OCN

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

OCN > Articles by: Laura Lucero > Page 6

Laura Lucero

Letters to Our Community – Back to school

The time of year has finally come for many students to return to school and get back to their studying. With the return of school, stress levels can rise for many students as they are uncertain of what the new school year will hold. These concerns are important to address with your child and will help better prepare them for the school year ahead.

One way you can ease the stress is to talk to your student about their concerns and then discuss possible ways to eliminate those concerns. If that doesn’t work, you could also try to talk to their friends and make sure they are doing well socially and academically. It could be a learning experience for you both. It is also very important to make sure they maintain the fun activities they have been doing over the summer.

In conclusion, I would encourage all parents to make sure their child is ready for the more difficult school year ahead and to allow them to grow and develop on their own as well. I personally believe school is not so bad once you make friends, engage in your classes, and maintain a positive attitude. Finally, I would like to say that school is not just a place to learn but a place to grow and find new opportunities for yourself and others.

Thank you for consideration,

Luke Carter

Guidelines for letters are on page < 23 >.

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. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

Other Letters to Our Community articles

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Celebrating women authors

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”—Toni Morrison

Dive into these novels by local and international women authors. Some are debut novels that make us look forward to more to come.

Killer Chardonnay (A Colorado Wine Mystery #1)

By Kate Lansing (Berkley Books) $10

Parker Valentine has always dreamed of opening her own winery in her hometown of Boulder, Colo. But she gets more than she bargained for when a food and wine critic unexpectedly shows up on opening day. A negative review could be fatal for her business, and not only does he seem to hate her chardonnay, he also collapses and dies shortly after drinking it. Soon her winery is at the center of a social media firestorm. With #killerchardonnay trending online, Parker’s business is in danger of closing, and she has no choice but to investigate the murder herself.

The Housemaid

By Freida McFadden (Grand Central Publishing) $13

Every day the housemaid cleans the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. She collects their daughter from school and cooks a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in her tiny room in the attic. The housemaid can imagine what it’s like to live their life and tries on one of the white dresses in the wife’s closet. The wife finds out, but by the time the housemaid realizes that the attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late. The Winchesters don’t know who the housemaid really is, or what she is capable of.

A Novel Love Story

By Ashley Poston (Berkley Books) $19

Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. She feels safe and at home in a book. Which might be why she’s so set on going to her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures. But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel. Somehow she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story.

Tallgrass

By Sandra Dallas (St. Martin’s Griffin) $18

During World War II, a family finds life turned upside-down when the government opens a Japanese internment camp in their small Colorado town. After a young girl is murdered, all eyes (and suspicions) turn to the newcomers. Rennie Stroud has just turned 13 and, until this time, life has pretty much been what her father told her it should be: predictable and fair. But now Rennie will discover secrets that can destroy even the most sacred things. Part thriller, part historical novel, Tallgrass is a riveting exploration of the darkest—and best—parts of the human heart.

The Other Einstein

By Marie Benedict (Sourcebooks Landmark) $17

Marie Benedict’s The Other Einstein offers us a window into a brilliant, fascinating woman whose light was lost in Einstein’s enormous shadow. This novel resurrects Einstein’s wife, a brilliant physicist in her own right, whose contribution to the special theory of relativity is hotly debated. Was she simply Einstein’s sounding board, an assistant performing complex mathematical equations? Or did she contribute something more? Marie Benedict illuminates one pioneering woman in STEM, returning her to the forefront of history’s most famous scientists.

Homecoming

By Kate Morton (Mariner Books) $20

Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959: At the end of a scorching hot day, beside a creek on the grounds of a grand country house, a local man makes a terrible discovery. Police are called, and the small town of Tambilla becomes embroiled in one of the most baffling murder investigations in the history of South Australia. An epic story that spans generations, Homecoming asks what we would do for those we love, how we protect the lies we tell, and what it means to come home.

Until next month, happy reading.

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

Other Covered Treasures Bookstore articles

September Library Events – Book club, Medicare information, LEGO program

By Harriet Halbig

Monumental Bookworms, an evening book club at the Monument Library, will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The September selection is West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Monumental Bookworms is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library.

Come to the library from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18 for a Medicare Open Enrollment Q-and-A program presented by the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging. The presenter is Barbara Sigmon, MBA, a case manager for the agency. Bring your questions to this interactive question and answer program. Registration is required at 719-488-2370 or online at ppld.org, programs by location.

On Friday, Sept. 20 the Monument Library will host Idea Lab: LEGO Build. Engineering your best LEGO creation, completing LEGO challenges, and producing LEGO art are only some of the possibilities of this open-ended program using PPLD’s LEGO resources. Join us for the fun! For ages 5 to 12.

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

Other Library articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Cut and come again crops to plant in September

By Janet Sellers

Kale will rise again.

For years I did not eat kale because I didn’t know anything about it, but after I tried it both as young plant leaves and full mature leaves, I decided it was one of my favorite vegetables ever, not to mention it has amazing health benefits. Packed with superfood amounts of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, we can eat it (and our dogs might like it, too!) in salad, steamed, stir-fried, in green smoothies, and even baked as kale chips. Fair warning, kale chips are so yummy and easy to make (just oil lightly and toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes) you may need a couple of bunches to make a batch—they go down easy and disappear quickly. Potato chips seem heavy and dull by comparison.

At the Tri-Lakes Cares food garden, protected from deer by the tall fence, we left our kale plants to overwinter sort of by accident due to an early snow last fall, but they came back in great shape in April, and we got three crops from them by the end of June. We just cut the leaves from the lower parts of the plant and the plants kept growing till 5 or 6 feet high for all of them, offering a very long harvest. We did the same with the lettuce. Then we let the plants flower and go to seed. Lots of seeds fell and they’re regrowing now. We’ll have plants for this fall season and for next year. We plan to leave the newer plants to overwinter making strong roots. The plants will then come back and grow again for us in late spring next year. It’s also possible that we could have them last for a few seasons. Some people can keep their kale plants for three years or more as long as they’re cut back and the roots are protected over the winter. It seems to work very well.

Many leafy greens and plants can be simple “cut and come again” food crops in the garden or in pots. “Zombie” plants can regrow in soil, such as lettuces and similar foods sold with root ends intact including scallions, celery, kale, bok choy, chard, herbs, and more. Even onion roots will sprout tasty leaves. Many herbs thrive with careful pruning, and we can propagate or eat the cuttings. Broccoli will sprout side shoots after the first top harvest. Broccoli, kale, and the brassicas originated from mustard greens, carefully tended over the centuries and bred to enhance the plant for nutrition, locale, and so on. We used to grow these in our kitchen window in a baking pan for transplanting, but in winter we can just harvest from the windowsill when they get big enough.

Letting our locally growing plants go to seed in fall can offer some good seeds that are hardy for our area for the next year.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” using deep mulch to spare watering and keep out weeds in the Back to Eden garden scheme. Your garden tips are very welcome; please send them to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Gardening articles

Art Matters – Real local art made for real people

By Janet Sellers

Our Art Hop in Monument and the cultural Chautauqua in Palmer Lake this summer welcomed happy visitors from nearby and across the globe. These have become favorite local summer festivals, introducing local art and artists to an ever-widening public. Art welcomes all ages and people. It’s a cultural driving force for community and a magnet for interaction and creating relationships. It’s fun to see, fun to make, and a great pleasure to own.

Per Americans for the Arts: “Communities in which residents socialize with and trust each other have higher livability scores than communities with lower social trust, and the arts are a driver in building that trust. In addition, cultural participation leads to wider community participation and to increased volunteerism and increased tolerance—all of which are key to civic engagement. It also increases involvement in local issues and projects that promote community health.”

Live, creative experiences promote well-being. We have a need for creative times and connections. Daily, we are overwhelmed with deep fake AI, but genuine interaction is refreshing. We all use the search engines routinely and try to escape the advertising robo-calls. Still, I wondered if bots pose creative ideas. I put a question to the online robot about art events and it wrote, “Art events often serve as vibrant hubs for social interaction and community-building. Art has a unique way of breaking down barriers and creating shared experiences that help build a sense of community.” Not bad, but very bland, proving my point on vitality. I wondered if the bots could write poetry or songs and got hilarious rhymes: “In oil and acrylic, secrets softly seep, From shadows deep to light that dares to leap, In corners of the world, they hang, colors dance on canvas, hues and shades twang. …” Indeed, nothing compares to original poesy in the arts by creative people made for others to buy, enjoy, and cherish.

Our local community events will continue the rest of the year, but the last Art Hop is Friday, Sept. 27. Bring your friends and your enthusiasm and buy some real art from real artists for yourself, your workplace, or the upcoming gift season, too. Let the significance of originality and creative thinking inform your choices, and let the joy of looking be a continuing pleasure for years to come. Art is one of the things we have that can increase in value, always in heartfelt and personal memories, and sometimes as investments.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer and speaker, with talks on art making, collecting, and creative strategies for artists, exhibits, and funding. Contact her for more: JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Above: The Art Hop on Friday, Aug. 23, welcomed guests at the art galleries, shops, eateries, and alfresco pop-ups around town. At his studio gallery, Jefferson Studios, local artist Daryl Muncey shares an art print made from his original painting. In his new art garden spot, Muncey showcases the work of guest artists. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Above: At Bella Art and Frame Gallery, the member artists exhibited their works indoors while the alfresco art fair artists shared their creative works with Art Hop visitors. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Jefferson Studios founder Daryl Muncey greeted art lovers at the August Art Hop. (32 sec)

August’s featured Art Hop artist, Tom Ulmer, displayed his nature photographs at Bella Art and Frame (28 sec)

Faery Grove offered face painting, hair tinsel and other activities during the August Art Hop. (41 sec)

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Youth Fire Camp, May 30-June 1

Above: High school students attending the second annual “Youth Camp” receive instruction at Monument Fire District’s Station 1 training room. Eleven high school students attended the camp May 30-June 1 to discover more about the type of work firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers carry out. Students were taught Stop the Bleed, CPR training, EMS skills and scenarios, forcible entry skills, vehicle extrication, and how to compete for a firefighter or EMS career position successfully. The camp is expected to continue annually for high school students with an interest in fire and EMS careers. The students and staff were grateful for the hospitality and lunch on the last day provided by Emergency Incident Support (EIS). Caption by Natalie Barszcz/Photo courtesy of Monument Fire District.

Kiwanis Peach Sale, Aug. 3

Above: For the second straight year, Monument Hill Kiwanis Club filled orders for more than 1,000 cases of hand-picked peaches on Aug. 3. The sales net the Kiwanis club about $10,000. The money funds grants to various groups in the Monument area. Fifty-two volunteers helped distribute the peaches in two-hour shifts. In the photo, Rick Schoenlein (face obscured), Chuck Leggiero, and Dean Snow manage to stuff three cases of peaches into the trunk of a BMW Z3. Photo by Bob Harrigan.

Chautauqua, July 29-Aug.4

Above and below: The local Chautauqua was revived in Palmer Lake for 2024 by the Palmer Lake Arts District. As a historic American cultural event, the weeklong cultural adventures included yoga and Feldenkrais classes, numerous historic cultural talks and walks, a guitar concert with Masa Ito, music with Ray DeMers and with the Tri-Lakes Brass ensemble, poetry readings by local poets, and kids’ paintings of the lake. Bagpiper Isaac Watkins led the “call for artists” from the bridge over the lake to the art pavilion to the all-day plein air painting contest. Michael Magrin (judge for the plein air art contest) led a cloud painting class that rounded out the art events courtesy of Palmer Lake Art Group. Photos include Watkins, a landscape scene of the crowd listening to the Tri-Lakes Brass, Jim Sawatzki sharing the Summer Sojourn at Palmer Lake Town Hall, Nicole Urbatchka leading yoga classes at the Village Green, and Magrin’s cloud painting class. Photos by Lynn Roth and Janet Sellers.

National Night Out, Aug. 3

Above: From left, El Paso County Sheriff’s Officers Lt. W Grier and Sgt. J Darbyshire (standing) engage with a group of young attendees at the annual National Neighborhood Night Out event at the Little Train Park in Promontory Pointe on Aug. 3. The Promontory Pointe Homeowners Association board members hosted the annual picnic for about 120 guests to thank local first responders from Monument Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and Monument Fire Department for providing a safe neighborhood. Participants were treated to a live performance by singer/songwriter Nick Davey performing renditions of pop classics such as Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry, I’m Into Something Good by Herman’s Hermits, and a mashup of The Tide Is High made popular by Blondie with Stir It Up by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Sandwiches and cookies from Black Forest Café were served. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

EV Chargers in Palmer Lake, Aug. 8

Above and below: On Aug. 8, the Town of Palmer Lake held a grand opening for a bank of two electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed by CORE Electric Cooperative, the town’s electricity provider. The chargers on town property south of County Line Road and east of Highway 105 are available to all EV drivers, but CORE customers get discounted prices. The Board of Trustees unanimously passed resolution 79-2023 authorizing a lease agreement with CORE. The ribbon cutting was attended by CORE Electric personnel and the Palmer Lake mayor, a trustee, and staff. Rob Osborn, CORE director of Business Development, and Rob Liechty, CORE member energy programs director, oversaw the installation. Osborn and Liechty said part of CORE’s mission was to serve smaller communities along the Front Range and support rural development. For more information, see https://ocn.me/v23n12.htm#plbot. From left are Town Administrator Dawn Collins, Liechty, Mayor Glant Havenar, Osborn, Trustee Shana Ball, and staff. Photos by Jackie Burhans.

Rotary assembles “blessing bags”

Above: On Aug. 15, members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club assembled “blessing bags” for children filled with water, snacks, socks, and stuffed animals, which the Monument police will distribute to those in need. For more information, visit www.TLRotary.com. From left are Alisha Baty, Officer Kelly Fisher, Laurie Beasley, Christy Smith, Sloan Fisher-Goodwin, Nicole Schoolsky, Jonathan Bradley, and Shannon Schur. Photo by John Small.

Sue Walker retirement, Aug. 8

Above and below: An emotional Sue Walker said goodbye to Silver Key Senior Center at an Aug. 8 retirement party attended by an overflow crowd of more than 50 people. Walker, 61, has been director of the senior center for nine years. She told the crowd, “You guys are like my family.” Walker continued, “It’s a big adventure for me. It’s sad, but yet it’s happy.” She says she’ll especially miss volunteer Sandi Watson-Staggs, who she described as “a sister from another mister.” Walker plans on a “busy” retirement. She wants to travel, help her husband Jeff with his web development business and spend more time with their two daughters. Adrienne Timmons has been named interim director. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Sue Walker told seniors that they should take care of each other. (18 sec)

Sandi Watson-Staggs introduced Sue Walker, who said Sandi was her best friend at the senior center. (39 sec)

Sue Walker told the seniors that she’d miss them. (8 sec)

Sue Walker honored, Aug. 12

Above: During the Aug.12 recognition and farewell to Silver Alliance’s Program Manager Sue Walker, she shared a hearty laugh with her audience upon receiving Silver Key’s Gold Spoon Award from Silver Key Foundation Board President and CEO Jason DeaBueno. Walker was hired in 2013 by Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance to develop activities and events for the Tri-Lakes Senior Center. She inherited a program that was not much more than a once-a-week bingo and potluck luncheon run by local seniors themselves with about 25 attendees. She started adding regular exercise events, then informational presentations. Health and crafts programs followed. Soon she had a full calendar of activities spanning every day of the week with many being free events. She produced a monthly newsletter and with the help of her husband increased publicity through a dedicated website and published notices in the local papers. Although hired and paid as a part-time employee, it was rare when she was not found at the Senior Center promoting the many available classes and encouraging seniors to engage and socialize. Her enthusiasm for the program from the beginning was contagious, which accounted for the ten-fold increase in regular attendance during her tenure. Walker filled a key role in accomplishing a successful and seamless transition of the Senior Center from Silver Alliance to Silver Key in 2022. Now the Silver Key Senior Center, it is located in downtown Monument in the former Grace Best Elementary School, at the corner of First and Jefferson Streets, across from St. Peter Catholic Church. For more information, visit www.silverkey.org/trilakes/. Photo by Allen Alchian.

PL Pickleball Courts, Aug. 12

Above: On Aug. 12, workers were placing fencing around the Palmer Lake Pickleball courts located adjacent to the lake. Photo by David Futey.

OCN reporter now naturalized American citizen

By Lisa Hatfield

Helen Walklett has been reporting for Our Community News since early 2017. She emigrated to the United States with her husband and two daughters from the United Kingdom in 2016. In her prior life, she was an elected member of Rothbury Parish Council in Northumberland, the northern-most county of England, so she already understood the workings of local government. This made her a perfect candidate to report on the El Paso Board of County Commissioners meetings when she volunteered with OCN.

The Walklett family submitted the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form N-400 Application for Naturalization in March 2024 after holding “green cards” for the required five years, and then all separately took the citizenship test as part of an immigration interview in July. When USCIS granted approval, Walklett and her family received their notice to take the Oath of Allegiance, which happened on Aug. 14. They turned in their permanent resident cards and recited this oath:

“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

Lisa Hatfield can be reached at lisahatfield@ocn.me.

Above: From left are Eleanor, Helen, Kate, and Peter Walklett. Photo by Kathy Troka.

NASTaP Gathering, Aug. 16-18

Above: The Annual Membership Meeting and Gathering of Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) was held Aug. 16-18 at La Foret Conference Center in Black Forest. NASTaP is a nonprofit 501C3 that was formed over five years ago to help educate the public and protect the Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) along the Front Range and beyond the state’s borders. Presentations were by well-known anthropologists and authors regarding the migration of Native American tribes for several thousands of years across North America and the trail marker trees left behind. Many of the CMTs are considered living artifacts and were modified for several different reasons. During the evenings, drumming and traditional Native American dancing were featured. For more information regarding NASTaP, go to nastap.org. Photo by Elva Wolin. Caption by Marlene Brown.

Trinity Park welcomes all

Above: The Trinity Community Park grand opening and community celebration was held on Saturday, Aug. 24, with games, prizes, crafts, food trucks, music entertainment and, of course, the opening of the newest phase of the park. Hundreds of people turned out for the grand opening of the 2½-acre Trinity Community Park on Aug. 24. Festivities included music, dancing, dog training, and games for kids and adults and food trucks. The park is designed to allow kids with and without disabilities to play together. A dog park is also planned for the area. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park welcomes people of every age and ability. The playground is diverse and inclusive, and shares the benefits of play and exploration as vital community connections, creating unity and well-being in the community. The first of its kind in Monument, the park is loaded with fun areas that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, accessible for old and young alike, areas that include the pavilion, sidewalk, parking, and signs, with tables, benches, and security cameras. The park features playground equipment for exercise, sound, wheelchair accessible features such as the merry-go-round, and more. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park is just west of Trinity Lutheran Church at 17750 Knollwood Dr., Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Monu-Palooza, Sept. 1

Above: On Sept.1, sharks were dancing on stage and concert-goers on the lawn for the Matt Bloom Band during the eighth annual Monu-Palooza Music Festival. The daylong festival lineup also included Mojo Filter, Skin & Bones, Emily Hall, Ashtōnz, and WireWood Station. Charlie and Marissa Searle co-organized the festival held at Monument’s Limbach Park. Charlie Searle, also a band member of Ashtōnz, said the festival has become a “local institution” with the “lineup one of the best we have had, the sponsorship has been great, and support from friends and others have helped made this a terrific festival.” Marissa Searle said, “We are proud to bring this to the community each year. All the bands have local roots and all but one have played the festival multiple times.” Matt Bloom, whose band is from Palmer Lake, said, “This is the third time we have played the festival; it has great energy and a super cool crowd.” Photo by David Futey.

Academy Jazz Ensemble, Aug. 23

Above: On Aug. 23, the Academy Jazz Ensemble performed a show in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Library District. The show was held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Village on the Green, by the gazebo behind the Palmer Lake Library building. The Academy Jazz Ensemble is a professional big band whose mission is to explore and preserve the music of America’s original art form. Its members include the finest jazz musicians in the area, many of whom are public schoolteachers, including former and current Palmer Ridge High School Band Directors Butch Eversole and Sarah Romero. Attendees enjoyed great music, beautiful weather, and spectacular skies. For more information on the Academy Jazz Ensemble, see www.academyjazz.org. For more information on events at the Palmer Like Library, see www.ppld.org/palmer-lake-library. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Eagle Scout Project aids Trinity Park

Above: Matthew Grundel of Boy Scout Troop 9 in Monument earned his Eagle Scout badge by landscaping the entrance and loop drop-off area at Trinity Community Park in Monument. Not only did Matthew coordinate all the work but he completed all the fundraising. Assisted by many of Matthew’s fellow scouts, he planted native grasses and wildflowers that will add beauty and require minimal upkeep. Park Executive Director Tamara Schwarz thanked Grundel for his hard work. Pictured from left, Sam Yount, Braiden Sere, and Grundel work on the project. Photo by Corey Grundel.

WMMI Family Day, Aug. 24

Above: On Aug. 24, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) offered a variety of activities and exhibitors during Family Day: Farming & Ranching. The museum provided hayrides, gold panning, blacksmith exhibits, the operation of the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill and other outdoor machinery, and tours of the Reynolds House. Attendees could also visit a variety of vendors including the Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association, Twig & Berry Dyes, Palmer Land Conservancy, Gingersnap Rescue Ranch and Dianne’s Dahlias, which offer dahlias grown on the museum property and sold at the museum’ s farmers market on Monday and Wednesday. A portion of the proceeds from the dahlia sales benefit the museum and its education mission. Information on tours and upcoming museum events is at wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.

Murphey at TLCA, Aug. 31

Above: On Aug. 31, Michael Martin Murphey captivated a sold-out Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) audience for two hours, drawing upon his over 50 years of songwriting. He said this once-a-year solo tour acts as a “remembrance for my father and to basically remind me how I began.” He introduced each song with in-depth background on the song’s genesis and inspiration. The background stories included travels with his father through Rocky Mountain National Park as a youth, growing up in east Texas, living and recording in Los Angeles, Colorado and Nashville, supporting Native American voting rights, St. Francis of Assisi, and his friendships with Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings among others. The song list included Cosmic Cowboy, his first country hit What’s Forever For?, Geronimo’s Cadillac, Carolina in the Pines, Medicine Man, Boy From the Country, and Wildfire. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.

Other Snapshots of Our Community

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.

Sep. is Veterans suicide Awareness Month

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, anytime. Trained professionals—some of them Veterans themselves—are ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Since launching in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 1.25 million calls and made more than 39,000 lifesaving rescues. www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Black Forest Slash mulch program ending

Hurry! Slash can be brought to the Black Forest slash and mulch program and mulch picked up through Sun., Sep. 8. 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. Info: www.BFSlash.org.

Black Forest Log School needs your help

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

Fox Run Regional Park closures

The Oak Meadows and Pine Meadows restrooms at Fox Run Regional Park are getting remodeled. Both restrooms will be closed through November to undergo renovations that will include the installation of ADA-compliant fixtures, sinks, and wastewater systems. Additionally, the parking lots and sidewalks will be upgraded to ensure full compliance with ADA standards. During construction, both restrooms and the sand volleyball court will be fenced off and closed. Portable restrooms will be available in both parking lots.

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

D38 seeks volunteers

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 seeks volunteers now to help with summer gardening and painting projects at Palmer Lake Elementary and Palmer Ridge High School. Contact Kelly Bryant at kbryant@lewispalmer.org for more information.

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.

Looking for something fun to do?

Space Foundation Discovery Center: www.discover space.org. See ad on page < 12 >.

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.

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 https://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 https://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. Volunteers are needed for companionship, drivers, thrift store, food pantry and more. 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: https://monumentalimpact.org.

The Sunflower is for people with non-visible disabilities

Watch for green and yellow sunflower lanyards, bracelets, and ribbons, discreet ways to make the invisible visible. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time. However big or small, your help moves us closer to a society where people recognize that an offer of help, understanding and kindness can make a huge difference to the daily experiences that a Sunflower wearer has. For more information: www.flydenver.com/accessibility, www.hdsunflower.com/us/, and www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/invisible/.

MVEA outage notifications

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

Can you volunteer today?

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

Other Community Notices

Our Community Calendar

By Janet Sellers

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

GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., at 4 p.m., via teleconference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., Sept. 3, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Sept. 5 & 19, 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/planning-community-development/2024-hearings-schedule/
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Special meeting, Thu., Sept. 5, 7 p.m., Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Regular meeting is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 18, 7 p.m. and will be preceded by a Volunteer Pension Board of Directors meeting. Usually meets third Wed., Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-494-4300.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Sept 9, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Sept. 10, 10 am, 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html Bill Burks, 719-481-4053.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), Tue., Sept. 10, 6 pm. Meets six times a year. Usually meets monthly, second Tue., They will meet in October, November, January, February and April. Contact info: tmckee@lewispalmer.org.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Sept. 11, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Sept. 11, 6 pm Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Usually meets the second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Sept. 12, 26, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu. Sept. 12, 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, Mon., Sept. 16, 6-10 pm, 146 N Jefferson St, Monument. Meets during the school year on third Mon. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Sept. 16, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Sept. 18, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Sept. 18, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: join.skype.com/PAcujKTn7Nrh. Check the website for a link: academywsd.colorado.gov/notices-and-alerts. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-071119academywsd.colorado.gov.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Sept. 18, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Sept. 19, 9 am, Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. www.loopwater.org.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Sept. 19, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets third Thu., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Thu., Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.,16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Usually meets third Thu. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Wed., Sept. 25, 4:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Usually meets fourth Wed. Visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Microsoft Teams. Wed., Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Usually meets fourth Wed. Visit www.monumentfire.org, for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Sept. 25, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.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 June solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9-10 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. (except December). All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are we, lcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, second Wed., 6:30pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org.
  • Art: Open Studio painting, first Wed., 9:30-noon. Donations welcome, Tri Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St., Monument.
  • Benet Hill Monastery: Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. Experience the modified trees of the Ute people, Fri.-Sun. Sep. 27-29. Sun. worship is 10:15 am, 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. 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.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Essential Tremor Support Group. Meets quarterly at Colorado Springs Public Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920. For details, contact: Jim Sanchez, 719-660-7275; jimdjs22@gmail.com.
  • Fellowship of Christ Church, every Sun., 9 am. Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle 80908.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group to learn about volunteering and supporting the park for forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, and more. Special events and more, stay tuned! Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail repair monthly work days, second Thu. April through October. Meet at 6 pm at the parking lot off Red Rocks Road. FOMP provides all the necessary tools but you must wear appropriate clothing for landscape work and bring gloves, a hat, eye protection, sunscreen, bug repellent and water. Check the FOMP website at www.fomp.org for additional info.
  • Fuel Church GriefShare, every Thu., 5:30-7:30 pm, 643 State Highway 105, Palmer Lake. 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Email info@fuel.org.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun. Service times, 11 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. Gleneagle Sertoma is the longest continuously active civic service organization in northern El Paso County. Our regular program presenters address local topics of interest to include local developments, community planning and projects, as well as opportunities to serve your community. Contact Harvey LeCato for meeting location and club information at mbca@comcast.net or 719-331-1212.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Bev Selby, 719-600-1451.
  • La Leche League breastfeeding support group, second Thu., 12:30 pm. Partners and helpers welcome (and babies and kids, too) so we can meet our breastfeeding goals together. Homestead Direct Primary Care Clinic, 15455 Gleneagle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. For more information, contact RachelKLangley@gmail.com.
  • Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Library Chess Club, We welcome anyone who wants to learn to play chess or wants to play a game with an experienced player. Contact Steve Waldmann, huskerco@gmail.com. Monument Library meeting room, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument (Information also on the Facebook page: Monument Library Chess Club)
  • 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), Sat., Sep. 14, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar., June, July, Sep., Nov.) on the second Sat. of the month. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, second Sat. A variety of art programs are offered after the social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.co.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Sept. 19, 7 pm; (doors open at 6:30 pm), Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Usually meets third Thu. Contact: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meeting, Wed., Sept. 11, 7 pm. 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 Key Senior Services, Space is limited to 16. participants. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, every Sun., Contemporary 9 am; Traditional 10:30 am. A live stream is available at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com .
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Cabin Conversations: fellowship with meals. every Wed., 6 pm 20450 Beacon Lite Rd.
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting, monthly first and third Thu. 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri., 11:30 am. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190. Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 p.m. Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you June be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu. Oct. 3, 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.
  • Palmer Lake Farmers Market at Calvert’s Mini Market, Sundays Sept. 1-Oct.6. 10-2 pm. 4 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Monument Hill Farmers market, every Sat., 8-2 pm. D38 Lewis Palmer admin. building, 66 Jefferson Street, Monument. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Fox Run Regional Park outdoor accessibility day, free. Sat., Sept. 7, 10-2:00 p.m Learn about outdoor accessibility in the Pikes Peak Region. A mini resource fair to test drive adaptive vehicles, talk with folks working at accessible outdoor spaces, enjoy camaraderie amongst fellow nature lovers. Free to attend: Fox Run Regional Park- 2110 Stella Drive.
  • The Western Museum of Mining and Industry exhibit, Sept. 10 – Dec.14., 225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs. Unearthed: Art from the Earth with Susan Judy, a stone relief sculptor with a background in exploration geology, Artist lecture, Tue, Sept. 10, 4 pm. Reservations required. Info: www.wmmi.org. (719) 488-0880.
  • Annual Monument paint care event: drop off leftover paint for recycling or pick up free paint, Thu. Sept. 12, 2-6 pm. One day drop off event. Big R Monument, 840 Spanish Bit Dr., Colorado Springs. Acceptable: house paint primers (latex or oil-based), stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finish varnish. Must be in sealed original containers original manufacturer label. Not acceptable: leaking unlabeled or empty containers, aerosol coatings drums or containers larger than five gallons, hazardous waste or other chemicals such as paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, spackle, glue, adhesives, etc. Paints are immediately available to the public on site. Register here: https://paint-monument.eventbrite.com.
  • Palmer Lake Wine Festival, Sat., Sept. 14, 1-5pm. tastings from 25 Colorado wineries. Listen to live music and enjoy food & gift vendors while you sample delicious wines and enjoy the beautiful views. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Tri-Lakes Cares. Info: www.palmerlakewinefestival.com/
  • 100+ Women Who Care – Membership Social/Networking, Wed., Sept. 18, 5:30pm. Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr, Monument, 80132. Celebrating 10 years of service to our community. Bring a friend and help us grow. We are 100+ Women committed to contributing $100 two times a year to local Tri-Lakes charities, which positively impacts our communities by allowing us to give up to $20,000 annually. Big impact, without a big commitment. Info: www.100womenwhocaretrilakes.com/
  • Dementia boot camp: caregiver roundtables at Jackson Creek senior living, Fri. Sept. 20 & Oct. 18. Both events 2 pm, “Falcon’s Nest” 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument. To RSVP, Call 719-259-1331 or visit https://jacksoncreekseniorliving.com/dementia-boot-camp-roundtable.
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore, Sat., Sept. 21, 11 am -12:30 pm: local authors Liz Long, Jessica Santiesteban, Bethany Todd; 1 pm-2:30 pm: authors Jean Alfieri, Sharon Brunink, Bruce Clark, Elizabeth Watkins. Fri., Sept. 27, 5-8, Art Hop: authors Kate Lansing and Dan Walker. 105 Second Street, Monument.
  • Monument Art Hop: last Art Hop of the season! Fri., Sept. 27., 5-8 pm, Downtown Monument. Art, music, food, and fun; fourth Fridays, through Sep. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Peaks and Pours, Sat., Sept. 28; whiskey gathering in Colorado Springs. Food trucks, music, cigars, bartender competition. Benefits Mount Carmel veterans service center. Info and tickets: www.peaksandpours.com. See at on page < 4 >.
  • Awake the Lake 10th Annual Palmer Lake 0.5K, Sun., Sept. 29, “run for everyone” a ½ kilometer run, a donut, a beer/soda at the finish line. Support the improvement of Palmer Lake parks, recreation, more: https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/PalmerLake/PalmerLakePoint5k.
  • Armed Forces Championship Battle of the Branches. Sun. Sept. 29. 2 pm. Benefiting Mount Carmel veterans service center. Martin E Ragsin Field; www.airochamp.com. See ad on page < 11 >.
  • Thrivent keys to retiring fearlessly, Mon., Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m. 1175 chapel hills drive Colorado Springs. Library 21c, Ent conference room. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Orange Shirt Day, Mon., Sept. 30, the national remembrance for Indian residential schools. We can wear orange on this day to show our support.
  • Palmer Lake Art group small works art show and sale. Fri. Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m. Bella art and frame gallery. 251 front Street, suite 11, Monument. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Nance Construction Company Auction, Sat., Oct. 5, 10 am Info: 970-380-5305. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Freedom School of Martial Arts, 6-week strength, stability, and self-defense course for mature adults, starts Oct. 7. See ad on page < 14 >.
  • Funky Little Theater Company: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Oct. 11-26, Palmer Lake Town Hall. Details: www.townofpalmerlake.com. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • WMMI Miners pumpkin patch: Every Sat. in Oct. at Western Museum of Mining and Industry. See ad on page < 12 >.
  • YMCA three races for a great cause, 5K race series. Creepy crawl, Sat. Oct. 26, Turkey trot Nov. 28, Jingle jog Sat. Dec. 14. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Front range Maker’s Market, Oct. 26-27: indoor at Lewis Palmer high School Sat. 9- 4, Sun. 10-3, $5 at the door. See ad on page < 11 >.
  • MVEA: youth leadership trip contest. Deadline Nov. 7. Info: www.mvea.coop/trip contest. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Locality meals delivered to your home. special offers. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Mesa Health and Aesthetics, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Mountain View Pella windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • PeakView Windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Plumb Smart plumbing services, special offers. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Soot busters, chimney sweeps, special offers. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • The Living Room Plants, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Windows Well Covered, custom window well covers, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.

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 Calendar articles

Monument Town Council, July 31 – Special Town Council Meeting Results in Town Manager’s Dismissal

By Chris Jeub

This report covers the special Town Council meeting on July 31st, 2024, which was not included in the print edition due to time constraints.

The Town of Monument held a special Town Council meeting on July 31st, 2024. The council conducted three executive sessions: one to determine positions relative to negotiations, another for legal advice on specific personnel matters, and the third concerning personnel matters involving Town Manager Mike Foreman. All motions to enter the executive sessions passed unanimously.

Following the executive sessions, the council considered Resolution No. 46-2024, which approved an employment separation release and settlement agreement for Town Manager Mike Foreman. The reason for Foreman’s dismissal was not disclosed. The resolution was discussed and passed with a unanimous vote of 7-0. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned.

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

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Town Council, July 2 and 15 – Moratorium lifted; accountability discussed in response to town manager on administrative leave

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council gathered July 2 and 15 for their regular meetings, one of which lifted the town’s development moratorium. One special meeting held July 9 discussed Town Manager Mike Foreman’s paid administrative leave, but the reason for the leave has not yet been disclosed.

Moratorium Lifted

The Town Council voted 7-0 on July 2 to deny the extension of Ordinance No. 13-2024, effectively lifting the six-month moratorium that had temporarily halted the acceptance of new applications under the Town of Monument Land Development Code. The ordinance, initially put in place in January, was meant to manage a backlog and ensure proper handling of about 20 ongoing development applications.

Newly hired Planning Director Dan Ungerleider, presenting the ordinance, confirmed that many of these applications are now complete and awaiting further action from developers. He expressed confidence in handling the current demand, prompting Councilmember Jim Romanello to question the certainty of moving forward without the moratorium. Ungerleider reassured the council of the department’s capability, emphasizing the importance of being fully staffed, which is currently a work in progress.

Concerns were raised by Councilmember Steve King regarding the town’s infrastructure, including roads and the lack of a renewable water fund, as well as unaddressed impact fees. “I don’t want to get too far behind the eight ball here,” King stated, highlighting the financial strains.

Public comments were in favor of ending the moratorium. Local residents, along with representatives from the Home Builders Association (HBA) and other commercial interests, cited the negative impact of the moratorium on property rights, potential sales, and tax revenues. They argued that such measures create market unpredictability.

Town Attorney Bob Cole recommended denying the extension, a sentiment that led to a motion by Romanello to do just that. The motion passed unanimously. In the wake of the council’s decision, Ungerleider urged the development community to “restart” efforts as a service to the community, marking the official end of the moratorium. The lifted moratorium is expected to resume normal development activities.

Accountability discussed

On July 15, Councilmember Romanello initiated a discussion on amending the Home Rule Charter to enhance accountability and oversight within the town’s governance. This move comes shortly after the council placed Foreman on administrative leave due to undisclosed personnel issues.

Romanello’s proposed amendments to Sections 7.3 and 14.2 of the Home Rule Charter include instituting a new oversight mechanism that would allow another senior staff member, possibly the HR director, to report directly to the council. This aims to provide a safe avenue for employees to express concerns without fear of retaliation.

Further discussions included updating the employee manual with more active council involvement and expanding the residency requirement for the town manager to cover the town limits and the 80132 ZIP code to strengthen community connections.

It was agreed that the proposed amendments would be referred to the voters, allowing Monument’s residents to have a direct say in these governance changes, reflecting the council’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the agenda for the upcoming council meeting on July 31 includes two executive sessions led by Town Attorney Bob Cole. One session will address personnel matters involving the town manager, who has been notified about the session, and another will involve a conference with the town attorney to receive legal advice on specific legal questions regarding personnel matters. These sessions may provide further insights into the reasons behind Foreman’s administrative leave.

Note: Because Our Community News went to press before the July 31 meeting, updates regarding the outcome of these sessions will be made available on the newspaper’s website wp.ocn.me following the meeting.

**********

The Monument Town 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, Aug. 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

Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 24 – Board confirms plans to eradicate prairie dogs

By Jackie Burhans

The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board held a special meeting on July 18 to fill a vacancy and held its regular meeting on July 24 to discuss prairie dog eradication and hear director reports.

Treasurer vacancy filled

At a special meeting, the WIA board met with Pete Giusti, a candidate to fill the board vacancy left by Connie Brown, who served as treasurer. Giusti introduced himself and answered questions about why he wanted to fill the vacancy. After his departure, the board unanimously voted to appoint Giusti to fill the remainder of Brown’s term ending in 2026.

Prairie dog eradication

After hearing a resident’s complaint about prairie dog infestation in her yard and in The Preserve open space in South Woodmoor, the board agreed to eradicate the prairie dogs so long as neighbors were encouraged to simultaneously treat their surrounding properties. See wp.ocn.me/v24n6wia/. Since that decision, residents have contacted the board and attended the meeting to speak for and against the eradication.

One resident thanked the board for its support of Woodmoor residents near The Preserve near Lewis-Palmer High School. She noted that a very large prairie dog colony had grown due to the construction of Monument Junction and that there were few predators. She said she had bought her property in 2007 and had previously coordinated with Alpine Wildlife Control (AWC) to exterminate prairie dogs on her property as well as the Walters property (subsequently donated to WIA as The Preserve), and had acquired a dog, utilized pellet guns, and installed fencing that was trenched below ground which worked for a while.

More recently, she said there were prairie dog holes in the new trails at The Preserve, her fence and walkway have been damaged, and her dog had to be treated by a veterinarian. She spoke again with AWC to get information about the extermination method, aluminum phosphide (AIP), and its safety for pets, kids, and the trail. She said that nearly all neighbors (13 of 16) agreed to treat their properties. She also acknowledged that the biggest concern would be dogs, who should be kept leashed, and that this will not be a permanent solution and will need to be readdressed further down the road.

Board President Brian Bush noted the board had voted to hire a federal- and state-licensed company to reduce prairie dogs at The Preserve once the number of holes was verified and with the commitments of neighbors to treat their properties. He expected the program to start shortly. Bush said the contractor would return after five days and would remove any prairie dogs they found on the ground.

Another resident expressed her disagreement with the eradication, although she noted she had an infestation of voles near her property. She chose to handle things without poison, she said, after learning that the city of Longmont was using a company called Smith Environmental and Engineering from Dacono, Colo., to remove prairie dogs from Dry Creek Community Park to the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (USAPCD) to help restore historic animal populations including black-footed ferrets. The USAPCD is being transferred to local ownership after work was completed to neutralize the chemical weapons that had been stored there. The resident noted that Smith also performed eradications but had switched to carbon monoxide from AIP due to its inhumanity. She suggested that carbon monoxide (CO) was more humane, had no biological fallout, and that the cost was closer to the planned eradication than the removal of the prairie dogs.

Vice President Peter Bille said he has a published report from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Chapter nine discusses the use of AIP and says it does not have bio fallout. Bush added that the volunteer board had to make decisions in the best interest of all residents and had to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to it from homeowners. He said the contractor would use CO within 100 feet of homes, put AIP into the burrows farther away, and cover the burrow entrances. He said he found debating how to kill prairie dogs, whether by AIP or CO or by removing them to Pueblo, where they would be killed by a predator, interesting, but that in any case, the prairie dogs would be dead. He added that the board’s research shows that CO is not as effective as AIP.

Forestry Director Cindy Thrush said the regulations requiring the use of CO within 100 feet of a home were there for a reason and that the common area is where people walk, so why take the risk? She said she preferred the more humane approach even if it was less effective and cost a small amount more.

Another resident expressed concerns about the environmental impact, suggesting the board let nature take its course. He said the prairie dogs would simply move back in afterward, given the continuing construction. He said he understood that relocation was the most expensive method and did not have a solution but appreciated the board and that his heart goes out to people whose property borders the empty space. Bush noted that predators had not been effective and that eradication would cost $4,240 versus $120,000 to move them to Pueblo and kill them there. He affirmed that the board had made a difficult decision and done a lot of diligence.

Bille said the USDA reports showing the human health and ecological risk assessment on AIP and CO show little difference. He said that dead carcasses fed to birds did not cause them to die and could help regenerate the soil and make it richer. He said that he got different answers from the exterminator and from the USDA reports on how quickly AIP degrades from 30 seconds to 28 hours half-life in the atmosphere and degrades to undetectable levels underground in 18 to 40 days, depending on moisture levels. Bille encouraged residents to read the USDA report, which can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/9-aluminum-phosphide.pdf; the report on CO can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/8-gas-cartridge-peer-reviewed.pdf.

Bush reiterated that the board makes decisions it feels are in the best interest of the community, and it knows that not everyone will agree. He confirmed that the board will pursue eradication.

Board highlights

  • In answer to a resident’s question about providing an approved list of roofing materials on the website, Administrator Bob Pearsall replied that there were so many varieties that WIA was focusing on approving manufacturers. Bille noted that, as a non-profit, WIA had an obligation to avoid the appearance of unfairness and suggested that residents contact Pearsall at bob@woodmoor.org or 719-488-2693 Ext. 3.
  • Secretary/Community Outreach Director Rick DePaiva reported that the Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) held a meeting on parks and trails. He encouraged residents to attend NEPCO meetings and contact WIA for access to the NEPCO website ((www.nepco.org)) for information on community development and resources. See NEPCO article on page < 6 >.
  • With Giusti out of town, Bush reported that WIA is doing well financially. He noted that floors had been redone at The Barn for $8,000 and that the chairs were fitted with new feet to reduce damage to the floors, which will be inspected after each rental.
  • Covenants Director Sue Leggiero reported 25 violations in June, with two unfounded complaints. Two covenant hearings were held in July for fireworks and covenant violations, and unapproved projects.
  • Public Safety Director Brad Gleason reminded homeowners of their responsibility to mow up to the roadway and control tall grasses, which can become a fire hazard. He noted that school starts soon (Aug. 14) and asked residents to be mindful of kids walking to bus stops and schools.
  • Architectural Control Director Ed Miller reported that 61 projects were submitted in June, 49 of which were approved administratively and 12 by the Architectural Control Committee. Year-to-date projects are up 12.5% from the same time last year, and the approval rate is 100%.
  • Forestry Director Cindy Thrush reported 10 forestry visits and noted a successful chipping day held at Lewis-Palmer High School in June, with a second one scheduled for the end of July. Thrush asked the board to approve a motion for an additional $5,000 for mitigation for WIA forestry, which was unanimously approved.
  • Common Areas Director Steve Cutler reported that The Barn had a leak due to a failed pressure relief valve; the carpets were treated, and the wall damage was fixed. He also noted that spraying for noxious weeds had been completed, and the grant paperwork would be submitted by the end of the month.
  • Bush reported that August Drive had finally been repaved and that Lake Woodmoor Drive at Highway 105 was open, but Knollwood Drive had been closed again for two weeks.

**********

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 Aug. 28.

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

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

Other Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, July 1, 6, 11 and 17 – Allegations prompt investigation

By Natalie Barszcz

The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) Board of Directors held an emergency executive session on July 1 to receive advice from legal counsel Linda Glesne of Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher & Ruhland P.C. (CEGR) Law relating to complaints received against Fire Chief PJ Langmaid, who was placed on administrative leave.

The board held additional executive sessions on July 6 and 11 to receive legal direction and take further action to engage a third-party independent investigator. At its regular meeting July 17, the board, having received further information regarding the allegations, held two more executive sessions to receive additional advice on specific legal questions regarding the investigation of complaints. The board placed two additional executive staff members on paid administrative leave for two months and approved the retention of interim fire chiefs through a mutual aid agreement with Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD).

Treasurer Jack Hinton was excused from the July 11 and 17 meetings.

Note: This reporter was unaware of the special meetings held on July 1, 6, and 11, but received copies of the meeting minutes relating to the meetings at the July 17 meeting.

Board receives complaints against executive staff

Chairman Nate Dowden and Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen held an emergency special meeting on July 1 to convene an executive session with legal counsel after the board received emails from staff members citing allegations against Langmaid on June 28 and 30 and July 1.

The board placed Langmaid on paid administrative leave until July 17 in a 3-2 vote.

The board unanimously approved legal counsel to obtain a third-party investigator to initiate an investigation into the allegations made against Langmaid with the preliminary findings to be presented to the board by July 15. The board also unanimously approved legal counsel to explain the allegations made to Langmaid, with notification that an investigation would ensue, and legal counsel would provide legal notices as required.

A motion was made and unanimously approved to limit the actions of the command staff to only operational needs. All policy, personnel decisions, including modifications of positions, work schedules, and any hiring and firing decisions would require board approval. For the duration of the paid administrative leave, communication to the board would be made jointly to Dowden and Tarvainen.

The board approved Langmaid’s email be moved to Logistics Officer Rachel Dunn for appropriate filtering in a 4-1 vote.

The board appointed Dowden and Tarvainen to email staff about the start of the investigation for the allegations received on June 28.

The board acknowledged more information had been received identifying organizational leadership and cultural challenges in the department on June 30, and additional information was received from Langmaid on July 1 regarding the operational and cultural leadership challenges that occurred on July1.

On July 6, the board held an executive session relating to a personnel matter involving Langmaid (Tarvainen was excused before any decisions were made in the regular session). Langmaid attended the July 6 meeting. When the board reconvened in public session, a letter of no confidence regarding Langmaid was discussed by the board. The letter received on June 30 was from staff members but advised that it did not represent all members of the district.

Hinton stated that any investigation needed to be “360 degrees,” and he urged all members to assist during the investigation.

Director James Abendschan stated, “If we leave Division Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg and the Training Capt. Michael Torres in their positions the culture is untenable, the grapevine is alive and well, and the department is not a healthy working environment. We have a qualified administrator that can keep the ball running, and captains who are qualified to run calls.”

Hinton said, “If we place them on leave and get a fire, what happens?”

In a 4-0 vote, the board authorized CEGR law firm to initiate and lead a comprehensive investigation into the claims and issues brought forward about the command staff and overall leadership culture within the department.

The investigation is intended to identify the issues of concern, and all supervisory personnel are advised to adhere to all district policies, with special attention to Policy 203 regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

A motion to extend Langmaid’s paid administrative leave to August and add Piepenburg and Torres lacked a second motion and died.

Based on further information disclosed to the board deeming the actions committed by Langmaid to be terminable, a motion was made to terminate Langmaid’s contract. The termination is consistent with paragraph 7.1, item 4, termination with cause, and based on Policy 100 and the violation of core values. With a 2-2 vote, the motion failed.

The board unanimously directed Dunn to contact the district’s information technology provider to provide forensic analysis of the potential unauthorized access of Langmaid to Dowden’s, Piepenburg’s and Torres’s emails.

The board unanimously approved a modification to extend Langmaid’s paid administrative leave to a time when all board investigations are completed.

On July 11, the board moved into executive session to receive legal advice concerning specific legal questions regarding the investigation of complaints. When the board reconvened, Dowden said the board had conferred with legal counsel and received legal advice. A discussion surrounding possible interim leadership for the department would continue at the July 17 regular meeting.

Board takes further action

At its regular meeting on July 17, before the executive session, the following comments were made:

Retired firefighter and former two-term board Director Richard Nearhoof said the department had come a long way since the Black Forest Fire in 2013. He thanked everyone in attendance and said the department is well-equipped and employs well-trained personnel. Langmaid has done a great job as fire chief, and despite some differences of opinion between the chief and the board, mutual agreements are usually reached. “I am proud of the department,” he said.

Tarvainen thanked all members of the BFFRPD in attendance and watching via Zoom for being invested in the department and community and said everyone is appreciated by each member of the board. She said she would send the following statement to all department members via email:

“The board has been made aware of some serious allegations that are now being investigated. The board requests each member fully cooperate to allow the board to fully understand all that has happened. The decisions made tonight will make it easier for the line staff and allow the investigators to do their job. As the board enters into executive session, think about what is written on the sleeve of your work uniforms, ‘They for THEM,’ and why you are a firefighter in the Black Forest community.

The residents have entrusted each of you with the stations, the apparatus, the equipment and each other, and they want you to protect the community. If the residents were to walk into the station their tax dollars have paid for, would they approve of all of the behaviors that are taking place, would they be OK with the culture that exists and how you treat each other? As a taxpayer of the community, a board member that has sworn an oath to ensure the district is doing what is expected, and a recently retired member of the fire service with over 30 years of experience, if the allegations are true, I am not OK with any of it; I am saddened, angered, and disappointed. We are going to get to the truth, make the necessary course corrections and allow the firefighters to perform their jobs with pride. The board is supporting the line staff and doing the right thing,”

Executive session

The board moved into executive session at 7:24 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 24-6-402(4), (b) to receive legal advice on specific legal questions regarding the investigation of complaints and the retention of an interim fire chief, and potential formal action regarding items discussed during executive session.

When the board returned to the regular meeting at 9:48 p.m., Dowden said he echoed the speech Tarvainen made and said it is a challenging time for the department and every member has questions. The board has directed the district counsel to proceed with an investigation over a variety of matters brought to the board. CEGR Law has retained an independent third party to facilitate the investigations. The unbiased process retained by district counsel has begun to investigate the allegations, and the lack of information provided at this time is to maintain anonymity and privacy for all parties involved. He requested the board remain professional and allow the third-party investigation process to continue.

In a 3-1 vote, the board placed Piepenburg and Torres on paid administrative leave for the remainder of the investigation after additional information was made known to the board during the investigation. Director Chad Behnken recused himself due to a conflict of interest.

In a 3-1 vote, the board authorized legal counsel to inform Piepenburg and Torres with the explanation of the paid administration leave and authorized both email accounts to be directed to Dunn for filtering. Director Chad Behnken recused himself due to conflict of interest.

In a 4-0 vote, the board approved Tarvainen and Dowden to work with Dunn to negotiate an interim operational fire chief from CSFD, for an anticipated period of not less than 60 days, with the ability to extend on a month-to-month basis as deemed necessary by the board.

The meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

After the meeting, Dunn confirmed to OCN that all operational calls the chiefs would typically respond to would be handled by CSFD battalion chiefs until the investigation is complete.

**********

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 Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit bffire.org or contact the Administrative Office at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

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

Other Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) articles

Monument Planning Commission, July 10 – Orientation workshop for new members

By Lisa Hatfield

The Monument Planning Commission held a new-member orientation workshop, instead of a formal meeting, on July 10. It was open to the public, but no action items were discussed, deliberated, or acted upon during this session.

**********

The Monument Planning Commission usually meets the second Wednesday of each month. 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 or at www.townofmonument.org.

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Lisa Hatfield can be reached at LisaHatfield@ocn.me.

Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) – County park planning manager discusses new parks

By Marlene Brown

NEPCO, an association of homeowner associations, held its bi-monthly meeting July 13 at the Woodmoor Barn. With over 50 member associations in the Tri-Lakes and Black Forest, NEPCO represents over 22,000 voters. It works to inform residents of Land Use and Transportation issues as well as keeping up with the new laws that have been passed to govern homeowner associations.

One of NEPCO’s main purposes is to be able provide support for growth management in the area. Construction of homes, apartments, and new businesses continues to grow. NEPCO continues to be involved with the planning commissions, such as the Town of Monument Planning Commission and the El Paso County Planning Commission, on new projects that are being considered.

The Land Use and Transportation Committee is looking for a new chairman. Anyone whose HOA is member of NEPCO can join the committee and help keep it informed of any new projects that are being considered or have been approved. Belinda Warren is a new volunteer for NEPCO. She will be working with the El Paso County Land Development Code Support Group. For more information email, Bob Swedenburg at vicepresident@nepco.org

Guest speakers

Jason Meyer, manager of the El Paso County Park Planning Division, discussed several new parks being built around the county and the Nature Center in Fox Run Regional Park. The county Parks Master Plan is the guiding document that is coordinated with other county plans to provide outdoor recreation through parks, trails, and open space. The projects include Homestead Ranch Regional Park, Jones Park, and Ute Pass Regional Trail. The Master Plan provides a sustainable approach to allocation of resources for the next five to 10 years, according to the county website at communityservices.elpasoco.com/park-planning. For additional information, contact Meyer at jasonmeyer@elpasoco.com.

Madeline VanDenHoek, director of Parks and Community Partnerships for the Town of Monument, said the responsibilities of the Parks Department include planning of parks and recreation facilities, maintaining buildings, curbing, fences, parking facilities, structure and walkways, and protecting natural resources within the parks and open space properties. The Parks Department also repairs any vandalized facility, landscape equipment, lighting, and plumbing and irrigation systems. For more information, go to townofmonument.org/277/Park-Open-Space-Department.

VanDenHoek is also the acting town manager during the paid administrative leave of Mike Foreman since June 13. No reason is available, only that it is a “personnel issue.”

**********

The next meeting will be on Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 to noon at the Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. The proposed topic will be El Paso County Planning and Roads with speakers Meggan Harrington, executive director of Planning and Community and Kevin Mastin, executive director of Public Works. For more information regarding NEPCO, go to nepco.org.

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

Other NEPCO articles

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 24 – Final merger timeline announced; dissolution plan approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) meeting on July 24, the board received the final timeline for the completion of the merger process with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD), adopted a supplemental plan of dissolution, and approved the dissolution of the district.

Secretary Mike Forsythe attended via Zoom.

District merger dissolution plan

Attorney Emily Powell of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC law firm, attending via Zoom, said the merger process is “moving along as expected.” The board is requested to consider Resolution 24-06, a resolution adopting the supplemental plan of dissolution, and approving the dissolution of the DWFPD, and she said:

  • To dissolve the district, a plan of dissolution must be provided to the court stating, for example, how emergency services will be continued, whether any outstanding debt needs to be handled—those kind of questions as set forth in the statute. See wp.ocn.me/v24n7dwfpd/.
  • Many of the questions are included in the pre-inclusion intergovernmental agreement (IGA) and it will be stated in the pre-inclusion IGA that it constitutes the district’s plan of dissolution. However, some of that information is not appropriate for the pre-inclusion IGA, for example the financial statements would not be attached, so the board is requested to adopt a supplemental plan of dissolution to be combined with the pre-inclusion IGA to constitute a complete packet to be submitted to the court.
  • Then the court will take about two weeks to issue the order. A request for a dissolution hearing can then be filed, which could be any time from today until Aug. 15.
  • The court will consider the petition for dissolution, and the hearing must be scheduled within 50 days. It could take up to 48-49 days or be as few as six days.
  • At the hearing, the court will be asked to order the dissolution without an election. The district only has three eligible electors who have all signed affidavits supporting the dissolution, but if the court disagrees, a small, three-person election will occur on Dec. 3.

The court hearing should take about 10 minutes or less and will require a board member representative. Attorney Dino Ross will handle the courtroom procedures with the judge, and she will attend to handle the paperwork. If an election is ordered by the judge, it will take place on Dec. 3, but it is unlikely with only three voters remaining in DWFPD, said Powell.

President Charles Fleece said he is hoping for the easy path to dissolution with the affidavits.

Powell said a similar hearing in Boulder County involved seven electors approving a dissolution. The court agreed that it would not be a good use of funds to conduct an election. If the judge agrees to order the dissolution without an election, and the order recorded at the end of December, the district will be dissolved, she said.

The two-member board unanimously approved and signed Resolution 2024-06, the legal documentation adopting a supplemental plan of dissolution and approving the dissolution of the district.

Remaining transfers

Powell said the request to exclude the two-board-member residential properties from the district and move them to TMD upon dissolution, was submitted to the court on July 26. A 30-day waiting period had to elapse before filing the exclusion after the board directors had signed the request at its June meeting. The transfer of the two contract agreements with The American Red Cross and Emergency Incident Support for the use of the Sun Hills property will be made to MFD before the end of the year.

Note: For more information, see the MFD article on page < 9 > and visit www.monumentfire.org.

Parting thoughts

Fleece thanked Powell for making the merger process seamless while juggling a million things over the past three years. The merger is wrapping up and approaching the tail end of the long process, and it is exciting to see, said Fleece.

Powell thanked the board for sticking with the long process and said she loves the merger process while having a system to make it happen. The board members and executive staff have been wonderful to work with, and all while they attend to full-time jobs, she said.

Fleece said that everyone involved remained professional and helpful throughout, working toward one goal to make the community better and safer for the employees. It has been a privilege and a better blessing to be a part of, he said.

Forsythe thanked everyone and said he is proud to do something good for the community. It was a dream at Wescott to have a merger with Monument and he was glad to have participated, he said. The merger is a dream come true for the firefighters, he said.

The meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

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

Other Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) articles

Monument Fire District, July 24 – Gas odor increases call volume; district recognized for supporting prescribed burn

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on July 24, the board heard about an unprecedented temporary call volume increase, witnessed district recognition for its support, approved the Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) Volunteer Firefighter Pension Plan (VFPP) Affiliation Agreement, a part of the merger process, and a board meeting time change for 2025. The board also received updates on the Station 3 rebuild design, the merger process, and a mechanical CPR device.

President Mike Smaldino and Secretary Jason Buckingham were excused. Director Randall Estes did not attend.

Gas odor increases calls

Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley said the district received an unprecedented increase in calls July 13-14 due to a Black Hills Energy (BHE) failure of the auto injecting Mercaptan (methanethiol, a harmless pungent smelling gas) that odorizes the odorless natural gas was far higher level than recommended. That led to over 70 calls from residents concerned about gas leaks in homes in Woodmoor and other communities from the evening of July 13 onward. BHE crews identified and fixed the problem, but due to low gas usage during the summer, the problem persisted.

BHE purged a gas line north of Kings Deer on the afternoon of July 14 and call volume lowered, but it did not solve the problem. After purging another line near the U.S. Forest Service on the west side of Monument on the morning of July 15, the call volume dropped immediately. The district was receiving calls every 10-15 minutes during the weekend and responding about 2.5 times per hour.

Bradley said 911 Dispatch did a nice job cueing calls, and the district adapted quickly and found some ways to do things better. BHE kept the district informed and was working as hard as they could to resolve the problem, Bradley said. BHE did not put out a statement on its website during the failure in case a real gas leak emergency occurred. The districts’ response was tested and modifications were made to allow crews to respond to the true emergency calls, he said.

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said he was surprised to learn that a sensor to monitor the Mercaptan level is not in place. The district will set up a time for an after-action review with the BHE staff to discuss a future response plan.

District receives recognition

Fire Management Officer Tim Ross of the Pikes Peak Ranger District (PPRD), serving with the U.S. Forest Service, recognized MFD for supporting the prescribed burn and the Monument Fire Center during the burn on June 12 and 13 in the area known as “The Preserve” in Monument. See wp.ocn.me/v24n7mfd/ and the caption and photo inset of the presentation. Ross thanked the district for its continued support and said the PPRD looks forward to returning with the prescribed burn effort in the future. Ross also said the prescribed burn went well and stayed where it was supposed to, and nobody was injured.

Two-thirds of the effort was accomplished, and in hindsight the third day burn of about 300 acres could have taken place and the burn would be done, but the decision not to burn on the third day was based on the precipitation that never came. The partnerships and training aspect, the people on the ground implementing the burn, and the public education went well, Ross said. It was a successful prescribed burn that will encourage re-growth, he said. The goal was not to eliminate any one species but an attempt to return the area to its original state and restore the balance with not as much scrub oak, hence the mosaic burn pattern, said Ross.

Above: From left, Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley receives a geographical framed map of the burn area from Fire Management Officer Tim Ross of the Pikes Peak Ranger District during the July 24 MFD board meeting. Ross said Bradley displayed superior efforts in bringing the Monument prescribed fire to fruition. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
Above: From left, Fire Chief Andy Kovacs is presented with a watercolor rendition of Monument Rock from Fire Management Officer Ross at the MFD board meeting on July 24. The district supported the U.S. Forest Service in the preparation for the prescribed burn, and during the event on June 12 and 13 in the area known as Monument Preserve. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Financial report

Treasurer Tom Kelly said all funding streams look good and ambulance revenue is right on target half way through the budget year as of June 30. Overall revenue year to date is about $13.659 million, approximately 61.9% of the projected 2024 income budget set at about $22 million. Expenses are all tracking with wages coming back in line and overall expenses year to date are about $8.347 million or 51.0% of the projected expense budget set at about $16.336 million.

The board had 23 electronic transmissions over $2,500, and of note were:

  • $63,498 Liquid Structures Station 4 concrete apron
  • $20,147 NV5 Inc. Station 3 agreement
  • $216,671 Flintco LLC Station 4 remodel
  • $10,303 Wex Bank Inc. Fleet fuel
  • $104,390 PNC Equipment Finance Engine lease payment

Every transaction appeared appropriate and within the 2024 budget, and the checking and savings accounts totaled about $16.743 million (about $10.833 million in the Operations and General Fund), said Kelly.

Kovacs said the increase was due to the transfer of funds from DWFPD and additional property tax revenue, he said.

Note: District revenue increased by about $1.581 million from the May 31 financial report.

In a 4-0 vote, the board accepted the financial report as presented.

2024-25 budget update

Kovacs said the district will amend the 2025 budget after the 2024 audit presentation. A significant amount of funds is allocated to the district’s capital projects, but because of the length of the planning processes, funds have not been spent in 2024. The district will be rolling over funds into fiscal year 2025 and will be under budget in totality at the end of 2024, even though the Station 4 remodel is over budget, Kovacs said. Funds will be re-allocated from the unspent budgeted capital expenditure for the additional expenditures, he said.

Station 3 rebuild update

Executive Battalion Chief Micah Coyle said the rebuild of Station 3 on a 2-acre lot north of the YMCA on Jackson Creek Parkway is still in the discovery phase, and the district is working with the seller to get the plat and site plan approved by the Town of Monument (TOM). See wp.ocn.me/v24n7mfd/.

Vice President John Hildebrandt said the district has been waiting on the plat approval for quite a while and he questioned the delay.

Bradley said the TOM moratorium on plat approvals expired last week, and even though the district’s plans were not technically subject to the hold, a lot of projects will now be submitted to the Planning Department. He attends a standing weekly meeting with the planning team to review pre-applications and plans, but it is unknown where the plan is in the process with the team of planners, he said. See MTC article on page < 1 >.

Kovacs said the developer is still making amendments, not only to subdivide the 2-acre parcel the district is purchasing adjacent to the YMCA on Jackson Creek Parkway but also the entire 11-acre property that will require subdividing into lots, he said.

Merger update

Coyle said Emily Powell of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC law firm is ready to file the dissolution request with the courts on July 26, and the process could take up to 50 days.

Affidavits from the three eligible voting members, two board directors and a spouse supporting the dissolution of the district will be presented, but the presiding judge could call for a three-person election on Dec. 3. See DWFPD article on page < 8 >.

Hildebrandt asked why an election might be necessary now and said it had not been part of the original plan. He said he thought the process was to just absorb the two remaining properties and the dissolution would be finalized sooner.

Kovacs said the judge could technically call for a vote of the three remaining residents, and the earliest date would be Dec. 3, but if the judge is reasonable the election process will be skipped due to the three remaining eligible voters signing affidavits approving the dissolution. Powell is confident an election will not be necessary, he said.

Director Mark Gunderman said Powell has worked many fire district mergers, and an election is a worst-case scenario. In most cases, an election has never been necessary, he said.

Powell is confident the merger will be “buttoned up” by the end of the year, said Kovacs.

Volunteer Firefighter Pension Plan

Coyle requested the board approve the DWFPD Volunteer Firefighter Pension Plan (VFPP) Affiliation Agreement. See wp.ocn.me/v24n7dwfpd/.

Kovacs said the agreement was missed during the document signing last month. This agreement allows the district to assume management of the VFPP.

Hildebrandt asked if the VFPP would have any liabilities on MFD.

Gunderman said the VFPP is solvent on its own because of how it has been run, and no other recipients will be added to the fund, and it will continue to be fully funded.

Kovacs said the VFPP is self-funded, and a healthy account and the actuarial report are used to determine increased funding. A line item will be added for the 2025 budget for the VFPP, but the district will not add funds this year because the fund is so healthy, he said.

The board approved the VFPP affiliation agreement in a 4-0 vote.

Meeting time change

Hildebrandt said the meeting time was changed a few years ago from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., when the Woodmoor Fire Department and Tri-Lakes Fire Department merged. He said it would be his preference to keep the same time to allow working board members and residents to attend.

Kelly said at the June board meeting he had requested the board review the meeting time in the interest of overtime savings and fiscal responsibility. Changing the meeting times to earlier in the day would prevent overtime costs when staff must stay for meetings. The goal is to continue fiscal responsibility with the increase of capital improvements and remain prudent with the district funds, said Kelly.

Kovacs said the executive branch including himself, Bradley and Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner are exempt from receiving overtime, and it depends on the length of the meetings, but an average meeting is about two hours, so about four hours of overtime is incurred monthly for Coyle and for Director of Administration Jennifer Martin because their work day ends at 4:30 p.m.

Gunderman said he never witnessed a difference in attendance during his time on the Wescott board that typically meets at 4:30 p.m., and due to COVID-19 restrictions the regular resident attendees joined via Zoom and continued to do so, and the in-person attendees continued to show up. Working from home, he sets his own schedule and is flexible and has never seen any public push back even if the meeting is earlier than 4:30 p.m. Gunderman said he would not have a problem with an earlier meeting but suggested no earlier than 4:30 p.m.

Director Duane Garrett confirmed that whenever he had a work conflict during his tenure on the Wescott board, he joined via Zoom and rarely missed a meeting.

This reporter suggested the board consider saving half the overtime costs by meeting at 4:30 p.m., since the DWFPD meetings will no longer be held in 2025.

Kovacs said it is not uncommon for attendees to hang around between meetings, but moving the meeting to 4:30 p.m. would not entirely save on overtime costs, but it may be more convenient, and if it does not work the board can always change the time, he said.

Hildebrandt said it would have been difficult when he worked full time to attend at 4:30 p.m.

Kelly made a motion to change the meeting time to 4:30 p.m.; it was seconded by Garrett.

The board approved the time change, with meetings held on the fourth Wednesday, beginning in 2025, in a 4-1 vote; Hildebrandt dissented.

EMS calls

Coyle said the district purchased a LUCAS device that administers mechanical CPR, all crews have trained on the unit, and it is in service on Squad 575 at Station 5. It will be used during all district cardiac arrest calls.

Hildebrandt asked if the device would be better located at Station 4.

Kovacs said the district hopes to purchase a device per year, if finances are available, to have three total for each ambulance. Squad 575 with a lieutenant and engineer is the support for the first responding unit to cardiac arrest calls.

Hildebrandt said a potentially life-saving piece of equipment could not be farther away from a good portion of the district as you can get and Station 1 is a prime example.

Bradley said the device is not necessarily a first-response device, and it does not matter where the device goes. The decision to place the device on Squad 575, a non-transport vehicle, was made to ensure it is always available in district until enough devices are available for the ambulances, he said.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

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

Other Monument Fire District (MFD) articles

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Workshop, July 10 – Advisory committee presents Elephant Rock analysis

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

On July 10, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees held a workshop at which the Elephant Rock Property Citizen Advisory Committee presented the results of its work to organize and analyze the suggestions from residents for development of the 28-acre property. Mayor Glant Havenar and Trustees Shana Ball, Kevin Dreher, Nick Ehrhardt, and Dennis Stern attended the workshop; Trustees Jessica Farr and Samantha Padget were absent.

The 10-member committee included Co-Chairs Susan Miner and Bill Fisher, Jina Brenneman and Jennifer Rausch representing the Palmer Lakes Arts Council, Cindy Power and John Tool representing the Palmer Lake Parks Commission, Atis Jurka and Karen Stuth representing the Palmer Lake Economic Development Group, and Larry Bobo and Cathy Wilcox serving as citizens at large.

The committee organized all the suggestions it considered viable and its comments on those suggestions into a binder presented to the board and available on the town’s website here: www.townofpalmerlake.com/media/15291.

Committee vision and mission

Miner told the board the committee’s vision was to create parkland and open space for the benefit and enjoyment of citizen owners that celebrates community, culture, history, the arts, and the natural environment in the spirit of the Chautauqua movement. The committee’s mission was to acknowledge that the property is beautiful and diverse and must be self-sustaining while maintaining harmony between economic development and land use regulations.

Miner said the committee thought of the property as belonging to the whole town, and the committee’s work was based on the town’s master plan. She said that Richard and Lindsay Willan’s Eco Spa and a potential public safety building had not been considered in the committee’s efforts.

The committee is made up of five subcommittees: site planning, income capacity, funding sources, culture and arts, and parks, Miner said. (The parks subcommittee did not make a presentation at the workshop.) The overall committee considered preserving the landscape and views, fire mitigation, reducing the potential for noise and light pollution, and promoting opportunities to improve quality of life for residents. The status of the cabins, the need for asbestos mitigation, lack of funding, and public safety were “elephants in the room,” Miner said.

Site planning

Fisher told the board the site plan focused on documenting existing conditions. He said the site planning subcommittee had settled on consistent names for the buildings at the site: the Lodge, the Chapel, the Pavilion, the Long Building, the Cabins, the Annex, and the Utility Barn. Fisher said the site planning subcommittee did not favor using the site for a shopping center, but he acknowledged the need for revenue from the site.

Fisher said the Lodge could be developed into a boutique hotel, and he presented a slide that showed a hotel, an open space on the eastern side of the property, the Willans’ spa, and a park on the western side of the property adjacent to the creek.

Culture and arts

Miner said the idea of using the site as a cultural district, where cultural facilities and programs serve as anchors, came up in a couple ways. Cultural districts attract funding, she said.

Brenneman, representing the culture and arts subcommittee, recalled Palmer Lake in the 1970s, when it was more a village than a town and summer classes and ballet classes were available. She presented information from a 2022 study by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region that showed the arts supported nearly 3,000 jobs and generated $184 million in economic activity.

Brenneman discussed the use of the kitchen in the Lodge as a fine dining restaurant. The site could accommodate a history museum, artists in residence, a sculpture park, and a nature center, she said. She encouraged the board to take the long view and to protect the property.

Income capacity

Jurka, representing the subcommittee focused on revenue generation, said the main question relative to revenue was who would manage the property. He pointed out there are insurance and maintenance costs, but no revenue is coming in at present. He suggested three things to generate revenue in the short term: an athletic field that could be rented, the Pavilion could be rented, and picnic tables could be installed and rented. He also suggested the Lodge could be rented.

Sources of funding

Cathy Wilcox listed several ways to fund the development of the property:

  • Federal, state and local grants.
  • Municipal bonds.
  • Mill levy overrides.
  • Crowd funding.
  • Revenue from parking.
  • Fees.
  • Sales taxes.
  • Sponsorships.
  • Endowments with naming rights.

She said she had contacted Panorama Property Management.

Next steps

Miner suggested the board hold an open house at the property. She recommended the formation of a new committee to further analyze suggestions and possibly hire a property manager. Miner said a grant was available to hire a property manager. She said the buildings needed to be secured.

Mayor Havenar asked the board how much time they needed to digest the information presented by the committee. The consensus was two weeks, and the board would send questions to the committee by July 18. Another workshop was scheduled before the July 25 board meeting.

**********

All meetings 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

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 11 and 25 – Elephant Rock discussion becomes contentious

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The future of the Elephant Rock property was the focus of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) at its board meetings in July. The board also held two workshops devoted to the question. For coverage of the first workshop, held on July 10, see article on page < 11 >. The Elephant Rock Property Citizen Advisory Committee (ERPCA) delivered to the board the results of its months-long analysis of the suggestions for the property submitted by residents. The second workshop preceded the July 25 board meeting. The board passed a resolution to establish a fee for farmers markets, amended the ordinance regulating peddler’s permits, and updated the regulation governing business licenses. The board held a public hearing and took a vote on a conditional use permit for a landscaping business moving into Illumination Point. The board updated its code governing subdivisions.

Consensus on Elephant Rock emerges from angry discussion

Asbestos removal at the Elephant Rock property was on the agenda at the July 11 board meeting, but the topic was tabled until the July 25 board meeting.

At the workshop preceding the July 25 board meeting. Mayor Glant Havener said the purpose of the workshop was to address any unanswered questions about the ERPCA’s work and to set a direction for the property.

Trustee Kevin Dreher said the first decision was whether to use the property as a park or as a cultural district. He said he leaned toward using it as a park.

Trustee Shana Ball argued that the next step should be the formation of a new committee to do a financial analysis, as suggested by the ERPCA. Havenar questioned the role of a new committee.

Susan Miner, one of the co-chairs of the ERPCA, pointed out that every square foot of the Elephant Rock property that is not generating revenue is costing the town money. She said the property could be a combination of park and cultural district. The purpose of the new committee was to ensure there would be enough revenue to make the property self-sustaining.

Havenar pointed out that the board had already voted to demolish the cabins. She asked if Miner would lead the new committee; Miner said she would not.

Havenar argued the problem with the suggestion that groups adopt a cabin is that it would take five to seven years before the town would receive any revenue. Miner said she thought revenue could be produced sooner than Havenar’s estimate.

Trustee Dennis Stern said he did not oppose the creation of a new committee but thought the board should choose a direction before the committee was launched.

Ball said she would like to understand the revenue that would be generated from the cabins and argued that most of the community wanted to keep them. Havenar disagreed that was the desire of most residents. Ball asked for another survey of the community. Trustee Jessica Farr felt the community had been surveyed many times and the board should decide between parks and a cultural district.

Dreher said he favored turning the big building into a restaurant or event center that would generate revenue. Farr pointed out no one would invest the money needed without owning the building.

Havenar said she would like to see the Pavilion used for park rentals and the Chapel used by the Forest School. Miner said the next step should be to hire a property manager funded by a grant. Havenar pointed out the town did not yet have such a grant.

Town Administrator Dawn Collins pointed out that any new use would require all aspects of the property—drainage and roads, for example—to be brought up to current code requirements. She said the buildings were continuing to deteriorate and there was a cost to doing nothing. She estimated the town had spent $5,000 on the property in the first half of 2024.

Havenar argued the asbestos would need to be remediated in all cases. She repeated her point that the board had already voted to demolish the cabins.

Ball repeated her desire for more input from citizens. Ehrhardt and Farr said there was already plenty of input from citizens. During Tim Cave’s remarks to the board, Havenar became angry with Ball, implied Ball was keeping information secret from the board, and demanded that Ball stop talking and shut her mouth.

Reid Wiecks, who is on the Parks and Trails Commission, suggested that the large buildings could accommodate any uses the cabins could be put to, and said he favored demolishing the cabins.

Following Wiecks’s remarks, the workshop was closed.

During the board meeting following the workshop, Farr moved to demolish seven buildings, remediate the asbestos as needed, and form a new committee to develop a financial plan in six months. Trustees Ball and Ehrhardt voted no; Trustees Dreher, Farr, Padgett and Stern, along with Havenar, voted yes.

Farmers markets, peddler’s permits and business licenses

At its July 11 meeting, the board voted in favor of Resolution 38-2024, which requires a fee to be paid by applicants organizing farmers markets. Staff recommended a fee of $100. It also amended Ordinance 7-2024 so that a peddler’s permit, which would be required to sell items at a farmers market, would be valid for a calendar year at a cost of $25. A simple background check would be included in the process to grant a peddler’s permit.

At its July 25 meeting, at the request of Farr, the board took up the issue of business licenses. At present, Farr said, subcontractors were required to obtain a business license from Palmer Lake. She thought this was unenforceable and a waste of time. Stern said he thought most towns did not require subcontractors to maintain a business license but did require home-based businesses in the town to be licensed. Collins said the code currently does require subcontractors to have a business license, even if they will be performing a single job, but that was enforced only when a subcontractor submits a land use application.

Town Attorney Scott Krob said the board could decide how broad they wanted the requirement for a license to be. Local builder Kurt Ehrhardt told the board he thought the requirement would mean excessive work for town staff. Krob said he would draft language for the board to consider at a future meeting.

Public hearing on conditional use permit

Jared Whiteley, representing Greater Grounds, requested a conditional use permit to use his property at Illumination Point to park trucks and equipment for a landscaping business. Illumination Point is zoned C2 General Business and Commercial. He said an 8-foot privacy fence would be built to shield the equipment from Highway 105.

Whiteley said if the Colorado Department of Transportation required a turn lane on Highway 105, he could use Cloven Hoof Road to access the parking lot.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 40-2024, which grants the permit.

Subdivision ordinance rewritten

Collins told the board that the municipal code governing the subdivision process had been rewritten by the town’s Planning Commission and the Community Matter Institute to address gaps in the process. Krob said the old code was 50 years old and due for updating.

The board voted in favor of Ordinance 8-2024, which repeals and replaces Chapter 16 of the Subdivision Code. Farr voted no; all others voted in favor.

Executive session

The July 11 and 25 meetings ended with executive sessions to discuss a possible annexation request.

**********

The next regular board meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 8 and 22. All meetings 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 (PLBOT) articles

Monument Academy School Board, July 11 – Board resolution related to Title IX

By Jackie Burhans

Monument Academy (MA) held its regular meeting in July to consider its response to changes in Title IX, to receive an update on finances, set board committee assignments, and hear committee reports.

Board responds to Title IX changes

The July 11 meeting started with a short executive session for legal advice regarding Title IX policy options. Board President Ryan Graham noted that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) had released its final rule changes to Title IX and indicated he had a resolution that was being used in multiple school districts.

The resolution, which can be found in its entirety at bit.ly/ma-title-ix-res, specifies in part that the board believes parents, not schools, have the fundamental responsibility for their children’s education, supports natural law and moral truth, believes the ED’s changes run afoul of federal and state laws, and that Title IX refers to biological sex, which is “an immutable characteristic that cannot be changed, fluid, or altered.” The resolution says that the ED’s unlawful attempt to change the definition would have disastrous emotional and safety impacts to girls and women.

Therefore, the document resolves that “sex” is determined at birth and is an immutable characteristic that cannot be changed, fluid, or altered; commits to protecting female sports and ensuring the safety, privacy, and protection of all students, acknowledging the importance of single-sex facilities.

Finally, the board values and condones the numerous legal challenges to ED’s rule changes to Title IX and commits to making no policy or procedural changes while legal challenges ensue.

Graham moved to approve the resolution; Vice President Lindsay Clinton seconded it, and without discussion, the board passed the resolution unanimously.

Finance update

Acting Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson reported that D38 had unexpectedly qualified for a state mill levy override matching program, which yielded an additional $30,000 for MA.

Gustafson said he had convinced MA’s auditor not to accrue the cost of seeking the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is supposed to process applications within six months, but it’s taking a long time due to concerns about program fraud. Some entities are suing the IRS due to the delay.

Gustafson said the payroll system he inherited has a mix of pay dates for employees, but he decided to get everyone synced up to the end of the month for payment. He is also moving the pay date to the 26th to align with payments to MA from D38. Some staff will see a double paycheck initially. That will not incur an additional expense but will simply reduce the liability accrual. Gustafson said he had made a lot of fixes and would be communicating and reminding staff of this change.

Committee assignments

The board agreed to add a separate East Campus curriculum committee, similar to the separate School Advisory and Accountability (SAAC) committees, and stand down the Human Resources committee. The board discussed and agreed upon the following committee assignments for board members:

  • Highway 105 – Graham; the project should end in about a month.
  • Curriculum West – Emily Belisle.
  • Curriculum East – Clinton.
  • SAAC West – Matt Ross.
  • SAAC East – Jelinda Dygert.
  • Governance – Karen Hoida, Belisle.
  • Finance – Craig Carle, Graham.
  • Building and Facilities – Hoida, Graham.
  • Resource Development Committee – Carle, Clinton.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Graham reported that curbs and gutters were installed on the new road on the south side of the West Campus and that Executive Director Collin Vinchattle and Principal Kurt Walker would communicate the new plan for the car line.
  • Clinton reported on the SAAC East recommendations, noting that two new questions about summer workbooks were added to the survey, but only 60 responses were received. SAAC East recommended the board continue to think outside the box regarding electives, school spirit, and streamlining communication.
  • Registrar Lena Gross reported on enrollment, including retention numbers, noting that exit interview data was pending. Kindergarten enrollment is slightly down, she said, due to the birth rate and the impact of universal preschool in the state. Gustafson noted the preschool fund would have a loss and should be reviewed for viability during the mid-year budget discussion.
  • Hoida reported that the Governance Committee was working on the library policy and expected to have a draft by the next board meeting.
  • The board unanimously approved removing leggings as approved wear for free dress days.
  • The board unanimously approved minor formatting changes to the staff handbook.
  • After discussion, the board unanimously approved Vinchattle’s request to modify MA’s graduation requirements to provide additional state-approved options for math. He noted that MA would still require students to pass the capstone requirement.
  • The board unanimously approved using $1,000 in board funds to put on a Staff Breakfast on Aug. 6.

**********

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, Aug. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. For more information, visit bit.ly/ma-boe.

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

Other Monument Academy (MA) articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 15 – Contract for pipeline construction awarded

By James Howald

The Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board met in July to consider awarding a contract for the construction of a pipeline to connect the district’s newest well to the Central Water Treatment Plant (CWTP). General Manager Jessie Shaffer gave the board a mid-year update on the district’s 2024 budget. The board updated its records retention schedule and heard an operational report from Shaffer. The meeting ended with an executive session, after which no action was taken.

Pipeline contract awarded

Shaffer told the board that eight bids were received from companies interested in building a pipeline to connect Well 22, recently drilled just south of County Line Road and east of I-25, with the CWTP, on Deer Creek Road adjacent to the Lewis-Palmer Middle School. The bids ranged from $498,000 to $1.2 million, with T-Bone Construction submitting the lowest bid. The pipeline will run in an easement just west of houses on Doewood Drive and east of the proposed Monument Ridge East development. Shaffer recommended the board authorize an additional $50,000 for change order contingencies. The board voted unanimously to award the contract to T-Bone Construction in the amount Shaffer suggested.

Mid-year budget update

Shaffer told the board that some of the funds budgeted for construction in the 2024 budget would be carried over to 2025 due to delays in the permitting process for the projects. He mentioned two projects that were delayed: the Well 22 pipeline and some of the improvements on Highway 105 required by El Paso County’s work to widen the highway. The Dawson aquifer well near the CWTP, on the other hand, was budgeted at $430, 000 but will cost $525,000, Shaffer said. Long lead times for electrical equipment have delayed the construction of lift stations until next year, requiring adjustments to the 2024 budget. Shaffer said price inflation and unexpected repairs to a backhoe also caused adjustments to the budget.

The board gave their approval for the budget changes as presented.

Record retention policy amended

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 24-02, which establishes the schedule for record retention and destruction.

Manager’s report

In a brief manager’s report, Shaffer said district Engineer Ariel Hacker had resigned her position with the district and accepted a job with a state agency. He said he was interviewing candidates to replace Hacker.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss the district’s participation in the Loop water reuse project, in particular, the recently drafted Member Agency Financing and Contribution Agreement. No votes were taken following the executive session.

**********

The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 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

Forest Lakes Metropolitan District/Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, July 15 and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, July 22 – 2023 audits receive clean opinions

By Natalie Barszcz

The Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) Pinon Pines Metropolitan District (PPMD) 2 and 3 boards held a joint special meeting on July 15 at 4 p.m. to conduct public hearings and accept the 2023 audits for FLMD and PPMD’s 2 and 3. On July 22, the PPMD 1 board held a special meeting to hold a public hearing and accept the 2023 audit.

Attending via teleconference were FLMD Manager Ann Nichols, Tom Blunk, CP Real Estate Capital, representing Forest Lakes LLC and Forest Lakes Residential Development, District Attorney Nicole Peykov of Spencer Fane law firm, Sarah Steph, vice president of accounting for Classic Homes, and the following board directors for all three boards: President George Lenz, executive vice president of finance for Classic Homes, Secretary Joe Loidolt, president of Classic Homes, and Steve Schlosser, project manager for Classic Homes.

Treasurer/Secretary Douglas Stimple, chief executive officer of Classic Homes, and Director James Boulton, vice president/project manager of Classic Homes, were excused on July 15.

2023 audit presentation

Lenz opened the public hearing on the 2023 audits for FLMD and PPMD’s 2 and 3. No comments were heard, and the public hearing was closed. Lenz requested Nichols refresh the board with an explanation about the appropriation issue that was approved at the June 14 meeting. See wp.ocn.me/v24n7flmd/.

Nichols said the FLMD budget was amended and approved by the board at the end of 2023; however, the appropriation conveying public infrastructure to other governments at year end for the Falcon Commerce Center phase 2 and FLMD filings 5, 6, and 7 (including the bridge in the west valley) was not made until last month. The district made the entries totaling about $9 million in dedicated public roads to the appropriate entities on time. Although there was no expenditure, the auditors insisted certain journal entries be covered by a board appropriation. Tom Sistere of Hoelting & Company Inc. notified the district that even though there was no actual expenditure of funds, without the amendment the district would likely receive a letter from the state auditor stating the district had exceeded its appropriations. It was worth the effort to make the journal entry corrections and appropriations before submitting the audit to the state, and the auditors agreed, said Nichols.

All three boards unanimously accepted the three audits as presented.

The meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. on July 15.

PPMD 1

At the PPMD 1 meeting on July 22, the three-member board accepted the 2023 audit as presented.

Attending via teleconference were Nichols, Peykov, and board directors President Mike Hitchcock, Vice President Mike Slavic and Secretary AJ Slavic.

Hitchcock opened the public hearing and receiving no comments, closed the hearing.

Nichols said the 2023 audit documents had been forwarded to the board for comment before the meeting, and the district had received a “clean opinion” from Hoelting & Sons.

The board unanimously approved the 2023 audit as presented.

The meeting adjourned at 4:12 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held quarterly or when necessary on the first Monday of the month at 4 p.m., via teleconference. Meeting notices are posted at least 24 hours in advance at forestlakesmetrodistrict.com. For general questions, contact Nichols at 719-327-5810, anicholsduffy@aol.com.

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

Other Forest Lakes and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District articles

Monument Sanitation District, July 17 – Repair completed without blocking traffic

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

The Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board met in July to hear a report from District Manager Mark Parker and to discuss final edits to the district’s newsletter, The Pipeline.

No spot repair needed

Parker told the board that repairs to the pipeline running under Highway 105 were complete, and a spot repair anticipated at the last board meeting was found to be unnecessary. Had the spot repair been needed, excavation would have been required and traffic on Highway 105 would have been impacted. Aegion/Insituform, the contractor repairing the pipeline, was able to complete the repair simply by lining the pipeline with no need to excavate, Parker said.

Manager’s report

In his manager’s report, Parker said that Streamline had been hired to bring the district’s website into compliance with the requirements of HB 21-1110 and with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Streamline will monitor the website continuously and do all required monthly and quarterly reporting to the state, Parker said, at a cost lower than the cost to the district if the work was done in-house. The website will be completely redone but will retain the same URL as the current page, Parker said. MSD staff will continue to manage the information that is published on the page.

Parker also announced that the district was planning to replace its current accounting company, Haynie & Co., with Numeric Strategies LLC, a company headquartered in Monument. Staff turnover at Haynie & Co. contributed to the decision to make a change, Parker said.

Finally, Parker said the Willow Springs Ranch neighborhood, just south of the Town of Monument, had reached complete buildout. Willow Springs Ranch is part of the MSD service area.

Newsletter gets final edits

The Pipeline, a newsletter to be published by MSD and drafted by Directors Janet Ladowski and John Howe, was reviewed by the board. The newsletter will keep customers up to date on district issues. Howe said he wanted to add some wording to the newsletter pointing out that MSD is not affiliated with the Town of Monument. Operations Manager James Kendrick said that MSD is a “separate and distinct public utility.”

**********

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 Aug. 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

Triview Metropolitan District, July 18 – Northern Delivery System complete; land annexation approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on July 18, the board heard about the Northern Delivery System (NDS) pipeline project completion and the anticipated delivery date of water to the residents, approved a land annexation to the Town of Buena Vista, received an update on the Higby Road pipeline installation, and heard the district had hired a replacement for the retired water utilities superintendent. The board held an executive session to discuss water and land acquisitions, and potential development incentives and intergovernmental agreements.

Directors Amanda Carlton and Jason Gross attended via Zoom.

Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart was excused.

Northern Delivery System update

Background: The NDS is a six-mile pipeline that will bring the district’s renewable water to Triview and Forest Lakes customers. The district will transition from dependence on nonrenewable Denver Basin groundwater to the district’s acquired water rights. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) will convey, treat, and deliver the district’s water via the CSU water tank off Highway 83 (opposite Old Northgate Road). The district constructed a booster pump house containing three pumps near the tank, with the combined capability of moving 4,500 gallons per minute of treated water to the district’s C plant in Sanctuary Pointe. The district’s Denver Basin wells will remain available to provide water on high-demand days and during periods of extreme drought.

District Manager James McGrady said the NDS is about 98% complete and the district is expected to begin pumping water to its customers on July 30. The district has about $536,000 left to pay on the NDS and has paid about $21.744 million so far. Some small items popped up during the construction and design phase that totaled about $400,000, and the district added segment D, an additional 1,000-foot waterline on the west side of I-25, and the overlay of the access road off Highway 83 to the pump station, pushing the project about $1 million over the original budget, but it was not unusual due to the size of the project. The final cost will be about $22.274 million, he said.

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the NDS pump station filled the lines with water, then staff “let it cook” with chlorine overnight and conducted a flush then a bacteriological (Bacti) test and pressure tested the system. The results “came back good and it is all good news.” The utility crews also completed a chlorine injection pump skid at C plant in anticipation of the NDS pump station startup. The potential for additional dosing of chlorine at C plant will be available if necessary. The water quality from Colorado Springs Utilities will need to be determined, he said.

Buena Vista land annexation

McGrady said the district purchased the 293.96-acre Chicago Ranch in Chaffee County and across the road from the Buena Vista rodeo grounds in late 2020 to construct recharge ponds for the district to control water rights associated with the Arkansas Valley Irrigation Canal Co.’s Ditch and change the water rights to municipal uses for the district’s purposes. The annexation process that includes a land annexation plan, plat, and request for a zone change has been submitted to the town of Buena Vista. The masterplan for the project has been approved by the Buena Vista Town Council, and the annexation public hearing meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13. The process has taken three years, and after the public hearing the district anticipates building the recharge ponds next spring. The district will begin diverting water from Cottonwood Creek in Chaffee County, he said.

Land Use Attorney Caitlin Quander of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP said the July 9 meeting application was substantially complete, and the property also requires zoning into the town and annexing. The annexation allows for the creation of public recreation trails and the district’s use of water rights on the property. It is a two-stage process and a “win-win” for the Buena Vista community, said Quander.

Gross asked if any risks to the district could occur with the annexation.

Vice President Anthony Sexton said the district will not receive any compensation for giving Buena Vista the land.

McGrady said the district paid about $35 per acre, which is all that the land is worth because of the moratorium against development in Buena Vista. The town’s goal was to develop the land as open space as it joins the Rodeo Grounds. The Town Council could not figure out how to get the land into the town and obtain the water rights. The district agreed to give up the property that is about 100 miles from Monument. Any accidents on the property would be the town’s responsibility. The annexation has the complete “buy in” from the Buena Vista Town Council, the users, and residents.

The district will contribute 1,040 hours of in-kind contributions or fund $38,000 annually for maintenance of the property for 10 years and provide $100,000 toward the initial infrastructure of a parking lot and a couple of trails. The district’s park and open space crews would spend a few days building trails for public use and access to the ponds. The total cost is about $600,000 without the design fees, McGrady said.

Quander said the town is the processor for the annexation, and the district has avoided a lengthy 1041 process with the county. She requested the board approve Resolution 2024-06 ratifying the annexation of the district-owned property known as Chicago Ranch into the Town of Buena Vista and Resolution 2024-07, which conveys the same property to the town.

Gross said it is a great example of two small communities working together.

McGrady said it is an unusual example, as most big cities along the Front Range muscle into small communities, but the district has earned the trust of the Buena Vista residents.

The board approved both resolutions in a 4-0 vote.

Higby Road update

McGrady said the district began construction of a 12-inch pipeline from Higby Road to create a loop from the east side of the district with a 16-inch pipeline under I-25 to the west side near the Conexus area. The pipeline will be extended south and tie in near Woodmen Valley Chapel north, where another 16-inch pipe exists under I-25, to create a two-source flow of water. The Higby Road pipeline is about two-thirds complete, and crews are expected to reach Bowstring Road by late July.

The next steps will be finishing the storm water drainage, installing the waterline, and relocating the power lines underground. All utilities will need to be installed before the district goes to bid for the widening project. The road will be patched until the widening project begins. A bond could be issued to pay for the widening project in 2025 for Sub-District A that is rapidly being developed south of Higby Road, he said.

Water Utilities update

Sheffield said he interviewed three candidates for the Water Utilities superintendent position vacated by Shawn Sexton upon retirement. Gary Potter, a former employee of Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District who is returning to the area after running a small district in Baca County, was selected and will begin on Aug. 12.

McGrady said the position has been increased to include water accounting experience besides treatment facility operator, and the job title includes raw water collection experience and treatment manager. Potter is also experienced to maximize the water exchanges the district will be making frequently, he said.

Sheffield also said:

  • The district had the highest record of water pumped in June, producing about 48.230 million gallons. It is a big jump from June 2023, which was a high rain month. The district anticipates July will also be high. He is comfortable with the 7% increase in pumped water considering the amount of new construction in the district.
  • A joint meeting at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Waste Water Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) with Executive Director/Manager Bill Burks of Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility and the UMCRWWTF staff resulted in a decision to hire a third-party calibration of the flumes and meters to discover the influent versus effluent for the district, Forest Lake Metropolitan District, and Donala Water and Sanitation District. See wp.ocn.me/v24n7tmd/.
  • A valve on Leather Chaps Drive near Bear Creek Elementary School had been directly buried without protection at the time of installation and the bonnet bolts were completely corroded. A new gate valve was installed and properly wrapped to prevent corrosion. For some reason, the valves in the area around the school were not inspected correctly when installed and many are beginning to corrode.
  • The Utility Department crews worked with the Public Works Department crews to repair the 2-inch irrigation line on Jackson Creek Parkway near the Taekwondo Center. The Vactor 900 truck also assisted, as crews repaired the defective copper line flare fitting in the irrigation system.
  • The Dish Network cell tower placement on the C plant water tank is mostly completed. District crews supervised the installation of the equipment on the building. The project will be up and running soon after some “right of way” issues are resolved. The district will receive $1,800 per month from Dish Network to use the tank.

Parks and open space update

Superintendent Matt Rayno said the following:

  • The Swing Park Trail (Gleneagle Drive) had serious erosion last spring and repairs are almost complete.
  • The completion of the St. Lawrence Trail that began in spring with installation of 39 steps will be completed down to Glenegale Drive in early September.

Legislative update

Sheffield said that at a water education class he attended recently, a presentation given by the state senator who wrote the resolution about artificial turf installation revealed that the artificial turf replacement ban applies only to non-functional areas such as decorative medians and landscaping, so the Sanctuary Pointe Park sports field would not be restricted because it is a functional area. See wp.ocn.me/v24n7tmd/.

Financial report

McGrady said the district sold a lot of water in June and also in July and has sold over 50 taps to major builders in the Jackson Creek area. The district will likely exceed the estimated taps for 2024 now that Toll Brothers is building in Jackson Creek North with Traylon and Richmond Homes. The district is on target for an unexpected, good year. The district closed the gap on sales tax, receiving a combined total of $300,347 in June, but the discussion regarding sales tax will continue in executive session, he said.

The board approved the checks over $5,000 and accepted the June financial report as presented 4-0.

Note: The district budgeted $1.650 million in combined sales tax for 2024. As of May 31, the district had received $599,390.

Policy and procedures manual updates

McGrady said the staff had been working on the 2024 revisions to the district’s personnel policy and procedures manual for about a year, after being first put together 10 years ago. Since that time a lot of regulations and policies have changed, and Michelle Ferguson of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC Law Firm was hired to implement the changes. Some district staff have been employees for over 10 years, and the district needed to ensure the policies were in compliance with new laws and regulations. The changes are not “over the top or overly punitive, just clear and clean.” He requested the board examine the policy manual and approve the updated manual at the August meeting. A lot of changes to be implemented were driven by staff members, he said.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:09 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes sections 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of acquisition of water/land, and 24-6-402(4)(b), for the purpose of determining the positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiators as it relates to potential development incentives.

Sheffield confirmed that after the meeting returned to the regular session, no action was taken, and the meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

Above: The Vactor 900 combination sewer cleaner truck is shown with operator David Clegg during the district’s annual sewer system cleaning in The Heights at Jackson Creek on July 17. The sewer system maintenance team is led by Supervisor/Manager Kevin Fackerell, and the truck is crewed by Clegg and Alejandro Curiel. The district received the truck in September 2023 to avoid outsourcing costly sewer maintenance. The crew is almost finished cleaning the district’s entire sewer system, with only Sanctuary Pointe left to be cleaned. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 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

Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 18 – Board considers request to exclude property

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The July meeting of the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board was preceded by a workshop and tour of the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF), which the district operates jointly with the Academy Water and Sanitation District, the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, and the Triview Metropolitan District. The board held a public hearing on a request to exclude a property from the DWSD service area. During public comments, a resident questioned a large bill he received for water service. The board heard operational reports, and the meeting ended with an executive session.

Treatment facility tour

During the board’s tour of its wastewater treatment facility at 14770 Jumping Mouse View, it inspected recently completed repairs to one of the facility’s three sequential batch reactors. The board also saw the sludge removal process and the flume through which treated effluent is discharged into Monument Creek. The facility staff also demonstrated a newly acquired truck mounted valve operator, made by Wachs Utility Products, that will help the district maintain its underground valves.

Public hearing on property exclusion

A public hearing was held on a request from Bill and Vickie Hancock to remove a portion of their property at 15220 Leather Chaps Drive from the district’s service area. General Manager Jeff Hodge explained that the Hancocks wanted to subdivide their 5-acre lot into two 2.5-acre lots, one of which would use an existing well and therefore would not need water service from DWSD. Board President Wayne Vanderschuere pointed out that should the Hancocks ever want to rejoin the district, they would have to pay a tap fee.

The board briefly considered Resolution 2024-6, which would grant the exclusion, but DWSD Attorney Madison Phillips pointed out that the board had not received a signed petition from the Hancocks, one of whom was in the hospital. The board took no action on the resolution and kept the hearing open until the required petition was received.

Resident questions big bill

Resident George Urteaga used the public comment portion of the meeting to tell the board that he had received a bill for 60,000 gallons of water, which he believed was incorrect. He said he had hired two companies to check for leaks in his irrigation system and they found none. He said the excessive usage occurred over a period of three days and he did not believe that amount of water could be delivered in that time. Hodge told him that, based on the size of his tap and the water pressure in his neighborhood, 60,000 gallons of water could have been delivered over the course of three days. Hodge offered to have Urteaga’s water meter checked for accuracy.

Operational reports

In his financial report, Hodge said water sales in the first six months of 2024 were in line with the budget. Revenue from property taxes was trickling in. He said the district had delivered a little of the water from its Willow Creek Ranch property that it pays Colorado Springs Utilities to convey, treat and deliver, but the costs of doing so were offset by the revenue the district received from leasing water to the Arkansas Groundwater and Reservoir Association.

The board voted unanimously to approve the financial report.

Water Operator Joe Lopez told the board that El Paso County had, in response to high temperatures, unexpectedly purchased about 37,000 gallons of water from the district, lowering the levels in the district’s storage tanks. Vanderschuere said the district should insist on advance notice of such purchases in the future.

On the wastewater side, Chief Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman reported E. coli numbers were well within the allowable level. The treatment facility processed 28 million gallons of waste in the previous month.

Brett Gracely, a project engineer with LRE Water, told the board that plans for aquifer storage and retrieval (ASR), a technology that will store excess water underground to avoid loss due to evaporation, were proceeding and the hardware needed for ASR was being designed.

Roger Sams, of GMS Engineering Inc., told the board that repairs to the district’s storage tanks were almost complete.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss the Member Agency Financing and Contribution Agreement recently drafted by the Loop water reuse project. DWSD is one of three water districts that have committed to the Loop.

**********

The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 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, July 18 – Board considers new roles for Merrick and Co.

By James Howald

The El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA or the Loop) board met in July to hear to hear suggestions for next steps from John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co., who also serves as the Loop’s project planning and workflow manager, and to consider a new contract between the Loop and Merrick. Board President Jessie Shaffer presented invoices from the previous month. The board also held an executive session, which was attended by representatives from all the participating districts, after which no action was taken.

Will Colorado Springs Utilities play a role?

Kuosman told the board that the option for Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to have a near-term partnership with the Loop was still being considered. The possibility that the Loop could make use of CSU’s pipelines and its Edward W. Bailey Water Treatment Plant has been discussed for months. Kuosman explained that a formal request to CSU had been made by the Loop and he expected CSU to provide a timeline and preliminary costs by mid-August. The possibility that the Loop could make use of CSU’s pipelines and excess water treatment capacity has a direct impact on the final cost of the Loop’s project.

Kuosman also said CSU is studying indirect potable reuse of water. “Indirect potable reuse” refers to systems where treated effluent from wastewater treatment facilities is released into a stream or river and then an equal amount of water is diverted from the stream or river to be reused by customers. The Loop is an indirect potable reuse design, with effluent from treatment facilities in northern El Paso County being released into Monument Creek and traveling downstream to Fountain Creek, where it is diverted, treated, and then conveyed north to customers for reuse. Kuosman said there were lots of overlap between CSU’s long-term plans and the Loop. CSU’s goals aligned with the Loop, he explained, but CSU’s timeline was years behind the Loop’s schedule.

New contract with Merrick for next phase

Kuosman told the board that its current contract with Merrick covered activities up to the drafting of the Member Agency Financing and Contribution Agreement, which defines the benefits and responsibilities of the participating districts. That contract is now complete, he said, and the board should consider a new agreement with Merrick for services related to the next phase of the project.

He briefly discussed financing options for the Loop, which include use of municipal bonds, federal grants, and public/private partnerships. He said he was working with Piper Sandler on financing options and with EPCOR, a company that invests in infrastructure projects and recoups its investment over the long term.

Kuosman said that the Loop’s current contract with Merrick covered project planning, workflow management, and advancing a conceptual design to the point where costs could be estimated. He suggested that the contract with Merrick for the phase two scope of service should include:

  • Project management, including attending board meetings, meetings with other agencies, and weekly phone calls.
  • Securing easements for 30 miles of pipelines.
  • Development of a hydraulic model for the project that will be used by engineering companies.
  • Exploring federal grants, federal programs, and public/private partnerships.
  • Pumping and storage, treatment and processing, and pipeline designs.
  • Putting BBNA’s conceptual design into an operating agreement for the participating districts to sign.
  • Long-term staffing plans.

Invoices

In his financial report, Shaffer mentioned four invoices that had arrived in the last month:

  • JVA Inc. for $5,519.
  • Kimley Horn for $3,150.
  • Spencer Fane LLC for $4,202.
  • The American Company for $18,341.

The board voted unanimously to accept the financial report.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice from the Loop’s attorney and to discuss negotiating positions. The session was attended by representatives from the participating districts, to whom the Member Agency Financing and Contribution Agreement was presented. No votes were taken after the executive session.

**********

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Cherokee Metropolitan District offices at 6250 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

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

Other Loop Water Authority articles

El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 9 and 25 – Black Forest property to be divided into two lots

By Helen Walklett

During July, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a request to create two lots on a 6.02-acre Black Forest property and approved requests connected to renovation work at Fox Run Regional Park and the Fox Run Nature Center.

Vessey Road rezone

At the July 25 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a final plat application by Pawel Posorski to create two single-family lots of just over 2.5 acres each on a 6.02-acre Vessey Road property, about one-third of a mile east of the intersection of Vessey and Holmes Roads. The land was rezoned from RR-5 (rural residential) to RR-2.5 (rural residential) in April. See wp.ocn.me/v24n5epcbocc/.

The application came from the El Paso County Planning Commission’s June 20 meeting with a unanimous recommendation for approval. It was heard at both the Planning Commission and BOCC hearings as a consent item, meaning there was no discussion.

Work at Fox Run Regional Park

At their July 9 meeting, the commissioners approved a purchase order for Matrix Design Group Inc. to provide site planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering design services for the Fox Run Regional Park ponds and gazebo project at an amount not to exceed $207,175.

The project consists of a study of the wedding gazebo for relocation and reconstruction near the stone seating amphitheater, improvements to the amphitheater itself to ensure The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, the dredging of both ponds and the installation of a synthetic pond liner, and the provision of ADA access from the parking area to the gazebo, amphitheater, and around the ponds if practical. Work is expected to begin in September and continue through the end of 2025.

Work underway since July on the restrooms near the two play areas is designed to enhance accessibility and is expected to run through November. Portable restrooms are available in both parking lots while the remodeling takes place.

At the same meeting, the commissioners approved a change order for TDG Architecture Inc. to provide additional project management and preliminary design and construction document services for the Fox Run Nature Center at an amount not to exceed $46,697.

**********

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

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

Other El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) articles

July Weather Wrap

Above: Smoke reportedly from Canadian wildfires casts a gray haze across the region on July 22, obscuring details of Mount Herman and the Rampart Range as seen from the Jackson Creek area. Photo by Allen Alchian.

Editors note: Bill Kappel is unavailable this month so we do not have a weather column, but Bill will be back next month.

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

Other Weather articles

Letters to Our Community – Freedom of speech

Freedom of speech

A social media troll shares unwelcome content within an online conversation to purposefully instigate an argument with one or more people. It is dangerous to young and old alike, and we see it every day.

It is not always protected by the First Amendment freedom of speech, as some would have you believe; it is fair in politics and elections particularly.

Examples of speech that may be limited: true threats, incitement, unlawful conduct: such as advocating violations of private life, defamation, hate speech, obscenity, pornography, public order, national security, classified information, trade secrets, or copyright violations.

Our national elections are coming, and trolling is rising to an epidemic level. Please vote and consider as a factor in your ballot decisions the honor, integrity, and ethics of each candidate and issue, no matter the level of trolling we are exposed to.

Thanks for your consideration.

Gordon Reichal

Click here for Letter Guidelines.

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. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

Other Letters to Our Community articles

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – New fiction titles to round out your summer

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Leaving any bookstore is hard, especially on a day in August when the street outside burns and glares, and the books inside are cool and crisp to the touch.”— Jane Smiley

These new fiction books are a wonderful way to round out the summer, whether outside basking in the sun or inside listening to the rain and rolling thunderstorms.

Bear

By Julia Phillips (Hogarth Press) $28

Sam and Elena are sisters, living on an island off the coast of Washington where they were born and raised. One night Sam spots a bear swimming the dark waters of the channel. When the bear turns up by their home, Sam, terrified, is more convinced than ever that it’s time to leave the island. But Elena responds differently to the massive beast. A story about the bonds of sisterhood and the mysteries of the animals that live among us—and within us, Bear is a propulsive, mythical, richly imagined novel from one of the most acclaimed young writers in America.

The Briar Club

By Kate Quinn (William Morrow & Co.) $29

This story takes place in Washington, D.C., in 1950. Everyone keeps to themself at Briarwood House, an all-female boardinghouse in the heart of the nation’s capital where secrets hide behind white picket fences. When a shocking act of violence tears the house apart, the Briar Club women must decide once and for all: Who is the true enemy? The Briar Club is an intimate and thrilling novel of secrets and loyalty put to the test.

 The Midnight Feast

By Lucy Foley (William Morrow & Co.) $30

It’s the opening night of The Manor, the newest and hottest luxury resort. Just outside The Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And it’s not too long before the local police are called. Turns out the past has crashed the party with deadly results. Everyone’s got a secret. Everyone’s got an agenda. But not everyone will survive. This story is packed with twists and turns that are perfect for those who love a good murder-mystery.

A Death in Cornwall (Gabriel Allon No. 24)

By Daniel Silva (Puffin) $32

Art restorer and legendary spy Gabriel Allon has slipped quietly into London to attend a reception. But when an old friend from the Devon and Cornwall Police seeks his help with a baffling murder investigation, he finds himself pursuing a powerful and dangerous new adversary. Elegant and suspenseful, A Death in Cornwall is Daniel Silva at his best—a dazzling tale of murder, power, and insatiable greed that will hold readers spellbound until they turn the final page.

Sipsworth

By Simon Van Booy (David R. Godine Publisher) $27

Over the course of a single week in a small English village, a widowed octogenarian who has spent her last years alone discovers an unexpected reason to live. After living abroad for 60 years, Helen Cartwright returns to the English town where she was born. She buys a suburban house on Westminster Crescent and settles into a repetitive, reclusive existence. Three uneventful, lonely years later, Helen’s life takes a sudden turn when an unexpected guest arrives: a small, good-natured mouse. This book illuminates not only the sustaining friendship forged between widower and mouse but the reverberations of goodness that ripple out from acts of kindness.

By Any Other Name

By Jodi Picoult (Ballantine Books) $30

Young playwright Melina Green has just written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. But seeing it performed is unlikely in a theater world where the playing field isn’t level for women. In 1581, young Emilia is a ward of English aristocrats. But like most women of her day, she is allowed no voice of her own. She begins to form a plan to secretly bring a play of her own to the stage by paying an actor named William Shakespeare to front her work. Told in intertwining timelines, By Any Other Name is a sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire, told by two women who are determined to create something beautiful despite the prejudices they face. Picoult’s latest novel, rooted in historical sources, goes on sale Aug. 20.

 Until next month, happy reading.

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

Other Between the Covers articles

August Library Events – Free concerts, book clubs

By Harriet Halbig

As summer winds down, enjoy a series of free concerts on the Village Green in Palmer Lake (right next to the library). These concerts, from 6 to 7 p.m., are free and family friendly. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket for your comfort. In the event of rain, concerts will be cancelled.

On Friday Aug. 23, the concert will feature the Academy Jazz Ensemble featuring jazz and big band music.

On Friday Aug. 30, the concert will feature the Tender Foot Bluegrass Band. We hope to see you there!

Monument Library offers two book clubs that are open to all. The Monumental Bookworms is an evening book club sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). The Bookworms will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 13. This month’s title is Horse by Geraldine Brooks. The Monumental Readers is also sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of PPLD. They will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Aug. 16. This month’s selection is One Summer: America 1927 by Bill Bryson. No registration is required to attend the book clubs and all are welcome.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Please note that all library facilities will be closed on Monday Sept. 2 for Labor Day.

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

Other Library articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Back to Eden gardening and what to plant in August

By Janet Sellers

Our wood chips that come from local fire mitigation have a number of benefits. The official monikers for chunky wood mulch uses are “Back to Eden” and “permaculture” and use the many sizes of chips, which is key. Many people buy wood chips that are of a uniform size with mediocre benefits, but success with wood chips depends on chunky variable sized chips. The various sizes offer a slow but steady introduction of nutrients and organic materials and lets in moisture and keeps it in, creating a rich soil environment. It supports our growing beds precisely because of the mixed sizes. Some worry about freshly chipped wood mulch as a nitrogen robber. But the mulch stays on top of the soil, and at a safe, 6 inches thick, it kills unwanted grasses and blocks weeds without any digging since it blocks sunlight and yet retains moisture. We can then lift open a planting space in the chips, plant some seeds, put back the chips and seedlings can grow up and out of the soil through the mixed chips.

Mixed chips allow for air pockets gently letting water in and maintain fluffy soil, not a packed soil that happens with irrigation from the top sans mulch protection. There is almost no evaporation, and this mulch keeps consistent optimal temperatures for the soil regardless of hot days or cold nights. It saves on watering, too. Good soil is alive with microbes that depend on such specifics, and protecting it is vital to our plants. The mixed wood chips do that and protect the soil from erosion as well. Are there bugs? No! The chipping process fixes that. Diseases are also not likely and mostly a non-issue. And the best part? We can get a wood chip mulch supply for free through September at Black Forest slash, evenings or weekends. Just check out www. bfslash.org. It’s located at Shoup and Herring Roads, Colorado Springs.

As August begins, our fall seedling efforts start. We can do our brassicas and even beans and lettuces started from seed for a fall harvest. Our hot, dry June and July season was not a normal summer for our climate but may become more common as the years go by. For the last few years, we’ve had hotter temperatures than I remember ever having at our altitude. It fried our grasses this year, but for those of us with wood chips as our “Back to Eden” garden beds, the soil moisture kept up with the heat and we’ve had success with lots of warmth-loving crops. Marigolds and other annual flowers can be started now and enjoyed through the fall. I saved huge bags of marigold seeds from last year’s flowers so I could have a whole landscape of them if planted—what a concept.

Above: The Tri-Lakes Cares Garden with greens and healthy food. Ohlmer family volunteers have been tending the garden and bringing things to Tri-Lakes Cares’ little market. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Janet Sellers is an avid Back to Eden/permaculture “lazy gardener” letting Mother Nature lead the way for healthy soil and healthy gardens. Send your handy garden tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Gardening articles

Art Matters – On the superpowers of art and daydreaming

By Janet Sellers

Our local arts scene has a lot to offer us for fun, health, and well-being—and we can take the benefits with us when we buy some art for ourselves or gifts. We have had our Chautauqua arts and culture events in Palmer Lake through Aug. 4. Our monthly Art Hop (5 to 8 p.m. on the fourth Fridays through September) is free arts and music for meandering around downtown Monument, and there are lots of art to buy and take home. Participating in the arts improves the quality of life for everyone, especially children and older adults, including cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem. On top of that, the social factors of interactive arts experiences reduce stress and isolation. And the natural sense of flow—such as when looking at art—is an element to high performance sought by athletes, entrepreneurs, musicians and artists.

Art: health and anti-aging

Participating in the arts improves the quality of life for older adults, including cognitive function, memory and self-esteem. On top of that, the social factors of interactive arts experiences reduce stress and isolation. Our dependance on science for factual information is one factor in looking at art for health, but proven methods and results in terms of the arts as medicine and intervention are factors that are being introduced for hospitals and health and for schoolchildren and military veterans. The interdisciplinary use of art, aesthetics, and science can offer relief from our current age of chronic stress, burnout, depression, and mental illness, not to mention pain management. We have complex problems now like never before. Art experiences show a way out of these and into health and longevity.

Hospital health benefits

Besides lowering costs in healthcare, interventions beyond the usual use of medicine have shown that art has a profound effect on the circuitry of the body, the brain, and thereby overall health. The University of Florida has developed a rigorous game plan for arts in medicine. The UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine has a sizable staff of artists-in-residence and creative arts therapists. They offer group workshops and bedside programs, including music in trauma care. As far back as Roman times, the use of music, drums, and other creativities were used in healing the sick. This could transform care into less use of drugs—especially addictive opioids—through mitigation of perceived pain and stress.

Arts provide superpowers

In her article for the National Laboratory for Medicine at the National Institute for Health, Your Brain on Art: The Case for Neuroaesthetics, Susan Magsamen states, “The default mode network, once associated solely with daydreaming, is now linked to many different functions core to human connection and well-being. These include personal identity, sense of meaning, empathy, imagination, and creativity as well as embodied cognition, which allows us to place ourselves in a piece of artwork and make us feel what the artist was feeling.”

Join our local community in celebrating the arts this month. The next Art Hop is Aug. 23, 5 to 8 p.m. Arrive early and enjoy the sculpture park on Second Street, have dinner and ice cream at local venues, and get some art for your life at the many pop-up art spaces and gallery venues.

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

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Alta ribbon-cutting, June 26

Above: The Alta 25 apartment complex at 1320 Herman View Way in Monument opened its doors with a ribbon cutting on June 26. The complex features one, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in three-story garden-style buildings. Photo by Charlie Searle.

Concert in the Park, June 26

Above: Mimic, a classic rock cover band, has audience members dancing as it played to a full crowd on June 26 during the Concert in the Park series at Limbach Park. Photo by Laura Lucero.

Palmer Lake Fun Run, July 4

On a brisk July 4 morning, over 500 runners participated in person and over 200 virtually in the 42nd annual Palmer Lake Fourth of July Fun Run. The 4-mile race from Palmer Lake to Monument on the Santa Fe Trail traditionally starts the Fourth of July activities in the Tri-Lakes area. Race Coordinator Kelsey Belcher thanked “the volunteers and communities of Palmer Lake and Monument for their continuing support of the race.” She also extended “special thanks to the Palmer Lake Police Department, Storm Guard Construction, a decades-long supporter of the race, Bluestaq, and other vendors who make this race possible with their support.” Proceeds from this 100% volunteer-supported race go directly to the Palmer Lake Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization to distribute for classroom and teachers’ needs. Dillon Powell (19:20:52) and Aubrey Surage (23:26:97), both from Colorado Springs, were the top male and female finishers by chip time. Surage has been the top female finisher for three years in a row. Photos by David Futey.

Above: Ben, Mia, and Grace Kimes of Colorado Springs showed off their Fourth of July spirit before running in the Palmer Lake Fun Run.
Above: Runners make their way around the lake at Palmer Lake just after the 7 a.m. start of the Palmer Lake Fun Run.

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast, July 4

Knights of Columbus Council 11514 of St. Peter Church hosted its annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast. Past Grand Knight Alan Feldkamp said, “1,400-1,500 were expected to attend with over 10,000 pancakes being made by Knights volunteers.” Feldkamp said proceeds from the breakfast go toward “Tri-Lakes Cares, Marion House, Lewis Palmer D-38 School District disabled students, Catholic Charities, and other charities supported by the Knights.” Volunteers from the Monument Hill Kiwanis, Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. Peter students, and Boy Scout Troop 17 assisted in making the event a success. Active-duty military and first responders in uniform ate for free. Photos by David Futey.

Above: The St. Peter walkway was packed with attendees of the Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.
Above: Knights of Columbus Council 11514 Grand Knight Bob Lynn was one of the many volunteers who assisted with the Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.

Monument Children’s Parade, July 4

Above: From left are Chason Pace, Paisley Harris, Hattie Pollock, Lillian Pace, and Freddy Pollock came attired in red, white, and blue to participate in the Fourth of July Children’s Parade. The Pollock children came all the way from Iowa to attend the parade. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 17 lead the way for the Fourth of July Children’s Parade. Photo by David Futey.

The Monument 4th of July parade started with the traditional kids parade. (14 sec)

Monument Parade, July 4

Bands and floats preparing for the 4th of July parade in Monument.

Parade participants lined up along Old Denver Rd preparing to join Monument’s July 4th parade

Fourth Infantry Division Band from Fort Carson.

The Fourth Infantry Division Band from Fort Carson marched in Monument’s 4th of July parade (10 sec)

Above: Scott Ross, Kiwanis president
Above: D38 President Tiffany Upchurch and Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri.
Above: Rich and Shannon Schur, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Business Persons of the Year 2023. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Sheri Miller, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Maddy Norton, 2024 El Paso Fair Queen and LPHS senior. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Eight-year-old Boone Lester dressed up as George Washington to watch the Fourth of July parade in Monument. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club.
Above: Palmer Ridge High School BearBotics Robotics.

The Palmer Ridge High School BearBotics Robotics team took part in the Monument 4th of July parade (9 sec)

Above: Lewis-Palmer High School football team.
Above: Palmer Ridge High School football team.
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School cheerleaders.
Above: Palmer Ridge High School cheerleaders.
Above: Tri-Lakes Majors softball team.
Above: Tri-Lakes Little League team.
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School poms.
Above: Monument Fire Department.

Tiny and large dinosaurs danced the Monument 4th of July parade route. (13 sec)

The Colorado Renaissance Festival had a huge contingent in Monument’s 4th of July parade. (1 min 27 sec)

A C-130 cargo plane made several flyovers during Monument’s 4th of July parade. (20 sec)

Monument Street Fair, July 4

Above: Second and Washington Streets in Monument were filled with Fourth of July spectators, enjoying various foods, viewing arts, and local business and nonprofit booths as part of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Street Fair. Live music was also available throughout the afternoon at Limbach Park. Photo by David Futey.
Above: The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce set up a booth during the Fourth of July Street Fair in Monument. John Howe, left, manned the booth that morning and was joined by Lisa Hatfield. Both Howe and Hatfield are Our Community News volunteers. OCN is a member of the chamber. Photo by Steve Pate.

Hazel Miller at TLCA, July 19

Above: On July 19, Colorado Music Hall of Fame member Hazel Miller and her backup band The Collective returned to the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) stage. Miller, a TLCA audience favorite, and the Collective sets included a blend of blues, jazz, and swing genres. The genre diversity was typified by songs performed including Do Wrong Shoes by Jackie Allen, It Don’t Mean a Thing by Duke Ellington, She Just Wants to Dance by Gary U.S. Bonds, and Rio de Janeiro Blues by Joe Sample and Randy Crawford. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.

Car show at JCSL, July 27

Above: Jackson Creek Senior Living (JCSL), 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, held its third annual classic car and hotrod show by the Tri-Lakes Cruisers Car Club on July 27. The proud owners of the vehicles were glad to discuss how they restored and modified these classic vehicles. JCSL provided food and live entertainment for residents and guests. For information about JCSL services, you may contact Laura Hale, 719-259-1331. Pictured: Glen Whiteside with his modified 1933 Chevy hotrod. Photo by Steve Pate.

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.

Fox Run Regional Park closures

The Oak Meadows and Pine Meadows restrooms at Fox Run Regional Park are getting remodeled. Both restrooms will be closed through November to undergo renovations that will include the installation of ADA-compliant fixtures, sinks, and wastewater systems. Additionally, the parking lots and sidewalks will be upgraded to ensure full compliance with ADA standards. During construction, both restrooms and the sand volleyball court will be fenced off and closed. Portable restrooms will be available in both parking lots.

Black Forest 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. Info: www.BFSlash.org.

D38 seeks volunteers

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 seeks volunteers now to help with summer gardening and painting projects at Palmer Lake Elementary and Palmer Ridge High School. Contact Kelly Bryant at kbryant@lewispalmer.org for more information.

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.

Tri Lakes Cruisers car club

Call for entries open immediately for the 21st annual benefit car show on August 18, from 9 to 2 along 2nd Street in historic downtown Monument. The not-for-profit car club welcomes anyone interested in cars to this community service organization. Funds from the car show benefit local charities such as Tri Lakes cares as well as scholarships for local high school students. Pre-registration to be in the show is required. Enter at www.trilakecruisers.com

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.

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.

The Sunflower is for people with non-visible disabilities

Watch for green and yellow sunflower lanyards, bracelets, and ribbons, discreet ways to make the invisible visible. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time. However big or small, your help moves us closer to a society where people recognize that an offer of help, understanding and kindness can make a huge difference to the daily experiences that a Sunflower wearer has. For more information: www.flydenver.com/accessibility, www.hdsunflower.com/us/, and www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/invisible/.

MVEA outage notifications

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

Can you volunteer today?

  • Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www.elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. 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 Our Community Notices articles

Our Community Calendar

By Janet Sellers

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

GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., at 4 p.m., via teleconference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Aug. 5 & 19, 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.
  • 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.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., Aug. 6, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Aug 12, 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., Aug. 12, 10 am, 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html Bill Burks, 719-481-4053.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Aug. 13, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Aug. 14, 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., Aug. 8 & 22, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu., Aug. 8, 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www.monumentacademy.net/school-board.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Aug. 21, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Aug. 21, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: join.skype.com/PAcujKTn7Nrh. Check the website for a link: academywsd.colorado.gov/notices-and-alerts. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-071119academywsd.colorado.gov.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Aug. 21, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Aug 15, 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., Aug. 15, 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.
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting, usually meets third Wed., in person or via Zoom. Next meeting Wed., Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Visit www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-494-4300.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, usually meets third Thu., in person or via Zoom. Next meeting Thu., Aug. 22, 5:30 p.m.,16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Aug. 15, 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/planning-community-development/2024-hearings-schedule/
  • Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board meeting, usually meets fourth Wed., in person or via Zoom. Next meeting Wed., Sep. 25, 4:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, usually meets fourth Wed., in person or via Microsoft Teams. Next meeting Wed., Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Visit www.monumentfire.org, for updates and the agenda listing the Mircosoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Aug. 28, 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 board, Mon., Aug. 21, 6-10 pm, 146 N Jefferson St, Monument. Meets during the school year on third Mon. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (now PCAC, formerly DAAC. 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 June solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9-10 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Amateur ham radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. (except December). All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are we, lcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, second Wed., 6:30pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org.
  • Art: Open Studio painting, Wed., Aug. 7, 9:30-noon. Donations welcome, meets monthly first Wed. Tri Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St., Monument.
  • Benet Hill Monastery: Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. Experience the modified trees of the Ute people, Fri.- Sun. Aug. 2-4, and Fri.-Sun. Sep. 27-29. Sun. worship is 10:15 am, 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. 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.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Essential Tremor Support Group. Meets quarterly at Colorado Springs Public Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920. For details, contact: Jim Sanchez, 719-660-7275; jimdjs22@gmail.com.
  • Fellowship of Christ Church, every Sun., 9 am. Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle 80908.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group to learn about volunteering and supporting the park for forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, and more. Special events including “Christmas in July,” August Hummingbird Festival and more, stay tuned! Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail repair monthly work days, second Thu. of each month from April through October. Meet at 6 pm at the parking lot off Red Rocks Road. FOMP provides all the necessary tools but you must wear appropriate clothing for landscape work and bring gloves, a hat , eye protection, sunscreen, bug repellent and water. Check the FOMP website at www.fomp.org for additional info.
  • 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 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. Gleneagle Sertoma is the longest continuously active civic service organization in northern El Paso County. Our regular program presenters address local topics of interest to include local developments, community planning and projects, as well as opportunities to serve your community. Contact Harvey LeCato for meeting location and club information at mbca@comcast.net or 719-331-1212.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Susan Owen, 719-886-7110.
  • 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.
  • Library Chess Club, We welcome anyone who wants to learn to play chess or wants to play a game with an experienced player. Contact Steve Waldmann, huskerco@gmail.com. Monument Library meeting room, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument (Information also on the Facebook page: Monument Library Chess Club)
  • 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), Sat., Sep. 14, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar., June, July, Sep., Nov.) on the second Sat. of the month. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, second Sat. A variety of art programs are offered after the social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.co.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Aug. 15, 7 pm; (doors open at 6:30 pm), Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Usually meets third Thu. Contact: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meeting, Wed., Aug. 14, 7 pm. 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:info@silverkey.org
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Alliance Senior Center, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, every Sun., Contemporary 9 am; Traditional 10:30 am. A live stream is available at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com .
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Cabin Conversations: fellowship with meals. every Wed., 6 pm 20450 Beacon Lite Rd.
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting, monthly first and third Thu. 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri., 11:30 am. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190. Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 p.m. Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you June be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu. Aug. 1 & Sep. 5, 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.
  • Monument Hill Farmers market every Sat., 8-2 pm. D38 Lewis Palmer admin building, 66 Jefferson Street, Monument. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Town of Monument, Concerts in the Park, every Wed. through Aug. 28, 6:30-8:30 pm. Limbach park.
  • Western Museum of Mining and Industry (WMMI), Western saloon night, Sat., Aug. 3, 6-9 p.m. See ad on page < 12 >.
  • Lang 25th annual community pig roast, Fri., Aug. 9, 5:30-7 pm, free. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Kings Deer Community garage sale, Fri-Sun., Aug. 9- 11. Visit www.kingsdeer.org select garage sale. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Native American Sacred Trees and Places, (NASTaP), annual membership meeting and conference, Fri.-Sat. Aug. 16-18, (open to the public). Speakers, tree tours, fire circle, drumming. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Community fire risk seminar, Tue., Aug. 20, 6-7:30pm, Monument Fire Department will share details on the local need for safety and firewise awareness. Tri Lakes Chamber community room, 166 2nd St.
  • Trinity Community Park, grand opening, Sat., Aug. 24, games, prizes, crafts. 17750 Knollwood Dr., Monument.
  • YMCA fall youth sports, register today! Season starts Mon., Aug. 26. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Thrivent Financial advisors, Taxes and the widow’s penalty, webinar Fri., Aug. 16, in person Wed., Aug.28, Monument library. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers 21st Annual Benefit Car Show open entries now: supporting Tri-Lakes Cares, Sun., Aug. 18, 9- 2 pm, along Second Street, Historic Downtown Monument. All entries for display and judging must be pre-registered, (no registration on the day of the Show). On-line or US mailed-in registrations accessed at www.trilakescruisers.com ($35 per vehicle) The event DJ, food trucks and other vendors, and a dog watering shade tent will be under the trees along Second Street next to the School District D-38 Admin Building.
  • Monument Art Hop, Fri., Aug. 23, 5-8 pm, Downtown Monument. Art, music, food, and fun; fourth Fridays, through Sep. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • MVEA Member appreciation breakfast, Sat., Aug. 24, 9-11 am, free. 11140 E Woodmen Rd. Falcon. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Monument Block Party, Classic car club, free barbecue, cornhole, bounce house, Sat., Aug. 24, 3-6:30 p.m. Dinner 4- 6:00 p.m. Ascent church 1750 Deer Creek Rd. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • The Love Shop, restyle your furs. Mon.-Tue., Aug. 26-27. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Space Foundation Summer of Discovery, fun and educational workshops Sat. thru Aug. 31. See ad on page < 12 >.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Mountain View Pella windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Mutt Masters canine academy, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • PeakView Windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Slender Construction: Asphalt paving, seal coating, etc. special offers. See ad on pages 4, 14 & 17.
  • The Living Room Plants, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Miners pumpkin patch: Every Sat. in Oct. at Western Museum of Mining and Industry. See ad on page < 12 >.

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

**********

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.

Other El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) articles