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Water & Sanitation District Articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 13 – Schedule set for 2026 budget

By James Howald

In October, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board decided on the process and schedule it would use to complete its 2026 budget. It heard operational and financial reports from District Manager Jessie Shaffer, board Treasurer Dana Franzen, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine and District Engineer Cydney Saelens. The meeting ended with an executive session.

2026 budget workshop, hearing and vote scheduled

Shaffer asked the board to schedule a workshop on the 2026 budget for Oct. 23. Board President Brian Bush said that most line-items in the budget don’t change from year to year, so the board’s past approach has been to concentrate on just a few items of importance and discuss them in depth. He asked the board members to read the draft budget before the workshop and bring their questions. The board scheduled the workshop as Shaffer recommended.

Shaffer asked the board to schedule public hearings on the budget and on possible rate increases at its meeting in November, and to hold a vote on the completed budget and rates at its December meeting. To comply with deadlines set by the state, the board rescheduled its November meeting to Monday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. and its December meeting to Monday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m.

Financial and operational reports

In his review of September’s finances, Franzen noted that receivables were down, but everything else was as expected. He said a software problem that caused liabilities to show $42,000 higher than they should be had been fixed.

Franzen commented that supplemental water sales were much lower in the last three months than in the previous five months. Shaffer said those sales are “wildly volatile.” Bush said tap fees for the year were lower than expected, but that was offset by less spending on construction.

Shaffer reported on the Joint Use Committee, which manages the operations of the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility, which WWSD operates with the Towns of Monument and Palmer Lake, noting that he had just received its proposed budget for 2026 and would provide feedback.

LaFontaine updated the board on operations of the Chilcott Ditch Co. The Chilcott Ditch conveys water from Fountain Creek to the Calhan Reservoir and provides irrigation water to the shareholders in the company. WWSD is the largest shareholder. The Chilcott Ditch will play a role in the Loop water re-use project. LaFontaine said he anticipated shutting down the ditch for the winter by October’s end.

In his Manager’s Report, Shaffer noted that the Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority is moving forward with a study of Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR), an approach to water management in which treated effluent is returned to customers after having been discharged into rivers or streams after treatment. (The Loop is an example of applied IPR.) Shaffer said the study could guide Colorado Springs Utilities’ approach to this technology. Bush pointed out that the study is on a 10- to 20-year timeline—much longer-term than the Loop.

In his Water Report, LaFontaine noted a low water loss of 3% for the previous month. He said the measurement was complicated by the fact that one water tank was being filled and another being emptied while the measurements were being collected. He said many of the wells in the northern part of the district were offline in September to allow aquifers to rest.

Regarding Woodmoor Lake, La Fontaine said about 400,000 gallons of water per day were going into the lake from Monument Creek, and he expected the lake to be filled by spring of next year. The lake is still recovering from having been entirely drained four years ago so that repairs could be made to the dam, and so water from the lake could be delivered to both of the district’s water treatment plants.

In her Engineer’s Report, Saelens said most of the equipment had been moved off the Well 12R site in the South Preserve. Erosion control and site piping are underway. She said the site should be restored by spring.

Saelens updated the board on the project to proactively replace saddles, which connect residential service lines to main lines. She said two crews were replacing saddles and 70 have been replaced so far. LaFontaine commented that many of the saddles are 40 years old and so badly degraded that they are only being held in place by the soil.

Saelens said the Monument Ridge East development, east of I-25 and south of County Line Road, was moving forward with its first filing for 37 single-family residences.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session for the board to receive legal counsel regarding potential agreements with the Loop Water Authority and Tallgrass Colorado Municipal Water LLC and Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure. No action was taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, Oct. 15 – Draft of 2026 budget reviewed

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

The Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board met in October to review a draft of its 2026 budget. It also voted on a resolution authorizing the El Paso County treasurer to collect MSD’s delinquent accounts. District Manager Mark Parker updated the board on the work that the county has planned for Beacon Lite Road.

Budget process begins

Parker presented the board with a draft of the district’s 2026 budget. He focused on the differences with the 2025 budget, noting:

  • A change in janitorial companies led to a reduction of a few hundred dollars in that line item to $3,500.
  • Parker used a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.7% to calculate wage increases. Money for merit raises was included.

Director Shannon Clark noted that the previous year’s budget included two rounds of PFAS testing that had been budgeted but not performed. PFAS chemicals are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly. They are associated with many health issues, such as increased risk of kidney cancer.

Parker said the 2026 budget anticipated lower revenue from tap fees due to some building projects being delayed. He said he estimated expenses high and income low to avoid amending the proposed budget.

Clark noted a decrease in postal costs due to the district’s successful implementation of online billing. Parker added that office supplies were reduced by half in the 2026 budget for the same reason.

Parker told the board a final version of the budget would be available to vote on at its December meeting.

Delinquent accounts go to treasurer for collection

The board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 10152025-1, which authorizes the county treasurer to collect MSD’s delinquent accounts as part of its collection of property taxes. The cost of collection will be added to the amount due.

Parker estimated there are 22 delinquent accounts.

Beacon Lite Road work begins

Parker told the board that regular meetings on Beacon Lite Road work had begun, with participation by MSD, the county, engineering firm Kimley Horn, and the Town of Monument. GMS Inc., MSD’s consulting engineers, will also attend the meetings, Parker said, to ensure the changes meet MSD’s requirements

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov.19. See MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see www.MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. For information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 9 – 2026 budget planning

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in October to hear more on the proposed 2026 budget from Acting General Manager Christina Hawker. Hawker also covered the district’s finances for September. The board voted to give a paid day off to staff who participated in the district’s open house on Sept. 25. The board heard operational reports and ended with four executive sessions, each of which was held separately because each required different attendees.

Proposed 2026 budget

Hawker gave the board a high-level summary of the proposed 2026 budget that she first presented at the September board meeting. The proposed budget puts operating revenue at $6.8 million and estimates water sales will be 5% lower than in 2025. $4 million in non-operating revenue is anticipated, including tap fees from the Urban Landing development and 50 homes that will be built near the Big R Store proposed site just north of the intersection of Spanish Bit Drive and Struthers Road. Hawker estimated total revenue at just over $11 million, factoring in a 5% rate increase for water and sewer service.

On the expense side, Hawker estimated operating expenses would be 5.4% higher than in 2025 due to increased electrical costs and general inflation. She said she had budgeted for DWSD to receive its full allotment of water from Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), even though it typically does not use that entire amount.

General and administrative expenses will increase by 4%, driven by a 17% increase in health and commercial insurance and a 3.5% increase in salary and wages.

The proposed budget includes $1.6 million in capital costs for projects like the Loop, water tank rehabilitation, Well 9A, sewer system inspections, and securing the district’s Laughlin water rights. She estimated total expenses would be $9 million, and the proposed budget would increase the district’s reserves for future projects.

Hawker said the board could discuss changes to the proposed budget at its meeting in November. The board’s December meeting has been rescheduled to the 9th so that the board can have a final vote on the budget before Dec. 15, when the district must submit the final version of the budget to the state.

Financial report

In her financial report, Hawker said revenue from water sales was “a little short.” The district is within 26% of meeting its revenue goals for the year. 52% remains on expenses, she said, adding she expects a larger bill from CSU in coming months because the district opened its water connection with CSU in September. There were no large unanticipated expenses in September, she said.

Open house a success

Hawker said the open house DWSD held for its customers in September was successful; customers liked learning about the district’s operations and meeting staff. She said 72% of the attendees who took a survey to determine how they wanted to receive information from the district preferred email, 23% wanted a newsletter, and only 4% wanted the district to communicate through social media.

Hawker commended Helen Malenda-Lawrence of LRE Water for her hands-on presentation regarding well field management.

As a gesture of appreciation to the DWSD staff who helped with the open house, Hawker proposed they receive a paid day off. The board agreed to Hawker’s suggestion.

Operational reports

In her acting general manager’s report, Hawker discussed a court case that Parker Water & Sanitation District had taken first to the Water Division 1 court and then to the Supreme Court of Colorado. Both courts upheld the decision of the state engineer that the statewide non-tributary groundwater rules impose a total volumetric limit on groundwater withdrawals over the lifetime of the well permit, and the state engineer can specify that limit in well permits. The decision imposes new record-keeping requirements on water districts to document they are not exceeding their water withdrawal limits.

Hawker said LRE Water has been monitoring the case for DWSD and has advised the district that its current record-keeping and accounting practices mean DWSD should not have negative consequences from this ruling.

Matt Poznanovic, of Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, the district’s water attorney, said DWSD was well-positioned because it has strong data regarding well production.

Hawker asked the board for direction regarding access to the district’s Willow Creek Ranch property near Leadville. She said neighbors had recently requested access to the property so that they could walk to the adjoining national forest to go hunting, and that had been allowed in the past. She said the neighbors provided eyes and ears on the ranch, which is remote. She noted the district had some risks regarding liability to consider before granting access.

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere proposed requiring a liability waiver from anyone accessing the ranch, to include prohibitions on fires and shooting. He said the board wanted to maintain the ranch in its current pristine condition. He asked Hawker to prepare a liability waiver and bring it to the board at a future meeting.

Executive sessions

Following its regular meeting, the board held four executive sessions. Each was a separate item on the agenda and was attended by varying staff and consultants.

The first session was to confer with counsel regarding the Intergovernmental Agreement concerning the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. It was attended by Directors Kevin Deardorff, Bill George, Ken Judd, Scott McCulloch, and Vanderschuere. Hawker, Poznanovic, and Roger Sams of GMS Inc. also attended.

The second was to receive legal advice on workplace complaints. It was attended by the board members and attorneys Dakota Spence and Linda Glesne.

The third session was to receive legal advice regarding the district’s water court application in Case No. 24CW3019. It was attended by the board members, Hawker, Poznanovic, and Brett Gracely, a water planning practice leader at Plummer.

The last executive session was held to determine negotiating positions concerning potential agreements with The Loop Water Authority and Cherokee Metropolitan District.

No actions were taken following the executive sessions.

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The next board meeting is on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 16 – Proposed 2026 budget presented

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Oct. 16, the board received the proposed 2026 budget that includes an increase in water volume for delivery through the Northern Delivery System (NDS). There is a potential for a small increase in water and wastewater fees in 2026. The board heard about the additional revenue received from tap fees, the efforts to resolve the accuracy of wastewater flows and the accounting of unsold produced water, and the hiring of a Public Works inspector/project manager.

The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental, private, and associated entities.

Secretary/Treasurer Amanda Carlton was excused.

President Jason Gross did not attend.

2026 proposed budget

District Manager James McGrady presented the proposed 2026 budget and highlighted the following:

  • 1,000 acre-feet of the district’s water will be budgeted for delivery via the NDS at $9.99 per 1,000 gallons (the district budgeted 700 acre-feet in 2025 for Colorado Springs Utilities to convey, treat, and deliver at $9.34 per 1,000 gallons).
  • $250,000 will be budgeted for the district administration/utility office building (the district is using a 10-year loan with a fixed 4.75% interest rate. The loan may be paid off early.
  • The mill levy is proposed to remain at 21 mills for the main district debt service.
  • A small increase in the water and wastewater rates may be necessary in 2026 to keep up with inflation.
  • The district plans to update the Kitchener Way playground with an accessible design to include activities for children on the autism spectrum.

Director John Gibbons stated he had reviewed all of the fund balance sheets and confirmed the district has a workable budget.

The public hearing for the proposed 2026 budget is scheduled for the Dec. 11 board meeting.

Note: The September financial report was included as part of the proposed 2026 budget. Board financial reports are available at https://triviewmetro.com.

Tap fee update

District Administrator Sara Lamb said that year to date, the district had received 75 taps generating almost $4 million in revenue.

Vice President Ann Marie Jojola said tap fee income will eventually go away for residential property.

McGrady said the district anticipates several years of residential tap fee collection with about 85 taps expected in 2026, but tap fees for future commercial properties will continue after residential buildout is completed. The warehouse-type properties have a single tap and generate high revenue property tax using little water compared to multi-family apartment properties. The district is expecting to finalize about 12 taps for the apartment complex planned south of Higby Road before the end of the year, bringing the total revenue to about $4.5 million, said McGrady.

Higby Road project bank accounts

Lamb thanked the board directors for approving two new bank accounts for the Higby Road project.

McGrady said the two new bank accounts, titled Higby Road Project and Developer Agreement Fund, will provide transparency for billing purposes during the project and avoid any co-mingling of funds with the General Operations Fund. About $500,000 in developer fees have already been collected, and using the voter-approved $12.6 million bond funding at 5.05% interest, Kiewit will be paid from the new accounts.

Note: The $12.6 million bond was voter-approved on May 6 with 344 votes for and 230 votes against. For additional information about the project and updates, visit https://triviewhigbyroad.com.

Water operations update

Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter said Well A7 and Well D7 need to be rehabilitated with new pumps in 2026, and costs will be included in the 2026 budget. The district will need the wells online to supplement the district’s NDS water if 2026 is a dry year. The NDS produced 52% of the district’s water in September, said Potter.

McGrady said the district needed to supplement the NDS water with pumped well water to have enough of the allocated 700 acre-feet available for the remainder of the year.

Potter said issues continue with the reading accuracy of the flow-measuring equipment at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. A technician recently recalibrated the equipment, and after a couple of weeks of data, the district will decide how to proceed.

The district produced 40.272 million gallons in the Sept. billing cycle and sold 37.567 million gallons to customers, leaving 2.628 million gallons of non-revenue water. The staff is trying to determine if the loss is an apparent loss or a real loss and is testing meters and installing new meters to verify accuracy. The district is also analyzing billing data to find and correct anomalies, and several irrigation meters were found to be severely under-registering water usage, said Potter.

AmCobi (third party billing)

Lamb said the administrative staff had its annual meeting with American Conservation & Billing Solutions (AmCobi, the district’s third-party water/wastewater billing service) to discuss a clear vision regarding customer service goals, finding strengths and weaknesses in billing. A decision to meet quarterly to focus on a more collaborative process in shared responsibilities was made.

Gibbons said that he usually receives his monthly bill with only two days before the due date and his bank locks out the due date via electronic payment, resulting in a late payment.

Lamb thanked Gibbons for the feedback.

Assistant manager’s update

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the district hired Tom Martinez for the position of Public Works inspector/project manager in October.

Executive session

The board moved into executive session at about 8:25 p.m. to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the TOM and other governmental entities.

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that no action was taken when the board returned to the regular session.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Oct. 15 – Board of County Commissioners slow to reimburse

By James Howald

At a brief meeting in October, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board heard a financial report from Corben Fromm of Fromm and Co. LLC. Patricia Hutchinson, a civil design engineer with Merrick and Co. who is acting as the Loop’s workflow manager and coordinating the work being done by the consulting and engineering companies contributing to the project, gave the board an update. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $253,157 had been received in September. The invoices were from engineering companies, his company, and the SpencerFane law firm, which serves as the Loop’s attorney. The board approved payment of the invoices.

In his financial statement, Fromm said the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) had not yet reimbursed the Loop for its Q1 and Q2 expenses. The Loop received $4 million in startup funding from President Biden’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA). The Loop’s expenses are reimbursed by the BOCC from those ARPA funds, which are administered by the BOCC. Fromm said the BOCC is making its final review of the Loop’s expenses for Q1 and Q2. Board President Jessie Shaffer said the Loop’s finances “will be lean” until the BOCC completes its review and reimburses the Loop for the money it has spent.

Fromm said the Loop had spent 12% of its budget for the year and was currently spending about $250,000 per month. Shaffer recommended invoicing the three participating water districts—Donala Water and Sanitation District, the Town of Monument, and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District—for $200,000 each to cover their financial obligations to the project. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to send those invoices.

Workflow update

Hutchinson told the board that Western States Land Services LLC was doing the final title work on two large portions of the easements required to accommodate the pipelines that are needed to convey water from the Calhan Reservoir to customers in the participating water districts. She said she was discussing access to the north side of Higby Road with the Triview Metropolitan District and the Lewis-Palmer School District. The water treatment plant design team at Burns & McDonnell was working through design issues, she said. A special meeting to discuss pipelines was scheduled for Oct. 30, she said, and would be announced on the Loop’s webpage at https://loopwater.org.

Executive session

An executive session was held for the board to receive legal advice regarding its negotiations to purchase the Sundance Pipeline from the Cherokee Metropolitan District and on land acquisition, project financing, and project development. No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 8 – Board plans for Accessory Dwelling Units

By James Howald

At its September meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board began planning how to integrate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) into its existing policies, specifications, and procedures. The board also heard financial and operational reports. District Manager Jessie Shaffer told the board that he, in consultation with the office staff, had decided to continue with Xpress Bill Pay as the district’s online billing provider. The meeting ended with an executive session.

ADUs present challenges

District Manager Jessie Shaffer told the board that he, District Engineer Cydney Saelens, and Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine had discussed the many issues raised by ADUs and had decided to come to the board for direction.

Shaffer said he had received two requests from district residents for approval to move forward with construction of ADUs. An ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot that does not require subdivision. They are also called guest houses, granny flats, mother-in-law suites, and backyard cottages, Shaffer said. They may be attached, detached, or integrated, Shaffer said. Integrated ADUs use basements or upper floors as the secondary unit.

Last year, the Colorado Legislature passed House Bill 24-1152, Shaffer said, which requires certain land use jurisdictions to allow ADUs. The law says jurisdictions can’t regulate parking or require the primary unit to be occupied by the owner. The law, which went into effect June 30, also prevents the unreasonable restriction of ADUs, he said.

Shaffer pointed out that WWSD’s existing regulations do not define or provide guidance regarding ADUs. He listed several questions and concerns, including:

  • Must ADUs have their own water and sewer taps, and require the payment of tap fees?
  • People are trying to figure out how to get an ADU approved without paying additional fees.
  • “Daisy-chaining” of service lines—essentially adding the ADU to the existing service lines—raises concerns about water pressure and sewer flow.
  • El Paso County mandates that ADUs not have separate metering.

Shaffer said WWSD needed to update its rules and regulations to include a clear definition of an ADU. He opened a discussion with the board concerning tap fees, service line sizes, and several other technical aspects.

Following a lengthy discussion, Shaffer summarized the direction of the board as follows:

  • ADUs cannot buy separate taps; they must use a “daisy-chain configuration.”
  • Water lines must be upgraded from ¾-inch lines to 1-inch lines, and the ADU owner must pay the differential costs arising from the larger service line.
  • ADUs will not require an increase in sewer fees.
  • ADUs will not pay an additional Renewable Water Infrastructure Fee.
  • The volume tiers for ADUs will not change.
  • Separate billing will not be allowed.

Board President Brian Bush said he thought interest in ADUs would diminish once the costs were understood.

Financial and operational reports

Director Roy Martinez gave the board a financial report in place of board Treasurer Dana Franzen, who was excused from the meeting. Martinez said the district’s finances are “on track overall.” Bush commented that revenue from water sales was lower than expected, but the water level in Woodmoor Lake was higher than expected.

The board voted unanimously to accept Martinez’s report.

In his operations report, LaFontaine noted that water usage in August was up over July, but still less than normal. Reduced usage contributed to the fact that the water level in the lake was seven feet higher than expected.

In her Engineering report, Saelens updated the board on work being done on two water storage tanks. Preload, which is constructing a new concrete water tank, has finished construction and planned to start coating the tank on Sept. 15. Coblaco, the company hired to recoat the existing storage tank, was scheduled to begin its work on Sept. 22.

District to remain with Xpress Bill Pay

Shaffer told the board that Xpress Bill Pay had fixed its problems with billing errors, and he and Office Manager Cory Lynch recommended remaining with that vendor instead of transitioning to Cassell.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session for the board to receive legal counsel regarding potential agreements with the Loop Water Authority and Tallgrass Colorado Municipal Water LLC. No action was taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, Sept. 17 – Beacon Lite Road due for upgrades

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At a brief meeting in September, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker that focused on the work that El Paso County has planned for Beacon Lite Road. The board also discussed the process for developing a budget for 2026.

County plans to level and straighten road

Parker told the board that El Paso County was pressing ahead with plans to level Beacon Lite Road, straighten it, and add curbs and gutters. The county’s current focus was on planning the changes required to utilities. Parker said there had been several meetings with the county, and its construction plans are 90% complete. MSD’s portion of the project, which lies between Wakonda Way North and County Line Road, was being worked on by GMS Inc., Parker said.

Parker said the sewer service portion of the project depends on whether the Buc-ee’s travel center is built, because Buc-ee’s would have to pay for any required improvements. If the travel center is not built, then any other development at the site would have to bear the expense of digging up a new road.

Budget process begins

Parker told the board that he had a draft of the 2026 budget but was waiting for some final numbers from the Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility. He said he was on track to have the budget prepared for discussion at the end of the year.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct 15. See MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see www.MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. For information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 18 – Road enhancement project delayed

By Natalie Barszcz

The Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Sept. 18 began several minutes before the scheduled time. The board heard the Higby Road project had been delayed until early October. The board president requested that the staff provide a fire mitigation plan for areas around Sanctuary Pointe, heard about a beautification and safety plan for the drainage area north of Strata Drive in Home Place Ranch, and asked that residents be provided with a trail map of the district.

The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental, private, and associated entities.

Secretary/Treasurer Amanda Carlton was excused.

Note: This reporter attended via Zoom, but sound issues occurred throughout the meeting.

Meeting began earlier than scheduled

The meeting was called to order before the designated 5:30 p.m. scheduled start of the meeting. Board President Jason Gross requested approval of item 4, the meeting agenda, at 5:28 p.m.

Note: In Colorado, a special district meeting called to order earlier than the publicly announced time defeats the purpose of the public notice requirements.

Financial report

Director John Gibbons had many comments and questions regarding the financial reports, and he requested the financial report pages indicate the year-to-date actual month for whatever month the report represents. He said the requested changes were made in August but had not been made in time for the September meeting. He requested the changes be made before the October meeting.

Note: This reporter has not received a financial report from TMD for the past several months. The board financial reports are available up to May 31, 2025 at https://triviewmetro.com.

In a 4-0 vote, the board accepted the financial report and the checks over $5,000.

Higby Road project update

District Manager James McGrady said Kiewit had anticipated beginning the Higby Road project in early September, but after discovering the utility pipes were buried at different levels, the widening/enhancement project will begin in early October. For additional information about the project, visit https://triviewhigbyroad.com.

Water operations update

Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter said Well A7 was underproducing at 60 gallons per minute and usually produces 200 gallons per minute. He proposed the pump be replaced in 2026. Taking Well A7 offline does not limit the district because of the arrival of cooler weather. The well is located at B Plant alongside another well that is offline. The repairs for both will be discussed during the budget process. He said it is good to ensure the wells are able to pump when needed to supplement the district’s water conveyed through the Northern Delivery System (NDS) via Colorado Springs Utilities. The district will be back to delivering 95% of the district’s water through the NDS for the winter, said Potter.

Water quality testing

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the fourth set of water quality samples at the Stonewall Springs Reservoir Complex were taken in September. The water quality testing of five sets of water samples is required by the state Division of Mining, Reclamation Safety before a permit can be issued for the district to construct a slurry wall for the Central Reservoir.

Director requests

Gross requested the district pursue the following:

  • A fire mitigation plan for the entire district to eliminate excess brush and the potential for wildland fire. He requested the staff present a formal plan by July 2026 to share with Homeowners Associations.
  • Develop a plan for the Home Place Ranch retaining pond to avoid a massive eyesore and the potential for a liability issue.
  • A map showing all of the official trails in the district, potentially closing unmaintained trails, and hiring a trained staff member to build trails with erosion control and trail maintenance knowledge. Documenting the trails on a map to show who maintains the trails and noting the mileage and the elevation changes. When loaded on the website, it will benefit the residents.

McGrady said the following:

  • The Fire Department has assessed areas in the past. Some HOAs have already held chipping days and become Firewise neighborhoods.
  • Due to safety issues, something may need to be done ahead of build-out, but Home Place Ranch will likely need to reach build-out before the detention pond area can be completed because the area has its own sub-district. It could take time to complete since only 50 homes have sold, sales have slowed, and about 300 homes are planned.
  • The district has documented the trails it is responsible for maintaining, and a base map exists. Some of the trails in Sanctuary Pointe were built by the developers, some belong to El Paso County, and others in that area are unofficial single-track hiking trails that are steep and difficult to maintain. The district staff will need to walk the trails to document the distances, and during slow periods crews can provide maintenance.

Executive session

The board moved into executive session at about 8:25 p.m., to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental entities.

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that no action was taken when the board returned to the regular session. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

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Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 11 – 2026 budget planning kicks off

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its September meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board heard a financial report and a presentation on the 2026 budget from Acting General Manager Christina Hawker. The board heard operational reports from district staff. The meeting ended with an executive session

Financial report

Hawker told the board the district would not reach its budgeted water sales for the year unless September and October were warmer and drier than usual instead of cooler and wetter. Expenditures are also under budgeted amounts, she said. The Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) was “spot on” with 32% of its budget remaining.

She noted larger expenses for water tank rehabilitation, the Well 7D redrill, and water storage in the Pueblo Reservoir.

The board voted unanimously to accept the financial report.

Budget highlights

In her preview of the 2026 budget, Hawker noted inflation factors including:

  • Tariffs are contributing to the rise in health insurance premiums, primarily due to increased costs for imported medications. She anticipated a 17% increase in insurance costs.
  • Building and automotive insurance costs are rising because of tariffs on lumber, steel, and aluminum. She expects those costs to increase 8% to 25%.
  • The cost of chemicals will increase by 4%.
  • Salary and wage increases are projected to be 3.5%, which is in line with the utility industry across the board.
  • DWSD’s payment to Colorado Springs Utilities to convey, treat, and deliver its Willow Creek Ranch water to DWSD customers is expected to rise by 6.5%.
  • Electricity costs for the second half of 2026 are predicted to increase by 9%.
  • In her cost-of-service review, Hawker discussed three scenarios:
  • Scenario 1, in which the R. Hull Plant is rehabilitated, the Aquifer Storage and Retrieval (ASR) pilot project is fully funded, and water and sewer rates are increased by 5% annually from 2025 to 2033. This scenario has a total capital improvement cost of $17.87 million.
  • Scenario 2, in which the ASR pilot is fully funded, the Loop water reuse project annual payments are made, $2.8 million is spent on well rehabilitation, and rates are increased by 5% from 2025 to 2033. This scenario has a total capital improvement cost of $23.6 million.
  • Scenario 3, in which only the 5% rate increases are put in place. Hawker did not give a total capital improvement cost for this scenario.

Hawker reviewed DWSD’s reserve fund balances:

  • The Bond Reserve balance is $1.25 million.
  • The Capital Reserve balance is $3.7 million.
  • The Operating Reserve balance is $3.2 million.
  • The Strategic Planning Reserve is $3.9 million.
  • Total reserves are $12.1 million.

Hawker listed the costs of six capital projects to be addressed in 2026:

  • Latrobe tank rehabilitation: $500,000.
  • Camera inspection of sewer system: $296,000.
  • Well 9A maintenance: $350,000.
  • Cost analysis for the R. Hull Treatment Plant: $119,000.
  • Laughlin water rights legal work: $73,535.
  • Total costs: $1.6 million.

Operational reports

In her Acting General Manager’s report, Hawker noted that the board of the Loop water reuse project had agreed to move ahead with its discussion of a public-private partnership agreement with Tallgrass Water. Public-private partnership agreements often involve the private party providing the funds to build a project and then receiving reimbursement, plus interest, from the operating revenue.

Hawker also gave the board an update on the open house the district held on Sept. 25 at the district’s offices at 15850 Holbein Dr., adjacent to the newly redrilled Well 7D. Attendees saw highlights of the district’s 2025 projects and met district staff. She said 100 people had RSVPed for the event. See the snapshots section on page < 21 >.

In his water report, Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright told the board that the recoating of the West Tank was almost complete, with only paint touchups, washing and disinfection, and a 24-hour rest period yet to be completed.

Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman told the board that all wastewater measurements were well within limits. He commented on district staff encountering people camping under the train trestle bridge near the UMCRWWTF, and said the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office had been contacted.

Executive session

The September meeting ended with an executive session for the board to confer with the district’s attorney on workplace complaints.

After the executive session, the board returned to open session and voted “to reaffirm the President and Vice President’s authority to liaise with General Counsel on legal matters on behalf of the board.”

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The next board meeting is on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Sept. 25 – Contract for reservoir expansion design awarded

By James Howald

At its September meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board awarded a contract to design the expansion of the Calhan Reservoir. Corben Fromm, of Fromm and Co. LLC, reported on the Loop’s finances. Finally, the board decided to discontinue their monthly workshop meetings.

CDM Smith to design reservoir expansion

Patricia Hutchinson, a civil design engineer with Merrick and Co., who is acting as the Loop’s workflow manager and coordinating the work being done by the consulting and engineering companies contributing to the project, told the board that two companies had been interviewed on Oct. 10 for the role of designing the expansion of the Calhan Reservoir, where water diverted from Fountain Creek will be stored before being delivered to customers in the participating water districts. She recommended the board award the contract to CDM Smith, which had proposed to do the design work for $426,000. CDM Smith’s proposal included a geotechnical survey, she said.

Board President Jessie Shaffer moved to award the contract to CDM Smith, and the board voted unanimously in favor.

Financial matters

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $199,000 had been received in September. The board approved paying the invoices.

In his financial statement, Fromm said his company was waiting to receive reimbursement from the El Paso County Board of Commissioners (EPBOCC) for the Loop’s first-quarter expenses. A reimbursement request for second-quarter expenses had been submitted to the EPBOCC. The Loop had spent 9% of its budget for 2025, Fromm said. Fromm told the board he expected to have a draft of the 2026 budget ready by Oct. 15.

Workshop meetings discontinued

Shaffer asked the board if the monthly work sessions were still needed. Assistant Secretary Dan LaFontaine said there were too many meetings, and some regularly scheduled meetings were less effective because the attendees from the consulting and engineering companies varied from meeting to meeting. The board decided to discontinue the meetings.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 16 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 11 – Water tank recoat contract awarded

By James Howald

At its August meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board heard a summary of the bids to recoat a water storage tank from Richard Hood, a project manager with JVA Consulting Engineers Inc. His presentation was followed by a vote to award the contract. The board got a recommendation to move to a new online billing company from Office Manager Cory Lynch. Finally, the board heard financial and operational reports.

Recoat contract awarded to Coblaco

Hood told the board that the district’s 1-million-gallon steel water storage tank located between Jackboot Way and Caribou Way in south Woodmoor needs to be sandblasted and coated with Sherwin-Williams paint. Corroded joints will need to be rewelded, Hood said.

Hood explained that the schedule for the recoat is critical because it is tied to the construction of a new concrete water storage tank at the same location that will increase the district’s capacity to store water. The concrete tank, which is being built by Preload, must be complete and filled with water before the existing tank can be emptied and recoated. The recoating must be complete before the start of cold weather, Hood said.

Five bids were received. Coblaco submitted the lowest bid, at $336,000; Viking Painting LLC submitted the highest at $1.3 million. Hood recommended awarding the contract to Coblaco. The board voted unanimously to do so.

New online billing provider chosen

At previous meetings, Lynch discussed inaccuracies in bills calculated by Xpress Bill Pay, the district’s online billing provider, and the steps staff were taking to ensure customers receive correct bills. At the August meeting, Lynch recommended the district move to a new provider: Caselle. WWSD is already using Caselle for other services and the company has recently added online bill payment to its portfolio.

District Manager Jessie Shaffer said Caselle charges more for spot Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments than Xpress Bill Pay. ACH payments move money from one bank to another without a physical exchange of currency. He recommended that spot, or on-demand, ACH payments be dropped in favor of ACH payments only on the 20th of each month to keep costs low.

The board had no objections to the transition to Caselle, and Shaffer said he would review the issue with the board when implementation was 30 days away.

Financial and operational reports

In his financial report, board Treasurer Dana Franzen noted Accounts Receivable were high because he was reporting right after bills had been sent but before customers had time to pay their bills. Overall, the district was “on track budget-wise—where we should be,” he said.

The board voted unanimously to accept Franzen’s report.

In his manager’s report, Shaffer gave the board an update on the Loop water re-use project. He said the Loop’s consultants were in full swing on design issues such as the engineering for the advanced water treatment facility, the lift stations, and pipelines. A Request for Proposals to expand the capacity of the Calhan Reservoir would be published in the next few days, Shaffer said.

Negotiations to purchase the Sundance Pipeline from the Cherokee Metropolitan District were underway. Plans for lift stations, pipelines, water treatment and reservoir expansion were 30% complete, Shaffer said. The Loop is still being funded primarily by dollars from the American Recovery Plan Act, he said.

In response to a question from Director Tom Roddam, Shaffer said he expected marketing efforts to educate the public about the project to begin next year.

In his Operations report, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine said the water level in Woodmoor Lake was higher than typical during the summer months and that would make returning the lake to full capacity easier. The Central Water Treatment Plant is currently running entirely on surface water and the Southern Water Treatment Plant is treating groundwater.

In her Engineering report, District Engineer Cydney Saelens told the board that she had sent out the completion certificate for the transmission line for Well 22 that morning. The drilling for Well 12R was complete, the soundwalls were down, and site restoration was underway, Saelens said. She expected Well 12R to be online by the end of the year.

Saddle replacement would require road closures on Sunlight Way and Lions Head Drive, she said, noting the customers on those streets were notified with doorhangers.

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The next meeting is on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 13, 22 – General manager on administrative leave

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met twice in August. Its regular meeting on Aug. 14 was followed by a special meeting on Aug. 22. At the regular meeting the board heard operational reports and then adjourned to an executive session. At the special meeting, the board considered and voted on three resolutions relating to complaints about leadership and then adjourned to an executive session.

Operational reports

In his financial report, General Manager Jeff Hodge told the board that water sales stood at 40% of the expected amount due to rainfall. Revenue was still outpacing expenditures, he said, adding “As far as us keeping the lights on, producing water and making payroll, we’re good.” The board voted unanimously to accept the report.

Hodge updated the board on the progress of the Loop, a water re-use project in which DWSD is one of three participating districts. Hodge said the Loop leadership is meeting with the contractors who will be working on the project to discuss procurement of equipment that requires long lead times, such as generators. On the water treatment side, granular activated carbon and ion exchange technologies are being reviewed, with the goal of avoiding two separate sets of disposal requirements. The Loop leadership is also negotiating with the Cherokee Metropolitan District regarding the purchase of that district’s Sundance Pipeline. Hodge said the Loop board is considering a public-private partnership framework for the financing the Loop will require.

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere asked Hodge about any plans to replace Mark Valentine, who had been serving as the Loop’s Workflow Manager until he resigned to take a position with Colorado Springs Utilities. Hodge said Merrick and Co., which contracted with the Loop to provide Valentine, would be bringing on new personnel to replace him.

In his water report, Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright told the board that the district’s Well 7D, adjacent to the DWSD headquarters on Holbein Drive, had completed the drilling phase and was being attached to a raw water line to deliver water to the Holbein treatment facility. He estimated the installation of electrical controls for the well would be completed by Sept. 17.

Wright told the board the rehabilitation of one of the district’s three water storage tanks had encountered some problems. Employees of Viking Painting LLC, the company recoating the tanks, had damaged one of the tanks while pressure-washing it. In addition, application of zinc coating had not been done properly, leading to flaking. Vanderschuere asked if Viking was absorbing the costs to fix these issues, and Wright said it was.

Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman reported that all wastewater measurements were in compliance for the month.

Aug. 13 executive session

The Aug. 13 meeting went into executive session to consider three agenda items: to receive legal advice regarding the district’s pending water court case no. 24CW3019, to discuss negotiations regarding infrastructure for the Loop, and to confer with the district’s attorney concerning workplace complaints.

Hodge placed on paid administrative leave

At the Aug. 22 special meeting, the board voted unanimously in favor of three resolutions:

  • Resolution 2025-5, which authorizes paid administrative leave for Hodge and appoints Accounts Receivable Specialist Christina Hawker as acting general manager.
  • Resolution 2025-6, which authorizes an investigation into the district’s workplace culture and complaints about leadership.
  • Resolution 2025-7, which designates Hawker as the district’s representative for decisions required by the district’s intergovernmental agreements.

Following the votes on the resolutions, the board adjourned to an executive session to consider three agenda items: the water court case mentioned above, a customer requesting a waiver from a required wastewater connection, and legal advice about workplace complaints.

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The next board meeting is on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 20 – Parker explains Buc-ee’s wastewater estimate

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its August meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker that clarified his previous remarks concerning the impact wastewater from the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center would have on the district.

Buc-ee’s wastewater compared to residential estimate

At the previous board meeting, Parker told the board that the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center was expected to produce about 27,000 gallons of wastewater daily, which would be “a lot less” than the amount generated by the residential development project, named Monument Ridge West, that had been proposed for the site but was abandoned in favor of the travel center. Parker said discussion of the travel center on social media prompted him to provide some detail regarding the calculation that led to his previous remarks.

Parker explained MSD uses the industry standard method to estimate the amount of wastewater a residential development will generate. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires all residential development plans to assume each person will generate 75 gallons of wastewater per day. CDPHE also assumes, for planning purposes, each home will have 2.54 residents. Those two assumptions lead to an estimate of 190.5 gallons of wastewater per day from each residence.

Parker said the Monument Ridge West proposal would have built a total of 355 residences: 300 apartments, 30 mixed family units, and 25 single-family homes. Using the estimate of 190.5 gallons of wastewater per day, those residences would have generated just over 67,000 gallons of wastewater daily, Parker said. Based on usage data from existing Buc-ee’s travel centers, the proposed travel center will generate about 27,000 gallons of wastewater daily

Parker emphasized that MSD does not pay any of the costs for new development. Buc-ee’s paid for the engineering study of MSD’s wastewater collection system that was done recently by GMS Engineering Inc., the company MSD selected to do the study, and which it has used many times in the past.

Parker also said that, should the travel center plan go forward, Buc-ee’s would have to pay for a lift station to be built, which Buc-ee’s would operate. The lift station would have to be built to MSD’s standard, he said. In most cases, Parker explained, developers pay for the construction of lift stations, and MSD takes ownership of them when they are complete. In the case of the travel center, the lift station would be owned, operated, and maintained by Buc-ee’s.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Aug. 28 – Board considers public-private partnership financing

By James Howald

At the August meeting of the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop), board President Jessie Shaffer amended the agenda to add a discussion of a potential public-private partnership framework that could be used to finance the infrastructure for the water re-use project.

The board heard a progress report from Rebecca Hutchinson, a civil design engineer with Merrick and Co., who is acting as the Loop’s Workflow Manager and coordinating the work being done by the consulting and engineering companies contributing to the project. Corben Fromm, of Fromm and Co. LLC, reported on the Loop’s finances.

Tallgrass Water interested in financing the Loop

Shaffer told the board he had received an indication of interest (IOI) from Tallgrass Water, a Colorado-based company established in 2012, that funds water infrastructure projects.

Tallgrass Water uses a public-private partnership (PPP) approach. PPPs are collaborations between governments and private enterprises in which the private side provides initial funding to build a project in return for a share of the operating revenue from that project.

Shaffer emphasized signing the IOI was not a commitment to Tallgrass Water but was an agreement to negotiate exclusively with that company for a 90-day period to begin when all the Loop’s design work has reached 30% completion. The design work underway includes engineering the water treatment facility, the lift stations, and the pipelines, and expansion of the Calhan Reservoir. Shaffer said discussions had been held with Meridiam and EPCOR, two other companies that provide PPP agreements.

Shaffer recommended approving the IOI, and the board voted unanimously to move forward with Tallgrass Water.

Progress report

Hutchinson told the board that work by Burns & McDonnell on the design of the water treatment facility and the pumps and pipelines was proceeding on schedule, and a tour of a water treatment facility and pump station in Castle Rock had been scheduled for Sept. 4. Alignment of pipelines along Higby Road was being discussed with Mountain View Electric Association, and Western States Land Services LLC will begin discussions with landowners regarding easements for the pipelines in the southern portion of the Loop. Hutchinson said she had scheduled a meeting for Sept. 2 with Cherokee Metropolitan District to discuss the purchase of that district’s Sundance Pipeline. Hutchinson said four companies had responded to the Loop’s Request for Proposal to expand the capacity of the Calhan Reservoir, and two of those companies would be interviewed before making a final decision.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $94,548 had been received for July, and the board authorized Fromm to pay them. He reported that the Loop had spent 7% of its $5.5 million budget for 2025.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 21 – Traffic analysis results revealed

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Aug. 21, the board received the results of a recent traffic analysis study, approved pursuing eminent domain to widen a public road should good faith negotiations fail, and a new lease agreement for a wireless company. The board heard that the Higby Road project would begin next month.

The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental and private entities and associated entities. The session also discussed the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, including initiation of eminent domain proceedings.

President Jason Gross was excused.

Traffic analysis study results

Adam Gomez P. E. of Kimley Horn presented the results of the Jackson Creek Parkway (JCP) Traffic Analysis Feasibility Study, and he said the western-most access from the King Soopers parking lot left turn that crosses multiple lanes was included in the study, plus the Lyons Tail exit that also requires the crossing of multiple lanes to travel south on JCP. Gomez recommended:

  • A traffic roundabout (circle) on JCP at Lyons Tail Road to alleviate long wait times and dangerous turns at both left-turn exits.
  • A dedicated right-turn lane bypass from Lyons Tail Road, maintaining the existing crosswalks and foot paths.
  • A right turn only from the King Soopers parking lot.

Gomez said the project is estimated to cost about $4.8 million, but costs could be reduced if the geological technician reveals that the paved areas can be salvaged. The estimate incorporates the potential for cost increases if the project is delayed for a few years and will likely take six to 10 months, but traffic flow can be maintained with a longer construction phase, said Gomez.

District Manager James McGrady said the 2026 budget can include funding for the design of the project and go out for bid in 2026, with the construction phase planned for 2027.

Eminent domain pursued

The board reviewed and considered approval of Resolution 2025-14, a resolution of the board authorizing McGrady to initiate eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of right of way and real property interests necessary for the widening of public road Blevins Buckle Trail. The widening will include the installation of public utilities, public infrastructure, curb, gutter, and sidewalk, landscaping, and other improvements necessary for the installation of a public road accessing a 30-acre parcel of land known as the Legacy at Jackson Landing, should good faith negotiations fail.

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board returned to the regular session, they engaged in discussion before unanimously approving a resolution 4-0, authorizing the district to pursue eminent domain for the land on the south side of Blevins Buckle Trail.

Lease agreement

General Counsel George Rowley requested the board consider approving a structure lease agreement with New Cingular (AT&T) Wireless PCS LLC for the C Plant tank in Sanctuary Pointe. The district receives $1,800 per month with an annual 2% escalator, a benefit for the district. The structures will be color-matched to the tank, said Rowley.

The board approved the structure lease agreement, 4-0.

Higby Road project updates

McGrady said the bonds for the Higby Road project had been completed on July 30, for the voter-approved $12.6 million at an interest rate of 5.05%. Kiewit anticipates construction to begin in early September on the east side of Harness Road, working west installing utilities and storm pipeline for the widening project. For additional information about the project, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Executive session

The board moved into executive session to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(a), including initiation of eminent domain proceedings. The board received legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b) as it relates to water matters and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental entities. The session also determined positions related to matters that may be subject to negotiations as it relates to an agreement with TOM, and acquisition of right of way for street improvements pursuant to CRS, section 24-6-402(4)(e), including initiation of eminent domain proceedings.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 14 – 2025 budget gets midyear tune up

By James Howald

At the July board meeting, District Manager Jessie Shaffer discussed midyear adjustments to the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District’s (WWSD) 2025 budget. Richard Hood, a project manager with JVA Consulting Engineers, Inc., proposed a less costly approach to a project to update a lift station on Lost Arrowhead Drive. The board heard operational reports, and the meeting ended with an executive session.

Minor changes to 2025 budget

Shaffer told the board that the amount budgeted for construction of facilities was reduced from $3.8 million to $2.6 million due in part to a decision to forgo drilling a new Dawson aquifer well and instead to improve Well 13, which was never fully brought into production. Shaffer said the drilling company damaged the well’s screen, the portion of the well casing that allows water to enter the well, when the well was first drilled. Well 13 was never formally abandoned, however, and in its current state it can produce 30 gallons per minute for less than it would cost to drill a new well. Shaffer said the cost of a new well that was drilled at the Central Water Treatment Plant site was $200,000 less than budgeted.

Shaffer said the renewal and replacement schedule for 2025 included $600,000 for saddle replacements but that amount needed to be increased to $675,000. There were fewer pump failures than expected and that line item was reduced from $325,000 to $260,000. The money budgeted for providing backup power for a lift station needed to be increased from $557,000 to $670,000.

Shaffer determined it was cheaper to buy a used tractor for use at the Woodmoor Ranch than it was to rent one, so $20,000 was moved from the equipment rental line item to the vehicle purchase line item.

Money allocated to professional fees increased because cash flow modeling for the Loop water reuse project was added to the district’s task list.

Shaffer said the 2025 budget anticipated 112 new homes; that number was adjusted down to 70, reducing the revenue expected from water and sewer tap fees.

Alternative found to lift station rehab

Shaffer told the board that bids to update the aging equipment at the Lost Arrowhead lift station came in much higher than expected, prompting the district to consider alternative ways to support the 150 customers who rely on the station. Hood said the bids for that project ranged from $834,000 to $1.15 million.

Hood developed three alternative routes for the wastewater handled by the lift station, all three of which relied on gravity rather than electric pumps and allowed for the elimination of the lift station altogether. Lidar, a laser imaging technology, and a traditional survey showed that one of the three options was best. The preferred option requires an 8-inch pipeline to be drilled using an easement between two houses that would use gravity to convey wastewater from the lift station to an existing lift station on Greenland Forest Rd. Hood estimated the cost of that option to be $645,000.

In response to a question from Board President Brian Bush, Hood said he recommended mothballing the Lost Arrowhead lift station. Shaffer suggested pulling the pumps and electronics and filling it with sand.

Hood said that, in addition to saving operating costs by eliminating a lift station, the proposed solution would solve an existing capacity problem; the Lost Arrowhead lift station is overfilling manholes when operating at peak capacity. That problem would be solved by rerouting the pipeline, according to Hood.

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine pointed out that the Lost Arrowhead lift station was built before the Greenland Preserve subdivision was built.

Board Treasurer Dana Franzen said the proposal would save $200,000 up front and there would be additional savings on operating costs.

The board authorized Shaffer to pursue the solution as proposed by Hood.

Operational reports

In his financial report, Franzen said the district was “on track for almost all revenue items.” The board voted unanimously to accept the report.

In his manager’s report, Shaffer updated the board on the state of the Loop water reuse project. WWSD is one of three districts participating in that effort. He said he expected Burns & McDonnell to have its design for the Loop’s water treatment plant to 30% completion by Halloween and its design for the lift stations and pipeline to 30% completion by Thanksgiving. A Request for Proposal for a plan to enlarge Calhan Reservoir had been published and Shaffer said he expected that design to be 30% complete by the end of the year. Once these plans and designs are 30% complete, a more accurate Opinion of Probable Cost for the entire project will be possible, Shaffer said.

Shaffer also mentioned that the district was considering moving to a different vendor for online billing if Xpress Bill Pay can’t quickly resolve a billing problem reported at the last board meeting. He said office staff manually corrected the billing problem when it occurred so that it doesn’t impact customers.

In his water report, LaFontaine updated the board on his ongoing work to lower the district’s unaccounted for water. Repairing two leaks his team located last month did not reduce the unaccounted-for water as much as he had hoped, LaFontaine said. The district is replacing older saddles, which connect service lines to mainlines, and most of the saddles replaced are found to be leaking, which suggests the water loss may be due to many small leaks rather than a few larger leaks. The rainy weather has kept Lake Woodmoor fuller than expected, he said.

In her report, District Engineer Cydney Saelens noted that Well 12R, being drilled in the Woodmoor Preserve, was nearing completion. She said the well was “fully developed,’ that is, the silt and sand from drilling had been removed using compressed air or water. The sound walls should be removed by July 23, she said.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to get legal advice on negotiating positions regarding potential agreements with the Mines Shopping Center, Buffs Wash, the Loop Water Authority, Monument Fire District, Classic Homes, and CSI Construction Co.

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The next meeting is on Aug. 11 at 1:00 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, July 16 – Buc-ee’s potential impact studied

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

In July, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board met briefly to hear operational details from District Manager Mark Parker, who focused on studies underway to assess the impact of wastewater from the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Parker also discussed an ongoing evaluation of the district’s wastewater collection system.

Buc-ee’s wastewater expected to have little impact

Parker told the board the estimate of the wastewater the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center would produce had been revised using actual numbers from a like-sized Buc-ee’s and now stood at 27,000 gallons per day. He said the district’s engineers were not worried about the updated estimate, which was a “minimal” fraction of what the district is currently processing. That amount was “a lot less” than the residential development that was previously planned for the site would have produced, Parker said. In addition to the updated estimate, Buc-ee’s had submitted a preliminary plan for the pipeline that would connect the travel center to MSD’s system.

Parker explained that El Paso County was pushing Buc-ee’s representatives to finalize their plans for the infrastructure required to move wastewater from the travel center into MSD’s collection system so that the county could start improvements to Beacon Lite Road that include leveling and straightening the road.

In response to a question from Director Janet Ladowski, Parker said Buc-ee’s has paid for the wastewater studies done so far. MSD assumes no responsibility for development projects, he said. MSD’s long-standing policy is that the district’s engineers bill the district for any work required by new development and the district forwards the bills to the developer for payment, he said. He added Buc-ee’s would build any necessary pipelines at its expense and, once complete, MSD would take ownership.

System evaluation underway

Parker said an annual evaluation of the district’s pipeline and manholes was underway. An assessment of the pipelines had been completed with no major issues found. The manholes would be inspected, photographed, and evaluated for inflow and infiltration. Parker said he expected the evaluation to be complete by the end of August.

Parker also mentioned that security upgrades, including video and motion-sensing lighting, were underway at district facilities.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 17 – Board tours treatment facility, adjusts sewer bills

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in July at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) to tour the facility and to amend the policies by which sewer bills are calculated in two problem cases. The board also heard operational reports and held an executive session.

Wastewater treatment facility tour

Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman led the board on a tour of the UMCRWWTF, which is located at 14770 Jumping Mouse View. He highlighted the facility’s Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), which was upgraded over the past year. The PLC controls the operation of the treatment facility and is the center of its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The PLC upgrades provide more granular control over the facility’s components and processes and replaced manual controls with more precise digital controls, resulting in savings on energy costs and adding redundancy to operations. The upgrades also improve the purity of the effluent that is released into Monument Creek. Board President Wayne Vanderschuere said the upgrades were also designed to improve the cybersecurity of the facility.

Above: At its July 17 workshop, Aaron Tolman, waste plant operator for Donala Water and Sanitation District (DSWD), gave a tour of the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. The tour included a glimpse at the newly installed Programmable Logic Controller shown above that automates the plants functions, the digester that breaks down organic matter present in sludge, and the compactor that removes excess water from the biosolids before they are hauled away to landfills. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Above: The interior of the wastewater digester. Donala is a co-owner and operator of the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. along with TriView Metro District and Forest Lakes Metro District. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Bills adjusted for snowbirds and leaks

At the July meeting, the board voted on Resolution 2025-4, which changes the way sewer bills are calculated for customers who have water leaks or who spend the winter months outside the district. The changes were discussed in detail at the board meeting in May. That discussion can be found here: https://wp.ocn.me/v25n6dwsd/.

DWSD uses water consumption during the winter months to calculate each customer’s sewer bill. This method assumes that none of the water used during the winter months is used for irrigation and, therefore, during the winter months, a gallon of water used creates a gallon of wastewater. This method creates two problem cases: if a customer has a water leak during the winter months, that results in too high a charge for sewer service, and if a customer spends the winter months outside the district, that results in too low a charge. The resolution provides for a Water Leak Adjustment program to address the first case and specifies that the district’s annual lower quartile consumptive average will be used to calculate sewer bills in the second case.

Vanderschuere pointed out that no changes were being made to rates.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

Operational Reports

In his Manager’s Report, General Manager Jeff Hodge suggested the district hold an open house for customers as part of the district’s public outreach efforts. The open house would be an opportunity to thank residents living near the Well 7D drilling site for their patience and understanding for the disruption caused by the drilling operation, and a chance to educate the public about the district’s operations. He proposed Thursday, Sep. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. for the open house.

Hodge also updated the board on the status of the Well 7D redrilling project. The well is done, he said, and water testing is underway. Helen Malenda-Lawrence of LRE Water is calculating the amount the district’s water rights will allow it to pump from the well. The Colorado Department of Health and the Environment will need to provide the permit for the well. Preliminary tests show good water quality, Hodge said, adding he expected the well to produce 200 gallons per minute.

In his Water Report, Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright told the board repair work on the lid of the east water tank was complete and the next step would be to sandblast the west water tank.

In his Wastewater Report, Tolman said Timberline Building Systems had installed an ultrasonic flow transducer in the flume through which the UMCRWWTF discharges treated effluent into Monument Creek. The transducer is integrated with the facility’s SCADA system.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice from counsel regarding the district’s pending water court application in Case No. 24CW3019.

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The next board meeting has been moved to Thursday, Aug. 14 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District – 2024 audit receives unmodified opinion; construction bid awarded

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on July 17, the board received the 2024 audit presentation, approved an amendment to the 2024 budget, and awarded the Construction General Manager Contract (CMGC) bid to Kiewit for the completion of the Higby Road project.

The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM), and other governmental and private entities, including Creekside Developments, LLC., and associated entities.

2024 audit is “clean”

Audit Manager Diego Martinez of Haynie and Company presented the 2024 draft audit and financial statements. The district received a “clean” or unmodified opinion.

The board unanimously accepted the audited financial statements and authorized the district accountant to file the documentation with the state of Colorado.

2024 budget amendment

District accountant Cathy Fromm said a fund amendment was necessary for the 2024 budget. The original budget appropriated funds of about $16.976 million to the water and wastewater enterprise fund/capital projects fund, but the 2024 budget required an additional $2.217 million, to pay for the Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) water costs and tap fee credits reimbursed to contractors. The additional funding is available in the total revenue, that was estimated at about $13 million and ended at about $15 million, said Fromm.

The board unanimously approved the 2024 budget amendment.

Higby Road construction agreement

McGrady requested the board approve Resolution 2025-1 to widen and improve Higby Road. The district received solid bids with a maximum price of about $12.4 million to build the road. Kiewit will have a notice to proceed in August with completion of the road improvements in November 2026. The district occasionally takes on large projects such as the widening of Jackson Creek Parkway that cost about $6.6 million in 2018, said McGrady. See https://wp.ocn.me/v25n7tmd/.

The board unanimously approved a CMGC agreement for construction services between Kiewit Infrastructure Company and TMD, that includes the establishment of a guaranteed maximum price in the amount of about $12,450 million, and authorization for the district manager to sign the documentation.

Defense and indemnification policy

General counsel George Rowley said as a result of the board workshop held on June 20, a defense and indemnification policy had been developed to provide protection for the board directors and district employees. He requested the board approve Resolution 2025-13, a resolution providing a defense and indemnification policy.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Water operations update

McGrady said the district budgeted 700-acre feet of renewable water to be transported via the Northern Delivery System for 2025. Water Utilities Superintendent Gary Potter looked at the budgeted and used water, and a decision was made to implement higher well usage during the higher demand months of July and August, pumping ground water to manage the budgeted surface water. The cost to deliver ground water is far less than surface water, however it is unreliable for long term use and the cost to replace well equipment is high. The district continues to supply renewable water to customers, with good inflows of water coming in from the districts water rights, said McGrady.

Executive session

The board moved into executive session at about 8:35 p.m. to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(a), and to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM), and other governmental and private entities including Creekside Developments, LLC and associated entities. The session also determined the district’s positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, related to the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities including Creekside Developments, LLC and associated entities, pursuant to CRS, section 24-6-402(4)(e).

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board returned to the regular session at 9:45 p.m., the board unanimously approved an addendum to the partial termination agreement with Creekside Developments, LLC. The meeting promptly adjourned.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, July 17 – 2024 finances receive clean audit opinion

By James Howald

The El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board met in July to hear an audit report on its 2024 finances and a monthly financial report. Rebecca Hutchinson, a Civil Design Engineer with Merrick and Co., gave the board a progress report on work being done by the consulting and engineering companies that are contributing to the project. Hutchinson has replaced Mark Valentine as the Loop’s Interim Workflow Manager, who coordinates the work being done by the several specialists working on water quality, water treatment, easement acquisition and other aspects of the water reuse project. Valentine announced he has taken a job with Colorado Springs Utilities.

2024 finances get highest possible rating

Courtney Vance, an auditor with Sorren, Inc., told the board her audit report found “nothing negative to express.” The audit went well, she said. Vance complemented the work done by Fromm and Co., LLC, the Loop’s accountants, and said she had an open line of communication with the Loop’s board as she performed the audit.

The Loop’s assets increased by $497,000 in 2024 due to funding received from the American Recovery Plan Act and increased capital assets. These increases were offset by a slight decrease in cash. The Loop’s liabilities decreased by $58,000 due to quicker payment of vendors. The Loop’s net position increased by $497,000.

The board voted unanimously to accept Vance’s audit report.

Monthly financial report

Corbin Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $82,128 had been received in July, with $51,975 in services from Merrick being the largest cost. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to pay the invoices.

Fromm said the Loop had spent just over $295,000 in 2025 to date, or about 5% of its budget for the year.

Progress report

Hutchinson told the board that a contract had been signed with Burns & McDonnell for that company to design the lift stations and pipelines needed to convey water from Fountain Creek to customers in the participating water districts. Another round of water quality data was received from JVA, Inc. Hutchinson said she was organizing a meeting between Burns & McDonnell and Western States Land Services LLC, the company acquiring the easements needed by the lift stations and pipelines. Hutchinson said she was ensuring the easements in northern El Paso County were coordinated with the plan to widen Higby Road. Finally, Hutchinson said a Request for Proposal (RFP) to expand the Calhan Reservoir so that it can store water diverted from Fountain Creek had been published. Merrick will evaluate the responses to the RFP and will advise the board, Hutchinson said.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 9 – 2024 audit finds “clean” finances

By James Howald

In June, Uli Keeley of Prospective Business Solutions LLC, the district’s auditor, gave the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board the results of her audit of the district’s 2024 finances. The board awarded a contract to replace water service saddles. During public comments, resident Jennifer Davis reported errors in her online bill. The board also heard operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session.

2024 finances deemed “clean”

Keeley told the board her audit of the district’s finances for 2024 resulted in an unmodified or clean opinion, essentially a diagnosis of good financial health. She said there were no significant findings on processes, policies, internal controls, or financial reporting. She noted some audit adjustments around investments, updates to depreciation and payables that were “nothing out of the ordinary.”

Keeley said the district’s Total Net Position, or equity in its assets, in 2024 was just over $73 million, an increase of about $5 million over 2023. She attributed the increase to the $4.4 million in tap fees the district collected in 2024. The district collected $1.6 million in tap fees in 2023. Water and sewer tap fees are one-time charges that developers pay when they connect to the district’s infrastructure. Overall, the district’s actual revenues were close to budgeted expectations, while expenditures were lower than estimated due to land and easement purchases and construction projects that were postponed.

The district ended 2024 with $25.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, an increase of about $1.2 million over the course of the year.

In terms of debt, Keeley said the district continued to pay down $14.7 million in bonds issued in 2021, which are due in full by 2031. The bonds issued in 2021 refinanced bonds issued in 2011 to purchase the Woodmoor Ranch and its water rights at a lower interest rate. District Manager Jessie Shaffer pointed out that the district’s Net Pledged Revenues were $7.6 million, or almost four times the district’s Annual Debt Service Requirements of $2 million. Shaffer said, “We are smashing debt service coverage.”

Call the WWSD office at 719-488-2525 to request a copy of the audit report.

Saddle replacement contract awarded

District Engineer Cydney Saelens told the board that eight bids had been received to replace 121 water service saddles and associated fittings. (Saddles connect residential service lines to water mains.) Saelens said bids for the project ranged from $1.2 million to $614,000, with Iron Women Construction and Environmental Services LLC submitting the low bid. Saelens said she spoke to two of the organizations Iron Women Construction supplied as references and both had favorable long-standing relationships with the company. She recommended that the contract be awarded to Iron Women Construction, adding 10% for contingencies, for a total of $675,738. The board voted to award the contract as Saelens suggested.

Resident reports billing error

Davis told the board she found errors in her online bill in the form of an additional $10 charge. She said the charge was labeled differently on different bills and she had to call the office to have the charge removed. She noted the charge did not appear on her paper bill but did appear on her Xpress Bill Pay bill. She asked why the staff needed to devote time to correcting billing errors and why the district uses a vendor that can’t permanently fix billing issues.

Shaffer said he was discussing the erroneous charges with Office Manager Cory Lynch and Billing Clerk Brittany Petta and they are considering replacing Xpress Bill Pay with another service provider. Board President Brian Bush recommended that if Xpress Bill Pay does not correct the problem quickly the district should move to another provider.

Operational reports

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine said that two long-term leaks had been located that he believes have contributed to the district’s water loss. The leaks have been repaired and LaFontaine said next month’s water report should show a lower percentage of unaccounted water.

Saelens reported that well 12R drilling was nearing completion, with 1,675 feet completed of the 1,900 feet needed. Once drilling is complete, the casing, screens, and glass beads need to be installed, test pumping needs to be performed, and water quality samples need to be tested.

Saelens also said that the Monument Ridge East residential development, which will be south of County Line Road and east of I-25, had submitted construction documents to WWSD. The development will consist of 340 residences.

LaFontaine said 800 residential water meters remain to be replaced. He asked customers who have not received a new water meter to call the WWSD office at 719-488-2525 to schedule a replacement.

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The next meeting is on July 14 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, June 18 Raspberry Point sewage spill resolved

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

In May, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board met briefly to hear an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker. Parker updated the board on a sewage release by Raspberry Point Townhomes in May that threatened to contaminate Monument Lake. Parker reported on a letter he had received from Buc-ee’s and on the resolution of an issue with the district’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software.

Pine tree roots the culprit in sewage overflow

Parker told the board that a video inspection of the service line owned by the Raspberry Point Townhomes that failed on May 14, leading to a sewage spill, showed the line had been blocked by 3 feet of tree roots. An 8-inch cleanout was added to the line and no further problems have occurred, Parker said. He noted a previous repair that was “pretty shoddy at best.”

Immediately following the spill in May, the ownership of the service line was under discussion. The Raspberry Point Townhome Homeowner’s Association (HOA) believed the service belonged to MSD but was unable to produce any documentation to support that belief. MSD had no records showing the district had agreed to be responsible for the line and related manhole. Parker said he was waiting to receive invoices for the work done to repair the line and the manhole before presenting them to the HOA for payment.

County encourages Buc-ee’s to plan Beacon Lite Road work

Parker said he had received a letter from Buc-ee’s regarding work that will need to be done on Beacon Lite Road if its proposed travel center goes forward. The letter said El Paso County, which is planning grading and straightening improvements to Beacon Lite that are independent of the proposed travel center, is pushing Buc-ee’s to get the approvals required for its sewage to be conveyed to MSD’s collection system. Parker said Buc-ee’s would need to plan for both lift stations and gravity flow to handle their sewage. The county’s plans can’t proceed until Buc-ee’s design is approved. Parker said Buc-ee’s letter had been sent to GMS Inc., the district’s consulting engineers.

SCADA issues resolved

Parker said changes to the algorithms used by cellular service providers, that misidentified SCADA alarms as spam, had temporarily interrupted the district’s SCADA system, which operates portions of the district’s infrastructure. The problem was fixed, and the SCADA software is again able send alarms by email and text.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 16. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 12 – Positive audit report; inconsistent waste treatment numbers

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in June to hear an audit report, discuss waste treatment data discrepancies, and hear operational reports. The meeting was relocated due to the temporary closure of the district’s offices. The board heard from a district consultant and learned of an additional board position for its president. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Board receives a clean audit report

Tom Sistare of Hoelting & Company Inc., the board’s auditor, explained the audit process and thanked the district staff for being well-prepared. As in the past, Hoelting has issued an unmodified or clean opinion. The report had no findings of note on internal controls.

Highlights include:

  • Cash and investments are up by $2.8 million, tracking with changes in equity.
  • Liabilities have decreased by $538,000 due to paying debt service as required.
  • Tax revenue increased by 26% due to increased valuation.
  • Capital expenditure was $1.3 million, which was similar to the previous year.

Sistare noted that operational expenses were up 2% compared to a 10% increase the previous year. The largest risk, he said, would be finishing a treatment plant then having the standards rise the following year.

The board voted unanimously to accept the audit.

Discrepancy in waste treatment data

In his report, Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman reported that hydraulic loading, which is the volume of wastewater that a treatment facility must process over a given time, had risen from around 50% to 62.9%. The change came after Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) replaced a flume and installed a laser flow meter (see wp.ocn.me/v25n6tmd). Initial readings were exponentially low, at 100,000 to 200,000 gallons per day and then, after adjustments, increased to between 700,000 and over 1 million gallons per day.

General Manager Jeff Hodge said that the total capacity for the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) is 1.75 million gallons, and the state requires an action plan when the plant goes over 80% capacity. UMCRWWTF is operated by DWSD and jointly owned by DWSD, TMD, and Forest Lakes Metropolitan District. Academy Water and Sanitation District is a customer.

Tolman said if the numbers were correct, they would have had to put a third basin online, but that isn’t happening. Donala is working with Mark Valentine, a project manager at Merrick & Co., to review the data.

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere said there would be a UMCRWWTF owners meeting on July 3 and he would make sure that this was on the agenda.

Operational reports

Hodge reported that he had attended the American Water Works Association 2025 Annual Conference and Expo (ACE) including a pre-conference workshop on collaborative delivery methods. Merrick and Co., the consulting company that provides workflow management for The Loop, presented the project. Burns & McDonnell, the company designing lift stations, pipelines, and water treatment for The Loop, presented a similar project it is doing in Castle Rock.

Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright said the well 7D redrilling project is going well, though a few nearby neighbors had noted the harmonics building when the drill hit clay. Wright said the next steps would be to mobilize SiLibeads, a modern improvement over gravel, to screen out impurities. SiLibeads are unbreakable soda-lime glass that is free of impurities and heavy metals.

Vanderschuere said he had run into contractors for MVEA drilling without a proper water and sewer locate, which could result in breakage of electrical, water, or sewer lines. Jeff Hodge said if any of Donala’s lines were damaged, Donala would repair them and send a bill to the party responsible. Wright said that tickets had been filed on the incident, and he was on good speaking terms with the supervisor and superintendent. Wright also noted that work was going well on the tanks and Well 9A.

Tolman confirmed that UMCRWWTF was ready to host the July meeting of the Donala board. He stated that roads were paved, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters were installed, and landscaping was completed, noting that additional paving is required near a newly constructed roundabout. Additional striping was scheduled, and the bridge is complete, Tolman said. Process control for the plant is running well, he said, giving them opportunities to adjust for efficiency.

Consultant reports

Consultant Brett Gracely of LRE Water provided more detail on the Well 7D redrilling project issues with claystone and breaking equipment and next steps. He also reviewed the status of water rights objector cases LRE is assisting with as well as the successful completion of water exchange into Clear Creek saying that the water is now in the district’s Pueblo Reservoir water account and should be moved through the Northgate interchange and delivered to customers sometime in July or August to prove that the water was put to beneficial use after which a due diligence application could be filed. Hodge said the district would coordinate closely with other projects including water sampling for the Loop project.

Gracely also reported on the status of conversations with the Colorado Division of Water Resources on exchanges with reservoirs in Aurora, but said they had some major cases involving the Lower Arkansas Water Management Association (LAWMA) that seemed to be occupying them. Gracely said that attorneys were discussing the pros and cons of combining the exchanges into one filing vs. multiple filings and said that there might be some advantage to filing before the end of year. Vanderschuere suggested scheduling a work session in the next few months just for this item and inviting the water lawyer.

Finally, Gracely announced that June is his last month of employment at LRE Water. He has accepted a position as water planning practice leader at Plummer and suggested that his colleagues Helen Malenda-Lawrence and Kelsey Briggs act as co-leads in the interim to keep Donala informed. He noted that Plummer occupies the same building as LRE Water on Auraria Parkway in Denver and the two firms have collaborated in the past and have a non-compete agreement.

Director comments

Vanderschuere announced that he is now officially on the MVEA board as a director for District 3 and has attended an orientation meeting and his first regular board meeting on June 17. He will serve in that capacity in addition to his role at DWSD as board president, having confirmed with legal counsel on both sides that there is no conflict of interest. He said that MVEA is concerned about the pending federal budget bill and what would be funded or not, noting that renewables and fiber optics had been getting federal subsidies. This is also a concern for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and other peer organizations.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss security arrangements or investigations related to security measures for maintenance technicians and water operators and personnel matters related to maintenance technicians and water operators.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, June 19 – Bond funding approved; director positions assigned

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on June 19, the board approved an amendment to the 2025 budget to incorporate funding for the Higby Road project and up to $12.6 million in bonds to move forward with the project. An economic incentive policy and an updated policy for developer water fees were also approved. The directors assigned board positions and received multiple updates.

The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental and private entities.

Board positions assigned

The board unanimously assigned the board positions.

Above: From left, President Jason Gross, Secretary/Treasurer Amanda Carlton, Vice President Ann-Marie Jojola, and Directors John Gibbons and Erik Demkowicz. Photo by Chris Cummins.

2025 budget amendment

President Jason Gross opened a public hearing on the 2025 budget amendment.

District Manager James McGrady said the amendment was prompted by an influx of cash from the issuance of the $12.6 million bond and additional expenditures from the Public Works Capital Improvement Fund for the construction costs for the Higby Road improvements. The 2025 budget did not include funds for the Higby Road improvements, because the district did not know it would be issued bond financing. The budget needs to be adjusted accordingly, even though the district does not anticipate a bond payment in 2025 but will have two payments in 2026, said McGrady.

General Counsel George Rowley said it is standard procedure to acknowledge that the district will be receiving additional unplanned revenue. State law requires the district amend the budget to reflect the additional funding when the district ends up spending more than anticipated, said Rowley.

Gross closed the public comment hearing on the 2025 budget amendment.

The budget was amended to reflect $8.5 million in the 2025 budget (not the full bond amount). The district does not anticipate spending more than the amended amount on Higby Road in 2025. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

The board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-10, amending the 2025 budget.

Bond issuance

McGrady requested the board review and consider approving Resolution 2025-07, a resolution of the TMD Board of Directors, issuing a $12.6 million bond for the Higby Road project.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Higby Road improvement project

McGrady requested the board approve Resolution 2025-11, a resolution to widen and improve Higby Road. He said the TOM had issued a plat note denying approval of further development in the north of the district without assurance that Higby Road will be widened. The district will present the resolution with the financial plan to the Planning Commission to comply with the plat note. The district has received solid bids with a maximum price of about $12.4 million to build the road. The district occasionally takes on large projects such as the widening of Jackson Creek Parkway for about $6.6 million in 2018. See https://wp.ocn.mev25n6tmd/.

Director Erik Demkowicz said he hopes the town knows that the TMD residents are paying for the road improvements for everyone’s benefit.

Gross said the project is an important safety priority, and the town worked with the district to incorporate the road from El Paso County. Somehow in the agreement the town incorporated the road, but the TMD residents are paying for the project.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Economic incentive policy

The board also approved Resolution 2025-08, an economic incentive policy. An economic incentive package was approved in April for the development located south of Monument Marketplace, however the district’s incentive policy required approval and some amendments for future large retail projects. See https://wp.ocn.me.v25n5tmd/.

Rowley said it is a net positive to give up some development proposals to allow for larger retail projects with at least 100,000 square feet of retail space, generating at least $500,000 in sales tax for the district, according to the sales tax share back from the intergovernmental agreement with the TOM, and a minimum of 50 full-time employment opportunities is included in the policy. The district receives 1.5% in sales tax with 0.5% dedicated to renewable water from the TOM for sales tax collected within the district. The policy allows for some fees to be waived, he said.

The board unanimously approved the resolution with two amendments.

Developer fees

The board also unanimously approved Resolution 2025-09, a revised schedule setting water fees and development requirements in lieu of fees for developers.

Operations report

McGrady said the following:

  • The district continues to supply renewable water to customers, with good inflows of water coming in from the district’s water rights.
  • Consumer demands are being met by the Northern Delivery System (NDS), with a little well pumping to maintain the wells, delivering 80% to 90% of the water from renewable sources.
  • The water rights plan is working appropriately, with received flows diverted into the South Reservoir. Any excess flow will be exchanged into Pueblo Reservoir in readiness for the winter months.
  • The augmentation station diversion structure on the Arkansas Valley Irrigation Co. Ditch (Buena Vista) has been completed, and it was scheduled to be operational by June 27.
  • The district received the first invoice for the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor design.
  • The district is working hard to move the Higby Road project forward.

Assistant manager’s report

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said:

  • The district has about 15 Badger meters left to be replaced between residential/commercial properties.
  • The district is working on the engineering standards to ensure compliance with the latest construction practices.
  • The Sanctuary Pointe Park sporting field reservations are down from 2024, but the district has received a large number of reservations for the fall season.

Revenue water/non-revenue water

Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter said he continues to research water loss, known in the industry as revenue water/non-revenue water. The team is working together to combat the problem from both ends, finding apparent loss, such as meters not entered into the system correctly, incorrect meter input, and active leak detection services. Water loss in a system with 66 miles of distribution pipe is inevitable, and the district will never achieve zero loss, he said. The American Water Works Association used to quote under 10% as acceptable loss but has moved away from that figure because one-size-fits-all does not work for all systems.

The district is at 6.35% loss for May, and when all avenues have been explored over the next several months, the team will need to determine how much water loss is an economically recoverable amount. The degree to which the district puts money into researching water loss will change over time, said Potter.

Sheffield said the average water system loses 15%-20% monthly.

Utilities update

Potter also said the following:

  • The A plant (Oxbow Drive) will be decommissioned due to the two wells being transferred to B plant (St. Lawrence Way). The plant will be used for vehicle storage or sold to another district.
  • A laser flow meter was installed at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) to measure the accuracy of the district’s wastewater flumes. The collection of data over the next month will determine flow accuracy.
  • The NDS produced 80% of the district’s water in May, with a little higher well water pumped due to the work taking place at B Plant yard.

Kudos for staff volunteers

Parks and Open Space Superintendent Matt Rayno said the district staff had received a letter of gratitude from the president of the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby for providing volunteers from the Public Works Department from May 31-June 2. The event closed Higby Road and would not have been successful without the district’s support and Tom Martinez from the Town of Monument.

Pothole reporting

Rayno said pothole patching typically occurs in spring and about 250 pounds of asphalt has been used to repair issues in 2025. Residents can use the district website to report pothole issues that occur within the district’s area of responsibility.

Note: The district is not responsible for the commercial property areas and Baptist Road.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at about 8:42 p.m. to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(a), and to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities including Creekside Developments, LLC and associated entities. The session also determined the district’s positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, related to the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities including Creekside Developments LLC and associated entities, pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(e).

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board returned to the regular session at 9:17 p.m., no action was taken by the board, and the meeting promptly adjourned.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 17 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, June 26 – Board hears progress report

By James Howald

At a brief meeting in June, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board heard a progress report from its interim Workflow Manager Mark Valentine. Valentine coordinates the work of the consulting and engineering firms the Loop has contracted with, which include: JVA Consulting Engineers, the company responsible for water quality testing; Burns & McDonnell, responsible for the design of lift stations, pipelines and the water treatment facility; BBA Water Consultants Inc., which provides water resource modeling and reservoir sizing analysis; Western States Land Services LLC, which acquires easements and other land as required; and Merrick and Co., where Valentine is a project manager.

The board voted on an amendment to its contract with BBA and heard a financial report from Corbin Fromm of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accounting firm.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Progress report

Valentine told the board that JVA had sampled the water in the Chilcott Ditch, which diverts water from Fountain Creek to the Calhan reservoir, the previous day. Dan LaFontaine, who represents the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) on the Loop’s board, said that a blockage on the Chilcott Ditch required the water sample to be taken from a different location than previous samples. LaFontaine is WWSD’s Operations superintendent. Valentine said that water testing costs have risen temporarily due to more frequent testing. He said he had attended several meetings with Burns & McDonnell to discuss water treatment requirements. The first meeting to discuss lift stations and pipelines was scheduled for early July, Valentine said.

Rebecca Hutchinson, an engineer with Merrick, told the board that the survey control network, a system of land survey markers used by all the consultants to ensure consistent boundaries and locations, was in place and accessible. She said Merrick had circulated a request for proposal regarding reservoir design for comments on behalf of the Loop.

Valentine said he was discussing the potential purchase of the Sundance pipeline with its owner, Cherokee Metropolitan District.

Contract amended

The board voted unanimously to amend its contract with BBA to expand the scope of work that company is responsible for. The contract specifies the new scope of work can be completed for $12,400.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $98,897 had been received in June, with services from Merrick being the largest cost. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to pay the invoices.

Fromm said the Loop had spent just over $196,000 in 2025 to date, or about 4% of its budget for the year. Shaffer said bringing additional consultants and engineers on board would increase the pace of spending.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 17 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 28, May 6 and 12 – Board awards well drilling contract, elects officers

By James Howald

At a special board meeting on April 28, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board approved a design for well 12R and awarded a drilling contract to Hydro Resources. The board held a second special meeting on May 6 to swear in two board members and elect board officers. At its regular board meeting on May 12, the board considered a license agreement with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to allow CSU to access one of its pump stations via land owned by WWSD. The board also heard operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Board chooses enhanced design for well

Rachael Frei, a project engineer with Bishop-Brogden Associates Inc., gave the board an overview of the project to drill a new well in the southwest corner of the South Woodmoor Preserve, adjacent to a cul-de-sac between two residential properties. Well 12R would replace well 12, which was constructed in 1990 and which suffered a loss of structure in 2022. Well 12 exceeded its projected 30-year life by two years, Frei said. It will be converted to a monitoring well.

Frei said well 12R will be drilled at one of the best locations in the district, where the Arapahoe aquifer is most productive, and is projected to provide about 200 gallons per minute, about 12% of the district’s annual well production. The location will reduce costs because it will minimize the length of the transmission line needed to convey the well’s water for treatment.

Frei said well 12R should be in production by 2027 and was projected to cost about $1.9 million. Some equipment that was purchased for well 12 in 2024 could be reused in well 12R, she said.

Frei presented two designs for the board to consider: a traditional municipal well design using a 40-slot stainless steel screen with silica sand gravel pack, and an enhanced municipal design using a 50-slot screen with glass bead gravel pack. Screens are the portion of the well casing that allow groundwater to enter the well and are designed to prevent sand from damaging pumps and to minimize energy consumption.

Glass beads increase well efficiency and yield, speed up well development, reduce mineral and biological fouling and mechanical plugging, and do not compact as the well ages. Glass beads are about 6% more expensive than silica sand and come from China or Germany, Frei said, and their availability and cost could be affected by tariffs. The enhanced design would cost about $600,000 more than the traditional design, according to Frei. She recommended the enhanced design, and the board voted to approve that choice.

Hydro Resources, KP Ventures, and Layne Christensen submitted bids to drill well 12R, Frei said. Hydro Resources submitted the low bid at $1.17 million for the enhanced design. Layne Christensen’s bid was $2.3 million and KP Ventures bid was $1.26 million. Frei recommended the board award the contract to Hydro Resources, which the board did with a unanimous vote.

Two board members sworn in; officers elected

At the May 6 meeting, Tom Roddam and Dana Franzen took their oaths of office. Roddam is serving his second term; Franzen is new to the board, replacing Director Dan Beley. Bill Clewe and Brian Bush were sworn in before the May 6 meeting.

Board Treasurer Roy Martinez nominated Bush for another term as president, arguing that the district was at a critical point in its history and needed a president who would provide continuity and “could hit the ground running.” The board voted unanimously to re-elect Bush as president.

Martinez nominated Franzen to replace him as treasurer due to Franzen’s background as an accountant, and the board elected Franzen to that role.

Clewe was excused from the meeting but had previously indicated his willingness to continue as secretary. The board voted to keep him in that position. Clewe was also elected to serve as the board liaison with the Joint Use Committee, which oversees the operations of the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility, which WWSD shares with the Towns of Monument and Palmer Lake.

Roddam and District Manager Jessie Shaffer were elected to continue as WWSD’s representatives on the Chilcott Ditch Co. board.

Board grants CSU access

Shaffer asked the board to consider executing a license agreement with CSU that would allow CSU to access its Williams Creek Pump Station through a portion of the Woodmoor Ranch, which is southeast of the Town of Fountain. CSU sought access so its staff could make operational adjustments and perform maintenance at the pump station without a more lengthy drive to the station on Highway 94. The agreement does not permit use of WWSD land by construction equipment or by CSU subcontractors without written permission from WWSD, Shaffer said. The board voted unanimously to provide the access requested.

Operational reports

In his first financial report, Franzen commented on the strength of the district’s balance sheet. He noted a $170,000 charge for insurance, which Office Manager Cory Lynch explained was paid upfront and amortized through the year. The board approved Franzen’s report.

Reporting on the Woodmoor Ranch, Shaffer said 2025 was the last year the district would be re-establishing native grasses as required by the conversion of the water rights at the ranch from agricultural to municipal uses. In 2026 and 2027 the district would switch to maintenance issues such as weed control and mowing. Shaffer said the district employees who have been working at the ranch might transition to new jobs maintaining water and sewer pipelines and providing backup for other employees.

In his Manager’s Report, Shaffer gave the board an update on the Loop, a water reuse project in which WWSD is one of three participating districts. Contracts to design and pilot test the Loop’s water treatment plant, and to engineer the project’s pipelines and pump stations, have been awarded, he said. Merrick and Co. is working on a request for proposal (RFP) to do a feasibility study of reservoir expansion. That RFP should be published by the end of May and a contract awarded in June, according to Shaffer.

Shaffer also mentioned that the Loop was discussing financing methods with several companies that specialize in public-private partnerships, which are collaborations in which the private partner finances, plans and executes projects needed by governmental entities such as water and sanitation districts.

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine told the board that the meter for well 22 had been replaced and two leaks had been identified, one on White Fawn Drive and one on Higby Road, which would require traffic control plans to be drawn up before repairs could begin. LaFontaine also commended Woodmoor Public Safety officers for reporting an unpermitted contractor who was using water from a district hydrant without permission.

Executive session

The May 12 meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions and receive legal advice about potential agreements with Lewis Palmer School District 38.

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The next meeting is on June 9 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 5 – Directors sworn in; district offices temporarily closed

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in May at the Fairfield Inn to swear in directors and appoint officers of the board. The meeting was relocated due to the temporary closure of the district’s offices. The board considered changes to the method used to calculate sanitation charges. The board heard operational reports and ended the meeting with an executive session.

Judd returns to board; officers remain unchanged

Wayne Vanderschuere and Kenneth Judd took their oaths of office at the May meeting. Vanderschuere is able to serve another term on the board due to the recent removal of term limits for DWSD board members by the district’s voters. Judd has previously served as a DWSD director and is returning after a four-year absence from the board.

The board voted to keep its slate of officers in place: Vanderschuere was elected to another term as president, and Bill George and Kevin Deardorff will continue as vice president and secretary.

Above: At its May 15 board meeting, Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) swore in Directors Wayne Vanderschuere and Kenneth Judd. Vanderschuere was re-elected after a special election removed term limits for board members. Judd returns to the board after a four-year absence. The meeting was held at the Fairfield Inn because of the temporary closure of DWSD’s headquarters on Holbein Drive due to a well drilling. From left are Vanderschuere, Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker, and Judd. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Offices closed while drilling underway

Due to the well 7D redrilling project in the parking lot of the district offices on Holbein Drive, the district offices are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The parking lot is closed and there will be no public access to the district offices until the project is complete in about five to six weeks. The drop box for payments has moved to the secondary driveway west of the office building, accessible from Holbein Drive, and customers can call 719-488-3603 to contact district staff with questions or to make payments by phone. A second payment drop box is available at the King Soopers on Baptist Road.

Check the DWSD website at www.donalawater.org for updates about the office closure and the location of board meetings.

Above: Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) well 7D-R re-drilling is underway. With 40-foot sound walls visible from Baptist Road, the DWSD headquarters on Holbein Drive is temporarily closed until drilling is complete. The payment box has been moved to the western driveway, and a second payment box is available at the King Soopers on Baptist Road. Customers are encouraged to call 719-488-3603 with any questions and check the website at www.donalawater.com for updated information. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Sanitation rate calculation reconsidered

The board discussed changes to the method it uses to calculate sanitation charges to address two problem cases: where a water leak is present during the charge calculation period, resulting in too high a charge, and when “snowbirds”—customers who spend the winter months outside the district—have no water usage during the calculation period, resulting in too low a charge. Sanitation charges are calculated based on water usage during the winter months and assume that every gallon of water delivered during those months will result in a gallon of wastewater produced because customers will not be using any water for outdoor irrigation during the winter months.

Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker proposed that the district add a sanitation charge adjustment request form that customers could use to ask for a review when a water leak occurs during the months when the usage is calculated. If a water leak was proven, the district should calculate the charge using a different but comparable month, Hawker said. For snowbirds, Hawker suggested the use of a minimum rate that would be calculated annually by averaging the water usage of the first quartile of all customers. Hawker estimated about 400, or about 15%, of the district’s customers would be affected by the changes. She said she would draft the policy changes for the board to consider at its July meeting and pointed out if the policy changes were approved, the district would have to announce them 30 days before they took effect.

Operational reports

In his financial report, General Manager Jeff Hodge noted the district had received half of the revenue it expects from property taxes. Expenses will increase as projects proceed. The board approved Hodge’s report.

In his manager’s report, Hodge summed up recent developments in the Loop, a water reuse project in which DWSD is one of three participating districts. He said a “request for proposal” to design the pipelines and pump stations needed to convey water from Fountain Creek to customers had been published. A kickoff meeting with Burns & McDonnell, the company that will design and pilot test the water treatment facility for the Loop, had been held.

Ways to finance the Loop were being investigated, Hodge said, adding the Loop’s board was discussing options with Piper Sandler, the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, Tallgrass Water, Holman Capital, and Meridiam. Public-private partnerships were being considered as well as traditional funding methods.

Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright told the board that conditions were very dry at Willow Creek Ranch, one of the district’s sources of renewable surface water. Wright said new pumps that would allow the automatic dispensing of chemicals based on water flows were being discussed for the Holbein Water Treatment Facility.

Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman noted the equipment for ultraviolet disinfection had been replaced and the wastewater treatment plant’s 35-year-old generator had undergone repairs and was being tested more frequently than it had been previously.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to give Hodge his annual review.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 19 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, May 15 – Board officers elected

By James Howald

The May meeting of the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board was the first held following a change to the authority’s charter that requires each participating district to name two representatives to the Loop board when there are three or fewer districts participating in the project.

The Donala Water and Sanitation District is now represented by Jeff Hodge, its general manager, and Christina Hawker, its Accounts Payable specialist; the Town of Monument by Madeline VanDenHoek, its town manager, and Tom Tharnish, its director of Public Works; and the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District by Jessie Shaffer, its district manager, and Dan La Fontaine, its Operations superintendent.

The board appointed officers and heard financial and operational reports.

Officers elected

The board elected Shaffer to another term as board president. Hawker was elected as treasurer and Tharnish as secretary. At the recommendation of Nicole Peykov, the Loop’s attorney, all board members were elected as assistant secretaries.

Financial report

Corbin Fromm, of Fromm of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accountants, told the board that invoices totaling $54,000 had been received in April for engineering, legal and accounting work. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to pay the invoices.

Fromm said he had submitted a request for $138,000 to the El Paso Board of County Commissioners and was preparing another request for $110,000. The requests are being made against the $4 million provided by the Biden administration’s American Recovery Plan Act to get the Loop project through its beginning stages. The Loop had spent about $141,000, or about 3%, of its 2025 budget, Fromm said. Shaffer commented that he expected invoices from the engineering firms with whom the Loop has contracted to arrive soon, at which time expenses will increase.

Operational report

Mark Valentine, the Loop’s interim workflow manager, told the board he met with Burns and McDonnell, the company selected to design and test the Loop’s water treatment plant, to discuss scoping and contracting.

Valentine updated the board on requests for proposal (RFPs) that are out for bid or being written. The RFP to design the 28 miles of pipelines and five pumping stations required to convey water from Fountain Creek to customers in the participating districts has been published and companies are submitting questions to him. Valentine said he expected proposals for the board to review as soon as the next day.

An RFP to study the feasibility of expanding the Calhan Reservoir was being prepared and would be ready for the board to comment on in a week, Valentine said. Western States Land Services LLC was working on acquiring easements, he said.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 19 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

Monument Sanitation District, May 21 – Manhole overflow threatens Monument Lake

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

In his Manager’s Report at the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) meeting in May, District Manager Mark Parker spoke about a wastewater release that required an emergency response from the district and led to a discussion about ownership of the manhole in question. The board heard comments from its auditor on the 2024 draft audit, welcomed Shannon Clark to the board, and elected officers.

Raspberry Point Townhomes manhole fails

Parker told the board that while he was traveling in Arizona in April he was contacted by Cheran Allsup, MSD’s accounts administrator, concerning a manhole that was releasing wastewater. He determined that the manhole was privately owned by the Raspberry Point Townhomes, which are on Raspberry Lane just north of Monument Lake. Parker decided to involve the district in addressing the issue due to the possibility that the wastewater could reach the lake. He called a contractor to clear the service line to the manhole and deal with standing wastewater. He reported the wastewater release to the state and determined that MSD does not have the manhole listed on its maps.

On May 14, the district received another call regarding an overflow from the same manhole. Parker had the service line examined by video camera and found a second portion that needed to be cleaned out. A belly, or low point, in the line was also detected. He called a contractor that got the line flowing a second time.

The homeowners association (HOA) for the Raspberry Point Townhomes believes that the service line and manhole belong to MSD, but there is no documentation establishing ownership, Parker said. The HOA told Parker it had a verbal agreement with a previous MSD district manager that MSD owns the manhole.. MSD has spent $5,000 to $7,000 on the problem, Parker said, adding the total cost is not clear yet because not all the invoices have been received.

Parker said he would continue to work with the HOA to determine ownership and would keep the board informed. He also thanked the Town of Monument and the Triview Metropolitan District for providing equipment that was used to keep the spill from reaching the lake.

2024 draft audit

Derek Watada, of Olson, Reyes & Sauerwein LLC, the district’s auditors, gave the board preliminary results of the 2024 audit. Watada said there were no major issues but noted that some bank accounts were not accurately reconciled and needed to be adjusted. He said the small size of the district’s staff made it challenging to segregate duties but he felt the district was properly mitigating this by having the entire board review the district’s finances.

Watada said the district was handling its accounts payable on a cash basis but its financial reporting on an accrual basis. He recommended moving to an accrual basis across the board and said his company or Haynie & Co., the district’s accountants, could help to make the district’s financial matters consistent. The board voted to approve Watada’s audit report.

Clark joins the board; officers elected

Shannon Clark joined the board at its May meeting, having been sworn in the previous day along with Director Skip Morgan. Clark replaces John Howe, who was term limited after serving two terms. Clark said she had served on the Town of Monument’s Home Rule Commission but had never served on any other board.

The board voted to elect Dan Hamilton to serve a second term as board president and to elect Janet Ladowski to remain as board secretary. Tony Archer was elected treasurer, a role previously held by Howe. Morgan will continue as the board liaison with the Joint Use Committee (JUC), which oversees the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility. The Town of Monument operates the facility jointly with the Town of Palmer Lake and the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District. Clark will serve as Morgan’s alternate on the JUC.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 18. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Triview Metropolitan District, May 22 – Bond passes; new board directors welcomed

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on May 22, the board approved a resolution to reimburse the district for expenses incurred before the approved $12.6 million bond is issued for the Higby Road widening project. The board heard a traffic study was in progress, and that the consumer confidence water study was complete and available to the public. The board also received an update on the efforts to reduce the unaccounted/unbilled water loss, welcomed the recently elected directors, and bid farewell to the outgoing directors. The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM), and other governmental and private entities.

Election results

The district held an election on May 6 to determine three board of director positions from a pool of four candidates vying for three seats to be vacated due to the district’s eight-year term limitation policy. The election judges’ abstract of votes for the four-year term candidates were:

  • Erik Demkowicz 337 votes
  • John M Gibbons 345 votes
  • Ann-Marie Jojola 334 votes
  • Michael Gerald McEwen 318 votes

Gibbons and Jojola were sworn in as board directors during the May board meeting. Demkowicz signed his oath of office on May 20, and a public swearing-in ceremony will take place at the June meeting. The board decided to defer assigning board positions until June. The election results can be found at: www.triviewmetro.com.

Note: Ballots were mailed to each eligible voter residing in the district’s 2,315 homes.

Bond issuance

The May 6 ballot included a $12.6 million bond question to widen Higby Road from Jackson Creek Parkway through to Harness Road. Ballot question A passed with 60.42% yes and 39.58% no, or 344 votes for and 230 votes against.

District Manager James McGrady said, “The district is working with a bond underwriter to develop an official statement and expects to market the bonds in early to mid-July, sell the bonds late July, and potentially close the bonds for Higby Road late July. The bond market is unstable, and it did not help that Moody’s downgraded the U.S. government credit rating; the markets are in a bit of turmoil during the tariff impacts and the “big, beautiful bill” impact. The district will be watching the market and may delay the 30-year bond to late August before issuing the bonds, in an effort to lock in an interest rate lower than 4.96%. Everything may calm down, and maybe the Federal Reserve will lower the interest rate again. The district had bids on the project of about $6 million three years ago, and now the cost has doubled.”

McGrady said a common practice is to have a resolution to allow the district to reimburse itself should costs be incurred for the Higby Road widening project before the issuance of the $12.6 million bond. He requested the new board review and consider approval of Resolution 2025-06, a resolution of the TMD Board of Directors, declaring its official intent to reimburse itself with the proceeds of tax-exempt bonds for certain capital expenditures undertaken or to be undertaken by the district in relation to costs and purchases for the Higby Road project.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Traffic study underway

McGrady said Kimley-Horn is conducting a traffic study in the area of Lyons Tail Road and Jackson Creek Parkway to determine traffic control methods to improve safety and traffic flow. The study is expected to cost about $23,000, lower than anticipated due to a recent traffic study completed by Kimley-Horn for the developer of the proposed commercial area south of Blevins Buckle Trail that included traffic from Lewis Palmer High School during the school year, said McGrady. See https://wp.ocn.me.v25n5tmd/.

Assistant manager’s report

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said he had attended CPR and first aid training with the entire field staff, and he thanked Public Works and Parks and Open Space Superintendent Matt Rayno for setting up the one-day certification. The district felt this was a good certification for the district crews who interact with the public. And he said:

  • The district has 31 old commercial meters remaining to be replaced with Badger meters. It is hoped that the new meter replacements will shrink the amount of unbilled water.
  • He and district Water and Sewer Line Inspector Kevin Fackerell is working on the engineering standards to ensure compliance with the latest construction practices.
  • The RESPEC team is updating the district’s Water and Sewer Master Plan. The plan looks at projections for both water and sewer and advises staff on how to plan accordingly for growth. The completed revised plans are expected by the end of 2025.

2025 water quality reports available

Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter said the district’s statement and 2025 Consumer Confidence Report, using 2024 data, are available at www.triviewmetro.com and this year include the Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) water quality report. The majority of the district’s water is being conveyed, treated, and delivered by CSU, and the annual water quality reports are required by the state, said Potter.

Unaccounted/unbilled water

Potter said the district produced 18.881 million gallons of water during the April billing cycle, of which 16.940 million gallons were sold to customers, leaving about 1.9 million gallons unaccounted. The staff is trying to determine if the loss is perceived loss or actual loss, and after verifying the accuracy of the production meters, in an effort to narrow the gap that is down for the past couple of months, the staff is also:

  • Working toward completing the meter replacement program to verify the accuracy of customer meters. Typically, ageing water meters allow more water through than they meter, so it is in the customers’ favor and not an actual loss.
  • Using a district-wide pressure map of six water zones, the staff is able to target areas to locate and repair leaks in the district’s irrigation service lines.
  • Working with Timber Line Electric and Control Corp. to integrate some additional meters into the SCADA reporting system.
  • Also:
  • The May water loss report will break down the water loss by pressure zone to help narrow the gap.
  • The aim is to track how many gallons are missing against tracking percentages throughout the year. The percentage varies from high to low season, when irrigation is not in use.

Demkowicz asked if the fire hydrants are metered within the district’s construction zones.

Potter said, “The hydrants are metered and construction companies are required to collect a fire hydrant meter from the district, and those meter numbers are then reported to the billing staff. There have been instances when Monument Fire Department (MFD) [has] used fire hydrants unmetered during training activity, and in an emergency, you do what you have to do. The district does not charge MFD for using fire hydrant water and continues to work with MFD to help account for the district’s water use.”

McGrady said, “The price to deliver the district’s water to the district via CSU is $9.39 per 1,000 gallons, so when thousands of gallons of water are spewing out unmetered during firefighter training, it is real money. The district is paying a pretty penny for the convey, treat, and deliver service from CSU and does not want a big gap between produced water and sold water. The rate studies conducted to assess consumer rates assume there is a closed balance, and the unaccounted 2 to 3 million gallons found over the past few months does not help the district’s finances. MFD [has] a meter to use for training, and the Fire Department [is] now reporting the gallon usage after opening the fire hydrants for training purposes.”

Utility update

Potter said the following:

  • The Forest Lakes Metropolitan District Sanitary Survey was completed in early May.
  • The district’s Sanitary Survey is anticipated later this summer.
  • The wastewater flume has been recalibrated and appears to be reading accurately at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF). A laser flow meter will be installed upstream of the flume to verify accuracy. Historically, the effluent meters were not matching the two combined influent meters to the UMCRWWTF.
  • The Northern Delivery System produced 91% of the water for the district in April with 1.64 million gallons produced by wells.

Financial update

The board accepted the April financial report and approved 20 checks over $5,000 for almost $1.344 million. Of note was the payment of $627,922 for a budgeted capital project: enterprise water improvements for the Arkansas Valley Irrigation Co. augmentation station/diversion structure/recharge pond.

McGrady said, “This time last month the district was substantially trailing 2024 in sales tax revenue, collected under the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the TOM and TMD. The district receives 1.5% of the 3% sales tax revenue collected by the TOM from businesses within TMD, and a portion of Monument Police Department sales tax. The district has about $11 million in the bank, with only a little revenue received since October 2024. Funds will increase dramatically as the water sales grow during the summer months. The district initially had to charge 35 mills for the debt service, but with increased growth the district has lowered the mills to 14. The district is making serious progress and has less than 20 years to go before the debt service is paid down.”

The board unanimously approved the checks and accepted the financial report.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 8:51 p.m. to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(a), and to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM), and other governmental and private entities. The session also determined the district’s positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, related to the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities pursuant to CRS, section 24-6-402(4)(e).

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board returned to the regular session at 9:33 p.m., no action was taken by the board, and the meeting promptly adjourned.

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Above: From left, Vice President Anthony Sexton, Secretary/Treasurer James Barnhart, and President Mark Melville appear at the TMD Administrative Offices after receiving hand-blown crystal commemorative plaques in recognition of their eight-year service to the district. The plaques read: “Great achievements are nurtured with the cooperation of many minds with a common vision working toward a common goal.” McGrady thanked the board for its contribution to the district and said the board had been the easiest to work with and he cannot thank them enough for trusting him to do the right thing for the district’s future. Gross read a letter of thanks to the outgoing board directors during the farewell ceremony. Photo by Natalie Barszcz. See also the Letter to Our Community from the Triview board.

Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 19 at 5:30 p.m. A board workshop is scheduled June 20 from 9 to noon, to update the board directors on Special District Association matters. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 14 – Board moves accounts to Integrity Bank and Trust

By James Howald

In April, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board authorized staff to move the district’s bank accounts to Integrity Bank and Trust. It scheduled two special board meetings. The board heard a financial report from Board Treasurer Roy Martinez and operational reports from District Manager Jessie Shaffer, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine, and District Engineer Cydney Saelens.

Check fraud leads to change of banks

Shaffer asked the board to authorize staff to move the district’s bank accounts from Community Banks of Colorado to Integrity Bank and Trust. Shaffer said the district had been the victim of a “check washing” scheme: a WWSD check made out to a vendor had been intercepted by someone who removed the district’s name and address from the check and substituted their own. The amount of the check was not changed, Shaffer said. The incident required WWSD to close its accounts with Community Banks of Colorado; Shaffer said the district would also implement an additional control on its bank accounts called “positive pay,” which will require district staff to review and clear checks every day at 8 a.m. in perpetuity.

Shaffer said the district already has an investment account at Integrity Bank and Trust and district staff have been pleased with the bank’s customer service. He said the new bank offered the same services as Community Banks and had slightly higher interest rates.

Office Manager Cory Lynch said she was familiar with Integrity Bank and that it had low fees.

The board authorized the transition to Integrity Bank.

Special board meetings scheduled

The board scheduled a special meeting to award a drilling contract for well 12R, a new well that will be drilled in the South Woodmoor Preserve, to be held on April 28 at 9 a.m. at the WWSD offices at 1845 Woodmoor Dr. Shaffer said bids for the contract would open on April 17, so the board should be ready to award the contract quickly.

A second special board meeting, at which newly appointed board member Dana Franzen will take the seat currently held by Director Dan Beley, was scheduled for May 7 at 1 p.m. at the WWSD offices. Martinez commended Beley for six years of service on the board: Beley was initially appointed to serve the last two years of another board member’s term and then was elected to another four-year term.

At the May 7 meeting, the board will also make any appointments necessary to fill vacancies and will elect officers. Board Secretary Bill Clewe said he could not attend the meeting but was willing to serve another term as secretary and supported board President Brian Bush to serve another two years as president. Bush, who attended the meeting remotely, had offered to continue as president at the March board meeting.

Financial report

Martinez told the board that supplemental water sales did well in early 2025. (Users of supplemental water pay a higher rate than customers who stay within the standard water allotment.) Shaffer said La Plata Communities had elected to take advantage of a one-year delay in supplemental water rate increases that WWSD offered to developers in good standing for its Waterside development and its purchase of supplemental water had contributed to that revenue increase.

Martinez noted that tap fees were 6% under target. He said the purchase of a second three-quarter-ton truck had raised expenditures.

The board voted unanimously to accept the financial report.

Operational reports

In his Manager’s Report, Shaffer mentioned House Bill 25-1211, which regulates tap fees imposed by special districts such as WWSD. Shaffer said WWSD’s tap fee policies already align with the requirements of the bill, but the bill also says water districts must serve all proposed developments if the districts have the capacity to serve. He speculated that developers had influenced the progress of the bill.

Shaffer said a crew was preparing the Chilcott Ditch to begin delivering water to shareholders and the years-long revegetation work, required by the reclassification of Woodmoor Ranch’s water from agricultural to municipal use, was coming to a close, and was primarily addressing weed control rather than planting native grasses.

In his Operations Report, Operation Superintendent Dan LaFontaine provided additional detail about maintenance of the Chilcott Ditch. LaFontaine said the annual ditch maintenance included mowing, tree removal and stabilization of the ditch banks using riprap. He said an additional gate was being added to better regulate water flow through the ditch and avoid surges following rainstorms.

LaFontaine said he was continuing to work on identifying the causes of water loss in WWSD’s infrastructure by adding water tank storage levels to his analysis, in addition to meter testing and having his crews be vigilant for evidence of leaks. He said a contractor had noted the presence of water during construction of a new home and that led to the discovery of a leaking saddle, which was repaired. LaFontaine said his goal was to keep unaccounted water under 10%, which would be considered excellent by industry standards. In March, about 15% of the water produced was unaccounted for, according to LaFontaine.

LaFontaine said the meter replacement project was on track to install 1,200 meters this year, which would complete residential replacements.

In her Engineer’s Report, Saelens said she was working with JVA Consulting Engineers on a plan to decommission one of the district’s lift stations. Decommissioning the lift station would cost $630,000 but would save the district money in the long run.

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The next meeting is on May 12 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, April 16 – District plans for Buc-ee’s impact

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At the Monument Sanitation District’s (MSD) April meeting, District Manager Mark Parker updated the board on work underway to ensure the district’s collection system can handle the estimated wastewater from the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Parker also updated the board on issues at the district’s headquarters building. Board Treasurer John Howe, who is term-limited and will be replaced by Shannon Clark at the board’s May meeting, said goodbye to the other board members.

Pipeline capacity examined

Parker told the board that he was working with GMS Inc., the district’s consulting engineers, to assess the existing pipelines and manholes between Dirty Woman Creek Park and the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility (TLWWTF). The park and the treatment facility are both on Mitchell Avenue south of Mount Herman Road, about a half mile apart from each other. GMS is documenting the rim and invert elevations, pipe sizes, and material types of each manhole and performing a hydraulic evaluation to determine the current capacity of the system.

Parker said the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center would produce an estimated 15,000 gallons of wastewater per day. The 12-inch pipeline that runs between the park and the treatment facility is currently carrying about one-eighth of its maximum capacity, Parker said. He estimated the wastewater from the travel center would have minimal impact on the pipeline.

One manhole remains to be documented, Parker said, adding he was not sure it made sense to open it for inspection due to its location under Dirty Woman Creek. The manhole had been examined by video, he said.

Parker said he would meet with GMS later in the day to verify the existing infrastructure, including pipeline capacity and the TLWWTF, can handle the travel center’s wastewater if it is built.

MSD headquarters to receive new tree

Parker told the board that the Town of Monument would replace the tree in the MSD headquarters’ courtyard with a chokecherry on Arbor Day, April 25. The old tree was improperly installed, he said, and was dying. See Arbor Day photo on page < 21 >.

Parker also mentioned that an expansion tank in the building had been replaced.

Howe bids the board farewell

Having completed his second and final term on the MSD board, Howe wished the best for Shannon Clark, who will replace him. He thanked Chairman Dan Hamilton for his leadership, Director William Morgan for agreeing to fill a vacancy on the board and volunteering to be the board’s liaison with the Joint Use Committee that oversees the TLWWTF, Secretary Janet Ladowski for her wealth of scientific knowledge, and Director Anthony Archer for his background with sanitation.

Howe also said goodbye to Parker, to Accounts Administrator Cheran Allsup, and Operations Specialist James Kendrick.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 21. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, April 17 – Economic development incentive approved for retail development

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on April 17, the board approved an economic development incentive agreement for a 30-acre retail site adjacent to Monument Marketplace, awarded the construction contract for its administrative building and utility operations center, and awarded the Phase 2 agreement for the construction of the 1.5-million-gallon tank in Promontory Pointe. The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental and private entities.

Board candidates Erik Demkowicz and Ann-Marie Jojola attended the meeting (see below for election details).

Economic incentive development agreement approved

District Manager James McGrady requested the board consider an economic development incentive agreement with Legacy Development Partners LLC (LDP) that consists of sales tax share back, utility tap fee concessions, and infrastructure construction assistance.

Chris Hake, founder of LDP, said the agreement had been a long time in the making, taking years of coordination with the property owner to plan the proposed 30-acre retail development on the southside of Blevins Buckle Trail (behind Home Depot and Kohls). The developed site could deliver over 250,000 square feet of new commercial space, anchored by a large national retailer, with a blend of local, regional and national restaurants, other stores, and a potential site for a four-story hotel on the southeast portion of the development. The proposed major anchor tenant would be the first to open its doors around October 2027, said Hake.

In a 3-0 vote, the board approved the development incentive agreement and authorized McGrady to sign. Secretary/Treasurer James Barnhart arrived after the motion had passed.

Later in the meeting, the five-member board, all in favor of the economic incentive development agreement, discussed the need for a South Jackson Creek Parkway traffic flow study. The board anticipates increased traffic flow during the construction phase and after the development is built, with a need for traffic pattern upgrades before the new retail area opens.

Note: The district would provide the necessary road upgrades for Jackson Creek Parkway as part of the economic development incentive. After the main retail store is built, the district expects reimbursement will be made through the collection of tap fees and the road and bridge fees from the development of the remaining 10 sites within the development. The district would also receive property tax revenue from the site occupants, and a portion of the sales tax revenue.

Construction award

McGrady said the district received six bids for the construction of the district’s Administrative Building and Utility Operations Center to be built on a 2-acre site at West Baptist Road and North Terrazzo Drive. See https://wp.ocn.me.v25n1tmd/. The district received several bids around the $4 million mark and he requested the board award the contract to Crossland Construction Company Inc. to construct the building for about $3.382 million. The board awarded the contract, with McGrady authorized to sign it, in a 4-0 vote. Director Jason Gross arrived after the motion passed.

Water storage tank update

McGrady requested the board approve the CM/GC agreement between TMD and Kiewit Infrastructure for Phase 2 of the water storage tank construction services for $971,800. And he said:

  • The district is using about $700,000 of the $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Phase 2 of the 1.5-million-gallon water storage tank project, to be located alongside the existing tank at B Plant, St. Lawrence Way, in Promontory Pointe.
  • Phase 3 will take place in 2026 using the remaining $300,000 of the ARPA grant to make the site ready for a tank almost identical to the existing tank, just slightly larger.

The board unanimously approved the agreement for Phase 2 with authorization for McGrady to sign the contract. See https://wp.ocn.me.v25n1tmd/.

Financial update

The board accepted the February and March financial report and approved 21 checks over $5,000 for about $1.3 million. Of note was the payment of $257,774 for the budgeted and recently received snowplow dump truck.

McGrady said the district’s cash position is good and property tax revenue was deposited in March with the second deposit expected in June. Cash is going out for various projects, and some financing is necessary to move projects forward. For the second month in a row, the sales tax distributed by the TOM to the district was lower than expected. The town notified the district that some businesses are delinquent in making tax payments, and town staff continue to send out delinquency notices and hand deliver requests for payment to those businesses.

The state used to handle taxes for the town until the town adopted the voter-approved Home Rule Charter and then began self-collecting sales tax revenues, however collecting sales tax requires a skill set that the town did not have, therefore, the town had to engage a consultant to assist with the collection of sales tax revenue. It is costing the town money to collect sales tax, a service the state completed in the past, said McGrady.

Note: According to the current intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the TOM and TMD, the district currently receives 1.5% of the sales tax revenue collected by the TOM from businesses within the town. The town also distributes Regional Building Use Tax and Motor Vehicle Tax to the district.

Outgoing director comments

Vice Chair Anthony Sexton, who is leaving the board, thanked the staff, the previous and incumbent board directors, and water attorney Chris Cummins for his expertise on water. He said he continues to learn and has thoroughly enjoyed his eight-year tenure, and said, “Great things are happening in the district and I am confident that the district will continue to accomplish even more. It is easy to table action, but with regard to making decisions about water and infrastructure, it is risky, as everything gets more expensive when you sit on your hands. Nothing good happens by not developing in the Tri-Lakes area community, shutting down smart development does not help a great community improve roads and schools, and does not pay our teachers and police department more, it only brings higher taxes.

“As a board director on a water utility board, it is not my job to advocate for development, but without wise development the district cannot provide residents with renewable water and upgraded wastewater services, and maintain roads and parks. It is important to take a responsible approach that is not anti or pro anything, just considering things, and allowing the town to make the development decisions. Without development the district does not receive the revenue needed to provide great services, and taxing the daylights out of people to provide good service, is not the way forward, but it is wise to spread costs out for future residents that may move here in the next 10 to 15 years,” said Sexton.

Independent mail ballot election

The district will hold an election on May 6 to determine three board of director positions. Four candidates are vying for three seats to be vacated due to term limitations. The ballot also includes a question relating to a $12.6 million bond to widen Higby Road from Jackson Creek Parkway through to Harness Road. Please note all ballots must be signed and delivered to one of the following locations:

  • The secured metal box inside the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument, available only during regular business hours and through 7 p.m. on May 6.
  • Mailed/dropped off with the designated election official by 7 p.m. on May 6 at 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 2000, Centennial, CO 80122-1880.

Specific office timings for dropping off ballots, and information about the candidates and the proposed Higby Road widening project related to the bond question, can be found at https://triviewmetro.com.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:58 p.m. to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(a), and to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the TOM and other governmental and private entities. The session also determined the district’s positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, as it related to the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities pursuant to CRS, section 24-6-402(4)(e).

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board moved back into the regular session at 8:31 p.m., no action was taken and the meeting promptly adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 22 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, April 17 – Pumps and pipeline proposal out for bids

By James Howald

At a brief meeting in April, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board heard a progress report from Mark Valentine, its interim workflow manager, and a financial report from Corbin Fromm, of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accounting firm.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Treatment plant design proceeding

Valentine told the board that the water treatment plant design and pilot test work, awarded to Burns and McDonnell at the previous board meeting, was going forward with no major issues. He said a kickoff meeting would be held early in May.

A request for proposal (RFP) to design the lift station pumps and pipelines needed to convey water from the proposed treatment plant northward to customers in the participating water district was out for bids, Valentine said. The RFP specifies five lift stations and 28 miles of pipeline, some 24-inch and some smaller. Valentine said the responses would go to the Loop’s board members for evaluation. Responses to the RFP are due May 16, he said.

Valentine added meetings with Western States Land Services LLC, the company acquiring easements for the Loop’s pipelines, would be held soon. He said a preliminary meeting to discuss the control network for the project would be held in May.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $55,000 had been received for engineering, legal and accounting work. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to pay the invoices.

Fromm said a check from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners for $594,000 had been received and he expected another check from the same source for $138,000 to arrive soon. Both checks are portions of the $4 million provided by the Biden administration’s American Recovery Plan Act to get the Loop project through its beginning stages. The Loop had spent about $86,000, or 2 percent, of its 2025 budget, Fromm said.

Executive session

An executive session was held to receive legal counsel regarding negotiating positions on issues with Vidler Water Co. Inc., Cherokee Metropolitan District, La Plata Communities, and Burns and McDonnell. No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 15 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 17 – Workshop covers finances, water supply

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

On April17, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) held a workshop and a regular board meeting. At the workshop, General Manager Jeff Hodge presented the district’s financial policy. Brett Gracely and Helen Malenda-Lawrence, both consultants with LRE Water, addressed several technical issues, including DWSD’s ground and surface water assets, the four large capital projects the district has underway, and techniques to manage the district’s well field. Board President Wayne Vanderschuere discussed ways to improve public outreach.

At its regular meeting, the board considered a resolution that authorizes “integrated project delivery” by pre-approving three contractors and heard a progress report on well 7D-R from Hodge.

Financial strategy to remain unchanged

Hodge told the board that DWSD’s financial strategy was built on four funds: the Bond Reserve Fund, the Strategic Reserve Fund, the Capital Reserve Fund and the Operating Reserve Fund. The district also maintains a Water Fund and a Wastewater Fund that are used for monthly expenses.

The Bond Reserve Fund is established as a condition of the bonds the district has issued. The district’s bonds were refinanced in 2020, saving the district $170,000 per year in debt service. The funds are protected by bond covenants and can be used only in the event of a default or to pay down principal. It has a balance of $1.25 million, Hodge said.

The Strategic Reserve Fund holds property tax revenues beyond what is needed for operating costs and capital expenses. Strategic Reserve funds are used to acquire water rights, build storage capacity and take advantage of conveyance opportunities. Wells, which typically cost around $2 million to drill, are financed with money from this fund. The balance in this fund fluctuates depending on buying opportunities; the balance is currently $4.44 million, according to Hodge.

The Capital Reserve Fund is established from capital revenues and is used for large-scale projects such as the upgrades installed at the Holbein Water Treatment Plant to remediate radium levels and the repair of water storage tanks. The fund’s balance is $3.6 million.

The Operating Reserve Fund has a balance sufficient to operate the district for six months and is used to protect the district from unforeseen cost increases such as increases in water costs, treatment costs, and emergency repairs. The balance is $3.2 million.

The total of all four funds is about $12.5 million, Hodge said. That amount was confirmed to be adequate by Raftelis, a company that does financial modeling and rates studies for local governments and utilities. Hodge said he recommended making no changes to the four funds.

Water supply and projects

Gracely and Malenda-Lawrence reviewed DWSD’s groundwater and surface water supplies.

The district operates 13 wells, nine of which produce water from the Arapahoe aquifer and four from the Denver aquifer. One of the Arapahoe aquifer wells is out of production and one of the Denver aquifer wells is currently being redrilled. The Arapahoe wells are permitted by the state to provide a maximum of 1,513.7 acre-feet of water per year; actual production is less than that amount. The Denver aquifer wells can provide a maximum of 1,141 acre-feet per year.

DWSD’s maximum groundwater supply totals 2,671 acre-feet per year; actual production is less. Groundwater is a finite resource; as aquifer levels decline, groundwater becomes more expensive to produce until it is no longer a viable resource.

Water from DWSD’s wells is treated at two treatment plants: the R. Hull Water Treatment Plant and the Holbein Water Treatment Plant (HWTP). The two plants together deliver 820.7 acre-feet of water to customers each year.

In addition to its groundwater supplies, DWSD has rights to renewable surface water from the Willow Creek Ranch, which is in Lake County near Leadville, as well as to water from the Laughlin Ditch, which originates in Stratmoor, an unincorporated community near Fountain.

DWSD’s Willow Creek Ranch water rights are 1890 senior irrigation rights converted in water court to municipal uses. The district has rights to a maximum of 280 acre-feet of water per year from the ranch. Currently, this water is stored in the Pueblo Reservoir and then treated and delivered to DWSD customers by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) at a high cost that increases with each contract renewal. DWSD has plans to deliver this water to its customers using the Loop water re-use project, without incurring the CSU charges.

The district’s Laughlin Ditch water rights are 1860 senior irrigation rights, originally used to irrigate a pasture, that were converted to municipal uses in 1975. DWSD leases this water to the Arkansas Groundwater and Reservoir Association. (Arkansas in this instance refers to the Arkansas River, not the state.) The district is considering plans to exchange this water to the confluence of the Monument and Beaver Creeks, thereby making it available to district customers.

Gracely and Malenda-Lawrence gave the board an overview of four projects the district is working on:

  • Well 7D replacement: Expected to cost $2 million to $2.5 million, well 7D, which failed in 2020, will be redrilled and renamed well 7D-R. The failure of well 11D in late 2024 left the HWTP with no access to water from the Denver aquifer. Well 7D-R will restore HWTP’s access to Denver aquifer water and should be in production by late summer 2025.
  • The Loop water re-use project: A collaborative water supply initiative involving DWSD, Woodmoor Water and Sanitation and the Town of Monument, the Loop will divert water, including reuseable effluent, from Fountain Creek, and treat, store and convey it to customers in the participating entities. The Loop is a large-scale, long-term project expected to be completed in 2030 or 2031. The Loop received $4 million in start-up financing from the Biden administration’s American Recovery Plan Act and is currently in design phase. Preliminary estimates for the project’s cost are close to $160 million.
  • Aquifer Storage and Recovery: This pilot study will use well 9A to recharge the Arapahoe aquifer, using the aquifer to store treated water for later use without any loss to evaporation. It is partially funded by the Colorado Conservation Board’s Water Plan Grant, with a $2.4 million match from DWSD.
  • Direct Potable Reuse: This project will begin the establishment of a system to deliver treated effluent to customers without first returning it to a river or stream. This project does not have an estimated cost.

Well 7-DR update

Hodge told the board that a retaining wall for the well, which is adjacent to the district’s offices at 15850 Holbein Dr., should be started by April 21. The next step is to build a sound wall to protect the nearby homes from the noise of drilling as much as possible. Following the drilling, electrical work, pump installation and approval of water samples will take place. The well could be in production by August, Hodge said.

Above: Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) prepares its Holbein Drive headquarters upper parking lot site to re-drill well 7D. The new well, 7D-R, will restore Denver aquifer water delivery to the Holbein Water Treatment Plant (HWTP) after well 11D failed. The $2 million-$2.5 million project is expected to be operational by August. DWSD will install retaining and sound walls before drilling, do electrical work, and install a pump. Recent upgrades include rehabilitating the HWTP and maintaining water tanks. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Well field management

Malenda-Lawrence discussed the ways DWSD’s wells can be managed as a well field to extend the life of the underlying aquifers and to remain within the maximum amounts the district is allowed to pump from the Arapahoe and Denver aquifers. She cautioned the board that maximum amounts permitted does not ensure that wells can produce that amount of water. Well age and condition affect well production and the district may choose to run some wells at a throttled rate to avoid deterioration. “Low and slow” is the best way to operate a well for aquifer health, she said.

Hodge commented that the well field study and a dashboard developed by Malenda-Lawrence were helpful in predicting the impact of decisions about how to run individual wells.

Malenda-Lawrence said she used aquifer testing data, sustainable pumping rates, water blending scenarios, and water rights to help water operators make strategic decisions about how to use wells.

Steve Ravel, a project manager with Merrick & Co., reported on a Geographic Information System he developed that maps the district’s distribution and collection systems and provides a database operators can use to make decisions and maintain the infrastructure.

Plan to improve public outreach

Vanderschuere said public outreach builds trust and confidence in the district’s customers and said more needed to be done in that arena because the board relies on customer support. He suggested developing a packet of information that could be given to new residents that would help them understand the special districts that deliver services to them. He also proposed using open houses to build relationships with district customers.

“Integrated project delivery” resolution

Hodge asked the board to consider Resolution 2025-3, which pre-approves three contractors—Lando Excavation LLC, Iron Woman Construction and Environmental Services LLC, and RJ Gleeson Construction—to provide services in urgent situations without going through a typical bidding process. Pre-approval aims to increase efficiency, fast-track design and construction, and provide more quality assurance. The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The March meeting was delayed by one week to allow adequate notice of a public hearing. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 3, March 3 – Bonds approved for commercial district; covenant policy enforcement

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District (PLMD) 3 special meeting on March 3, the board approved the General Obligation limited tax convertible Capital Appreciation Bonds, Series 2025, and approved a covenant policy and design review enforcement resolution for the commercial district.

In attendance were FLMD Manager Ann Nichols, Tom Blunk of CP Real Estate Capital, representing Forest Lakes LLC and Forest Lakes Residential Development, District Attorney Nicole Peykov of Spencer Fane law firm, and the following board directors: Secretary Joe Loidolt, president of Classic Homes, Director/resident James Boulton, vice president/project manager of Classic Homes, and Director Steve Schlosser, a project manager for Classic Homes.

President George Lenz, executive vice president of finance for Classic Homes and Treasurer/Secretary Douglas Stimple, chief executive officer of Classic Homes, did not attend.

There were no public comments made during the meeting.

PPMD 3 capital appreciation bonds

Peykov requested the board consider approving 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.

Bond counsel Tiffany Lu Leichman of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP summarized the parameters resolution and the bond documents and said the bonds are expected to maintain a fixed interest rate for about a 30-year term. The pledged debt service will be capped at 40 mills subject to an adjustment with a minimum levy of 32 mills. The total maximum repayment will be $27 million with a maximum of 18% interest to a maturity date of no later than Dec. 1, 2056.

Blunk said the service plan allows 50 mills but capped the debt service at 40 mills and is working toward 32 mills. The decision to begin with 40 mills was indicative of the market at the time the commercial development in PPMD 3 began.

The board approved the resolution and identified Nichols as the district representative with Lenz designated as the board representative to execute the documents and other items related to the issuance of the bonds.

Kyle Thomas of D.A. Davidson said the pricing will be assessed at the beginning of April with a tentative closing on April 10.

Peykov said that all signatures will be collected before the closing, and she requested the board approve all the engagement letters for Causey Public Finance LLC and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, ratifying the development strategies pertaining to the preparation of market and tax assessment study, and the ratification of the D.A. Davidson engagement letter.

The board approved ratification of the engagement letters.

PPMD 3 covenant enforcement

Peykov requested the board adopt and approve a PPMD 3 resolution adopting policies concerning covenant enforcement and design review services, limited to PPMD 3 for the property within its boundaries. Peykov said covenant violations are recorded against the property, but under a bill that was passed in the last state legislative session metropolitan districts that provide covenant enforcement and design review services are required to have certain policies in place.

For metro districts with only commercial property within their boundaries, those new policies are limited to having a policy in place, for when the district would impose fines and provide notice to any alleged violators. The district policy is limited to imposing fines and the steps it would need to take. The district provides services regardless of the types of properties, but the current policy could be corrected to include requirements for residential properties should those types of properties be included in the commercial district, said Peykov.

The board approved the covenant enforcement and design policy.

The meetings adjourned at 4:22 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held quarterly or when necessary on the first Monday of the month at 4 p.m., via Teleconference. Meeting notices are posted at least 24 hours in advance at https://forestlakesmetrodistrict.com. For general questions, contact District Manager Ann Nichols at 719-327-5810, anicholsduffy@aol.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Forest Lake Metropolitan District articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, March 10 – Board authorizes easement agreement for Well 12R

By James Howald

The Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board authorized an easement agreement between the district and the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) at the March 10 meeting. The board amended its agreement with the Loop water reuse project. The board heard a financial report from board Treasurer Roy Martinez and operational reports from District Manager Jessie Shaffer, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine, and District Engineer Cyndey Saelens. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Easement agreement authorized

Shaffer asked the board to authorize a temporary construction easement between WWSD and the WIA that facilitates well 12R to be drilled in the South Woodmoor Preserve. The easement agreement covers an area just under a third of an acre west of Muzzle Loader Way between lots 349 and 351. The easement will allow WWSD to drill well 12R, build a well house, and install safety bollards, concrete pads, and pipelines. After the well is drilled, the temporary easement will transition to a permanent utility easement just under one-tenth of an acre in the same location.

Resident Tish Norman told the board she lives close to the location where the well will be drilled and had concerns about lighting and noise during the three-week period when the well is being drilled. Shaffer said all the nearby residents would receive notices once both WWSD and WIA sign the easement agreement. He said temporary soundwalls would be installed to reduce the noise caused by drilling and the lighting would have hoods to lessen the impact on neighbors. Board President Brian Bush added that the land would be restored once the drilling and construction concluded.

The board voted unanimously to authorize the easement agreement to be signed by a representative of WWSD. The agreement will take effect once it is also signed by WIA.

Agreement with the Loop amended

Shaffer explained that the amendment to the agreement between WWSD and the Loop addressed two issues: the number of Loop board members each participating district would appoint and the requirement for a unanimous vote of members present to approve any action by the Loop board.

Shaffer said that the withdrawal of the Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD) from the Loop in December 2024 created a procedural problem for the Loop board. Under the existing agreement, each member district appoints one member to the Loop board. CMD’s withdrawal left only three water districts participating in the Loop, which meant that two Loop board members constituted a quorum. Any conversation between two Loop board members was therefore a public meeting that had to comply with Colorado’s open meeting laws, including an announcement of the conversation 24 hours in advance. A quorum of two was constraining discussion between board members, Shaffer said

To fix this, in the case where there are less than four participating districts, the amended agreement gives each participating district two board members, thereby requiring four board members to constitute a quorum and allowing for informal discussions between board members. If there are four or more participating districts, then each district appoints a single member of the Loop board.

The amended agreement also specifies that all board actions require a quorum and a unanimous vote of the members present.

The board voted in favor of the amended agreement and appointed LaFontaine to be WWSD’s second board member in addition to Shaffer. Saelens is the alternate Loop board member.

Financial report

Martinez told the board that the district was moving from cash-based accounting to accrual-based accounting, which meant the monthly financial reports would always be for the previous month. Bush explained accrual-based accounting shows what was billed, not what was received, and that figures would reconcile over time.

The board voted unanimously to accept the financial report.

Operational reports

In his Manager’s Report, Shaffer discussed a water reuse study underway by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) that parallels the Loop. The two projects could share some infrastructure, such as reservoirs, Shaffer said, adding he expected CSU’s study to be complete in a year.

Shaffer noted two water-related bills under consideration by the state Legislature. A bill to allow unlimited harvesting of rainwater was postponed indefinitely, he said. A bill regulating how tap fees can be used and prohibiting embedding operating costs in them was likely to pass, he said. WWSD tap fees already comply with the requirements of the bill, according to Shaffer.

In his Operations Report, LaFontaine said that after three months of greater than normal water loss, he had concluded that there were leaks in the water distribution system that had not yet surfaced. He asked his staff to be on the lookout for evidence of leaks and said he was evaluating technologies that could identify leaks. He noted two well failures: Well 10 had a motor fail and Well 21 had a variable flow device fail.

In her Engineer’s Report, Saelens said she was working with Classic Homes on timelines for its Monument Junction developments. She said the district’s newest Dawson aquifer well had encountered a setback requiring a change to the way the well is built.

Bush noted that his term of office as president of the board will end on May 6. He said the board can appoint him as president for the remainder of his two-year term on the board, adding he would serve if the board wishes.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions and to confer with legal counsel on potential agreements with CSU.

No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on April 14 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, Mar. 19 –Upcoming election canceled

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its March meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) announced the cancelation of the election scheduled for May 6, which would have filled two board seats. Resident Chad Smith raised concerns about the self-nomination process by which candidates declare their intention to run for the MSD board. In his Manager’s Report, District Manager Mark Parker updated the board on maintenance issues at the district’s headquarters building and on the effort to encourage customers to pay their bills online.

Two candidates for two available seats

Parker told the board that, because the number of candidates matched the number of seats available on the board, there was no need to hold an election. The two candidates will serve four-year terms, Parker said. Some of the incumbent board members are serving three-year terms due to a decision by the state Legislature to move special district elections to odd years.

Board President Dan Hamilton said the two candidates were Shannon Clark, who was applying for her first term on the board, and Skip Morgan, who is an incumbent. Board Treasurer John Howe is term-limited and will leave the board.

Smith speaks to difficulty in self-nomination

Smith told the board that he had tried to nominate himself as a board candidate but had been unable to successfully complete his paperwork. According to the district’s website, the deadline for self-nomination forms to be submitted was Friday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. Smith said he emailed Kara Winters, of Collins Cole Winn & Ulmer PLLC, the Designated Election Official overseeing the election, at 2:13 p.m. on Feb. 28 with a question; he did not receive a reply until 3:49 p.m.

Smith said he tried to go to the district office, but it was closed. He pointed out the nomination form did not correctly specify the time on Feb. 28 after which forms would no longer be accepted. Smith said he received another email from Winters, which he did not have time to look at, but he believed he had successfully nominated himself to run for a seat on the board.

On March 13, Smith said, he was told two people had been selected to serve on the board, but he was not one of the two. He followed up with Winters and was told she had gotten his application confused with the application of another candidate with the same name who was seeking to run in another election in El Paso County. Smith admitted his application was received 26 minutes after the deadline.

Hamilton thanked Smith for telling the board his experience and said the board would see if the self-nomination process could be made more transparent. Parker reminded the board that there were very specific laws governing elections in districts like MSD.

Smith said he would consider an appointment to the board if any of the members should be unable to serve out their term.

Manager’s Report

Parker told the board that two toilets had been replaced in the headquarters building to resolve ongoing water leaks that had inflated the district’s water bill. He said he wanted to put a pressure-reducing valve in place to lower the water pressure coming into the building to help prevent water leaks in the future.

Parker said that phone calls had increased regarding the recent imposition of a $2 fee for receiving a paper statement. The district imposed the fee to encourage customers to receive their monthly statements via email, which would reduce the district’s costs. Parker said the change had been well received by most customers. He estimated 60 percent to 70 percent of the district’s customers were using the online process.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 16. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, March 3 and 20 – Bond ballot language, Conexus improvements approved

By Natalie Barszcz

The Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) board held a special meeting on March 3 to approve the language for the proposed bond question for the May 6 ballot/election relating to the Higby Road improvements. The board heard that four residents are on the ballot for election in 2025 for three seats and approved a resolution with Conexus to make improvements to the proposed west Monument development. An executive session was held to discuss the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI), and the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF).

At the March 20 meeting, the board heard about the district’s water supply, a flume replacement planned for the UMCRWWTF, and the ongoing investigation into produced water loss. The board also approved a water backflow policy and the sub-District A 2025 budget, accepted a petition for inclusion of property, and discussed an economic incentive policy. An executive session was held to discuss economic incentive agreements.

Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart was excused from both meetings.

Bond question approved

District Manager James McGrady said the district will call an election on May 6 for

Resolution 2025-03, an amended and restated resolution of the board of directors, amending Resolution 2024-14 calling an election for the issuance of bonds to fund improvements to Higby Road. The debt would increase by $12.6 million with a maximum payment of $25.25 million with 30-year general obligation bonds, with a maximum interest rate not to exceed 5.20% per annum.

The annual payment will be about $835,000, repaid with revenue drawn from the previously voter-approved 7 mills (ad valorum/property taxes based on property tax value) pledged for operation and management on Nov. 3, 2020, and additional road and bridge fees derived from the sale of homes, and some of the sales tax reimbursement from the Town of Monument.

The passing of the ballot measure will allow the district to borrow funds (without raising taxes) to complete the project. The proposed improvements to Higby Road will address safety concerns, increase traffic flows, including improved curb and gutter, sidewalks, turn lanes, storm drainage, pedestrian crossings, improved access to Lewis-Palmer High School, and enhanced emergency vehicle access to existing homes and subdivisions, said McGrady.

The board approved the ballot question in a 4-0 vote.

District general counsel George Rowley reminded the district staff that further convincing of the public by district employees and/or using district funds to distribute information in favor of the ballot question was now prohibited; but board directors can talk about the upcoming ballot question and convince residents by providing information. Any director spending funds to promote the ballot question must report the expenditure to the state. An aerial rendition and detailed information about the project can be found at: https://triviewmetro.com/projects/higby-road-improvements/.

Director Jason Gross pledged to write a pro-statement for the blue book election guide.

Teachout Creek Crossing improvements

McGrady said an agreement was requested by Schuck Chapman Companies Inc. to help fund a crossing over Teachout Creek. Conexus has settled three lots, and a pipeline needs to be installed across Teachout Creek to serve the sold properties, but the work can only take place in the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse habitat between Nov. 1 and April 30 when the mouse is dormant. In anticipation of beating the sleeping mouse timeline, it became obvious that the approved Conexus Metropolitan District (CMD) could not issue bonds in time.

TMD was approached and was asked to fund the project for a few months until May/June 2025, when the district will be reimbursed. It is a lucrative deal for the district to gain the tap fees and the road and bridge fees, and the district should try to facilitate the pipeline construction to allow development to occur in the CMD, McGrady said. Assurances are built into the agreement to ensure the district is reimbursed, he said.

Rowley said the district will use the funding to construct the crossings and sewer lines, dealing with the contractor under the district’s name, and upon completion the district will be reimbursed. CMD will issue bonds this year to pay for the improvements made by TMD. But with uncertainty over the market and the timing of when bonds can be issued, a consensual lien is built into the contract on 22 acres (under contract for almost $7 million) in the Conexus District 1. CMD and the developer Conexus LLC will be under contract to pay the bond proceeds of $825,000 to TMD when the bonds are issued, at a date no later than August 2025. The infrastructure at build-out will belong to TMD, said Rowley.

In a 4-0 vote, the board approved the Teachout Creek Crossing Improvements Agreement by and between TMD and Conexus Metropolitan District No. 1, and Conexus LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, the property owner, and authorized McGrady to sign the agreement.

2025 board election

McGrady said the district has four candidates running to fill three board positions that will be vacated when term-limited Directors Barnhart, Mark Melville, and Anthony Sexton relinquish their seats after serving the district for eight years. The following candidates will be on the ballot on May 6 to serve a four-year term: Erik Demkowicz, John Gibbons, Ann-Marie Jojola, and Mike McEwen. Biographies for each candidate can be found in the March/April newsletter mailed to residents and at www.triviewmetrodistrict.com.

Note: Demkowicz and Jojola attended the March 20 meeting.

Financial update

The board approved the January financial report and 22 checks over $5,000 through February 2025, and 15 through March 20.

McGrady said February was a “bit of a shocker” with over $2.6 million in expenses. Of note was almost $1.365 million for the Creekside Development that is part of the district’s agreement with the developer, and the annual payment of $564,393 to Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) for the availability service fee that is financed over 25 years for about $9 million, and the permitting for the new district building (land and design site plan and development fees) to the Town of Monument for $6,500. It was an expensive month with some one-time expenses and large annual payments, but the cash balance is “coming back up” and as of Feb. 28 was about $11 million including reserve funds, said McGrady.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 6:17 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(4)(e), for the purposes of determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiations as it relates to potential participation in the NMCI and the UMCRWTF.

No action was taken after the meeting returned to the regular session. The board promptly adjourned at 6:49 p.m. on March 3.

Water delivery update

At the March 20 regular meeting, McGrady said the district had pumped through the 409-acre feet of leased water from Pueblo Reservoir that was delivered to the district customers via the Northern Delivery System (NDS). The district is now pumping first use Fountain Mutual Irrigation Co. water. There is a lot of talk about the Pueblo Reservoir spill from annual snowpack melt, with the critical level days being April 15 and 30. The district has 1,588 acre-feet in the south reservoir, and it will spill at 1,630-acre feet.

The district has been anticipating a fairly good chance of spill this year and has been moving water to create storage space, McGrady said. CSU continues to deliver the district’s water through a complex exchange of water rights through Pueblo Reservoir every month. With the district tied into the CSU system, and with access to terminal storage in Rampart Reservoir, the district has an infinite renewable water supply, he said. If well water is used as a supplement, it also becomes renewable, said McGrady.

Flume replacement

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the ongoing issue of excess water leaving the UMCRWWTF is more than the district actually inputs. The district hopes to resolve the issue by replacing the existing 6-inch flume with a 9-inch flume, said Sheffield.

Water loss upswing

Water Superintendent Gary Potter said an upswing in water loss had occurred with a 2.6-million-gallon loss in January and a 2.8-million-gallon loss in February. After examining the perceived versus actual water produced figures, the B Plant production meters, the search for leaks in the system, and knowing the NDS is 99.8% accurate, the accounts were checked and the focus is to continue updating the commercial meters to discover if that could be the cause of the water loss, said Potter.

Petition for inclusion

McGrady requested the board consider accepting a petition for inclusion of land between Elite Properties of America Inc., dba Classic Homes, and TMD. The 67-acre property is located in unincorporated El Paso County, off West Baptist Road, and is known as the Dellacroce Ranch LLC. The developer proposed homes of various sizes to include large lots and affordable housing. The district would not be burdened by supplying water and wastewater services to the development, said McGrady.

Rowley said board approval of the inclusion of property can occur only after a public hearing that will be scheduled at a later date.

The board accepted the petition for inclusion.

Other approved resolutions

The board also approved Resolution 2025-04, a water backflow policy, and Resolution 2025-05, the subdistrict A budget. The 2025 budget has a zero balance with no mill levy for 2025.

Economic development incentive policy

The board reviewed and considered resolution 2025-05 to adopt an Economic Development Incentive Policy but decided to table further discussion after Vice Chair Anthony Sexton said the language and numeric parameters were too restrictive and discriminatory, and the policy as written could work against the district. The policy is subject to revision by the general counsel, the water counsel, and McGrady before being presented to the board again.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 8:19 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(e), to discuss economic incentive agreements.

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board moved back into the regular session, no action was taken and the meeting promptly adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 17 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Trivew Metropolitan District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, March 20 – Contract awarded for water treatment plant design and pilot test

By James Howald

At its March meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA or the Loop) board awarded a contract for water treatment plant design and pilot testing. The board considered issuing a letter regarding possible use of eminent domain to Western States Land Services LLC, the company that the Loop has hired to acquire the easements needed for the project’s pipelines, which will convey water from Fountain Creek northward to customers in northern El Paso County.

Corbin Fromm of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accounting company, gave the board a financial report. Board President Jessie Shaffer asked the board to consider authorizing a request for proposal (RFP) for pipeline and pump station engineering services and recommended the board hire a financial adviser.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Burns and McDonnell selected for water treatment design and pilot

Mark Valentine, the Loop’s interim workflow manager, told the board that seven companies had responded to its RFP to provide water treatment plant design services. All the RFPs were well done, Valentine said. The proposals were reviewed by the Loop board members and by three engineers from Merrick and Co. The proposals were scored on their approach and the experience of the companies that submitted them. Black and Veatch, Burns and McDonnell, and CDM Smith submitted the top three proposals, Valentine said. Of the three, Burns and McDonnell’s proposal was the strongest, Valentine said, and he recommended the board select that company.

Shaffer said he liked the evaluation process and agreed with Valentine’s recommendation. The board voted unanimously to award the contract to Burns and McDonnell.

Eminent domain to be used only where negotiation fails

Shaffer said he did not want to “authorize a blank check” allowing Western States to use eminent domain to acquire land needed for easements. He asked Nicole Peykov, the Loop’s attorney, for direction on the issue. Peykov said the letter being considered does authorize the use of eminent domain but she recommended beginning with a more traditional approach without its use, and then using eminent domain only when negotiation fails, rather than giving Western States a blanket authorization to use it.

The board voted unanimously to authorize Western States to proceed with negotiations regarding easements.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $39,000 had been received in February. The board voted to authorize Fromm to pay the invoices.

Fromm said a check from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners had been received and he expected another check from the same source for $500,000 to arrive soon. The checks were the first two payments of $4 million provided by the Biden administration’s American Recovery Plan Act to get the Loop project through its beginning stages. The Loop had reserves of $195,000, Fromm said.

Fromm said he recommended that the board authorize him to draft an engagement letter to Stockman Kast Ryan and Co. asking that company to audit the Loop’s 2024 finances. The board voted in favor of Fromm’s request.
Board authorizes RFP for pipeline and pump station engineering

Shaffer said the design of the project’s pipelines and pump station was the next step to be considered following decisions about treatment. He wanted to use the same process used for the treatment RFP. Shaffer said the pipeline and pump station design was simpler than the water treatment design and he proposed having Valentine and Merrick and Co. handle it on their own with less involvement from the Loop board. Board members Jeff Hodge and Tom Tharnish agreed with Shaffer, and the quorum authorized Valentine to proceed.

Financial adviser considered

Shaffer said it was time to hire a financial adviser to help with decisions regarding strategies to raise the funds needed to complete the Loop. He said he had a preliminary discussion with Holman Capital, a private equity fund. Shaffer suggested a workshop to consider how to fund the next stages of the project.

Executive session

An executive session was held to receive legal counsel regarding negotiating positions. No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 17 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop Water Authority articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Mar. 27 – New water and sewer rates take effect

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its February meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board voted to implement an across-the-board 5 percent rate increase. General Manager Jeff Hodge announced that the upcoming board election was canceled. He reviewed the results of the district’s sanitary survey. The board amended its agreement with the Loop water reuse project and heard operational reports.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Water and sewer rates to increase

Hodge asked the board to consider Resolution 2025-2, which specifies a 5 percent increase to water and sewer fees and rates. The new fees and rates for single-family residences include:

  • Water and sewer tap fees increase to $8,925.
  • Water service rate increases to $33.48.
  • The water usage rate for the first 10,000 gallons increases to $8.68 per 1,000 gallons.
  • The water usage rate for the second 10,000 gallons increases to $14.46 per 1,000 gallons.
  • The sewer service rate base fee increases to $67.50, and the rate per 1,000 gallons of wastewater increases to $9.71.

Many of the administrative fees, such as the returned payment fee and the late payment fee, remain unchanged. For a complete list of rates and fees, see the DWSD web page at https://DonalaWater.org.

Hodge estimated DWSD has about 50 water taps available for sale, and 44 of the taps are slated to be used by a residential development adjacent to the Big R Store near Struthers Road.

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere said customers would see the increases in the bills they will receive in May for the April water and sewer usage.

Board election canceled

Hodge said since there were two candidates nominated for the two open board seats, the upcoming election was canceled. Vanderschuere will serve another term, Hodge said, and Kenneth Judd, who has served on the DWSD board previously, will replace current board member Ed Miller. Vanderschuere and Judd will be sworn in at the May board meeting, after which new board officers will be elected.

District passes Sanitary Survey with flying colors

Hodge told the board that inspectors from the Field Services section of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment performed a sanitary survey, a review of a district’s capability to supply safe drinking water, on Feb. 14. The survey found no violations and two minor deficiencies that were resolved the day of the survey, Hodge said. He congratulated Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright and his team for the successful survey outcome.

Agreement with the Loop amended

Hodge asked the board to vote on an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement that DWSD has signed with the Loop water authority. When the Cherokee Metropolitan District withdrew from the Loop project, Hodge said, that left three participating districts and three corresponding members on the Loop board. As a result, two Loop board members constituted a quorum, which meant a simple conversation between a pair of board members was a public meeting and subject to Colorado’s open meetings laws, including the requirement that the meeting be announced to the public 24 hours in advance.

The amended agreement addresses this complication by specifying that if the Loop has only three participating districts, each district will name two members to the Loop board, thereby increasing to four the number of members constituting a quorum.

The board voted unanimously to approve the amended agreement. The board also appointed Accounts Payable specialist Christina Hawker as DWSD’s second Loop board member and Cade Pennington as the alternate member.

Operational reports

In the financial section of his Manager’s Report, Hodge told the board that the district had received a large portion of revenue from the district’s property taxes. He noted that due to the need to redrill Well 7D, the district has budgeted $1 million for Colorado Springs Utilities to convey, treat, and deliver water that DWSD owns from other sources such as the Willow Creek Ranch. “Everything is tracking for this time of year,” Hodge said.

Hodge said the redrilling of Well 7D, which is adjacent to the district’s headquarters at 15850 Holbein Dr., is “zipping along.” Two meetings with neighbors had been held, he said, and he expected drilling to begin by May 1. An undersized transformer at the Well 7D site that hums has been replaced, Hodge said.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions relative to the Willow Creek Ranch conditional water rights owned by the district. No actions were taken by the board following the executive session.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The March meeting was delayed by one week to allow adequate notice of a public hearing. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 10 – Pipeline maintenance contract awarded

By James Howald

The Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board awarded an annual construction contract for pipeline maintenance and voted to authorize the closing of the purchase of three lots from Lake Woodmoor Development LLC. The board heard operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Inliner Solutions gets contract

District Engineer Cydney Saelens told the board that she had received bids from four companies to maintain the district’s pipelines. WWSD proposed a work order contract without a guaranteed number of linear feet to be repaired over the course of the year. Saelens explained there were two methods of pipeline repair: resin impregnated cured-in-place pipe and folded and formed PVC liner. The first method was the least expensive, she said, costing about $55.50 per linear foot. The low bid was from Inliner Solutions.

Saelens said the district had not worked with Inliner Solutions, but the company provided three references, including Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), and feedback was positive.

The board voted unanimously to draft a contract with Inliner Solutions and authorized board President Brian Bush to sign it.

Real estate closing authorized

District Manager Jessie Shaffer presented a resolution authorizing the closing of a purchase of three lots on the east side of Lake Woodmoor. The district offered the owner of the lots a discount on the purchase of supplemental water for their development of residences on their property at the intersection of Woodmoor Drive and Deer Creek Road in exchange for the lots. Shaffer said the sale was scheduled to close on Feb. 20 at Land Title Guarantee.

Bush pointed out that the purchase was a good deal for the district because it guaranteed the lots would never be developed, ensuring that no one would build next to the lake.

The board voted in favor of the resolution.

Manager’s report

Shaffer told the board a bill had been proposed in the state Legislature that would allow unlimited harvesting of rainwater in barrels. He said unlimited harvesting could impact the stream system and motivate developers to use detention ponds and pump back systems for irrigation.

Shaffer mentioned an indirect potable reuse study in which CSU, Donala Water and Sanitation District, the Town of Monument, and WWSD are taking part. The study will look at the Chilcott Ditch, in which WWSD is the largest stakeholder. The study will assess the feasibility of diverting water from Fountain Creek, conveying it through the Chilcott Ditch to either the Calhan Reservoir or the Williams Creek Reservoir, and then treating it and returning it to customers for reuse. Shaffer compared the plan to the Loop, but said the timeline was 15 years out. He speculated that CSU might be motivated to demonstrate its good stewardship of existing water supplies before shopping for more water rights.

In his update on the Loop, Shaffer said that John Kuosman had left Merrick and Co., and Mark Valentine would be the Loop’s contact at Merrick.

Operational report

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine reported an unusually high water loss for the month due to the timing of meter readings that resulted in a 35-day period.

He said two final rounds of PFAS and lithium testing would be done in 2025. PFAS and lithium levels have been low to date, he said.

LaFontaine said a leak in the system had been detected using a borrowed leak correlator made by Fluid Conservation Systems that could be a useful tool for the district to use to reduce water loss.

Engineering report

Saelens gave a status report on several projects.

She said the bids to upgrade the main lift station were so high that she was investigating rerouting the sewer to avoid the expense of improving the lift station. The Well 22 transmission line project needs to have revegetation work completed; that will be delayed until spring. The pipeline is operational, she said. Saddle replacements are ongoing.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions and to confer with legal counsel on potential agreements with the Loop, Walden Water and Sanitation District, Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, and Woodmoor Improvement Association.

No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on March 10 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 11 – Northern Monument Creek Interceptor pipeline project IGA approved

By Natalie Barszcz

The Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) board held a special meeting on Feb. 11 to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) and Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) for construction cost sharing for the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) pipeline project. The board held an executive session to discuss negotiations regarding a utility service as it relates to the Conexus Business Center Phase 2 and 3 (located west of I-25).

Cost-sharing IGA approved

District Manager James McGrady requested the board review and consider approving Resolution 2025-02, a resolution of the TMD board to approve an IGA with CSU and FLMD for construction cost sharing for the NMCI, and authorization for the district manager to sign.

Background: CSU began exploring the possibility of the NMCI pipeline in 2019 to increase wastewater flows through the J.D. Phillips Water Resource Recovery Facility (JDPWRRF) located near the intersection of Mark Dabling Boulevard and Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs. The result would transport TMD and FLMD wastewater flows for processing to the CSU-owned facility and allow CSU to remove about three or four lift stations on the east side of I-25, completing a gravity-fed system with increased flows into an underutilized facility.

A study was conducted to compare the cost of anticipated regulatory upgrades and the future operational costs of the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) to participation in the NMCI pipeline project. McGrady confirmed to this reporter that the 2-year-old data for the shared cost for the upgrades would likely range anywhere from $20 million to $40 million. However, the estimate did not include any expansion capacity at the plant for additional flows that TMD could potentially need in the future. The UMCRWWTF is shared with Donala Water and Sanitation District, TMD, and FLMD.

McGrady said CSU, TMD, and FLMD had been working on the NMCI pipeline project since 2019, and at the 30% design level the estimated cost is about $92.8 million, with 35.9 % of the cost shared between TMD and FLMD. The IGA allows the process to move forward to the 90% design level, but Garney Construction estimated the design is about 50% complete with the inclusion of the soil sampling. The guaranteed maximum price will be established upon completion of the 90% design phase.

TMD will use utility bonds, and through a reimbursement agreement collect FLMD’s annual cost. The estimated annual cost for TMD and FLMD combined is about $2.3 million from 2028 through 2055, with FLMD contributing about $500,000 annually. The final cost is expected to be revealed around October, in time for the 2026 budget. Funding for the 90% design phase component was appropriated in the 2025 budget, said McGrady. See the FLMD article on page < 10 >.

The board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-02.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 6:03 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(4)(e), to discuss negotiations regarding utility service to Conexus phases 2 and 3.

McGrady confirmed to this reporter that no action was taken after the meeting returned to the regular session, and then the board promptly adjourned.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. A special meeting is scheduled for March 3 at 5:30 p.m. to formulate the ballot language for the Higby Road bond question and conduct the regular February business. For information on the Higby Road Improvement Project, visit: https://triviewmetro.com/projects/higby-road-improvements/. The regular meeting is scheduled for March 20 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Feb. 17 – Northern Monument Creek Interceptor pipeline project IGA approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) special meeting on Feb. 17, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) and Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) for construction cost sharing associated with the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) pipeline project.

Attending via teleconference were FLMD Manager Ann Nichols, Tom Blunk of CP Real Estate Capital representing Forest Lakes LLC and Forest Lakes Residential Development, district consul Nicole Peykov of Spencer Fane law firm, and the following board directors: President George Lenz, executive vice president of finance for Classic Homes, Secretary Joe Loidolt, president of Classic Homes, Treasurer/Secretary Douglas Stimple, chief executive officer of Classic Homes, Director/resident James Boulton, vice president/project manager of Classic Homes, and Director Steve Schlosser, a project manager for Classic Homes.

Note: There were no public comments made during the meeting.

NMCI update

Nichols said the district is working with CSU and TMD to consider moving its wastewater treatment process to Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) via the proposed NMCI pipeline. The NMCI pipeline project 30% design phase was completed in November and revealed the preliminary cost estimate from the general contractor to be about $92.8 million. Initially, the thought was to split the cost three ways between CSU, TMD, and FLMD, and although the district and TMD were ready to go in December, CSU decided to lock in the cost sharing with an IGA, with CSU responsible for 65% of the cost and the northern entities responsible for 35%.

But CSU decided to break out the sections, and FLMD and TMD would also be responsible for the cost of the portion of pipeline that serves only the northern entities (about 1,200 to 1,300 feet extending north of the Air Force Academy boundary). The additional pipeline footage pushed the northern entities’ share up to 35.9%, with TMD paying the larger portion of the share because FLMD has only about 500 homes.

Nichols requested the board approve the IGA to lock in cost sharing that breaks out the two sections of the interceptor pipeline, with the upper section participants contributing $33.4 million, up from $32.5 million. CSU believes the project is very important with long-term benefits, and a decision to proceed to a 100% design will be made around mid-December, but the district and TMD are fully committed, said Nichols. See https://wp.ocn.me/v25n1flmd/ and the TMD article on page < 10 >.

Peykov said the IGA is largely in line with the first design agreement, and it is important to continue pushing the project design through and not delay any further.

Stimple said this is a logical extension of where the district has been over the last few years.

The board unanimously approved the IGA.

Peykov said that by end of year the design will be 90% complete, and if the final price is different an addendum can be executed. The district will not be stuck moving forward with the project if the costs are higher than anticipated, said Peykov.

Nichols said it is an expensive project, and all parties are sensitive to the cost, but after running the numbers against continuing to use the Upper Monument Creek Regional Waste Water Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF), it is still a reasonable cost and it will benefit the customers, said Nichols.

Note: The proposed pipeline would transport the district’s wastewater to CSU’s J.D. Phillips Water Resource Recovery Facility (JDPWRRF) near the intersection of Mark Dabling Boulevard and Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs. Participating in the NMCI pipeline project would avoid the cost of making the required pending regulatory upgrades to the UMCRWWTF.

The meetings adjourned at 4:11p.m.

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Meetings are usually held quarterly or when necessary on the first Monday of the month at 4 p.m., via teleconference. Meeting notices are posted at least 24 hours in advance at https://forestlakesmetrodistrict.com. For general questions, contact Nichols at 719-327-5810, anicholsduffy@aol.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Forest Lakes Metro District articles

Monument Sanitation District, Feb. 19: District manager clarifies upcoming election

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its February meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker that included details about the upcoming election which will fill two seats on the MSD board. It also heard updates on repairs needed at the district’s headquarters.

Two board seats to be filled in May election

In response to a question from resident Laura Kronick, Parker explained that two board seats would be on the ballot on May 6. The election will be held at the MSD community room at 130 Second St. in Monument between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The directors elected will serve four-year terms.

Kronick asked why some incumbent directors had been elected to three-year terms. Parker said the state Legislature had decided to move special district elections to odd years, keeping state elections on even years. Three-year terms facilitated this change, he said. He explained board President Dan Hamilton and Directors Tony Archer and Janet Lewandowski were elected in May 2023 for four-year terms. Directors John Howe and Skip Morgan were elected in 2022 to three-year terms. Parker said two self-nomination forms for the two available seats had been requested.

Parker said directors were limited to two consecutive terms unless voters decide to remove that limitation.

Headquarters gets repairs

Parker told the board that the Town of Monument’s smart water meters had indicated the MSD headquarters had a water leak resulting in 12,000 gallons of lost water for which the district had to pay. A plumber rebuilt the toilets and traced the leak to a dish soap dispenser at the Black Forest Foods Café and Deli, one of the tenants in the building. Parker said he would use the EyeOnWater application provided by the Town of Monument to do a weekly check on water usage at the headquarters building.

A cracked heat exchanger in the HVAC unit serving the conference room led to the replacement of the entire furnace, at a cost of $5,354. The furnace was more than 20 years old, Parker said. An expansion tank on the hot water system had also failed, and Parker elected to do the repair himself.

Parker said the recently applied $2 fee for a paper monthly statement had encouraged many of the district’s customers to switch to paying their bill online: 737 of the district’s 1,708 accounts are now being paid online.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 19. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 20 – Voters remove term limits

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its February meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District’s (DWSD) board heard the results of a special election held earlier in the month and a cost-of-service analysis. General Manager Jeff Hodge and Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright delivered their monthly operational reports. The board rescheduled its March board meeting.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Voters approve unlimited terms

Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker presented the results of a special election held Feb. 4 to the board. By a vote of 54 to 39, the district’s voters removed the requirement that board members be limited to two consecutive terms on the DWSD board. The board put the issue before the voters due to the difficulty of finding experienced candidates willing to serve on the board on a volunteer basis.

Hawker said the seats held by board President Wayne Vanderschuere and Director Ed Miller are up for re-election in 2025. Removal of term limits means Vanderschuere and Miller can run again if they choose to do so. Hawker said the complete list of candidates would be known on March 4 and, if the number of candidates matches the number of seats available, the election, scheduled for May 6, would be cancelled.

Cost-of-service analysis confirms 5% rate increase

In November 2024, the board asked Todd Cristiano, a consultant with Raftelis, a company that does financial modeling and rate studies for local governments and utilities, to analyze DWSD’s rates with an eye to determining if they cover the cost of delivering water and sewer service and upcoming capital improvement projects. At that time the board had considered rate increases as high as 10% but had settled on a 5% across-the-board increase and it wanted Cristiano to determine if the lower increase would be adequate.

Cristiano told the board he had studied how much revenue DWSD needs going forward, whether the rates are fair to all customers and if rates would deliver revenue stability. He noted that the district’s sewer service reserves were somewhat behind the water service reserves.

Cristiano said he analyzed two scenarios: rehabilitating the R. Hull treatment plant and successful completion of the Loop water re-use project. He did a 10-year analysis of those scenarios. He concluded a 5% rate increase would cover both scenarios. Reserves would accumulate at first and then be spent down with a 5% increase, Cristiano said. Tap fees were included in his analysis.

Four customer classes were used in Cristiano’s planning: residential customers, who make up 84.7% of revenue; irrigation customers, who make up 6%; multifamily customers, who make up 5%; and commercial customers, who make up 4.3%. The costs for average day consumption and peak day consumption were also factored into Cristiano’s analysis. He explained that his model showed the same amount of revenue would be recovered but it would be allocated a bit differently among customer classes. The current sewer rates were fair and equitable, he said.

In his conclusion, Cristiano said a 5% rate increase would cover the costs of service delivery and needed reserves. He said the board should look at its financial plan on a regular basis and should decide how it wants to handle the rates for multifamily residences.

Vanderschuere pointed out the district has few multifamily residences and suggested the board might be chasing a solution for a problem that it doesn’t have. He said he was leaning toward leaving the current multifamily rate in place. He said he favored moving forward with the 5% rate increase, which would include a 5% increase on tap fees, holding the needed hearings in March so that the rates could be implemented in April.

Manager’s report

Hodge told the board that not much financial data had been generated in the first two months of the year, but “all is well” in terms of the budget. In his update on the Loop, he noted that John Kuosman had left his position with Merrick Inc. and would be replaced by Mark Valentine as the Loop’s workflow manager. The Loop was focusing on water treatment design and had received bids from seven companies.

Hodge gave an update on redrilling Well 7D, which is adjacent to the treatment plant and district offices at 15850 Holbein Dr. Trees would be coming down soon and 40-foot sound-damping walls would be going up. The district was using the greatest amount of noise prevention technology during the three-week drilling period, he said. The goal was to have the redrilled well in production by May or June.

Water report

Wright said the state of Colorado had been in the district to complete a water sanitary survey in February. The survey went well: Two deficiencies were noted and corrected the same day.

March board meeting rescheduled

The board voted to delay its March meeting from March 20 to March 27 to allow 30 days’ notice of a public hearing on rates.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions relative to participation in the North Monument Creek Interceptor project.

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Correction

Last month’s article listed the Academy Water and Sanitation District (AWSD) as one of the operators of the Upper Monument Creek Waste Water Treatment Facility (UMCWWTF). The UMCWWTF does in fact treat AWSD’s wastewater, but AWSD does not have any operational role in the facility. AWSD is a customer of DWSD, which shares operational responsibilities for the facility with Triview Metropolitan District and Forest Lakes Metropolitan District.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The March meeting was delayed by one week to allow adequate notice of a public hearing. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Feb. 20 – Interim workflow manager joins Loop team

By James Howald

In February, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board voted on an amendment to its agreement with Merrick and Co. that names Mark Valentine as interim workflow manager. It updated its founding document to make it easier for board members to hold discussions among themselves. The board heard an update from Valentine and a financial report from Corbin Fromm, of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accounting firm.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Valentine replaces Kuosman as workflow manager

Nicole Peykov, the Loop’s attorney, asked the board to consider an amendment to the Loop’s agreement with Merrick naming Valentine as interim workflow manager. The workflow manager is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the engineers, consultants, and other specialized advisors who provide services to the Loop. The Loop board decided soon after its inception that instead of having its own staff it would outsource as much as possible to providers and would fund a workflow manager position to coordinate those providers, schedule meetings, and oversee conversations with related agencies such as Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU). The workflow manager position was held by John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick, until he left his position.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the amendment making Valentine the Loop’s contact with Merrick. Board President Jessie Shaffer said the board would decide how to fill the permanent workflow manager position later.

Number of directors increased

Peykov told the board that the departure of the Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD) from the Loop had created a logistical problem related to quorum and Colorado’s open meetings law. Without CMD, she said, there are only three participating districts and that meant that the presence of just two directors would establish a quorum, triggering the requirement of advertising the meeting 24 hours in advance.

This made it impossible for directors to talk to each other, and Peykov recommended that the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that established the Loop be amended to increase the number of directors from each participating district from one to two. Doing so would require four directors to establish a quorum and would make informal discussions easier to arrange. Peykov said that if more districts joined the Loop, the number of directors per district could be reduced back to one. She explained that this change must be voted on by the board of the participating districts, who are the signers of the IGA.

The board agreed with Peykov’s suggestion and said it would take the issue to the participating districts.

Merrick update

Valentine told the board he had met with companies interested in designing the water treatment portion of the Loop project. He met with Kevin Brown of CMD to discuss how the Loop might incorporate CMD’s Sundance pipeline into its infrastructure.

Valentine said he had met with Forsgren Associates Inc. to discuss how the Loop could share results with CSU, which is conducting a study of indirect potable re-use of water that parallels the Loop’s plans.

Valentine also said he had received questions from the Town of Monument (TOM) concerning the Loop and had sent replies. TOM is still deciding whether to remain a participant in the Loop or switch to another water re-use project led by the Triview Metropolitan District.

Valentine asked the board if JVA Inc. should continue to collect data about water quality. He said JVA had not yet spent all the funds provided for that purpose. The board decided JVA should continue its data collection work.

Financial report

In his financial report, Fromm told the board that the Loop had received its first disbursement of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding, in the form of a check for $54,000. The Biden administration’s ARPA law awarded $4 million in startup funding for the Loop to use to conduct technical studies, begin design work, and acquire easements.

But those funds, which are distributed by the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), have been slow to arrive. Fromm said he had submitted five more requests for funding to the BOCC. Shaffer said he was glad to see the first disbursement and he was beginning to worry about a funding crunch if the outstanding requests were not acted on quickly.

Executive session

An executive session was held to discuss negotiating positions regarding CMD’s Sundance pipeline, a request for proposals regarding water treatment designs, and the services provided by Merrick. No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 20 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 13 – Board prepares for election, passes administrative resolution

By James Howald

At its January meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board passed two resolutions: the first regarding an upcoming election for board members and the second covering administrative issues. The board heard financial and operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Four seats up for election

District lawyer Erin Smith asked the board to consider Resolution 25-02, which calls for a regular election to be held on May 6.

Smith said four seats will be up for election in May. The four-year terms of Directors Daniel Beley, Bill Clewe, and Tom Roddam are expiring and board President Brian Bush’s two-year term will also expire. Bush’s term is two years because he was appointed, Smith said.

Friday, Feb. 28 is the deadline for self-nomination, Smith explained. Nomination forms can be obtained from the district’s Office Manager Cory Lynch. Once a candidate completes the nomination form, they must send it to the election’s Designated Election Official Mandi Kirk, of Maynes, Bradford, Shipps & Sheftel LLC. Kirk’s address is Mandi Kirk, 600 17th St., Ste. 2150S, Denver, CO 80202. Her email address is MKirk@mbssllp.com. Kirk’s phone number is (303) 292-6400. Nomination forms must be witnessed by a valid Colorado elector, Smith said.

The Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr., will be the polling place and votes can be cast between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on May 6.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

Administrative resolution

The board unanimously approved an annual administrative resolution that specifies compliance requirements and defines the rules by which the district will operate, including:

  • An accurate map of the district’s service area will be prepared.
  • The timeline by which the district budget will be prepared, submitted to the state and possibly amended.
  • The Tri-Lakes Tribune or The Gazette will be the newspapers of general circulation for publication of legal notices.
  • Meeting notices will be posted on the district’s website at https://www.woodmoorwater.com and at the district’s offices at 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument.
  • Meetings will be held on the second Monday of every month at the district’s offices.

Financial report

Treasurer Roy Martinez told the board the financial report for January was a draft because some invoices from 2024 are still outstanding. Water sales were 102% of the budgeted amount and wastewater expenses were close to the estimate.

The board voted to approve Martinez’s report.

Manager’s report

District Manager Jessie Shaffer told the board that Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) was leading a study of indirect potable reuse (IPR). IPR systems direct treated wastewater through an environmental buffer, such as a lake or river, before it is delivered to customers for consumption. CSU has asked neighboring water districts to participate in its study, Shaffer said. He said CSU’s approach was like the Loop’s, but on a larger scale. Shaffer said WWSD would benefit from participating in the study because CSU’s plan includes use of the Chilcott Ditch, in which WWSD is a major shareholder and participation could open the door to other partnerships with CSU, possibly giving the district access to CSU’s water supply.

Shaffer also updated the board on the progress of the Loop’s water re-use project. He said the Loop was preparing a request for proposal that will go to consulting and engineering firms asking them to design water treatment facilities that will bring Fountain Creek water to drinking water standards and to pilot test their designs. He said that the Loop was continuing to work with the Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD) even though CMD had decided to withdraw from the Loop. The Loop and CMD were discussing the future of the Sundance pipeline, which is owned by CMD, and whether the Loop would access the pipeline, buy it from CMD, or move to a different option to convey its water, Shaffer said. He emphasized that the Loop and CMD were still on good terms despite CMD’s withdrawal.

Operational report

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine reported two shears, or pipe breaks, in December.

He discussed how WWSD is working to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for monitoring PFAS chemicals and lithium. He reported that currently the water WWSD delivers to its customers has undetectable levels of PFAS. The standard for lithium is unclear, he said, since the agency has not defined a minimum contaminant level for it. Board President Brian Bush said the rules for PFAS and lithium may change with Donald Trump as president. Bush also pointed out that WWSD’s PFAS levels will likely increase after it begins receiving water for the Loop.

In response to a comment from Roddam, LaFontaine updated the board on the district’s efforts to prevent cyberattacks on its facilities. He said new security software had been implemented in 2024. The district’s treatment plants are not connected to the internet, he said, and anyone trying to sabotage their operations would have to be physically present at the plants.

Engineering report

District Engineer Cydney Saelens gave a status report on the projects she is working on.

She said two bids to rehabilitate the district’s main lift station had been much higher than expected. She said she would discuss the bids with JVA Inc., the engineering company that provided consulting on the project. Shaffer said the bid might be resubmitted or the project redesigned.

Saelens said the district’s new Dawson aquifer well was yielding over 40 gallons per minute.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions and to confer with legal counsel on potential agreements with the Loop.

No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Monument Sanitation District, Jan. 15 – Board passes administrative resolution

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At a brief meeting in January, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board passed its annual administrative resolution and heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker. Resident and Monument Town Council member Laura Kronick clarified her remarks at the board’s previous meeting.

Administrative Resolution sets rules, regulations

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 01152025-1, which specifies how the board will do its work in 2025. A similar resolution is passed at the beginning of each year.

The resolution states, in part:

  • Directors will be compensated for their work on the board.
  • The Colorado Springs Gazette will be the paper in which the district’s legal notices are published. Notices will also be posted on the district’s web page at https://monumentsanitationdistrict.org.
  • Meetings will be held in the district’s community room at 130 Second St. at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.
  • The district manager will also serve as the budget officer and will propose a budget to the board by Oct. 15, will schedule a public hearing on that proposed budget, will prepare a final budget, amend it as necessary, and submit it to the state by Dec. 15.
  • Kara Winters, of Collins Cole Winn & Ulmer PLLC, will serve as the designated election official for any elections to be held in 2025.
  • The MSD community room will be the polling place for all elections in 2025.
  • Collins Cole Winn & Ulmer will be the district’s general counsel, GMS Inc. will provide engineering services, and Haynie & Co. will provide accounting services.

Manager’s report

Parker told the board Alphalete Plumbing had replaced a temperature and pressure relief valve at the district headquarters building. He said return envelopes would no longer be included in the district’s monthly statements to customers as a cost-saving measure and to encourage customers to use Electronic Funds Transfer instead of checks. The district is still working with representatives of the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center to get estimated wastewater flow projections.

Kronick clarifies remarks on pay increases

At the previous board meeting, Kronick told the board that while the board had discussed giving district employees a 5% salary increase (3% for cost of living and 2% for merit), the final budget listed a 14% increase for salaries. The difference caused a perception problem, she said.

During the public comments portion of the January meeting, Kronick emphasized that the issue was one of perception only. She asked that the minutes for the previous meeting be amended, with the words “rate increase” being replaced with “pay increase.”

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 16 – Board passes housekeeping resolution

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

In January, the Donala Water and Sanitation District’s (DWSD) board passed an administrative resolution and set their calendar of meetings for 2025. It elected a backup representative to the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, also known as the “Loop”). Finally, the board heard financial and operational reports.

Administrative resolution

Resolution 2025-1 specifies how DWSD will comply with state laws; a similar resolution is passed every year. It includes, in part:

  • The timeline governing when a budget will be proposed, amended if necessary and filed with the state.
  • The Gazette or the Tri-Lakes Tribune will be the papers of general circulation in which legal notices will be published.
  • Notices will also be posted on the district’s webpage, www.donalawater.org, and at the district’s offices at 1580 Holbein Dr.
  • Regular meetings will be on the third Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. at the district’s offices.

Meeting schedule for 2025

The board set its meeting schedule for 2025. The schedule can be found here: https://www.donalawater.org/files/8c7aa8899/Annual+Board+Meeting+Schedule+2025.pdf.

Backup representatives named

General Manager Jeff Hodge asked the board to approve Resolution 2025-2, which names Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker and Water Operator Cade Pennington as the district’s alternative representatives on the Loop board. They will represent DWSD if Hodge is unable to attend a Loop meeting. The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution.

Financial report and operational reports

In a brief financial report, Hawker said the district ended its 2024 budget year with water sales $30,000 over its estimate and expenses just under its estimate. The expenses for the Upper Monument Creek Waste Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCWWTF), which DWSD operates jointly with Academy Water and Sanitation District, Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, and Triview Metropolitan District, were spot on, she said. The board voted unanimously to accept the financial report.

In his manager’s report, Hodge told the board the district is moving ahead with its plans to redrill Well 7D. He said he had met with the district’s water lawyers and with engineers, who estimated the redrilled well could produce 200 gallons per minute. Hodge said he was concerned that the pipeline adjacent to Baptist Road could fail but the wells near the Holbein treatment plant can supply the plant without using the pipeline. He said he was also considering the future of Well 14A, currently unused due to radium levels, but which could be viable with the radium remediation technology that the district has in place.

Rehabilitation of the district’s storage tanks is continuing, Hodge said, adding he was dusting off the plans to keep the district’s UMCWWTF safe in case of fire. The district should consider investing in an on-site generator or in battery backup, he said.

Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright told the board he was investigating Barricade fire blocking gel and Phos-Chek as methods to protect the UMCWWTF from fire damage.

Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman reported E. coli in the UMCWWTF’s effluent is well under the maximum allowed. The plant processed 28 million gallons of wastewater in December, Tolman said.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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