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Articles from Vol. 23 No. 12 - December 2, 2023

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Nov. 9 – Proposed 2024 budget proves contentious

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The November meeting of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) opened with recognition of citizen volunteer Jane Garrabrant. The board held a public hearing on its draft budget for 2024. CORE Electric Cooperative proposed the installation of two electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The board considered a resolution to authorize a rate study in support of a stormwater enterprise fund. It set a date for a public hearing on a petition for annexation and voted on a resolution to authorize fire protection services for a small area of land in unincorporated El Paso County. The board approved road standards.

The board meeting was preceded by an executive session.

Jane Garrabrant honored

Mayor Glant Havenar and Town Administrator Dawn Collins recognized Garrabrant for her volunteer work in support of the town staff, especially her work on accounting issues. Collins said, “Her volunteerism has been invaluable in the last two months.”

Garrabrant praised the staff, acknowledging their dedication and expertise.

2024 budget hearing

Havenar preceded the public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget by correcting remarks she made in her mayor’s message to the town. She explained that the town was in fact on track to receive more sales, use, and excise taxes in 2023 than it did in 2022, but would receive less total sales tax revenue than was anticipated in the 2023 budget. The town had to return $80,000 to the state to correct an overpayment by a business to the state, she said, which reduced sales tax revenue. Havenar said the town would be more conservative in their approach to budgeting and rely less on optimistic revenue projections.

Havenar opened the public hearing to consider three budget alternatives. The first alternative excludes all new hires, provides minimal wage increases, and makes no other changes to departments. This alternative has a deficit just under $119,000 that would be covered by reserve funds.

The second alternative retains the six full-time and five part-time police officers currently employed, gives them all 3% wage increases and cuts operating expenses to cover the wage increases. This alternative has a $116,000 deficit.

The third alternative cuts all six of the part-time and one of the full-time police officers, proposes hiring a public works equipment operator and a deputy town clerk, allows for raises between 3% and 5% and moves capital funds to the Public Works Department. This option is a balanced budget with no deficit.

Trustee Dennis Stern suggested a fourth alternative: an across-the-board reduction of 2½% to all departments, which he calculated would cut $125,000 from the overall budget. After discussing the resolution on the Stormwater Enterprise Fund (see below), the board directed staff to add a part-time code enforcer to all the options.

Collins pointed out that at a budget workshop, the board directed the staff to prioritize infrastructure issues such as those for the water system and the roads.

Trustee Samantha Padgett asked why sales tax revenue from adult use cannabis sales was lower than projected. Collins acknowledged that the tax revenues had been overestimated. Trustee Kevin Dreher pointed out that without the cannabis revenue, the budget deficit would have been even higher. He said that concerns raised during the town’s consideration of adult cannabis sales such as traffic congestion and crime have not materialized.

In response to a question from Stern about the increase in utility costs, Collins answered that utility rates have increased in the last year.

Police Chief Jason Vanderpool said that the proposed reduction to the number of police officers would make 24-hour police coverage impossible. Traffic enforcement and DUI investigations are currently done by part-time officers, he said, and those services would not be provided if the part-time positions were eliminated. He objected to a 40% cut to the Police Department funding when the current funding is half of what comparable towns provide.

Resident Martha Brodzik raised concerns with the budget proposals. Increased tap fees were not correctly budgeted, she said, and tap fees and capital improvement dollars could not be used for operating expenses. She argued grant funds GMS Engineering obtained went into the Water Fund, but GMS Engineering was paid out of the General Fund. She said she did not accept the explanation offered by David Green, of David Green & Associates LLC, the town’s auditors. Brodzik also questioned the amount the town proposed to spend on professional services, arguing that more should be done by town staff.

Resident Jim Parco thanked the Town Council and the police and fire chiefs for their hard work. He said he believed sales tax revenues for 2023 would exceed the 2022 amounts by somewhere between 20% and 30%. Parco said he taught economics and was also in the cannabis business and had helped Bass estimate the sales tax revenue from cannabis sales when Bass was mayor. He reminded the board that in 2022 the town had voted to legalize adult use cannabis sales and voted against raising property taxes, even though it was known that the cannabis revenues alone would not solve the town’s financial problems. He pointed out that the town had done little to let the public know about cannabis sales, and the sales tax revenue from cannabis sales was delayed from February to April. Parco said he was optimistic about the positive impact cannabis sales would have on the town’s finances, especially if Colorado Springs did not approve sales in the next election.

Resident Roger Mosely said he was distressed to hear cuts to the Police Department were being considered. He echoed Brodzik’s concerns. In response to Mosely’s comments, Town Attorney Matt Krob said the purpose of the hearing was to consider the 2024 budget, not to rehash past decisions.

Havenar closed the public hearing, and the board scheduled a budget workshop to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. at Palmer Lake Town Hall.

CORE proposes EV charging station

Rob Osborn, CORE Director of Business Development, and Rob Liechty, CORE Member Energy Programs Director, asked the board for permission to place two Level III Fast DC EV chargers in the parking area at Primrose Street and Highway 105 on the west side of the lake. Level III chargers can bring an EV to an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. The chargers would be free for the first month, then would charge residents at rates equal to what they already pay for residential electricity but would charge non-members more. The goal, Osborn said, was to serve members and to support rural development. The chargers would be added to a national network and EV drivers would be able to locate them through their car interface and would be attracted to get off the highway and spend some time in Palmer Lake.

CORE would pay for the installation and would own, operate, and maintain the chargers, they said. They asked the town to commit to a five-year zero payment lease, with the option to renew the lease twice. At the end of the lease, CORE would transfer ownership of the chargers to the town, or the town could ask CORE to remove them. ChargePoint operates a nationwide charger network and would support the proposed chargers.

The board directed Collins to investigate the possibility of a shorter lease and to bring the board a resolution to vote on at a later meeting.

Stormwater enterprise fund rate study debated

At its October meeting, the board asked staff to draft a resolution authorizing a rate study for a proposed stormwater enterprise fund. Collins put Resolution 73-2023 before the board at the Nov. 9 meeting; the resolution authorizes the rate study to be conducted by GMS Engineering at a cost of $18,500. A stormwater enterprise fund, which would guarantee a revenue stream by charging residents a monthly fee, is required for the town to borrow money to fund stormwater infrastructure that complies with state laws.

Mosely spoke against the resolution, arguing that the discussion has only addressed drainage issues on High Street, that the town does not adequately enforce municipal codes that require property owners to maintain their culverts and ditches, and that it would be a mistake to implement a stormwater enterprise fund until there is a stormwater drainage plan that covers the entire town.

Brodzik proposed using the General Fund to pay for stormwater infrastructure. She argued using the General Fund would eliminate costs required by an enterprise fund and would be fairer to residents. She also proposed the town consider holding a special election to put the question of a mill levy override to fund stormwater infrastructure before the voters. She pointed out that the failure of Proposition HH would mean increased property tax revenue for the town. Brodzik repeated Mosely’s suggestion to require property owners to better maintain their culverts and ditches. She suggested that the town hire a contractor to maintain culverts and ditches and bill recalcitrant property owners if necessary.

Collins pointed out that a special election would cost the town between $12,000 and $15,000. Havenar said the town did not have the staff to manage Brodzik’s proposals and she did not believe a mill levy could pass.

There was consensus on the board to do more to enforce code requiring property owners to maintain the drainage on their properties. Stern suggested waiting to see how much property tax revenues increase due to increased property valuations. Havenar predicted property valuations could begin to decrease in 2026.

The board voted to table the resolution until the end of the first quarter of 2024 and directed staff to add a part-time code enforcer to the town staff in the budget. Dreher voted against tabling; Ball, Ehrhardt, Farr, Havenar, Padgett, and Stern voted in favor of tabling the resolution.

Date set for annexation hearing

At the previous board meeting, the United Congregational Church presented a petition for annexation of its property at 3295 Palmer Divide Rd. to the board. At the Nov. 9 meeting, the board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 74-2023, which schedules a public hearing on the annexation for Thursday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m., as part of the regular board meeting set for that date.

Fire protection services authorized

In response to a request from El Paso County for the town to provide fire protection services to a small area of unincorporated county land at 5250 Eisenhower Dr., near Limbaugh Canyon, the board approved resolution 75-2023, which authorizes Fire Chief John Vincent to sign an agreement committing to provide the requested services.

Road standards amended

The road standards specified in the town’s municipal code have come under consideration during the board’s recent discussion of regulating use of the town’s undeveloped rights of way. Havenar expressed concern that the existing standards might require property owners to build costly roads to access their property.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Ordinance 23-2023, which removes the requirement that all roads be paved, and instead specifies that new roads must comply with county standards, which allows for less expensive roads to be built if usage will be low.

Executive session

The board meeting was preceded and followed by an executive session to consider the possible sale of public property, an asbestos estimate claim, the town administrator’s evaluation and contract, a personnel matter, and a Police Department claim.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 14. The board will have one regular meeting in December to accommodate the Christmas holiday. 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 Trustee articles

El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 7, 9, and 14 – Final budget direction increases funding to roads and parks

By Helen Walklett

During November, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) gave final direction on the 2024 county budget, received an update on the work of Tri-Lakes Cares and Crossfire Ministries, and approved a minor subdivision in Black Forest.

Final focus on 2024 budget

At the Nov. 14 meeting, the commissioners gave their final direction on the 2024 budget, reallocating funds to roads, parks and to challenging unfunded mandates.

The commissioners redistributed $2.49 million, the majority of which came from funds allocated to a major stormwater project that is now to be financed by federal grants. They earmarked an additional $2 million to one-time road funds, $150,000 to stormwater projects, $140,000 to park projects, and $200,000 to challenging unfunded mandates that might come from state or federal government.

Chair Cami Bremer described it as “a beautifully balanced budget that aligns with our priorities and allows us to get the things done that we need to get done.”

The preliminary budget and all supporting documents can be viewed on the county website at: admin.elpasoco.com/financial-services/budget-finance/county-budget/. Paper copies are also available for inspection in the commissioners’ office at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs 80903.

The final budget vote is scheduled to be held at the BOCC meeting on Dec. 5.

Tri-Lakes Cares/Crossfire Ministries update

At the Nov. 14 meeting, Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) and Crossfire Ministries updated the commissioners on work the two nonprofits are doing with funding from various sources, including the $20,000 grant money jointly received from the BOCC under the Community Investment Program (CIP). Haley Chapin, TLC executive director, said that between the two organizations, they serve the whole county.

TLC helped 1,595 individuals in 853 households with food distribution, housing assistance, utilities assistance, transportation help, or medical assistance in 2022-23, Chapin said. Renee Beebe, executive director, Crossfire Ministries, said her organization is serving a lot of families that are finding themselves on the verge of not being able to make ends meet. She said the funding had been able to provide a number of families with utility assistance specifically, which is a growing area of need. In the first nine months of the year, Crossfire’s no-cost grocery store was accessed over 40,000 times.

Commenting on the increase in need during and since the pandemic, Chapin said, “While the rest of us have gone back to work and finished the remainder of the impacts of the pandemic, our community members that Crossfire and Tri-Lakes Cares serves are the first to be impacted by any economic downturn and they are the last to recover, and so we are still dealing with that downturn of the economy and the struggle that community members face.”

The partners are applying for CIP funding for next year. See tri-lakescares.org, and www.crossfireministries.org.

Approval for Black Forest four-lot subdivision

At the Nov. 9 BOCC meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve rezone and minor subdivision applications to create a four-lot subdivision, Fairytale Acres, at a Herring Road property. The request was to rezone 7.59 acres of the 14.54-acre property from RR-5 (rural residential) to RR-2.5 (rural residential).

The subdivision request includes two waivers, one to allow a private roadway instead of a public road, and the other to exempt the property from having to provide a fire cistern. The applications were heard at the Oct. 19 El Paso County Planning Commission meeting where discussion mainly focused on the waivers. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the applications for approval. See www.ocn.me/v23n11.htm#epcpc.

The BOCC heard the applications as consent items, meaning there was no discussion, and voted 4-0 to approve. Commissioner Stan VanderWerf was absent.

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

Other El Paso Board of County Commissioners articles

Monument Town Council, Nov. 6, 2023 – Supplementary budget items and signs ordinance discussed

By Chris Jeub

One regular meeting of the Monument Town Council took place in November, and the regularly scheduled second meeting was cancelled for the Thanksgiving holiday. Issues covered in the four-hour meeting included symbolic gestures and police force promotions, local government initiatives and financial insights, budget talks, and the town’s temporary sign ordinance.

Israel support and police advancement

Mayor Mitch LaKind steered discussions toward a motion to change the town’s lighting to blue and white throughout the second week of November, a gesture aimed at showing solidarity with the State of Israel. The proposal was approved by the rest of the councilmembers and direction given to Town Manager Mike Foreman.

Police Chief Patrick Regan brought positive news with the announcement of promotions and swearing-in of key personnel, including Christine DeRienzo and Joe Barraza to sergeant positions, along with the welcome of Chris Sullivan to the Police Department.

Local initiatives and financial insights

Lu Ann Pyatt presented a comprehensive overview titled “Meet the Local Government Team.” Key points included the provision of a free State Geographic Information System (GIS) system for tax understanding, the team’s role in ensuring the functionality of the sales tax system processing $209 million per month, and the educational focus behind the 139 audits conducted last year. Residents were directed to explore tax-related information on tax.colorado.gov.

Max Mojab from Piper Sandler provided insights into the Investment Portfolio of the Town of Monument. The 2023 performance review showed promise, with an estimated revenue of about $250,000. Mojab expressed confidence in a projected 2024 revenue of $500,000 from investments.

Budget talks

Director of Finance Mona Hirjoi presented the 2024 budget and 2023 amended budget, sparking some fervent discussions. Notable points of attention included Foreman’s proposal for a new line item for a PR contractor, resulting in a $30,000 reallocation from the supplemental budget. Mayor LaKind expressed surprise at the revelation of a $300,000 allocation for upgrades to the 259 Beacon Lite Building, leading to discussions about the availability of grants and the necessity for more comprehensive data in the budget presentation.

Employee concerns took the spotlight during the budget discussions, with some expressing the need for part-time jobs to make ends meet. Councilmember Steve King delved into the intricacies of the merit pay system, revealing that over 90% of employees receive merit pay. However, concerns about the budget’s transparency emerged, with Mayor LaKind expressing dissatisfaction and Councilmember Ken Kimple echoing the call for better data. LaKind and the rest of the council began calling the preliminary budget a “wish list” to where voting would take place in December.

Temporary signs controversy

A significant portion of the meeting ignited with a debate over the town’s temporary signs ordinance. King read a letter accusing Amy Stephens, wife of former Councilmember Ron Stephens, of initiating a lawsuit and condemning the new council for enforcing an ordinance that forbids signs on the town’s rights of way. LaKind emphasized that the town ordinance prohibits signs in rights of way, underlining the need for a politically neutral approach. LaKind also emphasized that the problem is particularly with political signs.

Community members voiced opinions, with diverse perspectives on private property sign regulations and concerns about freedom of speech. Mayor LaKind proposed a community workshop and a more extensive discussion in 2024 to address the temporary signs issue comprehensively, recognizing the urgency and complexity of finding a balanced solution that respects both individual expression and town aesthetics.

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

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

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 8 – Maverick station approved

By Leslie Hanks

The first agenda item at the Nov. 8 meeting of the Monument Planning Commission was 3A and 3B, Maverick Junction, Lot 1, Monument Junction West, Filing 1—Preliminary/Final PUD Plan. The property at 1530 Laughing Lab Way is at the intersection of Highway 105 and Jackson Creek Parkway. The proposed final PUD ordinance approving 1.5 acres is for a Maverick, a convenience/fuel store.

Planning staffer Jeff Liljegren found that the proposal is generally consistent with the Monument Comprehensive Plan. Planning staff explained that the proposal was “more likely consistent than less likely consistent” with the Future Land Use Map (FLUM).

Community concerns continue to focus on views, strong small-town community identity, adequate open space, and noise deterrence.

Staff found the proposal is consistent with most of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.

Additionally, staff found two items consistent with Monument land use policies: transportation and economic opportunities.

The associated traffic study found 4,149 weekday trips anticipated. The proposed Maverick convenience store is expected to generate an average of 4,000 trips per weekday. This will be a Level of Service (LOS) of F or better (F is a low score) for peak drive time in afternoons. A traffic signal will be warranted at Jackson Creek and Fat Tire Drive due to the LOS—F rating.

Staff explained that Lot 1 (Maverick convenience store) and Lot 4 (Whataburger) were already approved. According to records, the Final Plat for Monument Junction West, Filing 1—the two lots—was recorded on May 19, 2022.

This hearing was originally scheduled for the September and October meetings, which were cancelled. Proper notice was given for all three Planning Commission hearings.

Applicant Kevin Dice has met all 13 criteria for preliminary PUD review and all nine for final review.

Dice, senior planning manager for Maverick, gave a presentation about Maverick’s history, including a merger with Flying J. In September, Maverick completed a purchase of Kum & Go, making the Maverick holdings a total of 800 stores; 400 Maverick stores and 400 Kum & Go. Dice explained that the store is a 24/7 operation which will carry beer, wine, and tobacco but no spirits. The store will have fresh food prepared daily, and restrooms will be open to the public. Although there is a high flow component to the business, which will accommodate trucks, it is not a truck stop.

Consultant Mark Horton, a civil engineer, gave a brief presentation on Jackson Creek/Highway 105 improvement plans. “We’re on phase 2 with the Colorado Department of Transportation, El Paso County and Monument [three jurisdictions] reviewing transportation needs and we’re hopeful we can get started [in the] next year to 18 months, which should greatly improve the intersection of Highway 105 and Jackson Creek Parkway.”

Commissioner Martin Trujillo called for public comments in attendance and online, and there were none.

Trujillo then asked for commissioners’ comments and questions.

The commissioners discussed the proximity of the new Maverick station to the Kum & Go on Highway105 only 700 feet away. Dice explained that they have many locations where they have stores across the street from each other. Concerns were raised again about truck traffic. The applicant explained that the only 18-wheeler traffic onsite should be for fuel deliveries.

The measure passed on a 6-0 vote. It will now be considered by the Monument Town Council.

ZEAL at Jackson Creek

The next proposal on the agenda was measure 3B “ZEAL at Jackson Creek” Preliminary/Final Plat application. The property is at Higby and Bowstring Roads, off Jackson Creek Parkway. The property is 20.1 acres, zoned PRD10 Residential attached.

Staff reported that the proposal was substantially in compliance with the FLUM. They clarified that it is “more likely than less likely” consistent.

“Triview Metro District’s proposed improvements to Higby Road and adequate turn lanes make this proposal more than 50% in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan,” staff noted. Zoning for this proposal was approved in March 2015. This property is part of Regency Park 6th Amended and rezoned Plan—PRD10 Planned Residential District, Multi-Family land use.

The traffic study indicates this proposal would generate 1,238 trips daily. A roundabout is planned for traffic control through 2048. The project was rated LOS-C or better.

Still in question is the matter of whether the Higby Road right of way (ROW) of 95 feet is enough. Further discussion ensued about whether Higby Road should be a major collector (90 feet) or be a minor arterial (120 feet).

Jim Doby of Doby Development Group presented the ZEAL for Living “From Living to Thriving” proposal. Jim McGrady, district manager for Triview Metro District, also gave input about transportation matters.

Commissioner Trujillo closed the hearing after no public responses were received. He asked for commissioners’ input.

There was quite a bit of discussion about the nature of the proposal being more rental space while the Monument community has made it quite clear that it prefers single-family residential to multi-family attached.

Also, there was much discussion about the transportation concerns over Higby Road and whether there will be enough ROW with this proposal. After much input from Vice Chair Danny Ours and Commissioner Kathy Green, there was consensus for a continuance to further explore the transportation issues and whether the proposal, as presented, would actually be what will be developed in the event the property would be sold after the Preliminary/Final Plat was granted.

Commissioner Ours asked, “Could this 20-acre parcel be combined with other acreage and do a totally different proposal?”

Commissioner Green raised the concern, “Is this whole thing about circumventing code for a narrower ROW?”

After much debate, there was a request for a continuance for more time to study maps, roadways, and ROWs to better understand long-term Higby Road needs.

Commissioner Ours asked staff whether the owner was advised about Monument not wanting more rental properties. A staff member replied, “That isn’t the role of staff to ask those questions or make those comments.”

At this point the applicant stated that he hoped the Planning Commission will be following the Fair Housing Act.

The Commissioners voted 6-1 (Commissioner Ray Egley dissenting) for a continuance and suggested that at future hearings they would appreciate having legal representation available to answer questions for which they might need legal advice.

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The Monument Planning usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 pm at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road.. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Planning Commission. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.

Leslie Hanks can be reached at lesliehanks@ocn.me.

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Monument Academy School Board, Nov. 9 – Board hears first read of gender transition policy, plans to address East Campus budget issues

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) School Board met on Nov. 9 to hear a first reading of a new gender transition policy, to discuss how to address East Campus budget issues, and to hear committee reports.

Gender transition policies

The MA board heard a first read from the governance committee on a JRT Gender Transition and Parental Rights Policy to codify its June 27 resolution on gender issues and student protection. See www.ocn.me/v23n8.htm/ma0627. The resolution:

  • Declared that anti-discrimination state laws SB08-200 and HB21-1108 exposed students to gender dysphoria.
  • Encouraged students to set boundaries and report boundary violations to staff.
  • Said MA would violate state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
  • Mandated that minor students who wish to express a different gender be affirmed by their parents or guardians, update all related school records, and follow their expressed gender dress code.
  • Directed administration to notify the community that a student whose expressed gender differed from their biological gender might be in bathrooms or locker rooms.
  • Advised parents to consult with their attorney about bringing legal action against the parents of children they felt violated their child’s Fourth Amendment right to privacy.
  • Affirmed that political leaders have a moral obligation to challenge laws.
  • Appealed to the MA community to contact their representatives.

The policy, developed by board Treasurer Joe Buczkowski and board Director Karen Hoida and approved by legal counsel, is called JRT Gender Transition and Parental Rights Policy. Its purpose is to provide a procedure by which a student can transition to a different gender with respect to school records, policies, and facilities. The draft states that MA supports the rights of students to transition and the rights of parents to oversee the care, custody, and control of their minor children. The policy defines various terms and provides a background focusing on the fourth and fifth bullet points above.

The procedures include the staff’s initial contact with a student who wishes to transition, referral and follow-up by the school principal with the students and their parents, required record changes, and community notification.

Buczkowski said that the committee received input from the administration and the principals and wanted to address the concerns of all involved, so it took a few months to develop. Board President Ryan Graham asked for advice on soliciting community input. MA’s lawyer, Brad Miller, advised that there is an exception to the Open Records Act that would let them keep this as a private draft. Hoida noted that it was public now since they read it aloud and asked about the process for feedback. Miller said it could be published in the board packet, the minutes, or on the website. Miller advised against using Google Docs for all board members to add comments as that would constitute a board meeting. Miller advised the board not to vote on this at the next meeting, saying if substantive changes exist, the final version should be discussed in an open meeting before voting at a subsequent meeting.

In discussion, Graham and board Vice President Lindsay Clinton objected to the statement that MA supports a student’s right to transition. Hoida suggested a better word would be acknowledge rather than support. Board Secretary Emily Belisle suggested simply saying that supports all students. Miller said the statement could be eliminated without changing the substance. Belisle wants the policy to better reflect the resolution, especially the part that supports “natural law and moral truth,” to address how this affects the community, to change some of the definitions and word usage, and to change some procedures. Graham noted that some of the language came straight from the Colorado Revised Statute and asked Miller, who said it would be legal advice that would require an executive session.

Belisle suggested that the principal should inform the parents and schedule a meeting. Buczkowski said that was left out to protect students for whom a forced conversation might not be in their best interest. Board Director Matt Ross suggested that this gave unwarranted trust to students. Hoida said that if the school said they would contact the parents, the student might not want to proceed with the transition. Clinton said she would want to know as a parent, and the policy should protect parental rights and not give authority to students.

There was a discussion about how to handle discipline, and interim Chief Operating Officer Kim McClelland said it was on a case-by-case basis depending on whether it was a student or staff violating policy. Belisle pointed out that this policy assumes a binary choice of genders, which is not always the case; Buczkowski said it’s not a problem unless they choose an opposite gender.

Buczkowski thanked the board for its input and said a lot of the changes were minor wording changes, but the biggest question was when staff needed to tell the principal and when the principal had to contact the parents, even against the will of the student. The policy was drafted to try to be realistic about the relationships students may have with coaches and teachers with whom they may be closer than their parents. It would be easy to just say minor students and their parents must come to see the principal, he said, but asked if that was realistic.

Graham said that community feedback is encouraged. Belisle said that all staff and teachers are mandatory reporters, and it’s incumbent on them to report concerns about home life. Miller said there is another set of laws that hasn’t been addressed about a student’s rights around mental health and counseling that interposes in this discussion; he said he would prefer to talk to the board privately in more detail.

A second reading will be conducted at its Dec. 14 meeting. The board solicits community feedback on this draft policy, which is available at: https://bit.ly/ma-draft-gender-policy. Feedback should be submitted directly to McClelland at kmcclelland@monumentacademy.net no later than Dec. 1.

Plans to address East Campus budget issues

Buczkowski reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the audit results and the substandard state of the debt service coverage ratio and cash reserves as of June 30, 2023, at the East Campus. The committee discussed plans for the West Campus to lend $300,000 to the East Campus and the importance of establishing a balanced budget for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. It also talked about cost-cutting measures to bring the East Campus budget back in balance. A lot of the 2024 budget depends on the results of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) application MA submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which might not be known by the time the board is required to set a budget, he said.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Clinton spotlighted Deborah Hulting, who has been a kindergarten teacher and is now an art teacher. She exudes warmth, fun, and patience with artists of all ages, Clinton said.
  • Graham reported that a road is being constructed on the south side of the school to connect to the top of the “s” curve. The roundabout at Knollwood and Highway 105 may be completed in December or January.
  • Board member Emily Belisle reported that the Curriculum Committee learned that MA could continue to use the current Saxon Math for another year, and the committee decided, in consideration of the budget, to table moving to a new curriculum. This will provide extra time to review the proposed final candidates: Reveal Math and Everyday Math.
  • Ross reported for the Student Accountability and Advisory Committee (SAAC) of West Campus that MA had collected the most food in a recent food drive, and he highlighted recent and upcoming PTO events. SAAC reviewed questions for the mid-year survey, which was available on Nov. 15 and will be open until Dec. 1.
  • Clinton reported for SAAC East that it began reviewing questions for the mid-year survey and noted that MA hosted the district Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) at its west campus on Nov. 14. She also gave a roundup of activities for the East Campus PTO.
  • The board discussed the quarterly dashboard and how to interpret the data and plans to improve achievement and behavioral outcomes.
  • The board unanimously approved the Emergency Operating Procedures with changes discussed at a previous meeting.
  • The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss property transactions; to address D38 charter contract updates and related financial and bond covenant issues, and school security protocols and proposals; to discuss personnel performance and contract matters regarding school principals, Human Resources, and executive director; and to address related hiring processes and conflict of interest questions regarding a substitute hiring possibility.
Above: At Monument Academy’s Nov. 9 board meeting, board Vice President Lindsay Clinton, right, spotlighted arts teacher Deborah Hulting for her warmth and patience with artists of all ages. Photo by Natalie Barszcz. Caption by Jackie Burhans.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. See more information at https://bit.ly/ma-boe.

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

Other Monument Academy articles