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OCN > blog > OCN Newsletter #59 – March 19, 2026 – Buc-ee’s Meeting Tonight, Highlights of the Mar. 2 & 16 Mon. Town Council Meetings and Mar. 12 Meeting of the Palmer Lake

OCN Newsletter #59 – March 19, 2026 – Buc-ee’s Meeting Tonight, Highlights of the Mar. 2 & 16 Mon. Town Council Meetings and Mar. 12 Meeting of the Palmer Lake

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Tri-Lakes Preservation Meeting on Status of the Proposed Buc-ee’s Travel Center Tonight, 6-8 pm, YMCA

On March 13th, El Paso County approved the boundary line adjustment (BLA) requested to expand the parcel proposed for the Buc-ee’s travel center to about 53 acres.

Tri-Lakes Preservation is holding a meeting tonight 6-8 pm at the Tri-Lakes YMCA, 17250 Jackson Creek Parkway to discuss the status and possible future directions of the proposed project.

AI-Generated Highlights of the Mar. 16 meeting of the Monument Town Council

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting Mar. 16. The timestamps in
parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. Our April 4th issue will have detailed coverage of this meeting.

  • Meeting Call to Order and Officer Recognition: Mayor Mitch LaKind called the meeting to order, and the Council recognized and thanked Officer Max Ellis for his service to the community as he prepared to begin a new chapter. (00:00:03)
  • Beacon Lite Road Water Tank Site Annexation Findings: The Council approved Resolution 17-2026, which established the findings of fact for the annexation of the water tank site, noting that the property met contiguity requirements and had received a waiver from the county for an impact report. (00:04:32)
  • Approval of Water Tank Site Annexation: Following the findings, the Council passed Ordinance 04-2026 to officially annex the Beacon Lite Road Water Tank Site, a process that Planning Director Dan Ungerleider noted had been underway for several years. (00:30:51)
  • Adoption of International Fire and Wildfire Resiliency Codes: The Council approved Ordinance 05-2026, adopting the 2021 International Fire Code and the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code to align with regional standards and enhance community safety. (00:36:28)
  • Comprehensive Update to Health and Safety Regulations: Ordinance 06-2026 was passed to repeal and readopt Title 8 of the Municipal Code, modernizing various health and safety regulations, including those concerning abandoned vehicles and noise-making devices. (00:44:28)
  • Municipal Court Scheduling Flexibility: The Council approved Ordinance 07-2026, which allows the Municipal Court Administrator to adjust court session dates and times via administrative order to better handle emergencies or weather-related delays. (00:58:07)
  • Prohibition of Graywater Treatment Works: In accordance with House Bill 24-1362, the Council passed Ordinance 03-2026 to prohibit graywater systems within the town, citing concerns over potential impacts on reusable water supplies and the complexity of local permitting. (01:03:41)
  • Purchase of New Water Emergency Response Vehicle: Resolution 18-2026 was approved for the purchase of a 2024 water emergency response truck for $97,531.00, replacing a 20-year-old vehicle that had become costly to maintain. (01:06:37)
  • Update to Town Investment Policy: Finance Director Jennifer Phillips presented, and the Council approved, Resolution 19-2026 to update the town’s annual investment policy, emphasizing the strategy of safety first, liquidity second, and yield third. (01:10:46)
  • Community Organization Announcements: Terri Hayes of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce announced their annual dinner on April 2nd, and Haley Chapin of Tri-Lakes Cares invited the community to the “Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares” event on May 13th. (01:15:22)
  • Discussion on Relocating Public Comments: During Council comments, members discussed and directed staff to test moving public comments for non-agenda items to the beginning of future meetings to allow citizens to speak sooner. (01:24:57)
  • Review of Public Hearing Rebuttal Procedures: The Council discussed potential changes to public hearing rules, specifically exploring ways to allow the public a final rebuttal after an applicant’s closing statement during quasi-judicial hearings. (01:27:00)

Watch the Mar. 16 Meeting

AI-Generated Highlights of the Mar. 12 meeting of the Palmer Lake BOT

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting Mar. 12. The timestamps in parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. Our April 4th issue will have detailed coverage of this meeting.

  • Legal Counsel Interviews (Workshop): The Board convened a workshop prior to the regular meeting to interview potential legal firms, specifically JVAM and Wyatt Hamilton Finley (WHF), to fill the vacancy for the Town Attorney position. (00:00:17)
  • Annexation Withdrawal Discussion (Executive Session): The Board entered into an executive session to receive legal advice regarding the withdrawal of the Monument Ridge West, LLC annexation application by a letter dated February 4, 2026. (01:41:53)
  • 2024 Draft Audit Presentation: Jim Hinkle of Hinkle & Company presented the draft 2024 financial audit, reporting an “unmodified” (clean) opinion on the Town’s financial statements, internal controls, and federal program compliance. (01:48:56)
  • Acceptance of 2024 Audit with Stipulations: After extensive discussion regarding capital outlays and fund reporting, the Board approved Resolution 17-2026 accepting the audit, provided the auditor resolves specific trustee questions within the following two weeks. (02:50:13)
  • Retention of Auditor for 2025: Staff received direction to continue audit services with Hinkle & Company for the 2025 fiscal year to maintain continuity during a period of administrative and operational challenges. (02:54:52)
  • Parks and Trails Commission Appointment: The Board approved Resolution 18-2026 to appoint Carolyn Kincade, a local veterinarian
    and outdoor advocate, to a vacancy on the Parks and Trails Commission. (02:59:11)
  • Negotiations for New Town Attorney: Following the workshop interviews, the Board directed the Interim Town Administrator to begin contract negotiations with the firm Wyatt Hamilton Finley (WHF) to serve as the new Town Attorney. (03:19:00)
  • Financial and Banking Policy Review: Trustee Mosley initiated a discussion on Resolution 4-2018, requesting that the Board receive full monthly bank statements and separate check registers for the water and general funds to enhance fiduciary oversight. (03:14:44)
  • CMI Termination Controversy: The Board discussed the sudden resignation of planning consultant firm Community Matters Institute (CMI), debating the timeline of when resignation letters were received by staff versus when they were disclosed to the Trustees. (03:45:36)
  • Planning Consultant RFP: Due to the lack of in-house planning staff following CMI’s resignation, the Board directed staff to develop and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new Town Planning Consultant. (04:02:24)
  • Town Administrator Recruitment Update: Recruiter SGR provided an update on the search for a permanent Town Administrator, recommending that the Board reconsider the proposed $130,000–$160,000 salary range to ensure it is competitive enough to attract qualified candidates. (04:03:56)
  • Public Comment on Glen Park “Strip Mining”: Residents raised concerns during public comment about perceived “strip mining” and land disturbance in open spaces; Parks officials clarified the work was actually a town-led project to build a retaining wall to prevent mud floods at the Glen Park tennis courts. (05:03:11)

Watch the Mar. 12 Meeting

AI-Generated Highlights of the Mar. 2 meeting of the Monument Town Council

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting Mar. 2. The timestamps in parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. Our April 4th issue will have detailed coverage of this meeting.

  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Services Report: Terri Hayes, CEO of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, presented a comprehensive update on the services the Chamber provides to the town, including tourism management, economic development advocacy, and the maintenance of downtown signature events. (00:03:01)
  • Public Safety Advocacy History: During her presentation, Terri Hayes highlighted the Chamber’s pivotal role in successfully passing the town’s half-cent public safety sales tax, which provides ongoing funding for the police department. (00:27:13)
  • “Rename the Road” Contest Launch: Senior Planner Jenna Gorney announced a community-driven contest to rename a segment of Old Denver Road (currently called Crossfield Road) between Santa Fe Avenue and Wagon Gap Trail. Residents are invited to submit suggestions via the town website starting March 9. (00:56:10)
  • Fountain Creek Watershed District Representation: Commissioner Wysong discussed a recent resolution supporting state legislation that would grant the Town of Monument a permanent, dedicated seat on the Fountain Creek Watershed District board. (01:03:01)
  • Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreak Warning: Commissioner Wysong briefed the Council on an executive order identifying a significant mountain pine beetle outbreak along the Front Range. He expressed concerns regarding the current lack of state funding for mitigation efforts. (01:07:20)
  • Proposed Prohibition of Graywater Systems: Public Works Director Thomas Tharnish introduced Ordinance 03-2026, which would prohibit the installation of graywater treatment works. The move is intended to protect the town’s water return flows and avoid complex backflow prevention requirements. (01:15:51)
  • Expansion of Graywater Ordinance Scope: During the ordinance discussion, the Council debated whether the prohibition should apply only to the town’s water service area or town-wide. They ultimately directed staff to modify the language to cover all town boundaries. (01:21:04)
  • Continuation of Graywater Public Hearing: Due to the requested language changes, the Council voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for the graywater ordinance until the March 16 meeting. (01:29:34)
  • Approval of RESPEC Master Service Agreement: The Council passed Resolution 14-2026, a $532,899 agreement with RESPEC Company LLC to provide construction services and observation for the Beacon Lite Road pipeline and the Monument Hill water tank projects. (01:30:52)
  • Infrastructure Update on Monument Hill Tank: Staff confirmed that the existing water tank on Monument Hill is deteriorating and under state scrutiny, emphasizing the urgency of completing the new tank project within the next 9 to 12 months. (01:38:51)
  • Palmer Lake Board and Legal Updates: During public comment, Trustee Jüka from Palmer Lake updated the Council on their successful appointment of new board members
    and their ongoing search for a new town attorney and police staff. (01:43:13)
  • Finalization of Referral Letter to El Paso County: Following an executive session, the Council directed the planning director and town attorneys to finalize and submit a referral letter to El Paso County opposing the Buc-ee’s-related administrative boundary line adjustment and grading permit application. (01:52:49)

Watch the Mar. 2 Meeting

PRHS raises $30,000 for Make-a-Wish, honors eight -year-old

Above: On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating eight-year-old student Brooks (pictured above), whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost. The celebration wrapped up with teacher, Daniel Russel getting his head shaved, something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at the age of 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photo courtesy of D-38

OCN Mar. 7 Articles, Audio files, and Podcasts Posted!

Over 23,000 copies of our Mar. 7th issue were mailed today (Thu., Mar. 5th).

All the articles, letters, columns, snapshots, notices, and community calendar events have been posted at www.ocn.me.

Audio files have been posted for all the articles and the audio highlights and audio articles podcasts have been broadcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pandora and posted on our YouTube channel.

Mar. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast


Mar. Issue Audio Highlights Transcript


Mar. Issue Audio Articles Podcast


Read Mar. Issue Articles


Read Our On-Line E-Editions


Download Mar. Issue PDF


Mar. Issue Photo Collection

WMMI Spring Break Camps start Tue.
Palmer Lake BOT next Thu.

Readers should assume that event information published in this newsletter is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website. See page < 22 > and page < 23 > or check wp.ocn.me/events for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

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