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OCN > 2412 > Monument Town Council, Nov. 4 and 18 – Monument Council addresses budget, watershed, community initiatives

Monument Town Council, Nov. 4 and 18 – Monument Council addresses budget, watershed, community initiatives

By Chris Jeub

Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind opened the Nov. 4 meeting by addressing a tragic hit-and-run accident earlier that day which resulted in the loss of life. He commended the swift response of local police and fire departments in managing the situation and called for a moment of silence to honor the victim. Later, the suspect involved in the incident turned themselves in, according to local authorities.

LaKind also read a proclamation recognizing Nov. 4-8 as Law Enforcement Records Personnel Week. The proclamation highlighted the crucial role these professionals play in supporting law enforcement through tasks like maintaining criminal justice statistics and aiding in suspect apprehensions. It praised their professionalism, efficiency, and compassion in serving the community and acknowledged their essential contributions to public safety.

Two Monument police officers were sworn in, and one was promoted at the Town Council meeting on Nov. 18.

Above: The new officers are (L to R) Joshua Teeples and Anthony Sealey. Teeples’ wife Leah pinned the badge on her husband and Sealey’s wife Alexandra did the same for her husband. The hirings bring the total number of officers to 29. Chief Patrick Regan says there’s room for one more officer in the budget.

Joshua Teeples (left) and Anthony Sealey are sworn into the Monument Police Department (52 sec)

Joshua Teeples says he’s proud to be joining the Monument Police Department (28 sec)

Anthony Sealey says he’s proud to be joining the Monument Police Department (30 sec)

Above: After the new policemen were sworn in, Officer Christopher Sullivan was promoted to sergeant. His son Kieran had some trouble pinning the badge on his father. He jumped when his dad jokingly shouted, “Ouch!” Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Town of Monument budget presentations

The 2024 Amended Budget for the General Fund was reviewed, highlighting an increase in the unreserved fund balance from 16.46% in the approved budget to 30.76%. Key contributors to the change included adjustments to prior beginning balances tied to audited 2023 financials, adding $300,000 in investment earnings and a $175,000 reduction in user charge revenue due to a lack of funding from Triview for the comprehensive plan. While the improved fund balance was noted, council members expressed concern over the reliance on investment earnings and reduced revenue streams, emphasizing the need for sustainable financial strategies.

The 2024 Amended Budget for the Water Fund increased the ending fund balance from $3.2 million to $18.2 million, driven by adjustments to prior balances, reallocation of reserves, and spending cuts. Key reductions included $750,000 from booster station upgrades and $450,000 from the valve and pipeline replacement program, offsetting overspending on Wells 11, 12, and 13. A contingency expense of $180,000 was reclassified for repairs, while vehicle and equipment spending dropped by $250,000. However, expenses rose by $260,000 for a new pipeline, and $2.75 million was removed from Forest View Water Tank improvements. Council members discussed balancing immediate infrastructure needs with long-term water fund sustainability.

The proposed 2025 Water Fund budget projects an unreserved fund balance of $4.8 million, with notable changes to expenditures. Revenue adjustments include a $300,000 reduction in investment income due to the completion of the COP bond and reallocated rent revenue from the 259 building. On the expenditure side, the budget allocates $600,000 for the design of a new Public Works building, $290,000 for an Impact Fee Study and consulting services, $180,000 for contingency funds directed to well maintenance, and $342,000 for increased well repair needs. Additionally, the budget reflects a $3 million removal for the Monument Hill Water Tank project, $800,000 cut from booster station expenses, and a reduction in administrative fees following reorganization of staff roles. Council discussions emphasized the importance of managing costs while ensuring the Water Fund’s operational efficiency.

Later in the meeting, Councilmember Steve King sought to clarify inaccuracies in a recent Our Community News (OCN) Letter to the Editor regarding the town’s budget. King asked Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek and Chief of Police Patrick Regan to confirm key points on the record. VanDenHoek affirmed that the town is not operating under a budget deficit, while Regan stated that the Police Department’s budget has not been reduced and is, in fact, higher than the previous year.

Regan clarified that funds designated for specific purposes, like 2F, cannot legally be diverted, and there is no plan or mechanism to “defund the police.” King emphasized that the letter’s claims were inaccurate and misrepresented the council’s financial planning efforts. LaKind added his criticism, claiming the letter “completely disingenuous” and called for more constructive engagement.

Note: Councilmember Kronick has written a letter of response in this issue. See the letter on page < 19 >.

Rezoning ordinance approved for 574 N. Washington St.

The Monument Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 23-2024, rezoning the property at 574 N. Washington St. from Downtown Business (DB) to Single-Family Detached Medium Density (SFD-2). Staff recommended approval of the ordinance. During the discussion, Councilmember Sana Abbott inquired about the impact on surrounding properties, while King asked about potential uses under the new zoning, with staff clarifying that the property could accommodate, at most, a duplex.

The property owner explained that the site was originally subdivided in the 1990s for a business bike shop and updated to comply with residential codes for commercial upgrades. The ordinance restores the property to residential zoning, aligning with its intended use.

Fountain Creek Watershed District projects update

Alli Schuch, executive director of the Fountain Creek Watershed District, provided an update on the district’s efforts to manage the 927-square-mile watershed spanning nine regional governments. She highlighted the challenges of the highly erratic watershed, shaped by dramatic elevation changes, erosive soils, and increased water flows due to infrastructure like the Southern Delivery System (SDS). These conditions result in flooding, erosion, and sedimentation issues, compounded by rapid population growth and water usage.

Schuch detailed various initiatives, including watershed restoration projects funded through a $50 million settlement tied to the SDS, educational outreach programs, and collaboration with landowners to mitigate erosion. However, she emphasized the district’s struggle with limited funding, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions.

Schuch also discussed new developments aimed at long-term watershed health, including a proposed wetland mitigation bank to offset development impacts and generate sustainable funding. She addressed specific local concerns, such as the Jackson Creek project, which involves multiple stakeholders, including the Air Force Academy and El Paso County, to address severe erosion and habitat loss.

By forming a Monument Creek watershed group and securing a $350,000 grant for scoping efforts, the district aims to restore critical areas while balancing environmental protection and community needs. Schuch concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration and proactive management to address shared risks and preserve the watershed for future generations.

Councilmembers King and Romanello expressed strong support for the district’s efforts. King recounted observations from a recent watershed tour, noting the severe downstream impacts of erosion, including collapsing cliffs, unusable roads, and compromised infrastructure. He highlighted the need to prioritize upstream solutions, offering examples of local challenges caused by complex water rights.

Romanello echoed the importance of addressing upstream issues, pointing out that downstream projects risk failure without them. He also highlighted the district’s financial constraints, which rely on voluntary contributions and grants, and warned against waiting for catastrophic events to drive funding, referencing past Colorado floods. Both councilmembers reinforced the value of proactive measures and collaboration to secure the watershed’s future.

Heart of Monument Park design update

Cassie Olgren, Parks and Trails planner and program manager, presented the final design update for the Heart of Monument Park, a collaborative effort led by the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club and supported by the Monument Community Presbyterian Church. The project aims to create a universally accessible playground and park in downtown Monument, incorporating community and stakeholder input gathered over the past two years.

The design features Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant playground equipment, additional ADA parking, and pathways connecting to nearby trails and sidewalks. NES, the design firm, developed plans to integrate the space with the adjacent Water-Wise Demonstration Garden. Generous contributions from the Colorado Springs Health Foundation and other donors have supported the project, with more grants and fundraising efforts underway.

The project is divided into phases, with Phase 1 focusing on site preparation, playground construction, parking, and connecting sidewalks, targeting a 2025 groundbreaking and 2026 completion. Future phases include exercise equipment, shade structures, and landscaping extensions to the Water-Wise Garden, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving community needs.

Olgren emphasized the project’s inclusive nature, with ramp-accessible structures for all abilities, and highlighted the importance of community partnerships in bringing the park to life. Final vendor selection and detailed cost estimations will follow the release of a request for proposals, enabling further progress toward making this long-awaited community project a reality.

New book chronicles Monument Cemetery history

During public comments, Michael Weinfeld and John Howe presented their new book, Shootings, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery, a detailed expansion of their 73-page report delivered last year. Inspired by Councilwoman Laura Kronick’s suggestion, the duo authored a 140-page volume filled with over 100 historical and contemporary photos and captivating stories about the individuals buried in Monument Cemetery. The book reveals previously untold accounts and fun facts about the cemetery’s history.

The book was released on Nov. 30 with a signing event at Covered Treasures Bookstore, where guests enjoyed cookies and cake while they waited to have their book signed. Copies will also be available at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, and on Amazon. Howe and Weinfeld expressed gratitude to the town for covering publishing costs and encouraged everyone to explore the fascinating stories they uncovered through their volunteer-driven project.

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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 meetings are scheduled for Dec. 2 and Dec. 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.

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