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Tuesday, March 10, 2026  
9:00 AM  
Council Chambers  
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City Council may amend the order of items.  
1. Call to Order and Roll Call  
President Crow-Iverson called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.  
9 - Councilmember Tom Bailey, President Lynette Crow-Iverson,  
Councilmember Dave Donelson, Councilmember Kimberly Gold,  
Councilmember Nancy Henjum, Councilmember David Leinweber,  
Councilmember Roland Rainey Jr., President Pro Tem Brian Risley, and  
Councilmember Brandy Williams  
Present:  
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance  
The Invocation was made by Pastor Pat Hartsock from the First  
Presbyterian Church.  
President Crow-Iverson led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
3. Changes to Agenda/Postponements  
There were no changes to the Agenda.  
4. Consent Calendar  
These items will be acted upon as a whole, unless a specific item is called for  
discussion by a Councilmember or a citizen wishing to address the City Council.  
(Any items called up for separate consideration shall be acted upon following the  
Mayor's Business.)  
4A. Second Presentation:  
26-064  
Ordinance No. 26-05 Amending Section 108 (Regulation of Electric,  
Streetlight, Natural Gas, Water and Wastewater Rates, Charges and  
Regulations) of Article 1 (General Provisions) of Chapter 12 (Utilities)  
of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as Amended,  
Regarding Utility Rates  
4A.A.  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Renee Congdon, Utilities Division Chief, City Attorney's Office  
Attachments:  
CC presentation-Code Changes 12-1-108 regarding process for  
changing rate  
CSU-UtilityRates-ORD-2026-01-28  
Redline and explanation of changes to Rate Process for U Board  
Rules and Procedures of City Council REDLINE 1-27-26 Rule 4-1,  
Rate Process Changes  
Signed Ordinance 26-05.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
4B. First Presentation:  
26-107  
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 24, 2026  
4B.A.  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments:  
2-24-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Final  
The Minutes were approved on the Consent Calendar.  
26-053  
A Resolution Approving the Amended Intergovernmental Agreement  
between the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County, Colorado  
establishing the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency  
Management  
4B.B.  
Presenter:  
Ryan Trujillo, Deputy Chief of Staff  
Andrew Notbohm, Regional Director, Office of Emergency  
Management  
Attachments:  
Amended_CIty-County_OEM_IGA 2026  
Resolution-Amended-OEM_IGA Final  
Slides_City Council PPROEM Merger IGA Final PR  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
26-071  
A Resolution authorizing the acquisition of real property, using PPRTA  
funds for the Alternative Treatment Site – Austin Bluffs and Woodmen  
Project  
4B.C.  
Presenter:  
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, City Engineer/Deputy Public Works  
Director  
Kellie Billingsley, Real Estate Services Manager  
Attachments:  
1_Project Location  
2_Draft Resolution_Alternative Treatment Site.docx  
3_Alternative Treatment Site Austin Bluffs-Woodmen - Presentation  
Signed Resolution 18-26.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
26-082  
Public Hearing for the Consideration of a Resolution Setting Certain  
Natural Gas Rates for Colorado Springs Utilities’ March 2026 Rate  
Case  
4B.D.  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Chris Bidlack, Senior Attorney, City Attorney’s Office - Utilities Division  
Attachments:  
Rate Hearing Agenda-March 2026 Rate Case-4-14-26  
City Attorney Instructions-March 2026 Rate Case-4-14-26  
Issues For Decision-March 2026 Rate Case-4-14-26  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
26-083  
A Resolution Regarding Certain Changes to the Natural Gas Service  
Boundary  
4B.E.  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Attachments:  
SterlingRanchArea_CC_RES-2026_DAB 022026  
City Council - Sterling Ranch Gas Service Boundary Adjustment  
01232026  
Signed Resolution 20-26.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
26-084  
A Resolution Regarding Certain Changes to the Natural Gas Service  
Boundary  
4B.F.  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Attachments:  
SunHillsSubdivision_CC_RES-2026_DAB 022026  
City Council - Sun Hills Gas Service Boundary Adjustment 01232026  
Signed Resolution 21-26.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
ZONE-25-00 An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado  
4B.G.  
10  
Springs pertaining to approximately 2.93 acres located southwest of  
Dublin Boulevard and Vincent Drive from A/PDZ/R-1 6/HS-O/AF-O  
(Agriculture, Planned Development Zone, and Single-Family Medium,  
with Hillside and United States Air Force Academy Overlays) to  
MX-N/AF-O (Mixed-Use Neighborhood Scale with United States Air  
Force Academy Overlay). (Quasi-Judicial) (1st Reading only to set the  
public hearing date for March 24, 2026)  
Related Files: ZONE-25-0010  
Located in Council District 1  
Presenter:  
Austin Cooper, Senior Planner, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments:  
Ordinance  
6473 Vincent Dr_Rezone_Staff Report  
Attachment 1 - Project Statement  
Attachment 2 - Land Use Statement  
Attachment 3 - Public Comments  
Attachment 4 - Public Comment Response Letter  
Attachment 5 - Legal Description  
Attachment 6 - Legal Depiction  
7.5.704 ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (REZONING)  
CPC Public Comment  
Presentation CPC 01.14  
Presentation CC 03.24  
Excerpt Minutes - Vincent Drive - CPC 02_11_2026  
This Ordinance was approved on first reading on the Consent Calendar.  
ZONE-25-00 An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado  
4B.H.  
32  
Springs pertaining to approximately 5.75 acres located at 7915 Hunter  
Peak Trail from R1-6/DF/AP-O (Single-Family Residential Medium  
with Design Flexibility Overlay and Airport Overlay) to PK/AP-O  
(Public Park with Airport Overlay). (Quasi-judicial - first reading and  
setting the public hearing date for March 24, 2026)  
Council District: 2  
Presenter:  
Allison Stocker, Senior Planner, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments:  
ZONE-25-0032_Ordinance  
ZONE-25-0032_Staff_Report  
Attachment_1_Cumbre_Vista_Land_Use_Statement  
Attachment_2_Cumbre_Vista_Project_Statement  
Attachment_3_Public_Comments  
Exhibit_A_Zone_Legal_Description  
Exhibit_B_Zone_Map_Exhibit  
ZONE-25-0032_CC_Presentation  
This Ordinance was approved on first reading on the Consent Calendar.  
ZONE-25-00 An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado  
4B.I.  
33  
Springs pertaining to approximately 4.48 acres located at 950  
Spectrum Loop from PDZ (Planned Development Zone) to PK/AF-O  
(Public Park with United States Air Force Academy Overlay).  
(Quasi-Judicial - first reading and setting the public hearing date for  
March 24, 2026)  
Council District 2  
Presenter:  
Allison Stocker, Senior Planner, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments:  
ZONE-25-0033_Ordinance  
ZONE-25-0033_Staff_Report  
Attachment_1_Land_Use_Statement_v2  
Attachment_2_Project_Statement  
Exhibit_A_Zone_Legal_Description  
Exhibit_B_Zone_Map_Exhibit_v2  
ZONE-25-0033_CPC_Presentation_v2  
This Ordinance was approved on first reading on the Consent Calendar.  
ZONE-25-00 An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado  
4B.J.  
24  
Springs pertaining to approximately 319.94 acres located west of  
Marksheffel Road, north of Drennan Road, and southeast of Peterson  
Airforce Base from MX-M/cr/GI/cr/BP/cr/APD/AP-O/APZ-1 (Mixed-Use  
Medium Scale with Conditions of Record, General Industrial with  
Conditions of Record, Business Park with Conditions of Record, and  
Airport Planned Development with Airport Overlay and Accident  
Potential Zone) to PDZ/AP-O/APZ-1 (Planned Development Zone with  
Airport Overlay and Accident Potential Zone). (Quasi-Judicial - First  
reading and setting the public hearing for March 24, 2026, in accord  
with City Code Section 7.5.407)  
Located in Council District 4  
Presenter:  
Drew Foxx, Planner II, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments:  
ORD_Landings Business Park  
Staff Report_Landings Business Park  
Attachment 1_Land Use Plan  
Attachment 2_PSFB Review Comments  
Attachment 3_Project Statement  
Attachment 4_Traffic Impact Study  
Attachment 5_Banning Lewis Ranch Master Plan  
Attachment 6_Contrarian MD 1-6 Resolution No. 106-25  
Attachment 7_Peak Innovation Park Master Plan  
Banning Lewis Ranch No. 1 (Ord. 88-114)  
Banning Lewis Ranch R-5 Zone Establishment (Ord. 88-134)  
Exhibit A_Legal Description  
Exhibit B_Zoning Map Amendment  
M-2_GI Zone Establishment (Ord. 88-126)  
PBC(2)_MX-M Zone Establishment (Ord. 88-131)  
PIP-2_BP Zone Establishment (Ord. 88-122)  
7.5.704 ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (REZONING)  
Staff Presentation_Landings Business Park  
This Ordinance was approved on first reading on the Consent Calendar.  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
Motion by President Pro Tem Risley, seconded by Councilmember  
Gold, that all matters on the Consent Calendar be passed, adopted,  
and approved by unanimous consent of the members present. The  
motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
Aye:  
5. Recognitions  
26-110  
City Council Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees  
5.A.  
Presenter:  
Lynette Crow-Iverson, Council President and Councilmember At  
Large  
Attachments:  
03102026 Boards Commissions and Committees Appointment  
PPRBD Licensing Committee  
President Crow-Iverson presented the City Council Appointments to  
Boards, Commissions, and Committees.  
President Pro Tem Risley expressed appreciation for the nominees who  
wish to serve the City.  
Motion by Councilmember Leinweber, seconded by Councilmember  
Rainey Jr., that the City Council Appointments to Boards, Commissions,  
and Committees be approved. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
Aye:  
6. Mayor's Business  
Travis Easton, Acting Chief of Staff, announced that there was a recent  
article in the Denver Gazette which identified the results for the Ease of  
Navigating Study and Colorado Springs was ranked number one in the  
nation and expressed appreciation for everyone involved in those capital  
projects.  
7. Items Called Off Consent Calendar  
There were no items called off the Consent Calendar.  
8. Utilities Business  
There was no Utilities Business.  
9. Unfinished Business  
25-590  
An Ordinance Amending Section 110 (Camping on Public Property  
Prohibited) and Repealing Section 111 (Camping and Waste Deposit  
Within Public Stream/Public Stream Riparian Zone Prohibited) of Part  
1 (General Offenses) of Article 6 (Offenses Affecting Property) and  
Repealing Section 404 (Camping Restrictions) of Part 4 (Offenses  
Relating to Persons) of Article 9 (Park Offenses) of Chapter 9 (Public  
Offenses) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, As  
Amended, Pertaining to Camping Regulation, and Providing Penalties  
for the Violation Thereof.  
9.A.  
Presenter:  
Dave Donelson, Councilmember District 1  
Lieutenant Ryan Tepley, Homeless Outreach Team, Colorado Springs  
Police Department  
Sergeant Olav Chaney, Homeless Outreach Team, Colorado Springs  
Police Department  
Emily Vandenberg, Prosecuting Attorney, City Attorney's Office  
Attachments:  
2025 Camping Ordinance - Council Presentation  
Ch9-OffensesCampingProhibited-ORD-2026-02-04  
Appendix to 9.6.110 Camping Prohibited Amendments  
2026 Camping Ordinance - Council Presentation Final  
Municipal Court Process Outline  
Signed Ordinance 26-08.pdf  
Citizens Kristy Milligan, Westside Cares, Zach Mangold, K.P. Fulmer,  
Colleen Maurizi, Michael Onstaad, Pastor Gerald Waugh, Sacred Heart,  
Old Colorado City, Pastor Ashley Allinger, Pastor, Christ the King  
Lutheran Church/Army Reserve Chaplain, Aaron Drake, Taylor Gray,  
Edie Wren, spoke in opposition of the proposed Ordinance.  
Citizen Susan Coldwell spoke in support of the proposed Ordinance.  
Councilmember Donelson stated this Ordinance does not apply to  
recreational vehicles (RVs), vehicles will not be seized or impounded  
based on this Ordinance and read a statement he received from a  
constituent in support of the Ordinance, and stated he also supports this  
Ordinance based on safety and public sanitation issues it provides.  
Councilmember Henjum stated this Ordinance makes it illegal to sleep in  
your car and takes away shelter for hundreds of individuals residing in  
their vehicle and requested additional information for what resources the  
City is providing to direct people to service providers regarding housing.  
Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homelessness Response Officer, stated  
the Administration works to find a balance of enforcement and  
compassion, the City does not provide programs, they provide outreach  
though the Colorado Springs Fire Department, they met with providers  
three weeks ago and identified three actions such as expanding their  
resource directory, staff/providers attending a diversion training  
program, and clarified the zoning requirements for safe parking. She  
stated they will also be offering an educational session to the community  
regarding applicable Ordinances.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated there are already laws in place  
regarding camping in the public right of way and this Ordinance provides  
clear, accurate tools and guidance to law enforcement, it is not about a  
person’s status, and he agrees that additional resources need to be  
provided to people experiencing homelessness.  
Motion by Councilmember Donelson, seconded by Councilmember  
Williams, that the Ordinance No.26-08 amending Section 110 (Camping  
on Public Property Prohibited) and repealing Section 111 (Camping and  
Waste Deposit Within Public Stream/Public Stream Riparian Zone  
Prohibited) of Part 1 (General Offenses) of Article 6 (Offenses Affecting  
Property) and repealing Section 404 (Camping Restrictions) of Part 4  
(Offenses Relating to Persons) of Article 9 (Park Offenses) of Chapter 9  
(Public Offenses) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as  
amended, pertaining to camping regulation, and providing penalties for  
the violation thereof be finally passed. The motion passed by a vote of  
7-2-0-0  
7 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., Risley, and  
Williams  
Aye:  
No:  
2 - Gold, and Henjum  
10. New Business  
26-077  
An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance Nos. 02-10 And 21-92 Thereby  
Dissolving The Citizens' Transportation Advisory Board  
10.A.  
Presenter:  
David Leinweber, Councilmember At Large  
Nancy Henjum, Councilmember District 5  
Michael Montgomery, Deputy City Council Administrator  
Attachments:  
CitizensTransAdvisoryBoard-Repeal-ORD-2026-02-18  
Citizen Taylor Gray spoke about the characteristics he sees in the City  
Councilmembers.  
Councilmember Leinweber expressed appreciation for everyone who  
had served on Citizens’ Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB) and  
expressed support of the proposed dissolution of CTAB.  
President Pro Tem Risley provided a brief history of CTAB and how the  
benefit and need for CTAB have changed over the years and expressed  
support of the proposed dissolution.  
Councilmember Henjum read an email received from Citizen Nicole  
Odell regarding the dissolution of CTAB and the need for a  
transportation advisory committee and stated she will not be supporting  
the dissolution of CTAB.  
Gayle Sturdivant, Deputy Public Works Director, City Engineer, provided  
a brief overview of the role of CTAB and opportunities available for  
citizens who would like to volunteer for committees involving the City’s  
transportation system.  
Motion by Councilmember Donelson, seconded by Councilmember  
Bailey, that the Ordinance repealing Ordinance Nos. 02-10 and 21-92  
thereby dissolving The Citizens' Transportation Advisory Board be  
approved on first reading The motion passed by a vote of 7-2-0-0  
7 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., Risley, and  
Williams  
Aye:  
2 - Gold, and Henjum  
No:  
11. Public Hearing  
ZONE-25-00 Ordinance No. 26-07 to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado  
11.A.  
26  
Springs pertaining to 8.27 acres located within the two blocks bound  
by N. Nevada Ave, E. St. Vrain St., N. Weber St., and E. Platte Ave.  
from R-1 6/R-5/OR (Single-Family - Medium, Multi-family High, and  
Office Residential) to FBZ-T2A (Form-Based Zone - Transition Sector  
2A). (Quasi-Judicial) (2nd Reading and Public Hearing)  
Related Files: ZONE-25-0026, SUBD-25-0076, LUPL-25-0012  
Located in Council District 3  
Presenter:  
Ryan Tefertiller, Planning Manager, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments:  
Zone Ord_ZONE_25-0026  
Palmer HS CPC Staff Report 121025  
Attachment 1 - Palmer HS Project Statement  
Attachment 2 - Palmer HS Zone Change Legal Description  
Attachment 3 - Palmer HS Zone Change Exhibit  
Attachment 4a - Boulder ROW Vacation Legal  
Attachment 4b - Boulder ROW Vacation Plat  
Attachment 5 - Palmer HS Land Use Plan  
Attachment 6 - Zoning Map  
Attachment 7 - Consolidated Stakeholder Input Palmer HS project  
022526  
Attachment 8 - Palmer HS Stakeholder Responses  
Attachment 9 - Palmer HS Steering Committee  
Attachment 10 - Palmer HS April 2025 Traffic Study  
Attachment 11 – Palmer HS Traffic Study Update  
7.5.704 ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (REZONING)  
DRB_Minutes_11.4.25 Draft  
CPC Minutes Excerpt - Palmer High School - 12.10.2025  
Palmer HS Staff Presentation City Council 031026  
Applicant Presentation - Palmer High School Transformation  
Signed Ordinance 26-07.pdf  
President Pro Tem Risley recused himself due to his firm being actively  
engaged in another project with District 11.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the vacation of right of way should  
come before the other items. Ryan Tefertiller, Urban Planning Manager,  
Planning Development, stated there was some thought which went into  
the order of the three items, and he believes the zone change should  
proceed with or without the right of way vacation.  
Mr. Tefertiller presented the three proposed items amending the zoning  
map of the City from R-1 6/R-5/OR (Single-Family - Medium, Multi-family  
High, and Office Residential) to FBZ-T2A (Form-Based Zone - Transition  
Sector 2A) pertaining to 8.27 acres, vacating the public right-of-way  
known as East Boulder Street consisting of approximately 0.92 acres,  
and establishing the District 11 Palmer High School Land Use located  
on the two blocks bound by N. Nevada Ave., E. St. Vrain St., N. Weber  
St., and E. Platte Ave. He provided an overview of the vicinity map,  
applications, project summary, Land Use Plan, Palmer High School  
(PHS), timeline of review, stakeholder involvement, agency review,  
PlanCOS compliance, zone change, application review criteria, Boulder  
Street right-of-way vacation, and optional motions.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how many emails received were in  
support of the project. Mr. Tefertiller stated approximately sixty percent  
of the emails received were in support of the project.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the practical consequences are if  
the rezoning occurs and the later phases are not funded. Mr. Tefertiller  
stated the FBZ which already encompasses approximately one square  
mile of downtown Colorado Springs, allows a mix of uses at urban  
densities, standards are written intentionally for walkability, and if the  
later phases are not funded, the zone would allow the school district to  
develop according to those standards, although because school districts  
are not required to comply with zoning, if they get their permits through  
the state, the zone change is not critical.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what elements of the proposal will still  
come back to the City for review such as parking, building placement,  
and neighborhood mitigation. Mr. Tefertiller stated the school district has  
already submitted a Form Based Development Plan for Phase 1A which  
will require a public hearing and review by the Downtown Review Board.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the assumption was of the change  
to the FBZ. Mr. Tefertiller stated they will be pursuing the Development  
Plan and a subdivision plat to establish one lot over the 8.2 acres.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how staff weighed the transitional  
compatibility with the Weber/Wahsatch Historic District. Mr. Tefertiller  
stated it was difficult because the Land Use Plan is extremely vague, but  
when the Development Plan is submitted, they will make sure it  
complies with the building height limits and design guidelines which they  
feel are compatible.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if approving the rezone would prejudice  
Council’s decisions on the vacation and the Land Use Plan. Mr.  
Tefertiller stated he did not believe so because it would still make sense  
to approve the FBZ even if the vacation is not approved.  
Chris Lieber, NES, representing the applicant, identified the project team  
and agenda.  
Michael Gaal, Superintendent of Schools for Colorado Springs School  
District 11, stated they would like a connected/coherent campus for  
students to be in a consolidated space, they already have the funding  
for Phases 1A and 1B, Phase 2 which will move ERPS gym will be a  
conversation with the community at a later time, and this vision for PHS  
connects with General Palmer’s vision as a pillar of education for the  
first Colorado Springs High School.  
Jessica Wise, Executive Director of Engagement for School District 11,  
went over the vision: past, present, future, reasons for a connected  
campus, community driven, process, alternatives, education rooted in  
excellence, International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, student safety,  
PHS, downtown, and process steering committee.  
Councilmember Rainey asked what is meant by “reinvent urban  
education and tying it to downtown”. Mr. Gaal stated it is the school that  
makes the neighborhood, not the neighborhood that makes the school,  
and people will move wherever they need to get access to high quality  
education, which is what Palmer High School represents, and a urban  
education means an open connected campus which allows students to  
have internships, partnerships, and apprenticeships with the downtown  
businesses.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the Doherty High School campus  
where a student was killed crossing the street is a unified campus. Mr.  
Gaal stated it is a stand-alone unified campus, and the student was  
crossing Barnes Road in a designated safety zone.  
Mr. Lieber went over the entitlement applications, community context,  
existing zone context, proposed rezone, vacation of right-of-way,  
consolidated campus, observed traffic behavior, student circulation,  
pedestrian access, criteria, community benefits versus closure,  
conditions of approval, and PHS's vision to be transformative/connected.  
Councilmember Rainey asked what the closure of Boulder Street has  
resulted in. Mr. Lieber stated the traffic performance was better than  
what was projected.  
Councilmember Rainey asked if there were any significant findings from  
the two traffic studies which were conducted. Lyle DeVries, Felsburg,  
Holt, and Ullevig (FHU), representing the applicant, stated the first study  
predicted what the shift in traffic would be with the Boulder Street  
closure which was identified as acceptable, with one exception for the  
intersection of St. Vrain Street and Nevada Avenue which had a  
degrading of service and the second study found they over predicted the  
shifts in traffic and revealed no additional issues.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated the safety of kids is paramount and  
requested additional information on parking. Mr. Lieber stated the total  
number of parking spaces is 443 spaces and provided an overview of  
the proposed parking inventory.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why the FBZ rezone is critical to this  
project. Mr. Lieber stated if they did not change it, any future  
development would require requests for variances.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if, since the current zoning is already  
compliant with Phase 1A, if the rezone could take place at a later time.  
Mr. Lieber confirmed it could.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how the students would be affected if the  
rezone was delayed until funding for Phase 1B and Phase 2 is received.  
Ms. Wise stated they already have the funding for Phase 1B and if they  
did not receive funding for Phase 2, they would still move the classes  
currently held at ERPS gym to the connected campus for student safety.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how many residential structures are  
proposed for removal. Mr. Lieber stated there are three homes located  
on the north end within the Weber Wasatch Historic District, but not  
within a historic overlay, which will need to be relocated or removed and  
because of the cost-prohibited nature of relocation and lack of property,  
the plan is for those houses to be demolished.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what PHS enrollment forecast is for the  
next five to fifteen years. Brandon Comfort, Deputy Superintendent,  
stated their projection for PHS is to stabilize around 1,000 to 1,100  
students and that they do not expect student enrollment declines.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information regarding  
parking availability in Phase 2. Mr. Lieber stated when they submit the  
Development Plan it will include all the details of parking, the district has  
three other adjacent lots which will remain, and they will have  
conversations with other adjacent land uses which have ample surface  
or garage parking.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why a permanent vacation of right of way  
is necessary rather than another model which would preserve public  
ownership. Mr. Lieber stated there will still be an easement which the  
City would retain for utility connection, but in order to build facilities in  
this corridor and control access, it would be necessary for the district to  
own that ground.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the closure of Boulder Street will  
impact the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority’s plan for Platte  
Avenue corridor improvements. Richard Mulledy, Director, Public Works,  
stated the original vision of those improvements stopped at Wahsatch  
Avenue and in the study, it was an alternative solution.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if Memorial Hospital was in support of  
this project due to the possible effect on adding twenty seconds to  
emergency response times. Shannon Snuggs, Commander of the Gold  
Hill Division, Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), stated she  
cannot answer for the fire and emergency medical services which may  
be impacted more, but CSPD had minimum concern.  
MJ Benenati, Director of Government Affairs, Chamber and EDC,  
Chelsea Gondeck, Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Partnership, Willa  
Kalmanowitz, Avani Stack, Eva Thomas-Tappitake, Brooklyn Barnett,  
members of Student Council at PHS, Dennis Moore, Lead Security at  
PHS, and Krista Burke, Principal at PHS, spoke in support of the project  
Councilmember Donelson requested additional information regarding  
students getting hit by vehicles. Mr. Moore explained that a student was  
hospitalized in 2025 due to a vehicle hitting her in a crosswalk and three  
years ago, a teacher was hit by a vehicle in a crosswalk.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what the current student count is. Ms.  
Burke stated there are currently 1,090 students enrolled at PHS.  
Amy Hill, Cheryl Brown, President of the Historic Uptown Neighborhood,  
Diane Bridges, Richard Skorman, Kathy New, Daniel Way, Cheryl  
Downey, and Richard Henley spoke in opposition of the vacation of the  
right of way and rezone.  
Councilmember Donelson asked which businesses Mr. Skorman spoke  
to which are not in support of the vacation and rezone. Mr. Skorman  
provided a list of the businesses.  
President Crow-Iverson asked how many baby boomers have had to be  
transported to the hospital from his downtown business. Mr. Skorman  
stated approximately five hundred in the past ten years.  
Mr. Lieber stated there is competition between high schools and there is  
a choice to made as to whether or not PHS is a place that thrives, there  
was community engagement which included focus groups that directly  
reached out to business owners through the downtown newsletter, direct  
mailings within 1,000 feet that were sent more than five months ago,  
there was a door to door outreach by the Downtown Partnership, letters  
went out through Hey Neighbor, and through TV coverage to encourage  
engagement and participation in in the process. He stated the district  
agrees with the Conditions of Approval, the funding is already available  
for Phase 1B, the district is having conversations about a potential bond  
measure for funding for Phase 2, but will need to have the right of way  
secured first, in regard to the traffic movements/emergency access, they  
rely on the experts to do those studies and have had the real life  
scenario over the last nine months. Mr. Lieber explained they believe  
having the track located on Nevada Avenue makes more sense than  
having it located on Platte Avenue, they would like to prevent the  
students from having to walk down and back from ERPS gym, the right  
of way vacation is important for the district’s ability to pull building  
permits, it is a question of prioritizing safety over convenience, the  
district would be in favor of additional pedestrian improvements, and the  
district is working hard to follow the entitlement requirements for zoning.  
Mr. Tefertiller stated the formal public notice process through the  
Planning Department has been extensive with five different postcard  
mailings to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the site.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if all five of the postcard mailings  
included the intent to vacate Boulder Street. Mr. Tefertiller confirmed  
they did.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how traffic will get around the Boulder  
Street closure in twenty seconds. Mr. Mulledy stated the emergency  
response time from PHS to Memorial Hospital down Boulder Street is  
two minutes, thirty-two seconds and with the closure of Boulder Street, it  
is two minutes, fifty-two seconds.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the congestion caused by students  
being dropped off on Weber Street, Platte Avenue, and Nevada Avenue  
has been addressed. Mr. Tefertiller confirmed it has been in the  
Development Plan which is currently under review.  
Councilmember Donelson requested additional information regarding  
traffic impact due to the Boulder Street closure. Todd Frisbie, City Traffic  
Engineer, stated the two traffic studies indicate a Level of Service (LOS)  
of B and C prior to the closure of Boulder Street and a LOS C after the  
closure.  
Councilmember Donelson asked why the intersection at St. Vrain Street  
and Nevada Avenue goes to a LOS F in the afternoon. Mr. Frisbie  
stated it is due to it being an unsignalized stop at peak hours which has  
a different threshold.  
Councilmember Donelson asked why the students do not continue to  
use the tunnel under Boulder Street. Doug Abernathy, Principal, RTA  
Architecture, representing the applicant, stated one of the principals they  
are using in the design process is crime prevention and the tunnel under  
Boulder Street is not very well supervised, which is not very safe for  
students. Mathias Wilson, Athletic Director, PHS, stated the tunnel goes  
to the auxiliary gym, not ERPS gym.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how wide the tunnel under Boulder  
Street is. Mr. Abernathy stated it is eight feet wide.  
Councilmember Donelson asked when the tunnel was built. Mr. Gaal  
stated he believes it was added in the nineteen sixties.  
Councilmember Bailey stated going around a City block is a minor  
inconvenience compared to other areas of the City where the roads are  
much farther apart and asked if the school district has the authority to  
not collaborate with the City regarding the zoning. Mr. Tefertiller  
confirmed they did because the state of Colorado has given additional  
rights to public education/school districts, but School District 11 has  
been a great partner by collaborating with Planning Staff regarding this  
project.  
Councilmember Bailey stated he trusts the process and the experts who  
have evaluated the impact.  
Councilmember Williams asked if the connectivity occurs as planned,  
will the campus be a closed campus or will it remain an open campus.  
Ms. Wise stated they are continuing to work with the City to keep it an  
open campus.  
Councilmember Rainey asked if there have been any reports of  
emergency vehicles having to circumvent Boulder Street since its  
closure. Mr. Frisbie stated the Public Works Department has not  
received any complaints from emergency services and traffic has also  
appeared to be the same since the closure. Travis Easton, Acting Chief  
of Staff, stated Adrian Vasquez, Chief, Colorado Springs Police  
Department (CSPD), also reported there were no complaints received  
and the closure has not been impactful.  
Councilmember Rainey asked what is envisioned for student drop off  
and not to impede traffic. Ms. Burke stated when construction is  
complete, they will go back to parent student drop off on Weber Street.  
Mr. Abernathy stated buses will drop students off on Nevada Avenue.  
Councilmember Rainey asked if the public could access the Boulder  
Street tunnel. Mr. Abernathy stated they cannot.  
Councilmember Rainey stated regardless of whether this project is  
passed or not, the pedestrian safety at the intersections adjacent to PHS  
needs to be addressed and engagement with stakeholders needs to  
continue.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated because schools are very competitive,  
PHS needs to look toward the future in making it the best it can be. Mr.  
Gaal stated PHS facilities index is the lowest scoring school in the  
School District 11 portfolio.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the zone change is necessary for the  
remainder of what the district has already planned and paid for. Mr.  
Lieber stated it depends on if the City wants the school district to  
continue to partner and align its plans with the City’s standards without a  
preponderance of variances, but it is not necessary from a land use  
perspective.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if Boulder Street being no longer needed  
for public transportation purposes was a policy judgement of City  
Council. Mr. Frisbie stated their opinion is the impact from the closure  
was not as impactful as they projected it would be before the closure.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the plan is for managing the traffic  
queue at Platte Avenue and Nevada Avenue. Mr. Frisbie stated that  
queue has not been backed up as much as they thought they would be.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if Phase 1B had begun. Ms. Wise stated  
it has not.  
Councilmember Donelson stated there should be a high threshold of  
public benefit if one of the three arterial streets will be closed, facilities  
do not dictate academic success, closing Boulder Street will have a  
negative impact on downtown businesses/residents, and academics and  
location drive parents to where their children go to school, not the track.  
Councilmember Henjum requested City Council vote on Agenda item  
11.B. first. President Crow-Iverson stated they will be voting on the items  
in order with 11.A. being first.  
Motion by Councilmember Leinweber, seconded by Councilmember  
Bailey, that the Ordinance No.26-07 amending the zoning map of the City  
of Colorado Springs pertaining to 8.27 acres located within the two  
blocks bound by N. Nevada Ave, E. St. Vrain St., N. Weber St., and E.  
Platte Ave. from R-1 6/R-5/OR (Single-Family - Medium, Multi-family High,  
and Office Residential) to the FBZ-T2A (Form-Based Zone - Transition  
Sector 2A) zone district based upon the findings that the request  
complies with the criteria for a Zoning Map amendment as set forth in  
City Code Section 7.5.704 be finally passed. The motion passed by a vote  
of 5-3-0-1  
5 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., and Williams  
3 - Donelson, Gold, and Henjum  
1 - Risley  
Aye:  
No:  
Recused:  
SUBD-25-00 Ordinance No.26-06 vacating the public right-of-way known as East  
11.B.  
76  
Boulder Street consisting of approximately 0.92 acres located  
between N. Nevada Ave. and N. Weber St. (Legislative) (2nd Reading  
and Public Hearing)  
Related Files: ZONE-25-0026, SUBD-25-0076, LUPL-25-0012  
Located in Council District 3  
Presenter:  
Ryan Tefertiller, Planning Manager, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments:  
ORD_VacationROW_East Boulder Street  
7.5.522 VACATION PLAT  
Exhibit A - Boulder ROW Vacation Legal  
Exhibit B - Boulder ROW Vacation Plat  
Please see comments in Agenda item 11.A.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why the parking lot and the lot looked  
like it was under construction if they had not begun work on Phase 1B.  
Ms. Wise stated that it is the drilling for the geothermal which they  
received a $1 million grant from the state for the heating and  
conditioning of the building.  
Motion by Councilmember Leinweber, seconded by Councilmember  
Bailey, that the Ordinance No. 26-06 vacating the public right-of-way  
known as East Boulder Street consisting of approximately 0.92 acres  
located between N. Nevada Ave. and N. Weber St. based upon the  
findings that the request complies with the criteria as set forth in City  
Code Section 7.5.522 provided the following Conditions of Approval are  
applied: Conditions of Approval: 1. An agreement between the City of  
Colorado Springs and School District 11 shall be entered into that  
requires School District 11 to allow public egress over the property if the  
space is unused for construction or permanent School District 11  
activities 2. Request that D11 collaborate with the City to provide public  
egress during construction of the PPRTA-fund Platte Avenue  
Improvements (Wahsatch to Circle) project. 3. An agreement between the  
City of Colorado Springs and School District 11 shall be entered into that  
requires School District 11 to return ownership to the City of Colorado  
Springs, should the district choose to dispose of the property be finally  
passed. The motion failed by a vote of 4-4-0-1  
4 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Leinweber, and Rainey Jr.  
4 - Donelson, Gold, Henjum, and Williams  
1 - Risley  
Aye:  
No:  
Recused:  
LUPL-25-001 Establishment of the District 11 Palmer High School Land Use Plan  
11.C.  
2
for proposed civic uses consisting of approximately 8.27 acres located  
on the two blocks bound by N. Nevada Ave., E. St. Vrain St., N.  
Weber St., and E. Platte Ave.  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
This application is in association with the School District 11 Palmer  
High School zone change and right-of-way vacation, which had their  
first reading setting a hearing date on February 24, 2026.  
Related Files: ZONE-25-0026, SUBD-25-0076, LUPL-25-0012  
Located in Council District 3  
Presenter:  
Ryan Tefertiller, Planning Manager, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments:  
7.5.514 LAND USE PLAN  
Please see comments in Agenda item 11.A.  
Motion by Councilmember Bailey, seconded by Councilmember Rainey  
Jr., that the Palmer High School Land Use Plan related to approximately  
8.27 acres for the two blocks bound by N. Nevada Ave., E. St. Vrain St., N.  
Weber St., and E. Platte Ave. based on the findings that the request  
complies with review criteria for Land Use Plans set forth in City Code  
Section 7.5.514 be approved. The motion passed by a vote of 7-1-0-1  
7 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., and  
Williams  
Aye:  
1 - Gold  
No:  
1 - Risley  
Recused:  
12. Added Item Agenda  
There were no items added to the Agenda.  
13. One Hour of Citizen Discussion for Items not on Today's Agenda per City  
Council Rules  
Citizen Pastor Paul Nelson spoke against Councilmember Gold being  
reprimanded for addressing Councilmember Donelson walking out of the  
January 13, 2026 City Council meeting.  
Citizen Taylor Gray spoke against Councilmember Gold being  
reprimanded for addressing Councilmember Donelson, the war against  
Iran, and the use of personal data.  
Citizen Steve Lightfoot stated Stephen King murdered John Lennon.  
14. Executive Session  
There was no Executive Session.  
15. Adjourn  
Councilmember Bailey stated it has been his pleasure to serve the City  
and due to a small, but vocal, minority of neighbors opposing his  
principles of smart growth, public safety, private property rights, and  
policies that encourage business success in the community and who  
wishes to overturn the results of last year's election by abusing the recall  
process in an effort to remove him from office, which would impose  
significant costs on the City which is already struggling with declining  
revenues and increasing costs of basic services and since such an  
election would likely see very low voter turnout, which would not be  
representative of the views of the citizens of District 2, he has chosen to  
resign as Councilmember for District 2, effective immediately. He  
thanked everyone who had supported him and handed his letter of  
resignation to President Crow-Iverson.  
President Crow-Iverson stated she is not going to accept  
Councilmember Bailey’s resignation, tore up his resignation letter, and  
challenged him to run for this seat  
Councilmember Donelson asked for clarification as to if the resignation  
stands. Sara Brewen, Senior Attorney, City Attorney's Office, stated if a  
Councilmember wishes to resign, then the resignation becomes  
effective.  
Several Councilmembers expressed gratitude for Councilmember  
Bailey’s service to the City.  
There being no further business to come before City Council, Council  
adjourned at 5:14 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk