OCN Our Community News N
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Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area
Issue #281 — Volume 24 Number 8 — Saturday, August 3, 2024 Visit our NEW MOBILE-FRIENDLY WordPress-based website:
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Audio is posted for many of the recent articles and videos for some events.
Local Events Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website. See pages 22-23 for event locations and other details of these and many other local events. • • • • • • • •
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WMMI Western Saloon Night, Sat., Aug. 3, 6-9 pm. Chautauqua Palmer Lake, July 29 – Aug. 4. Concerts in Limbach Park, every Wed. thru Aug. 28. 6:30-8:30 pm Monument Hill Farmers market every Sat., 8-2 pm. See ad on page 5. Space Foundation kids’ workshops, every Sat. thru Aug. 31. See ad on page 12. Lang 25th annual community pig roast, Fri., Aug. 9, 5:30-7 pm, free. See ad on page 8. Kings Deer Community Garage Sale, Fri-Sun., Aug. 9- 11. See ad on page 5. Thrivent Financial advisors, Taxes and the widow’s penalty, webinar Fri., Aug. 16, in person Wed., Aug.28, Monument library. See ad on page 4. Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) Annual Meeting, Fri.-Sun., Aug. 16-18. See ad on page 5. Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Aug. 15, 7 pm Tri-Lakes Cruisers Benefit Car Show, Sun., Aug. 18, 9-2 pm. Community Fire Risk Seminar, Tue., Aug. 20, 6-7:30 pm Trinity Community Park, grand opening, Sat., Aug. 24. MVEA Member appreciation breakfast, Sat., Aug. 24, 9-11 am, free. See ad on page 7. Monument Block Party, Sat., Aug. 24, 3-6:30 p.m. Dinner 4- 6:00 p.m. See ad on page 4. YMCA Fall Youth Sports Season starts Mon., Aug. 26. See ad on page 6. The Love Shop, restyle your furs. Mon.-Tue., Aug. 26-27. See ad on page 8. Monument Art Hop, Fri., Aug. 30. Fourth Fridays. See ad on page 2. OCN mailing day, Thu., Sep. 5, approx. 7-8:30 am.
Above: Children make their way in the Fourth of July Children’s Parade. See photos on page 20.
In this issue Monument News 1-3 HOA News 1, 4-6 Fire District News 1, 7-11 Palmer Lake News 11-12 D38 News 14 Water & San District News 14-17 County News 17 Weather 17 Letters and Columns 18-19 Snapshots 19-21 Notices and Calendar 22-23 OCN Information 1, 12, 22-24
Above: Makena Norton, 2024 Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Girl of the West. On the Fourth of July, the Monument Hill Kiwanis’ Biggest Small-Town Parade in America entertained nearly 20,000 spectators along the streets of Monument with 89 parade entrants. The 2024 parade’s theme was Our Nation’s Founders and the Constitution with Uncle Sam, Betsy Ross among others as grand marshals. The parade’s VIPs were Kiwanis President Scott Ross, Monument Chief of Police Patrick Regan, and Monument Fire District Fire Chief Andy Kovacs. The parade route was expanded to incorporate Santa Fe Avenue and Jefferson Street, allowing increased spectator viewing options. Photo by David Futey. See additional independence day photos on pages 19-21.
Monument Town Council, July 2 and 15
Moratorium lifted; accountability discussed in response to town manager on administrative leave By Chris Jeub The Monument Town Council gathered July 2 and 15 for their regular meetings, one of which lifted the town’s development moratorium. One special meeting held July 9 discussed Town Manager Mike Foreman’s paid administrative leave, but the reason for the leave has not yet been disclosed.
Moratorium Lifted
The Town Council voted 7-0 on July 2 to deny the extension of Ordinance No. 13-2024, effectively lifting the six-month moratorium that had temporarily halted the acceptance of new applications under the Town of Monument Land Development Code. The ordinance, initially put in place in January, was meant to manage a backlog and ensure proper handling of about 20 ongoing development applications. Newly hired Planning Director Dan Ungerleider, presenting the ordinance, confirmed that many of these applications are now complete and awaiting further action from developers. He expressed confidence in handling the current demand, prompting Councilmember Jim Romanello to question the certainty of moving forward with-
out the moratorium. Ungerleider reassured the council of the department’s capability, emphasizing the importance of being fully staffed, which is currently a work in progress. Concerns were raised by Councilmember Steve King regarding the town’s infrastructure, including roads and the lack of a renewable water fund, as well as unaddressed impact fees. “I don’t want to get too far behind the eight ball here,” King stated, highlighting the financial strains. Public comments were in favor of ending the moratorium. Local residents, along with representatives from the Home Builders Association (HBA) and other commercial interests, cited the negative impact of the moratorium on property rights, potential sales, and tax revenues. They argued that such measures create market unpredictability. Town Attorney Bob Cole recommended denying the extension, a sentiment that led to a motion by Romanello to do just that. The motion passed unanimously. In the
MONUMENT (Cont. on 2)
Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 24
Board confirms plans to eradicate prairie dogs By Jackie Burhans The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board held a special meeting on July 18 to fill a vacancy and held its regular meeting on July 24 to discuss prairie dog eradication and hear director reports.
Treasurer vacancy filled
At a special meeting, the WIA board met with Pete Giusti, a candidate to fill the board vacancy left by Connie Brown, who served as treasurer.
Giusti introduced himself and answered questions about why he wanted to fill the vacancy. After his departure, the board unanimously voted to appoint Giusti to fill the remainder of Brown’s term ending in 2026.
Prairie dog eradication
After hearing a resident’s complaint about prairie dog infestation in her yard and in The Preserve open space in South Woodmoor,
WIA (Cont. on 4)
Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, July 1, 6, 11 and 17
Allegations prompt investigation
By Natalie Barszcz The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) Board of Directors held an emergency executive session on July 1 to receive advice from legal counsel Linda Glesne of Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher & Ruhland P.C. (CEGR) Law relating to complaints received against Fire Chief PJ Langmaid, who was placed on administrative leave. The board held additional executive sessions on July 6 and 11 to receive legal direction and take further action to engage a third-party independent investigator. At its regular meeting July 17, the board, having received further information regarding the allegations, held two more executive sessions to receive additional advice on specific legal questions regarding the investigation of complaints. The board placed two additional executive staff members on paid administrative leave for two months and approved the retention of interim fire chiefs through a mutual aid agreement with Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). Treasurer Jack Hinton was excused from the July 11 and 17 meetings. Note: This reporter was unaware of the special meetings held on July 1, 6, and 11, but received copies of the meeting minutes relating to the meetings at the July 17 meeting.
Board receives complaints against executive staff
Chairman Nate Dowden and Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen held an emergency special meeting on July 1 to convene an executive session with legal counsel after the board received emails from staff members citing allegations against Langmaid on June 28 and 30 and July 1. The board placed Langmaid on paid administrative leave until July 17 in a 3-2 vote.
BFFRPD (Cont. on 7)