1-Color
April 2, 2014
75 cents | Volume 49, Issue 11 Tri-Lakes Region, Monument, Gleneagle, Black Forest and Northern El Paso County A publication of
tri-lakestribune.net
Petersen sets record straight on Donala’s role Golf course closure and upcoming board election are hot topics By Danny Summers
dsummers@ coloradocommunitymedia.com There’s always a lot happening at Donala Water and Sanitation District. But with the growing concern over the continued closure of the Gleneagle Golf Course, as well as the Board election being a month away, rumors and speculation are running rampant. “I think the facts need to be out there,” said Donala general manager Kip Petersen. The golf course was closed down in November, and the Palms Restaurant was closed at the end of February. Also in February, the Board was approached by a group of concerned citizens about the impact the closure of the golf course would have on the Gleneagle community.
The group indicated that the District could purchase and operate the golf course as a going concern, or simply purchase the property and donate it to El Paso County. The citizens, led by district constituents Carroll Clabaugh, Rick Topper and Larry Oliver, asked the Board to place those questions on the May 6 ballot. “The Board of Directors felt that trying to place such questions on the May ballot is very much premature,” Petersen said. “The Board of Directors is concerned about the impact on those in Gleneagle, but our residents have to understand that as a Special District, we have limits on what we can do.” Petersen added that are still many unknowns. “The costs of acquisition are unknown; the cost to operate a golf course is unknown; and there has been no discussion with El Paso County to determine if they would even be willing to accept such a donation; and there is simply not enough time before the May election to fully vet these unknowns,” Petersen said. Donala is limited in what it can and
Donala Water and Sanitation District will be the polling place for the May 6 Board election. Donala general manger Kip Peterson estimates that there are between six and seven thousand registered voters in the District. Courtesy photo can’t do. Donala was established as a Water and Sewer Special District, and as such, is limited to providing only those services. According to Petersen, in order to provide any additional services, which would include the acquisition of property for any
purpose besides water and sanitation, the District would need to have an election. Residents would be asked if a change to a Role continues on Page 5
Brofft signs contract with District 38 Karen Brofft officially takes over superintendent on July 1 By Danny Summers
dsummers@ coloradocommunitymedia.com
Rick Nearhoof, Jayme McConnellogue and PJ Langmaid are running for the Black Forest Fire Protection Board. Courtesy photo
Langmaid makes his case for Black Forest Fire Board Black Forest Fire Board election is May 6 By Danny Summers
dsummers@ coloradocommunitymedia.com Over the course of the next month, election signs will appear throughout the Black Forest area. Candidates seeking reelection will explain why they should be voted back into office. Those seeking to replace them will attempt to sway the 6,700 registered voters in the
District why their way is a better path. Among those pursuing election to the Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District Board is PJ Langmaid. He is running on the “Restore Black Forest Fire” platform that includes Jayme McConnellogue and Rick Nearhoof. All three are current or former firefighters. The group has made it very clear that they plan to do things differently than the current board if elected on May 6. “There is a sense of fear that we want to go in with a wrecking ball and destroy the Fire District,” Langmaid said. “That’s not it at all. The voters want
answers and I think the leadership issue needs to be resolved before the Forest can heal.” Langmaid’s group has already received the endorsement of El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn, as well as State Representative Paul Lundeen, and current Vice Chairman of the Black Forest Board Rick McMorran. “Any time you have the public voting on something it’s a referendum that leadership needs to be looked at,”
Karen Brofft signed her contract as the new Lewis-Palmer School District 38 superintendent on March 20 after the Board of Education ratified a formal vote. Brofft will be paid $148,000 from July 1 through June 30, 2015. The contract includes 21 days of vacation and 12 sick days. She will also receive an automobile allowance and cell phone allowance, as well as a generous life and health insurance package. Brofft was extended Brofft the job on March 12 at a special Board meeting. She was among four finalists and 34 applicants for the post. Brofft replaces John Borman, who held the position for two-and-a-half years. Borman’s last day was Dec. 31. Ted Bauman has been filling in as the interim superintendent. Bauman plans on working with Brofft during the transition. She is expected to visit the Tri-Lakes community and schools within the District in upcoming weeks. “I think she’s the best fit for our very unique school district,” said Board president Mark Pfoff. “We think we’re one of
Fire continues on Page 5 Brofft continues on Page 5
POSTAL ADDRESS
TRI-LAKES TRIBUNE
(USPS 418-960)
OFFICE: 325 Second Street, Suite R, Monument, CO 80132 MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 340, Woodland Park, CO 80866 PHONE: 719-687-3006 A legal newspaper of general circulation in El Paso County, Colorado, the Tri-Lakes Tribune is published weekly on Wednesday by Colorado Community Media, 1200 E. Highway 24, Woodland Park, CO 80863. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WOODLAND PARK, COLORADO. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs.11 a.m. | Legal: Thurs. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 12 p.m.
GET SOCIAL WITH US The Tri-Lakes Tribune wants to share the news. Check out and like our page on Facebook. Search for Tri-Lakes Tribune.
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.