City Hall  
107 N. Nevada Avenue  
Colorado Springs, CO  
80903  
City of Colorado Springs  
Meeting Minutes  
Council Work Session  
City Council meetings are broadcast live on Channel 18. In  
accordance with the ADA, anyone requiring an auxiliary aid to  
participate in this meeting should make the request as soon as  
possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.  
Monday, February 12, 2024  
10:00 AM  
Council Chambers  
How to Watch the Meeting  
Coloradosprings.gov/springstv | Facebook Live: Colorado Springs City Council  
Facebook Page @coscity Council | SPRINGS TV - Comcast Channel 18 / 880 (HD)  
- Stratus IQ Channel 76 / 99 (Streaming)  
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 10:02 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  
2. Changes to Agenda  
There were no Changes to Agenda.  
3. Regular Meeting Comments  
President Helms requested item 4B.N. and Councilmember Donelson  
requested items 4B.J., 4B.K., 4B.O., and 4B.P. be removed from the  
February 13, 2024 City Council meeting Consent Calendar. Consensus of  
City Council agreed to these changes.  
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes  
24-058  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes January 22, 2024  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 1-22-24 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
Councilmember Donelson stated he had not received the information he  
requested from Catherine Duarte, HUD Programs Manager, Housing and  
Community Vitality Department, at the January 22, 2024 Work Session  
meeting regarding a breakdown of the organizations which receive grant  
funding in relation to the 2024 Annual Action Plan. Council Administration  
stated they will follow up on this request.  
The minutes of the January 22, 2024 Work Session were approved by  
Consensus of City Council.  
5. Presentations for General Information  
24-078  
5.A.  
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department Annual Report  
Presenter:  
Roger Lovell, Chief Building Official, Pikes Peak Regional Building  
Department  
Attachments: Colorado Springs - 2023 Numbers and Maps  
Greg Dingrando, Public Information Officer, Pikes Peak Regional Building  
Department (PPRBD), provided a brief overview of the 2023 PPRBD,  
number of permits, plan reviews, inspections, reroof permits, City permit  
numbers, homes by jurisdiction, breakdown by neighborhood, new  
commercial buildings, new multi-family buildings, GIS mapping tool for  
future projects, and single-family home fees.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the percentage of plan reviews  
decreases, if it affects the amount of time it takes to process permits and  
conduct inspections. Mr. Dingrando confirmed it does.  
President Helms asked if there is an upward trend for both commercial and  
multi-family plans for 2024. Mr. Dingrando confirmed there is.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked why there is not always an upward trend  
in housing permits since there is such a demand for housing units. Mr.  
Dingrando stated that is a question for builders and a majority of homes  
being built have already been sold before they are built.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the builders need to factor in the  
expected demand for multi-family units before they build otherwise, they are  
left with the expense if the economy turns. Mr. Dingrando confirmed they  
do.  
24-050  
5.B.  
Presentation from Pikes Peak Housing Network  
Presenter:  
Jill Gaebler, Executive Director, Pikes Peak Housing Network  
Attachments: City Council Presentation - Feb 13  
Jill Gaebler, Executive Director, Pikes Peak Housing Network (PPHN),  
provided an overview of the PPHN mission and the three areas they work  
in to increase the numbers of all types of housing in the region.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if they have been collaborating with the  
Housing and Building Association (HBA). Ms. Gaebler confirmed they  
have.  
Councilmember Henjum recognized how this Council and the previous  
Council have been very supportive of the PPHN.  
Councilmember Talarico expressed appreciation for the work done by  
PPHN.  
Councilmember Donelson stated there are approximately 5,500 apartment  
units available today and asked how many more need to be available. Ms.  
Gaebler stated they have not seen a significant difference to the cost of  
rent and the City is still 11,000 housing units behind compared to the  
number of people moving to Colorado Springs each year.  
6. Staff and Appointee Reports  
24-079  
6.A.  
Historic Resource Survey Plan  
Presenter:  
William Gray, Senior Planner, Planning + Neighborhood Services  
Department  
Peter Wysocki, Planning Director, Planning + Neighborhood Services  
Department  
William Gray, Senior Planner, Planning and Neighborhood Services  
Department, introduced Ron Sladek, Tatanka Historical Associates, Inc.,  
the consultant hired to complete the City of Colorado Springs Historic  
Resource Survey Plan, and described the purpose of the Survey Plan.  
Mr. Sladek provided an overview of his organization, the Historic Resource  
Survey Plan, their approach to obtaining data, and meetings with  
stakeholders in the community.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how this survey will benefit the City. Mr.  
Sladek explained it will define what is of significant importance regarding  
historic preservation and streamline building permits within the City.  
Councilmember Talarico asked where people could submit  
recommendations for neighborhood historic preservation and asked how  
long the survey will take. Mr. Sladek stated the best way to provide  
recommendations for the survey is to submit the information to Mr. Gray  
and the survey is expected to take approximately nine months to complete.  
The Ridge Affordable Housing Post-Occupancy Analysis  
24-038  
6.B.  
Presenter:  
Katie Sunderlin, Senior Affordable Housing Coordinator, Housing and  
Community Vitality Department  
Steve Posey, Chief Housing Officer, Housing and Community Vitality  
Department  
Attachments: The Ridge Analysis_02122024.pptx  
Steve Posey, Chief Housing Officer, Housing and Community Vitality  
Department, introduced The Ridge Affordable Housing Post-Occupancy  
Analysis and provided a brief overview of the project data.  
Katie Sunderlin, Senior Affordable Housing Coordinator, Housing and  
Community Vitality Department, provided an overview of the development’s  
entitlement income, timeline, public comment, transportation, schools,  
property values, and crime statistics.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information regarding the fire  
which occurred on May 3, 2023. Lee Patke, Greccio Housing, stated  
during construction, the third building of the project caught fire and had to  
be completely rebuilt. He stated there was an investigation conducted  
which confirmed it was arson, but there was never a report released to the  
public and they do not believe anyone from the neighborhood was involved.  
Councilmember Risley stated the evidence presented today demonstrated  
the assumptions were not only accurate, but the projected disparities were  
even more conservative than what was anticipated.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the Planning Commission had any  
comments regarding the analysis. Ms. Sunderlin stated she will be  
presenting it to them on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.  
Councilmember Henjum asked there will be any other properties analyzed.  
Ms. Sunderlin stated they are reviewing that.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked what the average car ownership of this  
property is. Mr. Patke stated during the day their parking lots are  
approximately thirty to thirty-five percent full and evenings/weekends are  
approximately fifty percent full which are below the City’s parking  
requirements.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how many calls for service there have  
been for this site. Ms. Sunderlin stated she will provide that information.  
24-057  
6.C.  
Agenda Planner Review  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 2-12-24  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, stated the discussion pertaining to  
guidelines and other considerations for the Amara Annexation will not take  
place on February 26, 2024 and the City Homeless Response Update  
presentation will be held that day in its place.  
President Helms highlighted there will also be a Special City Council  
meeting held on February 26, 2024 following the Work Session for the  
appeal of the Planning Commission decision to approve both The Market  
at Pine Creek Major Concept Plan Amendment and the Royal Pine  
Apartments Development Plan.  
Councilmember Henjum requested there be a presentation from One Body  
Ent and Men of Influence on March 11, 2024. President Helms stated they  
will consider that request.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he and Councilmember Risley would  
like to pursue increasing school zone boundary areas in the near future.  
Councilmember Henjum requested there also be a presentation regarding  
sheltering during cold weather for people experiencing homelessness.  
7. Items for Introduction  
24-061  
7.A.  
A Resolution Authorizing The City Of Colorado Springs To Enter Into An  
Intergovernmental Agreement With The Pikes Peak Rural Transportation  
Authority Concerning Reimbursement For Future Project Costs  
Presenter:  
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer  
Attachments: 1_RES_PPRTA-IGA_2024-01-22  
2_PPRTA 3 Project Advancement Reimbursement IGA  
3_Presentation_IGA Resolution_rev  
Signed Resolution No. 17-24.pdf  
Gayle Sturdivant, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer, presented  
the Resolution authorizing the City to enter into an Intergovernmental  
Agreement (IGA) with the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority  
(PPRTA) concerning reimbursement for future project costs and identified  
the purpose, funding, and next steps.  
Chris Fiandaca, Budget Manager, presented the Ordinance for a  
supplemental appropriation to the General Fund in an amount not to  
exceed $2,600,000 in order to purchase real estate as part of the Nevada  
Avenue Reconstruction transportation projects, which will be fully  
reimbursed by the PPRTA in 2025, per the IGA.  
Ms. Sturdivant provided an overview of Resolution authorizing the  
acquisition of approximately 11.962 acres of real property from BNSF  
Railway.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if this project had any relation to the  
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program  
Grant. Ms. Sturdivant stated it did not.  
24-062  
7.B.  
An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 23-65 (2024 Budget  
Appropriation Ordinance) for a supplemental appropriation to the  
General Fund in an amount not to exceed $2,600,000 in order to  
purchase real estate as part of the Nevada Avenue Reconstruction  
transportation projects, which will be fully reimbursed by the Pikes Peak  
Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) in 2025, per the  
Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Gayle Sturdivant, Acting Public Works Director  
Chris Fiandaca, City Budget Manager  
Attachments: FINAL-Ordinance-Supp Approp-Public Works land purchase  
Signed Ordinance No. 24-13.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
24-063  
7.C.  
A Resolution Authorizing The Acquisition Of Approximately 11.962  
Acres Of Real Property From BNSF Railway  
Presenter:  
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer  
Attachments: 1_Draft Resolution - BNSF Acquisition  
2_Resolution Exhibits A and B  
3_Presentation_BNSF Acquisition  
Signed Resolution No. 18-24.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
8. Items Under Study  
9. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
Councilmember Risley stated he and several other Councilmembers  
attended the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC State of the City  
Address, and had a conversation last week with Michael Gall from District  
11 regarding addressing transportation and safety around school sites  
concerning traffic and other criminal and drug activity  
Councilmember Henjum stated she and several other Councilmembers  
attended the Bentley Commons groundbreaking ceremony for an  
affordable housing project, toured Precision Building Systems in Denver,  
CO last week to see their modular building process, she gave a training  
with the Suicide Prevention Group at Mitchell High School a couple weeks  
ago, and on February 14, 2024 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, she and  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson will be attending the first meeting of the  
Opioid Abatement Council.  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson stated she and several other  
Councilmembers attended the Mayor Civic Leaders Reception and she  
has been working on the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR).  
Councilmember Avila stated she gave a welcome speech at the National  
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Rocky  
Mountain NAACP Conference/Gala on Saturday, February 10, 2024,  
hosted a town hall meeting, and attended the Bentley Commons ribbon  
cutting ceremony.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he attended the Colorado Springs Police  
Department (CSPD) graduation on January 25, 2024 where there were  
thirty-two new Police Officers sworn in and attended the CSPD annual  
award ceremony on February 7, 2024. He stated February 22, 2024 will be  
the 18th anniversary of the death of Detective Jared Scott Jensen, brother  
of Commander Deputy Chief Jeff Jensen, and read the events which  
occured on the date of his death on February 22, 2006.  
Councilmember Talarico stated she attended the Bentley Commons  
groundbreaking ceremony, Precision Building Systems in Denver, CO tour,  
Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program Advisory Committee  
meeting, and Parks Advisory Committee meeting, she stated she was able  
to assist, along with Colorado Springs Utilities, a downtown restauranteur  
who is still struggling from the effects of the Kiowa fire, find access to some  
funds that will help their business.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he was able to participate in a bear cub  
rescue/release on a Colorado Springs Utilities property located on Pikes  
Peak, America's Mountain, he hosted the Angler’s Covey 16th Annual  
Fly-Fishing Film Tour at Stargazer’s Theater, and he and Councilmember  
Henjum attended the HOPECOS meeting regarding housing for people  
experiencing homelessness during the cold temperatures and the  
challenges they faced regarding individuals in possession of drugs and  
weapons.  
President Helms expressed appreciation for Britt Haley and her team in the  
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department for  
their work in helping the Grey Hawk community develop a plan for a for a  
community park, he stated he attended the CSPD Training Academy  
Graduation for thirty-two new Police Officers, and he and several  
Councilmembers were on a panel to help United States Congressman  
Doug Lamborn in his Nomination Selection Committee to select-  
candidates for the four service academies.  
10. Executive Session  
10A. Open  
24-055  
10A.A.  
Melons v. May, et al., 2023CV428  
Presenter:  
Wynetta Massey, City Attorney  
Attachments: 24-055-2024-02-12_CouncilRepresentationMemo  
Trevor Gloss, Attorney, City Attorney’s Office, stated with the  
recommendation of the Civil Action Investigation Committee, the City is  
requesting authorization to defend the City employee.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding authorizing the City to  
represent the Officer. Consensus of City Council agreed.  
10B. Closed  
24-076  
10B.A.  
In accord with City Charter art. III, § 3-60(d) and its incorporated  
Colorado Open Meetings Act, C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b) and (e) and City  
Code § 1.5.506(B), the City Council, in Open Session, is to determine  
whether it will hold a Closed Executive Session. The issues to be  
discussed involve (i) consultation with the City Attorney to discuss  
strategy for negotiations and instructing negotiators regarding an  
economic development and incentive agreement; and (ii) consultation  
with the City Attorney and Colorado Springs Utilities staff for the purpose  
of receiving legal advice and determining positions relative to  
negotiation of a settlement regarding a wastewater backup claim in  
excess of $100,000.  
The President of Council shall poll the City Councilmembers, and, upon  
consent of two-thirds of the members present, may conduct a Closed  
Executive Session. In the event any City Councilmember is participating  
electronically or telephonically in the Closed Executive Session, each  
City Councilmember participating in the Closed Executive Session shall  
affirmatively state for the record that no other member of the public not  
authorized to participate in the Closed Executive Session is present or  
able to hear the matters discussed as part of the Closed Executive  
Session. If consent to the Closed Executive Session is not given, the  
item(s) may be discussed in Open Session or withdrawn from  
consideration.  
Presenter:  
Wynetta Massey, City Attorney  
Attachments: 24-076--2-12-24 Executive Session  
Trevor Gloss, Attorney, City Attorney’s Office, stated that in accord with City  
Charter art. III, § 3-60(d) and its incorporated Colorado Open Meetings Act,  
C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b) and (e), the City Council, in Open Session, is to  
determine whether it will hold an electronic Closed Executive Session. The  
issues to be discussed involve consultation with the City Attorney and  
discussing strategy for negotiations and instructing negotiators regarding  
The issues to be discussed involve (i) consultation with the City Attorney to  
discuss strategy for negotiations and instructing negotiators regarding an  
economic development and incentive agreement; and (ii) consultation with  
the City Attorney and Colorado Springs Utilities staff for the purpose of  
receiving legal advice and determining positions relative to negotiation of a  
settlement regarding a wastewater backup claim in excess of $100,000.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding the desire to proceed with  
an electronic Closed Executive Session. At least two-thirds of City Council  
agreed to proceed in an electronic Closed Executive Session.  
11. Adjourn  
There being no further business to come before City Council, President  
Helms adjourned the meeting at 2:05 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk