At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on June 21, the board heard concerns over crowded evacuation routes fueled by increased development, discussed the lack of wildland deployments reducing anticipated revenue, and received a donation to equip the recently purchased 2005 Pierce tower ladder truck.

Director Chad Behnken was excused.

Resident David Haney of Arrowhead Drive said the planned development Kettle Creek North behind Pine Creek High School and west of Howells Road would bring a total of about 900 homes to that area. The residents living in his neighborhood are concerned about safety should evacuation be necessary in the event of a wildland fire, citing the increased traffic concerns and limited access roads that would hamper evacuation. When he contacted Fire Chief P J Langmaid three months ago, Haney learned the district had not been consulted by the Colorado Springs Fire Department during the process, but it is a fire issue and he had hoped the fire district had more clout when it comes to exits and evacuations. The residents are asking for help from the district, he said.

Langmaid said he advised Haney in March to approach the elected officials and leaders of the City of Colorado Springs. As fire chief, he has no legal standing or authority in that area of the city. See www.ocn.me/v23n4.htm#bffrpd.

Chairman Nate Dowden said he was 100 percent empathetic toward the position of the residents, but the district has zero standing with the Colorado Springs Planning Commission during the decision-making process.

Treasurer Jack Hinton said the Fire Department is limited in the decision-making process.

Langmaid said the district maintains a good relationship with Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), and recently spent 90 minutes discussing operational capabilities, working collectively to bring resources together if another large fire occurs, he said.

Haney said that in the wake of the 10-year anniversary of the Black Forest Fire, he is shocked that the department had not been taken into consideration, especially when many residents would need to depart quickly with animal trailers and motor homes. The traffic study was conducted when the senior high school students were not in class, he said.

Langmaid said typically no one is racing to get out of Arrowhead Drive and Howells Road during school entry and exit times.

Dowden said the wildland urban interface is a big issue with the district.

Langmaid said the district is working diligently with CSFD and Monument Fire District to address evacuation plans. Decisions are made quickly during a wildland fire evacuation, and this spring the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) purchased and adopted the Zonehaven software alerting system app for every agency within the county. The app allows information and evacuation instructions to reach residents quickly and accurately, and he highly recommended signing up for notifications.

Note: Residents need to sign up individually at www.bffire.org for Peak Alerts to receive emergency notifications. See www.ocn.me/v23n5.htm#mfd.

Langmaid said he had received a request from California for wildland support and it was immediately rescinded, but the district is on the cusp of sending crews on wildland deployments. The district had hoped to purchase two new brush trucks with the net profits from deployment revenue, but district mechanic Gavin Smith conducted an extensive internet search and found three used brush trucks that were about $200,000 each, one had higher mileage than the district- owned brush truck. Wildland deployments have been few so far this year. The net profit from wildland deployments in 2022 was about $270,000; it will likely be less this year, he said.

Note: After the meeting, the district deployed four members of the Wildland Deployment Team for a two-week assignment, patrolling and assisting with a wildland fire in California.

Langmaid said the wildland crew recently had chance to chip up some neighborhood brush with a chipper borrowed from EPCSO, but that prompted Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg to request speeding up the program to purchase a district chipper. The district wildfire risk assessment includes mapping the whole district and working with property owners that have higher volumes of brush that could impact properties that are mitigated in the community. The decision on purchasing additional apparatus will be discussed after wildland deployment revenue for 2023 has been realized, he said.

Note: The El Paso County Slash and Mulch facility is located at 12375 Herring Road, Black Forest. For hours of operation, location, and information, visit www.bfslash.org.

Langmaid said the county has an expectation that he is trying to navigate regarding unfunded mandates on the fire district. Most of the day he had been reviewing contractor and developer project plans. The county agreed the district could charge a fee to review plans, but he is unsure if the developer will pay the fee or if the county is prepared to pay for the manpower or use a costly third party. The county is aware of the burden on the fire districts but is also concerned about conflicts of interest. There is more to unpack and unravel, he said.

Hinton said that as of May 31, the district had about $2.2 million in the bank (with about $1.4 million for general operations, $567,908 in combined emergency and capital improvement reserves, and $137,400 in the TABOR reserve fund). The district received about $441,718 in county taxes. It had about $3.6 million in total assets (includes $631,554 for the 2022 Pierce Enforcer 4395 engine). The district was at about 37% of the budget year to date at the end of May.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 4-0.

Piepenburg said the district responded to a significant structure fire with Falcon Fire Protection District in May.

Piepenburg said the following:

Langmaid said besides CSFD and Fort Carson, the district is the only agency in the county that participates in FEMA USAR operations. Teams also deploy internationally to assist in disasters such as the recent earthquake in Turkey. Herdt and Piepenburg are a credit to the district, he said.

Note: Herdt and Piepenburg are members of CO-TF1 Lakewood, Colo., West Metro Fire Rescue FEMA USAR taskforce.

Dowden requested an update on the condition of Station 1 after the prolonged spring rains, in comparison to the leakage issues of previous years.

Langmaid said the repairs to the mezzanine appear to have been successful, and the rain had not affected Station 1. Unfortunately, the concrete and run-off repairs at Station 2 had not worked out as anticipated, and water is travelling down the walls and entering through cracks in the concrete. Staff are pushing water away from walls, and after an inspection that afternoon, he noted water entering the bay at Station 2, he said.

Father Brad Noonan of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, Black Forest, presented Dowden with a $7,000 check on behalf of his parish. Noonan thanked the Board of Directors and the district for their support throughout the years, complimenting the board for its foresight in purchasing the ladder truck. It is a beautiful gift to the community, said Noonan.

Dowden thanked Noonan and the congregation for the generous donation. The district will use the funds to purchase equipment for the 2005 Pierce Tower Ladder truck.

Noonan asked those present to remember Benjamin "Ben" Weylin Montoya who passed away from COVID-19 pneumonia on Jan. 16, 2021. Montoya was an emergency medical technician with the department in the 1990s before moving to Kansas in 1998.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

 Caption: Black Forest Remembers: As the American flag was raised by Colorado Springs firefighters over the Black Forest Community Center on June 10, the 10-year anniversary of the Black Forest Fire, residents and victims of the fire gathered in the rain to pray and hear stories of the day the fire started, the loss of their homes, and the healing process. Many have rebuilt after nearly 500 homes were lost in the 10-day fire. Some moved on, but many have worked to clean up their properties and replant trees and build new homes. The work is still going on 10 years later. For information about fire mitigation and the slash/mulch program or to make donations to help with the cleanup process, go http://bfslash.org. Photo by Marlene Brown.

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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, July 19 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

A 52 single-family townhome development off Woodmoor Drive was withdrawn from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) June 20 land use agenda. The BOCC did approve a rezone application and a minor subdivision application for Black Forest properties during June.

A combined rezone and preliminary plan application by Lake Woodmoor Holdings LLC proposing 52 single-family townhomes on a 7.53-acre property on the east side of Woodmoor Drive, which was due to be heard at the June 20 BOCC land use meeting, was withdrawn by the applicant. No future date was set for it to be heard.

The application was heard at the May 18 El Paso County Planning Commission meeting where the vote to recommend for approval was 6-1. Commissioner Eric Moraes was the nay vote. Neighbors raised concerns at that meeting about water availability and traffic, particularly in relation to the nearby schools and pedestrian safety. See https://www.ocn.me/v23n6.htm#epcpc.

Also at the June 20 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners heard a request to rezone a 14-acre Black Forest property from RR-5 (rural residential) to RR-2.5 (rural residential). It is located west of the intersection of Vessey Road and Black Forest Road and south of the intersection of Vessey Road and Pine Castle Drive.

The applicant has also submitted a minor subdivision application and wishes to divide the property into a three-lot subdivision with each lot being four acres or greater. This application is currently under review.

The request was unanimously approved as a consent item, meaning there was no discussion. It came to the BOCC from the May 18 Planning Commission meeting with a recommendation for approval. At that meeting the item was pulled from the consent calendar and elevated to a full hearing after concerns were raised that the rezone would allow the applicant or a subsequent owner to ask for five lots in the future. This concern was alleviated by adding a condition that the applicant abide by the 4-acre lot sizes set out in the subdivision application. The applicant agreed to this.

At the June 6 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners heard a request by Paul and Amy Kinch to subdivide their 29.12-acre property on Milam Road into three 5-acre lots and one 14-acre lot. The subdivision does not require a rezone as the land is already zoned RR-5.

The applicants plan to build a new home on the larger lot and sell the other three. They state in their letter of intent that the subdivision will allow them to better maximize the use of their land.

The application was heard as a consent item, meaning there was no further discussion. It came to the BOCC with a recommendation for approval following the May 4 Planning Commission hearing.

At their June 6 meeting, the commissioners approved four appointments to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Jay Carlson was reappointed for a second term as a regular member with a term running until June 1, 2026. He is the commission’s vice chair. Commissioner Christopher Witney, who has been an associate member, was appointed as a regular member with a term running until June 6, 2026. New to the commission, Jeff Markewich and Wayne Smith were appointed as associate members for a one-year term running until June 6, 2024.

Regular members may serve two three-year terms. Associate members are appointed for one year and may serve two consecutive terms. Members can apply to serve more than two terms.

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on June 22, the board received an update on the progress of the Northern Delivery System (NDS) pipeline project, approved a water rights lease agreement, and held an executive session to discuss acquisitions, negotiations, and receive legal advice for water, and property, and the draft aquifer storage and recovery report.

Vice Chairman Anthony Sexton was excused.

District Manager James McGrady said the NDS pipeline project had reached Roller Coaster Road, and Kiewit Infrastructure is installing about 300 feet of pipeline per day, (the original bid had predicted 200 feet per day). The pipeline project has reached the trail head entrance to Fox Run Regional Park, and everything is going extremely well, he said. The pipeline is expected to reach Highway 83 by September, and he thanked Kiewit Infrastructure for working with landowners along the pipeline to negotiate storage of materials along the route. The district plans to complete the overlay of asphalt along the pipeline route in early fall, he said.

For NDS pipeline project updates, answers to questions and concerns, and to sign-up for email notifications, visit www.triviewnds.com. The link can also be found at www.triviewmetro.com.

Note: TMD is expecting to receive district-owned renewable surface water via the pipeline after the pump house is built next to the Colorado Springs Utilities water storage tank east of Highway 83 and Old Northgate Road. The pump house is scheduled for completion in October 2024.

McGrady requested the board review and consider an amendment to the district water rights lease agreement between James Treat of 7021 County Road 104, Salida and TMD. The district owns all of Bale Ditch 1, that diverts water into the Arkansas River, and owns half of Bale Ditch 2. The Treat family owns and uses the second half of Bale 2 to irrigate a hay crop. The agreement allows the district to have a standing lease to begin using the second half of the Bale Ditch water whenever Treat decides to stop using the water. The district will pay Treat for the use of the water. In addition to an existing water right, the agreement will justify and include the Treat water right, and whenever he decides to sell in the future, the district would likely be the buyer of the other half of Bale 2. The district has undertaken the engineering portion to divert the water from Bale 2 back to the Arkansas River, he said.

Water Attorney Chris Cummins of Monson Cummins & Shotet LLC said the lease agreement is favorable for owner Treat because it will avoid his duplication of the engineering costs to divert his share of water back into the Arkansas River.

Director Jason Gross said the agreement constitutes astute planning.

The board approved the water rights lease agreement between the district and Treat and authorized the district manager to sign with only non-substantive changes to the approved agreement, 4-0.

McGrady said the following:

McGrady said the Higby Road redesign was undecided due to the multiple staff turnovers at the Town of Monument (TOM). A meeting is scheduled with the TOM to work through some of the technicalities of the design. The district has a comprehensive functional design that meets everyone’s needs including the school district’s, he said. The TOM Planning Department now have new staff with different ideas on the width of the road. The district is managing the project and engaged two traffic engineers, one with over 25 years of experience from Colorado Springs, and a design engineer. A Kiewit engineer also provided a cost estimate for the project. The district did collect money from developers to pay for the Higby Road project, he said.

Gross requested a confirmation briefing to ensure the design considers teen driver safety. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#tmd.

Superintendent Shawn Sexton said after re-calculating the water usage versus water sold the district discovered a water loss of a little over 7% compared to previous months that indicated as much as a 15%-22% water loss. Water loss is at a normal acceptable level, but zero would be best.

McGrady said the unexplained water loss discussion in May was due to the district reading the meters on the 28th of each month, but the real reading is on the last day of the month. In winter, the extra days are added to the next month, but a hot day after the 28th in spring and summer would show higher usage. In the future, the district will compare apples to apples to ensure accurate water loss levels. The calculations were just a measurement issue, thrown off by high usage days, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n6.htm#tmd.

President Mark Melville requested the board review and approve the checks over $5,000 and said that all expenses were budgeted line items and part of the overall 2023 budget.

The board approved the checks over $5,000 as presented, 4-0.

Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart noted that vehicle expenses were at $660,000—1100% over the budgeted $20,000 for 2023 in the financial report.

McGrady said the staff would need to investigate what appears to be a possible line-item discrepancy. The district conducts all vehicle oil changes in house, but expenses have been high for tires and fuel. Having an in-house mechanic has saved money for the district, and until the district purchased a $500 blade sharpener, the district had a weekly expense for the sharpening of blades. The cost of sub-contracting jobs is high and the district endeavors to keep most jobs in house, he said.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 4-0.

Superintendent Matt Rayno said the following:

This reporter mentioned the wet trail behind Split Creek Drive at the intersection below the retention pond behind Transcontinental Drive in Promontory Pointe. Although a drain exists in the low point of the trail intersection, and drain improvements had been made in the past, the area more often remains wet throughout the year, causing the majority of trail users to cut another trail close to a property line. The pet station receptacle placed just west of the soggy area is often difficult to access from the trail that runs from the northern utility tract, south to Lyons Tail Road. Although the region has experienced an unusually wet spring, the problem has existed since the beginning of the development, hence the well-worn trail that veers from the designated trail, she said.

Melville suggested some additional buildup in the area might alleviate the problem.

Gross asked if a wet spot on the trail system behind Oxbow Drive could be fixed. He said a neighbor’s sump pump drains onto the trail, and he suggested the district install drainage in that area.

Rayno said that another resident on Lacuna Drive has a sump pump dumping out, and that the district needs to create culverts to help drain water in these spots, but many trails need work, especially after the prolonged heavy spring rain storms.

The board moved into an executive session at 7:21 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4) (a), (b), and (e), to discuss acquisitions, negotiations, and receive legal advice for water and property, and the draft aquifer storage and recovery report. See www.ocn.me/v23n6.htm#dwsd.

After the meeting, Assistant District Manager Steve Sheffield confirmed that no decisions were made when the board returned to the regular meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday every month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

The Monument Fire District (MFD) board scheduled its meeting for June 28 which was after this issue of Our Community News had gone to press. Coverage of that meeting will be included in our Aug. 5 issue.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom meeting instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

At its June meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board heard an audit report on its 2022 finances. The district’s lawyer announced some changes to her legal firm. The district’s engineer updated the board on changes to the Highway 105 expansion plans and other projects. The impact of recent rainy weather was discussed. The board celebrated the service of longtime employee Lori Akers. The July board meeting was rescheduled, and the meeting ended with an executive session.

Uli Keeley, of Prospective Business Solutions LLC, presented the results of the audit of the district’s finances for 2022. Keeley said this was her first audit for the district, but she was familiar with its finances. The board selected her as its auditor in December 2022. Keeley had worked for the district’s previous auditor John Cutler and Associates on WWSD issues before she started her own company.

Keeley’s report issued the district an unmodified opinion, an indication that the audit did not uncover concerning issues.

She pointed out a new line item in the net position portion of the report called "land lease receivables." Governmental Accounting Standard Board regulations have changed how leases are reported on balance sheets. WWSD leases a portion of the Woodmoor Ranch property, triggering this new reporting requirement.

Keeley said the district’s net position, which represents the district’s equity in its infrastructure, had increased by $4 million since 2021.

Keeley said since this was her first audit of district finances, she was required to do extra work to confirm all beginning balances. She found the previous auditor had deferred the reporting of some revenues that she thought should not be deferred, and she had corrected that.

The board voted unanimously to approve the audit report and authorize Keeley to file it with the state.

Erin Smith, WWSD’s lawyer, announced that her partner of 25 years was retiring, and she planned to merge her practice with Maynes, Bradford, Shipps & Sheftel LLP, a firm in Durango that has a 75-year history with water law. Her rules of conduct require her to notify the board, she said, and ask for a motion to allow the president to sign a memo authorizing this change and permitting her to move her files to the new firm.

The board voted unanimously to authorize President Barrie Town to sign the required memo.

District Engineer Ariel Hacker told the board that Phase A of El Paso County’s plans to expand Highway 105 between Jackson Creek Parkway and Lake Woodmoor Drive were being rebid. She said the county expected to award the new contract by the end of June and begin construction in August. Because of this delay, Hacker recommended that WWSD rebid the work required by the county’s project because WWSD received only one bid, which was much higher than expected. Because of the county’s expansion plans, WWSD needs to move water and sewer service lines that are in county rights of way adjacent to the highway.

Hacker mentioned two other WWSD projects she intended to rebid. The largest of these is the installation of additional equipment to manage water pressure in Zone Five, the southernmost portion of the WWSD service area. She said she was also considering whether to rebid construction needed to connect Well 19 to the WWSD infrastructure as a separate project or add it to the Zone Five project.

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine told the board that WWSD is currently supplying only groundwater to customers. He added that the rainy weather meant free water for the district, since there are no energy costs to acquire the resulting surface water as there are with ground water. WWSD has not needed to divert water from Monument Creek due to the precipitation, he said. The water level in the Augusta Pit is high, and that additional water has been conveyed to Woodmoor Lake by gravity.

The downside to the rain, LaFontaine explained, is that once the ground is saturated, the rain often infiltrates the sewer lines through leaky manhole covers and stresses the water treatment plant.

The board celebrated Lori Akers, who served WWSD in many roles for 38 years. .

The board delayed its July board meeting by one week until July 17 to allow additional time to prepare WWSD’s midyear budget update.

The board meeting ended with an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

 Caption: Retiring Billing Manager Lori Akers was feted by Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board members, staff, and friends from Woodmoor Improvement Association and the community. Akers worked at WWSD for 38 years in a variety of positions, including meter reading, reporting and repairing, main break repairs, landscaping, front office, and billing. She started in 1985 as a part-time employee when the district had 817 customers and most of the roads were yet to be paved. She became a full-time employee in 1987, doing customer service and using two-way radios to communicate with other employees. She initially did billing by hand, sending out bills on 3-by-5 cards, then helped implement computer-based billing and oversaw three software conversions. During her tenure, WWSD grew to over 4,000 customers. Akers said, "I don’t cry, but I have a lump in my throat," and she planned to enjoy her retirement touring on her motorcycle. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

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The next meeting is scheduled for July 17 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 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

At its June meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard an audit report of the district’s 2022 budget. General Manager Mark Parker discussed the need to repair a sewer line running under Highway 105. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Derek Watada, an auditor from Olson, Reyes & Sauerwein LLC, told the board that as part of his audit process he worked with district staff to understand financial processes and tested them. He said the district’s books are clean, requiring only a few minor adjustments. The district’s financial statements are materially accurate, he said.

Watada said the district’s assets increased by $1.7 million over 2021. Tap fees generated $1.9 million in cash flow in 2022, an indicator of Monument’s rapid growth. He mentioned $200,000 in receivables, most of which is uncollected user fees, $60,000 of which are delinquent. A single commercial account owes $55,000 of the delinquent fees, he said.

Watada pointed out a new line item in the audit report: net pension assets. He explained this line resulted from the fact that Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association, which had been underwater, is now in a position where future payouts are less than its balance. Previously, MSD’s audits had shown a pension liability, but with PERA’s return to financial health the current report shows an asset instead. MSD’s previous audit showed total liabilities of $400,000; that total is now $275,000, Watada said, primarily due to the new pension asset.

Watada said MSD’s net position, which represents equity in the district’s infrastructure, had increased by $1.9 million in the last year.

He ended his presentation by commenting that the tap fees from over 200 new accounts were the primary driver of the year’s financial performance.

The board voted unanimously to approve the audit report and to file it with the state.

In his discussion of the financial reports for May, Parker pointed out that an increase in gas prices had raised the amount spent on utilities. Director William Morgan pointed out that interest income for the district had increased due to the higher interest rates.

The month’s financial reports were approved unanimously.

Parker said a sewer line that serves the Conoco gas station, the McDonald’s restaurant, and Jarrito Loco has been discovered to have portions that have sunk and are causing problems. The line runs under Highway 105 and is next to Taco Bell’s drive-through on the west side of the highway. Parker said he thought the problems resulted from poor installation. The line is installed 14 feet deep, making the repair more difficult, Parker said. In the short term the line can be cleaned, but repairing it properly could result in interruptions to business, he said.

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss the general manager’s performance review.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are normally 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 July 19, 2023. See https://colorado.gov/msd. For a district service map, see https://colorado.gov/pacific/msd/district-map-0. Information: 719-481-4886.

At its June meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) debated a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) document that will be used to select engineers and other contractors. Updates of the district’s personnel policies and operating regulations were discussed. Board President Wayne Vanderschuere discussed what he learned about energy costs at a recent Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) meeting. The board heard details of financial and operational reports.

The meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice on DWSD’s Upper Monument Creek Regional Waste Water Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) Intergovernmental Agreement.

At the May board meeting, General Manager Jeff Hodge told the board that the district is receiving federal funds via the American Recovery Plan Act, and those funds bring with them a requirement to implement a standard process to evaluate contractors that aligns with federal regulations. He presented a draft of an RFQ form to be used when evaluating contractors. The board voted to refine the form and make a final decision at its next meeting.

Following discussion at the June meeting, the board committed to use the RFQ form as presented.

Hodge said four contracting companies had been evaluated using the new process. He presented the evaluations of Merrick & Co., Kimley-Horn, Meyer & Sams Inc. and LRE Water. All four companies scored between 95 and 100 points using the new evaluation process.

Hodge explained these companies were now pre-qualified to be awarded contracts up to $60,000 without further evaluation. Each company had its own areas of expertise, he said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the RFQ document and to add the four companies to the district’s list of pre-qualified contractors.

Madison Phillips, a lawyer with Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher and Ruhland, the law firm representing the district, presented the results of her review of the district’s personnel policy document. Phillips said she had made all the substantive changes requested by the board. She mentioned that the updated policies now used the Consumer Price Index in Denver only as a data point, allowing the use of other information to determine salaries. She also said the policy for time off now specifies Paid Time Off will be used first and when that is exhausted Short Term Disability leave will be used. When that ends, the employee will transition to Long Term Disability.

The board voted unanimously to approve the updated policies.

The board considered a new version of its rules and regulations, which govern all aspects of the district’s operations, including how to apply for service, how service will be measured, fees, penalties and charges, control of prohibited waste, and enforcement.

Phillips said some changes had been made to align the rules with changes to the Clean Water Act.

The board voted unanimously to approve the updated rules and regulations.

During the directors’ comments portion of the agenda, Vanderschuere told the board that he attended the MVEA annual meeting, and that he had learned that Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc., MVEA’s supplier of electrical power, will increase the wholesale price of electricity by 8% in 2023. Wholesale power costs are 66% of MVEA’s costs, since MVEA does not produce power itself. MVEA has not increased prices for residential customers in six years, he said, and it will try to cover the increased cost, but it will be difficult for them to do so.

Time of day billing, which charges MVEA’s commercial customers, including DWSD, higher rates at peak usage hours, will be a bigger factor, he said, adding that DWSD should concentrate on timing work to align with the lower-cost time periods. Vanderschuere said the price during peak hours was 24 cents per kilowatt hour and the price was 10 cents per kilowatt hour during the less expensive hours of the day.

Hodge pointed out that increasing energy costs are one of the reasons DWSD is adding variable flow devices (VFDs) to its wells. They reduce energy costs, he explained.

Vanderschuere said energy cost increase will be a factor in DWSD’s future budgets, and he thought the district should plan for the worst.

The meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice concerning negotiations regarding the UMCRWWTF Intergovernmental Agreement.

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The next meeting is scheduled for July 20 at 9:30 p.m. so that a tour of UMCRWWTF can be held. 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.

At its June meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA) board chose a company to provide project management services. The board also heard the results of the last round of water quality testing.

The EPCRLWA was formed in November 2022 by an Intergovernmental Agreement between Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD), Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD), the Town of Monument (TOM), and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) to build infrastructure that would allow water, including treated effluent, that is flowing south in Monument and Fountain Creeks to be stored at Calhan Reservoir at Woodmoor Ranch and then pumped back north to be used by customers of the participating districts.

Following an executive session held to select the company that will provide project management services, Jessie Shaffer, president of the EPCRLWA board, told those present that four bids were received to provide the needed services. Three of the bids were strong, and those companies were interviewed. Mike Foreman, EPCRLWA secretary and Monument town manager, moved to award the contract to Merrick & Co. The board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

The role of the project manager was discussed in previous meetings. The project manager will coordinate the work of engineers, consultants, and other contractors, allowing the EPCRLWA to have a small staff. Initially, the project manager will work on an as-needed basis. The project manager will not oversee construction.

Josh McGibbon and Peter Hassinger, of JVA Consulting Engineers, the company EPCRLWA has hired to provide ongoing water quality testing, gave the board a summary of the testing done on May 26 at the headgate of the Chilcott Ditch. The ditch, which diverts water from Fountain Creek and conveys it to the Calhan reservoir, was not running when the testing was done because the reservoir was full due to recent rain, McGibbon said.

Hassinger said the results were mostly in line with previous testing:

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are usually 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 every Thursday at 9 a.m. at rotating venues. Please see www.loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

During two meetings held in June, the Monument Town Council tackled code amendments, resolutions, and an ordinance. The discussions surrounding the Town Code amendments were lengthy, resulting in a split vote among council members. In addition to these local matters, former Mayor Don Wilson, now serving as the representative for District 20, presented insights on state-level House and Senate bills and their implications for Monument.

Ordinance No. 12-2023, which amends four sections of the Town Municipal Code, passed narrowly with a 4-3 vote. Director of Planning Shelia Booth presented the ordinance, highlighting the need for modifications due to window wells being built without easements, in violation of the code. Town staff conducted inquiries with various entities and recommended updating sections related to setbacks and easements as the most effective solution.

However, council members expressed differing opinions on the proposed changes. Mayor Mitch LaKind voiced concerns about imposing mandatory window well covers on homeowners, and Councilmember Marco Fiorito agreed, feeling uncomfortable with the requirement. Councilmember Steve King expressed safety concerns, particularly regarding the reduced clearance between window wells and fences. On the other hand, Councilmember Sana Abbott believed developers should be responsible for installing window well covers due to their cost, while Councilmember Ken Kimple opposed requiring homeowners to do so.

Public comments were divided, with a representative from Challenger Homes supporting the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of continuing construction based on existing designs. The discussion also touched on other issues, including updating the definition of "Family Child Care" to comply with state law and revising the definition of "Lot Coverage" to address concerns related to smaller parcels.

Ultimately, the ordinance passed with a narrow 4-3 vote, but the handling of the ordinance by town staff was lightly admonished. LaKind stated that combining multiple issues in one ordinance without separation should not happen again. Town Manager Mike Foreman acknowledged the concern and assured the council that their feedback had been heard.

Resolution No. 41-2023, a resolution approving a final plat for Home Place Ranch Filing No. 3, passed unanimously. Town Planner Jeff Liljegren presented the project, which is located along Gleneagle Drive between Higby and Baptist Roads. Town staff supported the applicant’s rationale, and a traffic study indicated that the development would include 299 homes and one amenity center with 38 parking spots. Kimple raised concerns about the need for a new traffic study and the noise impact of a pickleball court. Mayor LaKind suggested Kimple bring up a pickleball noise ordinance rather than denying the resolution. Ultimately, the resolution passed with a 7-0 vote.

The second resolution, No. 42-2023, focused on adopting the Town of Monument’s 2023 Three-Mile Plan. Town Planner Shelia Booth explained that the plan places limitations on municipal annexations, restricting the extension of municipal boundaries to no more than three miles in any direction from the existing boundary within a single year. The resolution was previously approved unanimously by the Planning Commission. King sought clarification on whether property not included in the plan could still be annexed, and Booth confirmed that it was possible. The resolution passed with a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Ordinance No. 11-2023, which approves the final planned unit development for the 705 W. Baptist Road Final PUD Plan on 0.73 acre, passed unanimously. Liljegren presented the details on behalf of the applicant. The project aims to establish a 4,500-square-foot retail paint store, a use permitted in the Planned Commercial Development zone. Situated adjacent to AutoZone and Family of Christ Lutheran Church, the project received a favorable recommendation for approval from the staff. Notably, no letters of opposition or agreement were received regarding the project. The Planning Commission expressed unanimous support, granting approval with a 7-0 vote, which subsequently resulted in the successful passage of the ordinance.

During his presentation to the Monument Town Council, former Mayor Don Wilson, now the representative for Colorado District 20, provided an overview of several state bills and their potential implications:

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The first meeting in July is cancelled to observe the Fourth of July holiday. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 17. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) held two regular board meetings in June, each preceded by an executive session. On June 8, the board repealed an ordinance declaring a water emergency and considered the creation of an enterprise fund related to water. It heard an update from Town Administrator Dawn Collins. It voted on two resolutions and considered participating in a block grant program and an advisory board. The board debated how to zone healing centers where patients can be treated with psylocibin mushrooms. A special event permit was approved. The June 8 meeting was opened with Palmer Lake Elementary School student Kaston Flake leading the pledge of allegiance.

At its June 22 meeting, the board heard a staff update from Assistant Town Clerk Julia Stambaugh. The board held public hearings followed by votes on two land use projects: the first a conditional use permit and the second involving requests to vacate rights of way and replat four lots into one. It heard a presentation on a grant for six pickleball courts planned for the west side of Palmer Lake just north of the pedestrian bridge. Finally, it granted a special event permit.

The board considered Ordinance 14-2023, which amends the municipal code to repeal a declaration of emergency regarding the water supply. Mayor Glant Havenar explained the change to the municipal code was necessary so that the board can proceed with its work on projects needed to maintain the water system which impact water rates. Town Attorney Matthew Krob said the town’s water infrastructure needs work and the emergency status would prevent lenders from funding needed improvements.

Resident Roger Moseley opposed the repeal, arguing that the town had not met the requirements to end the emergency such as acquiring new water sources. Moseley expressed concern that repealing the emergency would lead to more development subsidized by residents.

The board voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

Trustees Samantha Padgett and Shana Ball said they were ready to move forward with the creation of an enterprise fund needed to finance the stormwater drainage project the board is considering. Collins provided a memo to the board with information regarding enterprise funds.

No motion was proposed, but the board agreed to move forward with the establishment of an enterprise fund.

At the June 8 meeting, Collins updated the board on the status of the trail being designed on the Elephant Rock Property and on two recent resignations. She said a property owner next door to the Elephant Rock property had agreed to move an existing fence and the trail would be repositioned. She announced Deputy Town Clerk Julia Stambaugh had resigned her position to take a job in the private sector. Stambaugh was scheduled to stay through the end of June, Collins said. Collins also said Samantha Deeder had resigned from the Parks Commission.

The condition of Highway 105 south of Spring Street has been reported to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Collins said, and it has committed to patching the highway and improving the drainage.

Police Chief Jason Vanderpool asked the board to approve Resolution 43-2023, which authorizes the renewal of a memo of understanding with all El Paso County agencies that those agencies will assist the Palmer Lake Police department in any case where a Palmer Lake officer is involved in a shooting. All officer-involved shootings must be investigated by an outside agency, he said. The memo, which covers a four-year period, has already been approved three times.

The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution.

Fire Chief John Vincent told the board that the LaFrance fire truck, built in 2001, one of two trucks owned by the department, had recently failed a pump test and was to be repaired. He said the truck needed too many repairs to remain in service and asked the board to approve Resolution 44-2023, which authorizes him to list the engine for sale. He said the funds from the sale would go to capital improvements or back into the budget.

The board voted unanimously in favor of listing the engine for sale.

Havenar asked the board to consider joining the El Paso County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which aims to address urgent needs, mitigate blight conditions, and benefit low- to moderate-income families using funds provided by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It costs the town nothing to join, she said, and membership would help with grants and funding. Building these relationships ensures the town’s voice is heard.

The board voted to participate in the program and Trustee Ball volunteered to manage the town’s participation.

For many of the same reasons, the board decided to participate in the Community Development Advisory Board as well, which makes recommendations to the El Paso Board of County Commissioners concerning the use of CDBG funds. Ball volunteered to represent the town on the advisory board.

The board debated Ordinance 15-2023, which adds healing centers where patients can receive treatment with psilocybin mushrooms to the list of conditional uses in areas zoned M1 general industrial. Havenar said no applications for healing centers had been received by the town to date, but she wanted to be prepared. Attorney Krob explained that if towns fail to establish zoning for the centers, then they can be anywhere in the town. Towns can’t refuse applications to create healing centers, he said.

The board voted to approve the ordinance, with Trustees Ball, Kevin Dreher, Nick Ehrhardt, Padgett, Dennis Stern and Mayor Havenar voting in favor. Trustee Jessica Farr voted no.

The board heard a request for a special event permit for The Springs 50 Trail Walk, which was held on June 9. Stambaugh, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told the board the event consisted of a group of 50 veterans walking from Palmer Lake to Fort Carson. The walk will provide a time for them to bond, Stambaugh said. The board voted unanimously to grant the permit and waive the event fee. The board also approved a permit for the Pikes Peak Library District to hold three concerts in the Village Green on Aug. 11, 18, and 25.

The board meeting was preceded by an executive session to receive legal advice regarding lease agreements at the Elephant Rock property, a possible annexation, and an Intergovernmental Agreement involving the Palmer Lake Fire Department, a complaint against the Palmer Lake Police Department and a personnel matter.

At its June 22 meeting, Stambaugh told the board that the audit of the town’s 2022 finances would be complete by July. She said the audit process was smoother this year because of recent changes to the accounting codes. Stambaugh said she expected the town’s insurance premiums to be lower due to improved training and compliance with CIRSA requirements. She mentioned tax revenues from the sale of adult use cannabis were beginning to come in and looked promising. She said the town was seeking an interim accounting service to help with bookkeeping and that Water Operator Steve Orcutt had provided feedback to GMS Engineering Inc. on their preliminary engineering report on stormwater drainage.

At its June 22 meeting, the board held a public hearing on an application by Curtis Claar for a conditional use permit in a Community Commercial (CC) zone. The permit would allow Claar to build a mixed-use commercial and residential building, with an electrical vehicle charging station in the parking lot, on a small triangular lot at the intersection of Primrose Street and Columbine Road. Claar’s application states the commercial portion of the building will house the office for his vehicle charging business and he will use the residential portion as his home. Claar said the Planning Commission had agreed to the concept. Ball said Claar’s proposal conforms with the town’s master plan.

There were no comments from the public and the hearing was closed.

The board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 45-2023, which allows Claar to move forward with his plan.

The board held two public hearings on applications from Cindy Powell and Duran Walton Ventures LLC to vacate rights of way on El Moro Avenue and on Bijou Avenue. A third hearing was held on a related application from Duran Walton Ventures LLC to replat 15 lots into five on which residences will be built. Havenar disclosed that she had been involved as a realtor in the sale of the lots a year previously.

During the first hearing, Krob pointed out that if the right of way for El Moro were granted, the town would still retain a right of way to build a trail on the property in question. The first hearing was closed quickly with no questions from the public.

During the second hearing, there were no questions about the vacation, but Drew Walton of Duran Walter Ventures LLC was asked about his plan to build on the replated lots. He said he intended to build small houses on the four lots, one for himself and his wife, and others for family members. The hearing was closed after that question.

There were no questions from the public on the third hearing.

Following the public hearings, the board voted unanimously in favor of Ordinance 16-2023, which vacates El Moro Avenue, Ordinance 17-2023, which vacates Bijou Avenue and Resolution 46-2023, which approves the requested replat.

Tim Cares and Mike Pietsch told the board they had been offered a $250,000 grant to build six pickleball courts and a bathroom on the west side of Palmer Lake just north of the pedestrian bridge. The design they submitted, however, locates the courts over a water line, a pipeline that carries water. Acceptance of the grant would require the water line to be moved. They asked for the board’s thoughts on whether the grant should be accepted.

Havenar said she met with Cares, Pietsch, Orcutt, and Reid Wiecks of the Parks Commission. Other locations for the courts were discussed and rejected. Orcutt expressed concerns about the cost of moving the water line. She added that Awake the Lake (ATL) had committed some funds to the project.

Ball argued for accepting the grant even at the price of moving the water line.

Pietsch explained the courts would be for day use only, with no additional lighting. The courts would be open to the community at no cost but would also generate revenue by charging leagues and tournaments. In response to a concern from Trustee Kevin Dreher about possible cost overruns, Pietsch said ATL had pledged $100,000 over the amount of the grant.

Pietsch said the next step, if the town approved, would be to work on a more formal design for the entire project.

Krob advised the board to see more details before authorizing Cares and Pietsch to accept the grant.

The June 22 board meeting was preceded by an executive session to receive legal advice on a complaint involving the Palmer Lake Police Department, on a grant, and on a lease.

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The next board meetings are scheduled for July 13 and 27. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

At its June 8 regular meeting, the Monument Academy board spotlighted a departing board member and filled a vacancy with a former board candidate. The board also heard a legislative update from House Rep. Don Wilson, HD-20. Finally, the board heard about an upcoming meeting on Navigating Gender Issues as well as updates on the East Campus modulars and the West Campus Highway 105 recirculation project.

Board President Ryan Graham started the meeting by spotlighting board member Michael Geers, whose term would end on June 30. Geers had been appointed to fill the vacancy created when former board member Misty McCuen resigned in August 2022. Graham said boards remain strong and productive based on the people who serve and thanked Geers for his service.

With the May 25 resignation of board member Danny O’Brien, the MA board moved to fill this new vacancy. At McCuen’s resignation in August, the board held a community-wide search which resulted in the appointment of Geers. In that closed-ballot vote, candidate Karen Hoida was the runner-up.

Graham moved that the board appoint Hoida to fill the new vacancy, given that it occurred in the same fiscal year as their previous search. Hoida, a Leadership Program of the Rockies graduate, has lived in the area for 30 years, is a lawyer who specializes in litigation and real property, and supports the mission and vision of Monument Academy, which supports her values, she said. The board unanimously approved her appointment.

Hoida was sworn in and took her seat alongside other board members. All current board members, along with newly elected board member Matt Ross, will take their oaths of office in July. The board voted for its officers, retaining Graham as board president, Lindsay Clinton as vice president, Emily Belisle as secretary, and Joe Buczkowski as treasurer. Board committee assignments will be decided in July.

Rep. Don Wilson HD-20, the former mayor of Monument, briefed the board on relevant bills from the 2023 legislative session. Wilson serves on the Education Committee in the state Legislature.

The bills he thought would be of interest to the MA board included:

Wilson said he looked forward to the next legislative session, where he would be watchful for bills impacting charter schools, including waivers for requirements for highly qualified teachers.

Board meeting highlights include:

 Caption: At the June 8 meeting of the Monument Academy (MA) school board, state Rep. Don Wilson (left) provided an update on relevant bills from the 2023 legislative session. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

 Caption: Monument Academy (MA) board President Ryan Graham, left, presents a certificate of appreciation to Michael Geers, who was appointed to the board last August to fill a vacancy. Graham noted that a board’s effectiveness depends on the people who serve, thanking Geers for his service. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

 Caption: At the June 8 meeting, board President Ryan Graham reported that construction was underway at the Monument Academy (MA) West Campus on the new recirculation road that goes around the school building to divert traffic from Highway 105. Recent rains have slowed the work due to oversaturated soil. Graham asked that MA parents use caution when driving around the school due to the construction traffic. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

 Caption: On June 8, the Monument Academy (MA) school board unanimously appointed Karen Hoida to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Danny O’Brien. Hoida, who is a lawyer, will serve the remainder of his term. Photos by Jackie Burhans.

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The MA School Board meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, July 13, at 6 p.m. at the East Campus. See more information at see https://bit.ly/ma-boe.

The June 26 meeting of the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education was held after the deadline for articles for this issue, but a brief description of the meeting follows. Please see the August 5 issue of OCN for additional coverage of what transpired at this meeting June 26.

The board approved the budgets for the 2023-24 school year for District 38 and for Monument Academy. Both budgets may be found in boarddocs on the district website, www.lewispalmer.org, under Board of Education.

Regarding a restructuring of bus routes discussed at the May 22 board meeting (See https://www.ocn.me/v23n6.htm#d38), one bus stop has been added east of Highway 83 to decrease the distance travelled by students. See the revised map on boarddocs.

The board voted to notify the county of its intent to participate in the November election and voted to call for nominations for directors. Four board seats are involved in the election.

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The Board of Education does not meet in July. The date for the August regular meeting has yet to be determined.

June was the second month in a row of well-below normal temperatures and well-above normal rainfall. This was especially the record cold and wet period that was most active during the first three weeks of the month and included several days of severe weather. For the month, temperatures averaged about 4 degrees below normal and precipitation was more than three times the normal amount.

Numerous records were set as well along the Front Range and eastern plains. This included the second wettest period from May 1 through June 17 at the official Denver observational site where records extend back to 1872 and the coldest June 1-17 at that same site since 1872. Daily record rainfall occurred on several days during the month.

All this moisture and daily cloudiness kept temperatures very cool, with our first 80-degree temperatures not occurring until June 18. The last time we hit the 80s in the region was way back on the last day of summer, Sept. 20, 2022. The end of June also marks the end of the snow season. After a slow start we managed to make up a lot of ground from December through April and ended the season quickly with just a small amount of snow recorded in May and none in June.

Overall, we were slightly below normal for the season, just barely breaking above the 100-inch mark. Of course, the abundant moisture in May and June means we are far above normal for the seasonal precipitation having almost reached our yearly total in the first six months.

The first week of the month was wet and cool, with 1-2 inches of rain accumulating. The heaviest rainfall during the period was on the 3rd, when we had cloudy and cold conditions all day. High temperatures only managed to reach the low 50s that afternoon, making our weather feel more like Seattle in the winter than Colorado in the summer.

After a couple days of relatively dry but cool conditions, another week of wet weather moved in. This period included daily thunderstorm activity, with a few days producing hail and flash flooding. The heaviest rain fell on the 7th and the 11th through the 12th. Runoff was exacerbated by the saturated soils as the ground has had no time to dry out.

The 14th saw a brief respite from the rainfall, but we were greeted by hazy skies this day as smoke from Canadian wildfires moved into the region. This smoke was quickly cleared out, however, with another round of heavy rainfall and areas of hail on the 15th and 16th.

Our first truly summer-like weather finally arrived on the 18th, with sunny skies and temperatures touching 80 degrees. The next afternoon was even warmer, hitting 84 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. After another mild and mostly sunny day on the 21st, more moisture moved back in. This time there was a high amount of instability to combine with the very moist air mass. This combination results in strong to severe thunderstorms on the 22nd and 23rd. Several tornadoes were reported in the region, with the strongest, an EF3 occurring south of Grenada and another near Highlands Ranch. Hail, sometimes large enough to cause damage, occurred both days. On the 22nd the most dramatic aspect was the hail that injured several spectators at Red Rocks Amphitheater. On the 23rd, parts of the Palmer Divide were hit with hail up to 2 inches in diameter, enough to cause dents in cars and damage to roofs.

Finally, a long stretch of relatively dry and quiet weather moved in to end the month. Mainly dry conditions, with sunny skies were the rule from the 24th through the 30th. This allowed the region to begin to dry out a little, just in time for the start of the North American Monsoon season. One benefit of all the moisture is all the plants are happy and everything is green. Now let’s hope our two wettest months of the year (July and August) are well-behaved.

July can be an active weather month around the region, as the Southwest Monsoon season gets going. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are a common occurrence, and when they tap into higher levels of moisture, flash flooding can result. Hot, stagnant weather can also take hold for a few days at time, with highs hitting the 90s on the warmest days.

Average High 70.6° (-6.8°)

100-year return frequency value max 82.5° min 66.3°

Average Low 44.7° (+0.4°)

100-year return frequency value max 50.7° min 40.2°

Highest Temperature 84°F on the 19th

Lowest Temperature 37°F on the 2nd

Monthly Precipitation 6.58" (+4.63" 330% above normal)

100-year return frequency value max 6.94" min 0.15"

Monthly Snowfall 0.0" (-0.1" 100% below normal)

Season to Date Snow 105.4" (-17.1" 14% below normal)

Season to Date Precip 16.96" (+5.94" 45% above normal) (the precip season is from Jan 1 to Dec 31)

Heating Degree Days 230 (+135)

To make way for development natural land is stripped of its topsoil, then paved over with parking lots, roads, and driveways. This makes the ground impervious to surface water which normally makes its way through layers of earth, sand, and gravel where it is naturally filtered and naturally makes its way to be stored in natural aquifers. This surface water is commonly known to be non-potable, highly contaminated with various pollutants, both organic and inorganic.

The Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) solution mentioned in OCN June 3, 2023, page 18 proposes to collect this excess surface water (i.e., runoff created by excessive development) and inject it directly into the heretofore pristine aquifer through an existing well(s).

I ask you: What could possibly go wrong?

(My apologies for the excessive use of the words natural and naturally.)

It’s hiking season! These are expert guidebooks to help you plan your adventures.

While Colorado’s 14ers and 13ers are well known, this new guide from local outdoor adventurers and authors Susan Joy Paul and Stewart M. Green takes readers off the beaten path—to the top of some of Colorado’s lesser-known, yet no less impressive mountains between 9,000 and 12,000 feet. The 50 unique routes covered feature amazing views with accessible trailheads for hikers of all skill levels, all located within a couple hours’ drive of Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. You’ll find hikes suited to every ability, color photos, GPS coordinates, directions to the trailhead, and mile-by-mile directional cues.

Everyone is on a journey in their hiking, personal, and work lives. The quality of our success often depends on the support and inspiration we get along the way. Trail Tips will get you thinking and inspire you on your adventures in life. Local author Al Andersen started out writing about his hikes and life. Many found them inspirational, and he has compiled them into this book.

This travel guide takes you on a series of epic hiking and walking adventures on 100 trails around all 50 states and Canada, including the best scenic overlooks, camping sites, and off-trail activities. With each itinerary you’ll find practical planning advice for when to go and what to expect. This book offers something for everyone, from beginners looking for an easy day hike to advanced trekkers seeking multi-week excursions.

Mountaineer and explorer James Dziezynski presents 55 of Colorado’s best summit hikes. Now in color, this guide covers all of Colorado’s major ranges, including the Front Range, Sangre de Cristo, Sawatch, San Juan, and Mosquito and Ten Mile ranges. Each hike profile includes a topographic map with GPS waypoint and elevation profile, difficulty and class ratings tailored to Colorado’s unique terrain, optional routes for further exploration, and fascinating trivia and history.

In this comprehensive guide, renowned hikers Katie "Salty" Gerber and Heather "Anish" Anderson help prepare long-distance hikers for all the challenges—physical, mental, emotional—they may encounter while on the trail for weeks or months. Backpackers will find detailed information about everything from gear selection, navigation, safety, and trip planning to nutritional and physical preparation and body resiliency to how to readjust after returning home. Worksheets and checklists make for easy planning.

As a dog owner, hiking with your canine companion is one of the most rewarding experiences. With this guide, you and your four-legged friend can be ready for anything the wilderness might throw at you. Set yourselves and others up for the very best hiking experience. Need-to-know topics are covered, from trail etiquette to leave no trace ethics, important gear and packing guides to essential commands you should train for the trail. Featuring beautiful photography, this guide will inform and inspire any adventure dog and their parents.

One grouchy husband, three reluctant kids, a 489-mile trek from Denver to Durango, and one woman, determined to reset her life and confront the history of environmental damage. Lani’s family traveled through stunning scenery and encountered wildflowers, wildlife, and too many other hikers. They ate cold oatmeal in a chilly, wet tent and experienced scorching heat, torrential thunderstorms, and the first trip of winter. Her kids grew in unimaginable ways, and Lani began to uncover the secret to happiness.

Until next month, happy reading.

The Summer Adventure reading and activity program continues until July 31 at the Monument Library.

Nine hundred fifty-four patrons up to age 18 have registered to participate to date. It isn’t too late to join and win prizes! Upon registration, children receive a free book. For each day when 30 minutes or more are spent reading, imagining, or engaging in physical activity, mark off a section on your game card (available online or at the library). After 30 days, those up to four years old receive a free colorful bath toy. Those ages 5 to 11 receive a reading medal, and those 12 to 18 receive a free book or journal of your choice.

Special programs in July include Rhythm Fun for Everyone at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18. Play drums (provided), sing, and move to the rhythm that you create.

On Tuesday, July 25 at 7 p.m., enjoy a Life-Size Game Night: Intergenerational Edition. Family members of all ages are invited to play life-size games of Candy Land, Battleship, and Clue from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

On Friday, Aug. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. there will be a family concert featuring Steve Weeks in Limbach Park, 151 Front St. in Monument. Come prepared to sing and dance to the music and don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Please note that all Pikes Peak Library facilities will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Monument Library staff will participate in the parade and street fair in Monument. Stop by to say hello!

June’s monthly meeting of the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) was moved to Father’s Day. The PLHS held its traditional Father’s Day Ice Cream Social on June 18 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall in the Village Green. The weather was warm, and the rain took a break during the afternoon. New fathers and old fathers came with their families to enjoy the sunshine and listen to the guitar music of Craig Walter.

Free cream and pie were served from inside the Town Hall by members of the PLHS. Pie fillings included apple, cherry, and rhubarb. Rhubarb was a favorite of the pioneers, and the plant was grown in many yards of the settlers. The event was sponsored by John Spidell of The Spidell Foundation of Monument.

The Lucretia Vaile Museum was open for viewing of historical collections of the area. Volunteer members of the PLHS offered special tours in the afternoon. The museum is operated by the museum director, staff, and docents, all who are volunteers. It is open Wednesdays 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The mission of the museum is to house photos, articles, and artifacts of the historical Palmer Lake, Monument, and Palmer Divide areas. It is located at 66 Lower Glenway Street (below the Palmer Lake Library). For more information, see www.palmerdividehistory.org/about-the-museum.

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Next month will be the members-only Walking Tours with past President and award-winning director Jim Sawatzki, who has produced many historical videos of the area. It will be held at 10 a.m. July 9 at Historic "Old Ranch Town" of Monument and is an easy one-mile walk. Learn about Monument’s history, including train station and hotels. On July 15, there will be a 2.5-mile walk through Greenland Open Space to visit the Historic Old Cemetery of Palmer Lake. For more information, see www.palmerdividehistory.org/local-history-on-tour-led-by-jim-sawatski/.

The PLHS normally meets (open to the public) on the third Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent St. For information about becoming a member of the PLHS and other events provided by the PLHS, go to www.palmerdividehistory.org.

 Caption: Young and old enjoy ice cream and pie on the Village Green at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on June 18 for the Palmer Lake Historical Society’s Father’s Day Ice Cream Social. Photo by Esther Martinez.

 Caption: Music was provided at the Palmer Lake Historical Society ice cream social by Craig Walter of the Craig Walter Band. Walter is a local singer and songwriter and has performed over much of the United States.

We mentioned in the June issue of OCN that Mount Herman Road (MHR) had been closed by the U.S. Forest Service. Someone opened the gate and drove up toward the FS 716 trailhead and into a washed-out section of the road. The car has been removed and the Forest Service was scheduled to begin repairing the road June 21.

During a walk up MHR toward FS 716 on June 20, I was able to talk to the superintendent of the wildfire mitigation crew just starting work to reduce the fire risk on the west and north side of MHR. They will be reducing the fuel load by taking out Gambel oak and other "ladder" vegetation.

I had heard that a rockslide closed the road and came upon it about 2¼ miles up MHR from the closed gate. The storm-caused washout is about 2¾ miles from the gate, just below FS 716 trailhead.

A natural gas line was also damaged during recent storms, and I talked with a gas company employee en route to work on repairs. The crew was unable to access the damaged lines due to the rockslide, which occurred in mid-June.

Several mountain bikers and hikers were using MHR on June 20. Sections of MHR may close temporarily while wildfire mitigation is underway and when road repairs begin.

 Caption: Rockslide on Mount Herman Road 2¼ miles from gate. Photo by Steve Pate.

 Caption: A masticator begins wildfire mitigation off Mount Herman Road, June 20. Photo by Steve Pate.

 Caption: Washout on Mount Herman Road 2¾ miles from gate, just below FS 716 trailhead. Photo by Steve Pate.

With so much rain in June, we likely will have more mosquitoes than usual. Several plants grow well in our area that help make outdoors fun again. Pots of these aromatic herbs around where you’ll be outdoors will also repel garden pests.

Basil is great for cooking. Its eugenol oil compounds confuse and irritate mosquitoes—they’ll leave for another food source. Gently touch the leaves to release the scent.

Catnip, a great pollinator plant, contains nepetalactone, a compound that is up to 10 times better than DEET at repelling mosquitoes, according to the National Library of Medicine. Traditional medicine says to vigorously rub the leaves between your hands and apply them to the skin to last at least 30 minutes. It’s safe around cats and dogs.

Lemon balm, aka bee balm, is a plant in the mint family that deters pests. Made into a hot or cold tea, people use it for its calming effects and other conditions.

The flowers and leaves of marigolds deter bugs. It contains pyrethrum, a natural insecticide. Plant them near doors, windows, and seating areas.

Mint—its menthol keeps pests away. Grows just about anywhere, even in partial shade.

We’re going to try flower teepee towers this summer. Made with poles (aspen shoots or bamboo, etc.), it can be a teepee big enough for kids to sit in, or just for climbing plants. I’m going to make them for zesty salad nasturtiums (annuals) and climbing roses (perennials). Both are pretty and deer resistant. The deer leave my nasturtiums and a friend’s prickly climber roses alone. Nasturtiums may drop their seeds for next year, the roses will need annual pruning to keep them in check and in shape.

A common myth is that pine needles make the soil acidic. They do not. For proof, just test your soil. Weeds and plants don’t grow in pine needle mulched areas because the weed seeds don’t get into the soil to germinate. Plants and seeds unnatural to the forest clime landscape that don’t grow well may need soil amendments because Mother Nature optimizes forest soil for forest life. That keeps the natural pine forests safe from weeds and helps nurture the pine forest microbiome.

The Annual Colorado Hummingbird Festival will be on Aug. 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a celebration of our four Colorado hummingbirds just before the fall migration. Everybody can enjoy hummingbird talks and stories with hummingbird garden-themed arts and crafts, baby alpacas, giant bubbles, a farmer’s market, and more. It is held at the historic Happy Landings Ranch, 17435 Rollercoaster Road at Hodgen Road.

 Caption: Student volunteers work on the Monument Community Garden. For many years we’ve used pine straw at various local community and home gardens (yes, a safe 2-inch depth) to mulch over food crops after seeding to keep out weeds and lock in the moisture. Pine needles are renewable, knit themselves together, stay put after rain or snow even on slopes, and break down more slowly than other organic mulches. Photo by Janet Sellers.

The unique aspect of our local Art Hop as an art fair is the chance to meet and interact with the artists themselves. Artists attend the events with their work to meet and interact with people and share their work. A personal connection adds a special dimension to the artwork and creates a memorable experience.

We have an engaging, festive atmosphere at the Art Hop in Monument. The air is filled with energy, creativity, and a sense of celebration. We can enjoy browsing through art displays, listening to live music, trying cuisine at food trucks, and engaging in conversation with fellow enthusiasts. It’s an immersive experience that can be both entertaining and inspiring. And the best part is you get to take the art and the memories of the day home with you.

At Bella Art and Frame, I took some photos of some of the artists and talked to them about their work:

Lynn Roth was on hand to share his art images of colorful scenes in Cuba and the stories that go with them. Roth is a founding mentor for the new Palmer Lake Arts Council and has been active in the Tri-Lakes local arts scene with the Palmer Lake Art Group and many arts and civic events. He exhibits his art widely in Colorado and the West.

Steve Weed, the featured Bella Art and Frame exhibitor for June, talked to visitors about his portrait paintings. Weed’s exhibit had many paintings of characters of the West. He is the creator and instigator of the "Ashes to Art" project. He says the project was "created to ultimately show gratitude and help my neighborhood in Colorado Springs. The artwork incorporated charcoal and ash found in our yard and neighborhood, initially for my own emotional therapy. Then, they became a way that I could use my skills to thank the firefighters and police officers and also to help my neighbors who lost everything."

John McClusky shared his natural landscape and night skies fine art photography at his booth. Ranging from the night skies of the West to bucolic and forest landscapes, his artwork shows nature’s beauty in the sky, land, and waterscapes. His photos are readily available locally, and as a lifelong science educator and college provost, he enjoys sharing his knowledge of nature and photography with others in pictures and in the field.

Tom Ulmer showed his nature photography at his booth. He named his photo studio Rock 36 Photography. An Air Force Academy graduate with a career in the Air Force, he said he fell in love with the Alaskan wilds while developing his photography avocation. His work is viewed locally and in Broomfield. He has many photos of his favorite natural places and the animals that live there.

Our Community News is an all-volunteer organization. For the past 20 years, our volunteers have provided unbiased reporting on important local issues, including real estate development, fire departments, school districts, and water availability. We have provided a very favorable platform for advertising local businesses. We have published letters to the editor to allow you to express your opinions on events affecting the Tri-Lakes area.

Now we find that we have more tasks than we have volunteers. Some vital jobs where we could use your help:

The time and skills involved vary greatly from job to job. OCN will provide whatever equipment and training you need.

Please join us today! Meet a group of interesting and committed people. Learn new skills—use your enthusiasm and creativity to benefit our community and celebrate unfiltered information.

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