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OCN > 2304 > Monument Town Council, March 6 and 20 – New clerk, new police officers, and $100,000 change order approved

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

By Chris Jeub

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

New clerk and police officers

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

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

PPRBD building code

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

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

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

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

Publishing ordinances

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

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

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

Tank project

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

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

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

Silver Key Senior Services

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

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

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

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

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

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