OCN Newsletter #66 – April 26, 2026 – PLBOT Highlights, Buc-ee’s buys parcel, Snapshots of Our Community, Mon TC Apr. 20 & 6 Highlights, Black Forest Festival and May OCN coming this week

AI-Generated Highlights of the April 9 & April 23 meetings of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meetings April 9 & 23. Our May 2nd issue will have detailed coverage of this meeting.

Water Emergency Declared: The board unanimously declared a water emergency after a senior water right holder placed a “call” on Monument Creek, the town’s primary water source, forcing the town to rely solely on backup wells.
Board Votes for Disciplinary Hearing: The Board of Trustees voted to hold a formal hearing to determine whether to retain Trustee Roger Moseley following allegations of harassment and creating a hostile work environment based on gender.
Investigation Findings: An independent investigator and attorney confirmed that “likely illegal behavior” and a hostile work environment existed, primarily directed at women, and noted that Moseley had admitted involvement.
Lack of Legal Precedents for Removal: Town Attorney Kent Whitmer reported running into “multiple brick walls” regarding legal precedents
for removing a trustee, noting that few towns have codified such procedures.
Requirement for New Disciplinary Ordinance: To proceed with the hearing, the board directed the attorney to draft a new ordinance codifying a judicial process for disciplinary hearings, as current state statutes offers only removal and no action.
Debate Over Statutory Authority: There was significant debate over the board’s power; some argued that state statute C.R.S. Section 31-4-307 allows the board to remove an officer, while others, including legal counsel for Integrity Matters, claim the board cannot modify these statutes or apply new laws retroactively.
Mayor Pro Tem Vacancy Addressed: After a vacancy lasting since October 2025, the board discussed the legal requirement to appoint a mayor pro tem within 30 days and plans to fill the position at the next meeting.
Elephant Rock Mobile Home Park Code Enforcement: Town Clerk Erica Romero updated the board on efforts to address long-standing code violations, including vehicle citations, utility issues, and drug use, while working with state health and local affairs departments.
Planning Commission Appointment: The board filled one of three vacancies on the Planning Commission by appointing Kent Hutson, though motions to appoint two other candidates failed.
New Police Officer Sworn In: The April 9 meeting included the swearing-in of the town’s newest police officer, Dena Currin.
Town Administrator Recruitment: During an executive session, the board met with a recruitment firm to discuss the ongoing process of finding a permanent Town Administrator.

Buc-ee’s buys parcel for over $10 million

In early April, for more than $10 million, Buc-ee’s EPCO, LLC purchased from Monument Ridge West, LLC the combined parcel west of I-25 and south of County Line Road totaling about 53.4 acres.

On March 19, the Colorado Division of Water Resources issued permits for two wells on the parcel. One permit is for the Denver Aquifer with a depth of 1,230 and 1,795 feet pumping up to 3.5 million gallons per year. The second permit is for the Arapahoe Aquifer with a depth of 1,825 to 2,250 feet pumping up to 7.1 million gallons per year. Each well would be limited to pumping 150 gallons per minute and must be more than 600 feet from any existing wells. The two wells could supply up to 880,000 gallons per month or 28,000 gallons per day.

The Monument Sanitation District has committed to providing sewer service to the parcel.

Monument Arbor Day, April 24

The Town of Monument celebrated its 32nd year of being designated “Tree City U.S.A.” by planting a tree on Arbor Day April 24. The Monument Parks Department planted a Vanderwolf Pine on the road leading to Monument Lake. This along with three other trees planted on the road earlier in the week are the town’s first Vanderwolf Pines. Parks Superintendant James Schubauer told the small crowd that these trees are supposed to be faster growing, fuller and softer compared to other pines. Schubauer gave tips on how to plant the tree as it was being placed in the ground. Pictured from left: Schubauer, Park Techs Trystan Pyle, and Michael Spencer start to remove the burlap surrounding the root ball. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Troop 194 Food Drive, April 11

On Apr. 11, Scout Master Larry Nikolaus (far left) and members of Boys and Girls Scout Troop 194 – Gleneagle pose with donations dropped off by Gleneagle community members and others for the troop’s Spring Food Drive. The troop has been collecting food donations in the Spring and Fall for over 20 years, typically collecting over 1,000lbs during each drive per Nikolaus. The donations collected during this drive are destined for Tri-Lakes Cares. Members of the troop also picked up trash along Gleneagle Drive, which they do quarterly. Nikolaus said the troop consists of boys and girls from Gleneagle and Monument. Photo by David Futey.

Gleneagle Easter Egg Hunt, April 4

On Apr. 4, hundreds of children, aged pre-school through elementary school, participated in the 4th annual Gleneagle Easter Egg Hunt on the Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES) field. Over 15,000 plastic Easter eggs filled with candies along with bubble wands, sticker sheets, coloring books and small cush balls were scattered on the field for the hunt. Blair Dinkins, with eXp Realty, LLC, coordinated the event. She said her family started filling the eggs in late Fall 2025 in preparation. She stated this “community event draws Gleneagle families together and engages the school for a great time.” Veterans United Home Loans sponsored bounce houses as part of the after-hunt activities. Dinkins said the Gleneagle community should be on the lookout for information regarding another fun event for all ages, the Gleneagle Spirit 5k Walk/Run presently scheduled for Sept. 12. Photo by David Futey

Teen donates bookends

Lukas Gizelbach, a Monumental Impact intern (left), presented bookends he created to Brieana Weaver, Silver Key Thrift Store’s retail sales director (right) on April 15. Silver Key gave Lukas the opportunity last fall to share his prototype and gather customer feedback. He completed his internship by creating and packaging a set of his final bookends for donation to Silver Key’s new thrift store location next to The UPS Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument. Photo by Jeanette Breton.

April 11 mulching event helps fire mitigation

Area residents brought in their tree limbs and branches to be mulched in the second annual Mulch Madness event on April 11 in Monument. The event is sponsored by the Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) in partnership with the Town of Monument Public Works Department and Monument Fire District. A total of 178 MVEA members protected their properties and the surrounding community by clearing excess brush and tree debris and having it mulched. Sara Muirheid, MVEA Communications Supervisor, says, “By working together with our local partners, we’re helping reduce fire risk while keeping our communities safe and resilient.” MVEA also offers free tree trimming near power lines. Photo provided by MVEA.

Monument imposes water restrictions five weeks early

The Town of Monument Water Department has imposed water restrictions five weeks early because of the lack of precipitation and higher than usual temperatures we’ve had. The restrictions started on April 7 and will continue until Oct. 30. Odd-numbered addresses will be allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Even number addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No watering is allowed on Sundays. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Monument Road Renaming Winner Announced, April 21, 2026

The Monument Town Council has picked “Doc Close Road” as the winner of the contest to rename a new segment of roadway created by the realignment of Old Denver Road between Santa Fe Avenue and Wagon Gap Trail. Senior Planner Jenna Gorney (in photo) told the council at its April 21 meeting that the winning name submitted by Catherine McGuire was among 160 names suggested by 60 people in the contest. The road will be renamed in honor of McGuire’s grandfather Thomas Close, who was a medical doctor and pharmacist in Monument in the early 1900s. Close and his family used to live in the house that’s now Lolly’s. He bought 240 acres between Elephant Rock and Ben Lomand Mountain in 1922, and the family has made sure the land is preserved. Close was friends with Jim Higby and McGuire suggested in her application that her grandfather join his “childhood chum” with a road named in his honor. The renaming will be made official with a resolution probably at the next council meeting on May 4. The new sign will be unveiled at a ceremony on May 22. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Silver Key Thrift Store Relocation Grand Opening, April 17, 2026

A huge crowd packed the new location of the Silver Key Thrift Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument for a grand opening celebration on April 17. The new location is much bigger than the old place on Route 105 in Palmer Lake where the shop was located the past two years. Retail sales director Brieana Weaver says they’ll get more walk-ins in this location since it’s in a busy shopping center. The sign for the liquor store that used to be at the new location was still on the storefront. Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno says a lighted Silver Key sign will be installed on both ends of the building once it gets approved by the Town of Monument. He ended his speech by urging the crowd to “Buy! Buy! Buy! Use it and then recycle it and we’ll sell it again!” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

See additional store opening photos

AI-Generated Video Overview and Highlights of the April 20 meeting of the Monument Town Council

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting April 20. 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.

Public Comment on Free Speech: Heather Jacobson, representing Tri-Lakes for Democracy, thanked the Council for supporting free speech following local social media controversy over a non-violent event, emphasizing that constitutional protections apply to all citizens. (00:02:45)
Small Business Week Proclamation: Brandon Eldridge, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, announced the region’s Small Business Week (May 3–9), including a business awards celebration at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on May 4. (00:04:59)
Arbor Day Celebration: Assistant Director of Public Works Andrew Archuleta announced an Arbor Day event on April 24 involving the planting of Vanderwolf pine trees west of Mitchell Avenue to mark the town’s 32nd year as a “Tree City USA”. (00:11:55)
Proposed 10% Water Rate Increase: Kevin Burnham of Willdan Financial Services recommended a 10% annual revenue increase for the water utility through 2030 to address rising capital and operating costs and avoid a projected fund deficit. (00:20:19)
Council Interest in Tiered Water Rates: During the rate study presentation, Council members expressed a preference for an “inclining block” or tiered structure that would encourage conservation by charging higher-volume users a larger percentage. (00:26:40)
Stormwater Modeling Discoveries: The draft 2026 Stormwater Master Plan revealed that the “100-year storm” now drops at least 20% more rain than the 2006 plan was built to handle, necessitating significant infrastructure updates. (01:11:51)
Old Denver Road Culvert Deficiencies: Consultants from V3 Companies identified Old Denver Road as the most significant corridor of structural deficiency, noting that every modeled culvert on the road is undersized and failing to provide adequate flood protection. (01:20:06)
“Doc Close Road” Renaming Vote: After a community contest that generated 164 suggestions, the Council voted to rename a segment of Crossfield Road “Doc Close Road” in honor of Dr. Thomas Close, a historic local physician and pharmacist. (02:10:14)
Town Hall Roof Repair Contract: Council approved Resolution No. 28-2026, authorizing a $55,797 contract with Garland/DBS Inc. to restore the Town Hall roof using a liquid-applied polyurea membrane to stop existing leaks. (02:16:42)
Adoption of Comprehensive ADA Policies: Council passed Resolution No. 29-2026, adopting 12 formal policies to ensure the town’s consistent compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding employment, communication, and facility access. (02:20:53)
Shopping Center Pothole Complaints: Councilmember Kimple raised urgent concerns about severe potholes in private parking lots (Safeway, Monument Ridge, and Home Depot), leading to a discussion on the town’s limited enforcement powers for private property maintenance. (02:26:40)
Success of Silver Key Thrift Store: Mayor LaKind and Councilmember Kimple highlighted the successful opening of the Silver Key Thrift Store, noting its high sales volume and its impact as a new source of local sales tax revenue. (02:38:36)

Watch the April 20 meeting

E-Motorcycles a Continuing Issue on GCA Open Space

E-motorcycles September 7, 2025. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic Association.

As reported in the Apr. 4 issue of Our Community News (OCN), Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) board members stated continuing concerns regarding E-motorcycles operating on and causing damage to the Ray Berg Open Space (RBOS). On Apr. 6, GCA President Mark Connell sent the following email to GCA members alerting them of a confrontation that occurred between a board member and juveniles operating E-motorcycles on the RBOS. He included information on how to proceed if E-motorcyclists are seen on the RBOS and provided information on where such off-highway vehicles are permitted. David Futey can be contacted at davefutey@ocn.me

———————–

The Gleneagle Civic Association Board wanted to bring to your attention an incident that recently occurred on the Ray Berg Green Space.

At about 4:00PM on Sunday, March 29th, one of our board members and his wife were assaulted by four juveniles on E-Motorcycles. The juveniles were told by our board member that E-Motorcycles were not allowed on the Green Space. The juveniles drove concentric circles around our board member and his wife. They also rode their E-Motorcycles directly at them, then breaking off the charge at the last moment before turning away.

Although our board member was knocked to the ground, neither he nor his wife suffered any significant injury. Our board member reported the assault to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Another GCA member witnessed this incident and walked toward the four E-Motorcyclists at which point they fled the scene. A sheriff’s deputy came to Gleneagle, took a report of the incident and is following up with an investigation.

This incident comes after more than a year of trespassing and damage to the Green Space by E-Motorcyclists. We have photo documentation of trespassing in February, April, and August of 2025, as well as an incident as recent as March 8th, 2026. In 2025, trespassing E Motorcyclists damaged the Green Space by leaving multiple figure eight “burn-outs”. Damage was estimated at $1,000 to repair. The damage was reported to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

The board would like to ask members for the following assistance in this on-going investigation:

If you witness E-Motorcyclists in the Green Space, please take photos or video if possible. Electric vehicles often look like e-bikes but if they
exceed the 750-watt legal limit they are legally classified as motor vehicles. Motors ranging from 1,000 to 6,000+ watts can reach top speeds of 30–65+ mph. Consequently, the vehicle must be registered under Colorado law, the user must have a valid driver’s license, and the vehicle must be insured.
Please immediately report any sighting of E-Motorcycles in the Green Space to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone number: 719-390-5555.
If you know the identity of any E-Motorcyclists using the Green Space, please contact the Sheriff’s Office to assist with their investigation.

It is worth noting that KOAA Channel 5 ran a report on E-Motorcycles at 6pm on April 4, 2026, in response to a query from a Gleneagle North resident. The report noted that in the state of Colorado, E-Motorcycles are defined as OHV’s (Off-Highway Vehicle) which are permitted only on designated motorized trails. They are not permitted on roads, sidewalks, parks or areas that specifically prohibit motorized vehicles.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best,
Mark Connell President
Gleneagle Civic Association Board of Directors

See additional e-motorcycle photos

Follow the discussion on Nextdoor

D38 District Wide Art Show, April 11

On April 11th, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 welcomed the general public to the district-wide art show at the school district administration building, Big Red, in Monument. Students from all grades were represented in their art efforts and families and the students enjoyed the event. Photo by Janet Sellers.

See additional art show photos

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 Thu., April 2nd.

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

Black Forest Festival starts this week

May OCN coming this week

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.

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.
OCN Mailing Days, Thu., Apr. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
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>.
Monumental Impact – Orientation, Sat., May 2, 2 pm-3 pm. See ad on page <3>.
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>.
Monumental Impact – Networking Night, Thu., May 21, 5:30 pm-7 pm. See ad on page <3>.
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

Silver Key and Road Renaming videos posted on YouTube

Monument Road Renaming Winner Announced, April 21, 2026
Silver Key Thrift Store Relocation Grand Opening, April 17, 2026
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

Uncertain about which districts you’re in?

Click here to find out using our new Jurisdiction Search!

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.

For Windows 10 and 11 users, the OCN app is now available for download from the Microsoft App Store.

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.

Just click the button below for a description of the latest version of the OCN app and detailed instructions on installing it on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

**********

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.