April 7, 2022 Vol. 21, No. 20 Serving Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and Lower Ute Pass
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Council votes to postpone decision on Carnegie Library By Marcus Hill Special to the Bulletin Potential financial backing for the Carnegie Library will have to wait until at least May 17 after Manitou Springs City Council’s split decision on Tuesday, April 5. Councilors agreed 4-3 to postpone a decision on providing money toward a $3.2 million project after a near two-hour discussion. Councilors Natalie Johnson and Nancy Fortuin, and Mayor Graham dissented. “During this postponement, staff is directed to have architectural drawings prepared by a licensed architect which reflect the proposals depicted in the neighborhood model,” Councilor Michelle Whetherhult moved. “The architect is also directed to present possible floor plans, elevation views and conceptual costs analysis on par with those that were presented in November 2021. “In addition, staff is also directed to obtain an updated cost analysis of the November 2021 drawing (by RATIO Architects) because costs may have changed since November. This will facilitate a cost comparison between the architectural drawings. “Staff is also directed to coordinate an in-person community engagement which allows the public to compare and contrast the neighborhood model versus the November 2021 plan.” Mary Pulvermacher and Rob Danin of the Preserve and Renew Our Carnegie Library Task Force and capital campaign consultant Kimberley Sherwood presented a financial proposal and a timeline for the Carnegie Library upgrade. The estimated cost for renovating and expanding the 701 Manitou Ave. building is $3.2 million. Pulvermacher said the project
See COUNCIL/page 3
Manni Awards recognize the
community’’s community
Best
High school students Abby Parker, left, and Weatherly Hall hug at the March 31 Manni Awards. Classmates Jackson Dunlap, left, and Anton Akse are in the background. They were all nominated for the Youth Visionary Leadership Award, which Parker won. Ann Rodgers, right foreground, is among the attendees going through the potluck line.
By Rhonda Van Pelt Thursday, March 31, was an emotional evening in Manitou Springs. The Manni Awards — the 10th annual ceremony — made a joyful return to City Hall after last year’s event was forced to go virtual because of COVID-19. The evening was about gratitude: being together again, celebrating people who contribute so much to the community and, of course, enjoying the great food. Co-hosts Ken Jaray and Shanti Toll got the evening started. Jaray’s remarks included the fact that the community nominated 91 people, couples and groups. Representatives from the city, the Chamber of Commerce, School District 14, the Manitou Springs Community Foundation, the Creative Alliance Manitou Springs and the Bulletin spent weeks discussing the nominations and ranking nominees in 10 categories.
Photos by Bryan Oller
That resulted in the 34 finalists featured in three of the Bulletin’s March issues. Michael Galvin’s guitar playing started the evening, but the buzz of people greeting each other with hugs, smiles and handshakes almost drowned out the music. The crowd fell quiet as Jaray introduced Taylor Weimer, band director at Manitou’s middle school and high school, who led four eighth-grade students through two classical music selections. They were: Madelyn Tehan, flute; Jude Montoya De Smidt, flute; Becket Evans, oboe; and Emily Mason, clarinet. “Breaking bread together and being connected is part of what makes Manitou unique,” Toll said. “We’re acknowledging people who are putting in energy, not because they have to, but because they volunteer and they are committed.” K8e Orr created the laser-cut wood and painted awards, which are as colorful and unique as she is.
SEE AWARD WINNERS/page 10
INSIDE SALES TAX NUMBERS RECOVERING.............................PAGE 5 LIBRARY MANAGER LOVES HER JOB............................PAGE 6 ATHLETES SETTLING INTO SEASONS..................... PAGES 8, 9