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Town of Monument Articles

Monument Town Council, May 1 and 15 – Midtown Collection of Monument Junction approved on 5-2 vote

By Chris Jeub

A newly appointed Monument chief of police was sworn in on May 15. The Midtown Collection at Monument Junction West Filing No. 1, a controversial Planned Unit Development (PUD) project, was approved on a split vote. A technical glitch led to the failure of the May 15 Town Council meeting to be published online, leaving only the agenda items to be reported on in this issue of OCN.

New chief of police

Patrick Regan was sworn in as the new chief of police for Monument on May 15, ending a five-month vacancy in the position. Regan brings 23 years of law enforcement experience from the Scottsdale Police Department in Arizona, where he served in various roles including undercover narcotics detective, SWAT operator, and internal affairs supervisor. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has extensive executive leadership training. Regan expressed his excitement about joining the Monument community and highlighted his commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the residents. He plans to increase the number of officers on patrol, enhance community engagement efforts, and focus on collaboration, accountability, and communication within the Police Department.

Above: Patrick Regan had no idea when he got married in Monument in 2012 that he’d return 11 years later as police chief. Regan was sworn in at the Monument Town Council meeting on May 15. He replaces interim chief Tim Johnson who returns to his previous rank of commander. Regan has spent the past 23 years with the Scottsdale, Ariz., Police Department. He served as an undercover narcotics detective, violent crime investigator, Spanish interpreter, gang enforcement supervisor, internal affairs supervisor, patrol watch commander, commander of the special investigations division, and other positions. After being sworn in, Regan said he’s “incredibly excited” about his new position. He said after he married his wife, Bree, they’d been “trying to come back ever since.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Monument Junction

Ordinance No. 10-2023, which approved a Preliminary/Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Midtown Collection at Monument Junction West Filing No. 1, was approved on a 5-2 vote. The project encompasses 21.7 acres with a primary use of single-family detached homes. The development is classified as a mixed-use PUD, surrounded by other PUD-zoned land.

The Monument Planning Commission recommended denial of the plan on April 12 in a 4-3 vote, stating that it did not meet the criteria set forth in the town’s land development code and was inconsistent with the comprehensive plan. However, the town staff recommended approval, asserting that the plan adhered to applicable development standards and was generally consistent with the comprehensive plan.

Andrea Barlow of N.E.S., representing Classic Homes, presented on behalf of the applicant, challenging the denial from the commission. Barlow emphasized the benefits of the proposed public park and highlighted that the land had been zoned for commercial development since the 1980s. The sketch plan, which was approved by the council in 2020, was described as a conceptual plan rather than a precise plan. Barlow pointed out that Commissioner Danny Ours had approved the sketch plan at the time, and the history of the application indicated a track record of approval rather than denial. Barlow explained the recent history of the property:


  • The Village Sketch Plan: Approved on June 15, 2020.

  • Monument Junction West Filing No. 1 Final Plat: Approved on Feb. 7, 2022.

  • Monument Junction Phase 1 (East) Preliminary/Final PUD Plan: Approved on March 21, 2022, with 204 units.

  • Monument Junction Phase 1 (East) Filing No. 1 Final Plat: Approved on July 5, 2022, with 58 units.

  • Monument Junction West Filing No. 1, Lot 4 (Whataburger) Preliminary/Final PUD Plan: Approved on Oct. 17, 2022.

  • Monument Junction West Filing No. 1, Lot 5 (Multi-family) Preliminary/Final PUD Plan: Approved on Oct. 17, 2022, with 240 units.

  • Monument Junction Phase 1 (East) Filing No. 2 Final Plat: Approved on Nov. 21, 2022, with 146 units.

Though the development faced scrutiny from the Planning Commission, the council ultimately decided to approve it by a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Kenneth Kimple and Sana Abbott voting against, citing density and traffic concerns. The approval of both the PUD and the final plat marks the end of a challenging development approval process for the Midtown Collection at Monument Junction.

May 15 meeting

Due to a technical failure, the May 15 Town Council meeting failed to publish online. The meeting consisted of the following agenda items:


  1. Town Accountant Mona Hirjoi presented the 2024 budget.

  2. Bob Cole disclosed potential conflicts of interest. A vote was taken to exclude council members with conflicts from consideration, discussions, and voting on relevant matters.

  3. Approval of the Consent Agenda: The consent agenda items approved were the agenda for May 15, 2023, special meeting minutes from April 26, 2023, meeting minutes from May 1, 2023, Resolution No. 34-2023 (on-call engineering service agreement with Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.), and Resolution No. 35-2023 (contract with A-1 Chipseal for the 2023 Chipseal Program).

  4. Proclamation: Mike Foreman presented the Police Week Proclamation.

  5. Presentation: Officer Dakota Degenhart received a medal for saving a life, presented by Foreman.

  6. Chief of Police Patrick J. Regan took the oath of office, administered by Foreman.

  7. Town Attorney Bob Cole initiated a discussion on land acquisition for the Monument Hill Tank Site.

  8. Deputy Clerk Tina Erickson requested a presentation on June 5 from Girls of the West, Pikes Peak Range Riders, and Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
Above: At the May 15 Monument Town Council meeting, Police Officer Dakota Degenhart received a medal for helping to save the life of a person who tried to commit suicide on April 3. Town Manager Mike Foreman said Degenhart and Palmer Lake Officer Eugene Ramirez found the person hanging from a rope in the woods off Red Rocks Drive. By cutting the person down, Foreman said their “quick thinking and teamwork saved a life.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld

Please note that this summary is based solely on the agenda items provided, and further details or discussions that occurred during the meeting are not included.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next two regular meetings are scheduled for Monday, June 5 and Monday, June 19. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Town Council, April – Land use bill, investigation loom

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council meetings in April discussed enterprise zones and town investments as well as the looming state Senate Bill 23-213 that would undermine Monument’s permitting and zoning laws. But the majority of April was spent dealing with the independent investigation report presented Dec. 28, 2022, by the former Board of Trustees. Two executive meetings and two special meetings were called to specifically handle the investigation.

Actions include disavowing the results of the independent investigation, reinterpreting the results with a newly employed law firm, paying for the personal legal fees of the mayor, and addressing the CORA request from the previous mayor pro tem. The current board declared the investigation “over” with comments showing hope for the town to “move on.”

Enterprise zones and town investments discussed

On April 3, Town Administrator Laura Hogan presented an opportunity to expand the enterprise zone in Monument. This zone is intended to provide tax credits to businesses, and one area in Monument has recently become eligible. The proposed zone, located between Higby Road and Baptist Road on the east side of Interstate 25, aims to encourage businesses to come to Monument. El Paso County will bring the proposed zone to the state, and community members can help contribute to the development of businesses within the zone and receive tax benefits for doing so.

Council Member Jim Romanello asked for an explanation of the significance of the proposed zone. Hogan explained that it would be beneficial for the entire community. By encouraging businesses to come to Monument, the proposed enterprise zone could bring in new jobs and revenue for the town. Additionally, community members could contribute to the development of the businesses within the zone and receive tax benefits for doing so. Overall, the expansion of the enterprise zone presents an opportunity for growth and development for Monument and its residents.

The Council listened to three presentations discussing the investment of the town’s money. The presentations were given by Katiana Siatras from Wells Fargo, Bob Krug from CSafe, and Max Mojab and Nate Eckloff from Piper Sadler & Co. The Council was interested in investing to make more money due to changing interest rates. There was a discussion of the risks associated with investing with banks, and securities were recommended as the most secure and liquid type of investment. Town Manager Mike Foreman is seeking direction to find the best proposal for the town.

Colorado Senate Bill 23-213

The Monument Council discussed state Senate Bill 23-213, which they claim would override the town’s zoning and permit laws and transfer power to the state. All Council members stated that they believed this would be an overreach of state power and could affect local issues such as housing, water, infrastructure, and police. Council Member Steve King expressed concern that the bill would benefit “millionaire owners” of multi-family housing units and could lead to the construction of rental buildings.

Mayor Mitch LaKind announced he would be forming a coalition of mayors in El Paso County to protest the bill. He stated, however, that “the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce is in favor of it, which I find strange.” LaKind warned that he would not comply if the bill passes and that it will be difficult to get anything built for the state if the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) also refuses to comply.

During public comment, residents expressed their opposition to the bill, and council members mentioned that Rep. Don Wilson and Rep. Paul Lundeen were also against it. President and CEO of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Terri Hayes expressed opposition to the bill but explained that the Colorado Springs Chamber sees it as a way to bring more people to town. “They see it as a way to solve their labor shortages,” she said.

King read a letter written collectively by the Town Council to oppose Senate Bill 23-213. They argued that the bill would eliminate their ability to zone multi-family housing to locations where the infrastructure is in place, remove their discretion to place certain criteria on multi-family housing, allow the character of neighborhoods to be destroyed by forcing incompatible land uses directly adjacent to single-family homes, mandate expensive studies relative to housing and water resources, and shift the burden and responsibility of what have traditionally been local decisions up to “a state agency.” The letter claimed the bill reflects the state’s belief that “it knows far more about what’s best for the quality of life in their communities than their own citizens do,” and they urged legislators to reject the bill.

The Town Council is also working on a plan to mitigate the impact of the bill if it is passed. After LaKind pledged to not comply, King added, “We will do everything we can to make sure that this bill does not have a negative impact on Monument.”

See letter “Monument Town Council opposes bill” in Letters to the Editor on page < 24 >.

Investigation declared over, CORA request suggests otherwise

Two executive sessions and two special meetings were called to address the investigation report of Dec. 28, 2022. See January’s OCN article for complete reporting of the December special meetings leading up to the investigation findings and recommendations to the Town Council.

Background: The previous Board of Trustees launched the investigation late in the 2022 election cycle that accused the Home Rule Charter Commission of electioneering and fraud. The investigation called for publicly censuring much of the newly elected Council (King, Abbott, Kronick, LaKind), the termination of the town manager and other employees, and filing ethics complaints against the previous town attorney. None of the recommendations has been adopted by the new Council.

April 3: Monument pays for LaKind’s personal attorney: The Town Council broke to executive session to seek guidance from Town Attorney Bob Cole on specific legal questions relating to the report of the investigation findings. Following the session, most members of the public left and three people remained online. An action item was taken to instruct the town manager to pay Mayor LaKind’s personal attorney fees that incurred during December’s investigation. The action item read: “Sherman & Howard Invoice No. 862015 to Mitchell LaKind for Professional Services, 12/22/22 through 1/31/23.” The item passed 6-0 with LaKind—since it benefited him financially—recusing himself from the vote. The council did not disclose the amount of the fees.

Council Member Laura Kronick noted that everyone had to sit through what she called “a debacle” at the end of last year. Kronick referenced “one person” [LaKind] who “stood up and did the right thing.” King added that the town was left without an attorney at the time, and LaKind had taken it upon himself to “handle the situation.” Council Member Jim Romanello put forth the motion. The meeting adjourned without public comment.

April 11: Investigation disavowed and declared over: The first of two special meetings was called on April 11 to bring the investigation findings to a close with proposed resolutions 26, 27, and 28. The investigation itself was not discussed outside of executive session, but the resolutions all passed unanimously. Kronick, LaKind, and Council Member Abbott recused themselves for some of the votes. The resolutions disavowed the investigation, authorized “actions” toward the appointed independent investigator Grant Van Der Jagt, and authorized payment to another law firm, Sherman & Howard. Public comment came from two members of the public who expressed support for the Council’s decisions, and one asking for information on the reports.

Though the Council disavowed the investigation, LaKind expressed how he, as a mayoral candidate at the time, promised to continue the investigation “wherever it led.” LaKind admitted the investigation “took longer than expected and cost taxpayers a lot of money,” but insisted it was done thoroughly. He then said he hopes “the town can heal and move forward” now that the investigation is over. He also mentioned that mistakes were made, but they were not intentional, and a process is now in place to remedy them.

April 17: Former Mayor Pro Tem Elliott questions town endorsements: Former Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Elliott raised concerns during public comment. She brought up a mailer from the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, which included a letter from Mayor LaKind welcoming new residents to the area that she claimed promoted businesses in Denver and Colorado Springs, not Monument. LaKind responded by stating that he did not know his name was going out beyond the scope of Monument. Elliott then brought up a $1,500 purchase by LaKind at the Tri-Lakes Chamber Annual Dinner for a suite at a Sky Sox game, and asked whether it was a town budgeted item or a personal item. LaKind refused to answer, saying that he would not respond to questions about his personal finances.

Hayes added to the public comment by clarifying that the mailer was sent out by a privately owned welcome wagon company and had nothing to do with the Town of Monument. LaKind requested that his name not be sent out in any future mailers promoting businesses outside of Monument and stated that he would not have added his name to the mailer if he had known it was being used to promote businesses in Denver and Colorado Springs.

April 26: Invoice of legal fees delivered to former mayor pro tem: A special town meeting was held April 26 to discuss a CORA request (a formal request to public records under the Colorado Open Records Act) asking for the receipt for the attorney fees paid to LaKind’s personal attorney. Town lawyer Bob Cole disclosed a conflict of interest by LaKind for two agenda items that dealt with the request. The Council voted 5-0 to accept the disclosure and exempt LaKind from the meeting. The Council also voted to rescind attorney client privilege and avoid an executive session “to allow complete transparency,” as stated by King.

Kronick read a statement expressing that the Council should vote to give Kelly Elliott, the former mayor pro tem who made the request, the invoice she requested. Kronick claimed the invoice “proves no taxpayers’ dollars were spent to personally aid Mayor LaKind” and that she “hope[s] that Kelly Elliott ceases her attacks on the Town and the associated tens of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars spent each time another failed attempt is made to justify the pursuit of a $2,500 honest mistake that was legally cured prior to her initial call for an investigation that began last year.” She ended her statement with the hope that this will “end this chapter in Monument’s history.”

The Council voted unanimously to grant the request (Council Member Marco Fiorito was absent) before the meeting adjourned. Foreman published a press release which claimed to justify the invoice of April 3. “The Town Council considered the Interim Town Attorney’s opinion that legal services described in the invoice related to providing for the interests of the Town of Monument and therefore it is both legal and appropriate for the Town to pay the invoice.”

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next two regular meetings are scheduled for Monday, May 1 and Monday, May 15. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council, April articles

Monument Town Council, March 6 and 20 – New clerk, new police officers, and $100,000 change order approved

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council (MTC) met March 6 and 20. They welcomed a new town clerk, swore in three new police officers, voted to table an ordinance while passing another, approved a $100,000 change order to complete construction on a water tank, and heard a presentation from Silver Key Senior Services.

New clerk and police officers

The MTC welcomed new Town Clerk Kyle Anderson, who joined the office on March 13. Anderson is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of Ohio State University and Capitol University Law School. He is a father of five.

During the same meeting, the council also witnessed the oath of office for three new police officers. Interim Chief Timothy Johnson presided over the ceremony, where officers Kelly Goodwin, Joseph Markarian, and Dustin Williams took their oaths. Williams comes from Pope County, Iowa; Goodwin joins the Monument Police Department after serving with the Denver Police Department; and Markarian comes from the Pueblo Police Department.

PPRBD building code

A vote on Ordinance No. 05-2023: An Ordinance Adopting and Applying the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code, 2023 Edition, and Repealing the Previous Edition of Such Code was tabled till later.

The MTC convened to discuss the adoption and application of the 2023 edition of the Pikes Peak Regional Building Code. Roger Lovel, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) representative, presented the history of the PPRBD, which was created in 1966 to serve a collection of building codes across the area. Lovel explained that the PPRBD issues permits, but land use and zoning is kept with local jurisdictions. The PPRBD adopts international building codes, and its regulations apply to building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy conservation, conveyance, flood plain, and enumeration. The code also regulates contractor licensing and regulations. The PPRBD approved a new code, the 2023 edition, in December 2022. Lovel stated that the biggest change to the code was modifications to the energy conservation code and the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) code.

Councilmember Steve King expressed his concerns about the energy conservation code keeping houses so air tight that circulation is restricted. Lovel responded that they lost local control of the electrical code, and they are losing control of the energy conservation code. Another concern raised by King was whether multi-family units were required to adopt ADA compliance. Lovel explained that there is a state requirement for ADA compliance, and there are accessibility standards for apartments.

Town staff suggested tabling the discussion until April 17 to allow for a public hearing, explaining that there is no urgency to pass this ordinance immediately, and it would be better to have public input on this matter. Lovel assured the council that they need to hit the deadline of June 30 and he will be available for the public hearing. The council agreed to table the item by a vote of 7-0.

Publishing ordinances

Ordinance No. 06-2023: An Ordinance Amending Section 2.04.030(G) of the Monument Municipal Code Regarding Publications of Ordinances passed unanimously. This ordinance concerned the publication of ordinances in the Monument Municipal Code.

Director of Administration Laura Hogan presented, explaining that the vote would help speed up publication timelines for future developments. She elaborated that the proposed amendment would modify Section 2.04.030(G) of the Monument Municipal Code, which outlines the publication requirements for ordinances. The amendment would allow for the publication of ordinances in a more timely and efficient manner. Publication requirements have always been assumed to be in the newspaper (The Tribune), but staff would like to make the website the standard. She explained that this change would allow for more timely and efficient publication of ordinances.

Councilmember Marco Fiorito expressed his support for standardizing all publications on the website, which would help to streamline the process. Mayor Mitch LaKind asked about ADA compliance, to which Hogan responded that the amendment does have ADA compliance, but the council is working to ensure that all publications are fully accessible. King shared his thoughts on the importance of making information as efficient and accessible as possible, stating that as a former member of the Charter Commission, he believed this was a key consideration. Overall, the council members expressed their support for the proposed amendment, with some providing suggestions for further improvement. The council unanimously passed the ordinance with a 7-0 vote.

Tank project

Resolution No. 20-2023 was introduced and approved unanimously with a vote of 6-0 (Councilmember Jim Romanello was absent on March 20). This resolution pertains to the approval of Change Order No. 2 for the 2-million-gallon tank project with Preload Inc., a company contracted by the town to complete the construction of a water tank.

Director of Public Works Thomas Tharnish brought attention to a recent state inspection that deemed the tank insufficient and in need of immediate completion. As a result, the change order in question would amount to $100,000. Town Manager Mike Foreman further explained that there were some delays in the project’s deadlines, which were not the contractor’s fault, and reminded the council that Preload’s bid was $700,000 less than the next contractor in line.

During the discussion, Councilmembers Fiorito and Kenneth Kimple raised concerns about the board’s responsibility, while Kimple asked how long the warranty on the project would last (answer: two years). The council ultimately approved the resolution, with King asking if the process could be expedited.

Silver Key Senior Services

Silver Key Senior Services President and CEO, Jason DeaBueno, presented to the council on the organization’s efforts to support the senior population in the Tri-lakes area. With a focus on individuals over the age of 70, Silver Key Senior Services aims to address the loneliness experienced by seniors who have recently moved to the area.

The organization’s slogan, “Aging is … all of us!” reflects its belief in the value and worth of all seniors. To combat isolation, Silver Key Senior Services offers a companionship program that helps seniors connect with the community. Additionally, the Tri-lakes Senior Center serves as a bridge for seniors to connect with others. DeaBueno stressed the importance of combatting isolation, stating that it can be a decay for people. Silver Key Senior Services has been recognized for its efforts, having been voted Best Workplaces two years in a row.

For those in need of assistance, Silver Key Senior Services provides the Silver Line at 719-884-2300 and infosilverkey.org. Its team will triage calls or emails to connect individuals with the resources they need. The organization also features a chat function on its website where visitors can interact with representatives. Overall, Silver Key Senior Services is dedicated to supporting the senior population in the community and addressing the challenges that come with aging.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next two regular meetings are scheduled for Monday, April 3 and Monday, April 17. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Town Council, Jan. 3 and 17 – New Monument board sets aside investigation until new law firm hired

By Chris Jeub

Correction

The Jan. 7 article in OCN (“Special investigator claims Home Rule Charter void in report alleging illegal electioneering by Monument staff”) misstated Laura Kronick as the person who wrote the check curing the misappropriation of funds stated in the investigator’s report. The writer of the check was Brandy Turner. OCN regrets the error.

New leadership, police, and lawyers were sworn in, promoted, and hired to set into motion what some call a “new town” that changed in structure as well as personnel in Monument. The election results in November brought two significant changes. First, the Home Rule Charter was voted into law by 70 percent of the vote, transferring the form of government from a state-governed Board of Trustees to self-governed Board Members. Second, three new members and a new mayor were elected, changing the character of the previous governing body.

However, the interim government followed the election by launching an independent investigation in December that called the validity of the Charter into question, accusing incoming members of illegal electioneering and misappropriation of funds, and presenting evidence of a hostile work environment by town management. January’s meetings of the new government were spent setting aside the investigation for a later day while taking care of town business.

Investigation set aside as interim law firm hired

On Jan. 3, at the first meeting of the new government, newly-elected Councilmember Steve King put forth the motion to rescind all meeting notes of the previous month, a motion that passed 4-1 with Councilmember Jim Romanello dissenting. Though several members of the public expressed a desire to continue December’s investigation, the meeting concluded with three motions presented by newly-elected Mayor Mitch LaKind to “set aside” the investigation, to “fire the lawyer [of the investigation],” and place all intellectual property of the investigation “under lock and key” until legal representation for the town could be hired (the town attorney Kathryn Sellars resigned during the investigation). Romanello expressed he was “not sure if we should lock it up,” but LaKind insisted that “because the attorney-client privilege was violated … we have to have an attorney review it.” All three motions passed before the meeting adjourned.

At the second meeting on Jan. 17, the board gave Town Manager Mike Foreman direction to hire Lakewood firm Collins Cole Flynn Winn & Ulmer to represent the Town of Monument. Foreman shared that the town had interviewed 17 law firms in the previous two weeks, most of the firms rejecting offers to work for the town. LaKind called on Monument Sanitation District Board Member Laura Kronick to testify on behalf of the proposed firm, explaining that they will help direct the town as it has for the district. “I’m all in,” she said.

Foreman highlighted three decades of experience from the team of lawyers. “Because of the experience they have done in other towns and cities, they have a lot of documents ready for us to adopt.” LaKind explained that this would be a six-month interim that would help determine whether the town would like to “keep them on.” The board gave a unanimous “thumbs up” to hire the firm the next day, Jan. 18.

Background: To review details of the now-rescinded meetings, refer to the Jan. 7 OCN article “Special investigator claims Home Rule Charter void in report alleging illegal electioneering by Monument staff” at https://ocn.me/v23n1.htm#mbot. The investigation report is available through this shortened link: shorturl.at/imv13, and its Google folder of documentation may be accessed at shorturl.at/nowxZ. The report’s conclusion recommended several actions. Specifically:

  • Publicly censuring King, Sellars, Abbott, LaKind, and Foreman for allegedly obstructing an official investigation, Foreman for allegedly failing to completely address misogyny and a hostile work environment, and LaKind for an alleged misogynist comment to a councilwoman while at the dais. Other censuring was recommended for Town IT Manager Drew Anderson and former Trustee Redmond Ramos (who resigned following his election to office, reason not given).
  • Holding in Civil Contempt of Town Council—Foreman for allegedly refusing direction from the board, King and Abbott for obstruction, Ramos for allegedly intimidating witnesses and ridiculing the investigation, and LaKind for alleged obstruction and the mentioned misogynist comment.
  • Terminating the employment of Foreman and Sellars.
  • Filing an ethics complaint with the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Counsel against Sellars for alleged obstruction, conflicts of interest, malpractice, errors, or omission resulting in deception of the public, misappropriation of funds, misrepresenting the Charter to the public, and electioneering.

The report also asked to create processes for anonymous complaints from staff and the public, check-writing accountability, and Robert’s Rules of Order during public meetings. Its final recommendation asked for adoption of the State Standard for Gerrymandering to be applied to the Home Rule Charter, declaring the Charter unconstitutional and void.

Other matters

With the looming investigation set aside, the new board took care of town business. Members and an interim police chief were sworn in, officers were promoted, and all resolutions and ordinances were passed.

Above: Members of the new Monument Town Council were sworn in at a meeting on Jan. 3. Deputy Town Clerk Tina Erickson gave the oath to, from left, Steve King, Ken Kimple, and Sana Abbott. Mitch LaKind was sworn in as mayor. King was appointed mayor pro tem.
  • Ken Kimple, Abbott, and King were sworn in as new councilmembers.
  • LaKind was sworn in as new mayor.
  • King was voted as new mayor pro tem.
  • Police officer Tim Johnson was sworn in as interim police chief.
  • Two police officers were promoted to sergeant (Sam Yanez and Colin Rosten) and one to lieutenant (Mark Owens).
Above: Mitch LaKind was sworn in as Monument’s new mayor. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Monument police Commander Tim Johnson was sworn in as the town’s interim police chief at the Jan. 3 meeting of the Town Council. Town Manager Mike Foreman gave Johnson the oath. Johnson at least temporarily replaces Police Chief Sean Hemingway, who retired. Foreman says they’re interviewing candidates in addition to Johnson for the position. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Resolution No. 04-2023: A Resolution Declaring a Vacancy on Town Council and Outlining an Appointment Process passed unanimously. There are currently two vacancies on the Town Council, one to replace Mayor LaKind’s position and the other to replace the resignation of Redmond Ramos (a reason for his resignation was not given). The board made a general call for volunteers to make themselves known if they would like to serve on the Town Council.

Resolution No. 02-2023: A Resolution Appointing Members to the Planning Commission passed unanimously. King expressed his admiration to the Planning Commission for being diligent in holding developers accountable. “It used to be a rubber stamp,” he claimed, “but it isn’t any longer.” The board asked again for volunteers to make themselves known if they would like to serve on the Planning Commission.

Resolution No. 05-2023: A Resolution to Approve a Single Water Service Connection Outside of Our Current Water Service Boundary passed unanimously. Director of Public Works Thomas Tharnish proposed allowing Palmer Lake Mobile Home Ranch to tap into Monument’s water source. The park, consisting of 26 mobile homes, has radium issues with its current well, and the Town of Palmer Lake does not have the capability to help with water mains. Since the park is only 1,000 feet from Monument’s boundary, they asked to pay a tap fee and take the service from Monument. Kimple asked, “If the line breaks, who’s on the hook?” and “What happens if they [the tenants] want to wash their cars in the summer?” Tharnish responded that the town would be responsible for everything up to the hookup, and “I suppose [car washing] could happen.” Abbott asked, “Will there be more than 26 homes in the future?” Tharnish responded that the only expansion to the park will “probably be for storage.” After the unanimous vote to share Monument’s water with the mobile home park, Kimple added, “This is helping out our neighbor.”

KFC approved

Ordinance No. 01-2023: An Ordinance Approving a Final Planned Unit Development for Lot 3 Monument Market Place North passed unanimously. Monument’s new Director of Planning Shelia Booth gave her first presentation explaining the staff’s recommendation to approve the development of Lot 3 to include a new KFC. The applicant and the franchisee were present to explain the design details of the new restaurant. Councilmembers asked about sign height, traffic, and design standards. Public comment from Matthew Brunk saw KFC’s working with the town as a “beautiful thing,” but Patty Forester expressed displeasure with more fast food coming to town, asking “when is enough enough?” Councilmember King agreed “fast food is personally not my thing” but explained that it was not in his purview to mitigate land use. “We can’t change this now,” he said. “What we can do is help make the development more of a small-town feel.”

Public comments and council responses

Brandy Turner congratulated the new councilmembers for “earning the trust of our community” but also warned “your responsibility is just starting.” She added, “I did want to ask you to continue the investigation, hire a fully independent investigator to investigate the same questions that the prior board had.” Brunk called on Abbott and King to recuse themselves in order for the rest of the investigation to be “above reproach.” Another member of the public asked for the investigation to continue in a timely way and to be cleared up. “It put a cloud over the whole [town],” he said.

Councilmember Romanello agreed, “I would like to echo the community interest into continuing the investigation, as Mayor LaKind committed to it [in December].” Abbott said, “I fully support an investigation.” King, however, expressed he had a problem with the previous investigator “spending so much time investigating the Home Rule Charter” and that perhaps the money spent should be reimbursed to the town. Kimple asked if the lawyer was still billing the town, and Foreman said he has approved as much as he was able, and if there were more it would need to come from the board.

Mayor LaKind offered to gift town staff with two weeks paid vacation as amends for “low morale” during the investigation. Foreman expressed his appreciation and shared that he “already talked with financing and HR to come up with a plan.” Details of implementing the offer were discussed. Foreman shared that the town staff may go to a four-week summer and give Fridays off or give two weeks of pay at the end of the year to those who don’t take the days off. Abbott asked how this could be applied to already-accrued vacation, and LaKind explained his intent: “The two weeks would be above-and-beyond whatever they accrued for the year, and this would only be for employees currently employed today.” The board gave direction for Foreman to come up with a plan with options for two weeks of paid vacation.

King added general comments about his feelings about recent conservation easements. After explaining actions surrounding Forest Lakes, Mount Herman, and other places in the Tri-Lakes area, King commented, “It’s nice to see something from time to time that preserves some land. We seem overwhelmed at times with all the development going on, but once in a while there is a silver lining.”

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The Monument Town Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next two regular meetings are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 6 and Tuesday, Feb. 21 (the Monday before is Presidents’ Day). Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

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