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Memorial Day in Monument
Michael Carlson plays taps (66 seconds).
Boy Scout Troop 17 from Monument and the honor guard march to open the ceremony (21 seconds).
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Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, May 9 – It’s official: no fireworks in Palmer Lake
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) met twice in May; on May 9 and on May 30. Since the May 30 meeting was held after this issue of OCN went to press, that meeting will be covered in next month’s issue. At the May 9 meeting, the board considered a special event permit request from Shane Neal, representing Awake the Lake (ATL). The board heard an update on the progress made by the Advisory Committee for the Elephant Rock Vision Plan. Five special event permits were approved. The meeting was followed by an executive session to receive legal advice on an offer to purchase town land, and a vote was taken following the executive session. Discussion of Fourth of July event becomes contentious Neal asked the board to approve a special event permit for the Festival on the Fourth event. He explained ATL…
Monument Planning Commission, May 8 – Amusement park, more residential development recommended for approval
By Janet Sellers The May 8 agenda of the Monument Planning Commission included a resolution for a final plat known as Willow Springs Ranch filing No. 2 and an ordinance for a planned unit development (PUD) known as Conexus Lost Island 2. Reports for communication and announcements with the commission and planning staff were also on the agenda. Public comments time was not on the posted agenda. The commissioners’ main discussions were about the two development projects, Willow Springs Ranch final plat and Conexus Lost Island 2 PUD. Discussions highlighted the location, zoning, and surrounding land use of Willow Springs Ranch near Baptist Road and Forest Lakes Drive and the nearby roundabout, indicating the need for accommodating expected increases in traffic. Later, Ben Thurston presented the resolution for Conexus Lost Island 2 amusement park. The commissioners expressed concerns and supported the proposals, with some emphasizing the need to evaluate traffic…
Monument Town Council, May 6 and 20 – Disappointment expressed over alleged attorney misconduct and moratorium developments
By Chris Jeub Two Monument Town Council meetings and a press conference held by Mayor Mitch LaKind brought pressing issues to light. LaKind addressed the public regarding ongoing attorney misconduct allegations, providing an update ahead of the investigation’s conclusion. The council meetings were marked by frustrations over an extended moratorium on new land development applications, with both council members and the public voicing concerns. The council also made several proclamations to honor community contributions, discussed updates on local development projects, and announced an extended route for the Fourth of July parade, promising an enhanced celebration for all attendees. Press conference on attorney misconduct allegations LaKind held a press conference on May 15 to address developments in an ongoing investigation by the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation (OARC). The investigation stems from a complaint filed by the Town of Monument against attorney Grant Vander Jagt of the law firm Starzynski Vander…
Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, May 20 – Board approves purchase of property for use in Career and Technical Education programs
By Harriet Halbig The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education discussed and approved a contract to purchase a structure at 1200 Synthes Avenue in Monument and the adjoining unimproved lot to create a facility for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming. This concept has been under discussion for over a year. Currently a small structure near Grace Best Education Center is being used for this purpose. As proposed, the existing concrete warehouse structure will be reconfigured for this new use. Because there is sufficient electrical capability and compressors are present, the primary design changes will be largely architectural. It was also determined that a second interior level could be added later if needed. The adjoining lot could be used for parking or future expansion. The purchase includes the requirement of professional inspection of the property and the hiring of architectural and contracting consultants. At its special meeting on May 24, the…
Monument Academy School Board, May 9, 14 – Board approves alternative health insurance benefits
By Jackie Burhans Monument Academy (MA) held its regular meeting on May 9, followed by a special meeting via Zoom on May 14. The board heard about plans to change to an alternative plan for health benefits, announced its new board members, reported on fundraising efforts, and provided an update on personnel changes. Health insurance benefits changing Acting Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson reported that MA faced high claims and an increase in healthcare costs of 10% to 15% with its current vendor, Cigna. MA started looking for different options, surveyed staff, and decided to pursue an alternative to the traditional insurance model. Noting that UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Kaiser Permanente make billions of dollars and are seeing steep increases in their stock values, he brought his expertise from managing the $30 million insurance plan at D11. Krista Pelley, director of People Operations, did a lot of work pulling in logistics,…
Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, May 15 – State funds exceed expectations; new bill approves additional revenue sources
By Natalie Barszcz At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting May 15, the board heard about the district receiving additional funding from the state that requires an amendment to the 2024 budget, and the passing of Senate Bill 24-194 allowing Special District Emergency Services to generate funding from impact fees and seek voter approval to generate sales tax revenue. The board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Pikes Peak Regional Fire Academy (PPRFA), the sale of a tender, and the consignment of a skid steer vehicle. Discussion continued on the Lexipol proposal (district policy manual management), and the district’s long-range planning options. Director Chad Behnken was excused. Unexpected additional revenue Treasurer Jack Hinton said that during the budget process in 2023, the district expected to receive lost tax revenue in 2024 of about $373,301, after Proposition HH failed on the November ballot and the state…
Monument Fire District, May 8 and 22 – Staff promoted; controlled burn days announced
By Natalie Barszcz The Monument Fire District (MFD) board held a special meeting on May 8 to approve the final property inclusion from Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD). At the regular meeting on May 22, two firefighters were promoted to engineers before the meeting, and the board was introduced to the district’s nine graduates of the Pikes Peak Regional Fire Academy (PPRFA). The board heard about the seasonal mitigation efforts and the planned control burn in Monument Preserve, received updates on the potential for additional district funding sources, and heard about other projects in progress. Former Wescott board Directors Mark Gunderman and Duane Garrett were welcomed by the board and staff. President Mike Smaldino and Vice President John Hildebrandt attended via Zoom at the May 22 meeting. Directors Randy Estes and Duane Garrett were excused from the May 22 meeting. May 8 – Merger update At the May 8…
Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, May 20 – Audit of 2023 budget shows financial health
By James Howald In May, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board heard an audit presentation of its 2023 budget from Uli Keeley of Prospective Business Solutions. The board awarded a construction contract for well equipment and site work required by a new well at the Central Water Treatment Plant (CWTP). It heard updates on other projects, comments from residents, and operational reports. 2023 audit gets “unmodified opinion” Keeley told the board that the audit process was smooth and efficient due to the preparatory work done by Office Manager Cory Lynch and District Manager Jessie Shaffer. The audit report determined that “financial statements are fairly presented in all material respects.” In her summary of the district’s finances, Keeley said total assets including capital are $86 million and total liabilities are $16 million. The district’s net position (the difference between assets and liabilities) was $67 million at the end of…
Monument Sanitation District, May 15 – Board aims to educate community
By Jackie Burhans and James Howald In May, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board discussed improving communication with district customers. The board also heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker and discussed a recent requirement that the district’s website be accessible to disabled customers. Board brainstorms how to get their message out Directors John Howe and Janet Ladowski told the board that they met to discuss how to improve the district’s communications with its customers. Howe suggested that, two to four times per year, the board put together a communication to district customers explaining what MSD does, who makes up the operational staff, and who sits on the board. How to contact the district should be included, he said. Ladowski said the communication should cover anticipated road closures and should educate customers about the district’s infrastructure, explaining the role of lift stations and wastewater treatment. Howe said that…
Continue Reading,,, Monument Sanitation District, May 15 – Board aims to educate community
El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, May 16 – Board refines relationship with CSU
By James Howald On May 16, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board continued its discussion of how it will coordinate its work with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU). John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co., who also serves as the Loop’s project planning and workflow manager, updated the board concerning reports on where to locate pipelines for the project, a study of the required water treatment, and the Member Agency Commitment Agreement (MACA), which specifies the benefits and responsibilities of participating districts. Kuosman summarized a discussion held with the Town of Fountain concerning its possible participation in the Loop. The board also held an executive session after which no action was taken. CSU will assist, not lead Over several months, the Loop board has debated whether it should work with CSU to achieve its goal of water reuse or design a…
Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 16 – Audit report positive
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans In May, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board heard an audit report from Tom Sistare of Hoelting and Co. Inc. on the district’s 2023 finances. The board heard comments from resident Tammy Ball and operational reports from district staff and from consultants. The meeting ended with an executive session, after which no actions were taken. Good news on 2023 finances Sistare told the board he had good news concerning the district’s 2023 audit. The district staff was well-prepared for process walkthroughs he performed in early March and the audit went smoothly, he said. He issued an “unmodified, or clean, opinion” in the audit report, as he has in the past. The audit report included these highlights: DWSD’s total assets exceeded its total liabilities at the close of the 2023 financial year by almost $47 million. The district’s total net position increased in…
Continue Reading,,, Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 16 – Audit report positive
Triview Metropolitan District, May 23 – Water and wastewater rates and fees increase approved; billing discrepancy solves wastewater increase
By Natalie Barszcz At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on May 23, the board held a public hearing on the proposed water and wastewater rate fees increases and discussed at length the district’s need to implement the increases before approving the rates effective June 1. The board heard about a discrepancy in the American Conservation & Billing Solutions (AmCoBi) process and received multiple updates on water delivery and wastewater solutions. The board held an executive session to discuss water and land acquisitions, and development incentives. Vice Chair Anthony Sexton was excused. Rate and fees increase discussion President Mark Melville opened the public hearing on Resolution 2024-04, a resolution of the TMD Board of Directors regarding the establishment of rates and fees for the provision of water and wastewater services along with road and bridge fees for single family, multi-family, and commercial construction within the district, effective June 1. District…
El Paso County Planning Commission, May 2 – Variance for Black Forest property would allow short-term rental to continue
By Helen Walklett At the El Paso County Planning Commission meeting on May 2, the commissioners heard a request from owners Drew and Tarah MacAlmon for approval of a variance of use to allow an ancillary building to continue to be used as an occasional short-term rental. The 4.78-acre property is located on South Holmes Road, south of its intersection with Burgess Road, and is zoned RR-5 (residential rural). The MacAlmons received approval in 2018 for an ancillary building to provide a home office and additional living space. It passed all inspections in 2019, and the bedrooms in the basement of the building have been rented out on a short-term basis since that time with the owners not knowing this was not an allowed use. In 2022 an anonymous complaint about the rental was made to the county’s code enforcement officers, and a violation notice followed. The MacAlmons then met…
El Paso Board of County Commissioners, May 9 – Hay Creek Valley subdivision approved despite opposition
By Helen Walklett During May, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved two land use applications west of I-25. These were a final plat for the 20-lot Hay Creek Valley subdivision off Hay Creek Road despite neighbor concerns about wildfire risk and evacuation and a rezone to commercial for an Old Denver Road property. Hay Creek Valley subdivision approved At its May 9 land use meeting, the BOCC approved a request by View Homes Inc. for approval of a final plat for the Hay Creek Valley subdivision to create 20 single-family residential lots. The site has one existing single-family residence which will remain in the western portion of the site. The 214.62-acre property is zoned RR-5 (rural residential) and located west of Interstate 25, directly north of the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), south of the Forest Lakes subdivision, and southwest of Monument. The BOCC’s unanimous decision to…
Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), May 11 – New legislation reviewed
By Marlene Brown The Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) held its regular bi-monthly meeting May 11 at the Woodmoor Community Center (The Barn) located at the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA), 1691 Woodmoor Dr. The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by board President Mike Aspenson, who introduced the board. Vice President Bob Swedenburg reported that the NEPCO board has vacancies for treasurer, secretary, and land use/transportation chair. Swedenburg, who has been with NEPCO for over 20 years as a founding member of the board, reiterated the board would be available for training and guidance, helping new board members to feel comfortable and fit in with their position. For more information, email vicepresident@nepco.org. Aspenson gave the treasurer report and Larry Oliver, membership chair, reported that NEPCO represents over 50 member HOAs in northern El Paso County. Swedenburg gave the land use/transportation report. Some of the…
Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 22 – Board fills vacancy, explains approach to forestry
By Jackie Burhans The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on May 22 to announce it had filled its vacancy, address a resident’s concern about prairie dog infestation, and explain its approach to forestry and fire prevention. Board vacancy filled Board President Brian Bush started the meeting by announcing that the board had held a special meeting on May 15 to fill the vacancy left by Per Suhr, who recently passed away. The new board member, Susan Leggiero, will serve for the remainder of Suhr’s term, which ends in February 2025. Prairie dog infestation Resident Mary Ann Schroeder, who lives on Leggins Way near The Preserve common area in South Woodmoor, expressed concern that prairie dogs are invading and destroying her property. She said the same thing is happening in open space. She recently moved into the area and spent over $30,000 on landscaping. She asked the board to address…
May Weather Wrap
By Bill Kappel May was cool and relatively dry, an unusual combination where we would normally expect cooler than normal temperatures to be accompanied by a couple good snowfalls. But not this year. The first week of the month was dry with temperatures right about normal. Overnight lows were just below freezing most mornings, with afternoon highs in the 50s and 60s. An unsettled pattern then affected the region for the next week from the 9th through the 15th. During this period, daily rain showers mixed with snow at times were seen from the 9th through the 12th. High temperatures were well below normal on the 9th and 10th, only reaching the 40s. This was a good example of how important elevation is for determining whether precipitation falls as rain or snow, which is especially relevant during the fall and spring. In this case, heavy, wet snow accumulated above 8,000…
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Time for travel and adventure!
By the staff at Covered Treasures “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”—Eleanor Roosevelt June is the time to set out for travel adventures. Check out these books to get ideas of where to visit or simply find a cozy spot and travel in your mind. The first two authors will be signing their books at Covered Treasures this month. Death Valley Duel (A National Park Mystery)By Scott Graham (Torrey House Press) $18 When archaeologist Chuck Bender makes a stunning discovery of a century-old crime, he believes it may be related to a series of deadly accidents plaguing the Whitney to Death 150, the world’s toughest ultra trail-running race. While Chuck’s teenage stepdaughter races to win the competition, Chuck races to uncover the wicked intent lying behind the tragedies—before Carmelita becomes…
June Library Events – Summer Reading Program now open to all ages
By Harriet Halbig The 50th anniversary edition of Summer Adventure at the Monument Library, presented by Children’s Hospital of Colorado, will include participation by all ages for the first time. The program will last from May 31 until July 31 this year. You can register online via the district website, www.ppld.org, or go to the library and register in person. As in the past few years, log your daily reading, exploration, or creativity activities on a log sheet available at the library and online. When you have completed 30 days of activities, those up to age 3 will receive a bath toy and an entry for a grand prize, those 4 to 11 will receive a reading medal and an entry for the grand prize, and those 12 to 18 will receive a choice of a book or journal and an entry for the grand prize. Those over 19 will receive an…
Continue Reading,,, June Library Events – Summer Reading Program now open to all ages
Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 18 – Colorado’s Rosie the Riveter
By Marlene Brown Above: Gail Beaton Photo by Marlene Brown. The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) welcomed Gail Beaton, humanities and historical author who portrayed in Chautauqua-style Gail Murphy: Colorado’s Rosie the Riveter May 16 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. Beaton had the audience riveted to their seats during her lively performance of a young woman working in factories during World War II. Supporting the war effort and their families, women worked in factories making bullets, guns, and other ammunition. “Rosie the Riveter” was the name that was given to the thousands of women working the factories as welders, airplane builders, and mechanics. Many women had never worked outside the home, but with a lot of the men away to war the government asked up to 6 million women to fill the jobs that needed to be done. Beaton’s book Colorado Women in World War II interweaves nearly 80 oral histories—including interviews, historical…
Continue Reading,,, Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 18 – Colorado’s Rosie the Riveter
On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Palmer Lake bridge dedication ceremony
By Steve Pate As reported in the May issue of OCN, the Palmer Lake Parks and Trails Commission (PLP&T) partnered with U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) senior cadet engineering students to design and build a bridge across Monument Creek into the Elephant Rock property trail system. On May 6, that bridge was officially dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Reid Wiecks, PLP&T chair, thanked the cadets and their professor, Dr. Brad Wambeke, who, after a U.S. Army career, taught at West Point and now the USAFA for their work to design and build the bridge. Wambeke said that normally a senior capstone engineering project would just involve the design and engineering work on paper. This project gave the cadets the experience of implementing their design. Palmer Lake Mayor Glant Havenar also made remarks, thanking the USAFA cadets and Wambeke, then she and a cadet cut the ribbon to officially open the…
Continue Reading,,, On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Palmer Lake bridge dedication ceremony
High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – The aesthetics of cottagecore, bloomcore, and cluttercore
By Janet Sellers “Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”—Kahlil Gabran Cottagecore is an internet sensation that romanticizes the dream of a simplified, natural, rural way of life. Eschewing electronics for positive habits, a favorite version is the bloomcore, with beautiful botanicals. It is about escape from screens and stressors and renewing our souls via respecting nature through the daydreamy aesthetic of Regency-era country life (as in Jane Austen’s book, Emma). But the cottagecore aesthetic has been around for at least 2,300 years, dating back to the ancient Greek countryside, popularized on our social media in the past few years. Perhaps cottagecore should be called the Emma aesthetic. While cottagecore and bloomcore may be more formal in nature, there is also cluttercore. The art of cluttercore achieves an “organized mess that feels like a big hug.” With luck and help, I “cluttercore” mow the grass around flower berms. Putting the settee…
Art Matters – Spring and summer’s Art Hop: art and play
By Janet Sellers We had our first Art Hop on May 24. It’s a celebration of community and art in and around the shops and environs of Downtown Monument, complete with sidewalk art booths and more. Created and championed by local art legends Richard and Linda Pankratz, the annual Art Hop season has become a local favorite event each spring and summer. The event has grown from visiting art and artists at local venues to include live music around town and author book readings and signings. It’s a monthly art festival and more. The area’s annual ArtSites public artworks, managed by the Town of Monument, hosts a permanent collection and an annual rotating exhibit that is part of the exhibit through a juried selection process. This year, the Town of Monument celebrates its new exhibiting artists with an artist reception that aligns with the downtown Art Hop on June 28.…
Continue Reading,,, Art Matters – Spring and summer’s Art Hop: art and play
Snapshots of Our Community
Snapshot Caption Corrections In the May issue of OCN, in the Snapshots of Our Community, • it was stated that Emily Osborn won the third place PLAG scholarship. Actually Ella Davis won that scholarship. • The caption on the Earth Day Tree Planting April 21 should have identified the people pictured (L to R) as Tamara Schwarz, Aida Richardson, Don Richardson, 101-year-old WWII vet Marie West, Patsy Janeba and John Janeba. It should also have noted that the photo was taken by Tamara Schwarz. • The photo of the Tim Watkins Memorial Trail sign was taken by Brian Mullin. Mullin also reinstalled the sign after safeguarding it during wildfire mitigation last year. OCN regrets the errors. Wildfire Preparedness Day, Apr. 27 Above: Palmer Ridge High School’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hosted the annual Wildfire Preparedness Day on April 27. Four speakers talked about home mitigation, fire evacuation, planning, and regional analysis. Civilian…
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. Slash mulch program Slash can be brought to the Black Forest slash and mulch program. Tree and brush debris only. No pine needles. (It is important to protect the trees’ health and keep some pine needles on the ground. 80% of the nutrients that the pine trees need come from the decomposing pine needles). This program serves fire mitigation efforts in the area and is $10 per load to drop off, regardless of size. The program also offers free mulch to take home. Details: www.BFSlash.org. WMMI needs volunteers The Museum of Mining and Industry is currently recruiting for Visitor Services…
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., June 3 & 17,…
Other issues
- Vol. 24 No. 10 – October 5, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 9 – September 7, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 8 – August 3, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 7 – July 6, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 5 – May 4, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 4 – April 6, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 3 – March 2, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 2 – February 3, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 1 – January 6, 2024
- Vol. 23 No. 12 – December 2, 2023