Audio file
ocn2505highlights.mp3
Transcript
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Our Community News Volume 25 Number 5 May 3, 2025.
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This podcast presents brief summaries of each of the individual news articles in this issue of OCN.
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The summaries are presented in the order the articles appeared in the paper.
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For details, please refer to the articles which are posted at www.ocn.
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At its April 10th meeting, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees set a hearing date to assess the annexation eligibility of a property owned by Maria Larson. Following a resubmission of the annexation request.
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The board also discussed ordinances for transferring town owned land and collecting unpaid fees, while continuing to explore future uses for the Elephant rock property.
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During the April 24th meeting, the board reviewed a presentation on the Pikes Peak Regional Transportation Authority and debated extending a conditional use permit for Diacut, ultimately voting to extend it for one year.
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Additionally, the board approved new fees for reserving pickleball courts and discussed potential trash collection services, but did not make a selection.
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In summary, the board is working on various initiatives including land use, code revisions and the potential annexation of properties, with future meetings scheduled for May 8th and 22nd.
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The Lewis Palmer D38 Board of Education recently announced two finalists for the Superintendent position and discussed the relocation of the home school in Richmond Academy during their April 22nd meeting.
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Interim Superintendent Amber Wetstine and Palmer Ridge High School principal Adam Frank will be interviewed on May 6 with a final decision expected at the board's meeting on May 19th.
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Due to the demolition of Grace Best elementary school, the Home School Enrichment Academy will need to relocate with options including space in the new career and Innovation Center, or reallocating classrooms at existing elementary schools.
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The board voted to construct a cost-effective pod structure near the district administration building, which will provide necessary classrooms and community rental opportunities.
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In budget discussions, the district anticipates a 2.5% revenue increase for the 2025-26 year, while also addressing rising health benefit costs and planning for potential salary increases.
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The D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee recently met to discuss academic excellence. The search for a new Superintendent and program relocations from Grace Best Elementary School.
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Principal Courtney Harrell highlighted the school's focus on academic growth and effective communication with students, expressing appreciation for diverse elective offerings and strong achievement in science.
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Board liaison Dr. Patty Schenk reported on plans for the Home School Enrichment Academy's relocation, noting that a prefabricated structure would be the most cost-effective option for housing the program.
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In the Superintendent search, 2 finalists were announced with a preference for internal candidates to ensure continuity in leadership and plans for increased community involvement in the selection process.
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Lastly, the district aims for significant improvements in academic performance, with specific goals set for English language arts and math, while also focusing on enhancing student pathways to higher education and career opportunities.
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The Monument Academy School Board discussed proposed high school dress code changes during meetings on April 10th and April 24th, receiving feedback from students and parents.
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Students expressed concerns about the financial impact and loss of self-expression due to the proposed changes, fearing it could affect enrollment and lead to student departures.
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Executive Director Collin Vinchattle shared survey results indicating strong student interest and suggested further engagement with students to refine the dress code policy.
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The board also reviewed a report from the Library Review Committee, which examined several books for appropriateness, ultimately deciding to retain some while removing others based on community feedback.
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In addition to the dress code and library discussions, the board approved various policies and addressed financial matters, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in upcoming legislative changes.
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The Monument Town council held its April 21st session, beginning with a tribute to the late Council member Jim Romanello, who passed away after serving since 2018.
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Council members shared heartfelt memories of Romanello with Mayor Mitch LaKind expressing his personal loss in Council member Laura Kronik, recalling their close friendship.
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The Council approved a comprehensive amendment for the Triview water tank facility, consolidating land to accommodate a new 1.5 million gallon tank and enhancing surrounding landscaping.
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In a significant move, the Council enacted A repeal and read option of title two of the local code to align with the Home Rule Charter, streamlining administrative structures.
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Finally, the Council advanced two candidates for the town manager position and scheduled future meetings, emphasizing ongoing community engagement and development.
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At the recent Monument Planning Commission meeting, public participation and transparency in land use matters were highlighted as essential components of the planning process.
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The Commission reviewed public hearings for the Terrazzo Baja commercial development and the Triview administration building, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive traffic study to ensure safety and effective stormwater management.
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The Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend that both projects be approved by the Monument Town Council.
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Discussions focused on safety measures for pedestrian crossings and the importance of Community input in enhancing these plans.
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Commissioners also attended a National Planning Commission meeting where they learned about community engagement strategies and potential solutions for housing and water issues in Colorado.
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The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement, particularly from local high school students, to participate in shaping the future of monument through the comprehensive plan process.
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At the recent meeting of the Monument Fire District, the board approved financing for the rebuild of Station 3 and recognized board President Mike Smaldino for his service.
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Fire Chief Andy Kovacs outlined three financing options for an $18 million lease/purchase agreement with the total rebuild cost estimated at over $20 million.
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Director Randall Estes proposed a phased loan approach, but financial expert Tim David cautioned that it would incur additional fees and not significantly save costs, leading to a preference for a 10 year balloon loan with Flagstar.
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The board ultimately voted unanimously to approve the Flagstar loan, allowing the district to begin site preparations for the rebuild projected to start in August and complete by late 2026.
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In addition to the financing, the district plans to break ground on the new station by August 2026, while also recognizing Smaldino's contributions to the district over the past 11 years.
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In April, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District Board approved moving its bank accounts to Integrity Bank and trust following a check fraud incident involving a check washing scheme.
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District manager Jesse Schaefer reported that the district would implement a positive pay system to enhance security and noted that Integrity Bank offers similar services with better interest.
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The board scheduled special meetings to award a drilling contract for a new well and to appoint a new board member, while also recognizing outgoing director Dan Beley for his six years of service.
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During the financial Report, Board Treasurer Roy Martinez highlighted strong supplemental water sales. Although tap fees were slightly below target due to increased expenditures from purchasing a new truck.
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Operational updates included ongoing maintenance of the Chilcott ditch and efforts to reduce water loss in the district's infrastructure with a goal to keep unaccounted water below 10%.
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At the April meeting of the Monument, Sanitation District District manager Mark Parker provided updates on the district's wastewater collection system and issues at the headquarters build.
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Parker reported that he is collaborating with GMS, incorporated to evaluate the existing pipelines and manholes between Dirty Woman Creek Park and the Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility, focusing on their capacity to handle wastewater from the proposed Bucky's travel center.
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The proposed travel center is expected to generate around 15,000 gallons of wastewater daily, but Parker noted that the current pipeline is operating at only one eighth of its maximum capacity, suggesting minimal impact from the new facility.
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In addition to the wastewater updates, Parker announced that a dying tree at the MSD headquarters will be replaced with a Chokecherry Tree on Arbor Day, and he mentioned the replacement of an expansion tank in the building.
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Board treasurer John Howe, who is stepping down, expressed gratitude to his fellow board members and staff wishing success to his successor, Shannon Clark, as he bids farewell to the district.
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During the Triview Metropolitan District meeting on April 17th, the board approved an economic development incentive agreement for a 30-acre retail site near Monument Marketplace and awarded contracts for an administrative building and a water storage tank project.
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District manager James McGrady highlighted the long-planned retail development, which could feature over 250,000 square feet of commercial space and a major national retailer expected to open by October 2027.
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The board also discussed the need for a traffic flow study for South Jackson Creek Parkway. Anticipating increased traffic due to the new development and confirmed that road upgrades would be funded through the economic Development Agreement.
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In financial updates, the board reported a good cash position, but noted lower than expected sales tax revenues, prompting the need for improved tax collection efforts by the Town of Monument.
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As the meeting concluded, Vice Chair Anthony Sexton reflected on his eight years of service, emphasizing the importance of responsible development for the district's future. While the board prepared for an upcoming election on May 6th for three director positions.
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In April, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority Board received updates on project progress from interim workflow manager Marc Valentine and Financial Insights from Corbin Fromm or Fromm and company, LLC.
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Valentine reported that the design and pilot testing of the water treatment plant awarded to Burns and McDonnell, is advancing smoothly with a kick off meeting planned for early May.
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A request for proposal for designing lift station pumps and pipelines to transport water to customers is currently open, with responses due by May 16th for board evaluation.
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Fromm shared that the board approved payment of $55,000 in invoices and noted the receipt of $594,000 from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners, part of the $4 million allocated by the Biden administrations American Recovery Plan Act.
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The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss legal matters related to negotiations with various entities, with no actions taken afterward.
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On April 17th, the Donala Water and Sanitation District held a workshop and board meeting where general manager Jeff Hodge presented the district's financial policy and discussed ongoing capital projects.
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Hodge outlined the district's financial strategy, which includes four main funds totaling approximately $12.5 million, and confirmed that no changes to these funds are recommended.
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Consultants Brett Gracely and Helen Melinda Lawrence reviewed the district's water supply, noting that groundwater is a finite resource and discussing the district's plans for various projects, including the loop water reuse Initiative.
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Hodge provided updates on the replacement of well 7D, emphasizing the importance of managing the well field to extend aquifer life and ensure sustainable water.
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Board president Wayne Vanderschuere highlighted the need for improved public outreach and the board unanimously approved a resolution for integrated project delivery to enhance efficiency in urgent situations.
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At the recent El Paso Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 3rd, two significant land use items were discussed.
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The first item involved the rezoning of Ben Lomond Mountain Village from RR 5 to RR 2.5 covering over 341 acres, which received unanimous approval.
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The second item was a request from New Breed Ranch, Inc. to create seven single family residential lots on a 34.7-acre section of a larger property, also approved unanimously.
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The BOCC typically meets every Tuesday at 9:00 AM at Centennial Hall with land use meeting scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.
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For further details on the BOCC and its meetings, residents can visit the official website or contact the office directly.
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The Woodmoor Improvement Association Board met on April 23rd to discuss resident Eric Lessing's recommendations regarding the Firewise program.
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Lessing emphasized the need for the board to prioritize Firewise initiatives, aiming for 100% participation within 15 years, with interim goals of 50% in five years and 90% in 10 years.
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Forestry Director Jason Hann acknowledged Lessing’s input and highlighted WWSD's commitment to sustainable practices while managing a large community of 3400 homes.
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The board approved changes to simplify tree removal regulations and announced upcoming events, including a chipping event and an educational seminar on Firewise practices.
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In conclusion, the WIA is actively working to enhance community engagement and fire mitigation efforts while addressing financial and operational updates during their monthly meetings.
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Thank you for joining us for highlights from the news articles from this issue of OCN.
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To dive into the full articles or explore more content, visit www.ocn.me.
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