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OCN

OCN

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

OCN > blog > OCN Newsletter #63 – April 8, 2026 – Mon TC Apr. 6 Meeting AI-Generated Overview, OCN April Issue Posted, Mon PC tonight, PL BOT tomorrow

OCN Newsletter #63 – April 8, 2026 – Mon TC Apr. 6 Meeting AI-Generated Overview, OCN April Issue Posted, Mon PC tonight, PL BOT tomorrow

April 8, 2026

Sign up for Our Community Newsletter to be notified by email about the latest news and important developments in the Tri-Lakes area

Download a PDF of this newsletter

AI-Generated Video Overview and Highlights of the April 6 meeting of the Monument Town Council

AI-Generated Video Overview

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting April 6. The timestamps in parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. Our May 2nd issue will have detailed coverage of this meeting.

  • Relocation of Public Comments: Mayor Mitch LaKind announced that, for the first time, public comments for items not on the agenda were moved to the beginning of the meeting to allow citizens to speak sooner. (00:02:14)
  • Police Oaths of Office: Chief Regan administered the oaths of office to Lieutenant Mitch Mihalko and Officer Ethan Elmshaeuser, formally welcoming them to their new roles within the Monument Police Department. (00:05:48)
  • Child Abuse Prevention Month: The Council issued a proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in protecting children and supporting families. (00:12:18)
  • Monument Fire District Training Center Approval: The Council approved the rezoning and final plat for a new fire training facility at 18650 West Highway 105, which will feature an 11,040-square-foot classroom building and a training tower. (00:13:38)
  • Alpine Dealership Material and Signage Debate: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Alpine Dealership application, with Council members raising concerns regarding the use of metal building panels and the request for a 35-foot pylon sign, which some felt violated existing codes. (00:30:51)
  • Continuation of Alpine Dealership Ordinance: Due to the unresolved issues regarding signage and architectural materials, the Council voted to continue the dealership ordinance to the May 4th meeting to allow the applicant and staff to refine the proposal. (02:35:12)
  • Update to Campaign Finance Procedures: The Council passed Ordinance 10-2026, which allows the Town Clerk to refer campaign finance complaints to the Colorado Secretary of State in cases where an actual or perceived conflict of interest exists. (02:53:32)
  • Police Department Fence and Purchasing Policy: While the Council approved a new security fence for the Police Department, the item prompted a debate over the town’s purchasing policy, specifically regarding when competitive bidding is required for projects exceeding $25,000. (03:01:17)
  • Implementation of Police Impact Fees: The Council adopted a new fee schedule that includes Police Impact Fees for new development, intended to ensure that growth contributes to the capital equipment needs of the police department. (03:13:39)
  • Grant Application for Permitting Software: Resolution 24-2026 was approved, authorizing staff to apply for a $250,000 grant from the Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) to
    replace the town’s antiquated land development and permitting software. (03:25:01)
  • Temporary Modification of Watering Procedures: In response to regional drought conditions, the Council approved moving the start of the restricted watering season up to April 7th, aiming to reduce early strain on the town’s water system. (03:36:07)
  • Project Cobalt Economic Development Agreement: Following an executive session, the Council approved Resolution 27-2026, entering into an economic development agreement with Project Cobalt to secure the location of the project within the town. (03:45:13)

Watch the April 6 Meeting

Watch the AI-Generated Video Overview

OCN April 4th Articles, Audio Files, and Podcasts Posted!

Over 21,000 copies of our April 4th issue were mailed yesterday (Thu., April 2nd). They should be in almost all mailboxes by tomorrow.

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.

April Issue Audio Highlights Podcast

April Issue Audio Articles Podcast

Read April Issue Articles

Read Our On-Line E-Editions

Download April Issue PDF

April Issue Photo Collection

Monument Planning Commission Tonight,
Palmer Lake BOT Tomorrow
D38 Art Show and Shredding Event April 11

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.

  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Apr. 8, 6 pm
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Apr. 9, 6 pm
  • Lewis-Palmer D38 Districtwide Art Show, Sat., Apr. 11, 11 am-2 pm.
  • Shred Event, Sat., Mon.-Thu., Apr. 11, 13-16. 
  • Monument Hill Foundation – Grant Applications Accepted, Wed., Apr. 15-Sun., May 31. See ad on page <8>.
  • 100+ Women Who Care Membership/Social Networking, Wed., Apr. 15, 5 pm-7 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Planning Commission, Wed., Apr. 15, 6 pm
  • Monumental Impact – Networking Night, Thu., Apr. 16 & May 21, 5:30 pm-7 pm. See ad on page <3>.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Apr. 16, 7 pm-8 pm
  • YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Sat., Apr. 18, 9 am-12 pm. See ad on page <6>.
  • Monument Community Presbyterian Church – Panel Discussion on Home and Food Insecurity, Sun., Apr. 19, 11:15 am-12:15 pm. See ad on page <5>.
  • Monumental Impact – Orientation, Mon., Apr. 20, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm & Sat., May 2, 2 pm-3 pm. See ad on page <3>.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Apr. 20, 6:30 pm
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) Scholarship Application Deadline, Fri., Apr. 24, See ad on page <2https://ocn.me/pdf/v26n4%202.pdf>
  • Annual Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild Spring Craft Show, Wed.-Sun, Apr. 29-May 3, Wed. 4 pm-7 pm. Thu.-Sat. 9 am-7 pm. Sun. 10 am-2 pm.
  • Business Roundtable, Fri., May 1, 11:15 am – 12:45 pm. Terri Carver.
  • Space Foundation Discovery Center National Space Day, Sat., May 2, 10 am-4 pm. See ad on page <24>.
  • D38 Career & Technical Education Community Showcase, Mon., May 4, 4-6 pm.
  • Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, Wed., May 13, 5:30 pm-10 pm
  • Silver Key Senior Summit, Thu.-Fri., May 14-15, 8 am-2 pm. See ad on page <2>.
  • YMCA Summer Day Camp Kickoff, Tue., May 26. See ad on page <6>.
  • Western Museum of Mining and Industry – Picnic and Planes, Thu., May 28, 9 am-4. See ad on page <9>.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Want your event listed in our on-line and print calendar?

Our Community Calendar carries listings 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. Complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. Click the button below to request listing of your events.

Request Event Listing

April Issue Podcast videos posted on YouTube

  • April Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (32 min.)
  • April Issue Audio Article Podcast (2 hr. 28 min.)
  • No Kings Protest in Monument
  • Romanello bench dedicated
  • Stars of Tomorrow Winners
  • Kiwanis honors OCN Managing Editor Weinfeld
  • D38 Chess Tournament
  • Mar. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • Mar. Issue Audio Article Podcast (2 hr. 16 min.)
  • Five LPHS Lady Rangers Recognized, Feb. 18
  • Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22
  • Feb. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (31 min.)
  • Feb. Issue Audio Article Podcast (2 hr. 16 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic, Jan. 17
  • Jan. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (28 min.)
  • Jan. Issue Audio Article Podcast (1 hr. 46 min.)
  • Monument Wreaths Across America
  • Monument Tree Lighting
  • Dec. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (44 min.)
  • Dec. Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 10 min.)
  • Interview with Covered Treasures Bookstore owner Tommie Plank at the store on May 26, 2019.
  • Monument Restroom Ribbon-Cutting, Nov. 2
  • OCN Nov Issue Audio Highlights Podcast(35 min.)
  • OCN Nov. Issue Audio Articles Podcast(2 hr. 49 min.)
  • Annual Ride for Tim
  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

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Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with the OCN app!

The OCN app alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles, podcasts, photo collections, comments, etc. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

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In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

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This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

If you do not wish to receive future email messages of this type, please let me know at johnheiser@ocn.me and I will take care of it immediately.

Recent newsletters

  • OCN Newsletter #64 – April 16, 2026 – E-Motorcycles on GCA Open Space, D38 Art Show, Mon TC Apr. 6 Meeting Highlights, OCN April Issue, Monument TC & D38 Board Mon., MFD Wed., Palmer Lake BOT Thu. (4/16/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #62 – April 3, 2026 – April Articles, Audio & Podcasts Posted (4/3/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #61 – March 31, 2026 – April E-Edition Posted, No Kings and Romanello videos posted (3/31/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #60 – March 22, 2026 – Combined Concert, Stars of Tomorrow Winners, Weinfeld honored, Highlights of the Mar. 2 & 16 MonTC and Mar. 12 PLBOT, Check which districts you’re in, New OCN YouTube videos posted (3/23/2026)
  • 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 (3/19/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #58 – March 10, 2026 – County Approves Buc-ee’s Boundary Line Adjustment, PRHS raises $30K for Make-A-Wish, Highlights of the Mar. 2 Mon. Town Council meeting, Mar. OCN Issue Posted; Request Event Listing in OCN Calendar; Check which districts you’re in (3/10/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #57 – March 8, 2026 – PRHS raises $30K for Make-A-Wish, Highlights of the Mar. 2 Mon. Town Council meeting, Mar. OCN Issue Posted; Request Event Listing in OCN Calendar; Check which districts you’re in (3/8/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #56 – Mar. 5, 2026 – Mar. 7th Articles, Audio Files, and Podcasts Posted; Request Event Listing in OCN Calendar; Video (3/5/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #55 – Mar. 3, 2026 – Mar. 7th E-Edition posted, Request event listing in OCN calendar, Stars of Tomorrow Auditions posted, Check which districts you’re in (3/3/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #54 – Feb. 27, 2026 – PLBOT meeting highlights, Monument actions suggest Buc-ee’s alternatives, Request event listing in OCN calendar, Stars of Tomorrow Auditions posted, Check which districts you’re in (2/27/2026)

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