision helped with the project. Photo by Gordon Reichal.

Waters is Young Marine of the Year

Above: A Palmer Ridge High School junior was named Division 4 Young Marine of the Year for the second consecutive year on Dec. 28. Jackson Waters, 17, will now compete with five other division winners for the title of National Young Marine of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by the Young Marines nationally. The competition will be held March 23 in Woodbridge, Va., near the Young Marines National Headquarters. Since joining the Young Marines in 2016, Jackson has logged 850 hours of community service. Photo courtesy of the Young Marines.

TLWC CPR Training, Feb. 21

Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) and their spouses got CPR training at the Woodmoor Barn on Feb. 21. The training was conducted by the Monument Fire Department and UC Health cardiac care nurses. According to the American Heart Association, 74% of cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital happen at home, and nearly half of those victims survive when someone performs CPR. In the photo, TLWC member Margie Klaus watches as Roger Meurer, spouse of TLWC member Laura Meurer (not pictured), practices CPR technique. Checking the monitor that gives feedback on proper CPR technique are TLWC member and organizer of the event Carol Costakis and her husband Greg. Photo by Sue Leggiero.

D38 Chess Tournament, Feb. 24

Above: There were chess boards as far as the eye could see in the gym at Bear Creek Elementary on Feb. 24 as the school hosted the 17th annual D38 chess tournament. About 130 students took part. Robert Collier was the best among high school students, and Colton Kandrak topped the middle school division. Among elementary school students, Abraham Burruel won the first-grade category, Anze Caulkins was tops among second-graders. Henry Johnson won the third-grade division. Max Lindeman came in first among fourth-graders. The fifth-grade category was won by Walter Hefter. Kyle Fieber was tops among sixth-graders and Sam Knauf won the kindergarten category. In the photo, Palmer Lake Elementary School student Tucker VanderJagt makes a move toward victory in his third-round competition. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Ice Cream for Breakfast, Feb. 24

Above: About 40 people lined up early to be among the first to eat ice cream for breakfast at Lolley’s Ice Cream in Monument on Feb. 24. Monument residents Ryan Maguire and his family were first in line at 8:40 a.m., 20 minutes before the shop opened. Maguire says they were first in line last year, too. The national event was originally scheduled for Feb. 3, but had to be postponed in Monument because of a snowstorm. Maguire says if it hadn’t been postponed, they would’ve stood in line in the snow. Customers had their choice of having their ice cream on top of waffles or mini-doughnuts. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Stars of Tomorrow auditions, Feb. 24

There was singing, gymnastics, piano and guitar playing, even clogging at the auditions for the second annual Stars of Tomorrow talent show. The auditions were held Feb. 21, 24, and 25 at “Big Red,” the D38 administration building in Monument. The Kiwanis Club of Monument Hill puts on the show that’ll take place March 17 at Palmer Ridge High School. Winners will be announced that night. The elementary school winner will earn $500, and the top middle school student will take home $750. Two scholarships worth $1,000 and $2,000 will be given to the high school winners. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Above: Korina Mirenda performs a gymnastics routine. (58 sec)

Korina Mirenda performed gymnastics.

Above: Evie LaBouliere and Caroline Marsh perform a gymnastics routine. (1 min 9 sec)

Evie LaBouliere and Caroline Marsh performed gymnastics.
Alyson Horne sang.
Adalae LaBouliere and Truvie Marsh performed gymnastics.

Above: Rowan Vaughn performs a song. (1 min 19 sec)

Rowan Vaughn sang.
June Vella sang and played guitar.

Above: Ashlyn Boomer sings “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” (1 min 8 sec)

Ashlyn Boomer sang.
Henry Calvert sang.
Brianne Miller sang.

Above: William Woo plays the piano. (26 sec)

William Woo played the piano.

Above: Benton Miles sings “Cold.” (28 sec)

Benton Miles played trumpet and sang.
Blaise Klinedinst sang.
Roman Rodriguez performed a Michael Jackson dance routine.

USAFA wildfire, Feb. 25

Above: Large plumes of smoke were visible from the Tri-Lakes area on the afternoon of Feb. 25. The smoke was generated by a brush fire on steep terrain north west of West Monument Creek Road on the south side of the Air Force Academy. The fire began around 1 p.m. Wind was gusting from the west at 30-40 miles per hour throughout the day. By evening, the fire had grown to about 150 acres. Due to the fire, the base was closed to the public, pre-evacuation notices were issued for Douglass and Pine Valley housing, Douglass Valley Elementary School was closed, and Air Academy High School students switched to remote learning. A Red Flag Warning had been in effect when the fire began with higher-than-normal temperatures and wind gusts in the forecast. As of Tuesday morning, Feb. 27, at 4:30 a.m., the fire was 168 acres and 50% contained. Caption by Natalie Barszcz. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

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.

Tax preparation help

VITA provides free tax preparation to individuals and families who have a household income of less than $60,000. For more information contact Elizabeth Quevedo, Senior V.P. of Community Impact, Pikes Peak United Way, elizabeth@ppunitedway.org, 719-955-0762 (ofc), 423-333-4431 (cell).

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.

Children’s Literacy Center

The center provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level! Tutoring is at the Tri-Lakes Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 pm, and the Summer Session will run through Aug. 14. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or email Christine Jeffson at Christine@childrensliteracycenter.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.

Palmer Lake Parking Restrictions

When there is an accumulation of two inches or more of snow, the parking restrictions shall be in effect. No person shall 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 take immediate action for placing the vehicle to be parked 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.

Tri-Lakes Cares needs your support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit tri-lakescares.org/donate to learn how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Mon.-Thu., 9 am-4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@tri-lakescares.org.

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 >.

Need PC help?

Make It Work Clinic for PCs, FREE. Donations appreciated. We are gauging interest in helping community members with their PCs, please email us if interested. enable@monumentalimpact.org. 55 Adams St in Downtown Monument. Monumental Impact info: monumentalimpact.org. See ad on page < 4 >.

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. 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! 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. 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. bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.

Other Notices of Our Community 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 District 1, 2 & 3 board typically meets quarterly on the first Mon. Meetings are held via teleconference. For virtual joining instructions and updates see 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.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Mar. 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.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments, Tue., Mar. 5, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
  • Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board meetings: Wed., Mar. 6, 4:30 pm. in person at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument, and via Zoom.Meetings for 2024: Apr. 24; June 26 (includes Volunteer Pension Board); Jul. 24; Sep. 25; Nov. 20. For Zoom meeting instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Mar. 7 & 21, 9 am. 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/2023-meetings/.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Mar. 11, 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., Mar. 12, 10 am, 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html Bill Burks, 719-481-4053.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Mar. 13, 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., Mar. 14 & 28, 5 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, Thu., Mar. 14, 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www.monumentacademy.net/school-board.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Mon., Mar. 18, 6-10 pm. 146 N Jefferson St, Monument. 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 go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Mar. 20, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Mar. 20, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Mar. 20, 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: 719-481-0711, academywsd.colorado.gov.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Mar. 20, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting, in person or via Zoom, Wed., Mar. 20, 7 pm, Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Find updates and Zoom meeting joining instructions at www.bffire.org or contact Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn at 719-495-4300. Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday.
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu. Mar. 21, 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., Mar. 21, 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.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, Thu., Mar. 21, 5:30 pm, 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-6868, www.triviewmetro.com.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Zoom, Wed.,Mar. 27, 6:30 pm., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday. Find updates and Zoom meeting joining instructions at www.monumentfire.org, or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin, at 719-484-0911.
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Mar. 27, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. The WIA Board usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), Tue., Apr. 9, 6-10 pm, Lewis-Palmer High School, 1300 Higby Road, Meets six times a year. Usually meets monthly, second Tue. Contact info: tmckee@lewispalmer.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 may 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 (formerly the Tri-Lakes Chapel), 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 welcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, come and visit prayer sites, every Sun. worship is 10:15 am, 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Half Day Prayer Group, first Sat., 9 am-12 pm. All vaccinated guests are welcome. Contact Sister Therese at (719) 355-1638 or (719) 355-1650 or stherese@benethillmonastery.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Centering Prayer Group, every Tue., 10-11 am. All vaccinated guests are welcome. Contact Sister Therese at (719) 355-1638 or (719) 355-1650 or stherese@benethillmonastery.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • 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. Contact Rev. Roger Butts, at 719-433-3135, for information.
  • 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.
  • Essentrics Fitness Program at Senior Center, every Tue., 9 am & Thu., 10 am, Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St, Monument, CO 80132. Registration & info: Sue Walker, 719-330-0241, www.trilakesseniors.org.
  • 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. Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Repair monthly Work Days, second Tue. Apr.-Oct. 5 pm. Meet at Mt Herman Trailhead at the corner of Mt Herman Rd and Nursery Rd, bring gloves. FOMP needs volunteers to help repair the trails in the National Forest Open Space surrounding the Monument Fire Center. The Forest Service recently completed the second phase of Fire Mitigation work and many of the social trails have been damaged. The Forest Service relies on FOMP to maintain these trails. Tools will be provided.
  • Fuel Church GriefShare, every Thu., 5:30-7:30 pm, 643 State Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Email info@fuel.org. 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun. Service times, 11:00 am Live service streaming at www.fuelchurch.org at 11:40 am on www.fuelchurch.org. 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 >.
  • Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm at Beasts and Brews, 7 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs. The longest continuously serving civic service organization in northern El Paso County features a program speaker addressing local topics of interest. Info: Duane Gritzmaker, dwgritz@gmail.com or 719-649-9220.
  • 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 Susan Owen, 719-886-7110.
  • GriefShare Support Group, last Tue., 10:30 am-noon. NEW LOCATION: Tri-Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St. in the Grace Best Elementary School building. The Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance has partnered with Colorado Palliative and Hospice Care to host a 13-session grief support group in Monument. RSVP, info: Sue Walker, 719-330-0241.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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) meeting, Sat., Mar. 9, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. HOA legal topics. Members of local HOAs are welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar., May, 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.com.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Mar. 21, 7 pm; (doors open at 6:30 pm), Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. John Howe and Michael Weinfeld will present The History of the Monument Cemetery. Usually meets third Thu. Contact:Kokesdm@yahoo.com, palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meeting, Wed., Mar. 14, 7 pm, guest speaker Judy G. Russell is a genealogist with a law degree. Meets monthly, second Wed. 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.
  • 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 Alliance Senior Center, Space is limited to 16. participants. RSVP & info: Sue Walker, 719-464-6873, or email sue@monumentalfitness.
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Alliance Senior Center, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: Sue, 719-330-0241.
  • 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 Church of Christ Cabin Conversations: fellowship with meals. every Wed., 6 pm 20450 Beacon Lite Rd. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • 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, Fri., Mar. 15, 11:30 a.m.Program: Travis Chastain — Body Mind Balance. Chastain is an Am-SAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique which help7 alleviate a number of issues, including chronic back and neck pain, Parkinson’s disease, stiff joints, and stress-related injuries. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. Usually meets monthly on the third Fri. 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 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 pm, The Country Club at Woodmoor, 18945 Pebble Beach Way, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; contact carlsonmkc@aol.com for instructions on how to connect. If you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military action, you may be eligible. Info: Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@aol.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu. Feb. 29 & Apr. 4, 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.
  • The Knights of Columbus at St. Peter Catholic Church will host Fish Fry Fridays during Lent, Fridays, Mar. 1-22. Adults $14,Adults $14,Kids (5-12) $9, Kids 4 and under free; includes grilled salmon (limited), cod (all-you-can-eat), clam chowder, side dishes, drinks, desserts and pizza for children.Dinner will be served in the school gym located at 124 First Street, Monument.
  • Monument Library Chess Club, Sat. Mar. 2, 2-4 pm. We welcome anyone who wants to learn to play chess or wants to play a game with an experienced player. Just show up or contact Steve Waldmann, (719) 822-0023. Monument Library meeting room, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument.
  • Stuff the Truck Collection for Westside Cares Food Bank, Sun., Mar. 10, 9:30-11:30 am, Benet Hill Monastery, 3190 Benet Hill Lane, 80921. Info: benethillmonastery.org/ways-to-give-back/catholic-sisters-week/
  • Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show, Sun., Mar. 17, 2-5 pm, a ticketed event at Palmer Ridge High School. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • 100 + women who care membership/ social networking. Wed. Mar. 20, 5 p.m.,Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Join the fun, bring a friend and help us grow.100 + women who care are committed to contributing $100 twice a year to local Tri-Lakes charities.
  • Spring Break STEaM camp grades 3-5, Tue.-Thu., Mar. 26-28, Western Museum of Mining and Industry, wmmi.org. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Holy Week Services, Sisters of Bennett Hill Monastery a contemporary Benedictine monastic presence. Sun.-Sun., Mar. 24-31, 3190 Benet Ln., Colorado Springs. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Holy Week Services, Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church. Sun.-Sun., Mar. 24-31. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Nighttime EGG-stravaganza at Fox Run Regional Park, Fri., Mar. 29, starting at 7:45 p.m., Fox Run Regional Park. Glow in the dark egg hunt. Work with your team of 2-6 to find eggs that will contain the answers you need to win a prize. ages 8+. $6 per person // $5 per member. Details: kyleetaylor2@elpasoco.com.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection: Sales and installation. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Cornerstone Cleaners, special offers through Mar. 31. 1030 W. Baptist Road, near King Soopers. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers through Mar. 31. Baptist Road next to King Soopers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • The Love Shop: Restyle your furs, Wed.-Thu., Mar. 13-14; 251 Front St. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • McCord’s Garden center special offers. Garden center opening Fri., Mar. 15. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers through Mar. 31. 15932 Jackson Creek Pkwy., in Monument Marketplace. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa special offers for March. 88 Hwy 105 Palmer Lake. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Mountain View Pella windows, special offers. See ad on page < 20 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, new patient specials, new treatment options. 950 Baptist Rd #130, Monument. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • PeakView Windows, special offers for March. See ad on page < 20 >.
  • Silver Key senior services, companionship services and more including friendly home visits. Volunteers needed. 719-884-2300. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • St. Peter Catholic School preschool now enrolling for August 2024; 124 First St., Monument. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • The Living Room Plants, special offers through Mar. 31. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers through Mar. 31. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • YMCA Special offers: Spring youth sports registration open now. Sport season starts Apr. 1. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Covered Treasures bookstore No Boys Allowed Event. Thu., Apr. 18, snow date Apr. 25, a ticketed event, see details at bookstore: 105 Second St., Monument.
  • Little Log Church 100th Anniversary Celebration, Sat., May 11, 1-4 pm, 133 High St. Palmer Lake. Info: www.littlelogchurch.com.
  • Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, Wed., May 15, 5:30-8:30 pm. $40/ person. Spruce Mountain Events, 14771 Spruce Mountain Road, Larkspur, CO 80118. secure.qgiv.com/for/totlc2024/event/tasteoftrilakescares2024/
  • Annual Silver Key Senior Summit – Expo of Senior Services: Thu., May 16, 9-2 pm. Great Wolf Lodge. For Seniors, friends or family members, or those serving the senior population. Free admission, food and drinks, it features over 80+ vendors, aging related information sessions. For more information, visit silverkey.org/senior-summit or email, development@silverkey.org. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • YMCA summer day camp for ages 5-12 begins May 28, ppymca.org/daycamp see ad on page < 6 >.

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, Jan. 11 and 25 – Ben Lomand annexation considered; TLCA closed to the public

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its meeting on Jan. 25, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) held a public hearing to consider three land use issues. Of the three, the eligibility of the Ben Lomand property owned by the United Congregational Church for annexation by the town was the most contentious. At the same meeting the board continued its discussion of the conditional use permit it had granted to The Movement Church to use the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts TLCA) building as a church.

The board also addressed a request to vacate a town right of way (ROW) on Petite Avenue. After some discussion, the board tabled a resolution concerning the memo of understanding (MOU) with Awake the Lake (ATL) regarding the proposed pickleball courts. The policy for public comments was also updated at this meeting.

At the board’s first meeting of 2024, held on Jan. 11, the board held a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a new business. It also voted on several resolutions appointing volunteers to commissions and boards.

Both meetings ended with executive sessions.

Board assesses eligibility for annexation

Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Stern opened the public hearing to consider a petition from the United Congregational Church to the town requesting annexation of 181.5 acres of land the church owns. The land in question is south of County Line Road, west of Indi Drive, and north of Capella Drive and is currently part of unincorporated El Paso County. The land is part of a larger property owned by the church, 163 acres of which are already part of the town. Stern said the applicant for annexation would speak first and then the public could comment. After public comments, the applicant would make a closing statement. Stern stressed the hearing was to assess eligibility only and other issues would be addressed later in the process.

Dan Madison, a civil engineer with Manheart Consulting, represented the church. His petition, included in the packet for the meeting, argued the property was eligible for annexation because:

  • More than 1/6th of the perimeter is contiguous to the town.
  • There is a community of interest with the town.
  • The land is rural and capable of being integrated with the town.
  • The annexation will not change any school district.
  • The land will not be divided without the consent of the owner.

Scott Krob, the town attorney, said the annexation process has three steps:

  • Filing a petition with a map, which has been done.
  • A determination of eligibility.
  • The annexation itself, which must be consented to by both sides.

Krob said the public hearing was part of the second step in the annexation process. He reviewed the criteria for eligibility detailed in the church’s petition.

Krob explained the consideration of eligibility would not be completed at the board meeting because the town was required to write an annexation impact report examining water, sewer, and electrical service, among other issues, and to submit that report to the county. The report was in progress and would go to the county in a few days, he said.

Krob said the public hearing would remain open until Feb. 2, allowing the county time to review the impact report.

Stern opened the public comment portion of the hearing. Resident Roger Mosely said the hearing did not meet requirements because the county had only had 22 days’ notice, not the 25 days required by statute. He went on to argue the property was not eligible for annexation because the town’s master plan was inadequate, the impact report had not been submitted, and the area to be annexed must be urban.

Resident Martha Brodzik said the town needed to consider the financial impact of annexation. Johan Moum said he was afraid the developer would change the nature of the development at some later time. Krob said issues of zoning could not be considered until after the annexation was complete.

Meggan Herington, the county Planning and Community Development director, said the Board of County Commissioners had received notice of the proposed annexation in early January and had asked her to tell the town what should be included in the impact report. She said she had sent the town a letter and asked that traffic and drainage studies be done, and that protection of Ben Lomand and existing trails should be considered. She said the commissioners would schedule a meeting quickly after receiving the impact report.

Residents made comments including:

  • That fire prevention costs be considered.
  • That residents should have input into the annexation impact report.
  • That the town would be better stewards than the county.
  • That the proposed development might lead to current residents needing to redrill their wells.
  • That 5-acre lots would be better than the 2.5-acre lots the Palmer Lake Planning Commission had approved.
  • That the presence of Native American artifacts in the land to be annexed should be considered.
  • That the draft of the annexation agreement had issues about the compliance of accessory dwelling units with code.

Trustee Jessica Farr said the discussion about annexation had been going on for years and if the land was not annexed the town would still be obligated to provide police and fire service to any residents due to the principal of mutual aid, but all tax revenue would go to the county, so the town would not be reimbursed.

Trustee Shana Ball said she supported the annexation because it gave the town control.

In his closing statement, Madison said he believed the eligibility requirements had been met and residents’ concerns would be addressed in the later steps of the development process. He said traffic, water availability, drainage, and environmental concerns would be handled in due course, and that the applicant had no intention to change the project as it proceeded through the development process.

Later in the meeting, the board voted to wait until its next meeting on Feb. 8 to vote on Resolution 13-2024, which would determine the Ben Lomand property’s eligibility for annexation.

Board closes TLCA to public

At the Jan. 25 meeting, Town Administrator Dawn Collins reviewed the background of the conditional use permit granted to The Movement Church to use the TLCA building as a church.

At its Dec. 14 meeting, the board granted The Movement Church a conditional use permit to use the TLCA building for church services. The Planning Commission had previously approved that use on a three-to-two vote with the requirement to complete inspections by the Fire Department and Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) and to resolve any violations. Collins said the PPRBD can’t complete its inspection without accurate plans, and the plans submitted included residential living accommodations. Residential living was never approved for the building. In addition, the fire inspection was incomplete because the fire chief had not been allowed access to some parts of the building.

Collins said the Fire Department had concluded the building was not safe and should not be open to the public, the town staff believed no one should be living there and she asked the board for guidance.

Fire Chief John Vincent said the only Certificate of Occupancy (CO) he could find was out of date and was approved in 1999 when the building was a garage. He said he had been asking the owner of the building for information since 2021 without any response and had been denied access to some of the building during his inspection. He recommended closure until the required information was provided.

John Cressman, speaking on behalf of The Movement Church, asked for more time to resolve outstanding issues. He said he had presented plans he had received from TLCA at a recent virtual meeting with town staff. The church was working hard to fix problems and many buildings had changed without updating their CO, Cressman said. In response to a question from Stern, Cressman said he did not know when accurate plans would be available.

Ball said she wanted to support the work that was being done but she had a concern about inadequate egress if there is a fire.

Krob summed up the situation by saying the building had no CO and a recommendation from the fire chief that it should be closed. The town could be liable. Krob recommended the town follow the recommendation of the fire chief.

Trustee Samantha Padgett made a motion to close the TLCA building to the public until the current issues were rectified. Krob clarified that the owner would need to obtain a CO and pass a fire inspection. The motion to close the building passed, with Trustees Ball, Nick Erhardt, and Padgett voting in favor and Stern and Trustee Jessica Farr voting no. Trustee Kevin Dreher and Mayor Glant Havenar were absent from the meeting.

Above: At its Jan. 25 meeting, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees closed the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) to the public due to fire safety concerns. In December, the board granted a conditional use permit to TLCA to allow the newly formed Movement Church to use the building for periodic church services. The conditions imposed by the Palmer Lake Planning Commission at its November meeting were that TLCA must complete inspections by the Palmer Lake Fire Department (PLFD) and by the Pikes Peak Regional Department (PPRBD) and address any issues that came up during those inspections. Palmer Lake Fire Chief John Vincent said that he had done a partial inspection and had some fire safety concerns but that he had been denied access to a portion of the building. He also said the PPRBD was unable to complete an inspection because it did not have current plans for the building, which had been substantially changed since it last had a certificate of occupancy in 1999. The board voted 3-2 to close TLCA until the issues were resolved. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Request for vacation of ROW denied

During the public hearing at the Jan. 25 meeting, the board considered a request to vacate a town ROW on Petite Avenue. In his application to vacate, resident Brad Akers asked the town to eliminate Petite Avenue completely and to change the address of his house to an address on Verano Avenue. His application argued Petite Avenue is too steep to ever be developed as a road.

At the hearing, Akers said he thought his request complied with the town’s master plan.

Jim Brinkman, a surveyor working for David Sanchez, who owns property adjacent to Akers’, opposed the vacation until all options for access to Sanchez’s property were investigated. Claudia Beltran, another of Akers’ neighbors, spoke in favor of the vacation.

Collins pointed out the Planning Commission had voted against approval of the vacation. Krob said the town was under no obligation to give up the right of way and said the town should consider if the right of way could be of use in the future. A vacation would mean the town’s property would be gone forever.

The board voted unanimously to deny the request to vacate.

Liability issue complicates MOU

Krob told the board that the MOU between the town and ATL would need to address the liability questions arising from the presence of a town water line under the pickleball courts that ATL proposed to build. The MOU drafted by the town staff asks ATL to provide $20,000 to be placed in the Water Fund to cover the costs of any repairs needed to the water line. Collins said the intent was to release ATL from any further liability if repairs were needed in the future.

Farr and Ball questioned whether $20,000 was enough to cover potential repairs, and Ehrhardt asked for some insight into the amount from an engineer.

Stern proposed tabling the MOU discussion so that more information could be gathered, and the board voted to do so.

Public comment policy updated

Krob related to the board an incident at a board meeting in Wheat Ridge when a participant in a virtual meeting, using an assumed name, made a series of antisemitic and racist public comments. That prompted Krob to update Palmer Lake’s policy on public comments to prevent a similar misuse of the public comment portion of board meetings by adding that comments on items not on the agenda must be made in person or by email 24 hours before the meeting.

The town’s policy on public comments includes:

  • A speaker must be recognized by the mayor before speaking and should state their name and address for the record.
  • Comments must be addressed to the board as a whole and not to individual staff members.
  • Each speaker is limited to three minutes and can only speak once per agenda item.
  • The mayor has the discretion to limit the time or number of speakers on an agenda item and can require a speaker to leave the meeting if they do not observe decorum.
  • The mayor may call for a recess if lack of decorum interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting.
  • The complete policy can be found in the board packet here: mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/palmerlake-pubu/MEET-Packet-a147a276fa7549728d977d0b2e8cb86d.pdf.

Mosely objected to the three-minute limit on public comments. Stern pointed out that the mayor had discretion to permit longer comments if necessary.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 12-2024, which adopts the updated policy.

Conditional use granted for Slap Shot Hockey

At the Jan. 11 meeting, a public hearing was held on a request from Nicole Tahmindjis for a conditional use in a C2 zone. Tahmindjis said she intended to open Slap Shot Hockey Lanes at 870-872 Highway 105. The business would provide a location for hockey players to do dryland training and practice shooting pucks using lanes that would return the pucks to the shooter, measure the speed of the shots and include special effects.

There were no comments from the public. Krob said Tahmindjis had met all requirements for the permit and the board voted unanimously to approve it.

Board and commission appointments

The board approved a set of resolutions at the Jan. 11 meeting that re-appointed volunteers to board and commissions:

  • Resolution 3-2024, which re-appoints Susan Miner, Lindsey Zapalac, and Tim Caves to the Planning Commission.
  • Resolution 4-2024, which re-appoints Reid Wiecks, Cindy Powell, Kevin Magner, and Garcia Woods to the Parks and Trails Commission.
  • Resolution 5-2024, which re-appoints Havenar to represent the town on the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments.
  • Resolution 6-2024, which re-appoints Bob Miner, Eddie Kinney, and Kevin Dreher to the Board of Adjustments.

The board also voted in favor of resolutions to retain Green & Associates as the town’s auditor and to authorize the Parks and Trails Commission to continue its work on the Elephant Rock trail.

Executive sessions

The Jan. 11 meeting ended with an executive session for the board to receive legal advice concerning public comments and hate speech.

The Jan. 25 meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiation strategies for the sale of town property and to receive legal advice concerning a Police Department complaint.

No actions were taken following either executive session.

**********

The next regular board meetings are scheduled for Feb. 8 and 22. 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

Monument Town Council, Jan. 2 and 16 – “It’s hard to do business here,” developers claim before moratorium approval

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council (MTC) convened for its first meeting of the year on Jan. 2, addressing various topics including the ArtSites Program, new ordinances, a major Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment, and property tax mill levy scenarios. The second meeting commenced on Jan. 16 with a contentious debate with developers over a proposed moratorium on new applications for development, a moratorium that passed unanimously.

ArtSites program presentation

Madeline VanDenHoek from the ArtSites Committee presented an update on the town’s ArtSites program. The program, managed by Parks and Trails Planner and Program Manager Cassie Olgren, currently boasts 25 sites with 14 rotating sculptures, six permanent sculptures, and five murals. VanDenHoek highlighted the program’s growth in 2023, with an increased budget of $19,760 for 2024. The town aims to expand the program further and is seeking additional committees to contribute to its development.

Residents can explore the ArtSites using the Otocast app. More information can be found on the town’s website at www.townofmonument.org/582/ArtSites.

Ordinance approval and Council District Advisory Commission

The council discussed and approved two ordinances during the meeting. Ordinance No. 25-2023 established the Council District Advisory Commission, while Ordinance No. 01-2024 adopted Chapter 2.60 of the Monument Municipal Code regarding standards of conduct. Mayor Pro Tem Steve King commended the level of detail in the latter ordinance, emphasizing its importance. Mayor Mitch LaKind thanked Councilmember Laura Kronick for spearheading the project. The ordinances passed unanimously, with LaKind expressing relief at fulfilling requirements from the Home Rule Charter.

Willow Springs Ranch PUD Amendment

A significant portion of the Jan. 2 meeting was dedicated to discussing Ordinance No. 03-2024, which approved a major PUD amendment for the Willow Springs Ranch Preliminary/Final PUD Site Plan. Blane Perkins, representing the applicant, explained that adjustments were made to eight lots to accommodate a Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) easement. This led to a reduction in lot sizes below the R4 minimum of 5,000 square feet.

Councilmembers raised questions about the process, the nature of the error, and the potential for alternative solutions. During the discussion, Councilmember Jim Romanello characterized the issue as a simple mistake, while LaKind likened it to housekeeping. Councilmember Kenneth Kimple, however, inquired if there had been any consideration given to removing the houses in question. Despite the various considerations, the ordinance ultimately passed unanimously, with a consensus that the adjustment was deemed necessary for utilities and access easements.

Property tax mill levy resolution

Director of Finance Mona Hirjoi presented Resolution No. 75-2023, seeking authorization for the certification of the property tax mill levy to the El Paso County Assessor for the 2024 budget year. The council discussed various scenarios for the mill levy, with LaKind expressing a desire to lower it. Legal counsel cautioned against decreasing it too much, as subsequent increases might require voter approval. The council settled on a reduction to 5.0, with Romanello preferring 5.0 and Kimple suggesting 5.25. The resolution passed unanimously.

Zeal at Jackson Creek Final Plat discussion

The meeting concluded with a discussion of Resolution No. 04-2024, approving the final plat for Zeal at Jackson Creek. Concerns were raised about rights of way and setbacks, prompting a motion by Romanello to continue the discussion to February. Councilmembers emphasized the need to ensure proper road classification for Higby and maintain control over town-owned land.

LaKind urged thorough consideration of the road’s design, with Councilmember Steve King emphasizing compliance with town code. The resolution was tabled until February, with a unanimous vote to continue the discussion.

Moratorium divides Monument Town Council and developers

In a highly charged meeting on Dec. 16, 2023, tensions flared between the MTC and developers as they clashed over Ordinance No. 04-2024, proposing a temporary suspension of new applications under the Town of Monument Land Development Code. The ordinance, presented by MTC lawyer Bob Cole, sought a moratorium lasting until the July 15 meeting to allow the staff to restructure and hire a new planning director.

Town Manager Mike Foreman, advocating for the moratorium, underscored the increasing number of errors made in handling development cases. He emphasized the urgency of hiring a consultant to review and adjust procedures, hire a new director, and tackle the backlog of 25-30 cases that required immediate attention. LaKind expressed concern over the frequent turnover of planning directors and proposed an independent investigation to uncover the root causes.

The development community, particularly Classic Homes, expressed frustration over the moratorium. One representative criticized the town, stating, “You guys are rough on [developers].” The sentiment was that the town officials, acting as judge and jury, were playing politics and had personal agendas, making the process challenging. In response to LaKind’s suggestion that developers should not expect the town to come in blind, Classic Homes argued that written statements of opinion should not be formed before all the facts are presented.

The planning director for a Home Builders Association expressed concern over the negative message conveyed by imposing a moratorium on new developments, stating, “It’s hard to do business here.” This sentiment reflected a broader sentiment among developers who found the current environment in Monument less favorable for conducting business compared to other locations along the Front Range.

A notable exchange occurred between Foreman and Classic Homes CEO Doug Stimple. Stimple voiced strong concerns, arguing that the moratorium would jeopardize ongoing projects and lead to substantial financial losses. Foreman, in response, clarified the need for a strategic pause to rectify past mistakes and improve the town’s development processes. “I got jumped on,” Foreman claimed. Stimple responded, “If you had $20 million invested in the project, you’d like clarification, too.”

Despite attempts to address developers’ concerns, the council voted 7-0 in favor of the moratorium.

**********

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, Feb. 5 and 19. 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 monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

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

Other Monument Town Council articles

El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 9, 23, 25 – Palmer Lake annexation discussed

By Helen Walklett

During January, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) considered an annexation notification from the Town of Palmer Lake. The commissioners also adopted the 2024 budget and reappointed their chair and vice chair for a second year.

Ben Lomand Mountain Village annexation

Notification of an annexation request from the Town of Palmer Lake was received by the commissioners at their Jan. 23 meeting. The BOCC cannot approve or deny an annexation report; it serves to notify it of the annexation request and sets out potential impacts in general terms.

The Ben Lomand Mountain Village annexation concerns 181.5 acres of RR-5-zoned land south of County Line Road, west of Indi Drive, north of the Lakeview Heights subdivision, and east of Oakdale Drive. The request to annex the land into the town is being made by the United Congregational Church and was scheduled to be heard at the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 25. Meggan Herington, executive director, Planning and Community Development, told the commissioners that she expected the request to be continued to a later date after an hour of testimony as required by statute. See the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting article at left.

The applicants intend to develop the proposed 181.5 acres along with an additional 163 acres within Palmer Lake and rezone the land to the RE Estate Zone, which allows single-family dwellings on a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres. All existing structures, including the church and youth center, would remain. The county thought the development might number 80 or so houses.

The commissioners heard that the town had not yet provided a full Annexation Impact Report and had initially requested a waiver for this from the BOCC but had later said the information would be provided. The commissioners voted unanimously to decline the waiver, meaning the matter will return to the BOCC at a later date in the interest of full transparency. The commissioners noted that the application was a major matter for Palmer Lake and directed county staff to continue to work with the town on it. Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez said his first feedback would be that he would like to see the town accept the maintenance of certain county roads and maintain access to Ben Lomand Mountain.

The matter is ongoing.

2024 budget adopted

At the Jan. 9 meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to adopt and appropriate the $491.6 million 2024 budget. Its adoption normally takes place in December, but it was postponed due to the special legislative session that took place at the state assembly.

Commissioner Gonzalez said, “I think this budget really addresses the needs of the community and [is] a great prioritization of public safety, roads.” Commissioner Stan VanderWerf said, “I appreciate calling it the recession-proof budget because we’re not 100% sure where 2024 is going to go and we have held reserve dollars in this budget in case we have an economic downturn.”

The commissioners went on to certify the 2023 mill levy for property taxes payable in 2024. Nikki Simmons, chief financial officer, said the mill levy of 7.192 mills was significantly lower than the overall authorized mill levy of 8.46 mills due to the TABOR cap. It represents an almost 17% reduction in the county’s portion of property tax bills.

Commissioner Carrie Geitner commented, “TABOR is the hero here. I’m happy for us to pass this but I would never want to lose sight of the fact that when the entire state was scrambling and trying to figure out what to do about these increases, regardless there was always a plan in El Paso County for the El Paso-specific taxes and that’s because TABOR always does its job of limiting government growth in this situation.”

Chair and vice chair reappointed

Also at the Jan. 9 BOCC meeting, the commissioners voted 4-1 to reappoint Commissioner Cami Bremer as chair and Commissioner Carrie Geitner as vice chair. Commissioner Gonzalez, who had put himself forward as a candidate for the position of chair, was the nay vote.

Hill subdivision approved

At the Jan. 25 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners approved an application to subdivide a Black Forest property into three residential lots. The application came to the BOCC with a recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission. See the El Paso County Planning Commission article below.

Other decisions

Jan. 9—the commissioners approved the issuance of an ambulance permit to Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District. The six-month permit runs until June 1, 2024.

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The BOCC meets weekly, and the next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. The commissioners will also meet on Feb. 8 and 22 at 9 a.m. to consider land use items.

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

Other El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) articles

El Paso County Planning Commission, Jan. 4 and 18 – Black Forest subdivision recommended for approval

By Helen Walklett

The El Paso County Planning Commission (EPCPC) met twice during January and considered a minor subdivision application for a Black Forest property.

Hill minor subdivision

At the first EPCPC meeting of the year, the commissioners voted unanimously to recommend for approval a subdivision request for a Black Forest property.

The application by Douglas and Katherine Hill would see the 14.69-acre property, east of Black Forest Road and south of Hodgen Road, subdivided into three residential lots. All three lots would have access to Black Forest Road via the existing driveway which would be re-dedicated as a private road named Alpaca Heights. Because Black Forest Road is classified as a section line road, properties with frontage onto it are permitted to have a minimum lot size of 4.75 acres. The property currently has a residential home, garage, and horse stable on it, and these would remain on the proposed lot 1.

The request was heard as a consent item, meaning there was no discussion, and was then heard at the El Paso Board of County Commissioners land use meeting on Jan. 25. See BOCC article on page < 1 >.

Highway 83 access plan

The commissioners were scheduled to adopt the Highway 83 Access Control Plan at the Jan. 18 meeting. However, this was moved to the March 7 meeting at the request of staff. Details of the plan were presented to staff at the Dec. 7 meeting. See www.ocn.me/v24n1.htm?zoom_highlight=acp)

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

Other El Paso County Planning Commission (EPCPC) articles

Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 5 and 11 – Board discusses the financial risk of parental rights policy

By Jackie Burhans

Monument Academy (MA) held its regular meeting on Jan. 11 where it discussed a second attempt at its parental rights policy regarding transgender students, including the risk of being sued. MA also heard a presentation on a possible homeschool enrichment program and an executive director succession plan.

The MA school board held a special meeting on Jan. 5 to pass a time-sensitive policy on enrollment and board elections. The meeting ended in an executive session for legal advice on matters related to policy adoption and implementation and for discussions related to Title IX processes, employee performance, and student issues. No action was taken upon return from executive session.

Financial risks of parental rights policy

Board President Ryan Graham noted that the MA board heard an initial read of its Parental Rights Policy, provided feedback, and asked for a revised draft at a previous meeting. MA requested and received community input, which included approval, disapproval, and concerns. He took it upon himself to write a new draft to incorporate that feedback. The crux of the issue, he said, is that parents have the right to the control, care, and custody of a minor child wanting to transition to a gender that does not align with that assigned at birth. The new policy, he said, tries to support that position while following the laws that govern MA. Graham then proceeded to read aloud the new policy draft, which can be found in its entirety as part of the meeting highlights at www.monumentacademy.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/January-11-2024-Board-Highlights.pdf.

A parent spoke during public comment to support the policy creation and the previous resolution regarding parental rights and transgender students. Board Vice President Lindsay Clinton and board member Craig Carle expressed support for the policy.

Board Treasurer Joe Buczkowski asked that the legal opinion be read aloud. After reaching out to MA’s lawyer, Brad Miller, Graham read Miller’s email verbatim. After advising MA to remove the gender verbiage from the original policy title, Miller said that conventional wisdom would be to adopt the original (milder) version of the policy or no policy at all, which current political winds would support, noting that current courts would probably uphold individual students’ rights over that of parents and peers. Like Susan approaching Aslan the Lion, said Miller, a decision to adopt the new policy would not be safe, but the question is whether, like Aslan, the policy is good. Miller went on to say that, like public officials who supported masks, quarantines, distance learning, and vaccines, public officials who blithely dismissed parental rights may be seen to be wrong in future years.

Miller affirmed that there is a level of risk accompanying the new policy. There are viable legal arguments, he said, that the governing party adopted enforceable laws that mandate a charter school to acquiesce to expressions of dysphoria on the part of students, and it well may be that the law will be found to be consistent with the Constitution. Just as there have been arguments about other challenging topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, slavery, the age of consent, and women in the military, it also may be true that courts may disagree, and it may take years to resolve. He said that the recent dialogue on financial risk was well-timed but outside of his scope, and MA may wish to continue that discussion. Miller said that now is the time for each board member to step forward and stand as representatives rather than a democracy and decide.

Buczkowski presented some concerns he has with the current draft language. These items can impact the finances of the school, he said, and the board and community need to be aware of it. The policy, he said, tries to be many things: It has elements of the proclamation, the resolution, and a sports, bathroom, and discipline policy. A policy serves as instructions to staff on what to do, but this policy does not provide clarity and confidence in those actions. This policy, he said, perhaps unintentionally, prohibits girls from being on boys’ sports teams, which has been accepted for decades. Board member Emily Belisle noted that MA currently has girls who play on the football team.

Secondly, the policy refers to the resolution saying that parents are encouraged to seek legal counsel, which, Buczkowski said, is not quite accurate. He noted that for other disciplinary actions such as bullying, verbal abuse, vandalism, or theft, there is no such language, and that could be seen as prejudice since the threat of legal action only applies to transgender students.

Thirdly, Buczkowski said the policy could be seen as a threat or intimidation. The process of transitioning at the school involves contact with the principal and ends with the paperwork requirement, which is immediately preceded by the threat of legal action. In any other case of needing a form for such things as a prearranged absence, an application for a sports team, an approved driver, or a parking permit, the process must be frictionless. MA cannot tell parents there could be legal recourse against them when the student hasn’t done anything. He noted that getting your name changed legally at the courthouse does not include the court saying that others may view your actions as a violation of their privacy and encourage those who do to seek legal counsel.

Buczkowski said he was trying to make sure not to expose the school to legal action but that, as written, a female student could sue the school for the right to play on a boys’ team, parents and students could sue because transgender students are treated differently from other students on disciplinary matters, and MA might be sued on issues of students’ vs. parents’ rights. Finally, he said, MA needed to develop its bathroom monitoring policy carefully or risk a lawsuit. He asked the board to consider and discuss whether these are really the battles and opponents they imagined with this policy. He said this policy was battling MA students and parents rather than state and national laws, which were the real opponents. He suggested breaking the policies apart and making the gender transition policy as frictionless as possible. If the board adopts this draft, it will expose the school to a lot of unnecessary financial liability, he said.

Clinton, noting that the policy had been reviewed by legal counsel, asked Buczkowski if he had brought his concerns to Miller and wanted to see what Miller thought. Graham said he didn’t see this as a sports policy, and striking through the one line was easy. He also said he was fine with removing the threat of legal action since it was covered in the resolution. The “hill he would die on,” Graham said, was the requirement for principals to notify parents of a student who expressed an interest in transitioning. Though it might not be legally OK, and he had been told MA might be sued, he hadn’t yet seen a lawsuit. If MA is sued, Graham said, he would bring it back to the community as the voice of the district to dictate MA’s direction. Board member Matt Ross said the goal of avoiding all lawsuits was different from the goal of protecting kids and expressed support for the changes.

Clinton confirmed she wanted to see a vote at the Feb. 8 meeting, given upcoming field trips and leadership changes. She noted that Buczkowski had voted on the resolution in June. Buczkowski replied that all board members signed the resolution, which also said the board affirms that MA shall support the privacy and dignity of each student and shall not discriminate against individuals based on sex, gender expression, and identity. He said he would love to hear more from legal on the student vs. parent rights issue and what body of law supports this policy. Graham said he would revise the draft policy and ask legal counsel to join the Feb. 8 meeting.

The draft policy can be seen in the Jan. 11 board highlights linked above, and the entire discussion can be seen online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8-CCdmpyY0&t=28s.

Audit presentation

Tom Sistare of Hoelting & Company Inc., MA’s audit firm, joined the meeting via Zoom to present MA’s annual audit report. Noting that Hoelting’s team was out last July for internal control testing and had designed the audit based on those tests, Sistare reported an unmodified or clean opinion on the financial statements. He said there were no internal control findings.

Homeschool Partnership program

Interim Chief Operating Officer Kim McClelland presented a potential homeschool enrichment program for MA to offer to families who choose homeschooling over enrollment at MA. She worked with Janyse Skalla, who had done some distance learning work for MA during the pandemic, to make sure that MA’s program stands out by offering personalized learning. A lot of families start homeschooling and get overwhelmed and wish they had support, she said.

McClelland recommended MA focus on kindergarten and first grade to start and hire one program manager/consultant to oversee administrative duties. One full-time teacher would lead the instructional classes that are required to receive funding. MA should hire a classroom assistant for lunch and recess monitoring, she said, and those three positions would make up the core of the MA Homeschool Partnership (MAHP) program. Classes would be held on Tuesday and Thursday with a maximum of 44 students and a minimum of 25 students required to break even. The program would be funded by the state, with each student receiving 50% of per pupil revenue (PPR). MA could decide to start with fewer students and accept an initial loss.

McClelland said she had discussed a marketing plan with Marketing Manager Kendra Kuhlmann and discussed developing a section on MA’s website and holding a Town Hall meeting to gauge interest. She said startup costs would be $3,000, and MAHP would have a curriculum lending library for homeschool parents.

The board consented to extend Skalla’s contract through the Town Hall meeting to move forward with considering the program.

Executive director succession plan

McClelland, who has been acting as executive director (ED) for MA, gave an overview of a succession plan for her position. Graham said the board could approve this plan at the meeting so it could post the position in early February.

Noting that choosing an ED is one of the board’s most important responsibilities and that she has enjoyed being at MA but was not throwing her hat into the ring, McClelland laid out the steps, committees, and processes needed:

  1. Understanding strategic priorities, strengths, weaknesses, and competencies.
  2. Standing up three essential committees: Informal Advisory, Screening, and board HR committees.
  3. Communication and transparency.
  4. Transition and onboarding.
  5. Setting and following a timeline.
  6. Talent pipeline and emergency ED plan.

The committee will draft the job description, including compensation, and post it in early February. The screening committee would review applications, and the HR subcommittee would choose the three top candidates. In mid-March, before spring break, a special board meeting would be called for candidate interviews. In early April, the board would identify the finalist and start the transition process.

Enrollment and election policies updated

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the board considered policy JG-MA Enrollment and Placement. The policy, which MA had vetted and approved by legal counsel, sets the date to Aug. 15 by which incoming students must be 5 years old while grandfathering in any student who has been added to MA’s waitlist by Jan. 5.

The board then considered policy BBB-E-MA Board of Directors Election Process, which has been reclassified to follow the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) nomenclature and had various spelling and grammatical corrections as well as terminology corrections. The most substantive change was to supply a missing form required by applicants. The board unanimously approved the policy and indicated that board member Ross should use them to start the process for the upcoming election of two three-year-term board positions.

For more discussion on these policies, see www.ocn.me/v24n1.htm#ma. All MA board policies can be found at www.monument.academy.net/school-board.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • McClelland noted that the high school had been hit hard by a virus in December, resulting in 40 missed exams, which it was working hard to make up.
  • McClelland said that HR Director Krista Pelley was working hard on the ABACUS payroll system transition, which was going smoothly.
  • McClelland reported intent-to-return rates use a range as some students are undecided and show for elementary school 82-90%; middle school 91-96%; ninth grade 26-37%; and 10-12th grade 81-83%.
  • Graham reported on the Highway 105 project that lights were removed and access to the church was closed. The project is working to complete a road to connect to the top of the “S” curve to create a loop in front of the school. He said the goal is to get vehicles off Highway 105 to provide safety, but that traffic was still backing up onto 105. West Campus administration is diligently looking at solutions as it works through Phase 3 over the next four months, he said.
  • Buczkowski said the governance committee was working on prioritizing policies to review.
  • Board member Karen Hoida said the Safety and Security Committee is pleased that a second school resource officer (SRO) has been added.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. See more information at see bit.ly/ma-boe.

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

Other Monument Academy (MA) articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Jan. 9 and 22 – Mill levy certified; staff recognized for work during weather emergency

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education held a special meeting on Jan. 9 to certify its mill levy for the coming year. Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway explained that the assessed value of taxable residential and non-residential property increased by over 30% in the past year.

In the past, the mill levy was certified in December, but because of the special session of the state Legislature during that month, assessments were not determined until January. The mill levy had to be certified by Jan.10.

Last year’s mill levy was 40.4 mills. Due to the increased value of property in 2023, this year’s levy will be 37.5 mills. To view the presentation on the subject please see the district website, lewispalmer.org, board of education, boarddocs.

Calendar approved

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine presented the proposed calendar for the 2024-25 school year.

She said that a primary change is the cancellation of two-hour delayed school days. Instead, teachers will return three days before students after winter break to do their planning and training. This change was requested by the Staff Collaboration Committee and the Calendar Task Force.

Whetstine said that a goal of the task force is to broaden its membership to include families and students and to draft polices to aid in creating the annual calendar.

Staff recognition for emergency response

Superintendent KC Somers praised staff in the areas of maintenance, grounds, and transportation for their quick and vital response during the polar vortex earlier in the month which resulted in major damage to some schools, including ruptured pipes, flooding, and boiler issues.

Executive Director of Operations and Development and Building Maintenance Manager Leo Poirier praised their staffs for answering their phones and being willing to brave the record cold to come to the schools and do what was needed.

Coulter said there was flooding at Lewis-Palmer High School, and the boiler needed to be restarted. At Prairie Winds Elementary, water was coming down the walls, and at Palmer Ridge High School there was a break in the sprinkler system.

Transportation Manager Julie Abeyta said that block heaters were used to ensure that the buses would start.

Operations and Grounds Manager Ricky Vestal said that in one instance snow shovels were used to remove water and snow from floors.

At Prairie Winds, a great deal of drywall will need to be replaced. The initial indication of a problem at Prairie Winds was a fire alarm.

High School Custodial Supervisor Eric Wall was also recognized. He said that this was not the first flood at Palmer Ridge and there was also flooding at the middle school.

Above: Superintendent KC Somers praised staff in the areas of maintenance, grounds, and transportation for their quick and vital response during the extreme cold weather earlier in the month which resulted in major damage to some schools, including ruptured pipes, flooding, and boiler issues. From left are Somers, Transportation Manager Julie Abeyta, Executive Director of Operations and Development Chris Coulter, Building Maintenance Manager Leo Poirier, Operations and Grounds Manager Ricky Vestal, Head Custodian Andy Stout, and High School Custodial Supervisor Eric Wall. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Superintendent search firm selected

Before the Jan. 22 meeting, the board interviewed two firms to potentially conduct a search for a new superintendent.

These firms were McPherson and Jacobson, and Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA).

During its discussion before the vote, board members noted that McPherson and Jacobson had more experience in Colorado while HYA has a greater reach nationwide, which could result in a larger pool of applicants.

Somers commented that both firms are reputable and HYA did three Colorado searches recently and had 70% of its applicants from out of state.

Board President Tiffiney Upchurch commented that the district doesn’t pay as well as many others and asked whether this would be a disadvantage.

Somers referred to a study by the Colorado Association of School Executives that addressed this issue. He reminded the board that when he was hired he was not a superintendent in his previous location. He said salary will not make or break a search, and some might even accept a cut in salary because of the high performance of the district and the quality of life here. He said it is important that the firm recognize the uniqueness of this community.

Board Treasurer Ron Schwarz suggested that the board have a business discussion with the selected firm before signing a contract. For example, does the firm offer on-boarding services and what would happen should the selection not be a good fit.

The board voted to hire McPherson and Jacobson. Upchurch asked board Executive Assistant Vicki Wood to notify both firms of the decision and to thank them for the research they did about the district.

Budget discussion

For the benefit of new board members, Ridgway explained that there are three important dates in the budgeting process of the district.

A proposed budget is presented to the board on May 31. The budget must be approved by June 30 and the current year’s budget can be amended until Jan. 31. After January, amendments can be made only if new funding becomes available.

He said the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires that the district maintain a 3% reserve for emergencies.

Ridgway called attention to the Transportation Fund. He said that because of its specialized use, funds should not be carried over from year to year. He said $867,000 remained at the end of the 2022-23 school year and suggested that $300,000 of that balance be returned to the general fund and the remainder be spent to purchase the Smart Tag system to provide tracking capabilities for school buses and new ID tags for students which could be used for bus rides and for lunches and other school-related activities.

Smart Tag puts an iPad in each bus, which would allow the district and parents to see where buses are. It is also useful for new drivers because it includes GPS and would provide turn-by- turn directions for new routes or for those who might be acting as a substitute or driving to a field trip.

Transportation Manager Julie Abeyta said Smart Tag would allow parents to locate their children and be notified of delays.

She said Douglas County uses this system, and it also would provide information on road problems.

Hardware would be installed in each bus and drivers would have their tablets updated nightly.

Schwarz asked whether the system is dependent on cellular service. Abeyta said she would check.

Upchurch asked whether the system would make it possible to adjust over-full or under-full routes. Abeyta said that it would.

Ridgway also proposed the purchase of two new buses. He said that ideally the average age of a school bus in service should be six to eight years. The district’s buses average 10 years. He said that ideally the district should purchase two or three per year.

Abeyta said that when new buses are purchased, the old ones are held as spares. Maintenance is less expensive on new buses.

The motion to make these changes in the transportation fund was approved.

Other business

The board received a report on the audit from 2022-23. The auditor said that the audit was clean and that all problems from the previous year were resolved.

Whetstine introduced new curriculum for seventh- and eighth-grade social studies and high school biology. She said that the materials were available for public review earlier in the month.

Following discussion, it was decided to extend the review period.

Board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank said she had reviewed the social studies materials and said she preferred that books include controversial topics. For example, the right to bear arms was not included.

Whetstine responded that the printed materials are just a starting point and that teachers individually can supplement the curricula with their own discussion topics. She said the district has a six-year system for reviewing materials to ensure that they meet state standards.

Upchurch asked whether the choice of materials reflects local control.

Whetstine responded that the policy requires that the district teach according to state standards, but choice of materials is a local decision.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education usually meets from 6 to 10 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at its learning center, 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. Due to Presidents Day closure on the 19th, the next meeting will be on Feb. 26.

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

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education articles

D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Jan. 9 – Discussion of Priority 1, D38 Foundation report

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC), formerly known as the District Accountability Advisory Committee, had a lengthy discussion of Priority 1 of the district’s strategic plan regarding the provision of safe and healthy schools, a report on grants from the D38 Foundation, and a presentation on Lewis-Palmer High School at its Jan. 9 meeting.

Priority 1: Cultivate safe, healthy, and welcoming schools

Executive Director of Student Services Rick Frampton reported on the district’s efforts to implement Priority 1.

The district executed a number of actions to ensure safety in schools. These included the construction of security vestibules at several schools, crisis response and preparedness training, and improvement of communications between the schools and first responders in the event of an emergency.

The district worked to ensure mental and social wellness among its students by offering support in partnership with parents. The goal is to make students feel welcome in the school environment and feel to be members of the school community.

In a recent student survey, 85% of elementary students and 74% of secondary students said they feel safe at school, while over 70% at each level reported feeling to be a member of the school community.

Frampton reported on discipline issues in the district where there were 135 suspensions at the elementary and secondary levels in the 2022-23 school year and 18 expulsions.

He said that suspensions and expulsions are effective when combined with efforts to bring students back into the school environment.

In response to a question from a committee member, Frampton said that a major problem is vaping on school grounds. The district is fortunate not to have experience with fentanyl exposure, he said, but all schools have a supply of Narcan on hand and staff has been trained to use it in case of overdoses. He said that fights and weapons have not been a problem.

A committee member commented that student mental health became a problem following the 9/11 attacks, and the problem has increased following the COVID pandemic. She said the district does not have enough counselors and that students need to learn to treat each other with respect. She said the advantage of being in a relatively small district is that we know each other and should be able to look for those students who don’t have a stable family life.

Frampton described the district’s seven-member security team, some of whom are district employees and two of whom are school resource officers associated with the Sheriff’s Office. He said all members of the team have extensive law enforcement experience.

Staff training was provided in such areas as crisis response, risk assessment, threat assessment, discipline, attendance, and mandatory reporting.

D38 Foundation report

Executive Director Stephanie Palzkill of the D38 Foundation reported on the first set of Inspire Grants.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which was founded in 1994 and active through 2009. It then was dormant until 2022, when it was reactivated. The district had maintained the nonprofit paperwork during the inactive period.

The foundation’s Board of Trustees and officers are all volunteers from the community, with a liaison from the Board of Education and the superintendent serving as a non-voting member.

The goal of the foundation is to foster creativity and innovation in the classroom beyond district funding capabilities.

Representatives of the foundation visited all district schools including Monument Academy during the fall to encourage applications for the first set of grants for student projects.

This year the foundation had $17,000 available for grants and received $70,000 in requests.

The foundation committee funded six projects:

  • Lego Spike Robotics program at Lewis-Palmer Elementary.
  • Ceramics kiln at Monument Academy.
  • Outdoor learning lab at Palmer Ridge High School.
  • Sensory room at Prairie Winds Elementary School.
  • Sensory room at Bear Creek Elementary School.
  • Drama program at Lewis-Palmer High School.

Recipients of grants must submit midterm and final reports on the projects, acknowledge the funding source, return unused funds, submit photos or videos illustrating the project, and complete the project by the end of the school year.

For further information on the foundation, please go to d38foundation.org.

Lewis-Palmer High School presentation

Principal Bridget O’Connor and four student assistants offered a presentation on Lewis-Palmer High School. Included were examples of student projects, goals of the school, multiple pathways past graduation including advanced placement classes and concurrent and dual enrollment enabling students to earn college credit while in high school, career and technical education offering the possibility of earning an associate degree in biomedical science or engineering while in high school, and career education offering internships and training in such areas as business and marketing, computer science, construction, technology, graphic arts, newspaper, and video production.

To view the presentation, please go to lewispalmer.org, family resources, committees, and meeting content.

Ascent Church report

Jonathan Martin from Ascent Church reported on its partnership with the district to support student mental health.

The church sponsors a 5k race in September called the Run 4 Hope. This year’s race raised $25,000, which will be distributed to School Districts 20 and 38 to support anti-suicide and other mental health initiatives.

Adult training in mental health was also offered last summer.

Committee Co-chair Holly Rollins commented that there seems to be an increase in perpetual anxiety among students and advised that parents learn to listen to their students and not assume that they know the source. Be willing to chat to uncover information without judging or advising solutions.

Board of Education Liaison Tiffiney Upchurch commented that the board stresses this priority and said that the partnership between district staff and parents is critical.

Rollins said it is critical to destigmatize mental health problems.

Committee updates

The Financial Transparency Committee has met once in December. The group is discussing its priorities and learning about educational finance.

The Staff Collaboration Committee is learning about new Human Resources law.

The Wellness Committee met in the fall to make a plan for the year and will meet again in the spring to share wellness practices.

The Gifted Education Leadership Team is determining how best to communicate with parents regarding eligibility for services.

The Calendar Committee, after first creating a calendar to accommodate a four-day week, is now beginning again on the calendar for 2024-25. They want to explore creating board policy regarding the calendar, such as designating certain school holidays and the start and end dates of each year.

The Special Education Advisory Committee, which allows parents to provide input regarding practices and procedures for students with disabilities and advocates for students, sponsors an annual parent questionnaire and the Aliorum Dei award to honor those who make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Nomination applications are available from Feb. 14 through March 13 with the ceremony to take place on April 24.

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The Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times a year. Locations vary. The next meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Prairie Winds Elementary School, 790 Kings Deer Point E. 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 (PCAC) articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Jan. 17 – Work session scheduled for April; financial plan on hold

By Janet Sellers

This reporter was unable to make a recording and attend in person. This article was based on the agenda available online at BFFire.org and notes from the meeting provided by Donna Arkowski.

At the Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on Jan. 17, the financial management plan was discussed as well as the 2024 fee schedule and 2024 board meeting schedule.

Work session for district operation policies and meeting dates approved

A work session will be scheduled for a Saturday in April regarding all the relevant policies for district operation. The BFFRPD board meetings will be on the third Wednesday of each month through 2024, except for December which will potentially be a week earlier.

Financial management plan on hold

The BFFRPD financial management plan is on hold and being studied. A discussion was held on how to handle and arrange for a professional engineer to review the issues regarding plan reviews that come from the El Paso County Planning Department to the fire district for comment.

Policy package requested

Chief Langmaid was requested to provide a complete package of all policies of the district to all board members and have a book with this information in place at the station for anyone who wishes to review it.

Fee schedule updated

The 2024 fee schedule was updated and is available online at bffire.org. Fee schedules include services such as research and retrieval, medical reports, property inclusion, commercial inspections, file permits, subdivision plan reviews, and others.

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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. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at Admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

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

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) articles

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Jan. 4 and 24 – 2024 mill levy certified; tight timeline to complete merger

By Natalie Barszcz

The Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) board met on Jan. 4 to certify the 2024 mill levy and hear about the subdistrict dissolution and to discuss meeting date changes needed to complete the district merger by the end of 2024. The board discussed a pre-inclusion intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD). On Jan. 24, the board accepted the pre-inclusion IGA, decided the future board members, and accepted a revised 2024 board meeting schedule.

Director Mike Forsythe was excused on Jan. 4, and Secretary Charles Fleece was excused on Jan. 24.

2024 mill levy certification

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said the expected loss of property tax revenue for 2024 will be about $228,000 for the district (based on 21.4 mills), and about $747,000 for MFD (based on 18.4 mills), for a total of about $975,000. The El Paso County Assessor’s Office does not have the software to differentiate between the loss of revenue from the Residential Assessment Rate (RAR) and the $55,000 rooftop adjustment, so the district cannot backfill by adjusting the mill levy to compensate for the $55,000 per rooftop loss. Assurance from the state that 100% of the lost revenue will be received by the district in March or April, he said. See www.ocn.me/v24n1.htm#dwfpd.

Background: In 2024, the RAR dropped to 6.7% and the amount of redemption on property tax value increased from $15,000 to $55,000.

District attorney Emily Powell of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC law firm, attending via Zoom, said for 2024 the state will need to pick up 100% of the revenue loss as a result of the adjusted RAR and the $55,000 reduction to the assessed valuation for each property.

In a 3-0 vote, the board certified the general operating mill levy at 21.4 mills for 2024.

District merger process update

Powell said the first phase of the merger was complete after her office received the official election results from El Paso County in December. A request to the district court to issue an order of dissolution for the sub-district was then filed. As of Dec. 27, the order of dissolution was filed with the county Clerk and Recorder Office and DWFPD is one district with one mill levy.

The second phase of the process has begun and will involve legally merging the boundaries of DWFPD and MFD. The merging of the boundaries will be done by utilizing the property inclusion and exclusion processes set forth in Parts 4 and 5 of the Special District Act. The transfer is allowed without an election because DWFPD is moving to a lower taxing district and property owners will save money when the merger is complete. The process will be intense, and the merger is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.

The goal is to complete 99.9% of the property transfer by April 30 to ensure the process will not bleed into early 2025. The Assessor’s Office will backdate the property transfer on the tax rolls to Jan. 1, 2024 and MFD will begin receiving the property tax revenue Jan. 1, 2025. If the deadline is not met, the board will continue meeting to transfer revenue to MFD for another year, until MFD can begin receiving the revenue via the Assessor’s Office on Jan. 1, 2026.

Powell presented the board members with a document laying out the timeline of the projects and a document proposing a pre-inclusion IGA with MFD, and she requested two or three board members be identified to remain on the board to assist with the final dissolution of DWFPD. The personal residences of the remaining two board members would be the final 0.1% of the property remaining in the district, to be transferred at the end of 2024. The Sun Hills Fire Station is expected to be transferred to MFD, because a dissolved district cannot keep it, but a discussion should ensue if there are concerns, she said.

President Mark Gunderman and Treasurer Duane Garrett elected to move onto the MFD board in May to replace directors Roger Lance and Tom Tharnish. Both MFD board directors had previously requested retiring from the board in 2024. Fleece and Forsythe remain Wescott board members to assist with the completion of the merger.

Powell said the property owners of the district will receive a mailer in early February explaining the process of the merger, the benefits to the property owners, and the resulting drop in mills after the merger is completed. The mailer will include an invitation for property owners to attend a public hearing at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument on March 6 at 4 p.m.

The board adopted the pre-inclusion IGA with Tri-Lakes Monument Protection District dba Monument Fire District, 3-0 on Jan. 24.

Powell requested the following revised meeting dates be approved to align with the merger process schedule:

  • March 6
  • April 24
  • June 12
  • June 26 (includes Volunteer Pension Board meeting)
  • July 24
  • Sept. 25
  • Nov. 20

In a 3-0 vote, the board adopted the revised board meeting schedule on Jan. 24.

For more information on the combined district activity, see the MFD article below and the Snapshots section on page < 15 >.

The Jan. 4 meeting adjourned at 12:58 p.m. The Jan. 24 meeting adjourned at 5:13 p.m.

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Meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 4:30 p.m., preceded by a public hearing at 4 p.m. For Zoom meetings 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 Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) articles

Monument Fire District, Jan. 24 – Property inclusions approved; three promoted to lieutenant

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Jan. 24, the board held a public meeting before approving five property inclusions, accepted two petitions for future inclusion, and approved a pre-inclusion intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD). The board received multiple updates on facilities, apparatus, communications and personnel, and an overview of the recently compiled community risk assessments and standards of coverage document.

Between the DWFPD and MFD board meetings, a ceremony was held to promote engineers Brian Kirkpatrick, Adam Wakefield, and Charles Ragland to lieutenants. Ragland was unavailable to attend the ceremony. .

Above: District Firefighter of the Year 2023, Engineer Christian Schmidt. Photo courtesy MFD.
Above: Brian Kirkpatrick was promoted to Lieutenant. From left, parents Diane and Tim Kirkpatrick, wife Ambyr, daughter Britain, son Evan, and Lt. Kirkpatrick with Fire Chief Andy Kovacs in the bay at Station 1, Monument on Jan. 24. After Kovacs had administered the oath of office to Kirkpatrick, Ambyr pinned on her husband’s badge. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
Above: Adam Wakefield was promoted to Lieutenant. From left, sibling Angie Wakefield, daughter Kinsley, wife Noomi, Lt. Wakefield, Fire Chief Andy Kovacs, and (front row) sons Cole and Austin hold their dad’s new helmet at Station 1, Monument on Jan. 24. After Kovacs had administered the oath of office, Noomi pinned on her husband’s badge. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
Above: Charles Ragland promoted to Lieutenant. Ragland was unavailable to attend the ceremony. Photo courtesy MFD.

Director Tom Tharnish attended via Zoom.

Property inclusions

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said the district received a list a couple of months ago from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) identifying properties within the greater district boundaries but not officially within the district. The district informed each of the property owners via letter, asking if they would like to be included into the fire district. See www.ocn.me/v24n1.htm#mfd.

The board held a public hearing before approving the following five property inclusion resolutions:

  • 2024-1 Parr property.
  • 2024-2 Swenson property.
  • 2024-3 Meisinger property.
  • 2024-4 Baker property.
  • 2024-5 Sperando property.

The board unanimously accepted the inclusions of property.

The board accepted petitions for inclusion of real property:

  • Petitioner Gould—738 Forest View Way.
  • Petitioner Thulin—4035 Deer Creek Valley Court.

The board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on these petitions on Feb. 28 at its regular meeting.

The board unanimously approved the petitions.

Pre-inclusion intergovernmental agreement

The board unanimously approved a pre-inclusion IGA with the DWFPD. See DWFPD article above.

Community risk assessments and standards of coverage

Kovacs introduced a presentation on the completed 120-page document on community risk assessments and standards of coverage compiled by the district Accreditation Manager Battalion Chief Scott Ridings. In the absence of Ridings, Division Chief of Community Risk and Reduction Jonathan Bradley presented an overview highlighting:

  • A description of the community served and the fire and emergency services provided.
  • A deployment and coverage area map showing four basic planning zones, the sub-divisions contained within each, and the different fire responses needed, dependent on fire hydrant availability.
  • Community priorities, expectations, and performance goals.
  • Call types by station, measured in minutes from Jan. 1, 2022 through Nov. 15, 2023.
  • The district’s critical infrastructure, target hazards and methodology.

The “living” document is composed of 10 sections and gives the district a starting place to begin writing a self-assessment toward accreditation, said Bradley.

Kovacs said in each broad category there are multiple sections within, and Ridings will task administrative staff to begin working on those sections before the Peer Assessment Team visits in late 2024. The district is working toward achieving districtwide accreditation in spring 2025.

President Mike Smaldino thanked the executive staff for the document and said it was a heavy lift.

Peak Alerts

Kovacs said Genysas EVAC, formerly known as Zonehaven, has been implemented and is operational. The EPCSO purchased the application for countywide use. It enables responding agencies to communicate critical information collaboratively. Vital instructions can be disseminated to the public such as: evacuation notices or shelter in place requests during emergencies such as wildfires, floods, active shooter incidents, hurricanes, and more. Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive emergency information from Peak Alerts (notifications sent through software called Everbridge by public safety agencies in El Paso and Teller Counties). For more information, visit www.elpasoteller911.org or www.peakalerts.org.

Chief’s report

Kovacs congratulated Bradley and Battalion Chief Micah Coyle for receiving their chief fire officer credentials from the Center for Public Safety and Excellence and said the district now has four qualified out of only 1,300 nationwide to achieve the credential. He and Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner also hold the credentials.

The chief’s report includes activity for November and December 2023, and he highlighted the following:

  • The annual awards ceremony had been moved to the first month of the year and occurred on Jan. 14. See photo inset of the Firefighter of the Year 2023.
  • Lt. Curt Leonhardt is the new Fleet and Facilities lieutenant.
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Dak Damour will leave the district for South Metro Fire Rescue, Centennial.
  • The district added another recruit to make a total of 10 firefighter recruits enrolled in the Career Fire Academy that began in January. The district is looking forward to the result. Coyle and the firefighters select the recruits and seem to have the “knack” for choosing the right candidates.
  • The district completed a total of 577 training hours in November and 593 training hours in December.
  • Requests to the district from American Medical Response for assistance in Colorado Springs are trending down again with two calls per month for November and December

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

Facilities update

Kovacs said the remodel of Station 5 (Shamrock Station/Highway 83) was almost complete.

Bumgarner said the following:

  • The remodel of Station 4 (Gleneagle Drive) is scheduled to begin Feb. 12. The crews will be accommodated at Station 5 during the remodel through August.
  • An ambulance crew will remain at Station 4 during the remodel after a shower is installed on the opposite side of the station from the construction area. The shower installation is expected to take about four to five weeks.
  • The future Station 3 rebuild design phase is underway with OZ Architects and John Sattler, vice president of NVS Program Management. The process is expected to take about six to nine months before the building phase begins. See www.ocn.me/v23n9.htm#mfd.
  • The district must accomplish all the planning stages and purchase a site north and adjacent to the YMCA alongside Jackson Creek Parkway for the station rebuild.
  • The district is moving forward with the development of the district training center on the 14 acres adjacent to Station 1. About a dozen soil samples are being gathered from around the property to determine the compaction of the terrain.
  • Discussions continue with the Town of Monument regarding the appropriate zoning for the training facility.

Kovacs said emergency services are not affected by the moratorium on planning reviews that the Monument Town Council board approved, effective Jan. 4, 2024. See MTC article on page < 1 >.

Apparatus update

Bumgarner said the fourth ambulance had been received in the district and is expected to be placed into service within the next two to three weeks. The wildland group under Ridings’ supervision is readying the equipment for the Wildland Type 3 engine 541.

Firefighter/Paramedics AJ Armstrong and Robert Horne are using experience gained from wildland deployments on federal engines and “Hot Shot” crews to equip the engine. Engine 541 cost $379,732 without equipment and is expected to be fully equipped and placed into service in April or May.

Note: A ceremonial “push-in” event for the ambulance and wildland engine took place on Jan. 27 at Station 1. See Snapshot section on page < 17 >.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:56 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes Section 24-6-402(4), (f) to review the fire chief’s annual performance.

Kovacs confirmed that no action was taken when the board returned to the regular session. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom meeting 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 (MFD) articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 8 – Board passes administrative resolutions

By James Howald

At a brief meeting in January, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board passed its annual administrative resolution and handled other housekeeping matters. It also heard operational reports.

Administrative resolution passes

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 24-01, the first resolution of the new year, which lays out administrative procedures that will govern the board’s actions in 2024. This administrative resolution is updated annually and covers topics such as the timeline for the budget process, the reports the board must provide to the state of Colorado, and where the board will publish legal notices.

The board also voted to sell worn-out office equipment and drilling material and account for the money from the sales using the miscellaneous category of the budget.

Details of operational reports

  • District Manager Jessie Shaffer updated the board on the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA or the Loop). See the Loop article on page < 14 >. Shaffer said the Loop board, of which he is president, is working with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to determine if the Loop can lower its construction costs by using CSU’s Edward Bailey Waste Treatment Facility to process its water instead of building its own treatment plant. He said the Loop board is focusing on the design of financing options that must be voted on by each participating water district. The Loop is also working on an analysis of the easements required by the pipelines that will convey water from Fountain Creek to the Loop’s customers in El Paso County.
  • Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine reported on four main breaks that occurred in December, one of which lost an estimated 1 million gallons of water. That leak washed out a road, he said. He emphasized the importance of the district’s project to replace and repair the oldest parts of the district’s distribution system.
  • District Engineer Ariel Hacker told the board that Phase A of El Paso County’s project to widen Hghway 105 is expected to take another two years to complete. Phase A addresses Highway 105 between Jackson Creek Parkway and Lake Woodmoor Drive. Phase B of the project will widen Highway 105 between Lake Woodmoor Drive. and Martingale Road., Hacker said, adding that planning for the easements required by Phase B is underway.

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The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 12 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.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 8 and 25 – Mill levy lowered; 2024 budget approved

By Natalie Barszcz

The Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) board held a special meeting via Zoom on Jan. 8 to certify the district’s mill levy and approve the 2024 budget. At the regular board meeting on Jan. 25, the board received multiple updates on water infrastructure projects and heard about a pause in planning approvals, the lower-than-expected sales tax revenues in 2023, and how street parking was hampering the district’s snow removal efforts.

Mill levy certification

District Manager James McGrady said the district finally received the total property tax revenue assessment for 2024 at the end of December. The district was anticipating about $179 million, but the final amount after the changes made by the state Legislature in November was reduced to just over $172 million for 2024. After reassessing the 2024 budget, the district is still in a position to lower the mill levy by 3.5 mills from the 2023 mill levy of 24 mills. The operating mill levy has been raised to 4.5 mills, but remains under the 7 mills limit, and 16 mills will be set for the debt service. He also informed the board that the 2024 budget had been revised to add $500,000 back into the 2024 budget for the Promontory Pointe overlay project. It had accidentally been omitted in the final proposed budget in December, he said.

Vice President Anthony Sexton asked if the district envisions ever needing to go to 7 mills or above for operational use.

McGrady said he projects the budget five years ahead and does not anticipate the district needing to increase the general operations mill levy to more than 5 mills unless the district loses a major retailer or a substantial downturn in property values occurs. Those losses could cause the district to go to 7 mills, but if the property valuations continue to increase and the district maintains the current retailers, even adding more commercial growth, the mill levy should not ever go to 7 mills.

Sexton said the board had lowered the mill levy consecutively for the past four years.

Director Jason Gross asked what was driving the increase in general operating costs.

McGrady said the biggest drivers increasing the general operating costs are inflationary pressures, wages, materials, gasoline and the increases in road miles and open spaces the district is required to maintain. The Northern Delivery System (NDS) is a separate entity paid for by water and wastewater rates and fees and is not funded by the general operations and debt service mill levy. To “cross pollinate” the two would be a direct violation of TABOR, he said.

The board unanimously approved Resolution 2024-01, accepting the 2024 budget and certifying the mill levy at 20.5 mills for 2024.

Note: The mill levy is needed to cover about $3.5 million in general obligation bonds and interest, and the debt service bonds and interest for 2024. The district’s property tax assessment was about $125 million for 2023. The certificate of tax levies for 2024 can be found at www.triviewmetro.com.

The Jan. 8 meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.

Above: The TMD Board of Directors is made up of, from left, Vice President Anthony Sexton, Director Amanda Carlton, President Mark Melville, Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart, and Director Jason Gross at the Jan. 25 board meeting. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

District manager’s report

McGrady said the following:

  • The district has hit a pause on the NDS until the pump station construction is complete. The pump station is going well after some conflict between the construction company and the Kiewit engineers. The district has spent about $18.7 million to date on the NDS, and the project is about 82.4% complete. The total budget for the completed project is expected to be about $22.2 million.
  • The 16-inch pipeline that could transport water from the west side of I-25 (known as Segment “C”) has been installed to Old Denver Road. The pipeline will allow Conexus to begin construction. If the Town of Monument (TOM) requires an interconnect to the pipeline, the pipeline will be available for a fee.
  • The Fountain Mutual Irrigation Co. (FMIC) change case is processing through the water court. The district has 557 shares with the FMIC, and two parties remain in opposition to the change case. (The shares will be necessary to operate the NDS).
  • The box culvert installation project on the Excelsior Ditch is complete. The culverts were installed under the Nyberg Road underpass to allow the expansion of flows to the reservoirs from about 25 cubic feet per second to 170 cubic feet per second. The project cost about $340,000, with TMD contributing about 80% of the cost (about $270,000).

Water Attorney Chris Cummins said a couple of other choke points remain in different areas downstream that require box culverts, but they are less urgent and will be less costly to install due to the positioning under narrower, less-trafficked roads.

Water tank planning progressing

McGrady said the six-month moratorium the MTC approved effective Jan. 4 is unlikely to impact the six-month planning process for the 2-million-gallon water tank the district is planning to install at plant “B” (Promontory Pointe). The district scheduled a pre-application meeting with the two remaining town planners on Feb. 1. The $1 million matching water tank grant funding the district received through the American Rescue Plan needs to be spent by mid-2026. The planning process can take up to six months, and the district is expecting to install the tank by July 2026. See www.ocn.me/v24n1.htm#tmd and MTC article on page < 1 >.

Assistant manager’s report

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the following:

  • The district has engaged in multiple meetings with the TOM to discuss the plans and improvements for the Higby Road widening project. The project is dependent on build-out of residential homes, apartments and commercial growth in the northern part of the district.
  • JHL Contractors is redoing the head gate and the diversion at the district’s Arkansas Valley Irrigation Co. ditch site in Buena Vista. The contractors conducted aerial LiDAR mapping over several weeks to provide a solution to the wetland constraints for the Matrix Design engineers.
  • The intrusion alarm on the SCADA system at the South Reservoir pump station on Nyberg Road, Pueblo, had been activated.

Financial update

McGrady said sales tax revenues were less than expected in 2023 and that it was likely due to less new construction and residents “tightening their belts.” However, the district received 92% of the projected water sales in 2023, “not bad” considering the late wet spring in May and June. The warm fall temperatures generated good water usage in September to help pull the numbers up, he said.

In addition, he said the district budgeted for 50 taps in 2023 but had a flurry of activity in the fourth quarter. The income for the taps added about $4.1 million to about $2 million that was received in early 2023 for the Thompson Thrift Apartments on the west side of Jackson Creek Parkway. The district had estimated about $5.3 million in tap fees but netted about $7.9 million in 2023. The district has conservatively budgeted about 50 tap fees for 2024.

District Attorney George Rowley cautioned about the rising crime of backflow preventer theft occurring in the Denver Metro area. He suggested the backflow units be individually noted on the insurance policy to avoid costly replacement should any by stolen.

Sexton said a community his landscaping company services had a backflow preventer stolen the night before.

The board unanimously approved checks over $5,000 and accepted the December financial report.

Parked cars hamper snow removal efforts

Public Works and Parks and Open Space Superintendent Matt Rayno said some streets were difficult to plow due to the number of parked cars on streets. It was particularly prevalent in a couple of the older subdivisions of Jackson Creek and on Panoramic Drive in Sanctuary Pointe.

McGrady said the district website requests residents do not park on the street during snowstorms and the TOM ordinances apply within the district. When heavy snow events occur, the problem of clearing the snow is particularly bad. Visit www.townofmonument.org Snow Plow Information Code of Ordinances: MMC 10.08.010 and MMC 12.04.2020 and MMC 12.04.040.

Rayno said the district’s snow removal team applies liquid brine to the priority roads before each snowstorm. The district aims to provide better service with each storm by revisiting the snow removal areas to see the result. If something is not working and ice dams are building, the problem will be addressed to avoid future issues, he said. The snow removal priority map can be found at www.triviewmetro.com.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at about 6:50 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(a), (b), (e), to received legal advice regarding acquisitions and negotiations associated with water acquisitions, strategic planning, and change cases.

Sheffield confirmed that no actions were taken after the board returned to the regular session. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit triviewmetro.com.

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

Other Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) articles

Monument Sanitation District, Jan. 17 – Willow Springs sewer line to be replaced

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its January meeting, General Manager Mark Parker updated the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board regarding a project to replace a sewer main. The board passed two administrative resolutions and heard operational reports.

Sewer main due for replacement

Parker told the board that he had attended a bid opening regarding the replacement of a sewer main running between the Willow Springs neighborhood and the Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility. There were four bids for the project, Parker said, ranging from $1 million to $1.5 million. The four companies submitting bids were all companies he would be glad to work with, Parker said.

Parker said the American Recovery Plan Act was providing most of the funding for the project. View Homes would be responsible for about $350,000, Parker said. MSD’s 2024 budget has $1 million allocated for the project. The final documents for the project would be presented to the board at its next meeting. He expected work on the project to begin on March 2, Parker said.

Administrative resolutions passed

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 01172024-1, which documents administrative details such as the schedule and location of board meetings, how elections will be conducted, and who will serve as general counsel, accountant, and auditor for the district.

The board also approved Resolution 01172024-2, which designates the district’s website as the location where meeting notices will be posted. The district’s website is monumentsd.colorado.gov/.

Manager’s report

In his manager’s report, Parker told the board the pump at the Wakonda Hills lift station had been replaced. A lease for a portion of the MSD headquarters building had been signed with Cara Guirguis, the new owner of The Second Street Salon. MSD had received a grant from the Special District Association of Colorado and had purchased an automated external defibrillator with the money. Parker said he had submitted revised construction standards to GMS Engineering Inc., the district’s consulting engineers, for its review and he was working with Frontier I.T. to add offsite backups to the district’s security procedures.

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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 Feb. 21. See colorado.gov/msd. For a district service map, see colorado.gov/pacific/msd/district-map-0. Information: 719-481-4886.

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

Other Monument Sanitation District (MSD) articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 9 and 18 – Budget adopted and mill levies certified

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board held a special meeting on Jan. 9 that included a public hearing on its 2024 budget. After the hearing, it adopted the budget and appropriated the necessary funds, set rates, and certified mill levies. It held a regular board meeting on Jan. 18, during which it passed its annual administrative resolution, set a schedule for board meetings, and heard operational reports.

Budget, rates, and mill levies wrapped up

At the Jan. 9 meeting, board President Wayne Vanderschuere opened a public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget, which had been discussed by the board at previous meetings. Information in the board packet noted that, due to actions taken by the state Legislature following the failure of Proposition HH, the district’s property tax revenue had increased by $416,080 and the budget had been adjusted accordingly. There were no comments from the public, and Vanderschuere closed the hearing.

Following the hearing, the board passed, with a unanimous vote, Resolution 2024-1, which adopted the budget, estimated expenditures for 2024 to be $23 million and estimated total revenues to be $33 million. Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker explained that total revenues include the district’s savings and reserves. The board also voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 2024-2, which appropriated the same required funds.

Next, the board passed Resolution 2023-9, which sets new rates for 2024. The changes to rates were reported in the February issue of Our Community News here: ocn.me/v24n1.htm#dwsd.

Finally, the board certified its mill levies for 2024. Resolution 2024-3 set a mill levy of 21.296 mills for all the district’s service area except the Chaparral Hills neighborhood. Resolution 2024-4 set a mill levy of 10.648 mills for Chaparral Hills. Homes in Chaparral Hills use septic systems, do not connect to the district’s wastewater system and therefore pay a lower rate.

Administrative resolutions

At its Jan. 18 meeting, the board passed Resolution 2024-5, which establishes rules by which the board will operate, such as the timelines for budget approval and other required financial reporting and where legal and meeting notices will be published. This resolution must be updated annually.

The board also set the location, dates, and times for its 2024 board meetings. That schedule is published on the district’s webpage here: www.donalawater.org/images/docs/2023_Meeting_Schedule.pdf.

Highlights of financial, operational reports

  • In his manager’s report, General Manager Jeff Hodge told the board that the district came in under budget for the previous year.
  • Hodge said Classic Homes had proposed a residential development, consisting of 49 homes, adjacent to the Big R store and just east of I-25. To avoid paying a tap fee for each house built, Classic Homes had asked for all the homes to use a single water tap and meter. Typically, each residence has its own water and sewer tap, and the builder pays a fee for those taps when a house is built.
  • Water Operator Ronny Wright told the board that the study of hydrous manganese oxide to reduce radium levels in the district’s water was complete and he would submit it to the state after some fine tuning. After state approval, the district would begin using a process to remediate radium using hydrous manganese oxide technology, and all radium compliance issues should be resolved by the second quarter of 2025.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15 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 (DWSD) articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Jan. 18 – Consultants address financing, CSU facilities, easements

By James Howald

At its January meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board heard progress reports from two consultants. The board also held an executive session.

Consultants address financing, easements

John Kuosman updated the board on his discussions with engineering companies and Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU).

Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co. who also serves as the Loop Water Authority’s project planning and workflow manager, said he had received feedback from several engineering companies on projects they had worked on that were relevant to the Loop’s water reuse design. He used that feedback to determine the cost drivers that the Loop should build into its financial analysis. These cost drivers were used by Piper Sandler, the Loop’s underwriter, to develop financing scenarios that will be voted on by the authority’s participating water districts.

Kuosman said the Town of Monument is driving the Loop’s work to develop a financial model for the project, because the town needs to make a final decision whether it will remain a participant in the Loop or become a participant in the Northern Delivery System, a water reuse project that is managed by the Triview Metropolitan District. Kuosman said he had scheduled a presentation to the town at its executive session on Jan. 30.

Kuosman also reported to the board on his discussions with CSU. The Loop initially assumed that it would be responsible for construction of all infrastructure required to process and convey water to its customers, but as the project moved forward CSU became open to the possibility of the Loop using CSU’s Edward Bailey Water Treatment Plant (EBWTP), which has unused capacity. Using EBWTP would save the Loop the cost of building its own treatment facility. The potential use of EBWTP by the Loop to process water from the Chilcott Ditch raises the issue of treatment upgrades that might be required at EBWTP, Kuosman said, adding that CSU is funding a study to make this determination. Kuosman said he would review the water quality data the authority has collected and facilitate a meeting with CSU.

Rebecca Hutchinson, also with Merrick and Co., told the board she was investigating the easements that would be required to convey the water treated at the EBWTP, which is located at 977 Marksheffel Rd., to the east of Colorado Springs, to the Loop’s customers in northern El Paso County. Hutchinson said she is working with two companies that specialize in easement investigations: Kimley Horn and Western States Land Services LLC.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to receive information from consultants regarding water sources. The executive session was attended by board members from the participating water districts.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are usually 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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Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Jan. 20 – Group hears from law enforcement officials

By Marlene Brown

The Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) held its bi-monthly meeting on Jan. 20. NEPCO’s purpose is to serve and be an area-wide point of contact for interaction with local government and agencies regarding land use matters that impact member associations and their residents. NEPCO’s area of interest is bordered on the north by the county line, on the east by Meridian Road, on the south along Northgate Boulevard to Highway 83, and west along the ridgeline of the Front Range.

NEPCO has over 50 members of homeowner associations (HOAs), which represents over 10,000 homes and over 20,000 registered voters. Cherry Creek Crossing is the newest member HOA to join NEPCO.

Board President Mike Aspenson announced that the Land Use Committee chair is open. Current Committee Chair Bob Mooney is retiring but is available for training anyone that is a member of an HOA. They will be able to run and update the spreadsheets and files that coordinate with the county Planning Commission using EDARP (epcdevplanreview.com), which is a database of current land development projects in the county that is available to the public and the Monument Planning Commission. For more information, interested parties should email president@nepco.org. No experience needed.

Beth Lonnquist, chairman of the Wildfire Preparedness Committee, Red Rocks Ranch Home Owners Association, explained that January is the time to begin planning wildfire mitigation. Contact the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) for a chipping date. The chipping is free for HOAs. MFD will send two firefighters and chipper truck. They will man the truck, and the homeowners need 10-12 volunteers to get small trees and brush ready for the chipping day and to feed the chipper. To sign up your HOA for chipping day, go to www.monumentfire.org.

Wildfire Neighborhood Ambassador training class is coming Feb. 21-March 27 online. This year’s six modules will be presented by Fire Adapted Colorado for free to residents of neighborhoods that already have established slash chipping programs and want to build more depth in their Firewise volunteer group. For information, call Lisa Hatfield 719-339-7831 before Feb. 14.

Guest speakers—law enforcement

Undersheriff Jeff Kramer spoke on behalf of the county (EPC) Sheriff’s Office. It is the largest sheriff’s office in the state, with 542 sworn personnel and 336 professional staff. EPC is the most populous county in Colorado. The office also runs the EPC Jail, which is like a small city. As of Jan. 20, there were 1,100 inmates in the jail. On any given day there are 100-200 inmates that must be transported to court in downtown Colorado Springs. The officers have mental health and crisis intervention training. There are 11 school resource officers working for the office that are contracted and are placed in county schools.

County areas are divided into districts. Northern District 1 is Woodmoor, Gleneagle, Monument and Palmer Lake. District 2 is Black Forest and eastward. District 1 has 11,200 houses with goals of call response times of 15 minutes for one car and 20 minutes for two cars depending on the call priority. Black Forest has a 20-minute response time and Falcon 20-25 minutes.

The Town of Monument’s new police chief as of May 9, Patrick Regan, is working to hire five more officers. The officers would include two to be hired this year, two more would be school officers and one would be a detective. Plus, more are needed as supervisors. Regan has over 23 years in leadership and training positions. He moved here from Arizona and mentioned the crime rate is very low in the Tri-Lakes area compared to what he is used to.

Woodmoor Chief of Police Kevin Nielsen spoke next. Woodmoor has eight sworn officers. They work in collaboration with Monument and Palmer Lake police and the Sheriff’s Office. They have a Missing Persons Officer, Kelly Fisher, and two resource officers at Monument Academy. Most of their calls are criminal trespass and vehicle break-ins, smash and grab, porch pirates, and mail theft. Nielsen said to be sure to lock up your cars and if there was no mail in your box you might be a victim of theft.

Be sure to sign up for Peak Alerts, and in event of an emergency messages can be sent via text, phone, email, or mobile app. See https://elpasoteller911.org/246/Peak-Alerts.

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NEPCO meets every other month, and the next meeting is scheduled for March 9, 10 a.m.-noon at the Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. For more information regarding membership and future meetings, go to www.nepco.org

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

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January Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

For the second consecutive year, temperatures were below normal and precipitation was above normal in 2023. This continued the trend around the Palmer Divide so far this winter and hopefully will continue into spring. The month started off warmer than normal and ended warmer than normal, but most days in between were cold and unsettled.

After a quiet first three days of the month, a period of cool and snowy conditions moved in. This produced measurable snowfall each day from the 4th through the 8th. During the period snow wasn’t continuous but off and on each day, accumulating 6-10 inches for most of us.

In the middle of the month, a strong blast of Arctic air invaded the region and most of the country. High temperatures reached 40F on the afternoon of the 9th, but that was the last time we reached above freezing until noon on the 16th. This is an extremely long time frame for us as even in very cold outbreaks we usually scour out the cold air within a few days and westerly, warming winds kick in.

However, this time, the cold air mass was deeper than normal and had a couple of reinforcing surges. Westerly winds never materialized until the end of the event. Temperatures reached the teens and 20 below zero on five consecutive nights from the 13th through the 18th. During the period, snowfall wasn’t heavy, partly because the air was so cold, but we managed to pick up 2-4 inches over the period.

Mild conditions moved in quickly behind the departing cold air, with highs reaching into the mid- and upper 40s on the 17th and 18th. A quick shot of cold air and light snow moved in overnight on the 18th and kept temperatures cold on the 20th with highs in the low 20s. Once again, mild conditions moved in quickly, with high temperatures 30 degrees warmer than the day before, hitting the low 50s. Temperatures remained slightly warmer than normal over the next week, with highs in the 40s each afternoon from the 21st through the 25th.

The final storm of the month began to affect the region during the early evening of the 25th. However, this storm was of Pacific Ocean origins, and this meant relatively mild conditions. Temperatures were only slightly below freezing during the event, producing heavy, wet snowfall that felt more like April than January. The relatively warmer air mass was also able to hold higher levels of moisture, and this resulted in some quick accumulations, with the storm producing 4-7 inches from the evening of the 25th through the morning of the 26th. After this system departed, mild temperatures returned to the region to end the month. Highs moved through the 40s on the 27th to the 50s from the 28th through the 31st, a bit of a January thaw before we head into our snowiest months of winter.

A look ahead

February is often a transition month as we move from the dry and cold conditions in December and January toward relatively warmer and wetter conditions of March and April. Precipitation averages around an inch with just over 20 inches of snow expected and average high temperatures in the 30s. It can get very cold in February with Arctic air making brief pushes into the region. However, days begin to get a little longer, which leads to some nice, sunny days, and the snow that does fall begins to melt faster.

January 2024 Weather Statistics

Average High 40.1° (-°) 100-year return frequency value max 48.4° min 30.8°

Average Low 13.4° (-0.2°) 100-year return frequency value max 26.6° min 6.6°

Highest Temperature 58° on the 14th

Lowest Temperature -21° on the 15th

Monthly Precipitation 0.91” (+0.28” 39% above normal) 100-year return frequency value max 1.56” min 0.01”

Monthly Snowfall 16.4” (+”, 10% below normal)

Season to Date Snow 58.1” (+5.3”, 10% above normal) (the snow season is from Oct 1 to Sept 30)

Season to Date Precip. 0.91” (+0.20”, 22% above normal) (the precipitation season, Jan 1 to Dec 31)

Heating Degree Days 1257 (+160) 1097

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 – Thank you

From those of us who walk around Monument for exercise, to shop, etc., thank you to the churches, businesses, and individuals who clear their sidewalks after snow events. It is a safety issue and keeps us from having to walk in the streets. A special thanks to St. Peter Catholic Church for completely clearing the sidewalks around its buildings and property immediately after snow events. It is very much appreciated.

Joyce Lash

Click here for Guidelines for Letters

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.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Celebrating the classics in 2024

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“A classic is a book that has never finished what it has to say.”—Italo Calvino

Classics are available for readers of all ages and stand the test of time. They are well worth revisiting (or reading for the first time) as we all move forward into 2024.

The Grapes of Wrath

By John Steinbeck (Penguin Classics) $18

First published in 1939, Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic of the Great Depression chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and tells the story of one Oklahoma farm family forced to travel west to the promised land of California. A portrait of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless, of one man’s fierce reaction to injustice, and of one woman’s stoical strength, the novel captures the horrors of the Great Depression and probes into the very nature of equality and justice in America.

The Secret Garden

By Frances Hodgson Burnett (Harper Collins) $10

This gorgeous paperback includes Tasha Tudor’s iconic illustrations, an extended author biography, activities, and more, making it the perfect collector’s edition or a wonderful gift for young readers. When orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle’s great house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds it full of secrets. The gardens surrounding the large property are Mary’s only escape. Then, Mary discovers a secret garden, surrounded by walls and locked with a missing key. With the help of two unexpected companions, Mary discovers a way in—and becomes determined to bring the garden back to life.

Stuart Little

By E.B. White (Harper Collins) $7

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he’s shy and thoughtful, he’s also a true lover of adventure. Stuart’s greatest adventure comes when his best friend, a beautiful little bird named Margalo, disappears from her nest. Stuart is determined to track her down and ventures away from home for the very first time in his life. He finds adventure aplenty. But will he find his friend? Whether you curl up with your young reader to share this book or hand it off for independent reading, you are helping to create what are likely to be all-time favorite reading memories.

West with the Night (A Memoir)

By Beryl Markham (North Point Press) $17

If the first responsibility of a memoirist is to lead a life worth writing about, Markham succeeded beyond all measure. Born Beryl Clutterbuck in the middle of England, she and her father moved to Kenya when she was a girl, and she grew up with a zebra for a pet; horses for friends; baboons, lions, and gazelles for neighbors. She made money by scouting elephants from a tiny plane. And she would spend most of the rest of her life in East Africa as an adventurer, a racehorse trainer, and an aviatrix—she became the first person to fly nonstop from Europe to America, the first woman to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By Betty Smith (Harper Perennial Classics) $19

From the moment she entered the world, Francie Nolan needed to be made of stern stuff, for growing up in the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn, New York demanded fortitude, precocity, and strength of spirit. By turns overwhelming, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the Nolans’ daily experiences are raw with honesty and tenderly threaded with family connectedness. Smith has created a work of literary art that brilliantly captures a unique time and place as well as deeply resonant moments of universal experience.

A Wrinkle in Time

By Madeleine L’Engle (Square Fish) $9

Late one night, three otherworldly creatures appear and sweep Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe away on a mission to save Mr. Murray, who has gone missing while doing top-secret work for the government. They travel via tesseract—a wrinkle that transports one across space and time—to where Mr. Murray is being held captive. There they discover a dark force that threatens not only Mr. Murray but the safety of the whole universe. A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in Madeleine L’Engle’s Time Quintet.

Until next month, happy reading.

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

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February Library Events – Adult Reading Program begins; tax assistance available

By Harriet Halbig

The Monument Library’s Winter Adult Reading Program began on Feb. 1 and will continue through March 31. Enroll online at ppld.org or at your local library and log reading and other activities for 30 days to win prizes. Attendance at selected library programs also count as activities. Please see the website for details.

Free assistance in tax preparation is available for those who earned less than $60,000 in 2023. Appointments for help are available beginning in February. Locations include Library 21c and East at the northern end of Colorado Springs.

Vitalant Blood Donation (formerly Blood Systems) will administer a blood drive on Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please contact Jean Carrier at the library at 719-488-2370 to register.

The Tween Dungeons and Dragons club will meet from 4 to 5:30 on March 1. This club welcomes those ages 9 to 12.

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

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Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 18 – Annual Potluck and Membership Meeting

By Marlene Brown

On Jan. 18, the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) held its Annual Potluck and Membership Meeting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. Started in 1956, the PLHS, a 501C3 nonprofit, is in its 67th year. The mission of the PLHS is to preserve, protect, promote, and provide access to historical data, artifacts, and other items of significance relating to the Palmer Divide area and make resources available to the public primarily through the Lucretia Vaile Museum and annual programming. See palmerdividehistory.org for events.

The PLHS operates the museum, located at 66 S. Valley Rd., Palmer Lake. The PLHS board and members, including museum director, staff, and docents are all volunteers. The museum houses historical exhibits dedicated to the towns of Palmer Lake and Monument, Black Forest, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the Palmer Divide area. The staff works with the Town of Palmer Lake to facilitate events such as the annual Father’s Day Ice Cream Social every June and the Yule Log Hunt in December. The museum is open on Wednesdays 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays 10-2 p.m., with private tours upon request.

After the potluck dinner, Diane Kokes, 2023 vice president and acting president, presented a recap of the past year. Each month was dedicated to a presentation of historical significance such as the Awake the Lake Committee presentation on the history of Palmer Lake and a presentation by past President Jim Sawatzki on the Life and Times of Gen. William Jackson Palmer, founder of Palmer Lake in 1871.

Kokes then introduced John Spidell of the Spidell Foundation as the emcee for the board election. The past board for 2023 had agreed to serve another term for 2024. Kokes; Doug Lang, treasurer; and Patricia Atkins, secretary, were nominated. Spidell asked for any other nominations and as there were none, all three were nominated to continue and, by a show of hands, voted in unanimously to return for another term.

Jeannine Engle, who had agreed but was unable to attend, was nominated for the position of president. Engle has served as a director and docent for PLHS and the museum. The membership voted unanimously for Engle to become the 2024 president.

Above: Returning to serve for another year on the Palmer Lake Historical Society board are, in rear, Kathy Lombardi, left, and Barb Morehead. In front, from left, are Patricia Atkins, Wayne Russert, Heather Kruger, Doug Lang, and Diane Kokes. Incoming President Jeanine Engle is not pictured. Photo by Marlene Brown.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be on Feb. 15, 7-8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 pm. The presentation will be Union Printer’s Home: Past, Present and Future. For more information about future presentations and membership, go to palmerdividehistory.org.

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

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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Colorado trades in grass for cash

By Janet Sellers

Snow adds nitrogen to our soil.

Nitrogen is abundant in the air, but it must be fixed in some way to be available to our soil. Both rain and snow can accomplish this. Called the poor man’s fertilizer, it really is Mother Nature at work. We don’t need additives when we understand how nature works. Snow brings a fair amount of nitrogen and sulfur, both important nutrients for soil. In our area, snow provides much-needed moisture that is slowly released into our soil. Unlike summer rains that can cause runoff of water and soil, snow soaks into and supports the land.

Are lawns a sign of prestige or disregard?

The American obsession with lawns stems from the idea that a person has the wealth or means to maintain it to perfection. Scientific American reports that lawns are indicative of success as socio-economic indicators. Even though the landscape of the New World settlers had already been greatly altered by Native Americans for the survival purposes of optimal hunting and fishing, the colonists’ grazing in place of farm animals actually decimated the native grasses to the point of livestock starvation.

In turn, the colonists had grass and clover seeds imported. Along with these, weed seeds including dandelions and plantain also showed up and spread across America. The green carpet lawn was a curiosity in England and France until the Palace of Versailles’ landscape became an elite influence. Lawns soon caught on in Europe, and the New World wealthy raced to copy this landscape fashion. We can’t eat lawn turf, but curiously, both dandelion and plantain are remarkable foodstuffs capable of supporting people lifelong.

Cash for grass

We live in a high desert climate where our pine forests have learned to thrive, grow and conserve water resources. Due to water and resource needs, Colorado is now headed from turf lawns to restorative gardens with a state funded turf replacement program aimed at nonessential turf to reduce outdoor watering. The program seeks to convert grass to more water-efficient landscaping.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board has been providing funds to eligible entities (local governments, water districts, nonprofits and others) in grants to replace turf with low water landscaping as a key tool for water conservation. Colorado approved a $2 million bill to support turf replacement in 2022 and looks to increase that amount to $5 million this year.

Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass (native to Europe, Asia, and Africa) guzzle nearly half of all the water in Colorado cities. 2023 saw Colorado approve $92 million in funding for water conservation that included a variety of irrigation and planning projects. Streams and wetlands that are affected by road building and construction also have legislative protections in the works at the state level.

Turf replacement can include mulch and ornamental grasses, berm landscaping, and various groundcovers. Groundcovers are any low-lying plant that you can walk on. Native groundcovers, shrubs, and trees provide water-wise alternatives that benefit pollinators and our ecosystem. When carefully planned, water-wise landscaping offers beauty and low-maintenance and does not require the fertilizer, pesticides, and labor needed with turf lawns.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” letting Mother Nature lead the way for natural growing wisdom. Reach her at JanetSellers@OCN.me.

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Art Matters – Ikigai: connecting to creative genius

By Janet Sellers

The concept of humans looking for something that imbues a purpose for life is as ancient as humankind. It’s called “Ikigai” in Japanese. “Iki” means life, “gai” means result, fruit, and benefit. We can creatively look into our own Ikigai through the arts by making things, by connecting with the arts thoughtfully and by using strategies to improve our days. Research shows that our ikigai powerfully affects our health and well-being.

“It has been suggested that the practice of meditation is associated to neuroplasticity phenomena, reducing age-related brain degeneration and improving cognitive functions. Neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain connectivity changes in meditators .…” (National Library of Medicine (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312586/). The study throws light on how mindfulness may play a role for preventive strategies in memory processes, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and other pathologies.

We don’t have to be an artist to be creative for improving our quality of life, but some of the tools artists use are helpful for everyone. Meditative practices have been very instrumental in creating a personal space for health and well-being. For decades, many artists and creatives in the media and film industries have used things like the workbook The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron to create their own thoughtful framework for daily living.

When we listen to our intuition and not our inner critic, we can solve problems and of course create good things in our life at any age. In teaching The Artist’s Way for many years, I offered three shareable strategies in workshops to help people make daily creative living habits. The goal was to create a pathway to Ikigai. We all know that taking a walk for 20 minutes a day is very healthy for our bodies but it’s also healthy for our minds. The repetitive action of walking balances us and we are able to access our body and mind holistically.

Artist Pages are a form of journaling or sketch-booking that help us to clean up the clutter of our mind and put on paper thoughts and feelings instead of carrying them around in our head. It unloads a lot. After about three weeks of doing this, a person often finds they’re able to leave their concerns on the written page or sketchbook. Instead of a person merely activating hormones for “fight or flight” in their day, downloading concerns to a page prompts a creative way of thinking and problem solving.

The Artist Date is something that is known from ancient times. People need a weekly “something” planned and created to look forward to, then do it, and look back at that pleasant time for the rest of the week. This is a very healing activity that develops innovative thinking and builds neural pathways for optimizing habits and changing our lives for the better.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer and speaker who makes and shares her artworks locally and nationally via galleries, writing, and talks on art and making things. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Snapshots of Our Community

Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic

Above: About 1,1100 people bundled up to watch the 3rd Annual Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic on a frozen Palmer Lake on Jan. 6. The temperature was around 20 degrees when the Palmer Lake Star was lit, and fireworks brightened the dark sky to mark the start of the high school tournament. There were fire pits to warm the crowd and several food trucks offering a variety of treats. Pine Creek beat Palmer High of Colorado Springs 3-2 to take home the championship trophy. Lewis-Palmer finished third by defeating Chaparral 3-1 in the consolation final. The event proceeds covered all of Lewis-Palmer’s hockey team’s fees for the season. Photo by Michael Weinfeld

Early round at the Palmer Lake Outdoor classic (19 sec)

Fireworks at Palmer Lake Outdoor classic (16 sec)

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Color guard at Palmer Lake Outdoor classic (30 sec)

Palmer Lake’s version of the Zamboni at the Outdoor Classic (15 sec)

Ice fishing in a blizzard, Jan. 8

Above: No heat, no hut, no problem. This ice fisherman didn’t let sub-zero temperatures and wind-blown snow stop him from trying his luck on Monument Lake on Jan. 8. Of course, it didn’t stop this reporter from walking his dog, either. The Tri-Lakes area got several inches of snow. Windchills were in the double digits below zero. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Ignition-resistant gardens

Above: Waterwise landscaping and foundation plantings can also be resistant to wildfires, said Cassie Olgren, Monument’s Parks & Trails planner and program manager, to the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club Garden interest group. She described a safe, sustainable approach to landscaping to reduce the risks of homes catching fire where grassland, forests, and human development overlap and we are vulnerable to wildland fires. The keys are regular yard and vegetation maintenance; choosing the right plants, fences, and mulches; and designing your landscape to include fire breaks. See Olgren’s “Firewise Landscaping” presentation full of beautiful examples at townofmonument.org/524/Gardening-and-Landscaping-Videos-and-Cla . Visit the town’s Waterwise Garden on the northwest corner of Adams and Second Street. Olgren is searching for community groups to get involved with town gardening and the Heart of Monument Play Park projects. Contact her at colgren@tomgov.org . For information on Tri-Lakes Women’s Club activities, see trilakeswomen39sclub.wildapricot.org/ . Photo by Lisa Hatfield.

Winter storm preparedness

Above: At the Monument Hill Kiwanis meeting on Jan. 13 at the “Big Red” D 38 administration building in Monument, Lisa Hatfield, author of To Melt a Snowdrift, presented guidelines to avoid traveling in severe winter weather and ways to prepare that could help one survive if caught out. She was accompanied by Dr. Gayle Humm, who, after her military service, was part of El Paso County Search and Rescue and shared some of her experiences rescuing hikers and others stranded in severe conditions. See Emergency Preparedness Guide at epc-assets.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/OEM/PPROEM-Preparedness-Guide-Final-Feb2023.pdf. Photo by Steve Pate.

Robotics competition, Jan. 13

Above: Bear Creek Elementary School (BCES) hosted a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Competition on Jan. 13. The event was organized by D38’s Bearbotics Robotics Teams and BCES in collaboration with Colorado FIRST. More than 60 volunteers helped put on the event. The competing teams were from schools and communities across the Front Range. All three Bearbotics FTC Teams, Ragnarok Team 19541, Theta Team 19970 and Sigma Team 20771 made it to the playoffs. This competition was a qualifier for teams to receive tickets to the Colorado State Championship. Teams competed in the Centerstage Robot Game that was revealed in September and were judged in areas of Inspire, Connect, Motivate, Think, Innovate, Controls, and Design. Bearbotics FTC Ragnarok Team 19541 won the Connect Award and Bearbotics FTC Theta Team 19970 won the Motivate Award. All three Bearbotics Teams will compete in their second qualifier on Feb. 10 at Severance High School in Severance, Colo. Caption by Jeanette Breton, executive director, Monumental Impact. Photo by Steve Pate.

Donkeys in Downtown, Jan. 20

Above: Jake, Tin Cup, and Louie went for a run Jan. 20 and caused many a head to turn. The donkeys were running through downtown Monument with owner Joe Polonsky and his friends Jon Roberts and Roland Brodeur. They came from the nonprofit Double Rainbow Ranch in Monument, down Second Street to the Santa Fe Trail. The animals are being trained for pack burro racing, a sport where humans race with donkeys while guiding them with a rope. From front to rear, Brodeur with Tin Cup, Polansky with Jake, and Roberts with Louie. Photo by Jeanette Lamb.

Kiwanis donates to Salvation Army

Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club presented a check for $36,550 to the Salvation Army on Jan. 20. The money was raised by volunteer bellringers during the holiday season. Kiwanis members and their partners, Tri-Lakes Women’s Club and Lewis-Palmer District 38 Key Club members, spent 521 volunteer hours ringing the bells at three locations in Monument. The hourly rate worked out to be three times the national average. From left, front row are Kiwanians Jeff and Heidi Baker, Mark Zeiger, Salvation Army representatives Greg Mitchell, Capt. Doug Hanson, and Tri-Lakes Women’s Club representatives Pam Perry and Shelly Pruitt. Back row are Kiwanians Rob Knoth and Mahlon Lang. Photo by Warren Gerig.

“Push-in” first MFD wildland engine

Above and below: Driver Engineer Shaun Leonhardt is positioned behind the wheel of the Monument Fire District’s first Wildland Type 3 engine, as El Paso County Commissioner Holly Williams, board directors, residents and Monument Fire District firefighters assist with the time-honored tradition of “pushing-in” the engines at the Station 1 bay on Jan. 27. The district received the Wildland Type 3 engine 541 and a replacement ambulance in December. Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said the ambulance will be placed into service in early February and engine 541 will be the first of its kind within the district. Engine 541 is designed to navigate rough terrain, hold a large capacity of water, and has pump and roll capability. The engine will be operated by the district’s dedicated wildland crews and, besides tackling local fires, could deploy to wildland fires outside the district and state. The ceremony of “pushing-in” apparatus dates back to the 1800s, when fire departments used horse-drawn steamer engines to put out fires. After fighting the fire, crews would ready the horses in the stable for the next call, but because horses will not walk backward when they are under load, crews would push the apparatus back into the narrow station bay. The time-honored tradition continues nationwide, whenever a department is lucky to receive new apparatus. Photos By Natalie Barszcz.

Sertoma donates to Home Front

Above: The Gleneagle Sertoma Club donated $10,000 to the Home Front Military Network (HFMN) at the club’s Dec. 6 meeting. The money was raised by the annual Patriot Golf Benefit Tournament on Aug. 23. HFMN Executive Director Kathleen Hatten and Development Director Jennifer Wilson say the group has had a great impact on military and veteran families in the Pikes Peak region and all across Colorado. From left, Sertomans Pete Peterson and John Coyle present the check to Hatten and Wilson. Photo by Victoria Wynn.

O’Bryant named Sertoman of the Year

Above: At the Sertoma Christmas dinner on Dec. 13, Donna O’Bryant was named Sertoman of the Year. O’Bryant has been a Sertoman for 30 years. Photo by Victoria Wynn.

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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.

Voyager Pkwy near Spectrum Loop will close

Voyager Parkway near Spectrum Loop is closed as part of the ongoing Powers Boulevard Extension Project. The project to build an overpass for the future extension of Powers Boulevard started Monday, Nov. 20. The closure is expected to last into fall 2024. The goal is to get the bridge in place to alleviate traffic impacts once the Sunset Amphitheatre opens in the Summer of 2024.

Wildfire Neighborhood Ambassadors

Wildfire Neighborhood Ambassador training class is coming Feb. 21-Mar. 27 online. This year’s six modules will be presented by Fire Adapted Colorado for free to residents of neighborhoods that already have established slash chipping programs and want to build more depth in their Firewise volunteer group. For information, call Lisa Hatfield 719-339-7831 before Feb. 14.

Children’s Literacy Center

The center provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level! Tutoring is at the Tri-Lakes Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 pm, and the Summer Session will run through Aug. 14. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or email Christine Jeffson at Christine@childrensliteracycenter.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.

Palmer Lake Parking Restrictions

When there is an accumulation of two inches or more of snow, the parking restrictions shall be in effect. No person shall 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 take immediate action for placing the vehicle to be parked lawfully. Parked vehicles shall 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.

Tri-Lakes Cares needs your support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit tri-lakescares.org/donate to learn how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Mon.-Thu., 9 am-4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@tri-lakescares.org.

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.

Volunteers needed for student tech makerspace

Monumental Impact (MI) organizers are building a community of mentors and volunteers to enable and support high school students interested in technology, engineering and entrepreneurship. MI manages a makerspace in Monument in partnership with D38 school district. MI offers internships to high school students for industry experiences and hosts D38’s competitive robotics team, Bearbotics, in the makerspace and organizes various events to share projects and to compete. Contact Jeanette Breton at Jeanette@MonumentalImpact.org or volunteer@monumentalimpact.org for more information.

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. 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! 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. 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. bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.

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