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OCN > 2506 > Monument Town Council, May 5 and 19 – VanDenHoek sworn in as town manager

Monument Town Council, May 5 and 19 – VanDenHoek sworn in as town manager

By Chris Jeub

After months of consideration, the Monument Town Council finalized the selection of a new town manager on May 19. Madeline VanDenHoek was unanimously appointed as the official Town Manager. VanDenHoek had been serving as interim town manager since June 2024 following the removal of the previous Town Manager Mike Foreman.

Councilmembers emphasized the difficulty of the decision due to the high qualifications of two candidates. King noted that both candidates met qualifications and expressed hope that the candidate not selected (unnamed during the council discussion, but known to be Deputy Town Clerk Sylvia Simpson) would remain involved with the town. Councilmember Laura Kronick highlighted the significance of how candidates described their educational applications during interviews, ultimately recommending VanDenHoek. Abbott acknowledged the challenging nature of the decision-making process but underscored VanDenHoek’s alignment with required skill sets and experience.

Councilmember Kenneth Kimple commended both applicants for their openness and clear vision demonstrated during interviews, affirming VanDenHoek’s alignment with the town’s best interests. Councilmember Marco Fiorito also expressed appreciation for the candidates’ efforts and preparation during the process.

The motion to appoint VanDenHoek passed with a unanimous vote of 6-0 and she was officially sworn in.

Above: Madeline VanDenHoek was sworn in as town manager at the Monument Town Council (MTC) meeting on May 19, nine months after taking over for Mike Foreman on an interim basis. VanDenHoek said she looks forward to “ensuring that we are not only the best place to work, but also the best place to live, have a business and play.” The MTC voted unanimously on May 8 to choose VanDenHoek over the other candidate for the job, Sylvia Simpson, who remains the deputy town clerk. No reason was ever given publicly for why Foreman was let go in August of last year. In the photo from left are VanDenHoek’s son Dane, husband Eric, father Jack Kennedy (in the back), VanDenHoek, and mother Marna Kennedy. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See video clips at end of article.

Budget concerns

Note: The budget presentation made by Finance Director Jennifer Phillips was not recorded on the town’s YouTube channel due to technical issues. The online video resumed during the council’s discussion following the presentation. The summary of the budget presentation from the slides is as follows:

  • The town maintains various dedicated funds such as the General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Water Fund, Police Fund, and Community Development Fund.
  • Adjustments were made to correct $1.5 million in duplicate postings due to system changes.
  • General Fund projected revenue increased to $14.6 million, with major sources including sales and property taxes, fees, fines, and investment earnings.
  • Significant amendments include adding a legally obligated sales tax revenue ($2.6 million), transferring back a $400,000 subsidy from 2024, and including a $200,000 grant for a Comprehensive Plan Study.
  • General Fund expenditures increased to $16.4 million, with adjustments including the addition of a sales tax expense to Triview ($2.6 million), reductions in personnel expenses for vacant positions, and removal of certain budgeted expenses.
  • Ending General Fund unrestricted reserve improved to 21% from a previously lower percentage.

After the presentation of the budget notes, Mayor Mitch LaKind expressed gratitude toward Phillips for identifying and addressing financial discrepancies, with Mayor Pro Tem Steve King acknowledging her efforts to rectify past accounting issues.

In response to budget challenges, council members discussed potential reduction strategies. Selling town-owned properties to rebuild financial reserves was proposed, and Mayor LaKind instructed staff to explore additional revenue-generating opportunities. Councilmembers Kenneth Kimple and Sana Abbott emphasized the importance of transparently communicating the town’s financial issues to residents and called for effective community education regarding budgetary concerns.

The council unanimously supported reconsideration of the lodging tax for an upcoming ballot. King underscored the urgency of this measure, noting that the absence of a lodging tax was resulting in significant financial losses for the town, with revenues instead benefiting Colorado Springs.

The council approved Resolution No. 30-2025, appropriating funds for various town activities and services, and Resolution No. 31-2025, which introduced new financial policies aimed at ensuring sustainable town funding. Both resolutions passed with unanimous votes.

Romanello’s seat replacement discussed

The council also addressed the vacancy created by the recent passing of Councilmember Jim Romanello (see May issue of OCN for details). LaKind directed staff to prepare for either an appointment process or a special election to fill the vacant council seat. The council later announced on its Facebook page that it will appoint a replacement for Romanello. It said potential candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and notarized affidavit affirming they meet all the qualifications to the town clerk no later than 5 p.m. June 9. The candidates might then be interviewed at the Town Council meeting on June 16.

Terrazzo-Baja commercial development

Resolution No. 28-2025 approved the final plat for the Terrazzo-Baja Commercial Development, subdividing nine individual lots for sale and future development and dedicating public rights of way for Terrazzo Drive extension and Baja Drive addition. This action aligns with the previously approved Santa Fe Park preliminary planned unit development.

Due to the technical difficulties previously mentioned, discussion and final voting results on this resolution were not recorded, a voting result that left King the sole dissenter. He later clarified his dissent during the May 17 regular meeting. King opposed creating larger lots from previously smaller sizes, expressing concern that larger lots could attract warehouse applications, which he argued would not generate sufficient sales tax or property tax revenue. King emphasized the importance of maintaining smaller lot sizes, allowing potential buyers to request combining lots from the council on a case-by-case basis, preserving town control over lot sizes created just a few years prior.

Strategic plan update

A representative of JTrylch Strategy and Consulting LLC gave an update of the new strategic plan of the town. The plan emphasizes simplicity, clear focus, and accountability. It identifies four equally important strategic priorities:

  1. Ensure Long-Term Financial Health and Sustainability: Focused on efficient services, resilient financial planning, and strategic investments.
  2. Strengthen Community Engagement: Aimed at improving communication, collaboration, and partnership within the community and neighboring areas.
  3. Enable Responsible Community Development: Establish clear processes to foster responsible growth and sustainable development.
  4. Reinforce a Positive Work Culture: Sustain a professional environment that attracts talented staff and promotes excellent community services.

Following the presentation, the Town Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 34-2025 in a 5-0 vote.

Town lawyer position discussed

VanDenHoek sought direction from the board regarding the potential hiring of a permanent town lawyer. Councilmember Laura Kronick emphasized that hiring a staff attorney would be fiscally responsible, noting that current town attorney Bob Cole would still handle larger matters. King inquired about typical tasks for the role, and VanDenHoek explained that routine contract reviews and code details could be handled more economically by an in-house attorney. Kimple questioned potential savings, to which VanDenHoek responded that $100,000 to $200,000 annually might be saved. LaKind directed VanDenHoek to draft a job posting and present it for council review at a later date.

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

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

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