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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.
• OCN mailing day, Thu., Jan. 2 & 30, approx. 7-8:30 am.
• NEPCO, Sat., Jan. 11, 10 am–12 pm
• Palmer Lake Historical Society - Annual Potluck Supper Membership Meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 6-8:30 pm. (supper starts at 6:15)
• Engage and Elevate D38 Public Meeting, Thu., Jan. 16 6–7 p.m., Future of the Grace Best Education Center.
• Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic pond hockey game, Sat.Sun., Jan. 18-19. Fireworks, fire pits, food trucks.
• St. Peter Catholic School open house, Sun., Jan. 26, 11:30-1 pm. See ad on page 2.
• Donala Water and Sanitation District , election to waive director term limits, Tue., Feb. 4, 7 am-7 pm. Donala office.
• Super Saturday geology day at WMMI Sat., Feb. 22 see ad on page 12.
• Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Feb. 24-25. Love Shop, 251 Front Street. See ad on page 8.
• MVEA board nomination questionnaires due Thu., Mar. 13, See ad on page 11.
In this issue
Buc-ee's, Palmer Lake News 1-5
Monument News 1, 5-7
Water & San District News 7-12
Fire District News 12-15
D38 News 16-17
County News 17-18
HOA News 18-19
(Weather column discontinued)
(No letters) Columns 19-21
Snapshots 21
Notices and Calendar 22-23
OCN Information 1, 15, 23, 24
Buc-ee’s community meeting elicits strong response
Above: Buc-ee’s hosted a community meeting on Dec. 3 at the Palmer Lake Elementary School cafeteria. A crowd of over 250 attendees, including local town officials and print and TV press members, stretched the room’s capacity. Consultants Mark Waller of Waller Consulting Ltd., Craig Dossey and Nina Ruiz of Vertex Consulting Services, and Stan Beard from Bucee’s conducted the meeting. After brief presentations by the consultants on the development process and the property’s history, Beard gave an overview of Buc-ee’s business model. During the question-andanswer period, attendees brought up concerns about traffic, weather, lighting, pollution, and wildlife. Most speakers opposed the development, with very few bringing up positive points. Buc-ee’s directed the public to www.buceespalmerlake.com for more information while attendees asked the public to attend the annexation eligibility hearing on Dec. 12 at Palmer Lake Town Hall.
By Jackie Burhans
On Dec. 3, Buc-ee’s hosted a public meeting at Palmer Lake Elementary School’s cafeteria to provide information about its development plan for a Buc-ee’s travel center at the southwest corner of I-25 and County Line Road. The meeting, moderated by Mark Waller, former El Paso County commissioner and current development consultant, was attended by over 250 people crowding into the small cafeteria and was covered by multiple print and TV news outlets. Attendees included outgoing Palmer Lake Trustee Nick
Above: Palmer Lake resident and federal biologist Dailee Fagnant pointed out Monument Hill’s unique geographical location and meteorological patterns. She noted there are major wildlife crossings in the area and an increase in animal strikes during the post-rut migration season. She expressed concerns that folks from out of state would be hitting wildlife they are not used to. She asked if Buc-ee’s had done its job of researching species movement and planning to mitigate
Ehrhardt and Monument Mayor protem Steve King. Waller, who did not introduce himself, warned attendees that he would not allow shouting and interruptions, noting this would cut down on speaking time. Craig Dossey, former county planning director and now president of Vertex Consulting Services, presented information about the development process and current property zoning. Also in attendance was Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s head of development, who presented an overview of the store’s plans and operations. The presentations,
the danger. Fagnant said that Bucee’s seemed ill-prepared, showing only a generic traffic slide and wasting time describing what it sells, and asked if Buc-ee’s had worked in an urban area with a high-density wildlife corridor. Stan Beard, head of Buc-ee’s development, responded that Buc-ee’s would follow every rule that is required by federal, state, and local government. From left, Fagnant addressing Beard, and Craig Dossey, president of Vertex Consulting Services. Photos by Jackie Burhans.
which generated a lot of negative feedback, were followed by a question-and-answer period. Dossey laid out the types of businesses allowed by the current zoning, noting that both Monument and Palmer Lake included the property in their respective three-mile plans as commercial zoning. He noted that Buc-ee’s is at the beginning of the process and had Senior Executive Consultant Nina Ruiz detail the steps remaining before development could begin.
BUC-EE'S (Cont. on 2)
Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 12
annexation
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans
In December, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees held public hearing to determine if a property owned by Maria Larsen and proposed as a site for a large Buc-ee’s travel center is eligible for annexation. Determining eligibility is the first of multiple steps in the annexation process.
Three new board members were sworn in. The 2025 budget, discussed in previous meetings, was adopted. Town Administrator Dawn
Collins announced the hiring of a new chief of police.
Eligibility hearing is lengthy and contentious
Trustee Jessica Farr was excused from the meeting, having given birth earlier in the day. Mayor Glant Havenar, who was on vacation, was also excused. Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Stern facilitated the meeting. He said a representative of the applicant for annexation would speak first, then the board members would ask questions. Following the board
members, public comments would begin, with Palmer Lake residents and business owners first in line, followed by non-residents. Stern said the Town Hall was full and many were outside listening to the meeting on speakers. He said he would notify speakers in groups of three as it became their turn to speak. Stern asked speakers to confine their comments to the question of eligibility. He said other concerns
Monument Town Council, Dec. 2 and 16
Council faces $3.9 million budget shortfall, hears call for fiscal sustainability
By Chris Jeub
The Monument Town Council grappled with a $3.9 million potential budget shortfall during its December meetings, emphasizing the need for fiscal sustainability in 2025. Other discussions included development projects, natural medicine regulations, and energy improvements.
Budget resolutions and fiscal challenges
The council reviewed and approved several budget-related resolutions across both meetings:
• Resolution No. 56-2024: Adoption of the amended and restat-
ed 2024 budget.
• Resolution No. 57-2024: Appropriation of funds for 2024.
• Resolution No. 58-2024: Adoption of the 2025 budget, projecting $11.6 million in revenue against $15.4 million in expenditures. Staff highlighted the need for mid-2025 adjustments to address sustainability concerns.
• Resolution No. 59-2024: Appropriation of funds for 2025.
• Resolution No. 60-2024: Certification of the 2025 property tax mill levy.
Jennifer Phillips, Monument’s newly appointed finance director, provided a detailed analysis titled “Final Proposed 2025 Budget,” highlighting the need for fiscal restraint. While the 2025 budget anticipates $11.6 million in revenue, projected expenditures total $15.4 million, leaving a nearly $3.9 million gap.
“This is not sustainable,” Phillips cautioned, urging the council to consider mid-2025 adjustments to balance the budget. Measures already in place include freezing four employment positions, with further
PALMER LAKE (Cont. on 2)
Above: Dec. 7 Monument Tree Lighting. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See also Santa photos on page 21.
pressed concern with the weather and traffic issues on Monument Hill, disagreement over the desirability of having freeway drivers stop in the
area, the willingness of the community to fight this development, the impact of light pollution on nearby residents, the high density of wildlife migration, and the low level of preparation of presenters to address these issues.
One attendee asserted that this is a bedroom community with people making $100,000 a year whose kids are headed to college for whom working at Buc-ee’s would be beneath them. Buc-ee’s representatives attempted to address the issues by saying they would comply with every regulation imposed on any developer of this property, including funding improvements of the I-25 interchange if need be.
Attendees added that they didn’t understand why Buc-ee’s chose this location, that they had issues with people from Texas coming into the state and with suggestions that Bucee’s consider locating in Fountain or Pueblo. They also raised water availability issues, noted the increase in electric vehicles, and expressed con-
would be debated later in the annexation process. He said speakers who addressed issues other than eligibility would be asked to sit down.
Stern asked Nina Ruiz, senior executive consultant at Vertex Consulting Services, to speak on behalf of Larsen, the applicant.
Ruiz began by displaying a map of Palmer Lake’s three-mile plan to show that the proposed annexation meets the legal requirement that the be annexed be within three miles of the municipal boundary. She said she would only speak to the statutes that cover eligibility annexation: C.R.S. Sections 31105. The first statute one-sixth of the perimeter of the area proposed to be ancontiguous with the annexing municipality. The second statute has 10 provisions that must be met for the eligibility requirement to be showed a series of surveyeach of the six annexations that make up the “flagpole” anrequest, which she argued demonstrate that the requirement for contiguity is met.
She addressed the requirements of the second statute one by one:
• The lands to be annexed are ei-
cerns about groundwater pollution and human trafficking.
Some attendees appreciated Buc-ee’s coming to a hostile environment, thanked them for hosting the meeting but disapproved of the development. One local developer, Matt Dunston, who owns a vacation rental property in Palmer Lake, said people naturally feared change. He said he had asked many questions, was satisfied with Buc-ee’s answers, and expressed disappointment in being loudly heckled.
Beard noted that Buc-ee’s came to get feedback and tried to address everything they could. Waller directed people to visit www.buceespalmerlake.com for more information.
Attendees asked that community members bring this level of energy to the annexation eligibility hearing scheduled for Dec. 12 in Palmer Lake.
Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
ther dedicated rights-of-way or under one ownership.
• The owner has signed all petitions.
• There are no other annexation petitions in play.
• The annexation will not impact school boundaries.
• The annexation does not extend the municipal boundary more than three miles in any direction.
• There are no other related annexation requests.
• Abutting landowners have been notified.
• Palmer Divide Road (also known as County Line Road) and Beacon Lite Road are not platted streets, so the requirement to annex the entire width of a road does not apply.
• The annexation will not result in access being denied.
• No annexation election is required.
Ruiz’s presentation can be found on the town’s website here: www. townofpalmerlake.com/media/16681.
The board had no questions for Ruiz, and Stern began calling residents to the podium to comment. Note: Some comments not related to eligibility and some arguments made by more than one resident
Attendees were instructed to sign up to speak. Speakers ex-
PALMER LAKE (Cont. from 1)
have not been included in this summary.
Roger Moseley argued that the petition should be denied because the entire width of Palmer Divide Road was not annexed. He cited a memo written by Scott Krob,
the town’s attorney, to support this position. Moseley said the town’s three-mile plan was out of date and did not meet the requirement for such a plan to be in place. He said he believed two of the annexation petitions included small portions of Douglas County, which had not been formally notified of the annexation.
Martha Brodzik argued that the disconnection of the United Congregational Church’s property from the town meant that the first annexation petition failed the contiguity requirement. She also said Town Administrator Dawn Collins had not properly notified El Paso County and Douglas County of the proposed annexation.
John Sweeney said the
town would not be able to provide fire and police service to the property. He said he believed the perimeter of the land to be annexed was 3.6 miles and that would extend the town’s boundary beyond the three-mile limit.
Paul Olivier said he had served on the town’s Board of Trustees and on its Planning Commission and served as mayor for two years. He recalled the town had considered annexing the property in the late 1980s but the annexation did not proceed because of concerns about dividing Palmer Divide between Douglas and El Paso Counties and because of anti-growth sentiment.
Jeremy Ferrante said more than the two statutes cited needed to be consid
ered and asked that the board hear everyone who wanted to comment. He argued passing trains could prevent Palmer Lake Police and Fire Departments from responding to emergencies at the property to be annexed. Developer Matt Dunston spoke in support of the annexation. He said Palmer Divide Road is not a platted right of way, so the requirement to annex the entire width did not apply.
said the property would be developed “in a very dense use” whether by Buc-ee’s or by someone else. Alexandria Olivier said Buc-ee’s signs did not comply with the town’s sign code. Matt Beverly said the town had not provided an annexation impact report. Roy Martinez said the project documents prepared by Vertex Consulting misrepresented the water infrastructure that the project
MKT-9811D-A AECSPAD
Above: At its regular Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 12, the Town of Palmer Lake held a hearing on the annexation eligibility of the property on the southwest corner of I-25 and County Line which is slated for a Buc-ee’s travel center. To manage the crowd size inside the Town Hall, the board limited seating and had people outside listen on external speakers and sign in to speak. The Palmer Lake Police Department provided staffing. Print and TV press members were allowed inside, and the remaining seats were available to the public until they were filled. Palmer Lake Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Stern chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Glant Havenar, who was on vacation. Stern opened the public hearing and allowed Nina Ruiz of Vertex Consulting Services to present how the project met the eligibility requirements. He then invited three speakers at a time, reminding them to stick to the eligibility issues. Ruiz responded, and the board voted 4 to 1 that the project met the annexation eligibility criteria. Photos by Jackie Burhans.
Kim Reer said the town had to consider whether property owners near the property to be annexed would use services provided by the town.
Hank Cotton said an out-of-date three-mile plan that does not include the United Congregational Church disconnect invalidated the annexation petition.
Robin Reich said the annexation would im-
pinge on Palmer Lake’s small-town feel and would open the board to lawsuits.
Bill Normile said the town would not be able to respond to mass casualty events quickly if a train were blocking Palmer Divide Road.
Dustin Bender said we are living in biblical times and objected to the role money is playing in the decision to annex.
Ian Griffith argued the annexation petition was not valid because it was signed by Maria Larsen and not by a limited liability corporation. He denied the legitimacy of flagpole annexations.
Kristy Beverly said the presence of prescriptive easements on Palmer Divide Road and elsewhere in the land to be annexed prevented the contiguity requirement from being met by the first four annexation petitions.
Beth Harris said the annexation contradicted the town’s master plan.
In her responses to residents, Ruiz said she would limit herself to issues directly related to statutes. She said all of Palmer Divide Road did
Palmer Lake Town Clerk Dawn Collins recognized outgoing board members Nick Ehrhart, Sam Padgett, and Jessica Farr with certificates at the Dec. 12 board meeting. All three had terms that ended at the meeting, which saw new board members sworn in. Farr was unable to attend, having given birth that morning. From left are Ehrhardt, Padgett, and Mayor Pro-Tem Dennis Stern.
not need to be included in the annexation because it was not a platted right of way. She said Vertex Consulting would like to work with Douglas County to annex the entire width of Palmer Divide Road. She explained that the annexations contiguity was through a right of way that was not affected by the disconnection of the United Congregational Church property from the town. Ruiz said the town had in fact submitted the required annexation impact report.
Krob gave his opinion on points made by residents. He said that although there were more statutes that applied to the entire annexation process, only the two cited by Ruiz applied to the annexation eligibility question. The memo he wrote arguing the entire width of Palmer Divide road had to be included in the annexation was wrong, he said, for the reason given by Ruiz. He cited a court case, Town of Erie v. Town of Frederick, which ruled that a comprehensive plan could meet the requirement for a three-mile plan. He pointed out that the three-mile plan had to be updated before the final decision on annexation, not when eligibility was being decided. After Krob’s remarks, Stern closed the hearing. Following the hearing, the board considered Resolution 60-2024, which decides the eligibility of the annexation.
Trustee Shana Ball asked the board to set aside emotions and look at the facts. Trustee Nick Ehrhardt asked the board if its questions had been answered; Trustees Kevin Dreher and Stern said they had been. Regarding the issue of contiguity, Krob said the disconnection of the church property did not include the roadway, and the roadway could be used to establish contiguity. Ruiz confirmed that was her understanding. Ball said she wanted to continue with the annexation process to get a full understanding of all the pertinent information from the studies that have been authorized; doing less than that would create a liability for the town, she said.
Above:
Photo by Jackie Burhans.
New chief of police introduced Collins announced that Glen Smith (pictured at right) had accepted the position of chief of police. Smith has 30 years of police experience, Collins said, adding he had recently moved from Florida to Colorado.
**********
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2025. Meetings are 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: 719-4812953. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
Correction
The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees article in the November issue of OCN incorrectly said the proposed Buc-ee's travel center would be east of I-25. It is proposed to be west of I-25 and south of County Line Road (see Buc-ee's location map below - courtesy Buc-ee's). OCN regrets the error.
After the discussion, the board voted on the resolution. Ball, Dreher, Erhardt, and Stern voted in favor of the resolution; Trustee Samantha Padgett voted no.
New board members sworn in Collins administered the oath of office to three newly elected board members: Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Atis Jurka. The new members replace Ehrhardt, Farr, and Padgett.
Collins presented certificates of appreciation to outgoing board members Erhardt, Farr, and Padgett.
2025 budget adopted
The first vote taken by the new board was to pass Ordinance 19-2024, which adopts the budget for 2025 and appropriates the necessary funds. Collins noted that the new board members had attended the budget workshop and reviewed the budget before their terms began. The board voted unanimously for the ordinance.
The board also passed Resolution 61-2024, which certifies the town’s mill levies.
changes anticipated by May or June of the coming year “to get a better handle of our finances,” as stated by Phillips.
Key points from the budget discussions included:
• A $1.4 million increase in police funding since 2022, raising the total to $6.3 million in 2025.
• Clarifications regarding a $15 million depreciation in the Water Fund, representing longterm depreciation rather than liquid cash.
• Sales tax revenue assumptions of a 2% increase, despite challenges with large businesses not paying the full 3.5% tax rate. The council unanimously approved several budget-related resolutions, including the amended and restated 2024 budget, the 2025 budget and property tax mill levy certification, and appropri-
ations for both years. Recognizing the need for further adjustments, the council committed to revisiting the budget mid-year.
Jackson Creek North
A resolution concerning the preliminary and final plat subdivision for Jackson Creek North PMD Filing No. 1 failed to move forward at both meetings. The 25.63-acre property at the intersection of Higby and Bowstring Roads was proposed by CSI Development Inc. for sale preparation and included a 30-foot public right-of-way dedication to accommodate Higby Road improvements. The
plat would dedicate two tracts of land for open space and a detention pond to the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD).
During the Dec. 2 meeting, Planning Director Dan Ungerleider assured the council that the right-of-way dedication would accommodate road improvements, as verified by town engineers. However, the TMD was not present to confirm the application, raising concerns among councilmembers. Mayor Pro Tem Steve King questioned the
Above: Newly elected board members Atis Jurka, Amy Hutson, and Tim Caves are sworn in by town administrator Dawn Collins at the Dec. 12 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting. Each of the new board members will serve a four-year term and began their terms by passing the town’s 2025 budget. From left are Jurka, Hutson, Caves, and Collins. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
absence of a finalized road design, while Mayor Mitch LaKind and Councilmember Kenneth Kimple emphasized the need for additional clarity before moving forward. The lawyer representing CSI stressed that significant time and money had been invested in the project and suggested that Triview’s absence should be interpreted as implicit approval. Despite this, a motion to table the resolution was passed, with further discussions scheduled for Dec. 16.
At the Dec. 16 meeting, the council postponed a decision once again to Jan. 6, 2025, to allow the TMD to present a formal response addressing concerns about road design and additional clarity. Natural medicine business regulations The regulation of natural medicine businesses, commonly referred to as “mushrooms,” was discussed extensively during both meetings. Ordinance No. 24-2024, formally titled “An Ordinance Amending Section 18.03.380 and Adding Article 5 to Chapter 18.04 of the Monument Municipal Code Concerning the Regulation of Natural Medicine Businesses,” was introduced to align with the Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022. This act, approved by Colorado voters, decriminalizes the personal possession and supervised use of specific psychedelic substances, including psilocybin mushrooms, for individuals aged 21 and older, while allowing local governments to regulate the time, place, and manner of operation of licensed facilities.
The ordinance establishes zoning districts for these facilities and imposes distance restrictions from childcare centers, schools, and residential areas. Town Attorney Bob Cole clarified that while outright prohibition was not legally permissible under Colorado state law, zoning regulations could provide structured oversight. A draft zoning map received positive feedback from the council during the Dec. 2 meeting.
On Dec. 15, public comments included sup-
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port from Monument resident Vincent Bruno, a licensed professional who highlighted the benefits of natural medicine in treating PTSD. Bruno urged the council to adopt regulated frameworks to prevent unregulated activity. Without further discussion, the council approved Ordinance No. 24-2024.
Energy performance improvements
The council approved Ordinance No. 25-2024, authorizing a lease/purchase agreement to fund energy performance upgrades for town facilities. Interim Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek explained the project, which follows an energy audit conducted in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office and Veregy. The audit identified several areas where the town’s buildings could benefit from efficiency upgrades, both to reduce energy costs and to replace aging mechanical systems.
Key upgrades in Phase 1 of the project include:
• Installation of LED lighting in all town buildings.
• Solar energy systems at Town Hall and the Public Works Building.
• Exterior sealing and door sweeps to improve energy efficiency.
• HVAC upgrades, including a VVT system at Town Hall and new units at the Public Works Building.
• Advanced energy monitoring and control systems for all buildings.
The total cost of Phase 1 is $1,337,181. The improvements are projected to save the town about $1.15 million over the lifespan of the upgrades through energy savings, rebates, and reduced maintenance costs.
Mayor Pro Tem King questioned the costs and necessity of some upgrades, but VanDenHoek highlighted the need to modernize the town’s infrastructure and the long-term financial benefits of the project. The ordinance passed unanimously.
Property transfer agreement
The council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the transfer of real property related to the town’s water tank on Beacon Lite Road. Ordinance No. 26-2024 formalizes a property exchange agreement between the Town of Monument, Comcast of Colorado/Pennsylvania/West Virginia LLC, and I-25 Properties Ltd. The agreement resolves title and boundary issues discovered during due diligence for a 2021 property purchase intended for the construction of a new municipal water tank.
Key provisions of the ordinance include:
• Resolution of legal descriptions and title defects on both the old and new water tank sites.
• Dedication of portions of land for rights-ofway and easements along Beacon Lite Road to El Paso County.
• Reimbursement of Comcast’s legal fees and closing costs up to $34,000 as part of the agreement.
This property transfer ensures the town can proceed with constructing a new water tank, a critical infrastructure project for Monument’s water system.
The council will revisit several key issues, including the Jackson Creek North PMD plat and potential amendments to natural medicine zoning regulations, during the next scheduled meeting on Jan. 6, 2025. **********
The Monument Town 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 Monday, Jan. 6 and Tuesday, Jan. 21 (Monday, Jan. 20 is MLK Day). For more information, call 719-8848014 or visit www.townofmonument.org. To view upcoming agendas, complete board packets, or download audio recordings of past meetings, visit http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand. com and click on “Town Council.”
Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.
Commerce Center
By Janet Sellers
At the Monument Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 11, key land use decisions were made, including approval of the final Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a Panda Express restaurant and progress on the Falcon Commerce Center development.
Panda Express
Planned for Lot 5A of Monument Marketplace North, the new Panda Express would feature a drive-thru, landscaping, parking, and pedestrian access. While the commissioners expressed concerns about the building’s design, particularly its blank wall facing Jackson Creek Parkway, no
public objections were raised, and the project was recommended for approval pending design refinements.
Falcon Commerce Center
The Falcon Commerce Center development was also reviewed, focusing on its environmental and infrastructure impacts. The development includes industrial warehouses and distribution facilities with substantial investments in water, sewer, and road infrastructure. The commissioners discussed efforts to address concerns from the Air Force Academy about Jackson Creek’s downstream conditions, including the installation of a buried wall to prevent erosion. The project’s shift from less Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 11
By
Career & Innovation Center Update
Work continues to move forward with
Through continued collaboration with community members, educators and industry partners, the D38 Career & Innovation Center is designed to reflect the values and priorities of the Tri-Lakes Area, while remaining responsive to today’s ever-changing workplace. Although the primary focus is providing secondary students with relevant coursework and immersive experiences in the skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, and computer science pathways, the facility will engage all students and our broader community. Younger learners might visit the campus to learn from interactive experiences, and community members will have the opportunity to use spaces for community meetings.
Excitement for the center continues to expand beyond the boundaries of D38, as local and national partners are expressing support. “This initiative is quite
a bit more advanced than many workforce development programs. It is a joy to see more focus. I am really excited to see this progress.” — U.S. Dept of Defense | microelectronics sector lead
And remember that thanks to funds provided by legislative bill SB24-017, District 38 was able to purchase the building for the new facility, without additional tax dollars. Next steps include pursuing sponsorships and grants to support implementation costs, such as purchasing state-of-the-art equipment and supplies. Sponsorship opportunities offer corporations marketing perks like naming rights of the facility or specific learning areas, along with showing support for preparing students for in-demand careers.
To view partnership details and more, please visit lewispalmer.org/page/ career-innovation-center
restrictive PID zoning to a more controlled PUD ensures it aligns with the town’s comprehensive plan.
While the development has made significant strides, commissioners raised concerns about truck parking, traffic impacts, and the facility’s visual compatibility with the community. They also sought assurances about hazardous material handling and fire safety. No public comments were submitted during the hearings, and the project is now
By Natalie Barszcz
At the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) and Pinon Pines Metropolitan District (PPMD) 1, 2, and 3 meeting on Dec. 2, the board approved the 2025 budgets and mill levies subject to receiving the revised property tax assessment, approved rate increases and an updated contract for services with Triview Metropolitan District (TMD). The board received updates on the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) pipeline project and the pursuit of renewable wastewater flows.
Attending via teleconference were FLMD Manager Ann Nichols, Tom Blunk of 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, Director/resident James Boulton, vice president/project manager of Classic Homes, and PPMD 1 Board President Mike Hitchcock, Vice President Mike Slavick, and Secretary April Jean Slavick.
Director Steve Schlosser, project manager for Classic Homes, did not attend.
Note: There were no public comments made during the meetings.
Northern Monument Creek Interceptor update Nichols said the district is considering moving its wastewater treatment process to Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) via the NMCI pipeline. About 30% of the design phase for the NMCI pipeline project was completed and the detailed cost of the project will need to be split three ways between CSU, TMD, and FLMD at about $92.5 million, with each participant contributing about $32.5 million. CSU believes the project is very important with long-term benefits, and a decision to proceed was expected around midDecember, and the district and TMD are fully committed.
CSU originally offered to finance the project, but with about $3.5 billion in capital projects to complete over the next five years, FLMD and TMD will look at other ways to finance their share of the project. Donala Water and Sanitation District will be required to buy out FLMD and TMD’s portion of the Upper Monument Creek Waste Water Regional Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF), said Nichols.
Note: The proposed pipeline would transport the district’s wastewater to CSU, avoiding the required but costly pending regulatory upgrades to the UMCRWWTF.
awaiting Town Council approval.
In addition to these discussions, the commission approved the sketch plan for the Woodmoor Placer Replat B, a commercial subdivision along Jackson Creek Parkway. This development, aimed at accommodating growing community needs, includes six lots and will focus on shared access roads, pedestrian pathways, and utility easements.
The commission’s ongoing dialogue with developers aims to bal-
Reusable return wastewater flows pursued
Nichols said the district is still pursuing reusable return wastewater flows through a project with CSU and the Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority. A feasibility study is being partially funded with a $250,000 grant from the Colorado Water Board Council, and additional participants are being solicited. The project has four participants including the district, and all are required to contribute about $2,000-$3,000 for the study ($10,000 is allocated in the budget). The district is committed to take part in the project to discover how the return flows will be treated and delivered back to the district via northern entities, said Nichols.
Rates increase for 2025 Peykov opened a public hearing on the proposed 2025 rate increases for water, wastewater, and landscape services for FLMD.
Nichols noted the proposed rate increases had been published over 30 days in advance and posted appropriately on the FLMD website on Oct. 4, 2024, and recommended the board approve another 7% increase in water and wastewater service rates and a $1 increase for the irrigation/landscaping monthly fee. The development fees will quickly go away as the district grows closer to buildout, and the increase is necessary to get the rates up to a level that will sustain operations. The district is getting closer to maintaining services without development fees, said Nichols.
Hearing no comments, Peykov closed the hearing.
The board approved the rate increases, 4-0.
TMD contract amendment
The board approved the fourth amendment to the TMD Contract Operations Agreement to increase the fee by 3% for a total of $18,150 per month (the fee includes water and wastewater operations, customer billing, and landscaping fees). See https://wp.ocn.me.v24n12tmd/ 2025 budget—
FLMD, PPMD 2 and 3
Nichols said she had budgeted $300,000 in the 2025 budget to complete the FLMD design cost share of the NMCI and $150,000 to repair detention pond No. 1, and she requested the board pass the resolutions to approve the budgets and set the mill levies for the districts.
The boards approved in a 4-0 vote a resolution adopting the 2025 budget, appropriating funds for FLMD, and PPMD 2 and 3, and certifying the mill levies for each district subject to any final change after the El Paso County Assessor notifies the
ance growth with sustainability and community needs. As 2024 concluded, the Planning Commission was preparing for a busy January, which will include discussions on impact fees and leadership appointments. The meeting wrapped up with holiday well-wishes and appreciation for the year’s work. **********
The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. It will revisit the dis-
cussion on the Jackson Creek North plat and Panda Express at the next meeting on Jan. 8. For further information on Planning Commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.
district by Dec. 12 of the adjusted property tax assessments.
Note: The mill levy for PPMD 2 was approved at 55.664 mills, and PPMD 3 was approved at 42 mills for collection in 2025. The mill levy for FLMD is set at 0 mills.
2024 budget amendment—
PPMD 3
Nichols requested the board approve an amendment to the 2024
budget for PPMD 3, increasing the cost for the 2023 audit by $8,500. Additional funds were required for the unanticipated full audit.
The board approved the budget amendment.
2024 audit engagement letter
Peykov requested the board approve an engagement letter with Hoelting & Co. for the 2024 audits for FLMD and PPMD 2, and an audit exemp-
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tion request for PPMD 3.
Nichols said the fees had not yet been finalized via letter, but the FLMD was expected to cost $17,150, and the Pinon Pines districts are expected to cost $6,500 each, according to the auditor.
The board approved the engagement letter subject to final legal review, 4-0.
Director and TABOR election 2025
Peykov said some of the board director seats are expiring for the FLMD, PPMD 2 and 3 boards, but the board should consider a TABOR election in 2025 to waive the property tax revenue limit that will take effect in
2025.
Stimple asked if property owners would need to vote for a TABOR election.
Peykov said within PPMD 2, the property owners would vote, but it would be a costly endeavor that will likely not pass, and the subject was not presented to the PPMD 1 Board of Directors.
Stimple said, “The election would allow the district to opt out of some restrictions that the state government have put in place to limit how much the mill levy can increase per year. Within all Classic Homes active developments, the board recommendation is against placing a
TABOR waiver ballot question to the residents because the district would want the residents to vote no against property taxes increasing no more than 4.5% per year, but it is a tough sell,” and he recommended the TABOR election only for the commercial district PPMD 3 and FLMD.
Peykov said that although FLMD does not certify mill levies, the requirement may change in the future.
The board approved the election as recommended, pending clarification on which director seats would be included in the 2025 election for FLMD, PPMD 2 and 3.
Note: The director seats held by Boulton and Schlosser will expire in May 2025.
Debt authorization special election results
Stephanie Net of Spencer Fane LLP confirmed to this reporter that all five directors/electors voted in the special election held on Nov. 5 to approve a new debt authorization for PPMD 3. A canvass meeting was held on Nov. 18 to confirm no public or electors had questions regarding the election and to confirm the results. No members of the public were present. The meeting was not a board meeting and no minutes were taken. See htpps://wp.ocn. me.v24n9flmd/
2025 budget—PPMD 1
Peykov opened the public hearing for the 2025 budget for PPMD 1. Hearing no comments, the public hearing closed.
Nichols said there were only minor changes in the budget, but an increase of 2 mills was added to cover the debt service set at 22.500 mills. The general operations will be set at 11.133 mills for 2025.
The board unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the 2025 budget, appropriating funds, and certifying the mill levy at 33.633 mills, for collection in 2025.
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans
At its December meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District’s (DWSD) board heard good news concerning its efforts to remove radium from the water the district delivers to customers. The board concluded its work on its 2025 budget, certified its mill levies, and planned two upcoming elections. The board decided to abandon Well 11D and redrill Well 7D in its place. Finally, the board heard financial and operational reports.
State confirms compliance with radium standard
Water Operator Ronny Wright told the board he had received a “radiological reinforcement order” from the state, a confirmation that DWSD has met the state’s standards for radium over four consecutive quarters. The order states that DWSD’s system was “reliably and consistently achieving compliance within the combined standards” for radium. Wright said the district would receive a new schedule for ongoing sampling from the state.
On June 28, 2022, DWSD was notified that water processed at the Holbein Treatment Plant had, for the past year, an average value of combined radium of 9.6 pCi/L, exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 5 pCi/L. In response, the district notified its customers as required, took the treatment plant offline, upgraded the filtration medium at the plant and installed a radium removal process based on hydrous manganese oxide. The board estimated it would have the problem solved by November 2023, and the order confirms that the water delivered in 2024 met the state’s standards. 2025 budget adopted; mill levies set
Board President Wayne Vanderschuere opened a public hearing on the 2025 budget. He noted that rates and fees, which typically are set when a new budget is approved, would be set in the first quarter of
The board also unanimously approved/adopted:
• The 2024 audit engagement letter with Hoelting & Co., for a fee of no more than $6,500.
• The annual administrative resolution, meeting time, and schedule.
• The Colorado Open Records Act hourly retrieval rate of $41.37 (the first hour is free).
Board member election
The board unanimously approved a board member election for May 2025 subject to verification of which director positions are up for re-election.
Note: The five-member all-resident PPMD 1 board has three incumbent members and has had two vacant positions for the past few years. All three directors are required to be present at each meeting to maintain a quorum for voting purposes. The director positions are not term limited, and all five director positions will be on the ballot. Selfnomination forms to be a candidate for district board member may be obtained from: Stephanie Net, paralegal, Spencer Fane, 1700 Lincoln St., Suite 3800, Denver, Colorado 80203. Tel: 303-839-3912 Fax: 303839-3838 or email: snet@spencerfane.com.
The meetings adjourned at 4:48 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 719-327-5810, anicholsduffy@aol.com. Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
2025 when the district has data for water consumption during the winter months, which it uses to calculate wastewater costs, and has had time to complete a cost of service study. There were no comments on the budget and Vanderschuere closed the hearing. The board passed four resolutions:
• Resolution 2024-9, which adopts the 2025 budget.
• Resolution 2024-10, which appropriates the funds needed for the budget.
• Resolution 2024-11, which sets a mill levy of 21.296 mills for most of the district.
• Resolution 2024-12, which sets a mill levy of 10.648 mills for a small portion of the district that receives water service but uses septic tanks instead of the district’s sewer service.
Upcoming elections
The board planned for two upcoming elections. The first, a special election to be held on Feb. 4, will ask voters to waive the term limits that are currently in place for members of the DWSD board. The board put this issue to the voters because of the difficulty of finding candidates for the DWSD board and in hopes of improving the long-term decisionmaking of the board by allowing members to serve for a longer time. Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker gave the board a timeline for the February election. She said printed ballots would be available by Jan. 3. The election will be held between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the district offices at 15850 Holbein Drive. Hawker will serve as the Designated Election Official (DEO). Absentee ballots would be mailed out on Jan. 6 to those who requested them. An application for an absentee ballot is on the district web page, she said. Jan. 28 is the last day to request an absentee ballot. Hawker said details about
election
Micki Mills, of the legal firm Cockrel Ela Glesne Geher and Ruhland, attended the meeting to advise the board about the election. She said the district is subject to the fair campaign practices act, so the information included in bills must be strictly factual and can’t advocate for or against the issue before the voters. She advised board members to forward any questions they receive to Hawker.
The board also planned a district election to be held on May 6, 2025. That election will elect board members to fill the seats currently held by Vanderschuere and Director Ed Miller. If term limits are waived in February, then Vanderschuere and Miller may run again for the
By Natalie Barszcz
seats they currently hold. If they are not waived, Vanderschuere and Miller will not be eligible for re-election. Anyone wishing to run for one of the two available board seats can obtain a self-nomination form by emailing Hawker at ChristinaH@donalawater.gov. The completed forms must be received no later than close of business on Feb. 28. The board voted in favor of Resolution 2024-8, which documents the date and time of the election and names Hawker as DEO. Well 7D to replace 11D
At its November meeting, the board heard a recommendation from consultant Helen Malenda-Lawrence, of LRE Water, to repair Well 11D. District Manager
Hodge told the board that following a video inspection of the well it was determined that the well could not be repaired with the installation of a new pump, as was originally estimated, and he recommended abandoning the well. Hodge proposed redrilling well 7D, which failed in 2020. Well 7D is located in the parking lot of the district’s office building and treatment plant on Holbein Drive. Because Well 7D could be redrilled within 200 feet of its existing location, there would be no need to go to water court and that would simplify the permitting required, Hodge said. Another advantage is the well could provide water to the treatment plant without
using the pipeline adjacent to Baptist Road, which is subject to failures due to its installation directly on rock. Financial and operational reports In his financial report, District Manager Jeff Hodge reported that revenues and expenses for the last month of 2024 were on track. Savings on water rights balanced additional expenses for staff training.
In his manager’s report, Hodge said the state had called to schedule a sanitary survey of the district. A sanitary survey is an on-site survey that looks at water sources, facilities, equipment, operations, and maintenance of public water systems to evaluate the
Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 16
adequacy of the systems to provide safe drinking water.
**********
The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16 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
Study reveals water and wastewater rate increase; administrative/utility offices pursued
At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting, the board received a presentation from Raftelis Financial Consultants on a proposed financial plan to maintain a 10-year revenue stream, authorized the acquisition of property to build administration and utility department offices, and approved the terms and conditions of a lease/purchase loan to construct the district’s administration/utility operations building.
The board heard about costs increasing for the 1.5-million-gallon water tank installation project and awarded a bid from Kiewit Infrastructure for the site development portion of the project. The board discussed seeking voter approval to fund the Higby Road improvement project and heard about a second water main break under Forest Lakes Drive.
The board held an executive session pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(a), for the purpose of determining 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.
The district is still waiting to hear if Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) will move ahead and build the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor pipeline. The project was a point of discussion during the executive session. See FLMD article on page 7.
Raftelis water fund enterprise study
District Manager James McGrady introduced financial consultants Andrew Rheem and Theresa Jurotich of Raftelis and said the team had conducted another study to determine the district’s path to remain financially solvent over the next 10 years.
Rheem said the study findings presented are focused solely on the water enterprise fund, and next year the study will focus on wastewater. Raftelis conducted a study in 2021, and the 2024 study updates the previous findings. The proposed recommendations in January will be for implementation on Feb. 1, 2025. The district staff have also requested an alternative rate structure for the residential water tiers that will
be designed to generate the same revenue.
The study suggested the rates increase by 10% in 2025, then by 6% every year from 2026 through 2030, and by 5% every year from 2031 through 2034. The projected revenues pay the debt service after operations and maintenance expenses have been paid. The legal requirement on the existing loans is 110% or 1.1 times the annual debt service, so for every dollar in debt service the district is legally required to have $1.10 in revenue after expenses, he said.
The study also accounts for a 12% price increase in 2025 from Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to convey, treat, and deliver the district’s water via the Northern Delivery System (NDS). The district will receive additional water via the NDS, and then a 6.5% increase has been identified per year over the next four years. The district anticipates other costs for ongoing repairs and replacement, change cases to obtain the district’s water, and other projects to increase in cost. The rate increases are small, frequent adjustments that will be level and not bounce around over the next 10 years, according to the study. For example, the typical residential customer with a three-fourths-inch meter using about 8,000 gallons per month in 2024 would be billed $117 per month for the water portion only; with the rate applied in 2025 it would be about $129, said
McGrady said the district should also look at raising tap fees in 2025 to ensure new growth is paying for itself instead of putting that on the backs of current consumers. The district will meet demand with its own water rights accessed via the entire boxed-in system that includes CSU and the Southern Delivery System, he said.
Vice President Anthony Sexton said the district will not always be able to rely on tap fees to fund projects in the future, like it did with the NDS.
2025 water and wastewater rates/fees increase McGrady said the board will hold a public hearing at the Jan. 23 meeting. RAFTELIS will present all of the proposed rate increases for 2025 before the board adopts the 2025 water and wastewater rates/fees increase for implementation on Feb. 1, said McGrady.
Survey seeks appetite for bond
Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the district worked with Magellan Strategies to create an electronic survey for customers to complete on the district’s website or via email. The brief community survey can be found at www.triviewmetro.com or https://www. research.net/r/TMD_WEB_ DEC?ID=[ID_value].
McGrady said the survey allows customers to provide feedback to the district to help gauge the appetite
for a bond question, which if passed would allow the district to issue about $12.6 million for the widening of Higby Road and other capital improvements. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n11tmd/ Higby Road design revealed McGrady presented a PowerPoint of the design for the Higby Road improvements that can be viewed by the public under Higby Road Expansion Project at www. triviewmetrodistrict.com before completing the survey. The proposed bond is not a tax increase but a re-allocation of some of the uses of that for debt service, for a project that will enhance road safety. The project was originally estimated to cost about $6 million, but costs increased and the district does not have the $12.6 million in cash to complete the project, said McGrady. Director Jason Gross offered to present the design to the D38 Board of Education to let it know what the district is doing for it and explain the financials a little bit to the community. The public can see the value of the safety features and realize that although they are not saving money, approving the bond is not costing them more either. Getting the community on board and presenting to the Town of Monument (TOM) would also be a good idea, he said. Vice Chair Anthony Sexton said, “It is fine to let the school board know, but I don’t really have an opinion
about what the D38 board thinks unless they are ponying up for some of the cost. This is for them and the developers, and the district residents are paying for it, it is truly a great project for everyone attending the school, but only TMD residents are paying for the road. It is important to note this is a reallocation of revenue that costs the taxpayers money, and to say it does not raise taxes is incorrect when there is an opportunity to lower the mill levy without the bond. The district needs to be transparent, and the residents will hopefully see the value and approve the bond,” said Sexton.
McGrady said the residents north of Higby Road, the TOM, and D38 are not contributing to the cost of the road improvements, and the district agreed to complete the project. However, as the project grew, D38 and the town added bells and whistles, such as sidewalks, road widening, islands and additional gutters, adding to the cost. The district receives a portion of the sales tax collected from the TOM from businesses within the district, and as development grows, taps and tax revenue will increase and help bring down the debt service, he said.
The general consensus of the board was despite the safety features the road design will bring, the Higby Road improvements will help expedite development within the district. See MTC article on page 1.
Rheem.
Property site lease purchase approved
The board approved Resolution 2024-15, authorizing the acquisition of a 2-arce property for about $1 million from Santa Fe Park JV LLC to build the district’s administration and utility department offices on a lot north of West Baptist Road. The district is paying cash that was included in the budget for the lot.
Lease/purchase loan proposed
The board approved Resolution 2024-16, establishing the terms and conditions for a 10-year lease/ purchase loan from Vectra Bank for about $5.144 million (includes about $1.144 million with about a 4.79% fixed interest rate) to construct the district’s 8,000-squarefoot administration/utility operations building.
Water tank project update
McGrady said the cost to install the 1.5-million-gallon water tank at B Plant, St. Lawrence Way, increased beyond the original estimated cost. He said:
• The district received a $1 million matching grant from the American Rescue Plan Act.
• The bids received are substantial and the district will need to reconsider its approach to installing the tank.
• The grant stipulates the project must be awarded to a contractor before Dec. 31, 2024, and the grant must be spent on building the tank by June 30, 2026. He requested the board award Kiewit Infrastructure for $27,960 to conduct the site development for the project. Site development will con-
tinue until the $1 million is spent, but the lowest initial bids to install a tank was about $7 million. Developing the site incrementally may mitigate some of the costs initially bid, and the hope is to pay cash as the project moves along. The project requires a screen wall, landscaping, the re-routing of storm drainage pipes, and a detention pond, and some work could be done inhouse, but eventually the site will be ready for a tank, and it will likely cost about $3.3 million to install a tank on a foundation. The site has been cleared and Kiewit Infrastructure will begin site development in December.
Mario DiPasquale, vice president of RESPEC, said costs have increased and the site is challenging behind the existing tank, but the availability of construction companies and materials is limited nationwide. The C Plant tank built in 2016 cost the district just under $1 million with utilities included, on a simple site, and the same type of tank for another client built in 2024 on a similar site cost $3 million, he said.
The board unanimously approved awarding Phase 1 to Kiewit Infrastructure.
Financial update
The board accepted the November 2024 financial report as presented and approved 16 checks over $5,000 totaling about $668,544. The payment to CSU for the conveyance, treatment and delivery of the district’s residential and commercial water was $123,156. Of note was $196,840 to T-Bone Construction for water improvements to the district’s Arkansas Valley Irrigation Ca-
nal Company Augmentation Station.
Water utilities update
Water Utilities Superintendent Gary Potter said 96% of the water produced for November was from the NDS with 4% from the wells. The district produced about 15,824 million gallons (MG) of water in November 2024, with almost 13,652 MG billed to customers.
District pinning down water loss
Potter said that unbilled water represents a 10% loss for November 2024, and this was up from previous months. However, the percentage is misleading when compared to the amount of water produced, because the actual amount of water loss was down in November (about 1.6 million gallons) compared to September when about 2.9 million gallons was missing.
The loss is usually higher during irrigation months and can be a combination of leaks and/or some issues with billing and accounting issues, but meters are often a source of unaccounted water. The replacement of a leak gate valve on Talus Road could have been leaking for a while and likely attributed to a good portion of the unbilled water, said Potter.
Sheffield said the district staff are working toward a less-than-5% monthly water loss.
McGrady said he had never compared the gallon loss, only the percentage, and it could be metering that always runs slower than the flow, and it could also be the commercial meters.
Sheffield said it is important to
keep pushing the commercial meter switch to the Badger meters; the goal of changing out five meters per week is being achieved.
Water main break
Potter said a second major water main break had occurred on Nov. 23 in a section of pipe on Forest Lakes Drive, the second within months and in close proximity to the first. The repair was made overnight with a contractor and the district crews, and he thanked the operational staff for restoring service to the residents in Forest Lakes Metropolitan District.
Executive session
The board moved into an executive session at 9:02 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(a), to determine 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 agreement.
Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that after the meeting returned to the regular session at 9:50 p.m., no action was taken and the meeting promptly adjourned.
**********
Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.
Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
By James Howald
In December, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board concluded two public hearings: the first on proposed rate increases and the second on the proposed budget for 2025. Both hearings were opened at its November meeting and kept open until December to meet requirements to notify the public before a final vote.
The board considered a request from a developer to exchange land
on the east side of Lake Woodmoor owned by the developer for a reduction in the cost of supplemental water the developer is purchasing for the Waterside development on the east side of Woodmoor Drive.
The board also voted to extend for a year existing options to purchase supplemental water at the lower rate charged in 2024.
The management contract between the Chilcott Ditch Co. and WWSD was renewed for 2025. The
board voted to move to a new health insurance carrier to reduce costs. It heard comments from two residents. The meeting ended with an executive session.
2025 rates and budget
Board President Brian Bush continued the public hearing on the proposed rate increases that was opened at the board’s November meeting. The rate increases were published on the district’s web page 30 days before the December meeting. Base rates, volumetric rates, tap fees, and supplemental water rates all saw increases. A detailed discussion of the proposed rates can be found in the December issue of OCN at https://wp.ocn.me/v24n12wwsd/.
One resident commented that he did not like to see rates going up. There were no questions or comments from the board and Bush closed the hearing.
Following the hearing, the board voted on Resolution 24-03 to approve the rates. Directors Bill Clewe, Roy Martinez Tom Roddham and President Bush voted in favor; Director Dan Beley voted no.
Bush then continued the hearing on the 2025 budget. Clewe noted that the insurance costs for the TriLakes Waste Water Treatment Facility, which WWSD owns and operates with the Towns of Palmer Lake and Monument, had increased by $2,000 since November and the 2025 budget had been updated to reflect that additional cost.
There were no comments from the public and Bush closed the hearing on the budget.
The board voted on Resolution 24-04 to adopt the budget and appropriate the necessary funds. Beley was the only no vote.
Developer offers land for reduced water bill
District Manager Jessie Shaffer told the board La Plata Communities had asked the district if it wanted three lots adjacent to Lake Woodmoor that were difficult to develop. The developer asked to be allowed to transfer water rights from those lots to property it is developing on the east side of Woodmoor Drive known as the Waterside development. Transferring the water rights would reduce the amount of supplemental water La Plata Communities would need
to buy to complete its Waterside development, Shaffer said. The district sells supplemental water at a higher rate than the standard allotment, which is one-half acre-feet of water for each acre of land.
Shaffer explained the costs of the land sale would be split between the district and La Plata Communities. The Supplemental Water Usage and Service Agreement between the two specifies the district will supply 8.117 acre-feet of supplemental water to the waterside development for a cost of $235,000 per year.
In response to a question from Bush, Shaffer said the agreement with La Plata Communities would use the 2024 supplemental water rates, not the higher 2025 rates.
The board voted unanimously to authorize the exchange.
Following the decision on the land exchange, Shaffer asked the board to consider keeping rates unchanged for existing option contracts in good standing to buy supplemental water.
Developers sometimes sign contracts with WWSD that give them the option to buy supplemental water at a later date as a way to ensure water will be available when they decide to proceed with a development. The developer pays a fee for the option to buy water at a later time.
The board voted to keep the 2024 rate of $29,000 per acre-foot of supplemental water in place for existing option contracts.
Chilcott Ditch management contract renewed Shaffer asked the board to approve an updated version of the district’s contract with the Chilcott Ditch Co. The district provides administrative services, staff, and equipment to manage the Chilcott Ditch, which conveys water from Fountain Creek to shareholders in the company and to the Calhan Reservoir. Shaffer said the new contract had only minor changes, one being an increase in hourly wages for employees from $39 to $40.95 per hour.
The board voted unanimously to approve the amended contract. District chooses new health insurance carrier
Shaffer showed the board a comparison of terms provided by Colorado Employers Benefit Trust (CEBT), the
district’s current health insurance carrier, with those of United Healthcare. He said the premium increases from CEBT were “staggering,” at 13.5% for employees seeking to cover only themselves in 2025. He applauded Office Manager Cory Lynch for researching other providers. Lynch found that United Healthcare could provide a better plan with a lower maximum out-of-pocket cost, at an annual saving of $430 per employee.
The board authorized Lynch to pursue switching to United Healthcare.
Residents question
development, water supply
Tom Griesser told the board he opposed the Monument Ridge East development. He pointed out that when the district purchased the Woodmoor Ranch in 2011 for its water rights, a Renewable Water Infrastructure Fee had been put in place to pay off the debt for that purchase. He asked why residents are paying a fee that will benefit the developer of Monument Ridge East.
Bush answered that anti-development sentiment was on the rise in the district. He explained that if
the district has water available, it provides it to developers, but developers pay a high cost for supplemental water service and the board has raised tap fees about 40% over the last few years. Tap fees are paid once when a connection is made to the district’s water and sewer infrastructure. Bush also mentioned the Loop water reuse project, which will provide renewable water to the district as groundwater supplies decrease.
Brian Peterson pointed out the debt for the Woodmoor Ranch would be paid off in 2031 and asked if the district would retain water
El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Dec. 19 Cherokee Metro District withdraws from Loop project
By James Howald
At its December meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board considered a request from the Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD) to withdraw from the project. The Town of Monument (TOM) asked the board to provide a report modeling operational issues to the town’s consultants. The board also heard a progress report from John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co., who serves as the Loop’s Workflow Manager, and a financial report from Kathy Fromm, of Fromm and Co., the Loop’s accountant.
CMD withdraws Kevin Brown asked the board to consider CMD’s request to withdraw from the project and to waive the requirement to notify the board 180 days in advance of intention to withdraw. Brown is the interim general manager of CMD and serves as the treasurer on the Loop board. The CMD service area is southeast of Colorado Springs and serves about 40,000 customers at Schriever Space Force Base, Cimarron Hills and Meridian Ranch. CMD is one of four water districts participating in the Loop—Donala Water and Sanitation District, the Town of Monument and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District are the other three.
Brown said the decision to withdraw after three years of participation was a difficult one. He said CMD’s need to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”) and its aging infrastructure took precedence over the renewable water resources the Loop will provide. Brown said CMD has other renewable water resources in the Black Squirrel Creek basin.
CMD operates the Sundance Pipeline, which the Loop plans to use as a portion of the pipeline required to convey water from Fountain Creek to customers in northern El Paso County. Brown said the Sundance Pipeline would continue to be available to the Loop.
Nicole R. Peykov, the Loop’s attorney, said the 180-day notice to withdraw rule could be waived by a vote of the board. Loop board President Jessie Shaffer moved to accept CMD’s request to withdraw, with the stipulation that CMD document its intention to collaborate with the Loop in the future. The board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Town of Monument
requests report
Tom Tharnish, who represents the Town of Monument on the Loop board and serves as Monument’s director of Public Works, asked the Loop board to provide a report written by BBA Water Consultants Inc. to consultants employed by Monument. The report models the operation of the Loop. Tharnish said Monument’s consultants would use the report to evaluate the town’s participation in the Loop. The board voted to provide the report as Tharnish requested.
Progress report
Kuosman told the board he was focused on coordinating the design of the water treatment facility that will be required by the Loop. He said the engineering community is asking for information about the history and background of the Loop; he asked the board to authorize him to release technical information to potential consultants as part of the Request for Proposal process. The board could take time to evaluate his request, he said.
Financial report
Fromm told the board it had $28,000 in outstanding invoices for November.
The invoices included the cost of the recent audit, she said. Overall, the Loop is at 30% of its budget for 2024, Fromm said. The board voted to accept her financial report.
**********
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 16 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 Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.
James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
rights from the ranch in perpetuity. Bush said the Loop could provide up to 3,000 acre-feet per year to the district, which currently uses about 1,100 for the entire service area. The Loop could replace groundwater wells that are expensive and risky, Bush said.
Executive session
The meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions and to confer with legal counsel on potential agreements with the Loop, Classic Homes and Rex Colorado Corp.
**********
The next meeting is on Jan. 13 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. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-4882525 to verify meeting times and locations. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
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to be submitted to the committee by 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13, 2025.
• To be nominated by petition, you must have the petition signed by 15 MVEA members. Petitions and procedures will be made available by contacting the MVEA Board Nomination Information Line at (719) 494-2528. The petition, along with a completed candidate questionnaire, must be received by MVEA by 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025.
A candidate questionnaire must be completed for either nomination by the committee or nomination by petition. If you have questions, please contact the MVEA Board Nomination Information Line.
The “Procedure for Director Elections and Member Voting” is available on MVEA’s website at www.mvea.coop/annual-meeting
3: Jean Mikita
District 5: Tyrone Hall
During the Annual Meeting of Members on June 5, 2025, at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument, two directors will be elected to the Mountain View Electric Association Board of Directors from the following districts: District 3: Elbert and surrounding areas to include a portion of Black Forest (incumbent Errol Hertneky) District 5: Ellicott, Fountain, Falcon and surrounding areas (incumbent Kevin L. Paddock)
By Jackie Burhans and James Howald
At its December meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board held a public hearing on four petitions for inclusion into the district’s service area. A vote was held following the hearing. Board President Dan Hamilton proposed a 5% salary increase for district employees. The board approved an update of construction standards for wastewater infrastructure and heard a report from District Manager Mark Parker.
Petitions for inclusion approved Parker opened a public hearing to consider adding four properties to the district’s service area. He explained that in updating the district’s service area map, he discovered that four properties that the district serves and that are within the district’s service area boundaries had never been formally included in the district. Two of the properties are owned by the Town of Monu-
Four properties added to service area
ment: the Town Hall on Beacon Lite Road and the parcel containing the town’s water treatment plant and the Code One building, also on Beacon Lite Road. The third property is in the Wakonda Hills neighborhood. The fourth property is on Washington Street.
Operation Specialist Jim Kendrick recalled that there had been discussion concerning the town’s properties several years ago.
There were no comments from the public on the petitions, and Hamilton closed the hearing. The board voted unanimously in favor of the petitions.
5% salary increase approved Hamilton proposed a 5% salary increase for Parker, Kendrick, and Accounts Administrator Cheran Allsup. He said all were doing excellent work for the district. Parker said the 2025 budget, recently approved by the board, included funds for a 3% merit increase and a 2% cost of living increase.
Parker said he loved working for
Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Monument Sanitation District, Dec. 18
Black Forest Fire/Rescue
the district. Kendrick said he felt the district was currently run the best it had been over the past couple of years.
The board voted unanimously to approve the salary increase.
New construction standards approved Parker presented the board with a draft of new construction standards for the district’s wastewater infrastructure. Dave Frish, of GMS Engineering Inc., had reviewed the new standards, Parker said. Parker said the changes were mostly in the formatting of the document. He said that one important change was specifying that new manholes be built without the use of steps. He said that required anyone entering a manhole to bring a ladder, the ladder serving as proof of intent to enter the manhole. Parker said other districts were making the same change to their manhole standards.
The board voted unanimously to approve the new standards.
Protection District,
Manager’s report
In his manager’s report, Parker said the switch from paper statements to electronic statements had been very well received by the district’s customers, many of whom were using the form on the district’s website to move to electronic statements and avoid the newly imposed $2 fee for paper statements. Paper statements are still available to customers without access to a computer, he 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 Jan. 15. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.
Dec. 4 2025 budget approved; mill levy increases; ladder truck/apparatus for sale; overstaffing
By Natalie Barszcz
At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on Dec. 4, the board approved the 2025 budget with a 2% wage
increase and certified a mill levy increase. The board approved the sale of several apparatus to include the aerial ladder truck purchased in 2022 and heard the department was
overstaffed and heading toward a fiscal cliff.
The board discussed and approved the fire chief job posting criteria, a 2025 board director election, and discussed receiving presentations in January from three fire departments regarding a potential contract for service, or a fire authority.
2025 budget and mill levy certification
declared
get records a separate line indicating the district received $373,301 for SB23-001. See https://wp.ocn. me/v24n6bffrpd/
Ladder truck to be sold
The board held a long discussion on how much the mill levy should be increased before Chair Nate Dowden requested the board adopt the 2025 budget, summarizing the expenditures and revenues and certifying the mill levy at 15.65 mills, up from 14.951 mills in 2024. The mill levy increase was set higher in accordance with the voter approved de-Gallagher provision that allows the district to match lost revenue due to a reduction in the Residential Assessment Rate set at 6.75%.
The increase is intended to recoup about $212,000 in anticipated property tax revenue loss. A loss of about $82,000 is anticipated, but the board decided not to implement a 16.06 mill levy to recoup the full loss. The final assessed value from the county assessor had not been received at the time of the meeting. The district expects about $4.780 million in property tax revenue and overall revenue of about $6.650 million. The district will begin 2025 with a balance of about $1.874 million for general operations and estimates a total budget of $8.524 million for the general operation of the district, with about $6.650 million in total expenditures. See https:// wp.ocn.me/v24n11bffrpd/
The board unanimously approved the resolution adopting the budget, appropriating funds, increasing employees’ wages by 2%, and certifying a 15.65 mill levy.
Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn said the wage and leave schedule includes a salary increase for the fire chief position from $146,000 to $170,000 and adds three battalion chief positions at $113,239 each. Additional revenue was received
The 2025 budget anticipates reimbursement of about $373,301 in 2025 for SB23-001. The district was notified via letter from the state in May 2024 that the district would receive a total of $477,869 to backfill the district for lost property tax revenue after the Legislature passed SB23-001 and SB22-238 in November 2023. The former fire chief and Dunn confirmed the additional revenue was received with the March/ April property tax revenue at the May board meeting. The 2024 bud-
Interim Fire Chief Josh Bartlett requested the board consider liquidating some assets, and suggested selling Engine 713, the Aerialscope ladder truck that cost $250,000, the district purchased about $75,000 in equipment for the truck that could be sold separately. He said Pierce Manufacturing, Seagraves, and Front Range Apparatus will not work on the Aerialscope or the chassis. It will be difficult to find a mechanic to work on the apparatus to bring the ladder truck up to specifications to pass the required UL certification, before placing the truck into service, he said.
Even if the district purchased another chassis, no one will work on the apparatus, and to rewire the entire truck rear to bumper could cost from $100,000 to $200,000, but the Aerialscope would still have 3.5 inches of slack in it, rotating like a “Lazy Susan” and need new bearings manufactured. If the Aerialscope were removed, the truck would eventually be a $500,000 apparatus to move $13,000 worth of ladders around after the electrical rewiring repair, said Bartlett. See https:/wp.ocn.me/v24n11bffrpd/. Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen said, “The district would be continuing to throw good money after bad to make the repairs.” Bartlett also suggested the sale of the following:
• The old tender on loan to Hanover Fire Department (HFD), worth about $40,000 to $50,000. HFD has asked to buy the tender. Alternatively, the district could keep the old tender in reserve and deploy the new tender for wildland deployments. The apparatus would need two personnel to deploy, and one tender would require emptying of water during the winter months. Or the district could rely on mutual aid instead of a reserve tender.
• A pickup truck with a flatbed that will be available after four Type 6 brush truck apparatus are built out.
• A leaking Becker pumper truck (used for training purposes) that cannot be used for front line activity, would cost about $4,000 to repair, and is only worth about $2,000.
The more apparatus the district retains, the more maintenance costs are incurred, storage is limited and water carrying apparatus must be
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housed indoors during cold temperatures to avoid freezing or require emptying and refilling with water seasonally if stored outside. The department must decide if it is worth keeping and maintaining the excess apparatus that previous command staff found and acquired, said Bartlett.
The board tabled the sale of the tender and the pickup truck until spring, and unanimously approved the sale of the leaking Becker training pumper, and Engine 713, the 1979 aerial ladder truck mounted on a 2005 Pierce chassis, consigned as is for collector/display use only for 60 days starting at $50,000 and subject to negotiation. After that, the apparatus will go to auction.
Fire chief position advertisement and qualifications
Bartlett suggested the qualifications for the advertisement for a permanent fire chief and said the requirements had not changed from the workshop discussion in November, and he recommended a bachelor’s degree minimum education, and/or 10 years progressive fire service experience, and 5 years in a command role. Most fire chiefs do not go out in the field and respond to operational calls, but the district had the exception with the previous chief because that was his background. When that happens the fire chief is not performing administrative tasks. He recommended the following:
• All future personnel be hired in compliance with the industry standards, conducting a formal background check, a lie detector test, a medical evaluation, and take the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory psychological tests.
• Use governmentjobs.com to build the application, with an application link at www.bffire. org.
• The department is struggling without a built out human resources process for hiring practices, and the hiring process should be the same across the board for all future hiring. After a lengthy discussion regarding the minimum level of education and the amount of progressive fire service experience, the board unanimously approved a job specification and a posting to invite people to apply for the fire chief position.
Future operations explored Bartlett said he had approached four fire chiefs regarding a merger, unified fire authority, or contract for services with the department. Fire Chief Trent Harwig of Falcon Fire Protection District does not have any interest in any future with the district. However, Fire Chief Andrew York of Cimarron Hills Fire Department (CHFD), Fire Chief Randy Royal of Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), and Fire Chief Andy Kovacs of Monument Fire District (MFD) are interested in the possibility of any of the three options and have experience in consolidations.
Since the district does not have command staff, the time is right to have the conversation, but all three fire chiefs said the department is not right sized for the district, it is heavy on staff for two stations, the amount of revenue does not match, and the district should downsize to one station and one ambulance for the existing call volume. The district is short on revenue by $296,000 for next year, and that shortfall could possibly increase to $500,000 in 2026. There is a strong possibility the district will eventually be surrounded by new developments requesting to be annexed into Colorado Springs, said Bartlett. Dowden said downsizing could open up the potential to sell real estate at Station 2. The sta-
By Natalie Barszcz
At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Dec. 4, the board approved a lease/purchase agreement for administrative offices, the 2025 Board of Directors schedule, and the 2025 Employee Handbook. The district confirmed the revenue amount received from state to compensate for the 2024 property tax revenue loss. The board also received updates on the development of the
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tion was built in 2008 and is newer than Station 1, and Kovacs is purchasing 2 acres of land in Monument, so does that change the budgetary situation if BFFRPD has excess real estate assets available. “I don’t think anyone is prepared to wrestle this bear to the ground tonight and it requires a much broader discussion if we are overstaffed, and how do we reach the target level of service,” and he thanked Bartlett for exploring the options with other departments. It is good information, but there are a lot of moving parts in the equation, he said.
Bartlett said Station 2 does not look like Station 1, and the interested departments will only pursue a unified fire authority or contract for services due to the complexity of the mill levy discrepancies. The department is heading toward a financial cliff, and staffing levels should be 16 not 30 personnel, he said. But without command staff running the district, the stations would become integrated into the operations of either CSFD, MFD, or CHFD, with savings up to $700,000 per year on executive staff and the potential for Dunn to run a wildland division out of Station 2, offsetting the cost for service with a neighboring district.
CSFD and MFD would be optimal for district staff promotions and higher pay, but it would not be optimal to choose CHFD due to the separation of distance, however the pay is still better than BFFRPD, said Bartlett.
Acting Capt. Chad Herdt said CSFD would not be ideal for him as a Fire Officer 2 to take a drop in rank to firefighter, negating all his previous time and effort achieving the qualification. The change in shift structure would triple his monthly mileage traveling from Parker, but he would welcome moving to MFD, transferring as a lieutenant, with a $20,000 pay increase, and maintain the same 48/96 shift schedule, and end up doing less, said Herdt.
Dowden said the job posting should be modified to stipulate the board is considering other service delivery models, there is too much research to be done, and if the board delays tonight and does not take any action, kicking the topic down the road, we are also boxing ourselves in to a contract for service, he said.
Tarvainen said the board is not necessarily being forced into a contract for service, or a fire authority, but needs more information to decide a course of action before the next meeting to ensure the district does not begin an unnecessary lengthy hiring process.
Treasurer Jack Hinton said he needs more information and all the facts and has always supported the department staff, but he also works for the constituents and will need to know that the response times and the staff qualifications are equal, and another Black Forest Fire will not occur. The level of service will need to be a good deal for the residents, he said.
Director Jim Abendschan said the board should cool its heels hiring a chief and leave the interim chiefs in place before the board heads down the same road again, and do some research. He suggested the board hold a workshop and receive presentations on the potential for a unified fire authority or a contract for services from the three fire departments, hiring a fire chief immediately is not the right idea.
Director Chad Behnken agreed with Abendschan, and Tarvainen, and said receiving all the information to make an informed decision either way is the correct course of action.
Dowden and Hinton questioned the boards position if another department were running the
Fire District, Dec. 4
Training Center at Station 1, the Fire Station 3 rebuild, the land purchase for a future Station 6, and the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) unification.
An executive session was held to discuss Fire Chief Andy Kovacs’ annual performance review.
The meeting was preceded by a DWFPD Volunteer Pension Board of Trustees (VPBOT) meeting.
President Mike Smaldino was excused. Lease agreement—administrative offices
At the Nov. 27 special meeting, the board approved the sale of the district’s administrative office suite at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 102 to Mason Law LLC.
Background: The district purchased Suite 102 in September 2020 with a 10-year lease/purchase agreement with Community Bank of Colorado for about $1 million.
At the Dec. 4 meeting, Kovacs requested the board approve a 10-year commercial lease agree-
district. Bartlett said the board contracts with a fire chief every day, and a contract with another agency would not be that different. The board would continue to function as usual, be relevant running meetings, and the contract agency fire chief would attend the meetings every month, updating the board, discussing the districts needs, and formulating the annual budget.
Dowden said he would contact the districts legal counsel Linda Glesne to provide clarity and direction for the board.
Department staffing
Bartlett said it would benefit the department to not enroll anyone in the fire academy but wait until graduates are available to hire and avoid the training cost. He also suggested part-time wildland technicians instead of seasonal hires to allow for step-progression promotions. A firefighter had left the department to join a tech company.
Dunn said it is a challenge to annually find and retain seasonal wildland technicians. The district made about $173,000 from wildland deployments in 2022 and about $249,000 in 2023, but the deployments were significantly less in 2024, and the Type 3 wildland engine did not deploy due to frame damage, so revenue is only expected to be about $78,000, she said.
Bartlett said it is more cost effective to leave apparatus deployed out of state during wildland fire season, swap crews out using commercial flights, and save on apparatus wear and tear and costly replacement tires.
Station 2 mold investigation
Bartlett said due to the large amount of snow melting through a vent into the basement, mold is present at Station 2. Mold type testing is being conducted to determine the type of mold, and heaters will be used to keep mold at bay.
Hinton said some mold spores can send people to the intensive care unit.
Dowden suggested immediate action be taken to install portable de-humidifier units—they are relatively inexpensive, he said.
Bartlett said research will be conducted to find the correct-sized unit for the square footage. 2025 fee schedule
Dunn presented the board with the 2025 fee schedule, and said it was exactly the same as the 2024 schedule with no revisions. The board discussed the fees and unanimously approved the schedule with $35 per hour (the first hour is free) for the Colorado Open Records Act requests, and $100 for the actual costs of publishing notices and the legal paperwork for property inclusions, actual costs for exclusions, and the actual costs for sub-division plan reviews.
2025 district election
The board unanimously approved the 2025 regular district election of board directors, appointing Dunn as the designated election official. Selfnomination forms will be accepted through close of business on February 28, for the May 2025 election. Directors Behnken, Dowden and Tarvainen’s seats expire in 2025.
The meeting adjourned at 11:13 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 next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300. Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz.ocn.me
ment on Dec. 5 with JKerr Properties LLC for the property at 19775 Mitchell Ave., Monument, and said:
• The district will pay about $18,417 per month for the first year, and from years two through 10 of the agreement, the rent will increase annually by 3.5% from the prior year’s monthly rent commencing Jan. 1, 2026.
• The district will be responsible for all maintenance except for the structural integrity of the building and the HVAC system.
• The district will take possession of the property on Dec. 3, and it expects to move into the leased space around April/May 2025 after it hires a contractor to refit and refurbish the building for office spaces.
• The district will conduct the move in-house using the existing office furniture.
• The new location will house the district administration offices, some district vehicles, and the lessors’ personal vehicles.
• The lessor has agreed to pay a portion of the remodeling costs up to $73,666.
The board approved the lease agreement in a vote 6-0.
2025 board director election
The district will hold an election in 2025 to fill the Board of Directors positions currently held by Smaldino, John Hildebrandt, Mark Gunderman, Duane Garrett, and Tom Kelly. Any eligible elector of the special district who desires to be a candidate for the office of special district director
must file a self-nomination and acceptance form or letter with the designated election official. The deadline for filing must be 67 days before the date of the regular election in May 2025. The district does not maintain term limitations for board directors.
Contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at jmartin@monumentfire.org for additional information and assistance with application forms.
The board approved the 2025 election, 6-0.
Other approved items
The board also approved the 2025 Board of Directors schedule, with the new meeting time of 4:20 p.m., and the 2025 Employee Handbook with minimal changes.
Additional revenue received from state Kovacs confirmed at the request of this reporter that the district received about $1.367 million in backfill revenue from the state with the annual property tax revenue income in March/April. During the finalization of the 2024 budget, Kovacs anticipated a total loss of about $990,000 in combined property tax revenue ($747,000 for MFD and $243,000 for DWFPD). See https:// wp.ocn.me/v23n11mfd/ and https://wp.ocn.me/ v24n2dwfpd/
The state distributed revenue to special fire districts to compensate for any loss of property tax revenue incurred from the Legislature passing SB23-001 and SB22-238 in November 2023. See BFFRPD article on page 12.
Financial report/chief’s report
Due to the earlier than usual board meeting, the November financial report and chief’s report will be presented with the December financial report at the January meeting,
Station 2 remodel update
Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner said the first pre-construction meeting and on-site construction for the Station 2 remodel had taken place. The crews were scheduled to move out of Station 2 on Dec. 12 and 13, and the internal demolition process was set to begin on Dec. 16. The crews are expected to move back in at the end of May or early June. Golden Triangle Construction was awarded the contract at the November meeting, said Bumgarner. See https://wp.ocn. me.v24n12mfd/.
Kovacs said 90% of the contents of Station 2 are mill work, lockers, beds and furniture that are incorporated into the new design, and the contents will be sold or given away, he said.
Executive Battalion Chief Micah Coyle said the engine company and brush truck will relocate to Station 5, and the squad unit and tender will
By Natalie Barszcz
At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) special meeting on Dec. 5, the board received an update on the merger process with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD), the board heard about the final actions to officially complete the dissolution of the district and the merger process by year end, unifying the districts.
The meeting began at 2:32 p.m. with attorney Emily Powell of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe (ISPP) PC law firm joining via Zoom.
Former DWFPD board President Mark Gunderman was in attendance.
District merger update
Powell said her role in the merger process began with an in-person presentation to both district boards on May 13, 2021. See https://wp.ocn.me/ v21n6mfd/. The final action in the merger process is to record the order of dissolution, and she is “on the cusp” of completing the process. The action was expected to occur on or around Dec. 20 with MFD district counsel Maureen Juran of Widner Juran LLP providing guidance and consent to ensure the documents are in the correct order to record electronically.
The recording will take place on the same day, and copies will be provided to Fire Chief Andy Kovacs. A letter advising of the court-ordered dissolution of DWFPD will then be prepared by ISPP to notify all the necessary state and county officials to include the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the State Auditor, the El Paso County Treasurer, Board of County Commissioners, the Assessor’s Office and any entity that has interaction with the district.
The minutes of the final meeting will need to be approved by the successor entity MFD at the next Board of Directors meeting on Jan. 22; then the merger will be completed, said Powell.
Final comments
Powell said everyone has been wonderful to work with, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the project, and she would be in touch with Kovacs through the end of the year as the last steps wrap up.
Kovacs thanked Powell and said, “She had made the process painless and really quite easy.”
President Charles Fleece said, “The merger is coming to a good strong close and finish, after
move to Station 3 for the duration of the remodel.
The second tender is currently “out of service” undergoing repairs, he said.
Training Center and future station development updates
Bumgarner gave the following updates:
• The final documentation for the Station 1 Training Center development is under review with the Town of Monument (TOM). The public hearing with the Planning Commission will be held in 2025.
• The district is still in a holding pattern working with the developer and the TOM to complete the platting for the Station 3 rebuild on a 2-acre property north of the YMCA.
• The land purchase contact for a potential future Station 6 on about 2 acres owned by QuikTrip at Terrazzo Drive is moving forward, but the owner’s representative for the site was unsure if platting before signing the contract was necessary. An addendum adding the plat specifics may be required in the future. The additional adjacent acreage the district decided not to purchase has been sold.
Executive session
The board moved into an executive session around 7 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 246-402(4)(f), to discuss personnel matters relating to the fire chief’s annual performance review.
Martin confirmed that no further action was taken when the board returned to the regular session at 8:11 p.m., and the meeting promptly adjourned.
DWFPD unification update
The board received an update on the unification process before the merger of DWFPD and MFD is finalized on Dec. 31. For additional information see DWFPD article on page 15.
DWFPD volunteer pension fund
Volunteer Pension Board Trustee Mike Badger explained the pension fund status to the MFD Board of Directors and said the balance as of Sept. 30 was about $944,624 (after all payouts and incoming receivables). The fund grew by about $30,000 in 2024 and is stronger than it was in January, he said.
Gunderman explained the fund was net positive and funds are not being added.
Badger said the fund has 13 members drawing pensions, three spouses and two inactive members due to begin drawing pensions within the next couple of years. The fund will grow stronger now that it is a closed pension and participants will only decline, he said.
Kovacs said the Firefighters Police Pension Association conducted an audit in 2022, encour-
aging the Wescott board to add funds. However, district attorney Emily Powell explained the fund was 114% funded and drawing down participants, therefore no funds were needed.
Badger said the actuarial study is conducted every other year and forecasts up to 20 years to include all possible participants and spouse recipients. Spouses receive 50% of the pension after the serving member passes, and after all participants have passed any remaining pension funds will be turned over to the district. The next actuarial study will be available in 2025, and the Board of Trustees can request hypothetical predictions before requesting any increase to pensions. Any increase in pensions for retirees will be approved if the fund is doing well, said Badger.
Vice President Hildebrandt said it is a good idea that the recipients receive any excess gained revenue.
Gunderman confirmed the pension was increased by $50 for a maximum full pension of $500, but the pension cannot be decreased once an increase is implemented. District funds would need to be added if it became underfunded, he said.
Badger said he had received a few calls from pension recipients for another “bump up,” but due to the political environment the board needs to let the fund sit awhile. The board of directors have always been conservative because the fund has lost a little in the past. The fund balance is provided quarterly, and the end-of-year financial report will be available in January.
Martin confirmed the next DWFPD VPBOT meetings will precede the MFD regular meeting at 4 p.m. on June 25 and Nov. 12, 2025. **********
Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22 at 4:30 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 719484-9011. Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.
Powell’s hard work and time, along with Kovacs, and the number of hours and sweat everyone put into the merger process. It is a good feeling to pass the district over, the district is in good hands, and Gunderman is a MFD board director. A lot of work is turning into good fruition for years to come where we live and families are growing up. It literally hits home that the merger has been a good journey, and everyone’s efforts have been very meaningful.”
Gunderman agreed with the comments and said, “Fleece said it all.”
Secretary Mike Forsythe thanked everyone in attendance.
The meeting adjourned at 2:43 p.m.
Note: For additional information see the MFD article on page 14 and visit www.monumentfire. org.
**********
MFD meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22 at 4:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams and in person at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For 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.
Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Dec. 16
Board learns about Information Technology Department; Career and Innovation Center update; annual mill levy certification
By Harriet Halbig
The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education recognized student and staff achievements, heard a report on the Information Technology Department and updates on the Career and Innovation Center, and certified its annual mill levy at its Dec. 16 meeting.
Board recognitions
The board recognized 12 students for being chosen for the All State Choir. Six of the students were from middle school and six from high school. Vocal music instructors Madeline Smith (Lewis-Palmer High School and Palmer Ridge High School) and Lee Meyer (LewisPalmer Middle School) introduced the students who then gave a brief performance.
High school students are Benton Miles and Annie Erminger from Palmer Ridge and Mayah Piotrowski, Leah Reyes, Jonathan Lilley, and Maren Stickrath from Lewis-Palmer High School.
From the middle school are Anna Hunt (seventh grade), Sophia Montero (seventh grade), Piper Heidrich (eighth grade), Eden Bernard (eighth grade), Grant Hammershock (eighth grade), and Tye Walsh (eighth grade).
The instructors explained the audition process and the fact that the music festival for the high school students will be on Feb. 8-10 in Denver at the Embassy Suites and Buell Theatre, and the middle school event will be at the Colorado Convention Center on Feb. 8.
Each student received a plaque from the board to celebrate their achievement.
The board also recognized the staff of the district’s Information Technology Department for its work to provide upgraded technology services district wide. Director of Technology Chris Mack introduced members of his team: Leslie Boyce (database specialist), Steve Heiser (network administrator) and Josh Hill (lead tech).
Mack said the turnover rate for technology departments is often high and swift and that he is pleased that members of his team have all stayed for an extended period of time. The team was awarded a certificate to acknowledge its achievements.
Information Technology presentation Mack explained the components of his department and the fact that the department consists of 13 employees including five desktop support technicians to serve eight schools, six people in Big Red, the director, and a part-time administrative assistant.
Mack said high school and middle school students generally use Chromebooks while staff devices are Windows PCs and laptops. In total there are about 6,500 computers in the district. All run on the same server and networking software.
Security software includes Crowdstrike (funded by a grant) and Mimecast with regular updates from Microsoft and exterior scanning from two vendors.
Mack then described security protocols including the use of multifactor authentication and internal audits of user accounts. Technology Services personnel accounts have no special permissions.
The department is provided with security alerts from several vendors and is an active member of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
Board President Tiffiney Upchurch asked how identifiable student data is protected by the department. Mack said that the department protects information in its software but once it is in the cloud it is vulnerable. The district would be notified by Canvas were there a breech.
Board Treasurer Ron Schwarz asked what additional assets the
Above: At its Dec. 16 board meeting, the D38 board recognized district secondary students selected to participate in All-State Choir events. Vocal music instructor Madeline Smith led the students in a performance of Jingle Bells. Students from Palmer Ridge included Benton Miles and Annie Erminger. Lewis-Palmer High School students included Mayah Piotrowski, Leah Reyes, Jonathan Lilley, and Maren Stickrath. Lewis-Palmer Middle School students included Anna Hunt (seventh grade), Sophia Montero (seventh grade), Piper Heidrich (eighth grade), Eden Bernard (eighth grade), Grant Hammershock (eighth grade), and Tye Walsh (eighth grade). The Colorado All-State Choir at the high school level will perform at a festival on Feb. 8-10 at the Embassy Suites and the Buell Theatre in Denver. The middle school choir will perform at a festival at the Colorado Convention Center on Feb. 7. All-State Choir members are flanked on the left by Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri and on the right by Board President Tiffiney Upchurch. Smith is third from the left.
Photo by Jackie Burhans.
department should purchase. Mack responded that there are modules of Crowdstrike and Mimecast which the district is not utilizing.
Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway told the board it should feel free to communicate with Mack, as the district invests $2 million per year on technology. Technology involves the effectiveness of the delivery of education, he said.
Career and Innovation Center update
Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine introduced Director of Innovative Programs Jessica McAllister, who presented an update on developments at the Career and Innovation Center.
McAllister showed slides of a timeline for the development of the courses and architectural renderings of meeting spaces and corridors in the new center.
McAllister then explained that January will see visits to targeted populations in classrooms and study halls to familiarize students with the potential of the center followed by an interest survey to determine the potential number of applicants.
The application process will also be created at the beginning of the year followed by registration in February and March.
McAllister showed a slide of pages from the sponsorship packet and explained the stages of seeking sponsorship from introduction through implementation, which would include allowing funds to purchase equipment, highlighting progress through reports, media, and public events, and providing recognition for sponsors through such things as branding spaces and mounting plaques.
Upchurch asked the middle school representatives in attendance if they had questions, and they said they didn’t understand the subject. McAllister explained that some of the pathways which would lead to the center begin in middle school including the Gateway to Technology program and classes in biotechnology, journalism, and skilled trades.
To view McAllister’s presentation, please see boarddocs under the Board of Education tab on the district website, lewispalmer.org. Financial planning and analysis Ridgway reported that he had received the report on the district’s annual audit that same day. He said it looks good and only needs some final details to be added. He said
By Jackie Burhans
Above: At its Dec. 16 board meeting, the D38 board recognized members of its IT staff. Communication Director Amy Matisek celebrated the team’s commitment to elevating technology across the district. Ridgway said he appreciated the skill and stability of the IT team thanks to the leadership of Director of Technology Chris Mack. Mack introduced three of the 13 team members who could attend: Leslie Boyce, database specialist; Steve Heiser, network administrator; and Josh Hill, lead technician. Mack said he and the team before the board have over 50 years in the district. The team installed new landline phones in all buildings at the beginning of the school year, ensuring updated and uninterrupted telephone service. From left, in the back, are board members Ron Schwarz and Todd Brown, Mack, Ridgway, board member Kris Norris, and Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri. From left in the front are board member Dr. Patti Shank, Heiser, Boyce, Hill, and board President Tiffiney Upchurch. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
that he hopes to finalize it within the week.
Regarding the student count, Ridgway reported that Bear Creek Elementary has gained 18 students since the student count on Oct. 1. Asked whether this increase would result in increased per pupil revenue for the district, he said that is not the case. He said there are discussions with the governor to make Oct. 1 not the only day for a count.
Upchurch asked whether ending the use of student count averaging would adversely affect the district. He said that it would not impact D38 as strongly as it would urban districts whose enrollment is declining rapidly. He said at most it would impact D38 by $500,000 out of a $50 million budget. He does not think averaging will go away.
Upchurch said she has been asked whether the increase in property values will result in an increase in per pupil funding for the district.
Ridgway responded that the increase in property tax receipts only affects the share of education funding provided by the district as opposed to the state. He also said that property values are determined every two years resulting in D38 not altering the mill levy significantly this year. On average the values increase 7% to 15%, but last year they increased by over 30%.
Ridgway also commented that the increase in interest income for the district has been significant over the last few years. When asked whether some of this income could
be used for a one-time compensation bonus for the district’s staff, he said that may be possible.
Director district boundaries State statute requires that director districts have equal populations. The board approved an alteration to the map.
Mill levy certification
Ridgway reported that the mill levy involves income from property taxes, the School Finance Act, a local mill levy override which yields $4 million annually, and a bond levy for 12 months to service debt. He recommended a mill levy of 37.5 mills like last year.
Board approved the mill levy of 37.5 mills.
Calendar approved
The board approved the school calendar for the 2025-26 school year.
The board went into executive session to continue the superintendent’s performance evaluation. The board voted to invite Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri to join them for the second half of the session. **********
The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education generally meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the district’s learning center, 146 Jefferson St., Monument. The next meeting will be held on Jan. 21 due to school closure on Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For information, contact vwood@lewispalmer. org Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me
Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 17
At the Monument Academy (MA) regular meeting on Dec. 17, the board heard an academic dashboard presentation, updated board policies, signed an agreement on careerconnected learning, and discussed the mid-year budget.
Dashboard presentation Jennifer Strawbridge of Analytical Discoveries connected remotely to present two quarters of academic dashboards. She reviewed data from the fourth quarter of the 2023-24 school year because they didn’t get to it last year, followed by the first quarter of the 2024-25 school year. She expressed appreciation to all the staff. Strawbridge covered the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) results for first through fifth grade, indicating that the goal was to see a larger percentage of students at or above benchmarks. She noted that, even
though it had plateaued, there was an improvement for fifth grade at the end of the year. She noted that third through eighth grade reading scores were much improved from the beginning of the 2023-24 school year and that math was very similar, although there was a lot of catching up to do from the COVID impact on a national basis.
She also covered the North West Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) results, looking at growth target attainment and pointing out that eighth grade looked really good.
For behavior data, the unduplicated behavior counts were too low to be publicly reportable for elementary, middle, and high school. This, she said, was reflective of a school with a strong culture of positive behavior.
For the 2024-25 school year, she reported on both DIBELS and the NWEA MAP results. Board President Ryan Graham asked about the cause for low second-grade scores. Strawbridge noted that she did not have a national comparison and that COVID would not have impacted these students, so she wasn’t exactly sure. Still, she said that the NWEA exams change in second grade from what was seen in kindergarten and first grade. She noted that behavior data was too low to be publicly reportable again.
Executive Director Collin Vinchattle said there would be dashboard reports after each quarter, with testing in January and the next presentation in February. Graham asked him his opinion on reading and math scores. Vinchattle said that different issues come up. First grade will see a dip in scores due to new tests and skills. The secondgrade scores indicated that focusing on reading took away from focusing on testing. He suggested that the transition between first and second grade would be an area to focus on, and the same is true at the fifthgrade level.
Board signs agreement with PPBEA Graham introduced a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance (PPBEA). PPBEA provides services in the El Paso County region to work with schools by supporting careerconnected learning through tools, resources, and opportunities for internships.
Vinchattle noted that providing internships was part of the original charter for high school juniors. Board member Craig Carle connected them with this resource, he said. PPBEA has partnerships with over 500 area businesses and has
an intern program. The MOU was reviewed by Brad Miller, MA’s legal counsel, who had some comments on background checks and dealing with personal information.
Board member Karen Hoida asked if MA needed additional insurance; Vinchattle said students could be added to the MA’s worker compensation plan and that the businesses would also carry insurance. Vinchattle said there would be three years to investigate the details of internships for juniors. However, in the next two years, the focus would be on understanding what colleges seek regarding work experience connections and bringing community members into the school. He noted that PPBEA had partnered with Districts 11, 20, and 49 for some time.
The board unanimously approved the MOU.
Updated policies
The board considered and approved a number of policies as follows:
• DB-MA annual budget—Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson noted that this was an approved policy with proposed additions of small contingency funds for each school, which will be reported monthly.
• GBJA-MA disclosure of information to prospective employees—Vinchattle forwarded the policy to Bryce Carlson of the Miller Carlson law firm who rewrote the policy to indicate that MA would refrain from providing information to employers or anyone requesting teacher records as much as possible unless it was about a safety issue for students.
Monument Academy board policies can be found once they are posted at www.monumentacademy. net/school-board/ by selecting the Board Policies link.
Mid-year budget
Gustafson provided a brief presentation of the mid-year budget for approval, noting that there had been a line-by-line discussion in the previous board meeting. He said the Colorado Department of Education has lowered the per pupil revenue by $43; therefore, he reduced the projected revenue by $11,000 while increasing other fundraising and interest line items to bring the budget back in balance. Gustafson said there was still a possibility for a supplemental appropriation but was not optimistic as the state budget is tight.
Gustafson reviewed his experience with MA’s budget since he started in 2023, saying that this is a budget MA can be proud of, which is resourcing MA’s mission and taking care of students and staff.
The board unanimously ap-
Above: At the December board meeting, Craig Carle highlighted Monument Academy Librarian Kelly Huffman, along with the Librarian Assistant Linh Kuo, for providing enriching resources, fostering a love of learning, spearheading a new book sale, and providing input to a library review policy that helped align the library with MA’s educational goals. Top row, from left: board members Matt Ross and Karen Hoida, Kuo, Huffman, board President Ryan Graham, Vice President Lindsay Clinton. Kneeling in the front row, from left, are board member Jilinda Dygert and Carle. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
proved the mid-year budget. Highlights
Board meeting highlights include:
• Board member Craig Carle spotlighted Librarian Kelly Huffman and Assistant Librarian Linh Kuo for enriching the library resources available to students and staff, implementing a successful book fair with a new company, fostering a love of learning, and providing input into the new library review process meant to increase the alignment between the library and MA’s educational pursuits.
• Vinchattle provided an updated action plan to address MA’s recent operational audit recommendations. He thanked the leadership team who helped expand the action steps, focusing on resources, barriers, timelines, and responsibilities. Graham suggested the board review the plan and bring it back to the proposed workshop and regular meetings in January.
• Finance Director Laura Polen presented the October financials using a new template, saying the information would be posted on MA’s financial transparency page. She indicated that the Internal Revenue Service is processing the Employee Retention Tax Credit, but there is a backlog of 1 million claims. Gustafson said MA had filed a request with Rep. Doug Lamborn, who responded immediately and said he will investigate this and turn it over to incoming Rep. Jeff Crank.
El Paso County Planning Commission, Dec. 5
• Board Vice President Lindsay Clinton said the Curriculum East Committee had discussed the curriculum map and pacing guide.
• Board member Matt Ross said the School Accountability and Advisory Committee (SAAC) West committee held a wellattended meeting where Polen presented a budget update and Operations Manager Jake Dicus presented on security.
• Board member Jilinda Dygert said that SAAC East met to finalize the mid-year survey questions, noting there would only be one survey this year, which will be distributed electronically.
• Clinton reported that the Resource and Development Committee was moving full steam ahead with gala planning and marketing. Sponsors are confirmed, and ticket sales are going up, she said. She also noted that Dicus was spending a lot of time researching grants.
**********
The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next board workshop will be on Monday, Jan. 6, at 4 p.m. at the East Campus. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Jan. 9, 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.
Urban Landing off Struthers Road recommended for approval
By Helen Walklett
During December, the El Paso County Planning Commissioners heard requests for the proposed Urban Landing Development off Struthers Road.
Urban Landing development At their Dec. 5 meeting, the commissioners heard combined requests for a 49 single-family lot development on 6.58 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Struthers Road and Spanish Bit Drive, south of the Big R store. The developer, Elite Properties of America Inc., is requesting a rezone from R-4 (planned development), a now obsolete zoning category, to PUD (planned unit development) and approval of a preliminary plan.
Ryan Howser, principal planner, Planning and Community Development Department, said that density would be roughly the same under the proposed zoning at 7.5 dwelling units per acre as under the current zoning. He continued, “The previous R-4 zoning also contemplated multi-family and single-family attached for this property. The current proposal contemplates a single-family detached product with no multifamily, no multi-story apartments.”
Each unit would have a two-
car garage or two parking spaces on the lot and there would be 22 guest parking spaces. The building footprints would not exceed 800 square feet, excluding the garage and would not be more than 30 feet high. A homeowners association would maintain1.82 acres of usable open space.
As four citizens were present to comment, the application was moved from the consent calendar and given a full hearing. They had questions and concerns about stormwater drainage, traffic in relation to both the gravel roads and access to Struthers Road, light pollution, and compatibility with the surrounding area. Adjacent property owner Doug Schanel, while not opposed to the development itself, said stormwater runoff was already an issue and described the challenges of accessing Struthers Road from Spanish Bit Drive where there are no turn or acceleration lanes.
Steve Sery, a former chair of the Planning Commission and a resident of Chapparal Hills, the subdivision to the east, said the school buses take the unpaved Chapparal Hills route to the elementary school, with Struthers and Baptist Roads being a longer route. He imagined residents
of the new development would likely do the same. He called for acceleration lanes from Spanish Bit Drive turning left and right onto Struthers Road to be installed with this subdivision and not wait on further development adding more traffic.
Paul Krause, whose Spanish Bit Drive property is right next to the proposed development, said, “I do 100% oppose the size of this development that’s going to be in there. Something’s going to go in there sooner or later, I get that. The writing’s on the wall and my objective is to mitigate the size of what it is to help mitigate some of the traffic that comes through.”
Chaparral Hills resident Kevin Beechwood described the proposal as a “cash grab by the developers.”
“Now you want to take what is a normal-sized lot for Chapparal Hills which is right at the border and you want to put 50 units there. That’s basically the size of this whole neighborhood and that’s in my mind and my neighbors’ minds absolutely ridiculous and unthought of.” He added, “Yes, something is going to be developed but nonetheless putting 50 units and essentially building a trailer park at the end of the road is nothing that is going to be
good.”
Chair Tom Bailey commented, “So we’ve given you an opportunity to express a lot of things and I’ll just interject here that the vast majority of those have nothing to do with the approval criteria here and are mostly things that are not the responsibility of the property owner.” He continued, “Our job is to let property owners apply and ask to do things with the property that they own, and this property owner has a plan and would like to do something with it.”
Brooks Swenson with N.E.S. Inc. and representing the applicant, described the proposal as providing “a nice transition to the existing and proposed commercial zone to the north.” He said, “With this just being 49 lots and most of these are one and maybe two bedrooms, it might not be a big driver of a lot of additional students to the school.” Responding to comments traffic would cut through the existing neighborhood, he said he thought it would be much more convenient to use Struthers Road.
Swenson described the Chaparral Hills neighborhood as an anomaly compared to everything else around it which is PUD or R-4, the equivalent of PUD, and compatible
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with the proposed development.
Andrea Barlow with N.E.S. and representing the applicant, explained that there are a number of proposed improvements to the Struthers Road and Spanish Bit Drive junction. Some are the responsibility of the Urban Landing developer; some are combined improvements with the Cathedral Rock Commons commercial development. She said the two developers are in discussion about the timings of these improvements which would include construction of a northbound right-turn lane on Struthers Road at Spanish Bit Drive, the lengthening of the southbound left-turn lane on Struthers, and construction of left- and right-turn
By Helen Walklett
lanes on Spanish Bit Drive at Struthers.
The applicant would also be responsible for paving Spanish Bit Drive to the eastern boundary of their property. Barlow said an acceleration lane on Struthers Drive had not been identified as a required improvement given the volume of traffic.
Commissioner Tim Trowbridge commented, “We need the housing. This does fit.”
The vote to recommend approval was unanimous. The application was then heard at the El Paso Board of County Commissioners’ Dec. 17 meeting. See BOCC article below.
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-community-development/2025-hearings-schedule/. Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.
El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 10, 12, and 17
Two Tri-Lakes developments approved
During December, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) heard requests relating to the proposed Monument Ridge East development south of County Line Road and directly east of I-25 and the Urban Landing development off Struthers Road. They also approved a request in Black Forest that will create six single-family lots. Monument Ridge East approved At the Dec.12 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners voted to approve joint requests for two rezones and a preliminary plan for the proposed Monument Ridge East development. The property is just under 60 acres and is directly southeast of the intersection of Interstate 25 and County Line Road, southwest of the intersection of County Line Road and Doewood Drive, and a half-mile north of the intersection of Monument Hill Road and Misty Acres Boulevard.
It is currently zoned a mixture of PUD (planned unit development), RS-20000 (residential suburban) and various commercial zonings. Before the applications to the county, the property was twice part of unsuccessful attempts to annex it and land west of I-25 into the Town of Monument. In total, the development will have 37 single-family detached and 303 attached residential units.
The requests were heard at the Nov. 21 El Paso County Planning Commission meeting where the discussion included compatibility with the neighborhood, increased traffic, and density. The commissioners voted unanimously to recommend for approval the rezone to RS-6000 (residential suburban). However, the vote to recommend approval of the higher density RM-12 (residential, multidwelling) was tied 4-4, meaning that request came to the BOCC with no recommendation. On the preliminary plan, the vote to recommend approval was 5-3 with three commissioners feeling unable to vote in favor when they disagreed with the RM-12 zoning request. See https://wp.ocn. me/v24n12epcpc.
The RS-6000 rezoned land is the almost-19 acres to the east of the planned extension of Misty Acres Boulevard to County Line Road. The applicant plans to create 37 single-family lots there with a commitment to 15,000-square-foot lots against the existing 20,000-square-foot lots on the property’s eastern boundary.
The higher-density RM-12 zoning concerns the 40.51-acre portion west of the extension which is bordered on the west by I-25. A condition added to the approval commits the applicant to develop only single-family detached and single-family attached in this area to ensure that no multi-family rental units are built.
Kylie Bagley, principal planner, Planning and Community Development Department, said 98 adjacent property owners were notified and county received 134 emails stating opposition to the applications.
Craig Dossey, with Vertex Consulting Services LLC and representing the applicant, said what could be built under the current zoning would have a far greater impact than what was being proposed under the rezoning. He said, “What we are really looking at in this entire development, whether you’re talking about RM-12 or RS-6000, is attached, single-family, detached single-family and two family as well as public park and open space. We are not proposing multi-family.”
During the public comment section of the hearing, six neighbors spoke in support, preferring to see residential development over commercial.
Harold Larson, a Doewood Drive resident,
said he had expected to see a commercial development and a residential-commercial mixture developed like every other exit on I-25. He described the current proposals as “a win for me personally and for a lot of members in my HOA.” Another Doewood Drive resident said he feared a lack of a decision at the meeting would leave the property zoned commercial.
Twelve people spoke in opposition raising concerns about the RM-12 zoning, traffic (particularly in relation to the re-routing of Monument Hill Road through the development and to schools) and the integrity of the applicant.
Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind said the density was too high and voiced concerns about the town’s ability to adequately police the development. He stated it would have a significant financial impact on the town and other municipalities in the area and that Monument’s Police Department was already short staffed. Monument Town Councilmember Kenneth Kimple spoke by phone to oppose the RM-12 zoning due to incompatibility. He also raised concerns about policing resources and traffic, particularly in relation to the nearby schools.
A Monument resident said, “Please do not allow this so-called development to go forward without actual plans and especially with as little insight as to what will actually be built.” A neighbor said, “I think part of the reason there’s been a lot of resistance is because there’s just been an erosion of trust. It seems that every time you come to one of these meetings, the plan we’re looking [at is] different.” He continued, “Every time we see Mr. Dossey speak, it’s all the terrible things that could show up there, that we’re saving you from this. The same developer who’s putting a Buc-ee’s across the street, one of the largest consumer gas stations in the nation! They’re not really saving us from anything.”
Dossey said the Town of Monument has a comprehensive plan that sets out its intention for development of the property. He explained the plan designated it as “mixed use,” which means commercial and typically higher-density residential and sometimes attached single-family homes. He added that he felt the applicant had been unfairly characterized and that he had been very tolerant and very patient, particularly with the Town of Monument.
As well as the condition setting out the type of housing that can be built in the RM-12 zoned area, the commissioners added a condition to the preliminary plan approval that limits the number of units that can be built to 340-37 single-family detached lots and 303 attached residential units. This is in line with the numbers for which there is a finding of water sufficiency in the water supply review.
All three requests were approved by a vote of 4-0, with Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. excused. With the preliminary plan approved, final plats may be approved administratively.
Urban Landing development approved The Urban Landing development of 49 single-family homes on 6.58 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Struthers Road and Spanish Bit Drive, south of the Big R store, came to the BOCC Dec. 17 meeting from the Planning Commission with a recommendation for approval. The developer, Elite Properties of America Inc., is requesting a rezone from R-4 (planned development), a now obsolete zoning category, to PUD (planned unit development) and approval of a preliminary plan. See Planning Commission article on page 17.
The applications were scheduled to be heard as consent items, meaning there would be no dis-
cussion, but two neighbors were present to voice opposition. Neighbor Sean Tourangeau raised a number of concerns, including light pollution, increased traffic, density, noise pollution, increased crime, water availability, and trespassing concerns. He said, “The amount of traffic that’s going to be going into this area will also increase and will make it even harder to get in and out of our community.” Kevin Beechwood, a Chaparral Hills resident, who also spoke at the Planning Commission meeting, again voiced his opposition to the development, pointing out that the applicant planned to put 50 units on a property which is the size of one Chaparral Hills’ lot.
The vote to approve was unanimous. VanderWerf said, “It appears to me that this is a better choice than multi-family homes in this particular location.”
Six-lot development approved in Black Forest
At the Dec. 12 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a request by Wayne-Anthony Custom Homes for approval of a 35-acre final plat to create six single-family lots. The property is zoned RR-5 (residential rural) and is on Mariah Trail, about a mile south of Highway 404 and a mile west of Black Forest Road.
The application came to the BOCC from the Nov. 7 Planning Commission meeting where the vote to recommend approval was unanimous. The BOCC heard it as a consent item, meaning there was no discussion.
2025 budget adopted
At the Dec. 10 meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to adopt and appropriate the 2025 budget. It prioritizes critical needs and investments in road construction, the county courthouse, stormwater projects, and public safety.
Nikki Simmons, chief financial officer, said, “This budget is a total revenue source of $500 million and does include an $8.3 million TABOR refund that will be on 2024 property tax bills payable in 2025. This will be allocated to residential, real properties and [be] approximately $36 per household.”
Commissioner Holly Williams said, “This is a fantastic budget. I am incredibly proud of our staff who put it together.”
Honoring Commissioners Gonzalez and VanderWerf
Also at the Dec. 10 meeting, the work of departing Commissioners Gonzalez and VanderWerf was recognized with proclamations honoring their service. VanderWerf’s district includes the Towns of Palmer Lake and Monument.
Both have served two four-year terms and will leave office in January 2025. The new commissioners joining the board in January are Fountain City Councilman Cory Applegate, who replaces Gonzalez, and Bill Wysong, president, Mountain Shadows Community, and Westside Watch cofounder, who takes over from VanderWerf. **********
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) usually meets every Tuesday at 9 am at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Agendas and meetings can be viewed at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso.
Information is available at 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are normally held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1 pm in Centennial Hall.
Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.
Gleneagle Civic Association, Nov. 14 City responds to GCA regarding amphitheater noise
By David Futey
During the Nov. 14 Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) member meeting, there were two discussions regarding resident complaints about noise emitting from the Ford Amphitheater and its effect on GCA community members. During those discussions, GCA members on the Zoom call meeting asked the GCA board to send a letter to the Colorado Springs mayor and City Council requesting that the amphitheater’s noise hardship permit not be renewed. The permit allows the amphitheater to exceed the 50 decibels limit stipulated in city
code and Colorado Revised Statue Section 25-12103. The GCA board said it would meet on Nov. 15 to discuss that request and review the information provided by community members.
On Dec. 9, Warren Management, the GCA’s homeowners association (HOA) management team, and on behalf of the GCA board, sent the following summary and two letters, one from the GCA board to Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s office and the other being the response from the mayor’s office to the GCA board. As alluded to in the mayor’s office’s response, the mayor attended a
meeting held at The Classical Academy on Dec. 17 where citizens could voice their opinion regarding the amphitheater and the noise hardship permit. In August, the city and Venu, operator of the amphitheater, announced sound mitigation modifications including increasing the size of the buffer walls.
Emailed to GCA members on Dec. 9
Dear Gleneagle Homeowners, The Board of Directors of the Gleneagle Civic Association has been actively monitoring the noise levels emanating from the Ford Amphitheater and
their potential impact on our community.
We recently sent a letter to the City of Colorado Springs expressing our concerns. We are pleased to share that we have received a response from the Mayor’s Office.
Attached is the letter presented to the Mayor’s Office by the Gleneagle Civic Association and a copy of the email received from the City of Colorado Springs.
We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate on behalf of our community. We will provide further updates as they become available.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Sincerely, Gleneagle Civic Association
Letter from GCA Board to Mayor Mobolade November 18, 2024
Dear Mayor Mobolade,
We, the board of directors of the Gleneagle Civic Association (“GCA”), are writing as we understand that you will soon be deciding whether to grant a “Hardship Waiver” for the Ford Amphitheater’s (henceforth “Ford”) next concert season. We respectfully request that you reject a blanket waiver and limit the waiver to the Polaris Apartments to the south of Ford.
The seven-hundred-member GCA is located north of North Gate Boulevard and east of Struthers Road and is within hearing distance of Ford. From what we can gather from news sources and testimony before City Council, it seems that Ford representatives have stated that they are willing to comply with state and city sound limits except to the extent that said limit is less than the ambient noise found in a locality when Ford is not operational, in which case they will not exceed the ambient sound level. The one notable exception is the Polaris Apartments directly to the south of Ford where a waiver is required.
The sound levels experienced by our members from Ford varies and not everyone is impacted or upset about the sound from Ford. However, a large number of our members are experiencing sound in excess of statute limits and/or the ambient noise levels in their neighborhood when Ford is not open. It is for those impacted that we are asking that Ford comply with state and city statutes. Ford founder JW Roth says he can operate within the city regulations and/or the ambient noise levels in a neighborhood.
We are not suggesting that Ford be closed. In fact, Ford is a welcome new asset to the community and will save many a long and unpleasant
By Jackie Burhans
drive to Denver to experience high-end outdoor concerts. Thank you for your time and for listening to our concerns.
Regards, The Board of Directors
Gleneagle Civic Association
Response from Mayor Mobolade’s office Good morning, Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts and concerns with our office. Mayor Yemi wants to foster an environment where every voice is heard and where collaboration leads to innovative solutions. He has called upon each and every Colorado Springs resident to join him in building a united Colorado Springs.
I will share your comments and concerns with Mayor Yemi and he will keep them in mind as he continues his work as Mayor. Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city.
Please see below for the letter Mayor Yemi shared regarding the Ford Amphitheater including future noise mitigation plans and a neighborhood meeting with Mayor Yemi.
Mayor Yemi shares letter to the community regarding Ford Amphitheater COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Today, October 25, Mayor Yemi Mobolade hosted a meeting with Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Venu Holding Corporation (VENU) J.W. Roth and City Council President Randy Helms to discuss the 2024 Ford Amphitheater concert season and ongoing noise mitigation efforts by VENU. In the spirit of continued transparency from both the City and VENU, the presentation is publicly available: 10-25 Presentation.pdf
In addition, the following is a letter to the community from Mayor Yemi regarding today’s meeting and next steps.
This year, our community welcomed a new and innovative outdoor live music venue to the Polaris Pointe neighborhood—Ford Amphitheater. Ahead of its opening, there were three primary community concerns that the new venue, neighbors and the City were watching closely – parking, traffic and noise.
I’m pleased to report that our shared review of parking and traffic has been overwhelmingly positive. Noise, however, remains an area of concern for some in nearby neighborhoods.
Throughout the amphitheater’s 2024 concert season, the City received numerous comments regarding noise. I want these community members to know that the City has been working closely
Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 18
with VENU and J.W. Roth, the amphitheater’s owner, on this issue. I met personally with Mr. Roth over the course of this year, specifically to address noise complaints. Our most recent meeting was today, October 25. At today’s meeting, VENU presented a recap of its opening season, which by many accounts, was a resounding success. Data shows the amphitheater is having an overall positive impact economically, with more than 100,000 people attending shows and individuals coming from more than 5,000 zip codes. Local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are also reporting increased sales related to concert activity.
Today, VENU also shared critical and specific plans to further address sound mitigation. I believe their efforts to improve are genuine, and I am pleased by their data-based approach, use of expert consultants and actionable plan.
The plan focuses on three action areas: physical, electro-acoustic and operational changes. It proposes material changes to the structure of the amphitheater that are significant in both physical size and cost to them. This includes an expansion of the solid surface wall, sound curtains and sound absorption panels. They are also continuing to model and test ideal speaker locations to address low frequency noise, and proposals are being reviewed to reduce decibel limits and earlier end times for non-weekend shows.
The presentation VENU gave today can be accessed here: 10-25 Presentation.pdf
We all acknowledge there is a lot of work needed to be done between now and the start of the 2025 concert season this May. VENU will provide a more specific timeline on these steps in the coming weeks.
Also, next week, the City will publish the results of an independent noise study commissioned by City Council President Helms and I to track amphitheater noise from the 2024 season. Further, to ensure neighbors are heard, I am personally committed to a neighborhood meeting before this year ends. More information on that opportunity is forthcoming.
We will continue to work together—the City, VENU and neighbors—to make this a successful endeavor that contributes to our City’s vision to be a safe, economically prosperous, culturally rich, welcoming and vibrant world-class American city on a hill that shines brightly. We are Colorado Springs. Onward and upward.
Mayor Yemi David Futey can be reached at davidfutey@ocn.me.
Board confirms opposition to Buc-ee’s
At its regular board meeting on Dec. 18, the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board confirmed it had sent a letter of opposition to the Buc-ee’s development, approved amendments to the Woodmoor Placer covenants, and heard director reports.
Buc-ee’s development opposition confirmed President Brian Bush confirmed that, pursuant to a vote by the board, he had signed and sent a letter opposing the development of a Buc-ee’s at the southwest corner of I-25 and County Line Road. The letter was sent to Glant Havenar, mayor of Palmer Lake; Dennis Stern, mayor pro-tem; and all the Palmer Lake trustees. The letter was also posted on the WIA website at https://woodmoor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Letterto-Palmer-Lake.pdf. Bush said that residents’ response to the letter has been generally positive.
Board approves amendments to Woodmoor Placer covenants Bush introduced a request by the Jackson Creek Land Development Corp. to amend portions of the Woodmoor Placer covenants by substituting the Monument Land Development code. The parcel of land is north of the YMCA, is zoned commercial, and will include the new Monument Fire Department station.
The board unanimously approved the covenant changes.
Board highlights
• Board Secretary and Director of Community Outreach Rick DePaiva said that judging for the holiday lighting contest had begun and noted that El Paso County Commissioner Holly Williams had come to speak about area is-
sues at Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) on Dec. 14. Information on NEPCO and its presentations can be found at www.nepco.org in the member area; contact WIA or your member homeowners association (HOA) for information on how to access presentations.
• Treasurer Pete Giusti reported that expenses and income were on target, with income being positively impacted by interest rates.
• HOA Administrator Denise Cagliaro noted annual dues invoices would be sent out around Dec. 20. She also said that WIA’s annual meeting would be on Jan. 27, followed by the reorganization meeting on Jan. 29. Four candidates are running for three board positions; ballots will be sent out the first week of January. She asked that residents submit their votes so that WIA could achieve a quorum.
• Director of Covenant Control Sue Leggiero reported 14 total covenant-related items in November, with two resulting in covenant violations. She said eight issues were resolved with a friendly letter, and no covenant hearings were held in November or December and none was anticipated for January.
• Director of Public Safety Brian Gleason announced that Officer Darren Abe resigned from Woodmoor Public Safety, thanked him for his service, and wished him well.
• Director of Architectural Control Ed Miller reported 18 projects were submitted in November, with 16 of them approved administratively and two approved by the Architectural Control Committee. Year to date, 545 projects were submitted, which represented a 3.8% decrease from last year, with an ap -
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore
Ring
By the staff at Covered Treasures
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day..” …Edith Lovejoy Pierce
The new year is a wonderful time to focus on health and self-care or to find inspiration. Take a look at these titles for 2025.
proval rating of 99.8%.
• Covenants and Forestry Administrator Justin Gates reported on behalf of Director of Forestry Thrush that there had been only two forestry and Firewise visits in November due to the cold. He noted that he could do an evaluation and provide a letter to residents’ insurance companies to help them avoid being dropped. He said he is looking into another federal grant opportunity and will know more in early March. Gates added that he would reach out to homeowners along Woodmoor Drive after winter when he can confirm their trees are dead.
• Director of Common Areas Steve Cutler reported that the oven in the kitchen at The Barn had been replaced and that the 2025 noxious weed removal grant application had been submitted. He expects to hear the results on Feb. 14. Finally, he reported that scrub oak mitigation on a Lake Woodmoor common area tract had been completed on Dec. 2.
• Bush noted that the El Paso County Planning Commission had approved 340 homes at the Monument Ridge East development.
**********
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 annual meeting will be held on Jan. 27 followed by a reorganization meeting on Jan. 29. The WIA calendar can be found at www. woodmoor.org/events. WIA board meeting minutes will be posted at www.woodmoor.org/boardof-directors.
Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
in the New Year with a Book
The Little Frog’s Guide to Self-Care: Affirmations, Self-Love and Life Lessons According to the Internet’s Beloved Mushroom Frog By Maybell Eequay (Summersdale)
$12 With its mushroom hat and endless collection of fabulous footwear, this adorable amphibian is here to be your new best friend. Whether you need an emotional
boost, some friendly encouragement or an honest view on the world, the little frog will be your guide.
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World By Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu (Avery Publishing Group) $28
In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama’s home to celebrate His Holiness’s 80th birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They traded intimate stories, teased each other
continually, and shared their spiritual practices. This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecedented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones By James Clear (Avery Publishing Group) $27 Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for providing practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. The author draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible.
What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking By Caroline Chambers (Union Square & Co.) $35
This book is brimming with efficient recipes that take the guesswork out of dinner. The recipes are organized by the amount of time they take to cook, so whether you have 15 minutes to throw together something or a little bit more time on your hands, dinnertime is totally doable. Most importantly, these recipes include swaps, tips, shortcuts, and more to be sure they work best
By Harriet Halbig
for you, helping you save money, improvise, and even learn a thing or two.
Priceless Facts about Money (Mellody on Money) By Mellody Hobson (Candlewick Press) $20
This fun children’s book sheds a friendly light on a daunting subject, from the meteorites that created the first mineral deposits to the ancient Maya who used chocolate as currency to the beginnings of the banking system itself. Readers learn about bartering, profit and loss, the origins of credit, ATMs, and even fun facts about money around the world.
The Art of Active Listening: How People at Work Feel Heard, Valued, and Understood By Heather R. Younger (Berrett-Koehler Publishing) $22 When employees, colleagues, and customers are not being heard, organizational culture, employee happiness, and overall organizational success will suffer. How well do you listen? Active listening is the doorway to increased belonging, loyalty, profitability, innovation, and so much more. It is the difference between thinking we understand what people want and knowing what they want. Want to build stronger relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and anticipate problems before they surface at work?
Red Birds in a Tree By Valerie Shereck (Austin Macauley) $8
Red Birds in a Tree is a collection of poems written, over a span of many years, about a woman as she moves her way through life. It is about love, loss, sorrow, nature, beauty, aging, resilience, joy, family, and relationships. The broad range of topics in this thought-provoking collection by a Colorado author will appeal to many readers.
Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition By Bob Anderson (Shelter Publications) $27.99
Local author Bob Anderson’s book is always worth revisiting at the start of a new year. The benefits of stretching are bountiful, from increased blood flow and better range of motion to improved physical performance and decreased risk of injury. Step-by-step illustrations make this book user-friendly, and the section titled “Stretches for the Digital World” presents stretches for people using mobile phones and/or computers, as well as tips for better posture and stretches to do in an office environment.
Until next month, happy reading. The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.
January Library Events Programs for all ages; virtual genealogy
The new year will bring a variety of activities for all ages at the Monument and Palmer Lake libraries.
On Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 10:30 to noon, patrons ages 19 and up are invited to create a decorative bucket list at the Palmer Lake Library. This is a bucket list in a jar. Use collage materials to decorate a jar with ideas, words, and pictures of items on your bucket list. Fill out slips of paper with things you want in the new year and put them in the jar. Pull them out throughout the year and get them done. Registration required at ppld.org, see programs by location, or call 719-5316333 ext. 7007.
Patrons ages 5 to 12 are welcome at the Idea Lab: Exploring Constellations program at the Monument Library. Explore constellations with activities such as making a star projector, creating a “magic” toothpick star, constructing toothpick constellations, and playing constellation games. No registration required.
Patrons ages 12 to 18 are invited to join the Teen Advisory Board at Monument Library. The group will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Learn lead-
ership skills, earn volunteer hours, and give your input on what happens at the library. You will earn volunteer hours by attending meetings and working on projects for the library and engage in leadership development opportunities. Regular attendance is encouraged. Registration is required. You must fill out a volunteer application online to participate. Go to the bottom of the ppld.org home page in the blue area and click on volunteer to find the application.
The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group will meet at the Monument Library on Friday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 5:45. The group is limited to ages 12 to 18. Join your fellow teens on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game. New players and veterans are welcome to participate. Space is limited to eight participants. Registration is required. Go the ppld.org website and programs by location to view a calendar. Click on the name of the program to register.
Regularly scheduled programs continuing into the new year include the German Conversation Group meeting on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30, Socrates Café adult discussion group on Tuesdays from 1 to 3, Paws
Palmer Lake Historical Society, Dec. 19
to Read from 4 to 5 on Tuesdays, Monument Library Storytime on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 or at Palmer Lake on Fridays from 10:30 to 11 (for children ages 3 to 7 with a parent or caregiver), and Toddler Time at Monument on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11.
For further information on programs, please see the ppld.org website, programs by location to view a calendar.
Genealogical research
If you want to pursue genealogical research, there are a number of virtual resources available to you through your library. Some examples are a class on PPLD Genealogical resources and a class on Ancestry Basics. For further information, go to the website under programs by location, virtual library. Click on the name of the class and scroll down to register. Upon registration, you will be provided with a Zoom link to attend. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Palmer Lake holds 91st annual Yule Log Hunt
By Marlene Brown
On the slopes of Sundance Mountain and under the deep-blue sky of Colorado, the Town of Palmer Lake, with the support of the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS), held the 91st Yule Log Hunt starting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on Dec. 19. It is the longestrunning yule log hunt in the United States. It was started by Evelena Macy, pastor of the Little Log Church in the 1930s, and Lucretia Vaile, one of the original pioneer residents of Palmer Lake and a charter member of PLHS.
You can visit the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, operated and curated by PLHS, at 66 Lower Glenway St. See palmerdividehistory.org for hours and more information.
Each year, Palmer Lake villagers have donned their red and green capes (made by the local cape committee) and greeted hundreds of visitors from all over Col-
By Janet Sellers
orado and the U.S. to partake in the annual Yule Log Hunt jollification. Everyone gathers at the Town Hall, and at 1 p.m. the trumpeter calls for the hunt to begin. Participants run up Sundance Mountain to find the log and then the finder rides the log back to town. The log is pulled by the other hunters to the Town Hall.
The log is then cut in half with hand bandsaw. Half will be saved for next year’s hunt and the other half is added to the fire in the massive fireplace, built especially for the Yule Log Hunt. Then the finder is served the first drink of traditional wassail (made with apple cider, spices, and fruit). Everyone is invited to partake in a cup of wassail and cookies, followed by a singalong of Christmas carols. Gallons of wassail are made by the “wassail committee” and are offered for sale after the hunt.
Recipe for wassail to make at home: 2 quarts of apples cider, 1 lemon, 1 orange, 1/4 tsp. of ground
High
January is a seed starter
With the last frost date of late May and first frost date of mid-October, we can have plenty of time to grow most veggies as desired. Starting seeds needing long maturation periods at the end of January indoors will have them ready for the outdoors in April or May. Caveat: Our plants will still need protection from our random weather patterns of snow, frost, desiccating windy weather (and resident deer, rabbits, squirrels and underground varmints) and we need to plan for that. There are some things we can easily do even without a greenhouse.
Laziest, best winter tip
An autumn preparation of a 6-inch layer of multi-sized wood mulch is the most natural way to protect the garden bed and soil and seeds. (I’ve even put it down in winter on warmer days.) The sprouts emerge in their due time, ready for the season.
Cloches
Many report using translucent milk or water gallon jugs (bottoms cut off) over tender plants in spring. Some have reported they use a jug cloche as a mini cold frame with the jug cut in half as a lid and the base with soil and sprouts. Seed trays are sold many places and are ready to use on a shelf or sunny windowsill.
Cold frames
A cold frame is a transparent enclosure, usually close to the ground, that traps sunlight and makes a slightly warmer microclimate for plants. The top is usually inclined sunward, to maximize sunshine, and can be at different levels for air circulation. They are used season long or for seedlings and transplanting. Some cold frames can be made almost free with recycled glass doors or windows; plastic ones sell for $50 to $100 at hardware stores. They keep the soil warm and protect plants from wind and frost. Cold frames should work to protect our growing plants from deer and rabbits. In summer, change out the tops for window screens or the like for protection, especially from hail and wind. Castor oil I share this easy tip every year because it’s so effective
cloves, 1/4 tsp. of nutmeg, 2 baked apples, ½ tsp, of finely chopped cinnamon bark, ½ - 1 cup of sugar (to taste). Heat cider and spices to boiling, add finely chopped fruit and serve hot.
**********
The next PLHS meeting will be the Annual Potluck Supper Membership Meeting on Jan. 16, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (supper starts at 6:15) at the historic Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent. Please bring a dish to share. The program includes an overview of 2024 programs, an update of 2025 programs, and the election of the 2025 Board of Directors. Membership can be renewed at that meeting. For more information about membership and ways to contact PLHS, see palmerdividehistory.org.
Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
month
and safe. Underground varmints can be deterred with castor oil. I have cats that keep that population down along with gleefully chasing away squirrels and rabbits, but my kitties don’t deter deer.
Castor oil spread over the lawn or a few feet away from veggie garden beds deters pests all season: A cup of castor oil mixed with a pound or two of plain clay cat litter and scattered over the garden or lawn deters them because the castor oil affects the plant roots and
they cannot digest the treated plants. I’m not sure how the castor oil would affect our edibles for us humans, so I put the mixture out a couple of feet from the garden beds of edibles. It’s fine closer to flowers and ornamentals.
Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener,” letting Mother Nature teach landscape success. Send your high-altitude garden and nature tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Art Matters
Art, energy sites, and hugging hormone
By Janet Sellers
Will a painting class make your date fall in love with you?
When viewing or creating art, the brain’s reward system releases oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which can trigger feelings of pleasure and positivity. One study reported by Neuroscience News indicated that when couples play board games together or take a painting class with each other, their bodies release oxytocin—sometimes dubbed the “hugging hormone.” But men wielding paintbrushes released twice as much or more than the level of women painters and couples playing games, a Baylor University study has found. Just as research has shown that art making or viewing increases the happy health hormones, research also suggests a potential link between sacred sites and increased oxytocin levels. Visiting these places can often trigger feelings of connection, belonging, and awe, which are all associated with the release of this “love hormone” in the body, potentially enhancing the spiritual experience at such locations. Creating artworks does this and is not location dependent but stimulates the levels, and the electrical and magnetic energies of sacred earth sites have the energy currents moving through them and to be accessed at these special places.
Many ancient and also modern cultures acknowledge sacred earth sites with placemaking and megalithic markers. While stories relate to these markers as art or myth, the science shows the facts involved. Whether we call them by ancient names or modern scientific monikers, the energies and benefits are still available, and we can seek and access them. That may be an additional reason for the markers, to show us where these are. Energy moves through our Earth and us and affects our well-being, offering us its benefits.
Positing a connection between art, sacred sites and health technology
Some megaliths appear as abstract formations, some appear as real-world creatures, and in Western cultures they have been considered decorative art forms or for ceremony and not related to a scientific use. But megaliths were used for astronomical observations, vital to maintain the continuity of harvest and crop. Other megalithic constructions are thought to be erected for funerary purposes, and served as individual or collective burial chambers; still others are thought to support health and healing, such as the Odin stone of Scotland, and Stonehenge of England due to its astronomical alignments.
Throughout the ages, we have been curious about the effects of these sites and the benefits of them as
Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG)
creative works of art that actually hold productive impacts with favorable influences for people and thereby cultures. While these impacts have been suppressed in Western cultures, indigenous cultures are more apt to avail themselves of the benefits. Modern scientific research is rediscovering some of the positive aspects of natural formations and art on human well-being as a therapeutic tool. Numerous studies have documented the positive impacts of na-
ture exposure on various health metrics, including lowered cortisol levels, decreased blood pressure, and reduced anxiety.
We are lucky to have some amazing monoliths here in our area, such as Elephant Rock and Garden of the Gods. Elephant Rock has extraordinary and recognizable details of a mammoth or elephant, as if it were made as an intended creative work and not by chance. It could be interesting to learn more
about the energies in such places. Our ancients were keenly aware and attuned to the Earth, creativity, and connectedness for well-being, and included sacred sites and sacred arts for beneficial connections.
We don’t know how they discovered sacred sites or art creation, but we have some reminders right here in Colorado. We can avail ourselves of these connections for our benefit and share them with others and our community. We can
Snapshots of Our Community
signing day, Nov. 13
More than two dozen student athletes from School District 38 signed national letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level on Nov. 13. Above
From
are Lewis-Palmer High School students
versity of Colorado-Colorado Springs), Hunter Morgan
College),
Uni
Dodge City
Left: Daryl Skoog received the Service to Mankind award from the Gleneagle Sertoma Club on Nov. 20. Sertoman Donna O’Bryant says Skoog was honored for his “tremendous work ethic and dependability” as a transportation volunteer for Silver Key for the past four years. She says he put in more than 2,000 volunteer service hours giving more than 2,000 rides to more than 2,500 seniors. Skoog has also acquired vehicles for homeless families as a member of the group Family Promise. In addition, Skoog volunteers to help the prison ministry population. From left are Skoog, Jayme Holligan of Silver Key, and Sertoman Harvey LeCato. Photo by Dr. Vicki Wynn.
Left: The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s annual North Pole Arts & Crafts Fair was held in the Grace Best Education Center Auditorium on Dec. 7 with over 2,000 people attending. Booths included baked goods made by local churches and food and handmade crafts made by vendors. Live holiday music and free pictures with Santa were featured. The fair is a fundraiser for TriLakes Cares and 4KidzSports. For more information, contact monumenthillkiwanis@gmail.com.
Photo by Marlene Brown.
take an art class, visit our art galleries, and sign up for hikes or take a hike at the sacred places that are all around us. Sometimes a gentle walk in our pine forests is enough to restore us, too.
Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, teacher and speaker, specializing in creative endeavors for health through her indoor and outdoor murals, landscapes and nature art, and offers local forest bathing hikes. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Left: Santa and Mrs. Claus might’ve been sweating in their red suits the night of the Monument tree lighting. It was unusually warm for a Dec. 7 with highs in the 50s. The lights on the trees and the bandshell seemed more elaborate this year. The annual event featured the LewisPalmer Middle and High School choirs, games, and food trucks. As usual, the event ended with Santa hearing suggestions from kids on what they wanted for Christmas. In photo, 3-year-old Noah Gaspar meets Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo by Pam Braverman.
Right: On Dec. 7, the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) and a capacity audience welcomed A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends. Arkenstone, with five Grammy nominations, 20 billboard hits, and over 800 compositions, played keyboard and guitar and was accompanied by Josh Gilgoff (percussion), Laurann Angel (violin), Cecilia Caughman (cello), and Kimberly Zaleski (flute) this evening. The festive song selection included I Saw Three Ships, Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, The Ice Palace, a song inspired by a story told by his grandmother, Tchaikovsky’s Arabian Dance from the Nutcracker ballet, and The Jumper, a Norwegian folk song. The second set song selection was performed entirely with acoustic instruments and in an intimate stage setting. It began with a Christmas song medley that included O Little Town of Bethlehem and The First Noel. Information on the TLCA is www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey
Right: Author Heidi WigandNicely signed her newest book, Energy at Sacred Sites at Covered Treasures bookstore on Dec. 15. In the book, she shares stories of her hikes and travels, interviews and explorations with interested persons that include Native American Elders and scientists of both Western and indigenous native sciences. She offers special exploration hikes several times each year.
Photo by Janet Sellers.
Above: Among the many Santas around Monument before Christmas, the tallest Santa greeted people at Monument Mercantile. Painted by Bing Flanery, the grandfather of Brody Love and father of Michael Love, co-owners of the Mercantile, around 1990 in Grand Prairie, Texas, this wooden Santa welcomed people into the Mercantile store. Shown with Santa on Dec. 12, from left, are Brenda Spiker, Brody Love (co-owner with Michael Love), Lynda Pate, and Chuck Spiker. Photo by Steve Pate.
left:
left
Drew Boyarko (baseball,
-
(baseball,
Community
Maddie Sanderson (volleyball, University of Montana), Abigail Perry (swimming, Ohio State University), Kate Kleinsmith (soccer, Seton Hall University), and Gwen McAllister (soccer, University of South Carolina Upstate).
Above right: From left are Palmer Ridge High School students Myra Newman (volleyball, University of Mary), Lauren Clawson (volleyball, Fort Hays State University), Amara Langstaff (girls lacrosse, Slippery Rock University), Mia Hansen (volleyball, Southern Methodist University), Ryan Eells (lacrosse, University of Delaware), Channing Howarth (field hockey, Belmont Abbey College), Danielle Wilke (volleyball, Missouri Science and Tech), Haley Inscoe (soccer, Drury University), and Sydney Fisher (soccer, University of Nebraska at Kearney). Photos courtesy of D38.
By Janet Sellers
Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please doublecheck 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. Do not remove trail blazes/markers You will be seeing some trail markers in Fox Run Regional Park on trees. The trail markers help protect the delicate forest ecosystem because we can stay on the trail and not damage the ecosystem underneath our feet or with bicycles or horses, etc. These are traditional trail markers, especially useful and necessary in snowy, icy weather when we cannot see the actual trail. Our high desert forest clime is dependent on its skin of soil and plants to survive. When we honor this part of the forest we cannot see, the part we can see has a better chance to thrive amid us humans, the invasive species. Please be a good citizen and help us to protect our park from unnecessary erosion. Fox Run Regional Park is heavily used and is located in a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to serious erosion when the forest duff is disturbed. Please respect and protect the park for everyone’s enjoyment by staying on marked and well established trails. A very obvious trail in the summer becomes surprisingly invisible after a moderate snowfall. In winter, a wrong turn taken by the first visitor after a snowstorm can quickly become a misleading scar on the landscape. The silver and light blue rectangles that you see attached to trees serve to identify the only trails to use in the park. Please don’t tamper with or remove trail blazes/markers as they are placed on the trees to identify and distinguish trails and help locate the trails after a snowstorm.The main loop trail uses light blue and silver rectangles. Subloops will eventually be marked in different colors to help visitors unfamiliar with the park to find their way and recognize which loop they are on.
Get Help in Larkspur
Larkspur Church has a Food Bank and Care Center that offer a good variety of non-perishable food items, as well as clothing for men, women, and children, some household items available too. We’re here to help. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please reach out to Jeff at gethelp@larkspur.church. If you would like to donate contact Jeff by the same email to arrange a pick up.
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 community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes 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/current-needs. 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@tri-lakescares.org.
Palmer Lake Parking Restrictions during snow
When there is an accumulation of two inches or more of snow, the parking restrictions are in effect. No person may stop, stand, or park any vehicle on any portion of a snow route, or leave, abandon, or permit to remain stalled any vehicle, which is stalled on any portion of a snow route and must take immediate action to park the vehicle lawfully. Parked vehicles must be removed from all streets within the town, including those which are not designated snow routes. Parking information details: www.townofpalmerlake.com/pw/page/park-
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
• Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 15 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: 719481-071119. academywsd.colorado.gov.
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Regular meeting is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 15, 7 pm. Usually meets third Wed., Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-4944300.
• Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Jan. 16 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.
• 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. Please note the first BOCC meeting of 2025 is on Jan.14 and the first land use meeting is on Jan. 23.
• El Paso County Planning Commission meeting Thu., Jan. 16 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, https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco. com/planning-community-development/2025-hearingsschedule/
• El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 9 am, Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. www.loopwater.org.
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., 4 p.m., via tele -
Our Community Notices
ing-restrictions-during-snow.
Palmer Lake requirement to keep sidewalks and adjacent areas clean
It is the duty of all owners or occupants of every premises to keep the entire area between (a) the edge of the sidewalk closest to the building and (b) the gutter free and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt, debris, rubbish, and filth. The area to be cleared includes, but not be limited to, the sidewalks and curbs in front of the building, graveled areas, bricked areas, and areas around planters, benches, trees and bushes. The area to be cleared does not include flowerbeds, elevated planting areas, or other similar elevated areas. The area to be cleared must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours following the snowfall or accumulation of a snowdrift or ice. Details of the town requirements: TownofPalmerLake.com.
Driver’s License Renewal By Seniors
With the implementation of the Driver’s License Electronic Renewal By Seniors Act (HB21-1139), Colorado seniors now have the permanent ability to renew their driver license or identification card online. Information is online via mycolorado.gov. Some restrictions apply to ages 21-80; drivers over age 80 require a special doctor statement. Coloradans who are concerned about an elderly family member’s ability to drive should email dor_mvhelpdesk@state.co.us.
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
Highway 105A Update
El Paso county construction is expected to continue into spring 2025. The project extends the four-lane section of Highway 105 just east of Jackson Creek Parkway to Lake Woodmoor Drive providing greater mobility by accommodating more traffic. The new configuration will be two lanes in each direction with left and right turn lines; the project also includes multiuse shoulders and pedestrian improvements, sidewalk connectivity, replacement of the traffic signal at Norwood Boulevard, a new underground drainage system and water quality pond, and a new roundabout at the Knollwood /Village Ridge Point intersection. The new roundabout, constructed by Monument Academy, is designed to keep traffic moving and reduce the traffic backups on Highway 105 that previously occurred in this area.
Monument Academy traffic
To ensure a smoother experience for non-school traffic, it is recommended finding an alternate route if possible that avoids this area during the school drop off pick up times Mon.-Thu. 7-8:30 am and 2:45-4 pm and Fri 7-8:30 am. and 11:30 am-1 p.m.
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!
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 older and pass a background check. For information about volunteer opportuni-
Our Community Calendar
conference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www. forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board, Mon., Jan. 20, 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 https://go.boarddocs. com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer. org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), , Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle, Colorado Springs. 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.
• Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu. Jan. 9 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www. monumentacademy.net/school-board.
• Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Microsoft Teams. Wed., Jan. 22 4:30 pm, Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For up-to-date meeting information, visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719488-0911.
• Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Jan. 8, 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-CommissionBoard-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
• Monument Sanitation District board meeting Wed., Jan. 15, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
• Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Jan. 6 & 20, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-ofTrustees for remote attendance links.
• Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue. Jan. 7 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Jan. 9 & 23, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
ties, please call 719-488-0880 or email at volunteer@ wmmi.org.
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.
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. 719-884-2300 66 Jefferson St, Monument. See ad on page 2.
Looking for something fun to do?
Space Foundation Discovery Center: www.discover space.org. See ad on page 12.
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/volunteeringand-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.
• Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting Wed., Jan. 8, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
• Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Jan. 15, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www. townofpalmerlake.com.
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Jan. 14 10 am 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html.
• Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Thu., Jan. 23 5:30 pm, 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 719-4886868.
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Jan. 22 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-4882693, www.woodmoor.org.
• Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Jan. 13 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-4882525, www.woodmoorwater.com.
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#.
• 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 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.
• 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
January 4, 2025
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. Every Sun. 10:15 am worship service, 3190 Benet Lane, 80921.
• Bingo night , American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument.
• 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. 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 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 supporting the park for forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, and more. Special events and more, stay tuned! Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
• Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun. Service times, 11am live service, streaming service at www.fuelchurch. org at 11 am. Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Nursery and kids’ service. Non-denominational, spirit-filled. Need prayer? Email us at info@fuel.org. See ad on page 5.
• Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed. 11:45 am to 1 pm. Gleneagle Sertoma is the longest continuously active civic service organization in northern El Paso County. Our regular program presenters address local topics of interest to include local developments, community planning and projects, as well as opportunities to serve your community. Contact Harvey LeCato for meeting location and club information at mbca@comcast.net or 719-331-1212.
• Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri. (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Bev Selby, 719-600-1451.
• La Leche League breastfeeding support group, second Thu. 12:30 pm. Partners and helpers welcome (and babies and kids, too) so we can meet our breastfeeding goals together. Homestead Direct Primary Care Clinic, 15455 Gleneagle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. For more information, contact RachelKLangley@gmail.com.
• Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the TriLakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
• Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, every Sat. 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail. com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club, and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships are open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org.
• Monument Homemakers, bring a dish to share and your own table service, meet at Chamber of Commerce building, noon. 166 2nd St. Monument. Info and more about the club: Linda Case, 719-354-6575 for reservations.
• Monument Life Recovery Group, every Mon. 6:307:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare for children under age 11. Info: 303-946-2659, www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/.
• Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, every Sat., 10 am. Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@ mereowx.org.
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Jan. 11, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar., June, July, Sep., Nov.) on the second Sat. of the month. www.nepco.org.
• Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu. 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
• Palmer Lake Art Group, second Sat. A variety of art programs are offered after the social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.co.
• Palmer Lake Historical Society - Annual Potluck Supper Membership Meeting, Thu., Jan. 16 6-8:30 pm. (supper starts at 6:15) at the historic Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent. Usually meets third Thu. Contact: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, palmerdividehistory.org.
• Paper Tigers Origami Classes! Monument Library. Third Fri., 4:15-5:30. All ages – under 12 with an adult. Limit 12 people. Free – all materials provided! Contact: connie.stanton@netzero.com. 719-488-4707.
• Pikes Peak Genealogical Society Class, Sat., Feb 1 12:30-3:00pm MST. ZOOM Meeting. Program: Elaine Fraser will talk about Getting The Most Out of Find A Grave. For ZOOM Meeting details contact education@ppgs.org. Information is on https://PPGS.org.
• Ridgeview Baptist Church, meets every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. See ad on page < 6 >.
• Senior Bingo, third Wed. Silver Key Senior Services, Space is limited to 16. participants. RSVP & info: info@ silverkey.org
• Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
• Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, every Sun. Contemporary 9 am; Traditional 10:30 am. A live stream is available at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc. org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument.
• Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed. 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch. org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
• Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed. 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
• Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast , first and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com .
• Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting, monthly first and third Thu. 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
• Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
• Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri. 11:30 am. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
• Women’s A. A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190. Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, third Wed. 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
• VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed. 7 p.m. Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you June be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
• VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., Jan. 2 & Jan. 30 approx. 7-8:30 am. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
• Engage and Elevate D38 Public Meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 6–7 p.m., To discuss upcoming decisions and next steps for the future of the Grace Best Education Center. D38 Administration Building—Learning Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument.
• Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic pond hockey game Sat.-Sun., Jan. 18-19. Fireworks, fire pits, food trucks.
• St Peter Catholic School open house, Sun., Jan. 26 11:30 -1:00 p.m. See ad on page 2.
• Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers. See ad on page 2.
• Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers. See ad on page 3.
• Mesa Health and Aesthetics, special offers. See ad on page 2.
• Monumental Impact enabling student experiences internships for high school students in tech engineering and entrepreneurship. Monumentalimpact.org. See ad on page 4.
• Monument Cleaners, special offers this month. see ad on page 5.
• Monumental Med Spa, this month specials See ad on page 7.
• Noel Relief Centers, special offers. See ad on page 7.
• PeakView Windows, special offers. See ad on page 24.
• Plumb Smart plumbing services, special offers. See ad on page 3.
• Routes Outfitter, special offers ski and bike service. Special offers. See ad on page 5.
• Soot Busters, chimney sweeps, special offers. See ad on page 6.
• Stubby’s dog wash and grooming salon special offers, see ad on page 2.
• Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers. See ad on page 5.
Content
Articles in Our Community News focus on the deliberations of Tri-Lakes area governmental bodies such as the Monument Board of Trustees, Palmer Lake Town Council, and many of the local water, sanitation, fire, and school district boards.
Unlike papers that try to figure out what the “story” is and then get quotes on each side to presumably lead the reader to conclude what the “truth” is, OCN’s role is to report in detail on public meetings of local governmental entities. We report what was talked about and what was decided supplemented with board packet information. By reading OCN, you can find out what you might have learned if you had attended those public meetings. In this context, “truth” is that the articles accurately represent what transpired at the meetings.
The content of ads, inserts, and letters to the editor in OCN is solely the responsibility of the advertisers and authors who place those ads, inserts, and letters. The appearance of an ad, insert, or letter in OCN does not imply endorsement of the ad, insert, or letter’s content or purpose. While OCN does not knowingly run false ads, inserts, or letters, we do not research the accuracy of that content. Readers are encouraged to do their own research prior to committing to use the products or services offered or accept the conclusions of letters to the editor. Readers with concerns about the content of an ad, insert, or letter should take up those concerns with the advertiser or author.
Contact John Heiser, Publisher, at johnheiser@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455 with any questions.
• Tri-Lakes Paint Company, special offer this month. See ad on page 4.
• YMCA special offers this month. See ad on page 6.
• Donala Water and Sanitation District , election to waive director term limits, Tue., Feb. 4, 7 am-7 pm. at the Donala office,15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
• Super Saturday geology day at the Western museum of Mining and Industry Sat., Feb. 22 see ad on page 12.
• Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Feb. 24-25. Love Shop, 251 Front Street. See ad on page 8.
• MVEA board nominations, questionnaire due Thu., Mar. 13 To be nominated please contact the MVEA board nomination information line at 719-494-2528. See ad on page 11.
Our community calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.
Asphalt Service
Letters to Our Community
Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. We do not knowingly print letters that are substantially the same as letters that have been submitted to other publications. To ensure that OCN contains a variety of viewpoints, each letter writer is limited to a maximum of one (1) letter per issue and six (6) letters within a twelve (12)month period. To submit a letter, please:
• Email your letter, preferably as an attached Microsoft Word document, to editor@ocn. me or mail a copy to Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, CO 80132-1742.
• Identify your submission as a letter to the editor and confirm that it has not been submitted to any other publication.
• Include a suggested headline or title that summarizes the topic you are addressing.
• Limit your letter to no more than 300 words including your suggested headline and closing.
• Include your full name, home address, phone numbers, and email address, if you have one. Only your name will be published.
• Submit your letter so we receive it no later than midnight, Friday, two weeks prior to the publication date.
If you have not received an acknowledgement two days after your email submission or one week after you mailed your letter, please contact John Heiser, Publisher, at (719) 488-3455 or editor@ocn.me At OCN’s sole discretion, we may ask you for clarification of your statements. Include references, such as website links, in your letter for any facts and figures you cite. OCN does not guarantee every letter will appear in print or on-line and does not guarantee a publication date. The number of letters printed on a particular topic or in a particular issue may be limited. Letters containing personal attacks or endorsements for or complaints about individually-named commercial products or services will not be published.
Look for our next issue Saturday, Feb. 1
Ad space reservations due: Fri., Jan. 10
Finished ad artwork due: Fri., Jan. 17
Letters to the editor due: Fri., Jan. 17
Calendar items due: Fri., Jan. 24
Visit our website to read, download, and search all the back issues at WWW.OCN.ME
OCN is published on the first Saturday of each month by Colorado Cooperative Association
Our Community News, Inc. John Heiser, President (719) 488-3455—FAX: (828) 649-2720
Advertising: ads@ocn.me
Back issues: www.ocn.me
Editorial content: editor@ocn.me Event information: calendar@ocn.me © Copyright 2001-2024
Our Community News, Inc. P.O. Box 1742 Monument, Colorado 80132-1742 All rights reserved.
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Did you know that our advertisers are the reason Our Community News is mailed FREE to the entire Tri-Lakes community?
Our mailed circulation each month exceeds 23,700. We also place another 600 papers each month in stacks at local businesses.
Our advertisers’ willingness to advertise in OCN makes free distribution of this newspaper possible. Please let them know you saw their ad in OCN when patronizing their business!
Thank you for your support! Please
and Black Forest businesses!
Advertise in OCN!
Our Community News (OCN ), with a mailed circulation of over 23,700, is a unique all-volunteer monthly newspaper mailed FREE to every resident and business in the Tri-Lakes area.
OCN is a primary source for Tri-Lakes area news that gives advertising preference to Tri-Lakes area businesses.
OCN ’s contract-free low ad rates and monthly publication schedule help stretch your ad budget while supporting an important Tri-Lakes-focused effort to present factual, comprehensive news to all Tri-Lakes area residents and business owners.
For advertising information, contact John Heiser (719) 488-3455, ads@ocn.me, or visit wp.ocn.me/advertise
