Woodmoor Improvement Association, Feb. 25 – Public Safety notes stage 2 fire alert; Buc-ee’s continues

• Stage 2 fire alert
• Buc-ee’s project continues at county level
• Highlights

By Jackie Burhans

The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on Feb. 25 to hear a Public Safety report on the county fire alert status, the status of the Buc-ee’s project, and director reports.

Stage 2 fire alert

Director of Public Safety Brad Gleason reported that El Paso County has enacted stage 2 fire restrictions. This means you can’t burn anything outside. One exception is that you can use liquid propane or natural gas stoves or grills that are at least 3 feet from all flammable materials. Flames must be under 2 feet and have a switch so they can be turned off. He also cautioned residents to be mindful of hot work like welding and grinding, because he has seen some fires started that way. Gleason said it is very dry outside and asked that residents be extra careful. President Brian Bush noted that there had been four grass fires in the previous 24 hours.

Information on the fire stage level can be found on the sheriff’s website at epcsheriffsoffice.com/services/fire-information/ where they have a handy chart of what is restricted and additional information on what evacuation notice levels require.

Buc-ee’s project continues at county level

Bush reported that the Northern El Paso Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) was continuing its involvement in tracking the Buc-ee’s proposal. He said that WIA was asked to get re-involved and gave permission to use the letter it had written to the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees. Bush said the land owners have asked for a boundary adjustment to add 10 acres to the property, which does not approve the project itself. He noted that the county has received emails asking for a full public hearing and a full vote of the commission. If Buc-ee’s goes in without being annexed into Palmer Lake, it would have to work with the water court and state engineer, which could take years, he said. Bush said that at this point, WIA is concerned but not involved, as there is too much it doesn’t know.

Highlights

• Vice president. Vice President Peter Bille said the WIA had signed an agreement with its IT contractor.
• Treasurer. Bush reported for Treasurer Pete Giusti that finances are doing fine but that there are 347 unpaid annual dues. WIA will send reminder letters by March 15. He noted that WIA had ended 2025 with a small surplus.
• Covenants: Director Jennifer Davis reported 27 covenant items resulting in four violations related to trailers and chickens. Twelve issues were resolved through friendly communications. In January, WIA processed 10 HOA checks, which ensure there are no violations that can hold up a home sale. There were no hearings in January or February, with the possibility of one scheduled for March. Davis said that if residents have a question about a fence meeting HOA standards, they can call WIA.
• Architectural Control: Director Ed Miller reported 14 project submissions in January, three of which were approved administratively and 11 by the Architectural Control Committee, which puts the approval rate at 100% for the year.
• Forestry: Director Jason Hann said WIA completed six Forestry and Firewise visits, noting that it is a slow time of the year. The first batch of mitigation reimbursements were paid, and there is $120,000 left of the 50/50 matching grant. Bush encouraged residents to take advantage of the grant, saying this is a great time to do mitigation.
• Common Areas. Director Steve Cutler reported that the damage to the snow fence at Toboggan Hill was repaired. He asked residents to notify Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) if they see someone damaging it in the future. Bush said WPS patrols regularly, and if WIA catches anyone intentionally removing or damaging the snow fences, it will take action.
• President. Bush noted that WIA expects to act on the Highway 105B project easements next month, and he anticipates adopting a revised version of the rules and regulations as updated by Davis. Finally, he noted that March will be the last month for WPS Chief Kevin Nielsen.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The next meeting will be on March 25.

The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/events/. Once approved and posted, the WIA board meeting minutes can be found at www.woodmoor.org/board-of-directors//.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Improvement Association articles

• Woodmoor Improvement Association, March 25 – Public Safety leadership change (4/1/2026)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jan. 26 and 28 – Annual meeting and reorganization (2/4/2026)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Nov. 24 – Board approves 2026 budget, hears holiday light contest details (12/4/2025)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 24 – Board urges safety, announces holiday light contest (10/30/2025)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 24 – Prairie dogs remain; winter is coming (10/2/2025)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 27 – Board hears short-term rental concerns (9/4/2025)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jul. 23 – Board recognizes Eagle Scout project, clarifies parking near open spaces (7/31/2025)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 28 – Board announces fire education (6/7/2025)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 23 – Resident sparks Firewise® discussion (5/3/2025)
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Feb. 26 and March 26 – Board addresses residents’ concerns (4/5/2025)