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Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area

OCN > Archive > Vol. 25 No. 1 – January 4, 2025

Vol. 25 No. 1 – January 4, 2025

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Buc-ee’s community meeting elicits strong response

Above: Buc-ee’s hosted a community meeting on Dec. 3 at the Palmer Lake Elementary School cafeteria. A crowd of over 250 attendees, including local town officials and print and TV press members, stretched the room’s capacity. Consultants Mark Waller of Waller Consulting Ltd., Craig Dossey and Nina Ruiz of Vertex Consulting Services, and Stan Beard from Buc-ee’s conducted the meeting. After brief presentations by the consultants on the development process and the property’s history, Beard gave an overview of Buc-ee’s business model. During the question-and-answer period, attendees brought up concerns about traffic, weather, lighting, pollution, and wildlife. Most speakers opposed the development, with very few bringing up positive points. Buc-ee’s directed the public to www.buceespalmerlake.com for more information while attendees asked the public to attend the annexation eligibility hearing on Dec. 12 at Palmer Lake Town Hall.
Right: Palmer Lake resident and federal biologist Dailee Fagnant pointed out Monument Hill’s unique geographical location and meteorological patterns. She noted there are major wildlife crossings in the area and an increase in animal strikes during the post-rut migration season. She expressed concerns that folks from out of state would be hitting wildlife they are not used to. She asked if Buc-ee’s had done its job of researching species movement and planning to mitigate the danger. Fagnant said that Buc-ee’s seemed ill-prepared, showing only a generic traffic slide and wasting time describing what it sells, and asked if Buc-ee’s had worked in an urban area with a high-density wildlife corridor. Stan Beard, head of Buc-ee’s development, responded that Buc-ee’s would follow every rule that is required by federal, state, and local government. From left, Fagnant addressing Beard, and Craig Dossey, president of Vertex Consulting Services. Photos by Jackie Burhans.

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Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 12 – Buc-ee’s annexation petition meets requirements

Correction The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees article in the November issue of OCN incorrectly said the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center would be east of I-25. It is proposed to be west of I-25 and south of County Line Road (see Buc-ee’s location map below – courtesy Buc-ee’s). OCN regrets the error. By James Howald…

Continue Reading Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 12 – Buc-ee’s annexation petition meets requirements

Monument Town Council, Dec. 2 and 16 – Council faces $3.9 million budget shortfall, hears call for fiscal sustainability

By Chris Jeub The Monument Town Council grappled with a $3.9 million potential budget shortfall during its December meetings, emphasizing the need for fiscal sustainability in 2025. Other discussions included development projects, natural medicine regulations, and energy improvements. Budget resolutions and fiscal challenges The council reviewed and approved several budget-related resolutions across both meetings: Resolution…

Continue Reading Monument Town Council, Dec. 2 and 16 – Council faces $3.9 million budget shortfall, hears call for fiscal sustainability

Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 11 – Planning Commission recommends approval of Panda Express and Falcon Commerce Center

By Janet Sellers At the Monument Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 11, key land use decisions were made, including approval of the final Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a Panda Express restaurant and progress on the Falcon Commerce Center development. Panda Express Planned for Lot 5A of Monument Marketplace North, the new Panda Express would…

Continue Reading Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 11 – Planning Commission recommends approval of Panda Express and Falcon Commerce Center

Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 2 – Rates increase for 2025; mill levies certified; high cost revealed for pipeline construction

Correction The article title shown above is corrected from the newsprint and pdf versions which read “Rates increase for 2024”. OCN regrets the error. By Natalie Barszcz At the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District (PPMD) 1, 2, and 3 meeting on Dec. 2, the board approved the 2025 budgets and…

Continue Reading Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 2 – Rates increase for 2025; mill levies certified; high cost revealed for pipeline construction

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 21 – State signs off on radium remediation

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans At its December meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District’s (DWSD) board heard good news concerning its efforts to remove radium from the water the district delivers to customers. The board concluded its work on its 2025 budget, certified its mill levies, and planned two upcoming elections. The board…

Continue Reading Donala Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 21 – State signs off on radium remediation

Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 16 – Study reveals water and wastewater rate increase; administrative/utility offices pursued

By Natalie Barszcz At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting, the board received a presentation from Raftelis Financial Consultants on a proposed financial plan to maintain a 10-year revenue stream, authorized the acquisition of property to build administration and utility department offices, and approved the terms and conditions of a lease/purchase loan to construct the…

Continue Reading Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 16 – Study reveals water and wastewater rate increase; administrative/utility offices pursued

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 16 – Board wraps up rate increases and 2025 budget, swaps water discount for land

By James Howald In December, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board concluded two public hearings: the first on proposed rate increases and the second on the proposed budget for 2025. Both hearings were opened at its November meeting and kept open until December to meet requirements to notify the public before a final…

Continue Reading Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 16 – Board wraps up rate increases and 2025 budget, swaps water discount for land

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Dec. 19 – Cherokee Metro District withdraws from Loop project

By James Howald At its December meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board considered a request from the Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD) to withdraw from the project. The Town of Monument (TOM) asked the board to provide a report modeling operational issues to the town’s consultants. The board…

Continue Reading El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Dec. 19 – Cherokee Metro District withdraws from Loop project

Monument Sanitation District, Dec. 18 – Four properties added to service area

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald At its December meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board held a public hearing on four petitions for inclusion into the district’s service area. A vote was held following the hearing. Board President Dan Hamilton proposed a 5% salary increase for district employees. The board approved an update of…

Continue Reading Monument Sanitation District, Dec. 18 – Four properties added to service area

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Dec. 4 – 2025 budget approved; mill levy increases; ladder truck/apparatus for sale; overstaffing declared

Correction The following sentence at the end of paragraph six under the heading “Future operations explored” should have read “and actually, doing less than what I am doing, said Herdt” instead of . . . . . . “and end up doing less, said Herdt.” OCN regrets the error. By Natalie Barszcz At the Black…

Continue Reading Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Dec. 4 – 2025 budget approved; mill levy increases; ladder truck/apparatus for sale; overstaffing declared

Monument Fire District, Dec. 4 – Board approves administrative office lease agreement

By Natalie Barszcz At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Dec. 4, the board approved a lease/purchase agreement for administrative offices, the 2025 Board of Directors schedule, and the 2025 Employee Handbook. The district confirmed the revenue amount received from state to compensate for the 2024 property tax…

Continue Reading Monument Fire District, Dec. 4 – Board approves administrative office lease agreement

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 5 – Board holds final meeting before district dissolves

By Natalie Barszcz At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) special meeting on Dec. 5, the board received an update on the merger process with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD), the board heard about the final actions to officially complete the dissolution of the district and the merger process…

Continue Reading Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 5 – Board holds final meeting before district dissolves

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Dec. 16 – Board learns about Information Technology Department; Career and Innovation Center update; annual mill levy certification

By Harriet Halbig The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education recognized student and staff achievements, heard a report on the Information Technology Department and updates on the Career and Innovation Center, and certified its annual mill levy at its Dec. 16 meeting. Board recognitions The board recognized 12 students for being chosen for the All State…

Continue Reading Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Dec. 16 – Board learns about Information Technology Department; Career and Innovation Center update; annual mill levy certification

Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 17 – Board hears academic dashboard report

By Jackie Burhans At the Monument Academy (MA) regular meeting on Dec. 17, the board heard an academic dashboard presentation, updated board policies, signed an agreement on career-connected learning, and discussed the mid-year budget. Dashboard presentation Jennifer Strawbridge of Analytical Discoveries connected remotely to present two quarters of academic dashboards. She reviewed data from the…

Continue Reading Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 17 – Board hears academic dashboard report

El Paso County Planning Commission, Dec. 5 – Urban Landing off Struthers Road recommended for approval

By Helen Walklett During December, the El Paso County Planning Commissioners heard requests for the proposed Urban Landing Development off Struthers Road. Urban Landing development At their Dec. 5 meeting, the commissioners heard combined requests for a 49 single-family lot development on 6.58 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Struthers Road and…

Continue Reading El Paso County Planning Commission, Dec. 5 – Urban Landing off Struthers Road recommended for approval

El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 10, 12, and 17 – Two Tri-Lakes developments approved

By Helen Walklett During December, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) heard requests relating to the proposed Monument Ridge East development south of County Line Road and directly east of I-25 and the Urban Landing development off Struthers Road. They also approved a request in Black Forest that will create six single-family lots.…

Continue Reading El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 10, 12, and 17 – Two Tri-Lakes developments approved

Gleneagle Civic Association, Nov. 14 – City responds to GCA regarding amphitheater noise

By David Futey During the Nov. 14 Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) member meeting, there were two discussions regarding resident complaints about noise emitting from the Ford Amphitheater and its effect on GCA community members. During those discussions, GCA members on the Zoom call meeting asked the GCA board to send a letter to the Colorado…

Continue Reading Gleneagle Civic Association, Nov. 14 – City responds to GCA regarding amphitheater noise

Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 18 – Board confirms opposition to Buc-ee’s

By Jackie Burhans At its regular board meeting on Dec. 18, the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board confirmed it had sent a letter of opposition to the Buc-ee’s development, approved amendments to the Woodmoor Placer covenants, and heard director reports. Buc-ee’s development opposition confirmed President Brian Bush confirmed that, pursuant to a vote by the…

Continue Reading Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 18 – Board confirms opposition to Buc-ee’s

Palmer Lake Historical Society, Dec. 19 – Palmer Lake holds 91st annual Yule Log Hunt

By Marlene Brown On the slopes of Sundance Mountain and under the deep-blue sky of Colorado, the Town of Palmer Lake, with the support of the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS), held the 91st Yule Log Hunt starting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on Dec. 19. It is the longest-running yule log hunt in…

Continue Reading Palmer Lake Historical Society, Dec. 19 – Palmer Lake holds 91st annual Yule Log Hunt

Snapshots of Our Community

Student signing day, Nov. 13 More than two dozen student athletes from School District 38 signed national letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level on Nov. 13. Above: From left are Lewis-Palmer High School students Drew Boyarko (baseball, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs), Hunter Morgan (baseball, Dodge City Community College), Maddie Sanderson…

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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. Do not remove trail…

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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 Academy Water and Sanitation District board…

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