Vol. 25 No. 4 – April 5, 2025 Revised Highlights Podcast (AI generated)

This podcast summary of our April 2025 issue was generated by Google’s NotebookLM AI tool and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month’s issue. Below is an AI-generated summary of the podcast.

Executive Summary:

This briefing document summarizes key developments and discussions within the Tri-Lakes region of El Paso County, Colorado, as reported in the April 5, 2025, edition of Our Community News The main themes include ongoing debates and changes regarding the potential Buc-ee’s annexation in Palmer Lake, efforts to enhance the Palmer Lake Police Department, discussions about a single trash hauler for Palmer Lake, facility and policy updates within Lewis-Palmer School District 38 and Monument Academy, various planning and infrastructure projects in Monument, updates from several water and sanitation districts, El Paso County planning and commissioner activities, community events, and local notices.

Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Palmer Lake Developments:

• Buc-ee’s Annexation: The proposed annexation of land for a Buc-ee’s travel center continues to be a significant point of discussion.
• A lawsuit filed by Integrity Matters, a Colorado Springs watchdog group, was discussed in a closed executive session of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees.
• The town’s attorney, Scott Krob, announced at the March 13 board meeting that the annexation request had been withdrawn, rendering the resolution declaring the land eligible as “null.”
• The reason for the withdrawal was not disclosed, but reports suggest the petition may be resubmitted.
• The board also discussed the need for a Planned Development document for the property, addressing zoning changes and land use. Board members Cave and Hutson volunteered to create this plan.
• Palmer Lake Police Department: The newly appointed Police Chief Smith outlined his priorities for the department:
• Addressing standards, policies, and procedures to work towards state accreditation, which he described as “the roadmap to bring the entire standard of the Police Department higher.” He is reviewing and budgeting for necessary software tools.
• Assessing and improving training in areas like crisis intervention, officer safety, and de-escalation.
• Increasing the department’s visibility in El Paso County through external engagement.
• Conducting an audit of evidence with the goal of discarding outdated items.
• Developing a schedule for vehicle replacement.
• Focusing on recruitment and retention, noting two full-time officer openings and a part-time administrative/evidence position.
• The board authorized a feasibility study with Architetto Design Studio and Architivity Ltd. to determine the best location for a public safety building for the police and fire departments, supported by a $12,500 matching grant from the state Department of Local Affairs.
• The board approved a maximum of $38,000 for a new vehicle for Chief Smith, later authorizing the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Colorado for $34,763. This vehicle will not have the specialized equipment of patrol cars.
• Single Trash Hauler: The board held a workshop on March 13 to discuss the possibility of selecting a single trash hauler for the entire town, with Trustee Stern suggesting this could lead to savings for residents and fewer trucks on the roads.
• Elephant Rock Property: The Parks and Trails commission will continue with small projects like signs and benches at the Elephant Rock property.

2. Lewis-Palmer School District 38 (D38):

• Home School Enrichment Academy: The district is seeking more space for the Academy and is considering options such as renting or purchasing and remodeling an existing facility, or constructing a new building (steel or pod structure). Potential locations are being explored. Consultation with the fire marshal is ongoing regarding the possibility of temporarily remaining in a portion of Grace Best.
• Policy Review Process: Frampton requested the board to consider a new process for reviewing district policies, many of which have not been altered in years. He suggested approving unaltered policies as part of the consent agenda, while significant alterations might require more than two readings. The current process involves a first reading without a vote, followed by a second reading and a vote.
• Enrollment Trends and Funding: Ridgway discussed a slight year-over-year decline in district enrollment and a proposed change in state rules for averaging student counts (potentially moving from a five-year to a four- or three-year average). Each full-time student generates over $7,000 in revenue for the district. He also noted that the district receives $2.3 million for special education but invests an additional $6.3 million.

3. Monument Academy:

• Focus on Gender Ideology: The School Board held a special meeting on February 26 to make another resolution on gender and heard from its educational program consultant.
• Educational Program Update: Consultant Richard outlined the educational patterns based on the trivium: Grammar (elementary – facts), Logic (middle school – connecting knowledge), and Rhetoric (high school – critical thinking and synthesis).
• Discipline Concerns: The board heard a parent’s concern about discipline enforcement at its regular meeting on March 15.
• Policy Updates: The board approved updated policies during its meetings.

4. Monument Town Council:

• Comprehensive Plan 2040: The council is working on a new comprehensive plan with the Lakota Group, emphasizing a “community-led and community-driven” approach with significant resident input. The process involves building a foundation of knowledge, testing ideas, and developing strategies.
• Dairy Queen Drive-Thru: A Dairy Queen with a drive-thru is planned for the Monument Marketplace.
• Regional Water Partnership: Resolution No. 15-2025 authorized a project participation agreement with the Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority to study the potential for indirect potable reuse of water resources across the region. Director of Public Works Tom Tharnish highlighted the benefits for participating members, including Palmer Lake.
• Annual Report 2024: The Annual Report highlighted several achievements: website redesign, staff development, establishment of a records manager and new electronic system, continuation of community events (Concerts in the Park, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Tree Lighting), welcoming new businesses (My House Cafe, KVRR Hospitality Group, Colorado Pinball Pub, Whataburger, 7-Eleven), recognition of Police Department contributions, finance department improvements (self-collected local sales tax), Public Works facility upgrades (water infrastructure, solar at Town Hall, LED lighting), and reorganization of the Planning Department’s development review program.
• Well Water Infrastructure: Upgrades to well water infrastructure are planned.
• Taste of Tri-Lakes: The annual Taste of Tri-Lakes event will return.
• Town Manager Search: The search for a permanent town manager is ongoing.
• Community Recognition: An officer’s dedication was recognized by the community.

5. Monument Planning Commission:

• Promontory Pointe Water Tank: The commission recommended approval for the Promontory Pointe water tank project, which includes a $7 million ARPA grant for a new 1.5-million-gallon tank. The project requires rezoning and a major amendment to the Sanctuary Pointe PUD plan, including a concrete containment wall, screen wall, landscaping, and ADA accessibility.

6. Monument Fire District (MFD):

• Petition for Inclusion: The board approved a petition for real property inclusion in the eastern portion of the district.
• Impact Fees: The board received an update on impact fees.
• Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and Standards of Cover (SOC): The board adopted the CRA and SOC for 2025.
• Fire Station 4 Remodel: The board awarded Flintco LLC the contract for the northside remodel completion of Station 4 for a sum not to exceed $157,067. The southside remodel was completed in 2024.
• Mitchell Property Remodel: Flintco was also awarded the contract for the Mitchell Avenue rental property remodel project for a sum not to exceed the budgeted $500,000.
• Recognition: The “Chief’s Coin” was presented to Jenna Honeycutt for her life-saving response to her father’s cardiac arrest, and a second coin and commendation were given to the assisting dispatcher.
• Community Risk Reduction: The Monument Professional Firefighters Local 4319 will assist with the chipping season, with a schedule allowing for community chipping events beginning May 17.
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD): While there are no current merger talks, Chief Kovacs stated that any future consideration would be based on whether it would be a “good fit,” considering the different cultures and long-term financial sustainability.
• Board Director Election: The 2025 board director election will see Duane Garrett, Gunderman, Hildebrandt, and Kelly running for two-year and four-year terms. Cody Peterson, a resident of the former Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, will fill the seat vacated by Smaldino in May. All board positions will then be occupied by unincorporated El Paso County residents.
• Town Partnership: Chief Kovacs is meeting regularly with Monument interim Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek to share resources and improve collaboration.

7. Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District (PPMD) 3:

• PPMD 3 Capital Appreciation Bonds: The board approved the issuance of General Obligation limited tax convertible Capital Appreciation Bonds, Series 2025, for PPMD 3, with a principal amount not to exceed $21 million and a maximum repayment of $27 million over approximately 30 years. The pledged debt service will be capped at 40 mills, aiming for 32 mills.
• PPMD 3 Covenant Enforcement: The board adopted a resolution for covenant enforcement and design review services for the commercial district within PPMD 3, as required by recent state legislation for metropolitan districts providing these services. The current policy focuses on imposing fines and providing notice for violations.

8. Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD):

• Easement Agreement: The board authorized a temporary construction easement with the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) for drilling well 12R in the South Woodmoor Preserve. This will transition to a permanent utility easement. Concerns from nearby residents about lighting and noise during drilling were addressed with plans for temporary soundwalls and hooded lighting. The land will be restored after completion.
• Agreement with the Loop Amended: The agreement with the Loop water reuse project was amended to address the withdrawal of Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD). For fewer than four participating districts, each district will now appoint two board members to ensure a quorum of four. The amended agreement also requires a quorum and unanimous vote of members present for all board actions.
• Water Reuse Study: District Manager Shaffer noted a parallel water reuse study underway by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) that could potentially share infrastructure with the Loop.
• State Water Bills: A bill allowing unlimited rainwater harvesting was postponed indefinitely, while a bill regulating tap fee usage is likely to pass, with WWSD already in compliance.
• Board Candidate Self-Nomination: Smith recounted difficulties with his self-nomination for the board election, citing a late email response from the Designated Election Official and a mix-up with another candidate. His application was received 26 minutes after the deadline. The board acknowledged his experience and will review the self-nomination process for transparency.

9. Monument Sanitation District (MSD):

• Upcoming Election Canceled: The upcoming board election was canceled as only two candidates were nominated for the two open seats.
• Water Leaks: Two toilets were replaced in the headquarters building to address water leaks, and a pressure-reducing valve is planned to prevent future leaks.

10. Triview Metropolitan District (TMD):

• Bond Question Approved: The board approved the ballot language for a $12.6 million bond question (maximum repayment of $25.25 million over 30 years with a 5.20% maximum interest rate) for Higby Road improvements, to be funded by existing property taxes, road and bridge fees, and some sales tax reimbursement from Monument.
• Conexus Improvements: A resolution was approved with Conexus for improvements to the proposed west Monument development. TMD will fund the project temporarily (until May/June 2025) and be reimbursed by CMD through bond issuance, with a consensual lien on 22 acres in Conexus District 1 as security.
• 2025 Board Election: Four residents are on the ballot for three board seats in the 2025 election.
• Financial Update: The board approved financial reports, noting significant February expenses including payments for the Creekside Development and an annual payment to Colorado Springs Utilities. The cash balance as of February 28 was approximately $11 million including reserves.
• Water Delivery Update: CSU continues to deliver TMD’s water through a complex exchange of water rights via Pueblo Reservoir. TMD considers its water supply “infinite renewable” due to its connection to the CSU system and access to Rampart Reservoir storage.
• Petition for Inclusion: The board is considering a petition for inclusion of a 67-acre property (Dellacroce Ranch LLC) proposed for residential development by Classic Homes. TMD would not be burdened by providing water and wastewater services.

11. El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA or the Loop):

• Water Treatment Plant Design and Pilot Test: The board awarded a contract to Burns and McDonnell for water treatment plant design and pilot testing, following a structured evaluation process.
• Eminent Domain: The board agreed to authorize Western States Land Services LLC to negotiate easements for pipelines but will only consider using eminent domain as a last resort if negotiations fail.
• Financial Report: The board received a financial report noting $39,000 in February invoices and the receipt of the first two payments ($500,000 each) of $4 million in ARPA funds. The Loop has $195,000 in reserves. The board authorized drafting an engagement letter for Stockman Kast Ryan and Co. to audit the 2024 finances.
• Pipeline and Pump Station Engineering: The board authorized Valentine and Merrick and Co. to handle the RFP process for the design of the project’s pipelines and pump station.

12. Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD):

• Water and Sewer Rate Increase: An across-the-board 5 percent rate increase was implemented, effective for April usage and visible in May bills. Administrative fees remain largely unchanged. DWSD has approximately 50 water taps available, with 44 slated for a residential development near the Big R Store.
• Board Election Canceled: The upcoming board election was canceled as only two candidates (incumbent Wayne Vanderschuere and former board member Kenneth Judd) were nominated for the two open seats.
• Sanitary Survey: The district passed its sanitary survey by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment with no violations and two minor deficiencies resolved immediately.
• Agreement with the Loop Amended: DWSD also amended its agreement with the Loop to address the quorum issue with fewer than four participating districts, appointing Accounts Payable specialist Christina Hawker as its second Loop board member and Cade Pennington as the alternate.
• Operational Reports: The district received a significant portion of revenue from property taxes. $1 million is budgeted for Colorado Springs Utilities to convey, treat, and deliver DWSD’s owned water from sources like Willow Creek Ranch due to the need to redrill Well 7D.

13. El Paso County Planning Commission:

• Recommended approval to the BOCC for three projects: the Final Plat of the Burkheimer Subdivision (splitting a 13.68-acre property into two lots), a map amendment for Ben Lomand Mountain Village (rezoning for approximately 74 single-residence lots), and the Final Plat for New Breed Ranch Filing No. 3 (creating seven single-family residential lots on a 34.7-acre PUD).

14. El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC):

• Approved the Misfits Crew Estates Final Plat, creating three single-family residential lots on a 35.72-acre property.
• Executed the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Black Forest Slash and Mulch Committee (SAMCOM) to support wildfire mitigation efforts.

15. Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA):

• Heard concerns from residents near the proposed WWSD well 12R drilling site regarding potential noise and lighting. The WIA Director of Covenants noted the need for a fully enclosed sound wall.
• Addressed a complaint about a resident allegedly shooting squirrels, storing discarded wood, and harassing neighbors. The board will send a letter to the resident and requested permission to verify the complaint on the complainants’ property to take appropriate action.

16. Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA)

• The board decided to draft a whole new covenants document, hired a law firm, Mayan law, for a flat fee first draft, expected soon. They plan two or three town halls for member feedback.
• The board discussed compensating any member who participates on committees because volunteers are scarce, but the Covenants committee itself will stay in house, staffed by members.
• Concerns were raised about water drainage from the Eagle Villa Townhomes causing flooding in adjacent green space, with affected homeowners seeking a solution from the developer. Damage to the green space caused by individuals riding electric motorcycles was also reported, with residents asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office if they witness such activity.

17. Community Events and Notices:

• Library Anniversary: The Monument Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 12 with a party.
• Poetry Month Kick-off: Covered Treasures Bookstore will host local poets for a signing event on April 5 to celebrate National Poetry Month.
• Easter Events: Various Easter egg hunts and services are scheduled in the Tri-Lakes area.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Numerous local organizations are seeking volunteers, with links provided for various needs.
• Neighborhood Safety: Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, providing details such as who, what, when, where, and why it is suspicious.
• Governmental Body Meetings: A comprehensive list of upcoming meetings for various local governmental bodies and organizations is provided.
• Weekly and Monthly Events: A detailed listing of recurring community events, support groups, and club meetings is included.
• Special Events: Information on upcoming special events like the Bethesda Gardens pancake breakfast, D38 Art Show, puzzle swap, Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, and more is provided, along with notices of special offers from local businesses.
• Trail Markers: Residents in the Fox Run Regional Park are asked not to remove or tamper with trail blazes/markers, which are essential for protecting the fragile forest ecosystem, especially in snowy conditions.
• Community Support: Notices highlight the needs and contact information for local support organizations like Tri-Lakes Cares, Parents Helping Parents, and the Larkspur Church Food Bank and Care Center.
• Wildfire Risk Reduction: Residents are reminded of the importance of creating defensible space around their homes to reduce wildfire risk, with resources provided by the Colorado State Forest Service.
• Local History: The Palmer Lake Historical Society hosted a presentation on the life of General William J. Palmer, the founder of Palmer Lake and Colorado Springs.

Quote of Significance:

• Chief Smith regarding the Palmer Lake Police Department’s goal of accreditation: “Accreditation ‘is the roadmap to bring the entire standard of the Police Department higher.’”

Further Considerations:

• The ongoing Buc-ee’s annexation saga will likely continue to be a major topic of discussion in Palmer Lake.
• The various infrastructure projects underway by water and sanitation districts, as well as the Loop Water Authority, are crucial for the region’s future water security.
• Community engagement in the Monument Comprehensive Plan process will be vital in shaping the town’s development.
• The financial health and enrollment trends of local school districts warrant continued attention.
• The active participation of residents in local government meetings and volunteer opportunities remains essential for a thriving community.