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OCN > 2310 > Monument Town Council, Sept. 5 and 18. Unanimous vote hopes to put ethics allegations to rest

Monument Town Council, Sept. 5 and 18. Unanimous vote hopes to put ethics allegations to rest

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council met twice in September to swear in and promote new officers and staff, pass ordinances to clean up the town’s permitting code, and grant the local ice cream shop a liquor license to expand its services. The council also broke into executive session, of which the mayor abstained, to prepare a response for two remaining ethics charges from an independent investigation into a previous council meeting. The resolution, which passed unanimously, was expressed with hope that this would end “frivolous allegations.”

Promotions.

On Sept. 5, Police Chief Patrick Regan administered the oaths of office to three new police officers: Pablo Barrientos, Morgan Chapman, and William Rios, underscoring their commitment to serving the town. A noteworthy promotion took place as Deputy Town ClerkTina Erickson was elevated to the position of town clerk. Mayor Mitch LaKind remarked that it was “long overdue.” Erickson reflected on her journey, stating, “I started in 2017 working as a front desk admin, and now here we are.” Erickson had successfully passed the Colorado Municipal Clerks Association examination, solidifying her qualifications for this pivotal role within the community’s administration.

All ordinances pass unanimously.

The council passed four ordinances unanimously.

  • Ordinance No. 18-2023: The council addressed an inconsistency in the Monument Municipal Code related to the approval process for final plats. Town Planner Jeff Liljegren explained, “Current code contradicts itself in approval of final plats, creating confusion.” The change mandates public hearings before the Planning Commission and Town Council for Final Plat applications. Councilmember Marco Fiorito led a short discussion about updating language in the code to reflect “Town Council” instead of “Board of Trustees” in line with the Home Rule Charter, a change anticipated following the 2022 election.
  • Ordinance No. 19-2023: Liljegren presented this ordinance which focused on amending a section of the Municipal Code related to signs and awnings. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the revision, simplifying the code and ensuring its coherence. This change was deemed necessary as it, in the words of Erickson, “removed chapters that are confusing.”
  • Ordinance No. 20-2023: Town Attorney Bob Cole presented an ordinance that approved a real property exchange with Porchlight Properties LLC. This exchange was designed to benefit the town’s water supply system by securing property where a new well sits. Councilmember Steve King inquired about potential implications for the Santa Fe Trail and right-of-way for expanding Beacon Lite Road. Town Manager Mike Foreman clarified that adequate right-of-way would be available for road widening as the area develops.
  • Ordinance No. 21-2023: In a presentation by Foreman, the council authorized the acquisition of real property described as Lot 2, Block 1, Buttonwood Park Subdivision No. 2, located near the current Town Hall. For several years, the town had been trying to purchase these lots for the benefit of the community. King, seeking clarification, asked if this ordinance committed the town to the purchase, and Foreman emphasized that negotiations and further studies would be conducted in future executive sessions.

Executive session addressed ethics complaint.

The council convened an executive session on Sept. 18. This session delved into two critical topics: 1. regarding personnel matters involving the town manager and 2. regarding the partial dismissal and ethics complaint from the Independent Ethics Commission. Attorney Cole presided and Mayor LaKind abstained.

The complaint encompassed several issues related to town staff, with most of the complaints being dismissed by the state commission. However, two allegations moved forward. First, it was alleged that Mayor LaKind advised the council on a matter in which he had a personal interest. Secondly, there were concerns about the mayor’s possible conflict of interest during the April 11 meeting of the Town Council. During this meeting, the council had approved payment of Mayor LaKind’s legal invoice for work that had been deemed beneficial to the town.

Cole expressed his opinion that these complaints appeared to be an attempt to “harass and embarrass” the new Town Council. He further explained that when faced with tort claims, the town has a responsibility to defend its personnel. The resolution passed during the session directing the town attorney and staff to provide a response to the complaints, emphasizing the alignment of interests between the mayor and the town

Councilmember Ken Kimple inquired about the deadline for the response, to which Cole responded, “By September 21.” Kimple termed the situation “a shame” and suggested that “some folks just can’t let go.” Fiorito expressed concerns about the use of taxpayer funds to defend against what he perceived as frivolous complaints, stating, “This resolution sets the tone for future participants that ‘we will defend you to the very end,’ especially against innuendo that has no merit.” Councilmember Jim Romanello, who ran against LaKind during the election, stated, “There was absolutely no influence or coercion, and there was nothing improper at all with the April 11 meeting.”

Councilmember Laura Kronick expressed the hope that this resolution would bring an end to the matter, likening it to “cutting the head from the snake.” Councilmember King emphasized the council’s unanimous approval, with advice from the town lawyer, regarding what constituted personal expenses and what benefitted the town. He stressed that the core issue revolved around whether they were coerced in their decision-making, which he saw as an attack on their integrity.

The resolution was passed with unanimous support from the council, 6-0.

2024 budget and new liquor license.

The council engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the 2024 budget. Director of Finance Mona Hirjoi highlighted significant increases in workers’ compensation and property and casualty expenses, with both rising by 75% and 49%, respectively, from 2023 to 2024. The primary reason cited for these increases is the growth in employment. However, the council was reassured that the general fund balance would be easily funded, with no need to tap into reserves. Mayor LaKind inquired about the delayed hiring of a tax collector position, which was approved nine months ago, expressing concern about the timeline. Hirjoi explained the complexities of the hiring process, taking about two years, but LaKind emphasized the need to fulfill promises made to voters under Home Rule.

The meeting also included a public hearing regarding a new lodging and entertainment liquor license application for Lolley’s Ice Cream at 174 Washington St. The application was filed in August and was found to be in compliance with Monument’s ordinances. Owners Shelley and Dustin Sapp were present to answer questions, and Mayor LaKind praised the renovation efforts of the ice cream shop. Councilmember Kimple inquired about the type of liquor and raised questions about parking and capacity, which were satisfactorily addressed by Shelley Sapp. Terri Hayes, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the application, emphasizing the Sapp family’s dedication to renovating the corner lot where Lolley’s Ice Cream sits. The application was approved unanimously, 7-0.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next two regular meetings are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 2 and Monday, Oct. 16. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

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

Note: The Monument Planning Commission did not meet in September.

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