OCN Our Community News
Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area
Issue #282 — Volume 24 Number 9 — Saturday, September 7, 2024
Controversial Amphitheatre opened Aug. 11
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 page 22 and page 23 for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.
• Monument Hill Farmers market, every Sat., 8-2 pm. See ad on page 5.
• Palmer Lake Farmers Market, every Sun., 10-2 pm. See ad on page 4.
• Fox Run Regional Park outdoor accessibility day, Sat., Sept. 7, 10-2:00 p.m
• WMMI Artist Lecture, Tue, Sept. 10, 4 pm.
• NEPCO, Sat., Sep. 14, 10 am–12 pm. Palmer Lake Wine Festival, Sat., Sept. 14, 1-5pm 100+ Women Who Care, Wed., Sept. 18, 5:30 pm Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Sep. 19, 7 pm
• Dementia boot camp, Fri. Sept. 20 & Oct. 18, 2 pm
• Last 2024 Monument Art Hop, Fri., Sep. 27. See ad on page 2.
• Peaks and Pours, whiskey gathering, Sat., Sept. 28. See ad on page 4.
• Awake the Lake 10th Annual Palmer Lake 0.5K , Sun., Sept. 29
• Armed Forces Championship Battle of the Branches, Sun. Sept. 29, 2 pm, www.airochamp.com. See ad on page 11.
• Thrivent keys to retiring fearlessly, Mon., Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m. See ad on page 4.
• OCN mailing day, Thu., Oct. 3, approx. 7-8:30 am.
• Palmer Lake Art group small works art show and sale, Fri., Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m. See ad on page 10.
• Nance Construction Company Auction, Sat., Oct. 5, 10 am. See ad on page 24.
• Freedom School of Martial Arts, strength, stability, and self-defense course for mature adults, starts Oct. 7 See ad on page 14.
• Funky Little Theater Company: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Oct. 11-26. See ad on page 2.
• WMMI Miners pumpkin patch, Every Sat. in Oct. See ad on page 12.
on page 20.
Above: Ford Amphitheater opened Aug. 11 in Colorado Springs with One Republic, fireworks concluding each of the three showings. From the stage, lead singer Ryan Tedder revealed many of the band’s songs were written about the TriLakes area. “A lot of good memories were poured into the songs we’ve done here.” He added that the hit song Kids was about hanging out with friends at Palmer Lake. Ford Amphitheater is facing opposition from nearby residents for complaints concerning fireworks, light pollution, and decibel levels. Venue owner JW Roth promises to continue researching ways to mitigate the issues. Colorado Springs will be holding a public hearing concerning community complaints on Tue., Sep. 10 at City Hall, 107 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Photo by Chris Jeub.
Monument Town Council, July 31 Monument Town Manager Mike Foreman dismissed
By Chris Jeub
This report, posted on wp.ocn.me Aug. 4, covers the special Monument Town Council meeting held July 31, after our August issue had gone to press.
The Town of Monument held a special Town Council meeting on July 31. The council conducted three executive sessions: one to determine positions relative to negotiations, another for legal advice on specific personnel matters, and the third concerning personnel matters involving Town Manager Mike Foreman. All motions to enter the executive sessions passed unanimously.
Following the executive sessions, the council considered Resolution No. 46-2024, which approved an employment separation release and settlement agreement for Foreman. The reason for Foreman’s dismissal was not disclosed. The resolution was discussed and passed with a unanimous vote of 7-0. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned.
Chris Jeub may be contacted at chrisjeub@ocn.me.
See additional Monument meeting coverage starting on page 9.
Palmer Lake Dollar General Community Meeting, Aug. 16 Ehrhardt family addresses community concerns
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans
The Erhardt family held a community meeting on Aug. 16 in the Palmer Lake Town Hall to discuss the sale, announced by builder Kurt Ehrhardt at an earlier meeting of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT), of the undeveloped lot north of the Tri-Lakes Arts Center for the Arts and west of Highway 105, to Dollar General for use as a retail store. The meeting was independent of the town’s administration or Board of Trustees. Nick Ehrhardt, son of Kurt Erhardt, moderated the meeting; he was elected to the town’s
County News 17
WIA News 17
Weather 17
Letters and Columns 18-19
Snapshots 19-21
Notices and Calendar 22-23
OCN Information 1, 10, 22-24
Board of Trustees in the last election and said he organized the meeting as a private citizen, not as a board member.
Kurt Erhardt’s announcement of the sale generated a firestorm on social media, with most posts opposed to the sale, some hostile and insulting.
Mayor Glant Havenar wrote a post on the Nextdoor platform acknowledging that a Dollar General store “is not welcomed by many residents,” but the PLBOT does not have the authority to approve land sales, and the property is zoned correctly for the intended use.
Above: On Aug. 16, the Ehrhardt family held a community meeting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall to address concerns over a pending sale to Dollar General of some land just north of the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts building and just west of Highway 105 from Palmer Lake Regional Park. Over 100 attendees crowded into the hall, which was set up for a local theater production. Developer Kurt Ehrhardt explained the history of development efforts on the lot. He announced that he was withdrawing from his contract with Dollar General to the applause from the audience and offers of help with any financial costs of doing so. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Aug. 21 Board action criticized; fire chief contract terminated; second investigation initiated
By Natalie Barszcz
At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on Aug. 21, the board received criticism from attendees and pleas for fairness during public comments, and it held an executive session to receive advice from legal counsel Linda Glesne of Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher & Ruhland, P.C. (CEGR) Law relating to the status of a third-party investigation into the complaints received against Fire Chief PJ Langmaid. The board held an additional executive session to discuss a personnel matter involving the fire chief.
After the board returned to the regular session, Langmaid’s contract as fire chief was terminated, and the board approved the hiring of an interim fire chief and a second investigation into the allegations brought against Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg and Training Capt. Michael Torres during the investigation of Langmaid.
Langmaid and his attorney, Ian Kalamanowitz of Cornish & Dell’Olio PC law firm, attended the meeting.
Staff complaints addressed
Background: The board 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, June 30, and July 1. The board placed Langmaid on paid administrative leave and approved that legal counsel engage a third-party investigator to initiate and lead a comprehensive investigation into the allegations made against Langmaid and the claims and issues brought forward about the command staff and overall leadership cul-
DOLLAR GENERAL (Cont. on 7)
Above: Silver Key Senior Center Director Sue Walker retires. See photos
ture within the department. The board unanimously approved limiting the actions of the command staff to operational needs.
At its July 17 board meeting, after receiving the preliminary findings of a third-party investigation, the board directed district counsel to proceed with a 360-degree investigation over a variety of matters brought to the board. CEGR Law retained Flynn Investigations Group to facilitate the investigation, and the board placed Piepenburg and Torres on paid administrative leave. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n8bffrpd.
Public comments request fair treatment
Before moving into executive session at the Aug. 21 meeting, the board called for an additional public comments section and received the following responses:
• April Piepenburg, wife of Chris Piepenburg, said the following:“For the past 20 years, I have watched my husband pour his heart into the fire service, demonstrating unwavering dedication and selflessness, with a commitment beyond emergency response, and he is committed to
stand by his fellow firefighters, valuing their wellbeing and safety both inside and outside the station. This commitment stems not from obligation, but from his genuine character. So, when a serious issue was brought to his attention involving the fire chief, he did the right thing and promptly reported the incident to the board. Unfortunately, this act of integrity resulted in an unjust and painful backlash. The board has cast doubt on his character and integrity, deeply damaging his hard-earned reputation in the fire service. Chris has faced humiliation via two local news outlets and three nationally recognized fire service publications that included false, unsubstantiated and biased attacks on both Chris and Capt. Torres with allegations made directly by a board member.
“Their work with educators and firefighters across the county has also been tainted by this scandal, spreading the damaging news far and wide, by lumping them into the same category with the fire chief who is the focus of this investigation. By placing Chris and Capt. Torres on administrative leave you have called into question their integrity, by implying they would have influence over staff during the investigation. In doing so, you have called into question the integri-
ty of every member of staff has also been called into question suggesting they can be swayed into providing dishonest answers. Integrity is the corner stone of any organization, a core value adopted by the department, without integrity there is no credibility, without credibility there is no trust, and without trust there is no lasting success. By prioritizing personal relationships with the fire chief and focusing on punching the whistleblowers, rather than addressing misconduct, you send a clear message to the organization, their concerns are secondary.
“This approach not only undermines trust and signals that future issues will be met with retaliation and humiliation rather than resolved with fairness and integrity. As a result, the board has cultivated a climate of fear among firefighters, where speaking up and seeking help is met with intimidation, job insecurity, and public humiliation. Do you want a leader who stands firmly and fights for what is right or someone who will sweep issues under the rug to protect their own interest? Deputy Chief Piepenburg and Capt. Torres were fighting for their people, she said. See KRDO 13 https://krdo. com/news/2024/08/14/ black-forest-fire-captain-
claims-retaliation-afterbeing-put-on-leave-whilechief-is-investigated/
• Yvette Torres, the wife of Training Capt. Michael Torres, said, “I am here representing and support ing my husband who was banned from the grounds and cannot speak on his own behalf. I am hoping to get some answers to the questions that Mike, my self and my family cannot seem to get.”
She said the follow ing: “Personnel reported claims against the chief to Capt. Torres, who re ported the claims via the chain of command to Deputy Chief Piepenburg, who then reported the claims to the board. At the July 17 board meeting the meeting concluded with a shocking decision to place both Mike and Chris on paid administrative leave, this transpired at 10 p.m. Mike was not pres
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he was placed on paid administrative leave. On the evening of July18 at 7 p.m. he received a letter informing him he was not the focus of the investigation and would remain on paid administrative leave for an unknown duration during the process of the fire chief’s investigation. He was told by the investigator he would keep him updated; a month later he has not heard from anyone. How are these incompetencies being allowed? Where is the accountability? How do you put someone on paid administration leave and not provide them with a reason that is relevant to them. How do you place someone on paid administrative leave in good faith for the crimes of another? How do you leave the firefighters and officers without leadership, especially the very leadership that brought the allegations forward?
“The line members’ turnover rate has and will continue to be high and Black Forest will continue to lose good people if they do not feel supported, and have firsthand seen that when
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someone does stands up to protect them, they are retaliated against. How is it okay that taxpayer money is being wasted so brazenly, as most of the administrative personnel are on paid leave, and now third-party officers are provided coverage? In blogs and newspaper articles questions are being raised if the third-party individuals are being paid and why those individuals were chosen versus companies closer to Black Forest such as Falcon and Monument? How will it affect the future and future budget of the department? How do you disregard the lives of people like Mike and Chris who it is not just a job, this is their lives? Mike brought personal props, tools, and equipment to the department to allow him to give the best training to Black Forest firemen, but due to being banned from the grounds he has been denied access to those items that are his. When he has brought this up he hasn’t gotten responses, and continues to be treated as if he is the criminal being investigated. Both Mike and Chris pride themselves on making the fire service and Black Forest Fire Department a better and safer place yet both are on administrative leave which is tarnishing their reputations, while they have done nothing wrong.
“How does Black Forest feel knowing that the Fire Department regulations are not up to date due to Mike being banned from the grounds which has led to personnel not having appropriate training, being up to date on state required certifications, and taxpayer money again being blatantly wasted and abused. Why are you treating these men as criminals? And Jim, how are you going to the press, slandering their names and ruining their reputations? How can you all in good conscious think all of this is okay, and what are you going to do to make it right?” said Torres.
• Yvonne Krcmer, speaking on behalf of her sonin-law, Michael Torres, said, “In all of the years I have known Michael I have always been impressed with his work ethic and passion for the fire service. He is a hardworking, loyal, dedicated, honest, and compassionate person. He has always put his heart and soul into fighting fires and helping his fellow firefighters in any way that he possibly can Through his many years of extensive training, he has a lot of knowledge to share. For 25-plus years, Michael has been taught to conduct himself in a professional and ethical manner at all times. He has gained the respect of his peers and supervisors through his actions, and if he makes a mistake, he is the first one to own up to it That being said, I truly cannot believe the disgraceful way that he has been treated. He reported some allegations to his supervisor that had been brought to his attention, from not one,
accused a conflict of interest? Punishment is being given to a man who was only doing the right thing. The lack of communication is unbelievable, how do you put someone on extended paid administrative leave treat him the way he has been treated, without a clear explanation. What steps are the board taking to get Michael back to work? Michael has earned the right to be treated in a respectful way by the board and the community. Unfortunately, this is not the road this board has chosen to take. The actions by the board and the comments made to KRDO 13 seem to be calculated and unfair. By temporarily removing these men from their positions, what does that truly accomplish? It is terrible how this man has been building a positive reputation in the fire community for all these years to have this board tarnish his reputation. Our family hopes to get answers and all of this resolved in a timely manner, seen as it has been going on for far too long,” said Krcmer. See https://gazette.com/ttribune.com/ black-forest-fire-chief-placed-on-administrativeleave-after-staff-complaints/article.
Note: Krcmer stated during her comments that the building access codes had been changed, but staff were willing to meet Torres at the perimeter of Station 1, to return his property.
• Ryan Haynie, treasurer of the Del Norte Fire Protection District Board of Directors, addressed the board via Zoom and said, “I would like to remind the board that you have a duty to take care of your constituents, take care of your firefighters, and take care of the affairs of the district. Unfortunately, when these types of incidents happen it is a negative perception for the department and the fire service in general. Please be fair with everybody whose involved in this, please don’t create environments where members don’t feel safe to report things. Your obligation as board members is to do what’s best for that fire district, and when you have individuals that don’t feel safe to report allegations, or when they do report allegations, they feel that they have retribution against them for doing the right thing, that’s not fair.
Please take care of your people, because without the people you don’t have anything left. Those individuals who go out on the trucks every day, who are training, who are doing everything that they’re doing, they are the ones who are keeping your district going; that’s who the people see every day and who the people trust. Take care of your people, treat them right, and keep them safe,” said Haynie.
• Firefighter Michael Alverado requested the board allow additional public comments after the executive session before the regular session concludes, to allow educated comments.
Chairman Nate Dowden thanked Piepenburg, Torres, Krcmer, Haynie, and Alverado for their comments.
After the board returned from the executive session and all actions had been made, Abendschan addressed Torres and Krcmer regarding the accusations made during the first public comment session. He said he had not spoken with any media outlets and had he been asked to comment by the media, he would have declined and will continue to do so. The information KRDO News 13 and other media outlets repeated was sourced from the board minutes available on the district website, said Abendschan.
Executive session
The board moved into executive session at 7:33 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 24-6-402(4), (b) to receive legal advice on the status regarding the investigation of complaints, and CRS 24-6-402(4)(f), to discuss a personnel matter involving the fire chief.
Board takes further action
When the board returned to the regular meeting at 11:26 p.m., Dowden confirmed the board had concluded the executive session and had not deviated from the agenda. He thanked the attendees for remaining during the evening and said the board had accepted the investigative report prepared by Karin Ranta-Curran with Employment Matters Flynn Investigations Group, and the investigation into the allegations brought to the Board of Directors on June 28 against the fire chief was closed.
The board unanimously approved Glesne negotiate the terms of departure for Langmaid and pursue the hiring an interim fire chief.
The board approved a second investigation into the allegations brought against Piepenburg and Tor-
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res during the initial investigation, in a 4-1 vote. Director Chad Behnken voted nay.
Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen said both employees will remain on paid administrative leave until the investigation is completed, and legal counsel will provide written instructions to both employees on Aug. 16.
Interim battalion chief’s contract
Before the first public comments session and the executive session, Chair Nate Dowden said the board authorized negotiations to begin at the July 17 meeting to identify interim battalion chiefs to temporarily handle the duties of the fire chief and deputy operations chief during the investigation. He requested the district ratify the agreement with Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) for the provision of interim Battalion Chiefs Josh Bartlett and David Rocco, who have been sharing duties since Aug. 1.
The board unanimously approved the agreement.
Logistics Officer Rachel Dunn confirmed to OCN that the CSFD interim battalion chiefs are not assisting with administrative matters or making financial decisions, but they are responding on calls, providing guidance and training to staff, and working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days per week, including weekends.
Financial report
Treasurer Jack Hinton said that as of July 31, the district had about $9.694 million in total assets (about $3.713 million in Operations Checking), the district is at 52% of the anticipated budget for 2024 and should be 58% of the budget for the time of year, but the district has been under budget for some time, said Hin-
By Natalie Barszcz
At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Aug. 28, the board received a presentation on the updated design for the new Station 2 from OZ Architecture, and approved Resolution 2024-11, opposing ballot initiatives 50 and 108. The board also received updates on the Station 3 rebuild design, the merger process, and a closest response unit agreement with Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD). The board held an executive session to develop a negotiation strategy and instruct negotiations on possible lease purchase of real property.
President Mike Smaldino and Vice President John Hildebrandt did not attend.
District opposed to ballot initiatives Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said two ballot initiatives for
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ton. The board unanimously accepted the financial report as presented.
District Administrator Lisa Emry said the district had received $18,785 in ambulance revenue and received $92,903 in total tax revenue. A notable expense was $30,488 for CEGR legal expenses.
Wildland deployments
Dunn said the district deployed a crew with the Type 6 brush truck engine to the Moss Mountain Fire in Oregon. A staff member deployed to California with the Cimmaron Hills Fire Department and one other deployed to the Alexander Fire in Larimer County.
Training update
Dunn said there were 1,383 training hours in July. Members of the department are still working on certification training so that nothing is lacking during the investigation process, she said.
The meeting adjourned at 11:32 p.m.
**********
Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The board will hold a special meeting on Thu., Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. and will be preceded by a Volunteer Pension Board of Directors meeting. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit https://bffire.org or contact the Administrative Office at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.
Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
the November ballot would have significant financial impacts to fire districts and other “special districts” in Colorado. The initiatives are attempting to cap property tax revenue for fire districts to the district’s detriment. The Colorado Legislature convened for another special session this week on the subject of property taxes that will likely continue for a couple more days, because there has not been much consensus on what to do. A new state Senate bill is being proposed to make modifications to SB-233 (approved earlier this year), and if approved, the author of initiatives 50 and 108 will remove the two initiatives from the ballot. Unfortunately, SB-233 does not bode well for fire districts either, because it will also reduce property tax revenue. Fire chiefs from across the state were hoping for an amendment to carve fire districts out of the bill, but it was defeated, he said.
The district will start to develop the 2025 budget with a 20% reduction in property tax revenue, and likely extensions will be given for the deadline submittal of the 2025 budget, delayed again due to the late changes in legislation. The district has been in contact with local elected officials, expressing concerns over the legislation, so the district will take a cautious fiscal approach to 2025 with no plans to hire firefighters, said Kovacs. He requested the board approve Resolution 2024, opposing initiatives 50 and 108.
Treasurer Tom Kelly said he had read an article that morning that mentioned state backfill to fire districts for the loss in revenue next year would take about a third of the general fund, so backfill from the state next year cannot be counted on. See TMD article on page 16.
The board approved Resolution 2024-11, opposing initiatives 50 and 108, in a 5-0 vote.
Station 3 rebuild update
Kovacs said the staff had gone back to the drawing board with OZ Architecture at the direction of the board to refine the details for the Station 3 rebuild,
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Career & Innovation Center Update
Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is excited to share that work on the new Career & Innovation Center has begun! The facility is slated to open for the ‘25-26 school year to provide relevant, work-based learning opportunities for students and hands-on experiences that will transcend a traditional classroom.
Community input has played an integral part with this project, beginning with an open invitation to the entire community for an Innovate 38 Community Forum that was hosted on June 20. Information regarding economic data and trends were presented along with statistics regarding existing programming, and student interests and aptitudes. The consensus among the nearly 50 participants was that programming for the future Career & Innovation Center should include advanced manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology.
The next step was to create a Design Advisory Group (composed of staff, parents/guardians, students,
alumni, industry partners and community members) to engage in activities regarding master planning and initial schematic design elements. Conversations will continue regarding specific programming and will further investigate costs in order to make intentional decisions.
Unique from other school districts that have implemented Innovation Campuses, D38 is pursuing this initiative without additional local funding via bond or mill levy support. The project was made possible with the passing of SB24-017, which re-timed School Finance Act state share payments in a way that allows districts to reduce the level of reserves previously held only to serve the cash flow cycle—meaning those reserves were freed up to improve student education.
Keep an eye on lewispalmer.org for updates on the new center.
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after the first presentation on May 29. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n7mfd.
Kevin Shaffer from OZ Architecture presented the potential design for the rebuild of Station 3 on a 2-acre lot north of the YMCA, Jackson Creek Parkway, described the floor plan changes, and said:
• The floor plan is similar to the last presentation and still presents with the potential for future administrative offices.
• The design still shows four apparatus bays, storage space, bunker gear, and decontamination area.
• An 825-square-foot training room will be larger than the Station 1 training room.
• The size of the courtyard is reduced, and the entrance has a similar sequence as the initial plan.
• The bedrooms are now organized away from the mechanical equipment.
• The layout is slightly different, with room to add administrative offices at a later date.
• A six-to-eight-person elevator is included to reach the accommodation area on the second floor. All two-story and above public buildings are required by code to include an elevator. An ADA compliant bathroom will be located in the lobby.
• The training tower was moved to a central location, and the interior mezzanine can also be used for training purposes.
• The size is reduced considerably from the previous design of about 23,000 square feet with the administrative offices, to 18,328 square feet with room to add office space later.
Eric Becker of OZ Architecture showed a series of early concept perspective views, all depicting a reserved modern design with glass to provide natural light, and a mostly brick exterior, incorporating soft grays and tans, with some wood for the soffits, using natural materials. He said the station will have:
• Window controls and black-out shades.
• Tower with potential for light onsite training and allowing daylight into the bays and mezzanine with room for storage and creating that civic landmark that says “fire station.”
• The dynamic roof form design will provide coverage and draw the eye to the horizon and beyond. The board thanked the team for the presentation and said they were impressed with the revised conceptual design.
Shaffer said the design is quite a departure from the previous concept, and the interesting thing about the site is there is not a lot of contiguous contexts. There is an opportunity to make a civic expression, he said.
She applauded the Ehrhardt family for scheduling a meeting with the town, and said Kurt Ehrhardt “loves this community, is a wonderful member of our community and seeks to work with the community as he moves forward with this development.”
In his opening remarks, Nick Ehrhardt told the crowd of more than 100 attendees that his parents Marsha and Kurt own the property jointly and that he wanted them treated respectfully. He said rumors that he had used his seat on the board to influence events were “insulting and unfounded.” He turned the meeting over to Kurt Ehrhardt.
Kurt Ehrhardt told the attendees that Dollar General made an offer of $475,000 for half of the lot adjacent to Highway 105. The other half of the lot was worth about the same, he said. He recounted two other attempts he had made to develop the property. When Facinelli Motors lost its lease on County Line Road, Ehrhardt proposed it move to the property. Ehrhardt mentioned another effort to develop the property as a mix of commercial and residential uses. Both projects fell through, he said.
Financial report
Treasurer Tom Kelly said that as of July 31, the district was at 58.3% of the total amount of the predicted budget and considered in line with projections. Overall revenue year to date is about $20.166 million, about 91.4% of the projected 2024 income budget set at about $22 million. (Includes a little over $2 million for the Wescott contract for services.) Overall expenses year to date are about $9.649 million or 59% of the projected expense budget set at about $16.336 million. The board reviewed 22 electronic transmissions for July over $2,500, and of note were:
• $10,000 Midwest Fire Water tender down payment
• $107,493 OZ Architecture Training Center/Fire Station 3 and 4
• $128,371 Flintco LLC Station 4 remodel
• $8,602 Wex Bank Inc. Fleet fuel
• $16,934 CBIZ 2023 audit
Every transaction appeared appropriate and within the 2024 budget, Kelly said. The checking and savings accounts totaled about $21.749 million (about $16 million in the Operations and General Fund). The General Operations Fund increased by about $5 million from the June 30 financial report; the primary increase was based upon the new inclusion of property taxes, said Kelly.
The board accepted the financial report as presented in a 5-1 vote.
Training center update
Kovacs said the training center project continues as scheduled and is going through the PUD and re-platting of the property to accommodate district partner Front Range Apparatus on 2 acres of the 14-acre site adjacent to Station 1. The district received some documents earlier in the week validating the submittal to the Town of Monument for approval, so the project is moving forward as scheduled, he said.
Merger update
Kovacs said that as part of the merger process, he will accompany Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) legal counsel at the end of September when they go before the county judge for the hearing to approve the dissolution of DWFPD. There are a few loose ends to tie up before the end of the calendar year, just finishing up some of the final details with the Firefighters Police Pension Association, specific to the Volunteer Firefighters Pension Association Fund, but everything is on track and looking favorable, he said. The district does not expect any concerns to present, and the two districts will officially be unified by the end of the year in readiness for the 2025 fiscal year. “We are in the home stretch,” he said.
Closest response units
Kovacs said the district has developed a specific closest response unit arrangement with BFFRPD. The arrangement includes EMS and engine units and is in addition to existing mutual aid partners. The agreement will provide the public with a faster unit response, he said.
Note: The chief’s report and the financial report can be found at www.monumentfire.org.
Executive session
The board moved into an executive ses-
After his summary of past development efforts, Ehrhardt announced that he and his wife were trying to withdraw from their contract with Dollar General. This was met with applause from the audience.
sion at 7:18 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(e) to develop a negotiation strategy and instruct negotiations on possible leasepurchase of real property.
Kovacs confirmed to OCN that after the board returned to the regular meeting at 8:12 p.m., no further action was taken by the board.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. **********
Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011. Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
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Welcome Home!
Note: Several days after the meeting, Ehrhardt announced on social media that he had been successful in canceling his agreement with Dollar General.)
Ehrhardt said the land had been for sale for 10 years and he had been burdened with property taxes on it. He believed a Dollar General store would
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Above: Above: OZ Architecture exterior design for the rebuild of Station 3. Image courtesy of MFD.
have generated between $150,000 and $200,000 in annual sales tax revenue for the town and that had been a consideration in their acceptance of Dollar General’s offer. He encouraged anyone to step up and make something happen on the property.
Following his remarks, Ehrhardt asked for comments from the audience. In the discussion that followed, several residents thanked Ehrhardt for his openness with the community and his decision to try to withdraw from his
contract with Dollar General. There were offers to help Ehrhardt deal with any negative financial consequences of his decision.
Some of the residents described Dollar General as a predatory company that looked for cash-strapped, lowincome communities and built stores with lax security and inadequate staffing that caused traffic problems.
Bill Fisher, an architect who currently serves on the Palmer Lake Planning Commission, said that, while he
was not completely opposed to franchise stores in the town, he wanted to see an approach to main street development that uses on-street parking serving multiple store fronts, with pedestrian zones, not a big-box store with a large parking lot. He said the Colorado Department of Transportation had come to believe that their policies, which promote large parking lots dedicated to a single store, are contrary to what towns want and he hoped the PLBOT would support more
Mayor Glant Havenar was on vacation and excused from the Aug. 22 meeting.
Both meetings were preceded by executive sessions.
Amended asbestos abatement contract approved
At its Aug. 8 meeting, the board took up Resolution 41-2024, which contracted with Advanced Remediation Services Inc. (ARSI) to remove asbestos from the long building and six cabins at the Elephant Rock property for $67,178.
Town Administrator Dawn Collins said the asbestos needed to be removed before the buildings could be demolished and the quote assumed the buildings would be demolished. The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents objected to the demolition of the cabins. Atis Jurka argued the planned demolition would not reduce the town’s insurance costs and was not in the town’s interest if the buildings might produce tax revenue in the future.
Gene Kalesti said the trustees had made their decision based on emotion and were ignoring 300 residents who signed a petition asking that the buildings be retained. He said the decision to demolish was “an economic crime.”
Lindsay Willan, who, along with her husband Richard Willan, is developing a portion of the Elephant Rock property as a spa, asked why the forms making the buildings eligible for historic status had never been filed, claiming that omission was a “travesty.” Nick Olson said the cabins should be kept and the board was throwing away $1 million.
enlightened guidelines for main street development. Other residents said they preferred a complete ban on franchise stores.
No additional meetings are planned on this issue.
James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
New committee focuses on financial plan
At its Aug. 8 meeting, the board debated Resolution 41-2024, which authorizes the creation of a second advisory committee focused on the creation of a financial plan for the main building, chapel, and cottage at the Elephant Rock property. A previous committee, the Elephant Rock Property Citizen Advisory Committee, which was formed to organize all the uses of the property proposed by residents, recommended the creation of a second committee devoted to financial plans. The resolution calls for a maximum of seven appointed members, including two from the Planning Commission, two from the Parks and Trails Commission, one from a local nonprofit, and one resident. The members must not have a financial interest in the property. The resolution gives the committee 90 days to develop its plan.
Trustee Shana Ball argued the committee should have 10 members to allow more citizens to participate.
Collins pointed out that the committee will advise the board, which will make any final decisions.
Havenar proposed extending the committee’s deadlines to 120 days.
The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution as amended. Mediator to help resolve conflicts
At its Aug. 22 meeting, the board returned to the issue of the asbestos abatement contract. Collins told the board that ARSI had determined that the square footage of the buildings on which they based their estimate was wrong, and it raised its estimate to $104,000. Collins said ARSI was also asking for bunkbeds and cabinets to be removed before beginning work. Considering those issues, she recommended the abatement contract be awarded to Paramount Environmental Services for $94,570.
The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 47-2024, which awards the contract to Paramount Environmental Services.
Town Attorney Scott Krob recommended that the board engage a mediator to help resolve disputes between board members and the mayor such as the disagreement between Ball and Havenar at the second board meeting in July. According to materials in the packet for the Aug. 22 meeting, the board has an unidentified mediator in mind. Krob said the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency or the Colorado Municipal league might also act as mediator if issues remain unresolved.
2023 audit report
David Green, of Green & Associates LLC, reported the results of his audit of town finances to the board at its Aug. 22 meeting. The audit included an unmodified or “clean” opinion, Green said, indicating that the audit fairly represents the town’s financial standing. He complimented the town staff
on their cooperation and said it was the smoothest audit he has had with the town so far.
Resident Roger Mosely questioned several aspects of the audit.
The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 43-2024, which authorizes Collins to file the 2023 audit with the state of Colorado.
Business license code clarified At the Aug. 8 meeting, Krob proposed amending language in the municipal code to exempt businesses that are working on a single residence from needing to have a business license from the town of Palmer Lake. Krob’s changes would mean a plumber licensed in Colorado Springs, for instance, could repair a Palmer Lake residence’s plumbing without needing a business license issued by Palmer Lake.
At the Aug. 22 meeting, Krob’s suggestions were presented as Ordinance 10-2024, which adds three new exemptions to the requirement to have a Palmer Lake business license: trade persons working on an existing singlefamily residence; subcontractors working under a general contractor with a Palmer Lake-issued business license; and any general contractor working on one single-family residence. The board voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.
Sale of town land approved
At its Aug. 8 meeting, the board approved the sale of 4.5 acres of town land to Josh Mabe of Twenty1Five LLC. The land is just south of County Line Road and west of the land owned by the United Congregational Church of Ben Lomand. The parcel includes some of the land the town currently leases to Palmer Lake Sportsriders for use as a dirt bike track.
Resident Kent Hutson pointed out that the land includes part of the Santa Fe Trail that connects Palmer Lake to the Greenland Open Space. Krob said the sale allowed for the easement used by the trail.
Krob explained that because the land is not in use by the town, the sale must take the form of an ordinance and the board voted to approve Ordinance 9-2024, which authorizes the sale. Trustees Ball, Kevin Dreher, Nick Ehrhardt, Jessica Farr and Dennis Stern, as well as Havenar, voted in favor; Trustee Samantha Padgett voted against the ordinance.
Resolutions approved
The board approved the following resolutions:
• Resolution 44-2024, which authorizes the town to coordinate the local election on Nov. 5 with El Paso County.
• Resolution 45-2024, which approves an intergovernmental agreement between the town and the UC Health Memorial Hospital System under which UC Health will assign a clinician to the town’s Crisis Intervention Team. The town was awarded a grant to fund the clinician.
• Resolution 46-2024, which specifies a lower fee of $500 each for a Plat Amendment and a Plat Correction. The resolution simplifies the previous replat application review and approval by requiring less review and eliminating public hearings.
• Resolution 48-2024, which redirects the town’s portion of the Colorado Opioid Settlement funds to the El Paso County region. The funds, amounting to $1,478, which
can be used only for purposes approved under the settlement, are not enough to support an approved program at the town level.
Collins pointed out that the town already receives an adequate amount of Narcan (one of the approved uses) at no cost and that most of Colorado’s local governments have redirected their funds to their regions.
Administrative reports
Collins told the board that recruitment is ongoing for a water operator, a chief of police, an accounting clerk, and a code compliance officer. All departments are short-handed, she said. She invited residents to apply to serve on the newly created Advisory Committee for the Elephant Rock Financial Plan.
Fire Chief John Vincent told the board that Fire Academy training had been completed by his staff and all were now certified as Fire Fighter 1. His staff has also been trained to do blood draws for suspected driving under the influence investigations. He said his staff and equipment had been temporarily deployed to fight fires in northern California, which brings experience and revenue to the department.
Executive session
The Aug. 8 meeting was followed by an executive session to discuss a possible annexation request, after which no action was taken.
The Aug. 22 meeting was followed by an executive session to discuss a possible annexation, to consider a summons and petition from the United Congregational Church to disconnect pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b), and to develop negotiating positions related to town land dedication. No action was taken.
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The next regular board meetings are scheduled for Sept. 12 and 26. All meetings will be held at the Town Hall. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.
James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
SCHEDULE A TOUR
By Chris Jeub
The Monument Town Council met twice in August. Discussions centered on the proposed 2025 budget, focusing on revenue projections and critical infrastructure projects. The council also passed an election ordinance to streamline the upcoming town election and approved the final plat for the Monument Lake development. The council endorsed technology upgrades for the Town Council Chambers, appointed Madeline VanDenHoek as the
interim town manager, and moved forward with a lodging tax proposal aimed at supporting public amenities.
Town of Monument presents 2025 budget proposal
On Aug. 5, Senior Town Accountant Steve Murray presented the Town of Monument’s proposed 2025 budget, focusing on sales tax revenues, fund allocations, and critical supplemental projects. The budget anticipates an 8.63% sales tax revenue increase, consistent with 2023 figures. Key alloca-
tions include directing 0.5% of sales tax to the 2F Police Fund, 50% of sales and use tax from Triview properties to Triview, and 1% to water funds, with a portion allocated to the 2A Water Fund. About 42% of the collected sales tax is projected to support the General Fund. The budget also includes $440,000 for legal expenses across various departments, covering technical and professional services.
Emphasizing infrastructure and technology, the budget outlines significant supplemental projects, such as $9 million allocated for upgrades to Jackson Creek Parkway and $10 million for constructing a new Public Works building. Other enhancements include records and budget software updates and items for the Police Department, like safety equipment and parking lot fencing, totaling around $138,500. The town plans to use restricted reserves, including $2 million for stormwater management projects, and maintain a 3% TABOR reserve.
During the council’s discussion, Councilmember Steve King questioned the necessity of all proposed impact studies, but Town Attorney Bob Cole affirmed their importance, while King stressed the value of impact fees. Mayor LaKind urged Director of Public Works Tom Tharnish to seek creative funding options through water fees.
from Interim Town Manager
Madeline VanDenHoek that the budget is a “work in progress” and that this draft serves as an initial step in refining the town’s financial plan.
Election ordinance passed
The Town Council passed Ordinance No. 15-2024 with a 7-0 vote, following lengthy discussion and some disagreement with legal counsel. The ordinance, which calls for the Nov. 5 Town Regular Election to be conducted as a coordinated election, also appoints the town clerk as the designated election official and authorizes an intergovernmental agreement with the El Paso County clerk and recorder. Councilmember King, despite having reservations and concerns that were echoed by a community member, ultimately voted in favor of the ordinance due to time constraints.
Monument Lake final plat approved
During a recent public hearing, the Town Council discussed Resolution No. 25-2024, which pertains to the final plat for Monument Lake Beachfront
if the project would be completed by the end of the year. Williams confirmed that the upgrades would be finished by the middle of the fourth quarter. During the renovation, council sessions will be temporarily moved to another location. The resolution was passed unanimously with a 7-0 vote.
Councilmember Ken Kimple voiced concerns about the $9 million allocation for the water Loop, noting that actual costs could potentially double. Tharnish responded by announcing a formal presentation on Sept. 3, which will provide more information about the fund. Kimple also expressed disapproval of the current council deciding future pay for councilmembers, advocating for a town ballot decision. In contrast, LaKind argued that since current members would not benefit from the vote, it should not pose an issue. The session concluded with a reminder
Filing No. 1. As this was a continuation from previous meetings, Planning Director Dan Ungerleider did not give a new presentation. The proposal, first presented in June, aimed to combine several lots and allow for parking permits. Although the Planning Commission recommended approval with a 7-0 vote and staff confirmed that all review criteria were met, Councilmember King raised concerns about the status of Lake Mountain Lane being listed as a private road. Town staff clarified that while the northern road is private, the town owns the access road.
King expressed his hesitation to send the issue back to staff but questioned the process taken. Ungerleider acknowledged the complexity of the situation and noted that the final plat would clarify the ownership and access issues. Legal counsel Bob Cole confirmed that the town does indeed own the access road, which satisfied the council’s concerns. Consequently, the council unanimously passed the resolution with a 7-0 vote, allowing the project to move forward.
Town Council approves technology upgrades Director of IT Will Williams presented a proposal to the Town Council requesting $137,000 for technology and audio-visual upgrades to the Town Council Chambers. Williams expressed enthusiasm for the project, assuring council members that the new equipment would be fully utilized and not left to “sit in a closet.” LaKind asked
VanDenHoek appointed as interim town manager In a unanimous 7-0 decision, the Town Council appointed Director of Parks and Community Partnerships VanDenHoek as the interim town manager, following Cole’s recommendation after the departure of Mike Foreman. The town had been operating under a co-manager arrangement with VanDenHoek and Police Chief Patrick Regan. Mayor LaKind motioned for VanDenHoek’s appointment, relieving Regan from his comanagement responsibilities. Regan, who expressed his enjoyment working alongside VanDenHoek, stated his preference to return to his primary role as police chief. VanDenHoek accepted the interim position and agreed to the $175,000 annual salary. Council moves forward with lodging tax proposal
During the Aug. 5 meeting, the Town Council discussed the introduction of a 5% lodging tax for hotels, short-term rentals (STRs), third parties, and truck stops, with an estimated revenue of $220,000 annually. The proposed tax, aimed at benefiting public amenities such as parks and playgrounds, would be enforced using Deckard Technology LLC to identify and ensure compliance among STRs within the town. Senior Accountant Steve Murray explained that while STRs would be managed through technology, truck stops would undergo individual audits. Mayor LaKind emphasized the importance of getting the lodging tax proposal on the ballot for the Nov. 5 election.
The formal ordinance, identified as Ordinance No. 16-2024, was introduced and voted on in the Aug. 19 meeting, following the earlier discussions. The ordinance outlines the submission of the lodging tax proposal to eligible voters and amends the Monument Municipal Code to include the new tax, contingent upon voter approval. The council unanimously passed the ordinance in a 7-0 vote, clearing the way for the issue to be decided by Monument residents in the regular town election.
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The Monument 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 Tuesday, Sept. 3 (following the Labor Day holiday) and Sept. 16. Call 719-884-8014 or see www. townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco. minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council. Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.
By Janet Sellers
At the Aug. 14 meeting of the Monument Planning Commission (MPC), the commissioners considered a proposed Ziggi’s Coffee restaurant, discussed land development, and expressed concern about potential impacts of development on nearby homes and businesses. It also discussed a joint meeting with the Town Council concerning the scope of the Comprehensive Plan Update project.
The commissioners expressed concern about the orientation of buildings on Jackson Creek Parkway and suggested guidelines for development to create a welcoming look. Negotiating with developers during the preliminary process to set guidelines could limit frustration with buildings facing the “wrong direction,” starting the conversation earlier in the planning and design process.
The commission discussed the proposed development of Ziggi’s Coffee, a growing, nationwide coffee franchise, at Monument Marketplace North with the development representative and the
By Jackie Burhans
The Monument Academy (MA) board held one regular meeting and two special meetings in August. At its regular meeting on Aug. 8, the board discussed non-legal name changes, reviewed a proposed library policy, and accepted a board resignation. At its online special meeting on Aug. 16, the board met to discuss its charter contract with D38, which was subsequently approved by the district at its Aug. 29 meeting. See D38 board article on page 12.
Finally, at its online special meeting on Aug. 29, the board authorized President Ryan Graham to execute documents related to acquisition of property next to its West Campus to be used for a parking lot. Non-legal name change Graham noted that MA must comply with recently passed legislation he disagrees with, known as HB24-1039 NonLegal Name Changes. He noted that section five says that a local education provider shall implement a written policy outlining how [it] will honor a student’s request to use a chosen name and may include a process for including [that] on school records while complying with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.
The law defines “chosen name” as any name that a student requests to be known as that differs from the student’s legal name to reflect the student’s gender identity. Graham said that MA’s policy, JNR-MA Non-Legal Name Change for Students, would ensure that parents are included. The cor-
owner. Concerns about zoning compliance, traffic generation, and pedestrian access were raised, while the developer emphasized a commitment to improving pedestrian access and addressing safety concerns. Design inconsistencies such as the drive-through design not resembling the front door and the building architecture facing Jackson Creek Parkway were physical issues of concern, as well as appropriate sidewalks.
The commissioners also discussed the visibility of new businesses in the area and the orientation of buildings on Jackson Creek Parkway. A commissioner expressed support for the project with regard to the supporting documents, while another commissioner raised concerns about safety in areas that “are not very safe.” Sign concerns were also raised, in the interest of making sure the businesses in that area will be successful.
Commissioner Ray Egley spoke up as it was noticed that the only access to the business is off what is being designated as a private road, which is off Harness Road. The
responding regulation, JNR-R, lays out the procedure for appealing to the executive director should the name change be denied and includes a notice of nondiscrimination.
Executive Director Colin Vinchattle said he had com municated with the admin istrative team regarding this policy and that the regulation would be included in the stu dent handbook so families would have access. Board member Matt Ross noted that the policy limited name changes to once per semes ter and required that students have the mental capacity and intent to forgo their legal name. Vinchattle said School District 11 had had an enor mous number of name chang es that impacted staff and that any concerns about capacity would require communication with the legal team.
The board unanimously approved these new policies, which can be found on the MA website at http://bit.ly/mapolicies. Read the House bill at https://bit.ly/co-hb24-1039.
Library policy
Board member Karen Hoida led the discussion of the new policy KECL Library Materi als Parental Review, noting that a draft was in the board packet. The policy briefly out lines the process for reviewing library materials if a parent or legal guardian of a current MA student has an objection or concern. She said the librarian would make a review form available.
concern was of snow removal and continuing maintenance of that road, not only for the businesses that are there but for the consumers who want to frequent those businesses.
Commissioner Angley asked the developer, “... how would they address that, who’s taking care of that?” The developer replied that the entrance to the building is not on Jackson Creek Parkway but faces west. The owner of the business, Greg Flynn, owns five other Ziggi’s in Colorado and shared details of how the business plans to have a welcoming establishment with a fireplace indoors for atmosphere, banners at the high school, some in-house special days, and so on to show that it invests in the community.
The recommendation to approve the edifice of Ziggi’s was based on the final planned unit development for lot 4 of Monument Marketplace North, for a restaurant and drive through, supported by the display of facts on the meeting room screen and described by following documents that were shown for the site plan for the lot, prepared
(LRC). The LRC would consist of three parents or legal guardians of a current student (excluding board members) and serve a two-year term. One
by MAH architectural group. Grading erosion control in site construction plans was prepared by the civil engineering group, with the drainage report for the marketplace filing 1 prepared by the same engineering group, and the traffic generation and analysis for Ziggi’s prepared by SM Roca LLC, the documents of which should include the attached findings of fact in support of the recommendation.
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The Monument Planning Commission usually meets the second Wednesday of each month. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www. townofmonument.org/263/ Planning-CommissionBoard-of-Adjustment. Information: 719-884-8028 or www. townofmonument.org. Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Materials would be removed from shelves or blocked while under review by a Library Review Committee
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ties and committee memberships.
• The board unanimously approved the East and West Campus Student/Parent Handbooks with minor edits to the bullying policy and parent communication.
• The board approved the Athletic Handbook for Middle School and High School.
• Vinchattle reported that Operations Manager Jake Dicus had recommended purchase of wireless
microphones, an easily managed video recorder, and a visual board per the approved budget.
• Vinchattle led a discussion about the new position of major gifts officer, noting the pros and cons of incentive-based, salaried, or hybrid compensation models. The position would report to the Dicus, as they both work on fundraising. The board asked Vinchattle to return with a tiered approach
to compensation and a detailed description of the job duties to be voted on at the September meeting.
• The board set its board retreat and meeting dates for fiscal year 24-25, maintaining the second Thursday of each month with some exceptions for conflicts and holidays.
• After an executive session on Aug. 8, the board unanimously voted to replace its security training part-
Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug.19
Ridge High
director, for receiving the Colorado Bandmasters Association’s 2024 Hall of Fame award. This award is given to just one Colorado band director each year. Eversole spoke of the people who influenced him and the support he got from students, parents, the board, and building administrators. He said he hoped that there would be continued support for the music program at D38, noting that former students were now leading the program. From left are Upchurch, board member Todd Brown, elementary music teacher Cynthia Eversole, Eversole, board members Kris Norris and Patti Shank, and Superintendent Stacie Datteri. For more information on the Colorado Bandmasters Association and its mission, see https://www.coloradobandmasters.org/. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
By Harriet Halbig
The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education recognized several individuals and organizations, approved a consolidated contract for Monument Academy, and received a detailed report from the Human Resources Department at its Aug. 19 meeting.
Recognitions
Former Palmer Ridge High School band teacher Raleigh “Butch” Eversole was recognized for receiving the Colorado Bandmasters’ Association 2024 Hall of Fame Award. One individual is so recognized each year.
Lewis-Palmer High School Principal Bridget O’Connor recognized Braeden Turner as the valedictorian for the class of 2024 with a grade point average of 4.545. Turner will attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was presented with a special medal.
The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club was recognized for its support of the district through its donations. Of note this year is the donation of comfort bins for students experiencing tragedies. These age-appropriate bins include such items as blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, books about grieving, note cards,
coloring supplies and other materials.
Monument Academy contract
Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine and Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway presented a consolidated contract for the elementary and secondary campuses of Monument Academy. Although the two campuses remain separate legal entities, it was thought to be more convenient to have a contract with a single expiration date in 2029. Some changes in the contract include information on expulsion of students and education of students with disabilities. The Monument Academy board approved the contract the previous week. The contract was approved unanimously.
Human Resources report
Director of Human Resources Alicia Welch presented a detailed report about her department’s statistics. The PowerPoint may be found on boarddocs, under the Board of Education tab on the district website, lewispalmer. org.
Some highlights are:
• The primary reason for separation from the district was retirement for licensed employees (primar
nership with FASTER Colorado from Able Shepherd.
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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ma-boe. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
Above: At the D38 Board of Education meeting on Aug. 19, Amy Sienkowski, assistant principal at Palmer Ridge High School, recognized the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) for awarding eight grants totaling nearly $12,500 to support eight projects in School District 38. TWLC grants supported swim lessons, vision screening, transitions cooking classes, furniture for counselors, an automated external defibrillator (AED), science materials, and comfort bins. Sienkowski noted that the comfort bins contained age-appropriate books on loss, cushions, fidgets, and weighted blankets to help students process their grief when a tragedy arises. From left are board member Patti Shank, board president Tiffiney Upchurch, TLWC Co-President Kathy Budney, TLWC President-Elect Julie Shook, board member Kris Norris, Sienkowski, and Superintendent Stacie Datteri. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
ily teachers). The primary reason for classified employees (clerical, transportation, food service, etc.) was personal or health reasons.
• The district was successful in recruiting substitute teachers. To be considered active, a substitute must work one or two times per month.
• The district was successful in recruiting a number of teachers and paraprofessionals for students with special needs.
• The district has hired three new bus drivers.
Welch emphasized that her goal is to make employees feel valued and welcome. She encourages employees to seek improvement in such areas as moving from paraprofessional to teacher. She said that movement between schools and among categories proves that employees view Lewis-Palmer as a destination district in their careers.
The department also has encour-
nus is an additional incentive.
Superintendent update Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri reported on the first day of school and summer activities in the district.
She rode several school buses on the first day of school and shared lunch with students at Lewis-Palmer High School and Prairie Winds Elementary School.
Over the summer, a number of sports camps were sponsored by the district, a soccer game was held between the Unified Soccer Program at Lewis-Palmer High School and the Switchbacks Unified Team, and orientation programs for incoming ninthgraders and incoming seventh-graders helped familiarize them with their new surroundings.
Datteri said that the district played a major role in the Monument Fourth of July Parade, featuring many sports teams and the board president and herself.
Above: At the Aug. 19 D38 Board of Education meeting, President Tiffiney Upchurch celebrated Raleigh “Butch” Eversole, retired Palmer
School band
At present over 98% is being used.
As a result of the passage of Senate Bill 24-017, the district is receiving its state revenues in a new timeline. The district received $4 million for July this year rather than the previous approximately $3.1 million. The state Senate bill was passed to distribute revenue more evenly over months when tax revenue is not disbursed
In answer to a question, Ridgway said that the current changes in property tax levies will not affect the budget for 2024-25 but may impact the following year.
School enrollment figures for the first day of school reflect an additional 12 students. Ridgway said that the numbers often decline slightly before the official student count on Oct. 1.
Of note is the increase of 106 students at Bear Creek Elementary School. Ridgway said the school can absorb this number but not many more. He also said it is not possible to determine whether this increase is due to nearby developments. On Oct. 1, the
By James Howald
In August, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board met to review a request for supplemental water service from the developers of the Waterside subdivision. The board rescheduled its September meeting and heard operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session, after which a vote was taken.
Developer requests supplemental water District Manager Jessie Shaffer told the board that Lake Woodmoor Holdings LLC, the developers of the Waterside subdivision, had requested a supplemental water service agreement from the district.
According to materials provided in the meeting packet, the Waterside subdivision is a proposed 7.5acre development at the intersection of Woodmoor Drive and Deer Creek Road, across from Lewis-Palm-
addresses of students will become available. Enrollment at Monument Academy increased slightly as a result of its new Home School Academy.
Ridgway said that the previous fiscal year’s budget must be amended slightly due to receipt of insurance funding resulting from the January freeze and a slight increase in funding from the mill levy override. The board unanimously approved the amended budget.
Executive session
The board met in executive session before the regular meeting. During this session, it discussed the subdivision of the central office complex and parameters for valuation of the parcels for future transactions. For further information on this subject, please see https://wp.ocn.me/v24n7d38boe..
The Board of Education of Lewis-Palmer D38 meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at its learning center, 146 N. Jefferson St. in Monument. The next meeting will be on Sept. 16. For further information, please contact vwood@lewispalmer.org. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
er Middle School. The developer plans to build four single-family homes and 40 multi-family homes on the property.
The Supplemental Water Service Agreement included in the packet explains that the developer is requesting a total of 12.2 acre-feet of water per year for the planned development. The default water service provided by WWSD is 0.5 acre-feet of water per acre of land, in this case, 3.76 acre-feet. The supplemental water service requested amounts to 8.42 acre-feet per year. 7.5 acre-feet per year will be provided at the Tier 2 price of $29,000 per acre-foot and 0.891 acrefeet will be provided at the Tier 3 price of $43,500 per acre-foot. The total cost of the supplemental water requested is $257,157 annually.
Shaffer said he wanted to discuss the request with the board in executive session and asked to have the request tabled until that discussion had taken place.
September meeting rescheduled The board rescheduled its September meeting from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 to allow board members to attend the Special District Association of Colorado conference.
Operational reports
• Board President Brian Bush, on behalf of board Treasurer Roy Martinez, said water sales to date were less than the budgeted amount. Tap fees were higher than expected and interest income remains high due to high interest rates.
• Cultivation of native grasses at the Woodmoor Ranch, required by the conversion of the ranch’s
Above: At the Aug. 19 meeting of the D38 Board of Education, Lewis-Palmer High School Principal Bridget O’Connor introduced Braeden Turner to recognize his academic achievements and present a special valedictorian medal. She noted that the valedictorian process happens after seven of eight semesters. She said that after calculating final grades, Turner’s grade-point average of 4.545 moved him to the number one position by a score of .001. She noted that Turner was also involved in athletics, the Safe-to-Tell program, and student mental wellness advocacy. Turner, who was accompanied by his parents at the board meeting, will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst and will major in computer science and a minor in food science. From left are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Del Turner, Turner, Nancy Roberts, O’Connor. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
water rights from agricultural to municipal uses, is continuing. The revegetation effort is expected to be complete by 2025, according to Shaffer.
• Operations Supervisor Dan LaFontaine told the board the effluent meter at the South Water Treatment Plant was inaccurate and he was working to find a company to test it.
• Shaffer said that JVA Inc. was analyzing data from a sewer capacity study so that any capacity issues can be addressed.
• Shaffer told the board that Cydney Saelens had accepted an offer to serve as the district engineer, replacing Ariel Hacker, who had accepted a job with a state agency.
Executive session
The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss negotiating positions regarding the district’s participation in the Loop water reuse project and discussions with Classic Homes. Following the executive session, the board voted to appoint Bush as the director responsible for representing the district in negotiations between member agencies of the Loop.
The next meeting has been moved to Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive; the September meeting is delayed by a week. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.
James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
By Natalie Barszcz
The Pinon Pines Metropolitan District (PPMD) 3 board held a special meeting on Aug. 14 to approve a debt authorization ballot initiative for the November election.
Attending via teleconference were District Manager Ann Nichols, Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD), Tom Blunk, CP Real Estate Capital, representing Forest Lakes LLC and Forest Lakes Residential Development, District Attorney Nicole Peykov of Spencer Fane law firm, and the following board directors: President George Lenz, executive vice president of Finance for Classic Homes, Secretary Joe Loidolt, president of Classic Homes, Treasurer/Secretary Douglas Stimple, chief executive officer of Classic Homes, and Director James Boulton, vice president/ project manager of Classic Homes.
Director Steve Schlosser, project manager for Classic Homes, did not attend.
Note: The timing for the meeting was unclear for some of the dial-in participants due to an early email exchange confirming 4:30 p.m. A meeting time of 4 p.m. was published on the district website. Peykov and Blunk joined the meeting late due to the miscommunication.
Debt authorization requires special election
Nichols said the need for a special election on Nov. 5 to approve a new debt authorization for PPMD 3 came about due to Blunk working with an underwriter to issue bonds from PPMD 3 a couple of years ago. Then an issue was raised by the Town of Monument with the building of warehouses, and Blunk pulled back on issuing bonds from PPMD 3 due to an unattractive bond market. The underwriter knew that the state statute to issue debt would expire after 20 years, and Spencer Fane informed the district that the statute had expired since the authorized debt had been approved in 2003, said Nichols.
By Natalie Barszcz
Triview Metropolitan
District (TMD) Manager James
McGrady welcomed about 40 invitees and said the Northern Delivery System (NDS) will forever change how TMD and Forest Lake Metropolitan District (FLMD) provide water to almost 3,000 single-family homes along with multifamily and commercial customers. TMD will no longer be dependent on nonrenewable ground water to supply the demands of its customers. The districts’ Denver Basin wells will be used as a supplemental supply on max use days and
Peykov said the only debt issued for PPMD 3 was voter approved in a 2003 election. Because the debt is only valid for 20 years under the Colorado Special Districts Act, the board needs to consider authorizing an election to gain voter approval again. The proposed ballot questions will only be mailed to the PPMD 3 board members, the only eligible electors. PPMD 3 does not have any residents and the commercial lot owners/businesses are not eligible to vote. For the district to issue any further debt, voter approval is required, said Peykov.
Lenz asked if the 2024 ballot would differ from the 2003 ballot, knowing the numbers are likely much higher now.
Peykov said the allocation in the PPMD 3 service plan is limited to a $21 million cap unless the board wanted to proceed with a service fund amendment up to $97.3 million for an intergovernmental agreement with FLMD (the operation district with the project). The amendment is limited to the $21 million cap for water, sewer, and street infrastructure.
Stimple said this election is necessary for Blunk to issue or receive financing for PPMD 3, and if the owners Forest Lakes LLC decided to lend funds to the district.
The board unanimously authorized the election to be conducted by Spencer Fane law firm on Nov. 5.
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.
Meetings are usually held quarterly or when necessary, on the first Monday of the month at 4 p.m., via teleconference. Meeting notices are posted at least 24 hours in advance at https://forestlakesmetrodistrict. com. For general questions, contact Nichols at 719327-5810 or anicholsduffy@aol.com. Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
during periods of drought in the future. About nine years ago, TMD set about acquiring and decreeing 1,950 acre-feet of renewable water rights for municipal use, and since then the district has constructed 1,630 acre-feet of storage in the South Reservoir, a part of the Stonewall Springs Facility. The district also has access to over 1,000 acre-feet of storage in Big Johnson Reservoir as a result of its majority ownership in the
is capable of delivering up to 4.0 million gallons per day of renewable water to Northern El Paso County, imparting about 550 feet of head and lifting the water to the districts “C Plant” tank located in the Sanctuary Pointe subdivision. The district’s water rights will be delivered to the Highway 83 Tank using Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) extensive conveyance, treatment, and distribution system.
The majority of the $24 million delivery system design and infrastructure project was funded with cash acquired from the sale of tap fees from development within the district. While the construction of the pipeline was completed in less than 16 months, it took the last seven years to build and permit the project. The NDS pipeline will deliver the district’s collection of water rights obtained for about $40 million
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans
At its August meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board discussed waiving its current policy which allows directors to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. Removing term limits would need approval from the district’s voters. The board heard operational reports. Directors Bill George and Ed Miller were excused from the meeting.
Term limit policy considered General Manager Jeff Hodge told the board that the current policy limiting directors to two four-year terms could lead to discontinuity where long-term projects, such as the district’s participation in the Loop water re-use effort, were concerned, and made it hard to find candidates to serve on the board. He asked the board to consider putting a waiver to the term limit policy before the voters in February.
Board President Wayne Vanderschuere said previous boards had considered changing the term limit policy, but the policy is difficult for small districts. He said he would be affected by retaining or changing the policy and would recuse himself from any votes.
Director Kevin Deardoff said it was hard to find people to run for seats on the board and he would support removing the limit of two terms.
Director Scott McCullough said he supported term limits in general and would not like to see the same people serving on the board forever. He asked if it was possible to extend the terms beyond four years but retain the limit to two terms. Hodge said the state of Colorado allowed only a limit to two terms or no limit whatsoever.
Vanderschuere said he agreed with McCullough on a philosophical level but thought waiving the term
El Paso County
By James Howald
In August, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board met to amend its contract with Merrick and Co., the company which provides the Loop with project planning and workflow management. John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co. who serves as the Loop’s liaison with Merrick, gave the board a progress report. The board scheduled a public hearing on its budget. The meeting ended with an executive session after which no action was taken.
Contract with Merrick updated for next phase Loop board President Jessie Shaffer asked the board to approve an amended contract with Merrick that had been reviewed by Spencer Fane, the Loop’s legal advisors.
Kuosman told the board that its current contract with Merrick focused on the first phase of the project: creating a water authority and embodying the commitments of participating districts in legal agreements. Now the project is moving to its next phase, he said, and its contract needed to be amended to address land acquisition processes, preliminary design issues, and the development of an operations model. Kuosman said his job was to work with the Loop authority and the hired consultant community to move the project forward. “Our job is to be the extension staff to execute that work,” he said.
Kuosman said he planned to schedule a workshop with the Loop board and the Special District Association of Colorado (SDAOC) in September. The SDAOC serves the interests of special districts in Colorado by assisting them with research, communication legislative input, and administrative support.
The board discussed updating its contract with Merrick at length at its previous meeting in July. That meeting was reported in the August issue of OCN here: https://wp.ocn.me/v24n8loop/.
Above: Ribbon cutting Aug. 14 at the NDS pump station built by T-Bone Construction. From left, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Sandy Shook, President of T- Bone Construction Mike Thibault, Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart, Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) Manager James McGrady and District Manager Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) Ann Nichols cutting the ribbon, Vice Chair Anthony Sexton, Director Jason Gross, Monument Town Council member Marco Fiorito, Kiewit Project Manager Max McClean, Operations Manager Kiewit Infrastructure Mike McDonald, and President Mark Melville in front of the TMD Northern Delivery System (NDS) pump station at the ribbon cutting event on Aug 14. Director Amanda Carlton was unable to attend. Photo
and made possible by a $10 million 25-year agreement with CSU, for a total project cost of about $75 million, McGrady said.
McGrady thanked President of T-Bone Construction Mike Thibault, Kiewit Project Manager Max McClean, Operations Manager Kiewit Infrastructure Mike McDonald, RESPEC Engineering staff John Mc-
limit made sense for DWSD. The current policy allows a director to serve additional terms after four years off the board. He suggested the required time off the board could be reduced. He asked for the issue to be tabled until September when all the board members would be present.
Hodge said he would discuss potential alternatives with the district’s lawyer.
Operational reports
In his financial report, Hodge said the district’s finances were in better shape than they were at the same time in the previous year. He said $700,000 in water sales were needed over the remaining half of the year to meet the estimated revenue budgeted, and he expected that amount to be met. The district was not using water from its Willow Creek Ranch property and was not paying Colorado Springs Utilities to convey, treat, and deliver that water, which represented a savings of about $900,000. Bond payments were made on schedule, he said.
The board tabled a vote on the financial report until its September meeting, due to the excused absence of two members.
In his manager’s report, Hodge commented on the special legislative session underway at the state capital to discuss reducing property taxes. Potential changes to the property taxes collected by counties would impact DWSD’s finances, Hodge said.
Progress was being made on Well 16A and on the repairs to the district’s water tanks, Hodge said.
Brett Gracely, a project engineer with LRE Water, told the board that he was considering how DWSD could store water in Turquoise Lake or in the Willow Creek Reservoir due to the Pueblo Reservoir nearing
The board voted unanimously to approve the amended contract.
Next
steps
Kuosman told the board that he was discussing water quality testing with JVA Inc., the company the Loop has hired to design the water treatment portion of the project.
Kuosman said he had scheduled a meeting with EPCOR, a company that invests in infrastructure projects. EPCOR’s perspective on the funding options for the Loop would be available to the board before its meeting with SDAOC in September.
Kuosman told the board he met with Vidler Water, a private-sector water resource company that develops water supplies in areas where water is scarce, and was continuing his discussion with Jenny Bishop of Colorado Springs Utilities concerning ways that it could partner with the Loop.
Public hearing on budget scheduled
The board voted to schedule a public hearing on its 2025 budget for Nov. 21.
Executive session
The meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice from the Loop’s attorney and to discuss negotiating positions concerning the Sundance pipeline owned by the Cherokee Metropolitan District. No votes were taken after the executive session.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Cherokee Metropolitan District offices at 6250 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs. Please see loopwater. org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
Ginn, Gwen Dahl, and Mario Dipasquale, TMD staff Rob Lewis, Kevin Fackerell, Steve Sheffield, and Matt Rayno, and the many sub-contractors involved in the project and the TMD Board of Directors’ past and present for their leadership.
Natalie Barszcz can be contacted at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
its capacity.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me
Above: The NDS pump station built by T-Bone Construction is pictured on Aug. 14. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
by Natalie Barszcz.
By Jackie Burhans and
Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 21 Board approves four-day work week
James Howald
In August, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board met to discuss moving to a four-day work week and to hear an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker.
Four-day work week recommended Parker told the board the MSD office typically receives only one or two calls on Friday, and he recommended transitioning to a four-day work week, with the office open Monday through Thursday. The office phone is programmed to ring forward to his cell phone, Parker said, so emergencies and requests to locate utilities would still be dealt with quickly. A four-day work week would save the district a little bit of money. Parker pointed out that Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Mountain View Electric Association, and Black Hills Energy all used four-day weeks.
The consensus of the board was that, starting
Sept.1, the MSD office would be open from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and closed on Fridays.
Manager’s report
In his manager’s report, Parker updated the board on the progress that had been made bringing the district’s website into compliance with the requirements of HB 21-1110 and with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Streamline, the company hired to update the webpage, had a new version online. Initially the plan was for the new page to use the same URL as the old page, but it was decided to use a new URL for the updated page, which can be found at https://MonumentSanitationDistrict. org. The old page will be set to forward users on to the new page for 90 days, Parker said, and then the old page will be deleted.
Parker said that the decision to move to a local
Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 22
accounting company, which he announced at the previous board meeting, had to be reversed because the local company was not able to meet MSD’s requirements. Haynie & Co. will continue as MSD’s accounting company, Parker said.
**********
Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-4814886.
Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
2023 budget amended; 2023 audit presented; district opposes initiatives 50 and 108
By Natalie Barszcz
At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Aug. 22, the board held public hearings to amend the 2023 budget and accepted the 2023 audit draft presented by Haynie and Co. for the district’s audited financial statements. The board approved multiple resolutions relating to the 2023 budget amendment and the audit, and the 2024 employee handbook.
The board adopted a resolution in opposition to statewide proposals for initiatives 50 and 108 and approved an agreement between the district and the Town of Monument (TOM) to receive Highway User Tax Funds (HUTF). The board held an executive session to discuss water and land acquisitions, and potential development incentives and intergovernmental agreements.
Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart was excused.
2023 budget amendment
District Manager James McGrady said the 2023 budget requires amendments because projections of how much money will be spent is a bit of a guess, and various things can happen. The 2023 budget projected in October 2022 allocated about $7.999 million for the General Fund/Capital Projects Fund, but in reality, it needed to be about $8.1 million to cover expenditures, so about a $100,000 difference.
About $25.254 million was allocated for the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Fund/Capital Projects Fund but the district actually spent about $29.146 million, with most of the additional funds used to purchase materials in advance for the Northern Delivery System. He requested the board approve the 2023 budget amendment for the General Fund/Capital Projects Fund and for the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Fund/Capital Projects Fund to balance the books before the 2023 audit is presented for approval.
The board approved Resolution 2024-08, amending the 2023 budget.
2023 audit presentation
Audit Manager Greg Ingalls of Haynie and Co. presented the 2023 audit and said his audit partner Christine McLeod had some small items to complete before the audit can be finalized. The opinion will be unmodified based upon the testing procedures and would be issued upon acceptance of the draft audit.
District Accountant Kathy Fromm, of Fromm and Co., said the audit is subject to final review for some open items.
The board accepted the draft audit subject to final audit review with direction to staff to file the audit with the state.
District opposes statewide ballot initiatives
District counsel George Rowley of White Bear Ankele Tanaka and Waldron law firm said two statewide proposed initiatives 50 and 108 have been approved by Secretary of State Jena Griswold and will likely be on the ballot in November. A special legislative session has been called to try to appease the people who have sponsored the initiatives and get the sponsors to remove the initiatives. Rowley said:
• Initiative 50 would amend the Colorado Constitution to limit property tax growth to 4% per year and would require a statewide vote for any increase above that percentage, but in many years natural inflation has been more than 4%.
• Both initiatives turn local government budgeting decisions for “special districts” such as water/wastewater and fire districts, over to a statewide voter decision.
• It is unknown how Initiative 50 will be applied and although Initiative 108 is a little less scary, the cuts would be significant and require the district to cut back.
• Initiative 108 reduces the residential property tax rate from 6.7% to 5.7% and the commercial property tax rate from 27% to 24%.
The district is opposed to these proposals and the statewide solution that would be devasting to most districts, Rowley said. If Initiative 50 passes, reducing tax growth to no more than 4% per year, it would halt government financing from general obligation bonds, and districts would not be able to predict budgets and pledge revenues. It would paralyze a lot of municipal financing within the state, because the 4% cap on tax growth applies to both residential and commercial, and it does not differentiate between new growth in-
creasing the tax base or inflation, said Rowley.
President Mark Melville said with all the commercial growth coming into the district, the tax cap would cripple the district, and TMD would not see the revenue for years. If this initiative passes, anyone needing to build a pipeline will be doomed to begin a project without bonds. The district has roads to maintain and the expense of snow removal, but luckily TMD is trailing off on capital improvements, he said.
Vice President Anthony Sexton said the initiatives have been developed for old neighborhoods in Denver that have no new growth.
McGrady said that for example, the addition of a $50 million warehouse in the district would leave the district with no choice but to roll back the mill levy on the whole district to remain within the 4% cap. The measures will cripple special district fire departments that typically have a lot of debt, he said.
Water Attorney Chris Cummins said the initiatives are not written for local governments but as a populist measure to reduce taxes. If these measures had already been in place, the district would not have been able to build the NDS. However, the district had good financial planning, with its revenue bonds, and built in the greatest cycle of growth, particularly in the housing market. The property tax revenues went up and up with growth, and the board responded by lowering the mills back down for the residents, avoiding collecting all of the property tax revenue available. The district was able to build new infrastructure and purchase water rights with the addition of 150-200 homes per year. A 4% cap on tax revenue would restrict growth and services in the future, he said.
The board approved Resolution 2024-10, opposing the ballot initiatives.
2024 employee handbook
Michelle Fergusson of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC law firm said the key goal was to update the 2024 Policy and Procedures Employee handbook with the prolific number of changes made by federal and state employment laws over the past few years. The handbook has significant updates regarding the drug and alcohol policy, specifically for licenses and marijuana, vehicle requirements for personal and districtowned vehicles, discipline steps and termination, updated language for the FAMLI, a state benefit offering Colorado workers access to paid sick leave, with some incentive changes to the district’s own sick leave and vacation policies, said Fergusson.
McGrady said the old policy manual seemed geared around employees remaining with the district for only five years, but most employees have remained far beyond that tenure.
The board approved resolution 2024-09 adopting the handbook effective Sept. 1.
Highway Users Tax Fund agreement
McGrady said the Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF) is a gasoline tax (.43 cents per gallon) collected for the entire state into a kitty, then held and distributed to entities responsible for the maintenance of public roads, in most cases for the state, counties, and municipalities. The cut is dependent on how many lane miles each entity maintains, but as more electric vehicles are purchased, less tax would be collected in the future, but Colorado is growing and the HUTF is growing. The district currently has about 135 lane miles to maintain, and the TOM has about 50 miles to maintain, for a total of about 185 miles of lane roads. The TOM is collecting only about 60 miles of revenue per year, and some of those roads are within TMD. The TOM is receiving about $300,000 annually for 60 miles but should be receiving about $900,000 annually from the HUTF if the TMD roads were included.
Rowley found a similar intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between a county in southwest Colorado and a metro district that had to maintain a lot of lane miles. A proposed IGA between TMD and TOM to allow a share back to the district for future road maintenance would be “free money” to really help the district without hurting the TOM. The district will calculate the total lane miles for both entities and include an additional 5% reimbursement to the town. The district maintains its own roads, represents about 60% of the Monument population, and has not previously been included in the town’s calculations for the HUTF, said McGrady.
The board approved McGrady and Rowley presenting the HUTF IGA agreement to the TOM for review and consideration, with a correction to the cal-
culating line mile formula.
Higby Road update
McGrady said the 12-inch main pipeline under Higby Road had been completed. Due to an application error during the curing process, the asphalt overlay patch cured with a wavy appearance. The patch will be re-milled and sealed by the contractor at no additional cost to the district.
Sheffield said the design plans for the Higby Road improvements are complete and ready to be submitted to the TOM.
Director Jason Gross said he thought the final design for the Higby Road project had already been approved by the TOM.
McGrady said the district submitted the design to the TOM, the TOM made comments on it, then the district addressed the comments and re-submitted the design. The TOM approved the plat for the Zeal for Living apartments access road for the right-of-way and the Town Council were only concerned about the width of the right-of-way, but not the width of Higby Road design. The design is being submitted to the TOM staff, but the Town Council will not vote again during the process, he said.
Buena Vista land annexation update McGrady said the annexation agreement for the Chicago Ranch (293.96 acres located in Chaffee County, across the road from the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds) was approved for annexation into the town of Buena Vista and recorded on Aug. 22, and everything will be finalized by mid-September. The annexation was necessary for constructing recharge ponds for the district to control water rights associated with the Arkansas Valley Irrigation Canal Co.’s Ditch and change the water rights to municipal uses for the district’s purposes. The district hopes to construct the ponds as soon as possible, he said. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n8tmd. Northern Delivery System update McGrady said the NDS ribbon-cutting ceremony was a success. See article on page 14.
Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield introduced Gary Potter, the new Water Utilities superintendent, and said he had attended multiple NDS start-up coordination meetings with Kiewit staff, Colorado Springs Utilities staff, Timberline staff, electricians, and other stakeholders. The start-up date on Aug. 20 was a success, and the district pushed water from Colorado Springs Utilities through the district’s system, but the system was shut down until Aug. 28 due to some issues with the chlorine pressure reducing valve, some programming, and power issues. The district is making progress testing the system and the team did not expect to “flip the switch and walk away from it, it’s a process,” said Sheffield.
Water utilities update
Sheffield said the district had the highest record of well water pumped in July, producing about 54.679 million gallons (MG) (the district water pumped in July 2023 was 28.926 MG). The district billed 52.241 MG to customers in July. The percent loss for July 2024 would have been 4.45%, but the additional water was used for backwashing and to flush five miles of the NDS line in preparation for the NDS pump station start up. The actual billable water was 51.3 MG, and about a 1.8% water loss, said Sheffield.
Sexton asked if the district would have less water loss in the future when the district receives its water via the NDS that feeds directly into the tanks versus moving water from wells to the tanks.
McGrady said there should be less water loss in the system as the district will not backwash nearly as much as it did when reliant on its wells. The district’s water will enter the NDS pre-treated via Colorado Springs Utilities and 40 new meters throughout the district are bound to be more accurate. “Everything is as tight as possible,” he said.
Assistant manager’s report
Sheffield said the following:
• The district staff is working toward the final design for a new administrative office space/shop to be built on a site west of I-25 and northwest of Baptist Road. Several significant changes to the building layout have been incorporated into the design since the July meeting. The site purchase has yet to be finalized and approved by the board.
• Repairs were conducted on the Earth Cam camera at the South Reservoir. The camera had
“seized” due to a communication wire that was cut due to rubbing on a sharp metal edge.
• Work continues with NES and RESPEC teams to develop plans for a new 1.5-million-gallon water storage tank to be located adjacent to the existing storage tank in “B Plant” in Promontory Pointe. Plans will be submitted to the TOM soon.
• The sporting field booking schedule for the Sanctuary Pointe Park is up and running on the district website. The interface between the website and the payment and scheduling aspect was more complicated than anticipated, but demand for field time is strong and launching the platform was a high priority.
Snow truck requested Superintendent Matt Rayno requested the board consider approving the build of a new plow truck for the district snow removal services. The dump truck outfitted with a plow and a stainless-steel bed to prevent salt erosion could be built and delivered in early 2025 for $257,000 (the new truck is a 2022 model).
The truck would be used for snow removal 90% of the time but would also be utilized for landscaping. The district has three trucks that are about 22-25 years old, and one truck would be sold upon delivery of the new truck. The existing trucks were all purchased used, including the truck purchased in 2023.
McGrady said the district will need to be careful with the 2025 budget, and the truck purchase might be the vast majority of the Parks and Open Space capital expenditures next year. The district roadways are in good condition, and the district could back down on an overlay project next year, and/or delay playground equipment for a year. The district is building its own office/shop space and will need to vacate the leased office space at the end of 2025, and has minimal road infrastructure to complete, but “we will need to watch the pennies,” he said.
The board instructed Rayno to proceed with the build-out of a new truck for inclusion in the 2025 budget.
Executive session
The board moved into an executive session at 8:20
p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of acquisition of water/land, and 24-6-402(4)(b), for the purpose of determining the positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiators as it relates to potential development incentives and intergovernmental agreements.
Sheffield confirmed that after the meeting returned to the regular session, no action was taken and the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. **********
Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro. com. Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
El Paso County Planning Commission, Aug. 1 and 15
Extension to Cathedral Pines development recommended for approval
By Helen Walklett
During August, the El Paso County Planning Commission recommended for approval a request which would extend the Cathedral Pines subdivision, adding eight residential lots in a gated community to be known as The Estates at Cathedral Pines. They also heard requests that would see two Black Forest properties each divided into two separate lots.
The Estates at Cathedral Pines
At their Aug. 15 meeting, the commissioners heard a request by Villagree Development LLC for approval of a rezoning of 35.09 acres from RR-5 (residential rural) to PUD (planned unit development) and approval of a preliminary plan for eight single-family residential lots with open space provision. The currently vacant property is on the west side of Winslow Drive, about 1 mile northwest of the intersection of Shoup and Milam Roads.
The applicant is also seeking a finding of water sufficiency with regards to water quality, quantity, and dependability. Approval of the preliminary plan with such a finding would mean subsequent final plats could be approved administratively, i.e. without public hearings.
The proposed development would be an extension of the Cathedral Pines subdivision, which surrounds the property to the north and east. The proposed lots would range from 2.93 to 4.23 acres and are considered consistent with those in the Cathedral Pines subdivision where the minimum lot size is 2.5 acres. Falcon Forest, the subdivision to the south, has a minimum lot size of 5 acres. The 132-acre property to the west is zoned RR-5 and is undeveloped.
The commissioners voted to recommend the request for approval. It was heard as a consent item, meaning there was no discussion. It is now scheduled to be considered at the Sept. 12 El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) land use meeting.
Hodgen Road and Snowmass Drive properties
At their Aug. 1 meeting, the commissioners heard a request to subdivide a Hodgen Road property into two residential lots. The 38.68-acre property is zoned RR-5 and is south of Hodgen Road just east of the intersection of Roller Coaster Road and Baptist Road. The proposed lots would be 20.25 and 18.41 acres.
At the same meeting, the commissioners con-
Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug 28
sidered a request to replat a 10.36-acre property on Snow Mass Drive east of Black Forest Road to create two residential lots. The two lots would be just over 5 acres each in conformity with the zoning. The property is zoned RR-5.
The commissioners voted unanimously to recommend both applications for approval. They were heard as consent items, meaning there was no discussion. They went on to be approved at the BOCC land use meeting on Aug. 22, again as consent items.
**********
The El Paso County Planning Commission normally meets the first and (as required) the third Thursday of each month at the Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News and Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/ news-information-channel. Information is available at 719-520-6300 and https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-communitydevelopment/2024-hearings-schedule/. HelenWalklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.
Change to prairie dog elimination causes delay
By Jackie Burhans
At its regular board meeting on Aug. 28, the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board heard from residents about the delay in prairie dog elimination and heard director reports. President Brian Bush, Treasurer Pete Giusti, and Forestry Director Cindy Thrush were absent.
Prairie dog delay
Two residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting to discuss the prairie dog removal approved by the board at its previous meeting. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n8wia/.
The first resident reiterated the impact of the prairie dog infestation on her property, noting that she had tried to follow WIA guidelines on noxious weed removal, but this had increased the number of prairie dogs. The resident said that KRDO reporters had shown up on her doorstep and informed her that the board had changed directions but was awaiting materials. She expressed concern that the damage was continuing while the extermination date kept getting pushed further away.
Vice President Peter Bille said the board did change tracks. He said they had to listen to everyone, and a few members had expressed concern about using aluminum phosphide. He said it was a split decision, and the board considered both optics and liability. WIA Administrator Bob Pearsall noted that after the board decided to switch to carbon monoxide from aluminum phosphide, he contacted Alpine Animal Control to modify the contract, and there was a fourto six-week wait due to supply chain issues. Bille said the board was unaware of the delay when it made its decision.
Another resident said the contractor didn’t have enough carbon monoxide because it was not meant to be used that way. She said the board’s changing direction has caused a delay. She said neighbors who had agreed to participate in the prairie dog removal had been asking for an update. She expressed disappointment in the communications, saying she felt “thrown
By Bill Kappel
Drier than normal conditions continued during August. After an above-normal winter and early spring, we have been much drier through the summer season. This is the expected pattern as we have transitioned from a El Niño pattern last fall into a La Niña pattern this spring and summer. Temperatures were also warmer than normal for the month, with plenty of days well into the 80s and even some low 90s. The month started with temperatures in the upper 80s and generally dry conditions. Moisture moved into the region on the 5th with thunderstorms developing that afternoon. The moisture and warm conditions allowed areas of strong thunder-
under the bus” by being asked to communicate with neighbors. She said if the communication had come from WIA, it would have been better.
Pearsall noted that in the past, WIA had sent out an informational flyer on noxious weeds, which was now required by the grant WIA received. He said WIA signed the agreement to accept the donation of The Preserve at South Woodmoor in 2022, and there had been 20 years of no treatment. A resident noted that the last time the property was treated for prairie dogs, it was the Walters property, and the Walters family paid for it. The resident said the board said it would decide about future treatment based on the effectiveness of the current effort. She did not think it was fair since the board picked the less effective method. Director of Woodmoor Public Safety Brad Gleason said that although carbon monoxide was less effective, it was still very effective and noted that this would not be a one-time effort. The board agreed it could do a better job communicating as it had for noxious weeds.
Pearsall agreed to continue his regular communication with the exterminator and would try to get an estimated date.
Board highlights
• Bille reported that WIA has a prototype for a new website for the board to review.
• Homeowners Association (HOA) Administrator Denise Cagliaro reported for Giusti that there were 81 outstanding accounts. Expenses were a little high due to the damage caused by the water leak, but WIA is doing well.
• Pearsall noted that La Plata Communities would probably present on the Waterside development at next month’s meeting.
• Covenants Director Sue Leggiero reported 16 covenant items in July, resulting in two violations. There were 14 HOA checks and four covenant hearings regarding fireworks, unstowed possessions, and unapproved projects. Letters have been sent out reminding residents that trailers can be parked onsite for only 72 hours
storms to produce heavy rain at times across the region. This change in pattern stuck with us for most of
unless they get a permit. Tall grass checks and related letters will be done soon. Leggiero asked residents to store their trash cans properly.
• Gleason reported Monument Fire Department had donated three automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to WIA to place in Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) vehicles. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) trainer Carrie Fuller was instrumental in coordinating this generous donation and getting WPS officers and staff certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The board unanimously agreed to spend up to $1,700 to replace the AED pads and get unit cases.
• Director of Architectural Control Ed Miller reported a 9.5% increase in project submissions for the year, with a 100% approval rate. Most projects are approved administratively, with a few going to the Architectural Control Committee. Pearsall noted that projects sometimes needed to be modified before they were approved.
• Cagliaro reported for Thrush that there had been 12 Forestry and Firewise visits in July and that WIA is in a two-month process of applying for a new 50% matching grant focused on forest health, fuel reduction, and fire mitigation. The latest grant may require statements of interest from residents, which would go to Covenants and Forestry Administrator Justin Gates.
• Director of Common Areas Steve Cutler reported that rubber feet had been added to all chairs and tables to limit damage to The Barn’s newly refinished floors. He said the first mowing of the common areas was complete by June 15. **********
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 Sep. 25. The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/wia-calendar/. WIA board meeting minutes will be posted at www.woodmoor.org/meetingminutes.
Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
and
the month as we finally transitioned to a more normal mid-summer pattern.
In this case, moisture associated with the North American Monsoon shifted over the region. This allowed daily thunderstorms and rain showers to develop. In these situations, the areas that received the heaviest rainfall can vary significantly over short distances. One day it may be over your location and the next a few miles away. The good news is that the monsoon moisture brings a lot of beneficial moisture but is lacking the overall instability to produce widespread severe weather. Therefore, we get the best of both worlds, much needed rainfall without the large hail or tornadoes.
This pattern lasted until the last week of the month. During this period, most areas around the Tri-Lakes region received 1-3 inches of rainfall. During the last week of the month, the monsoon moisture shifted back to the west, leaving us generally high and dry. Temperatures were warm again, and most days
Guidelines for letters are on page 23.
saw plenty of sunshine with just some minor buildups of afternoon clouds. A cold front moved through the region on the 29th, and this left behind dry conditions and a feel in the air of the changes to come over the next month or so.
A look ahead
September is a transition month for the region, with the last tastes of summer mixed in with our first morning freezes by the end of the month. Leaves begin to change as well and in some years a little snow can happen; September 2020 is a good example. The overall weather pattern is generally one of tranquility, with our chances for thunderstorms dwindling and blizzard conditions not quite ready for prime time. We are often greeted with sunny, pleasant afternoons, with highs from the mid-70s early in the month to the mid-60s later in the month. Our first sub-freezing low temperatures usually occur during the third week of the month, so prepare those tender plants.
August 2024 Weather Statistics
Monthly Snowfall 0.0”
Highest Temperature 90° on the 17th
Lowest Temperature 45° on the 31st
Season to Date Snow 0.0” (the snow season is from July 1 to June 30)
Season to Date Precip. 11.38” (-6.11”, 35% below normal) (Jan 1 to Dec 31)
Heating Degree Days 25 (-48)
Cooling Degree Days 100 (+56)
Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.
Letters to Our Community
Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.
Back to school
The time of year has finally come for many students to return to school and get back to their studying. With the return of school, stress levels can rise for many students as they are uncertain of what the new school
By the staff at Covered Treasures
year will hold. These concerns are important to address with your child and will help better prepare them for the school year ahead.
One way you can ease the stress is to talk to your student about their concerns and then discuss possible ways to eliminate those concerns. If that doesn’t work, you could also try to talk to their friends and make sure they are doing well socially and academically. It could be a learning experience for you both. It is also very important to make sure they maintain the fun activities they have been doing over the summer.
In conclusion, I would encourage all parents to make sure their child is ready for the more difficult school year ahead and to allow them to grow and develop on their own as well. I personally believe school is not so bad once you make friends, engage in your classes, and maintain a positive attitude. Finally, I would like to say that school is not just a place to learn but a place to grow and find new opportunities for yourself and others.
Thank you for consideration,
Luke Carter
Celebrating women authors
“If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”—Toni Morrison
Dive into these novels by local and international women authors. Some are debut novels that make us look forward to more to come.
Killer Chardonnay (A Colorado Wine Mystery #1)
By Kate Lansing (Berkley Books) $10
daughter from school and cooks a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in her tiny room in the attic. The housemaid can imagine what it’s like to live their life and tries on one of the white dresses in the wife’s closet. The wife finds out, but by the time the housemaid realizes that the attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late. The Winchesters don’t know who the housemaid really is, or what she is capable of.
even the most sacred things. Part thriller, part historical novel, Tallgrass is a riveting exploration of the darkest—and best—parts of the human heart.
The Other Einstein By Marie Benedict (Sourcebooks Landmark) $17
Parker Valentine has always dreamed of opening her own winery in her hometown of Boulder, Colo. But she gets more than she bargained for when a food and wine critic unexpectedly shows up on opening day. A negative review could be fatal for her business, and not only does he seem to hate her chardonnay, he also collapses and dies shortly after drinking it. Soon her winery is at the center of a social media firestorm. With #killerchardonnay trending online, Parker’s business is in danger of closing, and she has no choice but to investigate the murder herself.
The Housemaid By Freida McFadden (Grand Central Publishing) $13
Every day the housemaid cleans the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. She collects their
A Novel Love Story
By Ashley Poston (Berkley Books) $19
Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. She feels safe and at home in a book. Which might be why she’s so set on going to her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures. But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel. Somehow she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story.
Tallgrass
By Sandra Dallas (St. Martin’s Griffin) $18
During World War II, a family finds life turned upsidedown when the government opens a Japanese internment camp in their small Colorado town. After a young girl is murdered, all eyes (and suspicions) turn to the newcomers. Rennie Stroud has just turned 13 and, until this time, life has pretty much been what her father told her it should be: predictable and fair. But now Rennie will discover secrets that can destroy
August Library Events
Marie Benedict’s The Other Einstein offers us a window into a brilliant, fascinating woman whose light was lost in Einstein’s enormous shadow. This novel resurrects Einstein’s wife, a brilliant physicist in her own right, whose contribution to the special theory of relativity is hotly debated. Was she simply Einstein’s sounding board, an assistant performing complex mathematical equations? Or did she contribute something more? Marie Benedict illuminates one pioneering woman in STEM, returning her to the forefront of history’s most famous scientists.
Homecoming
By Kate Morton (Mariner Books) $20
Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959: At the end of a scorching hot day, beside a creek on the grounds of a grand country house, a local man makes a terrible discovery. Police are called, and the small town of Tambilla becomes embroiled in one of the most baffling murder investigations in the history of South Australia. An epic story that spans generations, Homecoming asks what we would do for those we love, how we protect the lies we tell, and what it means to come home.
Until next month, happy reading. The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.
Book club, Medicare information, LEGO program
By Harriet Halbig
Monumental Bookworms, an evening book club at the Monument Library, will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The September selection is West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Monumental Bookworms is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library.
Come to the library from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednes-
By Janet Sellers Kale
will rise again. For years I did not eat kale because I didn’t know anything about it, but after I tried it both as young plant leaves and full mature leaves, I decided it was one of my favorite vegetables ever, not to mention it has amazing health benefits. Packed with superfood amounts of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, we can eat it (and our dogs might like it, too!) in salad, steamed, stir-fried, in green smoothies, and even baked as kale chips. Fair warning, kale chips are so yummy and easy to make (just oil lightly and toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes) you may need a couple of bunches to make a batch—they go down easy and disappear quickly. Potato chips seem heavy and dull by comparison. At the Tri-Lakes Cares food garden, protected from deer by the tall fence, we left our kale plants to overwinter sort of by accident due to an early snow last fall, but they came back in great shape in April, and we got three crops from them by the end of June.
day, Sept. 18 for a Medicare Open Enrollment Q-and-A program presented by the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging. The presenter is Barbara Sigmon, MBA, a case manager for the agency. Bring your questions to this interactive question and answer program. Registration is required at 719-488-2370 or online at ppld.org, programs by location.
On Friday, Sept. 20 the Monument Library will
host Idea Lab: LEGO Build. Engineering your best LEGO creation, completing LEGO challenges, and producing LEGO art are only some of the possibilities of this open-ended program using PPLD’s LEGO resources. Join us for the fun! For ages 5 to 12. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
We just cut the leaves from the lower parts of the plant and the plants kept growing till 5 or 6 feet high for all of them, offering a very long harvest. We did the same with the lettuce. Then we let the plants flower and go to seed. Lots of seeds fell and they’re regrowing now. We’ll have plants for this fall season and for next year. We plan to leave the newer plants to overwinter making strong roots. The plants will then come back and grow again for us in late spring next year. It’s also possible that we could have them last for a few seasons. Some people can keep their kale plants for three years or more as long as they’re cut back and the roots are protected over the winter. It seems to work very well. Many leafy greens and plants can be simple “cut and come again” food crops in the garden or in pots. “Zombie” plants can regrow in soil, such as lettuces and similar foods sold with root ends intact including scallions, celery, kale, bok choy, chard, herbs, and more. Even onion roots will sprout tasty leaves. Many herbs thrive with careful pruning, and we can propagate or eat the cuttings. Broccoli will sprout side
shoots after the first top harvest. Broccoli, kale, and the brassicas originated from mustard greens, carefully tended over the centuries and bred to enhance the plant for nutrition, locale, and so on. We used to grow these in our kitchen window in a baking pan for transplanting, but in winter we can just harvest from the windowsill when they get big enough.
Letting our locally growing plants go to seed in fall can offer some good seeds that are hardy for our area for the next year.
Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” using deep mulch to spare watering and keep out weeds in the Back to Eden garden scheme. Your garden tips are very welcome; please send them to JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore
By Janet Sellers
Art Matters
Real local art made for real people
Our Art Hop in Monument and the cultural Chautauqua in Palmer Lake this summer welcomed happy visitors from nearby and across the globe. These have become favorite local summer festivals, introducing local art and artists to an ever-widening public. Art welcomes all ages and people. It’s a cultural driving force for community and a magnet for interaction and creating relationships. It’s fun to see, fun to make, and a great pleasure to own.
Per Americans for the Arts: “Communities in which residents socialize with and trust each other have higher livability scores than communities with lower social trust, and the arts are a driver in building that trust. In addition, cultural participation leads to wider community participation and to increased volunteerism and increased tolerance—all of which are key to civic engagement. It also increases involvement in local issues and projects that promote community health.”
Live, creative experiences promote well-being. We have a need for creative times and connections. Daily, we are overwhelmed with deep fake AI, but genuine interaction is refreshing. We all use the search engines routinely and try to escape the advertising robo-calls. Still, I wondered if bots pose creative ideas. I put a question to the online robot about art events and it
wrote, “Art events often serve as vibrant hubs for social interaction and community-building. Art has a unique way of breaking down barriers and creating shared experiences that help build a sense of community.” Not bad, but very bland, proving my point on vitality. I wondered if the bots could write poetry or songs and got hilarious rhymes: “In oil and acrylic, secrets softly seep, From shadows deep to light that dares to leap, In corners of the world, they hang, colors dance on canvas, hues and shades twang. ...” Indeed, nothing compares to original poesy in the arts by creative people made for others to buy, enjoy, and cherish.
Our local community events will continue the rest of the year, but the last Art Hop is Friday, Sept. 27. Bring your friends and your enthusiasm and buy some real art from real artists for yourself, your workplace, or the upcoming gift season, too. Let the significance of originality and creative thinking inform your choices, and let the joy of looking be a continuing pleasure for years to come. Art is one of the things we have that can increase in value, always in heartfelt and personal memories, and sometimes as investments.
Janet Sellers is an artist, writer and speaker, with talks on art making, collecting, and creative strategies for artists, exhibits, and funding. Contact her for more: JanetSellers@ocn.me.
High school students attending the second annual “Youth Camp” receive instruction at Monument Fire District’s Station 1 training room. Eleven high school students attended the camp May 30-June 1 to discover more about the type of work firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers carry out. Students were taught Stop the Bleed, CPR training, EMS skills and scenarios,
trication, and how to compete for a firefighter or EMS career position successfully. The camp is expected to continue annually for high school students with an interest in fire and EMS careers. The students and staff were grateful for the hospitality and lunch on the last day provided by Emergency Incident Support (EIS). Caption by Natalie Barszcz/Photo courtesy of Monument Fire District.
For the
orders for more than 1,000
volunteers
distribute the
in
Above: The Art Hop on Friday, Aug. 23, welcomed guests at the art galleries, shops, eateries, and alfresco pop-ups around town. At his studio gallery, Jefferson Studios, local artist Daryl Muncey shares an art print made from his original painting. In his new art garden spot, Muncey showcases the work of guest artists. Below: At Bella Art and Frame Gallery, the member artists exhibited their works indoors while the alfresco art fair artists shared their creative works with Art Hop visitors. Photos by Janet Sellers.
and below: The local Chautauqua was revived in Palmer Lake for 2024 by the Palmer Lake Arts District. As a historic American cultural event, the weeklong cultural adventures included yoga and Feldenkrais classes, numerous historic cultural talks and walks, a guitar concert with Masa Ito, music with Ray DeMers and with the Tri-Lakes Brass ensemble, poetry readings by local poets, and kids’ paintings of the lake. Bagpiper Isaac Watkins led the “call for artists” from the bridge over the lake to the art pavilion to the all-day plein air painting contest. Michael Magrin (judge for the plein air art contest) led a cloud painting class that rounded out the art events courtesy of Palmer Lake Art Group. Photos include Watkins, a landscape scene of the crowd listening to the Tri-Lakes Brass, Jim Sawatzki sharing the Summer Sojourn at Palmer Lake Town Hall, Nicole Urbatchka leading yoga classes at the Village Green, and Magrin’s cloud painting class. Photos by Lynn Roth and Janet Sellers.
Above:
forcible entry skills, vehicle ex-
Above:
second straight year, Monument Hill Kiwanis Club filled
cases of hand-picked peaches on Aug. 3. The sales net the Kiwanis club about $10,000. The money funds grants to various groups in the Monument area. Fifty-two
helped
peaches
twohour shifts. In the photo, Rick Schoenlein (face obscured), Chuck Leggiero, and Dean Snow manage to stuff three cases of peaches into the trunk of a BMW Z3. Photo by Bob Harrigan.
Above
Above: From left, El Paso County Sheriff’s Officers Lt. W Grier and Sgt. J Darbyshire (standing) engage with a group of young attendees at the annual National Neighborhood Night Out event at the Little Train Park in Promontory Pointe on Aug. 3. The Promontory Pointe Homeowners Association board members hosted the annual picnic for about 120 guests to thank local first responders from Monument Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and Monument Fire Department for providing a safe neighborhood. Participants were treated to a live performance by singer/songwriter Nick Davey performing renditions of pop classics such as Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry, I’m Into Something Good by Herman’s Hermits, and a mashup of The Tide Is High made popular by Blondie with Stir It Up by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Sandwiches and cookies from Black Forest Café were served. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
EV Chargers in Palmer Lake, Aug. 8
Above and below: An emotional Sue Walker said goodbye to Silver Key Senior Center at an Aug. 8 retirement party attended by an overflow crowd of more than 50 people. Walker, 61, has been director of the senior center for nine years. She told the crowd, “You guys are like my family.” Walker continued, “It’s a big adventure for me. It’s sad, but yet it’s happy.” She says she’ll especially miss volunteer Sandi Watson-Staggs, who she described as “a sister from another mister.” Walker plans on a “busy” retirement. She wants to travel, help her husband Jeff with his web development business and spend more time with their two daughters. Adrienne Timmons has been named interim director. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Sue Walker honored, Aug. 12
Above: On Aug. 8, the Town of Palmer Lake held a grand opening for a bank of two electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed by CORE Electric Cooperative, the town’s electricity provider. The chargers on town property south of County Line Road and east of Highway 105 are available to all EV drivers, but CORE customers get discounted prices. The Board of Trustees unanimously passed resolution 79-2023 authorizing a lease agreement with CORE. The ribbon cutting was attended by CORE Electric personnel and the Palmer Lake mayor, a trustee, and staff. Rob Osborn, CORE director of Business Development, and Rob Liechty, CORE member energy programs director, oversaw the installation. Osborn and Liechty said part of CORE’s mission was to serve smaller communities along the Front Range and support rural development. For more information, see https://ocn.me/v23n12.htm#plbot.
From left are Town Administrator Dawn Collins, Liechty, Mayor Glant Havenar, Osborn, Trustee Shana Ball, and staff. Photos by Jackie Burhans.
Rotary assembles “blessing bags”
On Aug.
Above: During the Aug.12 recognition and farewell to Silver Alliance’s Program Manager Sue Walker, she shared a hearty laugh with her audience upon receiving Silver Key’s Gold Spoon Award from Silver Key Foundation Board President and CEO Jason DeaBueno. Walker was hired in 2013 by Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance to develop activities and events for the Tri-Lakes Senior Center. She inherited a program that was not much more than a once-a-week bingo and potluck luncheon run by local seniors themselves with about 25 attendees. She started adding regular exercise events, then informational presentations. Health and crafts programs followed. Soon she had a full calendar of activities spanning every day of the week with many being free events. She produced a monthly newsletter and with the help of her husband increased publicity through a dedicated website and published notices in the local papers. Although hired and paid as a part-time employee, it was rare when she was not found at the Senior Center promoting the many available classes and encouraging seniors to engage and socialize. Her enthusiasm for the program from the beginning was contagious, which accounted for the ten-fold increase in regular attendance during her tenure. Walker filled a key role in accomplishing a successful and seamless transition of the Senior Center from Silver Alliance to Silver Key in 2022. Now the Silver Key Senior Center, it is located in downtown Monument in the former Grace Best Elementary School, at the corner of First and Jefferson Streets, across from St. Peter Catholic Church. For more information, visit www.silverkey.org/trilakes/. Photo by Allen Alchian.
PL Pickleball Courts, Aug. 12
Above: On Aug. 12, workers were placing fencing around the Palmer Lake Pickleball courts located adjacent to the lake. Photo by David Futey.
Above:
15, members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club assembled “blessing bags” for children filled with water, snacks, socks, and stuffed animals, which the Monument police will distribute to those in need. For more information, visit www.TLRotary.com. From left are Alisha Baty, Officer Kelly Fisher, Laurie Beasley, Christy Smith, Sloan Fisher-Goodwin, Nicole Schoolsky, Jonathan Bradley, and Shannon Schur. Photo by John Small.
By Lisa Hatfield
Helen Walklett has been reporting for Our Community News since early 2017. She emigrated to the United States with her husband and two daughters from the United Kingdom in 2016. In her prior life, she was an elected member of Rothbury Parish Council in Northumberland, the northern-most county of England, so she already understood the workings of local government. This made her a perfect candidate to report on the El Paso Board of County Commissioners meetings when she volunteered with OCN
The Walklett family submitted the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form N-400 Application for Naturalization in March 2024 after
holding “green cards” for the required five years, and then all separately took the citizenship test as part of an immigration interview in July. When USCIS granted approval, Walklett and her family received their notice to take the Oath of Allegiance, which happened on Aug. 14. They turned in their permanent resident cards and recited this oath:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
The Annual Membership Meeting and Gathering of Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) was held Aug. 16-18 at La Foret Conference Center in Black Forest. NASTaP is a nonprofit 501C3 that was formed over five years ago to help educate the public and protect the Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) along the Front Range and beyond the state’s borders. Presentations were by well-known anthropologists and authors regarding the migration of Native American tribes for several thousands of years across North America and the trail marker trees left behind. Many of the CMTs are considered living artifacts and were modified for several different reasons. During the evenings, drumming and traditional Native American dancing were featured. For more information regarding NASTaP, go to nastap.org. Photo by Elva Wolin. Caption by Marlene Brown.
Above: The Trinity Community Park grand opening and community celebration was held on Saturday, Aug. 24, with games, prizes, crafts, food trucks, music entertainment and, of course, the opening of the newest phase of the park. Hundreds of people turned out for the grand opening of the 2½-acre Trinity Community Park on Aug. 24. Festivities included music, dancing, dog training, and games for kids and adults and food trucks. The park is designed to allow kids with and without disabilities to play together. A dog park is also planned for the area. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park welcomes people of every age and ability. The playground is diverse and inclusive, and shares the benefits of play and exploration as vital community connections, creating unity and well-being in the community. The first of its kind in Monument, the park is loaded with fun areas that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, accessible for old and young alike, areas that include the pavilion, sidewalk, parking, and signs, with tables, benches, and security cameras. The park features playground equipment for exercise, sound, wheelchair accessible features such as the merry-go-round, and more. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park is just west of Trinity Lutheran Church at 17750 Knollwood Dr., Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.
of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
Lisa Hatfield can be reached at lisahatfield@ocn.me.
Above: On Aug. 23, the Academy Jazz Ensemble performed a show in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Library District. The show was held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Village on the Green, by the gazebo behind the Palmer Lake Library building. The Academy Jazz Ensemble is a professional big band whose mission is to explore and preserve the music of America’s original art form. Its members include the finest jazz musicians in the area, many of whom are public schoolteachers, including former and current Palmer Ridge High School Band Directors Butch Eversole and Sarah Romero. Attendees enjoyed great music, beautiful weather, and spectacular skies. For more information on the Academy Jazz Ensemble, see www.academyjazz.org. For more information on events at the Palmer Like Library, see www.ppld.org/palmer-lake-library.
Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Right: Matthew Grundel of Boy Scout Troop 9 in Monument earned his Eagle Scout badge by landscaping the entrance and loop drop-off area at Trinity Community Park in Monument. Not only did Matthew coordinate all the work but he completed all the fundraising. Assisted by many of Matthew’s fellow scouts, he planted native grasses and wildflowers that will add beauty and require minimal upkeep. Park Executive Director Tamara Schwarz thanked Grundel for his hard work.
Pictured: From left, Sam Yount, Braiden Sere, and Grundel work on the project. Photo by Corey Grundel.
Above: On Aug. 24, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) offered a variety of activities and exhibitors during Family Day: Farming & Ranching. The museum provided hayrides, gold panning, blacksmith exhibits, the operation of the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill and other outdoor machinery, and tours of the Reynolds House. Attendees could also visit a variety of vendors including the Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association, Twig & Berry Dyes, Palmer Land Conservancy, Gingersnap Rescue Ranch and Dianne’s Dahlias, which offer dahlias grown on the museum property and sold at the museum’ s farmers market on Monday and Wednesday. A portion of the proceeds from the dahlia sales benefit the museum and its education mission. Information on tours and upcoming museum events is at wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Right: On Sept.1, sharks were dancing on stage and concert-goers on the lawn for the Matt Bloom Band during the eighth annual Monu-Palooza Music Festival. The daylong festival lineup also included Mojo Filter, Skin & Bones, Emily Hall, Ashtōnz, and WireWood Station. Charlie and Marissa Searle co-organized the festival held at Monument’s Limbach Park. Charlie Searle, also a band member of Ashtōnz, said the festival has become a “local institution” with the “lineup one of the best we have had, the sponsorship has been great, and support from friends and others have helped made this a terrific festival.” Marissa Searle said, “We are proud to bring this to the community each year. All the bands have local roots and all but one have played the festival multiple times.” Matt Bloom, whose band is from Palmer Lake, said, “This is the third time we have played the festival; it has great energy and a super cool crowd.” Photo by David Futey.
Left: On Aug. 31, Michael Martin Murphey captivated a sold-out Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) audience for two hours, drawing upon his over 50 years of songwriting. He said this once-a-year solo tour acts as a “remembrance for my father and to basically remind me how I began.” He introduced each song with in-depth background on the song’s genesis and inspiration. The background stories included travels with his father through Rocky Mountain National Park as a youth, growing up in east Texas, living and recording in Los Angeles, Colorado and Nashville, supporting Native American voting rights, St. Francis of Assisi, and his friendships with Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings among others. The song list included Cosmic Cowboy, his first country hit What’s Forever For?, Geronimo’s Cadillac, Carolina in the Pines, Medicine Man, Boy From the Country, and Wildfire. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts. org. Photo by David Futey.
Above:
Above: From left are Eleanor, Helen, Kate, and Peter Walklett. Photo by Kathy Troka.
By Janet Sellers
Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the information number for that event. Please notify us if your event listing needs to be updated.
Sep. is Veterans suicide Awareness Month
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, anytime. Trained professionals—some of them Veterans themselves—are ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Since launching in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 1.25 million calls and made more than 39,000 lifesaving rescues. www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Black Forest Slash mulch program ending Hurry! Slash can be brought to the Black Forest slash and mulch program and mulch picked up through Sun., Sep. 8 Tree and brush debris only. No pine needles. (It is important to protect the trees’ health and keep some pine needles on the ground. 80% of the nutrients that the pine trees need come from the decomposing pine needles). This program serves fire mitigation efforts in the area and is $10 per load to drop off, regardless of size. The program also offers free mulch to take home. Info: www.BFSlash.org.
Black Forest Log School needs your help
Please help preserve the historic school for another 103 years! New exterior damage was discovered. It has exceeded the budget renovation funds. Friends of the Black Forest Log School, a 501c3 corporation, appreciates your donation. Please send a check or bring cash to Black Forest Community Foundation, 6770 Shoup Rd, Black Forest Colorado 90808. www.bflogschool.com
Fox Run Regional Park closures
The Oak Meadows and Pine Meadows restrooms at Fox Run Regional Park are getting remodeled. Both restrooms will be closed through November to undergo renovations that will include the installation of ADA-compliant fixtures, sinks, and wastewater systems. Additionally, the parking lots and sidewalks will be upgraded to ensure full compliance with ADA standards.During construction, both restrooms and the sand volleyball court will be fenced off and closed. Portable restrooms will be available in both parking lots.
Donate books to Children’s Hospital
Donate any unused books for the Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs. Any unused book donation is welcome. Kate Ulmer, a senior at Palmer Ridge High School, is working on a service project to collect new/unused books for Children’s Hospital. Drop off books or cash donations at Covered Treasures (105 2nd Street) or email Katiebugu@icloud.com for pick up!
D38 seeks volunteers
Lewis-Palmer School District 38 seeks volunteers now to help with summer gardening and painting projects at Palmer Lake Elementary and Palmer Ridge High School. Contact Kelly Bryant at kbryant@lewispalmer.org for more information.
WMMI needs volunteers
The Museum of Mining and Industry is currently recruiting for Visitor Services Associates and Guides. Please consider sharing your time and expertise. Volunteers must be 18 and
Our Community Notices
older and pass a background check. For information about volunteer opportunities, please call 719-488-0880 or email at volunteer@wmmi.org.
Children’s Literacy Center
The center provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to TriLakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level! Tutoring is at the Tri-Lakes Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 pm, and the Summer Session will run through Aug. 14. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or email Christine Jeffson at Christine@childrensliteracycenter.org.
Looking for something fun to do? Space Foundation Discovery Center: www.discover space. org. See ad on page 12.
Community volunteers
Many students need volunteer hours for scouting, civics classes, clubs, or would just like to volunteer for the good of it. Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.
Tri-Lakes Cares needs your support
Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The communitybased, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support TriLakes Cares is to donate. Visit https://tri-lakescares.org/donate to learn how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at https://tri-lakescares.org/donate/currentneeds. Donation drop-off hours are Mon.-Thu., 9 am-4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@trilakescares.org.
Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center
Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center, formerly known as the Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance Senior Center, has been providing exciting programs and activities to area seniors who have a zest for fun and learning. As the older adult population is growing, our services are in high demand. Volunteers are needed for companionship, drivers, thrift store, food pantry and more. 719-884-2300 66 Jefferson St, Monument. See ad on page 2.
Need PC help?
Make It Work Clinic for PCs, FREE. Donations appreciated. We are gauging interest in helping community members with their PCs, please email us if interested. enable@monumentalimpact.org. 55 Adams St in Downtown Monument. Monumental Impact info: https://monumentalimpact.org.
The Sunflower is for people with non-visible disabilities
Watch for green and yellow sunflower lanyards, bracelets, and ribbons, discreet ways to make the invisible visible. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time. However big or small, your help moves us closer to a society where people recognize that an offer of help, understanding and kindness can make a huge difference to the daily experiences that a Sunflower wearer has. For more information: www.flydenver.com/accessibility, www.hdsunflower.com/ us/, and www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/invisible/.
MVEA outage notifications
Please add your phone number to your MVEA account to streamline outage reporting and restoration notifications. To report an outage please call or text “OUT” to (800) 388-9881. Visit MVEA’s Outage Center before the storm. There is information about preparing for outages, electrical safety, outage reporting, a link to the outage map, and more.
Can you volunteer today?
• Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www. elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
• The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension. colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
• El Paso County volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals like you. Find out how you can play a part by becoming a volunteer in El Paso County. Get involved in El Paso County volunteering non-profits and organizations! https:// www.americantowns.com/el-paso-county-co/volunteer-organizations/.
• The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program-0.
• The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.
Our Community Calendar
tacademy.net/school-board.
By Janet Sellers
Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the info number for that event. Please contact calendar@ocn.me with changes and additions.
GOVERNMENTAL BODIES
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., at 4 p.m., via teleconference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall.
• Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., Sept. 3, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
• El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Sept. 5 & 19, 9 am. Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www. elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Info: 719-520-6300, planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-communitydevelopment/2024-hearings-schedule/
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Special meeting, Thu., Sept. 5, 7 p.m., Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Regular meeting is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 18, 7 p.m. and will be preceded by a Volunteer Pension Board of Directors meeting. Usually meets third Wed., Visit http://www.bffire. org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-494-4300. Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting Mon., Sept 9, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Sept. 10, 10 am, 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html Bill Burks, 719481-4053.
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), Tue., Sept. 10, 6 pm. Meets six times a year. Usually meets monthly, second Tue., They will meet in October, November, January, February and April. Contact info: tmckee@ lewispalmer.org. Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Sept. 11, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
• Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Sept. 11, 6 pm Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Usually meets the second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www. townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Boardof-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org. Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Sept. 12, 26, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www. townofpalmerlake.com.
• Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu. Sept. 12, 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www.monumen-
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board, Mon., Sept. 16, 6-10 pm, 146 N Jefferson St, Monument. Meets during the school year on third Mon. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
• Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Sept. 16, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
• Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Sept. 18, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-4814886, www.colorado.gov/msd. Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Sept. 18, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: join.skype.com/PAcujKTn7Nrh. Check the website for a link: academywsd. colorado.gov/notices-and-alerts. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-071119academywsd.colorado.gov.
• Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Sept. 18, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com. El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting Thu., Sept. 19, 9 am, Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-4883603. www.loopwater.org.
• Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Sept. 19, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets third Thu., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.
• Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Thu., Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.,16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Usually meets third Thu. Visit www. triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868. Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Wed., Sept. 25, 4:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Usually meets fourth Wed. Visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
• Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Microsoft Teams. Wed., Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Usually meets fourth Wed. Visit www.monumentfire.org, for updates and the agenda listing the Mircosoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-4880911. Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting Wed., Sept. 25, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS
• AARP Black Forest #1100, second Wed., noon. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest. weekly.com.
• AARP Local Senior Social, fourth Wed. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: www. aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com. A.A. Big Book Study, every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#.
Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
• Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9-10 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
• Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
Al-anon Meeting: Monument, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com. Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. (except December). All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are we, lcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
• American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, second Wed. 6:30pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11. org. Art: Open Studio painting, first Wed., 9:30-noon. Donations welcome, Tri Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St., Monument.
• Benet Hill Monastery: Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. Experience the modified trees of the Ute people, Fri.-Sun. Sep. 27-29. Sun. worship is 10:15 am, 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. See ad on page 3.
• Black Forest Community Church, Centering Prayer Group, first Sat., 8:30-10 am The Old Log Church. Centering prayer opens and closes the meetings with discussion and fellowship in between; open to all. Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
• Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org. Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:4511:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-2723900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
• Essential Tremor Support Group. Meets quarterly at Colorado Springs Public Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920. For details, contact: Jim Sanchez, 719-660-7275; jimdjs22@gmail.com. • Fellowship of Christ Church, every Sun., 9 am. Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle 80908. Friends of Fox Run Park , Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group to learn about volunteering and
• Alcoholics Anonymous, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they June solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail repair monthly work days Thu.
Fuel Church GriefShare Thu.
Fuel Church Sunday Service Sun.
Gleneagle Sertoma Wed.
Gleneagle Women’s Club Fri.
La Leche League breastfeeding support group Thu.
Lions Club Bingo Sat.
Library Chess Club
Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting Sat.
Monument Life Recovery Group Mon.
Neighborhood Net Ham Radio Sat.
Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) Sep. 14
Palmer Divide Quiltmakers Thu.
Palmer Lake Art Group Sat.
Palmer Lake Historical Society Sept. 19Thu.
Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meeting Sept. 11 Wed.
Ridgeview Baptist Church Sun.
Senior Bingo Wed.
Senior Book Club Fri.
Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church Sun. -
Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wed.
Tri-Lakes Cruisers Wed.
Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast Thu.
Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Cabin ConversationsWed.
Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting Thu.
Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Sat.
Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting Fri.
Women’s A. A. Step Study Mon.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829 Wed.
VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829 Wed.
SPECIAL EVENTS
VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days OCN
Palmer Lake Farmers Market at Calvert’s Mini Market Sept. 1-Oct.6
Monument Hill Farmers market, Sat. -
Fox Run Regional Park outdoor accessibility day Sept. 7
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry exhibit Sept. 10 – Dec.14Sept. 10
Annual Monument paint care event Sept. 12-
Asphalt Service
100+ Women Who Care - Membership Social/Networking Sept. 18
Dementia boot camp: caregiver roundtables at Jackson Creek senior living Sept. 20 & Oct. 18
Covered Treasures Bookstore Sept. 21 Sept. 27
Monument Art Hop: last Art Hop of the season! Sept. 27 Peaks and Pours Sept. 28
Awake the Lake 10th Annual Palmer Lake 0.5K Sept. 29
Armed Forces Championship Battle of the Branches Sept. 29
Thrivent keys to retiring fearlessly Sept. 30
Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30
