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OCN > blog > OCN Newsletter #70 – May 6, 2026 – PL Library Town Hall Postponed, Mon. TC meeting highlights, May 12 MFD Chief Candidates, New snapshots, OCN May Issue and Podcasts Posted

OCN Newsletter #70 – May 6, 2026 – PL Library Town Hall Postponed, Mon. TC meeting highlights, May 12 MFD Chief Candidates, New snapshots, OCN May Issue and Podcasts Posted

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Palmer Lake Library Town Hall Postponed to June 3

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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AI-Generated Highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting, May 4

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting May 4. The timestamps in parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. Our June 6th issue will have detailed coverage of this meeting.

  • Public Comment on Design Standards: Resident Karen Leseberg addressed the council regarding the importance of implementing enhanced design standards for commercial and residential developments. She specifically advocated for natural color palettes and architectural features that better harmonize with Monument’s natural environment. (00:01:59)
  • National Police Week Proclamation: Lieutenant Mitch Mahalko presented a proclamation recognizing May 10th through May 16th as Police Week in Monument. The proclamation honored the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, noting that 111 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2025. (00:05:51)
  • Introduction of Draft Roadway Design Standards (RDS) Manual: Staff introduced a comprehensive update to the town’s Roadway and Pavement Design Standards Manual, which had not been updated since 2010. The new draft aims to modernize engineering practices and provide clear, consistent standards for future capital projects and private developments. (00:09:50)
  • Expanded Infrastructure Permitting Framework: The proposed RDS manual introduces new required permits, including haul route, encroachment, special transport, and excavation permits. These additions are designed to give the town more oversight over construction impacts and better protect the longevity of public roadways. (00:25:35)
  • Approval of Alpine Dealership Final PUD Plan: The council approved Ordinance 09-2026, granting the final Planned Unit Development (PUD) plan for a Buick GMC dealership at the Falcon Commerce Center. The approval includes specific conditions regarding vehicle display areas and surface materials. (01:01:46)
  • Compromise on Dealership Signage: Following concerns raised at a previous meeting, the applicant agreed to replace their original request for a 35-foot pylon sign with two 10-foot monument signs. This change was made to remain in compliance with town signage codes while still providing visibility for the dealership. (01:05:13)
  • Clarification on Building Materials: The council discussed the use of architectural metal panels on the dealership buildings, clarifying that these high-quality components differ from the “all-metal” industrial structures discouraged by existing guidelines. The applicant provided a legal opinion stating that the final plan’s consistency with the preliminary PUD allowed for these variations. (01:06:40)
  • Repeal and Readoption of Title 9: Council passed Ordinance 12-2026 to update Title 9 of the Monument Municipal Code. This update, covering public peace and welfare, was necessary to bring the code into conformance with the Town Charter. (01:28:44)
  • Official Renaming to “Doc Close Road”: Following a community contest, the council approved Resolution 30-2026 to officially rename a section of Old Denver Road to “Doc Close Road”. The name was selected to reflect local history and identity. (01:40:18)
  • Adoption of Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: Council passed Resolution 31-2026 to adopt the Pikes Peak Regional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Maintaining this FEMA-approved plan is required for the town to remain eligible for federal hazard mitigation grant funding. (01:42:40)
  • Quarter 1 2026 Financial Report: Finance staff reported that sales tax collections for the first quarter increased by 20% compared to the previous year. The report also highlighted that town investments earned over $341,000 in interest income during the same period. (01:56:59)

Watch the May 4th Monument TC Meeting

Monument Fire District Chief Candidate Meet and Greet, May 12

D38 Career Innovation Center Showcase, May 4

On May 4th, the D38 Career Innovation Center (CIC), 1200 Synthes Avenue in Monument offered a community tour of the new facility. Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, Lewis Palmer and Palmer Ridge students passionate about a pathway in Innovative Programs visual or performing arts can graduate with a Pathway of Distinction after completing a certain number of courses in the pathway, have a 3.5 GPA within the pathway, and complete one or more extra activities or “ands”. Amy Sienkowski (pictured), Director of Innovative Programs, and D38 teachers are working on a menu of options for students to choose from to complete the requirements. Amy showed off the student welders creation of a dancing human tree and some robots as part of their innovation in welding project art. Photo by Gordon Reichal
On May 4th, the D38 Career Innovation Center (CIC), 1200 Synthes Avenue in Monument offered a community tour of the new facility. On display were several welding student shelf art projects using their developing industrial welding skills to create a whimsical group of modern art figures. A large sculpture is also in work at the CIC Welding Class Shop and soon may join the D38 Art Park in Monument north of downtown Big Red. Student creativity and inspiration on display. Great things happening in D38. Come see! Photo by Gordon Reichal

New MFD Ambulance Delivered, May 4

On May 4th, Monument Fire District received delivery of a new ambulance for our community. MFD EMS Coordinator Rachael Peters shared her excitement for this new emergency vehicle contributing to the MFD Mission of “Proudly Serving the Tri-Lakes Region.” Photo by Gordon Reichal.

OCN May Issue Podcasts Posted!

Over 21,000 copies of our May 2nd issue will be mailed this Thursday. They should be in most mailboxes by Saturday. All the articles, letters, columns, snapshots, notices, and community calendar events are being posted at www.ocn.me. On Friday, the audio files will posted for all the articles and the audio highlights and audio articles podcasts will be broadcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pandora and posted on our YouTube channel.

May Issue Audio Highlights Podcast

May Issue Audio Articles Podcast

Read May Issue Articles

Read On-Line E-Editions

Download the May Issue PDF

May Issue Photo Collection

May Issue Podcasts posted on YouTube

View our YouTube Channel

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