City Hall  
107 N. Nevada Avenue  
Colorado Springs, CO  
80903  
City of Colorado Springs  
Meeting Minutes  
Council Work Session  
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Monday, January 27, 2025  
9:00 AM  
Council Chambers  
How to Watch the Meeting  
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Estimated agenda item times are provided for planning purposes and do not constitute notice  
of a specific time for any item. Items may take more or less time than estimated. City Council  
may amend the order of items.  
1. Call to Order and Roll Call  
President Helms called the meeting to order at 9:02 AM.  
8 -  
Present  
Councilmember Yolanda Avila, President Pro Tem Lynette Crow-Iverson,  
Councilmember Dave Donelson, President Randy Helms, Councilmember Nancy  
Henjum, Councilmember David Leinweber, Councilmember Brian Risley, and  
Councilmember Michelle Talarico  
1 - Councilmember Mike O'Malley  
Excused  
Councilmember Talarico arrived at approximately 9:10 AM.  
2. Changes to Agenda  
There were no Changes to Agenda.  
3. Regular Meeting Comments  
There were no Regular Meeting Comments.  
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes  
25-073  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes January 13, 2025  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 1-13-25 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
The minutes of the January 13, 2025 Work Session were approved by  
Consensus of City Council.  
5. Executive Session  
5A. Open  
25-042  
5A.A.  
Preston R. Parker v. Colorado Springs Police Department, et al., Case  
No. 24CV472  
Presenter:  
Wynetta Massey, City Attorney  
Attachments: 25-042 2025-01-28_CouncilRepresentation  
Ben Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, City Attorney’s Office, stated with the  
recommendation of the Civil Action Investigation Committee, the City is  
requesting authorization to defend the City employees.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding authorizing the City to  
represent the Officers. Consensus of City Council agreed.  
5B. Closed  
There was no Closed Executive Session.  
6. Presentations for General Information  
25-079  
6.A.  
Update from Rocky Mountain PACE  
Presenter:  
Mark Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, Rocky Mountain PACE - A  
Program of Rocky Mountain Health Care Services  
Attachments: Rocky Mountain PACE Presentation 1.27.25  
Councilmember Risley introduced Nate Olson, Chief Executive Officer,  
Rocky Mountain PACE - a Program of Rocky Mountain Health Care  
Services, who provided an overview of Rocky Mountain Program of  
All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), who they serve, where they are  
located, and programs offered.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how PACE is reimbursed. Mr. Hartman  
stated they are reimbursed by Medicaid and Medicare.  
President Helms asked if Medicare Advantage is a benefit to PACE. Mr.  
Hartman stated Medicare Advantage patients do not use PACE as a  
service provider.  
Councilmember Talarico asked how patients are referred to PACE. Mr.  
Hartman stated it is through Medicaid’s system, The Resource Exchange  
(TRE).  
Mark Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, Rocky Mountain PACE, identified  
where they are located and programs offered.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if transportation is provided exclusively to  
PACE enrolled patients. Mr. Harman confirmed it is, but it is something that  
they have debated due to the need in the community.  
7. Staff and Appointee Reports  
25-072  
7.A.  
Agenda Planner Review  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 1-27-25  
There were no comments on this item.  
8. Items for Introduction  
24-658  
8.A.  
A Resolution approving the Intergovernmental Agreement for  
inter-connection of bus services between the City of Fountain, Colorado,  
and the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado  
Presenter:  
Lan Rao, Transit Division Manager, Public Works  
Attachments: Interconnected Bus Service - Resolution 01-27-2025  
Interconnected Bus Service - IGA 01-27-2025  
Interconnected Bus Service - Presentation 01-27-2025  
Lan Rao, Transit Division Manager, Public Works, presented the  
Resolution approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City  
of Fountain. She provided an overview of the background,  
inter-connections, Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) Centennial Transfer  
Center, and Route 32 bus stops.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why the City of Fountain has a separate  
bus system from Mountain Metro Transit (MMT). Ms. Rao stated some of it  
has to do with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and  
the costs associated with compliance and the City of Fountain deciding  
that a deviated fixed route was the best solution for their community.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked where funding for MMT comes from. Ms.  
Rao stated funding sources are generated from tax revenue, grants, fare  
revenue, and advertising revenue.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked who will be covering the costs of an  
additional bus route. Ms. Rao stated the City of Fountain will be  
responsible for the costs and will just utilize the City’s bus stops.  
Councilmember Avila spoke about the importance of working together to  
provide transit services and stated there should be a regional transit  
system.  
24-662  
8.B.  
Resolution approving the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Annual  
Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan for the use of federal block  
grant funds (CDBG, HOME, ESG) provided through the U.S. Department  
of Housing and Urban Development.  
Presenter:  
Barb Van Hoy, Policy, Planning and Engagement Coordinator, Housing  
and Homelessness Response Department  
Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer  
Attachments: Resolution_2025-2029 ConPlan_2025 Action Plan  
2025-2029 Con Plan Summary-UA  
COS 2025 ConPlan PublicComment_12.26.2024  
CoS Citizen Participation Plan-PublicComment  
2025-2029 Con Plan Presentation Council Work Session  
Jan27-UA-accessible  
Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer, Housing and  
Homelessness Response Department, presented the Resolution  
approving the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Annual Action Plan  
(AAP) and Citizen Participation Plan for the use of federal block grant  
funds Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Home  
Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant  
(ESG) (provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban  
Development (HUD).She provided an overview of the annual HUD grants,  
anticipated annual HUD funds, housing and homelessness response  
priorities, Consolidated Plan priority needs/goals, Consolidated Plan  
anticipated annual outcomes, and Citizen Participation plan.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if there is anticipated to be a reduction in  
funding from the federal government due to the change in the presidential  
administration. Ms. Cox stated they are waiting to see what will happen.  
Councilmember Donelson requested additional information regarding  
which projects will be funded. Ms. Cox stated they have not determined the  
projects yet but will provide a report of the previous projects funded.  
Councilmember Donelson requested that only projects which are positively  
received by the neighborhood are funded by these grant funds.  
25-048  
8.C.  
Review of Draft Decision and Order and Draft Resolution Adopting  
Certain Changes to The Colorado Springs Utilities’ Open Access  
Transmission Tariff  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Tristan Gearhart, Chief Planning and Finance Officer, Colorado Springs  
Utilities  
David Beckett, Senior Attorney, City Attorney’s Office-Utilities Division  
Attachments: 2025 OATT Filling - Resolution  
2025_DO_OATT-1-28-25  
David Beckett, Senior Attorney, City Attorney's Office, Utilities Division,  
presented the review of the draft Decision and Order Resolution adopting  
certain changes to the Colorado Springs Utilities Open Access  
Transmission Tariff (OATT). He stated this was the next step in the process  
and City Council will vote on these items at the January 28, 2025 City  
Council meeting.  
City Council had no changes to the draft documents.  
There were no comments on this item.  
25-082  
8.D.  
A Resolution submitting to the registered qualified electors of the City of  
Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the general municipal election to be held  
on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, a ballot question to repeal the initiated  
ordinance identified in the November 2024 special municipal election as  
Ballot Question 300, providing for the form of the ballot title and text,  
providing for certain matters with respect to the election, and providing  
the effective date of this Resolution  
Presenter:  
Dave Donelson, City Councilmember, District 1  
Attachments: RMJ Repeal Referral Resolution_1-22-25 (1).docx  
Signed Resolution No. 16-25.pdf  
Councilmember Donelson presented the Resolution submitting to the  
registered qualified electors of the City, at the general municipal election to  
be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, a ballot question to repeal the initiated  
ordinance identified in the November 2024 special municipal election as  
Ballot Question 300, providing for the  
form of the ballot title and text, providing for certain matters with respect to  
the election, and providing the effective date of this Resolution. He stated  
he has received several comments from citizens that there was confusion  
among citizens regarding Ballot Question 300, allowing recreational  
marijuana in the City will make the community more like Denver, CO, there  
will be more people experiencing homelessness, and this proposed ballot  
question will provide the opportunity for citizens to clarify what the citizens  
want.  
Councilmember Donelson requested the word “initiated” be removed from  
the proposed ballot question. Ben Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, City  
Attorney’s Office, recommended it remain due to clarification regarding  
which Ordinance would be repealed.  
Councilmember Henjum stated it was a citizen-initiated ballot measure  
which was passed by 22,000 people which is over nine percent of the vote  
and even if some people were confused, she does not believe 22,000  
people were confused. She requested the language “citizen” be added to  
the word “initiated” and “for existing medical marijuana licensees” for the  
proposed ballot question.  
Councilmember Avila stated she believes this additional language  
provides even more clarity to voters.  
Councilmember Talarico stated she believes adding more words makes  
the ballot question more confusing.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding if the proposed language  
should be added to the ballot question. Consensus of Council did not  
agree to add the proposed language.  
25-084  
8.E.  
A Resolution submitting to the qualified electors of Colorado springs,  
Colorado, at the general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, April  
1, 2025, a ballot question to amend the City of Colorado Springs City  
Code, thereby allowing Class 1 Electrical Assisted Bicycles on City  
Parks Properties and Trails, providing for the form of the ballot title and  
text, providing for certain matters with respect to the election, and  
providing the effective date of this Resolution  
Presenter:  
Nancy Henjum, City Councilmember, District 5  
Attachments: RES - E-Bike Referral 1.22.25  
Councilmember Henjum introduced the Resolution submitting to the  
qualified electors of the City, at the general municipal election to be held on  
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, a ballot question to amend City Code, thereby  
allowing Class 1 Electrical Assisted Bicycles (e-bikes) on City Parks  
properties and trails, providing for the form of the ballot title and text,  
providing for certain matters with respect to the election, and providing the  
effective date of this Resolution. She expressed gratitude to the individuals  
who have worked tirelessly to preserve the City’s open spaces.  
Wayne Williams, representing John Weiss, Together for Colorado Springs,  
provided an overview of the original Trails and Open Space Ordinance,  
Taxpayer Bill of Rights requirements, and stated the proposed ballot  
question puts all trails into one category when they should be separated by  
urban and open space due to their unique characteristics.  
President Helms stated he will not be supporting putting this ballot measure  
on the April 1, 2025 ballot because there are still too many unanswered  
questions which need to be resolved first. Mr. Williams stated they feel very  
passionately and litigiously that the TOPS Ordinance restrictions are not  
amended unless they are by a vote of the people.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he does not believe e-bikes are as  
powerful as people are imagining, it is a bicycle with at most  
one-horsepower, and the trails which allow bicycles should allow e-bikes  
because it requires pedaling and because they are not motorcycles. Mr.  
Williams stated the TOPS language is very clear which states motorized  
vehicles are prohibited, which includes e-bikes and unless a change is  
made by a vote of the people.  
Councilmember Henjum stated she also does not think this proposal is  
ready for the ballot but would like to continue the conversation. She stated  
she believes there should be walking-only trails and biking-only trails and  
provided an overview of how other jurisdictions regulate e-bikes.  
Britt Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services, stated they  
have been working on an e-bike policy since 2018, the results from their  
community engagement process were very complicated, she believes the  
Parks Department should follow the City Attorney Office’s recommendation  
of what is permissible in regard to e-bikes, and it is risky to try to come up  
with the ballot language on such a short time frame.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the initiative could be referred to the  
ballot by City Council. Ben Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, City Attorney’s  
Office confirmed it could.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what the City Attorney’s Office  
recommended. Mr. Bolinger stated they provided options for how  
something could be accomplished and one of the options was to define  
nonmotorized in the Park’s Code. Councilmember Donelson stated he  
believes even if it is a small motor, e-bikes are a motorized vehicle.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what the recommendation was from the  
TOPS Working Committee. Ms. Haley stated they were in support of  
adding definitions for Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes, but did not support adding  
a definition for nonmotorized use, but the Parks Advisory Board wanted to  
expand nonmotorized to all classes of e-bikes.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if they could identify separating the City  
trails from the TOPS trails at the January 28, 2025 City Council meeting.  
Ms. Haley stated it is her preference that they work on this over time to  
ensure that the language is clear, understandable, and has a consensus.  
Councilmember Avila stated she believes it is important to honor the  
original TOPS ballot measure and not try to circumvent the intention of it by  
trying to change the definition of what is considered nonmotorized.  
Councilmember Avila asked when the proposed e-bike policy Ordinance  
was introduced. Ms. Haley stated they have been working on it since 2023.  
Councilmember Donelson requested that no changes be made regarding  
TOPS properties until voters are able to vote on the proposed changes.  
Ms. Haley stated her current direction is to move forward with the proposed  
Ordinance which will come before Council on February 11, 2025 and will  
be effective July 1, 2025.  
President Helms asked for clarification regarding the one-size-fits all  
comment in Mr. Williams’ letter sent to City Council. Mr. Williams stated it is  
in reference to the proposed ballot question which he believes a  
Council-initiated referral would be the best route in order to get more input  
from citizens and stated it would be permissible for the administration to  
make policy decisions in regard to Park’s properties with the exception of  
TOPS properties due to the voter-imposed limits.  
President Helms asked if a majority of City Council is not in favor of  
approving to refer the proposed ballot initiative to the ballot, if they could go  
directly to a vote or would they still need to listen to citizen comment  
regarding it. Mr. Bolinger stated if Council chooses to state the issue and  
take motions to potentially refer something to the ballot, then per City  
Council Rules, they will have a legislative hearing which includes citizen  
comments, or if a Councilmember objects to hearing the item when it is first  
read in by the City Clerk, two-thirds of Council may vote at that point to  
simply not hear the item and postpone it indefinitely. Sarah B. Johnson,  
City Clerk, stated they could also withdraw the item from the Agenda.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding if the proposed ballot  
initiative should be withdrawn from the January 28, 2025 City Council  
meeting agenda. Consensus of Council agreed to withdraw the item.  
Mr. Williams requested the City Attorney’s Office work with them regarding  
the language of the proposed Ordinance coming before City Council on  
February 11, 2025.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated they want to encourage people to use  
the urban trails and asked if they could classify the TOPS properties  
regarding their protection needs. Ms. Haley stated it is very complicated  
but will discuss that option at a later time.  
9. Items Under Study  
25-020  
9.A.  
Informational presentation of the Southeast Strong Community Plan, the  
first community planning project proposed under the PlanCOS key  
initiative for a Neighborhood Planning Program.  
(Legislative)  
Located in Council District 4.  
Presenter:  
Page Saulsbury, Planner II, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments: CC Staff Report Southeast Strong Community Plan 2025 vf  
Attachment 1 - Draft Southeast Strong Community Plan Jan 2025  
Attachment 2 - SE Healthy People and Places Asessment  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department, introduced the  
informational presentation of the Southeast Strong Community Plan, the  
first community planning project proposed under the PlanCOS key initiative  
for a Neighborhood Planning Program presentation and recognized the  
hard work of the people who have contributed to the Plan over the years.  
Page Saulsbury, Planner II, City Planning Department, provided an  
overview of PlanCOS Neighborhood Planning Program, PlanCOS vision  
map, Southeast Strong Community Plan, Southeast Strong health  
assessment, steering committee, community partners, City partners,  
Southeast Strong Plan structures, stakeholder involvement, other City  
related plans, and project timeline.  
Councilmember Donelson requested additional information regarding  
grocery store access not being evenly distributed throughout the Plan area  
and stated grocery stores are not evenly distributed in any of the City’s  
communities. Ms. Saulsbury stated the data from the health assessment  
suggests the community feels they do not have equal access to grocery  
stores as northern residents do.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how this area is considered a food  
desert with a high concentration of fast food. Ms. Saulsbury stated a high  
concentration of fast food is considered a food swamp because it is not a  
high quality, nutrient dense, food which keeps populations healthy.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what impact Council should consider due  
to the Southeast’s proximity to the mountains contributing to the Urban Heat  
Island Effect. Ms. Saulsbury stated the higher heat index attributes to health  
and equities. Councilmember Donelson asked how much hotter it is in the  
Southeast than it is in the Northeast. Ms. Saulsbury stated it depends on  
the Census tract and the areas east of South Academy Boulevard and at  
lower altitudes tend to be hotter due to less vegetation being planted during  
development in order to keep prices affordable.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how this Plan will influence a Planner’s or  
City Council’s decision regarding development. Ms. Saulsbury stated if the  
development is in this area, they will be expected to ensure that it aligns  
with the requirements of the Plan. Mr. Walker stated it also helps to guide  
the investment of the City.  
Councilmember Henjum asked when this type of planning will be  
implemented throughout the entire City. Mr. Walker stated the  
neighborhood planning effort is focused on growing and the next one is the  
Greater Westside Plan.  
Councilmember Donelson stated mandating that a certain percentage of  
healthy foods be sold in convenience stores seems like an overreach of the  
government and he is uncertain he will be able to support this Plan. Mr.  
Walker stated this Plan is aspirational of what the community is asking for  
and they are not currently planning to modify City Code.  
Councilmember Avila stated development has caused the removal of some  
of the vegetation in the Southeast contributed to the increased  
temperatures, there is a desert of healthy foods, and she is very excited  
about this Plan coming forward. Ms. Saulsbury explained how the City  
received the largest grant, among other Colorado municipalities, of $9  
million from the United States Forest Service to assist with maintenance of  
the tree canopy due to this Plan.  
9.B.  
ANEX-24-00 An Informational Presentation for the Annexation Policy Checkpoint on  
12WS  
the proposed Peach Ranch Addition No. 1 Annexation  
Presenter:  
Chris Sullivan, Senior Planner, City Planning Department  
Attachments: Attachment 1 - Project Statement  
Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map  
Attachment 3 - Legal Description  
Attachment 4 - Annexation Petition  
Attachment 5 - Annexation Plat  
Attachment 6 - Land Use Plan  
Attachment 7 - FIA  
- Staff Presentation_Peach Ranch_Work Sesson Checkpoint  
011625 Peach Ranch CC Checkpoint 012725 (Final) V3  
Chris Sullivan, Senior Planner, City Planning Department, provided an  
informational presentation for the Annexation Policy Checkpoint on the  
proposed Peach Ranch Addition No. 1. He provided a brief overview of the  
vicinity map and guidelines.  
President Helms asked if this site is surrounded by housing and is an  
enclave of the City. Mr. Sullivan confirmed it is.  
Councilmember Risley asked if this site meets AnnexCOS’s prioritization  
of annexing enclaves before other types of annexations. Mr. Sullivan  
confirmed the guidelines favors annexing enclaves because they are  
surrounded by City property, City services, and are generally easy to  
develop.  
Bryan English, Development Projects Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities  
(CSU), went over CSU’s application of City Code 12.4.305(B), City Code  
7.5.701(A)(4) - requirements of annexation, water/wastewater/natural  
gas/electric infrastructure, and CSU capital cost estimate.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what the total projected water demand of  
3,192 acre-feet per year (AFY) represented. Mr. English stated it is the  
aggregate projected water demand of all the petitioned annexations  
accepted by the City relative to CSU’s available water surplus.  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson asked what happens when the petitioned  
annexations total projected water demand reaches 5,692 AFY. Mr. English  
explained that they would look at the annexations independently because  
they are not required by City Code to aggregate, it is merely informational.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how undeveloped land within the City is  
being represented for total projected water demand. Mr. English stated it is  
not being represented in this checkpoint presentation, but they can add that  
information going forward. Councilmember Risley stated he objects to that  
because it predisposes that City Council knows how land will be  
developed. Councilmember Donelson stated he would like CSU to  
continue to provide the information regarding the petitioned annexations  
total projected water demand.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the impact of the wastewater  
infrastructure will have on the Eastwater System Expansion. Mr. English  
stated based on the location of the property, there will be no impact on the  
Eastwater System Expansion.  
Councilmember Risley asked what the total capital construction budget is  
for CSU for 2025. Tristan Gearhart, Chief Financial Officer, stated it is  
approximately $600 million.  
Chris Lieber, NES, representing the applicant, introduced Brad Dixon, Toll  
Brothers, representing the applicant, who provided a brief overview of their  
organization and work within the community.  
Mr. Lieber went over the site location, surrounding zoning, site context,  
annexation status, basis for annexation, requirements/guidelines, process,  
City annexation guidelines, zoning, and Land Use Plan.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why they are not planning to annex the  
property to the south of the proposed site. Mr. Lieber stated the ability to  
annex is tied to ownership and they originally pursued bringing the entire  
enclave in at the same time, but they only have the ability from a legal  
perspective to annex the northern parcel. He stated the proposed  
extensions of Tutt Boulevard, and the water system will benefit the  
surrounding communities in terms of connectivity and traffic.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding if they wanted to move  
forward with the proposed annexation. Consensus of Council agreed to  
move forward.  
10. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
Councilmember Leinweber stated his puppy is doing great.  
Councilmember Talarico stated her four-year-old puppy is recovering from  
an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and is also doing great.  
Councilmember Avila stated her puppy just turned ten, she, President  
Helms, and Councilmember Henjum attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. All  
People’s Breakfast, where Martin Luther King, Jr.’s nephew, Isaac Newton  
Farris, Jr., spoke about nonviolence and the right to protest, she attended  
the Women’s Community Leadership Institute gathering, and presented a  
Proclamation acknowledging the School Board District 2.  
President Helms stated the Martin Luther King, Jr. All People’s Breakfast  
was a fantastic event.  
11. Adjourn  
There being no further business to come before City Council, President  
Helms adjourned the meeting at 2:33 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk