- Progress report on the Loop water system
- Baseline Engineering steps in during moratorium
- Hybrid sales tax solution approved
- Monument Lake and Limbach Park improvements
- Ballot measures discussed
- Monument resolves as non-sanctuary town
- Town greenlights new wellhouses
- Maverik development debated
By Chris Jeub
Two town hall meetings were held on Feb. 5 and 20, during which updates and discussions were provided on a range of topics. The meetings covered progress reports on various projects and initiatives, including water management, infrastructure development, sales tax solutions, and immigration policies. Tensions arose during discussions on traffic concerning development impacts of Highway 105 and Jackson Creek Parkway. No decisions were made during these meetings concerning the congestion of traffic in this area.
Progress report on the Loop water system
John Kuosman, representing the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) provided an update on the ambitious Loop water system during the Feb. 5 meeting. The system, a rotational water distribution initiative spanning the Colorado Springs area with Monument situated at its northernmost point, aims to transform water management practices in the region.
Kuosman expressed optimism about the project’s progress, noting that while significant headway had been made, the journey to completion was ongoing. A pivotal moment came in October 2023 when an operational model was successfully executed, with the results shared among all member agencies. Central to Kuosman’s presentation was the system’s value proposition, emphasizing the long-term benefits of infrastructure investments. Forecasts suggested that the system could deliver water at a rate as low as $8.35 per 1,000 gallons, positioning it as a cost-effective solution for member agencies. Monument, represented in the system’s governance structure, holds a proportionate share of decision-making authority, ensuring local involvement in critical matters.
Councilmembers posed pertinent questions regarding cost comparisons, potential additions to existing fees, and the timeline for construction. Concerns were raised about the transparency of cost projections and the feasibility of delivering renewable water to all stakeholders. Kuosman addressed these queries, acknowledging the need for further analysis while affirming the system’s capability to provide renewable water upon completion.
In response to inquiries about construction timelines, Kuosman outlined a timeline aiming for the $110 million system to be operational by 2027, demonstrating a tangible pathway toward realizing the project’s goals.
Baseline Engineering steps in during moratorium
Amid Monument’s moratorium on new project submissions, Baseline Engineering has assumed a pivotal role in project management. Two contracted planners, Julie Esterl and Lauren Richardson, have been brought on board to bolster the town’s capabilities. Town Manager Mike Foreman highlighted the substantial workload, revealing that Baseline Engineering is currently managing 20 projects. Foreman also expressed optimism about the imminent hiring of a town planner, with strong candidates “already in the pipeline.”
Hybrid sales tax solution approved
Resolution No. 06-2024 was presented and unanimously approved by the Town Council on Feb. 5. Finance Director Mona Hirjoi proposed the resolution, which outlines a hybrid solution for the self-collection of sales tax in Monument, set to commence on Oct. 1, 2024. Stemming from the council’s acknowledgment of the need for improved control over revenue processes following Monument’s transition to a home-rule municipality in January 2023, the decision to pursue this hybrid solution aims to enhance autonomy and efficiency. Hirjoi played a role in preparing and proposing the solution, facilitating discussions with key stakeholders such as the Colorado Department of Revenue and consulting firm CoSak to inform the decision-making process.
Monument Lake and Limbach Park improvements
The Monument Town Council passed Resolution No. 07-2024 unanimously, approving a contract with CXT for the construction of a restroom facility at Monument Lake. This resolution marks a significant improvement over the current portable bathrooms, addressing a need for better amenities at the lake. Notably, the project is made financially feasible through the awarding of a grant that covers most of the $183,000 budget.
The Town Council also unanimously approved Resolution No. 08-2024, greenlighting a contract with Star Playgrounds for the installation of new equipment at Limbach Park. With $200,000 allocated to the Parks Department for improvements, staff identified Limbach Park as the optimal location to allocate these funds. Foreman added the importance of meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, highlighting Limbach Park as a priority area for improvement.
Ballot measures discussed
Two ballot measures were discussed as possibly being added to November’s ballot. Ballot Measure 1 proposes a lodging tax, with Mayor Mitch LaKind advocating for a 2-2.5% tax rate on short-term rentals, specifically targeting residential stays under 29 days as well as overnight stays at truck stops. The proposed tax revenue would be allocated exclusively to parks and trails, with LaKind emphasizing its potential as a consistent funding mechanism. While councilmembers like Steve King expressed a preference for keeping all funds within parks, others, including Sana Abbott and Jim Romanello, raised questions about diversifying funding or forming a parks commission for fund distribution.
Concurrently, Ballot Measure 2 focuses on charter changes, with Romanello proposing to lower the age limit for commissioners to 18, sparking debate among councilmembers about the potential impacts of altering the charter. While some, like Councilmember Marco Fiorito, expressed openness to additional ballot measures, others, like Councilmember Laura Kronick, voiced concerns about the piecemeal alteration of the charter, emphasizing the importance of respecting previous votes. These discussions underscored the complexities surrounding both ballot measures, highlighting the need for thorough consideration and public education before they go to a vote.
Monument resolves as non-sanctuary town
The Town Council passed Resolution No. 11-2024, spearheaded by Mayor LaKind, declaring Monument as a “non-sanctuary” town. The resolution ignited a debate on the town’s preparedness for handling migrant arrivals. Town Attorney Bob Cole emphasized the resolution’s intent, positioning Monument in contrast to sanctuary cities, while Councilmember Kenneth Kimple sought clarification on the town’s plan in the event of migrant arrivals. King expressed reservations about the town’s capacity for accommodating migrants, citing limited resources for public housing. LaKind underscored the town’s alignment with neighboring jurisdictions like Colorado Springs and El Paso County in their approach to migrant response. Ultimately, the resolution passed unanimously with a 7-0 vote, solidifying Monument’s stance on the issue amid ongoing debates at the state and national levels.
Town greenlights new wellhouses
The council passed Resolution No. 12-2024, approving $2.19 million for a construction project to build three new wellhouses in support of Wells 11, 12, and 13 for the Public Works Department. The resolution, presented by Director of Public Works Thomas Tharnish, sparked a lively discussion among council members regarding the project’s cost and potential budgetary concerns. Tharnish addressed previous pricing issues that had since been resolved, but King remarked on the current inflationary environment. He noted that costs for projects have risen significantly, making it prudent to move forward without delay to avoid further expense escalation through rebidding. LaKind expressed apprehension about potential budget overruns, citing previous instances with the water tank project. Romanello emphasized the importance of cost containment measures to prevent excessive spending. Despite concerns, the motion ultimately passed unanimously.
Maverik development debated
Tensions escalated among councilmembers, notably between Romanello and Kimple, shedding light on underlying disagreements over the town’s hesitation to allow Maverik Monument Junction Lot 1 Monument Junction West Filing No. 1 to continue.
During the Feb. 5 meeting, Kimple voiced objections to Ordinance No. 24-2023, which pertained to the approval of a Planned Unit Development for Maverik Monument Junction. Kimple requested its removal from the agenda, highlighting discrepancies in the ordinance’s language that implied council approval where none had been given. However, despite Kimple’s objections, the council proceeded with discussions, with the town staff emphasizing that the application was merely on hold, not withdrawn.
During the Feb. 20 meeting, a pivotal point of contention arose during the discussion on the Traffic Impact Study, a study called for by Kimple himself. A representative from Jacobs Engineering presented the study, largely answering questions Kimple raised via email. Kimple continued to raise concerns regarding the accuracy of traffic data presented in the study, alleging skewed numbers due to data collection outside of school times and the omission of COVID-19 impacts. Despite explanations from Jacobs Engineering, Kimple persisted in questioning the validity of the report, expressing apprehensions about the potential hazards posed by increased development on the community.
Romanello engaged in a pointed exchange with Kimple, challenging the validity of Kimple’s claims and highlighting the inevitability of traffic growth given Colorado Springs’ northward expansion. Romanello emphasized the importance of smart development rather than outright opposition, echoing sentiments shared by other councilmembers regarding the need for cautious, informed decision-making.
However, Kimple persisted in bringing in external information, prompting Mayor LaKind to question its validity, particularly highlighting Kimple’s assertion that Highway 105 wouldn’t be completed until 2040. “They’re actively building four lanes right outside my bedroom window right now; I hear it all day long,” LaKind said. Romanello followed by saying “I’m not OK with this at all,” referring to Kimple’s call for a tax-funded study to help promote a “NIMBY attitude” (Not In My Backyard).
Town Attorney Bob Cole emphasized that no conclusion should be made because the applicant (Maverik) was not present. If Maverik should return with its application, Kimple said he would likely have more questions.
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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday, March 4 and March 18. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.
Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.
Other Monument Town Council articles
- Monument Town Council, Sept. 3 and 16 – Council discusses budget deficits, strategic spending, future priorities (10/3/2024)
- Monument Town Council, Aug. 5 and 19 – Council charts future with key budget, development, and management decisions (9/7/2024)
- Monument Town Council, July 31 – Special Town Council Meeting Results in Town Manager’s Dismissal (8/3/2024)
- Monument Town Council, July 2 and 15 – Moratorium lifted; accountability discussed in response to town manager on administrative leave (8/3/2024)
- Monument Town Council, June 3 and 12 – Town manager put on administrative leave; debates on lodging tax, sign and gun laws (7/6/2024)
- Monument Town Council, May 6 and 20 – Disappointment expressed over alleged attorney misconduct and moratorium developments (6/1/2024)
- Monument Town Council, April 1 and 15 – Redistricting, property purchase, Higby Road development, and Pinball Pub (5/4/2024)
- Monument Town Council, March 4 and 18 – Council reviews redistricting, infrastructure, and parks (4/6/2024)
- Monument Town Council, Feb. 5 and 20 – Monument discusses Loop water system, non-sanctuary status, traffic studies (3/2/2024)
- Monument Town Council, Jan. 2 and 16 – “It’s hard to do business here,” developers claim before moratorium approval (2/3/2024)